“We will all, at some point, encounter hurdles to gaining access and entry, moving up and conquering self-doubt; but on the other side is the capacity to own opportunity and tell our own story.”
-- Stacey Abrams
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Black History Month 2022 Student Submissions |
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In honor of Black History Month, students at Bromwell Elementary celebrated Black History Month with the theme, “Celebrate Black Artists for Black History Month and All Year Long.” Students in third- through fifth-grade created a bulletin board with some of their favorite Black artists. To help create their art, students used a projector to trace and then paint the artist’s faces.
Want to learn more about Black History Month and access resources that you can use in the classroom? Visit the Cultural Moments page on The Commons.
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Our DPS Equity Statement
Racial and Educational Equity is our collective responsibility. We will achieve equity when we dismantle deeply rooted systems of oppression that have historically resulted in inequitable access and distribution of opportunities and resources for those who represent marginalized identities, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, language and ability. We will create conditions where we all belong, are included, have clear purpose (why) and have the autonomy to lead in our respective areas. By creating these conditions, we will eliminate the predictability of success or failure for our students and team members.
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Each month, we'll showcase celebrations big and small, and the work being done to create more equity for students and team members throughout DPS. Share what you and your team have been doing to make a change for a more equitable DPS here.
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Breaking Down Barriers: Free Vaccine Bus at Johnson Elementary |
The Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center at Johnson Elementary hosted a COVID-19 vaccine mobile bus for DPS families and community members through a partnership with CREA Results in January. The mobile clinic was parked outside of Johnson Elementary, and over the course of the day 115 individuals received free COVID and flu vaccinations. By providing the clinic at no cost and at a convenient location and time, this partnership helped DPS families overcome financial and transportation-related barriers to access health care.
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Recognizing Juneteenth as a Districtwide Holiday |
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On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, a historic law recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday each year on June 19. Last year, DPS recognized this through an early release day and committed to incorporating this holiday into our work year calendars going forward. This year, we're excited to add Juneteenth as a paid holiday for all DPS employees, making Monday, June 20, a paid day off.
Like with other holidays, if there is work that must happen on this day, employees will earn the holiday premium pay. We are partnering across departments to reflect this holiday in this year's calendar and future years. If you have questions about this work-year calendar change, reach out to your manager.
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Nominate Students for the Anchored in Black Excellence Event |
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In collaboration with DPS, the Black Family Advisory Council is hosting the Anchored in Excellence virtual event from 5-7 p.m. on March 17. This event is an opportunity for schools and families to come together to celebrate the excellence and significance of their Black students.
Schools are invited to nominate 5-10 students (or more) in identified areas of strength including: Student leadership, academic improvement, engagement in school culture, unique artistic contributions. Nominate a student by completing this form by March 4. After nominating students, please send this one-pager to students’ parent/caregiver(s) so they can reserve their spot at this special event. Want to join in on the celebration? RSVP here!
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Cultural Moments: Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month, which celebrates the contributions women have made to the United States and recognizes the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields according to the official website.
Visit The Commons to access resources for teaching about cultural moments. We are also seeking shoutouts -- tell us about a woman in DPS who has made a positive impact on your life. Consider teachers, supervisors, bus drivers, office support -- any woman in DPS you’d like to celebrate, and we’ll share your shoutouts toward the end of the month. Share your shoutout.
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Applications Open for the Asian Education Advisory Council Annual Awards |
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The DPS Asian Education Advisory Council (AEAC) is currently accepting applications for their annual AEAC Awards. This is a great opportunity for Asian students to be recognized by their schools and teachers, and scholarship opportunities are available for students who apply. Please share this opportunity with your team and encourage them to nominate students for these awards. If you have additional questions, contact Priscilla Shaw.
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Luke Fairbairn
Teacher, Merrill Middle School
Equity and Fun
"Luke is always looking for ways to help support teachers with their multilingual learners. He looks over lessons for all grade levels and provides thoughtful graphic organizers and sentence stems. He helps create slides and videos that break down steps that support all of our learners. Furthermore, he is one of the funniest people I have ever worked with. He sneaks in jokes when presenting PD that keeps me laughing and smiling all day."
-- Gabrielle Gerlits, Merrill
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Calendar of Upcoming Events |
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