Hagan clic aquí para leer este mensaje en español.
|
|
Continuing to Support Safe Schools and Classrooms |
|
Dear Team DPS,
We hope that you and your family had a safe and enjoyable spring break, and that your first week back has been a good one. We’re so appreciative of all of the effort that our students, families and educators have put into following health and safety protocols throughout this challenging year. And as we move through the final few months of the school year, we remain committed to supporting safe classrooms and schools throughout the district by following the science-based guidance of our partners at the CDC, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Denver Health.
Watch this video for the latest COVID vaccine update from our expert partners at Denver Health.
Increasing Middle and High School In-person Learning
Our secondary school leaders and educators have been working hard to be able to welcome more students back to in-person learning over the coming weeks. We know that our school leaders and educators are best positioned to tackle the challenges and opportunities unique to their school building and community, as there is no one-size-fits-all plan that will work for every school. Please look for more information from your school for more details on the specific plan for your student.
General Public Now has Access to COVID-19 Vaccines Across Colorado
One of the most exciting recent developments in our state is that everyone age 16 and older is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. We respect that the decision about whether to receive a vaccine is a personal one. Our health partners remind us that vaccination helps protect all of us -- our loved ones, our communities, and our schools -- and the more we vaccinate, the fewer COVID-19 variants there will be in our community. If you or your family members are interested in getting a vaccine, here are some ways you can access it:
Additionally, DPS is partnering with Denver Health to offer vaccination clinics to students 16 and over who wish to receive it. Eligible students and their parents will receive an email with more information next week.
Connect Students with Mental Health Support
Even with these positive developments in the pandemic, we know that many students are still dealing with significant stress and trauma. We want to remind families that students can access mental health and counseling support through their school counselor, school psychologist or social worker, through your school’s community mental health partners, or at our School-Based Health Centers -- all at no cost to your family.
As always, thank you for your continued perseverance, patience and optimism.
|
|
Updates to CMAS Requirements for Students |
|
As we have shared, every year the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) requires all districts to administer Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) in English language arts, math, and science. On March 26, the CDE announced that a waiver reducing testing requirements was approved by the U.S. Department of Education, noting that schools must administer some CMAS and CoAlt (Colorado alternate) assessments to all students (except those with a parent excusal), while other assessments will become optional or will be suspended.
The updated CMAS Spring 2021 testing requirements are:
- English Language Arts (ELA): grades 3, 5, 7
- Mathematics: grades 4, 6, 8
- Science: grade 8
- PSAT 9 and 10 as well as the SAT for grade 11 will be administered as previously scheduled.
Parents may choose to have their child take both the ELA and math assessments for their grade level if desired. Schools will notify families about how students may take assessments in both subject areas. Schools may need to adapt their original testing plan given these new requirements and may be reaching out to families with the updated schedule for CMAS testing. If you have additional questions, please reach out to your school or contact our Family and Community Helpline at 720-423-3054 or FACEHelpline@dpsk12.org.
|
|
End-of-year Celebration Guidance |
|
As we approach the end of the school year, DPS has outlined guidance for school celebrations such as prom, transitional ceremonies and graduation. All in-person end-of-year celebrations will be held outdoors to ensure limited exposure to COVID-19 for our students, staff, families and community members. A limited number of guests will be allowed to attend each ceremony. Please check with your school for more information.
|
|
2021-22 School Year Bell Times |
|
As we begin wrapping up this school year and start looking forward to the next, please be aware that your student’s bell times may change. Beginning in the 2021-22 school year, DPS will begin using a three-tier system for bell times. This means most schools will start their day during one of three windows: 7:30-7:40 a.m., 8:05-8:25 a.m. or 8:50-9:10 a.m.
The new tiered bell time system will help provide a better experience for our families and maximize learning for students with more consistent service. Click here for a list of the 2021-22 school year bell times. If your student’s school isn’t listed, they likely attend a school that uses our shuttles. We will share those bell times by the end of this school year. If you have any questions, please reach out to your school’s front office.
|
|
Register for Discovery Link: Extra Week of Summer Camp and Fall Programming |
|
Discovery Link is adding an extra week of summer camp, from Aug 2-6! Registration opens today, April 9 and is first come, first served.
Additionally, registration for the 2021-22 school year will open April 12 at 6 a.m. Note: Families will only select the site where their student will attend next year at this time. Once approved, families will be given access to the calendar and will select days for August, beginning July 1.
Families who were enrolled in 2020-21 must register for the 2021-22 school year even if their site is unchanged. This will give families access to the new 2021-22 calendars.
School Year Programming:
- Morning programming begins at 6:30 a.m. at $8.75 per day.
- After school programming ends at 6 p.m at $13.25 per day. Discovery Link will support schools with early bell schedules.
- Kadoodles is offered at Sandoval and Lincoln at $19 per day.
- Early Release Fridays (ERF) ONLY -- Schools TBD at $25.75 per day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
