March 16, 2023
DPS Board of Education Public Comment and Progress Monitoring Session on March 20
The Denver Board of Education will hold a Public Comment and Progress Monitoring Session Meeting on Monday, March 20, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Watch the meeting live on board.dpsk12.org and access the latest meeting agendas on BoardDocs. A complete list of public comment speakers will be available the day of.
Know Your Benefits: United Healthcare Joins Team DPS
Health insurance helps cover medical costs when you need it. DPS offers medical plans to fit your needs -- from high deductible plans to traditional copay plans. No matter what you choose, your health plan will cover preventative care 100% (like annual well-checks and some vaccines). It will also protect you from high medical costs in unexpected situations and emergencies. 

This year, we are pleased to introduce United Healthcare (UHC) to the DPS medical coverage options. This addition means that all Aetna coverage will end on June 30, and all team members with Aetna plans should be prepared to elect new coverage during Open Enrollment April 17-May 5. When choosing which carrier to partner with, DPS considers all the needs of our employees. Through the Open Enrollment survey, our wellness team and various other information gathering strategies put your needs first by ensuring we provide the most comprehensive plans possible. 

See what United Healthcare can do for you and your dependents by visiting the Medical Insurance page or the Open Enrollment page on The Commons. You can also learn more about their network and providers by visiting the UHC website

No one plans to get sick or hurt, but most people need medical care at some point. After the past couple of years, making sure you have the right coverage is more important than ever before. Be prepared to select the best plan for your needs by visiting the Open Enrollment page on the Commons. Remember, during the Open Enrollment window, every benefits-eligible employee must take action and enroll or waive benefits, regardless of what they elected last year.
Nominate an Educator for Touchdowns for Teachers by March 31
DPS’ partner Delta Dental of Colorado has partnered with the Denver Broncos to launch Touchdowns for Teachers, a program that recognizes local MVTs (Most Valuable Teachers) for outstanding service to their schools and communities.
 
Do you know a game-changing teacher who goes the extra yard to educate and inspire? All members of Team DPS are invited to nominate an educator (K-12) to be considered for this recognition.

Ten honorees will be selected each semester by a panel of community members, the Denver Broncos and Delta Dental of Colorado. Click here to learn more and nominate a teacher by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 31.
Top 5: School Social Worker Shout Outs
In celebration of School Social Work Week last week, DPS team members submitted shoutouts thanking their school social workers, and highlighted the important work they do every day to ensure kids feel safe and supported. Check out the Top 5 below and read more shoutouts here.
5. “Laure is authentic and invested in every child and family at MSLA. She builds relationships, solves challenging issues and advocates for our school community. We are incredibly lucky to have her.” -- Mathematics and Science Leadership Academy
4. “This is Krystal's first year as a social worker in DPS and at Holm Elementary. She has joined the Holm Team and become a major part of helping our students recognize and name their emotions, self-regulate and become thriving members of our school community. She always has a smile on her face and welcomes each child into our PACK room. She is a valued member of our staff.” -- Holm Elementary
3. “Jill is a game changer for students, staff, and families at Ellis Elementary. Jill, our social worker, collaborates with Hallie, our school psychologist, to form a superhero team. Jill is dedicated and determined to support students. She is always at the other end of the radio when any staff member calls and immediately responds to the needs of students with a calm demeanor that conveys respect, empathy and safety. No matter how challenging the work is, Jill will always offer you a smile and encouraging words. Her unconditional support makes such a positive impact on all those she comes into contact with. Thank you for all that you do for Ellis, Jill!” -- Ellis Elementary
2. “Alexa King has a heart of gold. She approaches every student with lots of care and love. Students constantly seek her out for support, and she does so with open arms while never turning a student away. Even when she is busy, she will always go out of her way to go and find the student. We are excited for the new addition coming to her family very soon. Thank you Ms. King for being an amazing part of the Grant Beacon Griffins community and for always being there for our students and families.” -- Marta Torres de Dominguez, Grant Beacon Middle School
1. “I would like to shout out our school social worker, Hawra Alhilo. Hawra has shown so much care and compassion to our students and has provided so many resources to families who were truly in need. She meets with students and their families to ensure that all of their needs are being cared for. She sees students in the most holistic way -- if you were to see how she interacts with our students, you would see how much she truly cares for them. She is knowledgeable, kind and impactful. We are truly lucky to have her at our school and we want her to know that she makes a huge difference in our students' lives.” -- Denise Overbey, Farrell B Howell ECE-8
Top 5 Callout: What is Your Favorite Spring Break Memory?
Are you excited for spring break? As you make your spring break plans, we want to know what your favorite memory of spring break is -- whether you were a student, teacher or parent. Share your favorite spring break memory to be featured in next week’s Top 5!
Become a Launch Internship Host this Summer
We invite all DPS team members to host an intern through the Launch Internship Program! The summer Launch Internship Program runs from June 12-July 21. Students will intern for 20 hours per week during the six-week program.

Student interns can assist with social media campaigns, research, graphic design projects, IT support and more! If you are interested in hosting a DPS intern, contact Drew Rewold or call 720-423-1280 to receive an orientation and begin the onboarding process.
Preventative Colorectal Screenings Save Lives
Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to inspire more people to start screening for colorectal cancer at 45 years old. 

There are two reasons why getting checked matters: 
  • Screening can find the warning signs of colon and rectal cancer, allowing doctors to take action to prevent the disease. 
  • Screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment is most effective. 

If you are 45 years old or older, start the routine of getting screened for colorectal cancer regularly. If you are due for your preventive colorectal screening, the Employee Wellness Department encourages you to contact your healthcare provider and schedule an appointment today. 
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