Teacher Weekly
Feb. 21, 2024
ICYMI: 2023-24 State of the District Update
Read the State of the District for a mid-year update on some of the incredible work happening across DPS!
February Attendance Spotlight
Dear Educators,

Our students shape the learning community that exists within each of our schools. Regular attendance not only facilitates academic progress but also fosters belonging and collaboration among students, educators, and the wider community. It serves as a foundation for active participation, engagement, and the exchange of ideas, creating a supportive learning community.

During the first semester, Denver Public Schools had 40,966 students at district-managed schools that had attendance rates that met or exceeded their school targets! Students and families received a personalized congratulatory message from Dr. Marrero and myself. There will be additional messages around the importance of attendance from our district communications team released throughout the rest of this school year.

We appreciate your partnership on this crucial element of our core business, as well as helping us understand how to support you in this work.

Respectfully,

Dr. Tony Smith
Deputy Superintendent
Nominations for Night of Honor Awards Now Open
Night of Honor is happening this May! This event recognizes and celebrates those who've gone above and beyond during the 2023-24 school year. Do you know someone on team DPS who embodies the Shared Core Values every day? How about a successful and effective team? 

Recognize these individuals by nominating them for an Honors Award: 

​If you have questions, email Our_DPSValues@dpsk12.org.
This Week's Top 5 Things to Know
Share Social Media Training for Families Workshop
The Family of Community Engagement (FACE) is offering a Social Media Safety for Families Workshop on March 12 from 5-6 p.m. This session will provide resources and tips for families on the dangers of social media and how to help students stay safe and smart online. Families will gain valuable information and collaborate with other families on technology safety solutions. We will launch an interactive training module for DPS families as well to use after this session and receive certification they have completed the training. Families can learn more and RSVP here. Questions can be directed to Jasmine Rigby.
Review Your Progress for MLE Deadline
If you have an MLE training deadline of May 1, please be sure you are registered for all the courses you need. You can see your required courses in Learning Space under the Certification Snapshot. Open the certification to see your required courses. The final Spring sections for most courses close for registration on Friday, Feb. 23. 

It's crucial to understand that in DPS, completing MLE Teacher Training is a requirement for continued employment. If you have any questions, please contact MLE_Training@dpsk12.net.
Reminder: DU Ritchie Informational Session to Learn About Principal Licensure
The Ritchie Program, offered in partnership with the University of Denver, is accepting applications for Cohort 22 beginning June 2024. Grounded in equity pedagogy, systems thinking, adaptive leadership and improvement science, the program engages participants in the real work of school leaders. Content is individualized to the needs of aspiring leaders and the needs of their schools. The graduate-level coursework emphasizes distributive leadership and culturally responsive education. Graduates are eligible for a Colorado principal license and can continue for an M.A. Registration for the informational session can be found on the QR code in this informational flier. Our next informational meeting is March 6 at 4 p.m. Contact Angelina Walker if you have any questions.
Ombuds Offers Support with Healthy Work Relationships
The Ombuds Office is pleased to host the second session of our Professional Learning series entitled, “Essential Ingredients to Having Effective Difficult Conversations: Part II” on March 14 at 11 a.m. This virtual second session will be a continuation of our basic conflict resolution concepts and themes session (Part 1). The purpose of this session is to equip participants with the advanced tools necessary to transform difficult conversations into learning opportunities and to delve into how these difficult conversations can transform societies and relationships.  

Please RSVP by sending an email to Ombuds@dpsk12.org confirming your participation by March 11 at 4:30 p.m. to receive a calendar invite to the session.
The Ombuds Office works to help repair and restore challenged relationships every day. We recognize that while some level of conflict may be inevitable in all relationships, there are healthier ways of addressing conflict. Here are six ways to transform conflict.

If you need support or coaching to repair a professional relationship, contact the Ombuds Office for assistance.
Save the Date for Central Professional Learning Day on April 19
Mark your calendars for the upcoming centrally-led Professional Learning (PL) Day on April 19 from 8-10:30 a.m. The four schools hosting PL Day include North High School, South High School, East High School and Bruce Randolph. Additional information will be coming soon. If you have any questions, contact Michelle McKinsey.
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Denver Public Schools sends all district newsletters and critical employee communications through Constant Contact. Please do not unsubscribe your DPS email address from any message; if you unsubscribe from one newsletter or one communication, you will be removed from all other district-managed email lists in Constant Contact. If you have any questions, please email newsletters@dpsk12.org.