Teacher Weekly
May 21, 2021
Thank You!
Dear Educators,

It’s hard to believe the 2020-21 school year wraps up next week! As you look forward to a well-deserved summer break, we hope you can also take a moment to look back and reflect on all that you’ve accomplished this school year, one unlike any other. From remote learning to our social-distanced return -- and everything in between --- you’ve probably accomplished more than you ever thought possible, and done it with grace and a whole lot of grit. 

Thank you for your dedication, adaptability and resilience. We hope you can take time this summer to do what matters most to you and makes you most happy. 

We will continue to share updates about the 2021-22 school year as they are available. If you’d like, keep an eye on The Commons and DPS social media for updates over break. 

Thank you for all that you’ve done during one of the most memorable and important school years any of us have ever seen. Have a great summer, and we look forward to your return in the 2021-22 school year!

Many thanks, 
Tamara and Mike
Transitioning from Webmail to Gmail
Thanks to all of Team DPS for your support in this year's transition from Microsoft to Google. Since the switch, we've heard feedback and confusion around which email address team members should be using -- the dpsk12.org (Webmail) or dpsk12.net (Gmail). DoTS has been exploring the technical requirements and feasibility around streamlining and officially moving from Webmail to Gmail. We're excited to announce that efforts to move forward with this transition are underway! Once we have transitioned, all dpsk12.org emails will still be accessed via Gmail, so you won't miss any communications from stakeholders. Before the switch, please continue to use your dpsk12.org (Webmail) as your primary email. More instructions and resources around making a smooth transition to Gmail will be shared early next school year.
This Week's Top 5 Things to Know
Additional Compensation for Summer READ Act Modules
On the April 5 Teal Day, teachers encountered challenges with accessing and completing module 2 of the CDE evidence-based reading teacher training through the Pepper PD platform. In response to the pandemic and in support of our return to school for fall 2021-22 and accelerating learning for students, DPS will compensate K-5 teachers for 24 hours of professional learning time over the summer for work on modules 2, 3, and 4. Teachers will report completion through a Google form, which will be shared via Schoology, the summer professional learning session guide, and August editions of Teacher Weekly. If you have questions, contact Anna Pendleton.
Summer Professional Development Registration Now Open
Summer Professional Development registration is now live! Direct links to register for each session are available in the 2021 Summer PD Session Guide. Please note that all sessions throughout the summer will be hosted virtually, and pre-registration is required in order to receive access to materials in Schoology and the live session links. These sessions provide you with the opportunity to build your capacity to support students by deepening your understanding of content and best practices. You may also find this on the Professional Learning page on The Commons. Please work with your school leader to determine which sessions are best for you to attend.
PDU Opportunities for the 2021-22 School Year
The PDU team is hiring for several paid positions for the 2021-22 school year. Make an impact on educator-led professional development as a Peer Reviewer or member of the PDU Advisory Council. We are accepting applications for both positions now through Aug. 20. If you have questions, please contact Carmen Stagg.
 
PDU offerings for 2021-22 will be available on the PDU webpage on May 28. Mark your calendar to check out these new courses! Note: Some courses start this summer.
Nominations for Night of Honor Awards Now Open
Now is your chance to recognize those who've gone above and beyond during the 2020-21 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 Team DPS members by nominating them for a Night of Honor award:

Leadership Lamp Award: Our most distinguished award honoring our Shared Core Values champions (four awards total).

Excellence in Team Award: High-performing teams making a difference (teams of 3-12; four awards total).

Living Our DPS: Honoring the actions of individuals living one of our Shared Core Values (40 awards total).
 
Also, we are excited to celebrate last year's honorees in fun, surprising ways in the next few weeks! Keep an eye out for these celebrations coming soon. If you have questions, please email Our_DPSValues@dpsk12.org.
Superintendent Search: Thank You and Stay Connected
Thank you for joining us in the superintendent search process. From surveys, to community gatherings, to finalist interviews and candidate feedback -- your participation over the last six months has been critical in the selection process. As previously shared, the DPS Board of Education hopes to announce the next superintendent in early June. As we head toward summer, we invite you to stay connected to the Superintendent Search on the Superintendent website and Superintendent Facebook page.
Additional Resources and Opportunities
Click here to learn more about these resources and opportunities: 

  • Non-returning Students Can Return DPS Technology by Mail

  • Updated Guidance on Singing and Wind Instruments

  • Register for the Biliteracy Conference on Aug. 11

  • Summer Expansion of MLL Tutoring Opportunities

  • Reminder: Gifted and Talented Internal Certification PDUs Available
Contact Us
Connect with Us
Denver Public Schools sends all district newsletters and critical employee communications through Constant Contact. Please do not unsubscribe your dpsk12.org 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.