Manager Monthly
February 2023
CollaboRATE Opens Feb. 21: Encourage Participation from Your Team
DPS' all-employee engagement survey, CollaboRATE, will be open Feb. 21-March 6. This is an opportunity for team members to provide feedback on DPS as a whole.

Central team members will be asked to select "my department" from a drop down list to complete the survey -- Please make sure your teams know which department to select.

We have worked with our LGBTQ+ Belong group and team members throughout the district to create a more inclusive and effective survey. This includes the addition of voluntary and confidential self-identification questions, which provide the opportunity to analyze the data in a more detailed way across a variety of identities. 
Benefits Open Enrollment Season is Coming
Benefits Open Enrollment is Coming!

Open Enrollment is happening from April 17-May 5 with benefit election changes effective July 1. Open Enrollment is the only time you can change your medical, dental and vision coverage without a Qualifying Life Event. This is an active enrollment year, and all DPS employees must take action to enroll or waive benefits.

We have exciting new changes this year! All changes have been made to make your benefits work for you at more affordable costs. Check them out!

  • 100% online enrollment and support during the Open Enrollment window.
  • United Health Care (UHC) is our new vendor! UHC has competitive and comprehensive plans for employees and their dependents. More information regarding our UHC plan options will be available in the coming weeks.*

Stay tuned to the newsletters and visit The Commons for more important information about Open Enrollment.

*All Aetna plans will end on June 30 and will not be eligible for reselection this year. Most providers covered under Aetna are also covered under UHC.
Updates & FYI
Connect with the Office of the Ombuds
The mission of the Ombuds Office is to ensure all DPS employees receive fair and equitable treatment in matters of concern or complaint. We are a confidential, independent and informal resource for employees seeking guidance from a trusted navigator. 

Invite us to your staff meeting to learn more about the free services we provide and how we assist all DPS employees.

We help employees who:
  • Need a safe place to go for information or to express frustration or concern.
  • Experience conflict.
  • Can benefit from coaching.

We will:
  • Listen to employees.
  • Explore options to resolve conflict.
  • Provide resources.

To contact our office, find our information on The Commons or call 720-423-4776.
Join Managers of Color Coffee Chats
Women of Color Belong Group is hosting a monthly informal space for managers of color to build community, share their stories or experiences and exchange best practices. We will have a virtual and in-person meet up option for staff. Check out our calendar to stay updated on upcoming coffee chats and email KG Kujjo for more information or to be added to the event invite.
Growth and Performance
Reminder: Host Mid-Year Conversations with Classified Staff by Feb. 28
The Mid-Year performance conversation window for Educational Service Providers/Classified Employees ends Feb. 28. These conversations are a great opportunity to connect and reflect on progress, strengths and areas to improve. This year, supervisors must complete an evaluation for each direct report and submit it to the Growth & Performance Team.  

Next steps:

For additional support, visit the Classified page on The Commons, connect with your HR Partner or email hr_classifiedevaluation@dpsk12.org.
Get Your Questions About Lift & CCE Mid-Year Conversations Answered
Do you have questions about the process for LIFT and CCE Mid-Year Conversations? LIFT office hours will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 17 and from 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22 via Google Meet (please save link for the dates mentioned). Please come prepared with your questions.

For more information, email LIFT@dpsk12.org.
Contact Us
Connect with Us
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.