Black History Month Staff Feature: Chris Gunn |
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Meet Chris Gunn, the Action Youth and African American Studies teacher at Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy.
Mr. Gunn teaches students how to use their voices to promote change in their communities. He is exceptionally dedicated to his work, even commuting from Colorado Springs to the classroom each morning.
“I teach Black History every day, we don’t wait until February, this is 365. I’m Black every month. You have to go beyond the Dr. Martin Luther Kings and Rosa Parks, you have to get in those trenches,” says Mr. Gunn. “I love being Black, I love it and what comes with it.”
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Addressing Chronic Absence with Attendance Works Resources |
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Chronic absence has almost doubled nationwide since pre-Covid-19; federal data shows that in the 2020-21 school year, at least 14.7 million students nationwide were chronically absent. Chronic absence can lead to students having difficulty learning, achieving milestones and even graduating.
Improving attendance is possible, but it requires a data-driven approach to identify where prevention and early intervention are needed. Attendance Works suggests a tiered approach that starts with foundational supports for the whole school:
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Foundational strategies: Promote positive conditions for learning to encourage attendance and engagement.
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Tier 1: Encourage better attendance for all students and prevent absenteeism before it affects achievement.
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Tier 2: Remove barriers to attendance for students at greater risk of chronic absenteeism; these students and families receive personalized attention.
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Tier 3: Intensive support to students missing the most school, often involving other agencies such as health, housing and social services.
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Black Voices in Color Podcast: Episode Two |
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In the second episode of the Black Voices in Color podcast (BVCP), students chat about what they found while getting ready for Black History Month. The BVCP is joined by special guest, Ms. K’iara Roberts, who's not just a teacher, but also an advisor of the podcast. Ms. Roberts has made it her mission to make sure that black students achieve academic excellence. In her interview, she shares a saying that resonates with her, "If you want to hide something from a Black person, put it in a book."
The BVCP hosts get into a deep discussion about Black culture and how it has not only shaped their experience as students but how it is also shaping the world. From colloquialisms to fashion and music, Black culture has been a heavy influence.
Find the Black Voices in Color Podcast on our YouTube channel, or listen on any podcast platform by searching for The Denver Public Schools Podcast.
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38th Annual Asian Education Advisory Council Awards |
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The DPS Asian Education Advisory Council (AEAC) is now accepting nominations for the 38th Annual AEAC Awards! Anyone may nominate recipients. All nominees are given certificates, and the top students are awarded scholarships.
Students can be nominated in one of three categories: Academics, Leadership or Special Talent. There is an essay portion. Adults supporting DPS Asian-American/Pacific Islander students can also be nominated, such as administrators, teachers, para, parent volunteers and special service providers.
Nominations are due March 13. Anyone interested should check out the student and adult nomination forms.
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Say Yes to DPS Hiring Fair |
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Join the School Recruitment Team on March 16 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Manual High School Thunderdome for their largest hiring event of the year -- Say Yes to DPS. This event will provide an opportunity for current and prospective candidates to meet with school and district leaders, discuss higher education options and discuss teacher pathways. Attendees will also be able to attain information on benefits, compensation and the supports in place. We are looking to fill vacancies for positions such as teachers, guest teachers, paraprofessionals, food service, custodial, transportation and central office positions. Click here to register.
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Future Fest 2024 Pitch and Design Competitions |
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The inaugural Denver Youth Block Party: Future Fest will include two competitions for high school students ages 14 to 18. The first is a “Shark Tank” style pitch competition and the second is a social entrepreneurship “Be the Change” design challenge. DPS high school students are invited to submit their business and design ideas to this form to be considered for the Future Fest 2024 Pitch and Design competitions. Submissions are due by Friday, March 8.
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