Dec. 1, 2021
The Transition to Gmail is Happening Next Week
Dear Educators,

Starting Monday, Dec. 6, DPS will be using Gmail exclusively as a way to further increase collaboration across teams, schools and the DPS community. From Dec. 6-Feb. 1, your old Microsoft email (Webmail) will be available to view only at owa.dpsk12.org. After Feb. 1, Webmail will no longer be available.

To help with a smooth transition, check out these Gmail inbox resources and tips:

Gmail and Calendar Setup Checklist
  • Spot check messages that appear in your Gmail inbox.
  • Verify that your labels in Google mirror your folder structure in your Outlook (Webmail) account.
  • Set up rules using Google filters.
  • Create a personal signature that will be appended to your outgoing email messages.
  • Review your contacts.
  • Use this checklist for a full post-transition guide.

Google Calendar Migrations
Spot check your meetings in Google Calendar. Note: Events and room reservations will be migrated. As a reminder, calendar migrations may have some glitches -- if you are missing an event, please recreate it in Google Calendar. Only contact the DoTS Service Desk if your entire Calendar is missing.

Getting Support
  • Bookmark the Gmail Transition page on The Commons for links to guides and FAQs.
  • Visit the Support Page for information on live Q&A and other support.
  • Identify your team’s Google Champion -- they will be your point of contact for support and can help answer any questions you may have.

Like with any transition, there may be a few bumps in the road, and we appreciate your patience as we work through any obstacles. Thank you in advance for your teamwork as we begin utilizing Gmail as our new, exclusive email tool. We are excited for all of the collaboration opportunities this tool will provide so we can better serve our kids.

Many thanks,
Tamara and Mike
TSEAL Tip of the Week: Identifying Emotions
This week’s TSEAL tip is focused on identifying emotions for yourself, and helping students and your school community identify their own:

  • Yourself: Use this feelings wheel in your next meeting. Have participants identify how they are coming into the space. 


  • Schoolwide Community: All adults can be emotional coaches for youth. To help each other identify emotions, encourage open dialogue such as:
  • “What are you feeling right now?”
  • “I see you are _, are you feeling _?” 
  • “It makes sense to be feeling _ right now”
This Week's Top Things to Know
Opt In for the Second Round of Student Perception Surveys by Jan. 24
In February, teachers have the opportunity to opt in for a second administration of Student Perception Surveys. We will send a link to opt in at the beginning of January, with a deadline of Jan. 24. Note: Results from the fall will be aggregated with any results from the spring. Teachers who were on leave, hired late or had less than 10 students available to survey in the fall are automatically included in the February administration. The survey window will run from Feb. 1-24. Your building SAL will send you an email directly regarding this information. Results from the fall surveys should be available in the LEAP Tool by mid-December or first week of January. Questions? Email LEAP@dpsk12.org.
Registration for January Teal Day is Open
The Teal Day Session Guide is available for registration. As of Dec. 1, all cohort participants will be assigned or enrolled in the January session of their cohort. More information on checking your cohort registration status is available in the Session Guide and FAQ. As a reminder, the morning block (8-11:15 a.m.) of Teal Day is reserved for centrally delivered content, and some sessions are required as noted in the Session Guide. To navigate overlapping requirements, please refer to this guidance. Please note that all sessions will be held virtually unless indicated otherwise in the Session Guide. More information can be found in this FAQ. If you need further support, email professional_learning@dpsk12.org.
Invite Families of Multilingual Learners to Dec. 15 Virtual MLE DAC Meeting
Invite your families to join the DPS community at a virtual Multilingual Education Districtwide Advisory Committee (MLE DAC) meeting on Dec. 15 from 5-6:30 p.m. 

At this session, families will have the opportunity to learn more about DPS Board members. Families will also receive important information and resources about SchoolChoice, the Enrollment Process and ACCESS Testing.

Families can register here and join the meeting via Zoom. For more information, visit the MLE DAC site or call 720-423-2040.
ECE Update: Register for January CPR/First Aid In-Person Session
To be in compliance with licensing requirements, ECE teachers and paraprofessionals must have a current CPR/First Aid certification. If you or your paraprofessional(s) are due for renewal for your CPR/First Aid certification -- or you or your paraprofessional(s) are a new ECE staff member -- see registration information for the upcoming CPR/First Aid sessions on Jan. 3.

Important note: You must complete the online portion of the course prior to attending the in-person session. Please share this information with your classroom paraprofessional(s) as needed. If you have any questions, please contact your Early Education Regional Specialist.
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