Healthy Start Times Initiative!

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DPS will be making changes to allow middle and high schoolers to get more sleep! In May, The DPS Board of Education passed a resolution to have all middle schools and high schools (district-managed and charters) start no earlier than 8:20 a.m. each school day to support healthy sleep habits in adolescents. Check out this flier to learn more about the initiative. You may also provide your input on what scenarios work best for implementing this change. Learn more by visiting the DPS website.

Free Gifts for 0-11 year olds: Denver Santa Claus Shp

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For families needing a little extra help with providing presents for their kids this holiday season, please look into the Denver Santa Claus Shop! They are able to serve children from newborn to 11 years old. Families will need to bring a photo id and some type of proof of their kids’ ages.  Please pre-register for the event here. This year the toy distribution is going to be held from 10am – 3pm on 12/10, 12/11, 12/13 and 12/14.

IMPORTANT UPDATE to School Calendar; Schools Closed Nov. 19

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DPS leadership has decided to make Friday, Nov. 19 a non-attendance day for students, and district-run schools and office buildings will be closed.

In addition to providing additional time for overall self-care, this also gives families additional time to consider taking advantage of the COVID-19 vaccine now being available for children ages 5-11. There are no remote-work requirements on Nov. 19 in order to give staff and families this additional day. Our partners at Denver Health have continuously emphasized that the vaccine is the best weapon available to us to end the pandemic. We’ve seen very strong compliance among Team DPS in meeting the requirements of the city’s public health order on vaccinations, and I’m so grateful for that. We now turn our attention to our families — to make sure they have complete and thorough information on the availability of the vaccine for children over the age of 5.
This decision regarding Nov. 19 is also in line with the recommendations of the U.S. Department of Education, which is urging school districts to provide paid time off to staff to get their own children vaccinated. 

Upcoming Webinar: Transgender/Non-binary Allyship 101, Nov. 3rd

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On November 3, Prevention Services is hosting our third installment of the Lunchtime Learning Webinar for the 21-22 school year. During this webinar, Levi Arithson Program Manager of LGBTQ+ Equity Initiatives at DPS will provide information about how to support transgender and non-binary youth. Please see below is for more information about the event. I have also attached a flyer. Please share this information with anyone who would benefit from attending this webinar. To learn more about our Lunch Time Learning Webinar Series, which will take place on the first Wednesday of every month at noon, visit: www.dpsprevention.org/webinars.

Upcoming Webinar: Transgender/Non-binary Allyship 101
November 3rd at 12:00 PM MST

There is no playbook on how to be a parent or caregiver. This sometimes becomes even more clear when a child comes out as transgender and/or non-binary. Parents and caregivers (including school staff, extend family, friends and anyone who loves and supports youth) can sometimes feel lost navigating complex and nuanced journeys around gender discovery. A child in transition can bring up a lot for adults: a range of questions, concerns, and emotions–from elation to fear and everything in-between. This talk will cover some high-level basics of supporting a child on a gender journey, dispel common misconceptions, and provide recommended resources as you travel this path with your student.  Register here.

Links:  here- https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XHCgYcLwSZ-VEBxsdRLgkg

Upcoming MLE DAC Meeting for Families of Multilingual Learners

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DPS is excited to invite all our families of Multilingual Learners to a virtual Multilingual Education Districtwide Advisory Committee (MLE DAC) meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 5-6:30 p.m. 
At this session, you will receive important information and resources about: Title 1 funds.Graduation requirements and career success.Financial aid and work-based learning opportunities.The DPS Board of Education, including meeting the candidates for districts 2, 3, 4 and At-Large.
Register here and join the meeting via Zoom. For more information, please visit the MLE DAC website or call 720-423-2040.

Participate in the 3 Free College Application Days

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We’re excited to share that DPS is hosting three College Application Days on Oct. 19, 20, and 21, which mirror the state’s Colorado Free Application Days. On these days, all 32 public colleges and universities in Colorado — and several private institutions — will be waiving their application fees to encourage all students to pursue a post-secondary education.
Watch the message from Gov. Jared Polis (in English and Spanish) below:
Students will receive application support and can apply to participating colleges for free! Students will also have the opportunity to attend helpful workshops on the Common Application and writing personal essays. Talk with your teacher or school counselor about DPS’s College Application Days to get a free head start on your path towards a meaningful career and post-secondary education.