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I Protect You; You Protect Me -- COVID-19 Health Updates |
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Dear Team DPS,
Now that we’re back in the swing of in-person learning, we want to share a few updates related to keeping our students and staff healthy and our schools open through COVID-19:
Will DPS offer COVID-19 testing in schools?
No, we believe that community-based testing is very effective, particularly as free COVIDCheck Colorado sites can be found throughout the city. (Your primary care provider can also connect you with testing.) The partnerships we have with COVIDCheck Colorado, Denver Health and Children’s Hospital ensure that the most accurate testing measures (PCR tests, rather than rapid antigen tests) are available to the community. According to our health partners, PCR tests are the most accurate and reliable, particularly for catching cases without symptoms. Leaving testing to the experts will allow DPS school staff to spend their time prioritizing the academic and social-emotional needs of students. We will continue to work closely with our local health department and medical advisors to evaluate our testing strategy.
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Protect Each Other: Remember to Follow the DPS 5
Let’s help keep each other safe and our schools open for in-person learning! Our health partners asked us to share the DPS 5, the steps we all should take to keep one another healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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Please wear your mask properly while indoors. It should fit snugly against your face and cover your nose and mouth.
- Make sure you have at least six feet of physical distance when it’s necessary to remove your mask, such as while eating.
- And remember, masks aren't required outside, so you can enjoy the beautiful Colorado fall weather without one!
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Will DPS require routine or random COVID-19 testing for students or school-based staff?
We’re closely following health trends in Denver, and are pleased to see that as of Sept. 14, 80.6% of Denver residents had received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 73% of those 12-17 years old had received one dose. Because of these promising numbers, our health partners do not advise routine or random testing as the most effective use of our resources in schools at this time.
Please remember that students or staff who feel ill should stay home and schedule a free COVID test as soon as possible. As the pandemic evolves, we will continue to make decisions based on the information at hand and with ongoing guidance from our health partners. (Staff who have been approved for medical or religious exemptions may receive other guidance on routine testing as part of their accommodations.)
Will vaccinated DPS staff members need COVID-19 booster shots?
Right now, the CDC only recommends third doses for individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. We are awaiting further guidance from the CDC and working with our local health partners to make plans should booster shots become widely recommended. We are continuing to work with our city partners to ensure we are implementing the Public Health Order. We will continue to keep you informed if any guidance or requirements change.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our DPS community safe!
Pictured above: Stedman Elementary students and teachers practicing the DPS 5.
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DPS in the News: USA TODAY Features Our COVID Efforts and Successes |
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Recently, national publication USA TODAY featured DPS’ COVID efforts and health partnerships that are helping to keep our kids in school. As the article shared:
“By next week, just about all U.S. schools will be back in session, predominantly in person. But Denver Public Schools stands apart. Its teachers were among the first nationwide to be subject to a full vaccine mandate — with no option to be tested frequently instead. And the district always planned to require masks come fall, even with the virus receding in June, before the delta variant surge.”
Read the full story. And thank you to all of our DPS community for your collaboration in keeping our schools safe and operating in person!
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Transportation Update: Improving Yellow Bus Service |
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Thank you for your patience as Transportation Services works to improve our bus routes. We’ve spent the first few weeks of school monitoring the resources needed to provide timely service. This includes gathering data on how many eligible students are actually riding the bus, which stops have riders and which schools they attend. We are using this data to reduce inefficiencies in our routes. We apologize for the frequency of changes this year and appreciate your patience as we make adjustments. Families are not expected to experience any service interruptions while we make adjustments to our routes, but if you do, please email Transportation@dpsk12.org.
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Cultural Moments: Hispanic Heritage Month |
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From Sept. 15-Oct. 15, DPS honors Hispanic Heritage Month, which celebrates and honors the culture, contributions and influence of individuals who identify as Latinx or Hispanic.
We are currently seeking student submissions that highlight how they are learning about, connecting with, and celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Submissions will be accepted through Sept. 28.
To learn more about the history of the month, how to submit your work, and find celebration resources, click here.
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Join DPS at the MLE DAC on Sept. 29 |
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DPS is excited to invite families of Multilingual Learners to a virtual Multilingual Education Districtwide Advisory Committee (MLE DAC) meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 5-6:30 p.m.
At this session, families will meet Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero and receive important information about:
- Multilingual Education programs
- Instruction
- Parent Advisory Committees
- Translation and interpretation services
- Family and Community Engagement Centers
- Parent-Teacher Home Visits program
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