McMeen Elementary student artwork from a winter exhibit at the Redline Gallery.
Feb. 24, 2021
Join a Design Team for Re-envisioning School and Accelerating Learning
If you are interested in participating in a design group, please complete this interest survey by end of day on Monday, March 1. Please note that we need to establish broad representation in each workgroup, and will therefore establish workgroup membership from the interest survey. Completing the survey therefore does not guarantee participation in the workgroups.

While we recognize the intensity and challenges that come with supporting students each day, we are asking you to consider signing up to participate in a design group if you feel that it is manageable at this time. Your contributions to the design groups will be critical to ensuring that we are laying the foundation for the 2021-22 school year in a way that is supportive of schools across DPS.

Many thanks, 
Tamara and Mike
Quarantining Guidelines After Vaccination
As DPS has a growing number of staff who are receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, we are no longer asking educators to quarantine after an exposure, beginning two weeks after receiving the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 
 
This new practice aligns with the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment’s (CDPHE) updated guidance regarding quarantine after the COVID vaccination series is complete. Learn more in this Denver Health COVID Update video with Dr. Bill Burman.
 
This policy has been implemented successfully in health care settings, and we are confident the result for DPS will be a safer learning environment with less risk of transmission and fewer disruptions to in-person learning.
 
It is important to continue following all other health and safety practices:

  • Following the DPS 5 remains crucial for all team members.
 
  • Everyone who experiences symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, should be tested and then quarantine pending the results. Free testing continues to be available to all staff and students.
 
 
  • Notify Discovery Link or any afterschool program immediately, as they may have students or staff to add to the quarantine. As a reminder, Discovery Link quarantines are not separate from the school. One contact tracing list should be submitted.
This Week's Top 5 Things to Know
COVID-19 Test Results Delayed Due to Weather
COVIDCheck Colorado, DPS' partner in providing free COVID-19 testing, is experiencing delays in delivering test results due to shipping delays caused by the severe weather across the country. If the COVIDCheck lab receives a test for processing seven days after the original test date, that patient will receive a "Test Not Processed" result, which means a retest is needed to get a current result. We recommend that team members who have been tested in the past 5-7 days who have not yet received their results proactively schedule a new test. Saliva testing is available at a number of additional locations this week and results should be back within 48 hours. Find testing locations here and schedule your appointment here.
2021-22 ProComp Incentive Eligibility Update
ProComp teachers and SSPs who serve in our highest-poverty schools are eligible for additional incentives. The list of ProComp Title I schools for the 2021-22 is available here. ProComp participants at Title I schools receive a total annual incentive of $2,000 prorated by FTE. This incentive is paid in increments over 12 months, from August through July.

ProComp participants in eligible hard-to-staff assignments also receive a total annual incentive of $2,000 prorated by FTE. This incentive is paid in increments over 12 months, from August through July. The ProComp Implementation Team determines eligible hard-to-staff assignments. Bilingual counselors at TNLI high schools have been added for the 2021-22 school year.

View the general eligibility guidelines for incentive eligibility information. Email Connect_HumanResources@dpsk12.org if you have questions.
Apply Now for Whole Child 'Distinguished' Status to Earn $750 Incentive
The ProComp agreement incentivizes schools to reach "Distinguished" status for Whole Child Supports to achieve DPS' goal of supporting the Whole Child, and honors schools demonstrating outstanding work. Each year, 10 schools are awarded Whole Child "Distinguished" school status and are eligible to receive the award once every three years. Employees actively assigned to the school -- including non-DCTA -- receive a $750 non-base building incentive, prorated by FTE. Minimum 0.2 FTE is required to qualify.

Showcase your school’s important work by applying here by April 30. Find additional information and prepare for your application here. If you have questions, email compensation@dpsk12.org.
Enter Interim 2 Literacy and Math Scores in Illuminate
District Interim Assessments are designed to determine a student’s ability to transfer skills from one context to another, gauge a student’s mastery of content taught over a mid-length instruction cycle, and support teachers to create an instructional action plan. If you are in an opt-in school, you should have identified time to administer Literacy and Math Interim 2 for all students in third- through eighth-grade by Feb. 19. Please ensure all items are scored and entered into Illuminate by Feb. 26. For additional support, contact your assigned assessment specialist.
Nominate Students for Free Broadband
DPS is committed to bridging the digital divide by ensuring all students have adequate home internet access. Through a program supported by the Denver Public Schools Foundation, we may be able to provide up to a year of internet access to a limited number of families. Please nominate students for free broadband that meet the following criteria:

  • Are not adequately served by DPS-issued hotspots (i.e. live in a multi-student household with high bandwidth demands or live in an area with insufficient WiFi coverage).
  • Do not otherwise have reliable internet access at home.

Schools will receive guidance on next steps soon after their nomination has been approved. Please note: A nomination will not guarantee free broadband access, however our aim is to facilitate access for every student who needs it.
Additional Resources and Information
Click here to learn more about these resources and opportunities: 
  • HR Connect Service Update: New Hours

  • Summer Academy Host Sites Finalized

  • Summer Professional Learning: Session Information Now Available

  • Paid Tutoring Opportunity for Teachers of MLLs

  • Share the YouthScan Project Opportunity with High School Students
Contact Us
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