Dear Team DPS,
As we welcome elementary students back into our buildings, it is more important than ever that we do everything we can to keep each other and the entire DPS community safe.
The steps of the DPS 5 are simple and effective when we all follow them -- every day, every time:
- Complete your health screening (and stay home if you are sick).
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
- Maintain physical distance.
- Meet virtually -- not in person.
- Practice good hygiene -- wash your hands frequently and cover coughs/sneezes with your elbow.
The DPS 5 Takes a Students-First Approach
Our students have told us they desperately want to be in-person with their teachers and friends. However, the choices we make inside and outside of work can dramatically impact our ability to keep school running in-person for the benefit of our students. We have seen so many real examples in the last month of behaviors we need to change: Co-workers attending an event together after work. Staff meeting offsite in-person to plan for return to school or for social events. School Leaders meeting in-person at school to plan with all the teachers in a grade. When one person in those scenarios tested positive for COVID (as we have seen in all these real examples), all of the adults were quarantined for two weeks. In many situations, that made staffing impossible, resulting in operational closures of grade levels or schools, and forced students back into remote learning. Fortunately, we are not yet seeing cases of COVID spreading from these examples. We are social and collaborative teams -- I am too, and I know how hard it is not to be able to do in-person work side-by-side with our colleagues. However, I must remind all adults in Team DPS that it is critical that we do not engage in in-person meetings, for our students' sake.
The DPS 5 Takes Collaboration
I’ll be the first to acknowledge that all of these changes take some getting used to. But considering how much is at stake for our community, I'd like to encourage each of us to make the DPS 5 part of our culture of collaboration. We can get in the habit of reminding our colleagues to follow these simple steps -- not to shame them, but to support them. Make it okay to ask questions -- "I notice you’re not wearing a mask, do you need one?" or, "Hey, your mask is slipping off your nose." We can offer gentle reminders -- "Let’s shift this conversation to virtual so we can keep the good ideas flowing. I’ll send you all a quick invite." The more we work together on these essential safety precautions, the easier and safer it will be for everyone.
The DPS 5 Takes Accountability
It's important to me that everyone feels as safe at work as possible. My expectation is that DPS leaders will model the DPS 5, and be quick and direct about following up with any team member who puts others at risk. This will start with a verbal reminder, but if the behavior continues, will include appropriate disciplinary action in partnership with Human Resources. Keeping our community safe is rooted in our Shared Core Value of Accountability, and reinforced in the
Crisis Priorities set by our DPS Board of Education.
My hope is that we can all work together to keep one another safe. And my commitment is to hold Team DPS accountable for following and enforcing the DPS 5. I encourage you to contact the
Integrity Hotline or submit an IntegraReport if you have any concerns about safe behaviors at your school or worksite.
Thank you for all that you are doing, each and every day, to make sure our students, families, and teams are supported throughout the ups and downs of COVID-19. Thank you for your resilience, your perseverance, and your optimism in the face of historic challenges. Thank you for taking every step possible to keep Team DPS safe -- and I promise to take every step possible to keep you safe, too. Together, let’s follow the DPS 5, take care of ourselves and each other, and carry on -- for our community and for our kids.
Warm regards,
Susana
