Teacher Weekly
Goldrick Elementary students are all smiles heading into winter break.
Dec. 15, 2021
Thank You and Enjoy the Winter Break
Dear Educators,

Thank you for pouring all of your time, effort and hearts into supporting our kids during this first half of the 2021-22 school year. While it had its challenges, this semester also had tremendous wins -- and you played a large part in those successes.

You have worked closely with your school leaders to support students’ social emotional and mental health, both in and out of the classroom. You have connected with families regularly to keep them updated on their childrens’ learning and growth. You have worked tirelessly to keep your students engaged and excited to learn -- all while prioritizing their health and safety in your classrooms, as well as your own. You stepped up and you put Students First every day. Not only did you rise up to meet students’ needs, you also stepped up to support one another through the challenges of staffing shortages. We are grateful to have educators like you who go above and beyond for their school communities. Thank you!

Over the break, we hope you not only take some much needed time to rest and recharge but to also take a moment to reflect -- reflect on the challenges you’ve faced and what you’ve learned; reflect on everything you've accomplished despite the challenges; reflect on the goals you wish to set for this new year -- and know that we are here to support you.

Enjoy celebrating the holidays with your loved ones, and we look forward to seeing you in the new year.

Many thanks,
Tamara and Mike
TSEAL Tip of the Week: Relationships
This week’s TSEAL tip is focused on relationships. Did you know social activities like talking and laughing cause the body to release the hormone oxytocin? This helps us bond with others, and those bonds create a feeling that’s often called “psychological safety.” When we feel psychologically safe, we’re more likely to participate, ask questions, and maintain positive relationships. 

Check out these tips to help foster positive relationships for:



  • Schoolwide Community: Share these fun 34 Conversation Starters with families to use over the winter break to encourage discussions and relationship-building.
This Week's Top 5 Things to Know
Reminder: COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots Now Available
Booster shots of COVID-19 vaccines are now available for adults. We strongly encourage you to get a booster to help keep yourself, your family and all of Team DPS safe and healthy. Did you know that DPS staff can get a booster at any of our Denver Health School-Based Health Centers? Schedule an appointment today online or by calling 303-602-8958. You can also contact your healthcare provider or visit the state of Colorado’s vaccine website to find an appointment.
Spring PDU Deadline Approaching: Apply by Jan. 6
The deadline for spring 2022 PDU applications is Jan. 6. Please submit applications to PDU_team@dpsk12.net. Application review will take place Jan. 7-28. Registration for new spring PDUs will be available in early February via the PDU Course Guide. For more information on PDUs and review cycles, visit the PDU page on The Commons.
The Second Cycle of A to Z Fund Applications Is Open
DPS Foundation is now accepting applications to the second cycle of the 2021-22 A to Z Fund, which provides small grants to schools to reduce inequity in resources for our students. Every DPS school is eligible to apply for up to $2,000 each cycle for programs and activities that go beyond the limits of schools’ budgets. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Jan. 18. Learn more about the A to Z Fund and our new online system here.

We are also seeking 20-30 community reviewers, including high school students, to support the application review process on Jan. 26 and 27. Know a high school student that would make a great reviewer? Email atozfund@dpsfoundation.org for more information.
Join the Trauma-Informed Practices Cohort
Are you interested in participating in a trauma-informed practices (TIP) cohort? We are asking for one to three staff members from each school to join the Trauma-Informed Practices cohort. The cohort participates in monthly meetings that take a deeper dive into TIP content and explore different problems of practice. If you are interested in joining, contact Monica Padilla or Marcuss Spearman.
Nominate the Next School Counselor of the Year by Jan. 28
The third annual DPS School Counselor of the Year nominations are now open! Take a moment to highlight the great work of a school counselor by completing the nomination form, which will remain open until Jan. 28. We will award an elementary, middle and high school Counselor of the Year during National School Counselor Appreciation Week in February. If you have any questions, contact Katie Gianatasio.
Additional Resources and Opportunities
Click here to learn more about these resources and opportunities: 

  • Registration for January Teal Day Is Open

  • Register Now for Jan. 3 Secondary Literacy Teal Day

  • Attend Virtual Training for New Concurrent/Dual Enrollment Classroom Observation Appendix for LEAP

  • Save the Date for the DPS Science Fair

  • DMNS Professional Development Opportunity: The Social-Emotional Brain
Contact Us
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