DPS Snapshots Show with Natalie Brigham - District Updates for Oct. 25

1. Denver Schools Thrive Initiative
The last Regional Engagement session was held on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Many people are wondering, what happens now? 

Please check the Denver Schools Thrive Initiative webpage for the most up to date information. That page has an FAQ, informational videos about trends pertaining to Denver’s declining enrollment challenges as well as the presentation materials and notes from the regional engagement sessions.

The next key date is Nov. 7. On Nov. 7 the Superintendent will provide his recommendation of how to address declining enrollment within DPS to the Board of Education. Following that, there will be an opportunity for engagement with the Board and the Superintendent, leading into Public Comment on Nov. 18. The B.O.E. will then vote on the recommendation on Nov. 21. 

In the meantime, we’ll keep you updated with new information when it becomes available.

2. Display Your Student’s Art on Recycling Trucks
The City and County of Denver Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) and DPS are seeking student artists for the “Denver Diverts Rolling Gallery.” DSWM trucks will show off four DPS students’ artwork on the side of collection trucks. Students have nearly 32 square feet of canvas to display their original artwork highlighting the importance of reducing waste in Denver! In selecting the artists who will participate, the DSWM will prioritize proposed designs that encourage residents and visitors to divert waste properly. Art submissions will be accepted now through Nov. 22. For more details and to submit artwork, view the Truck Art Contest flyer linked.

3. School Specific Bond Information
on Nov. 5, Denver voters will be presented with a choice on whether or not to approve DPS’ 2024 bond package. You might be wondering what funding your specific school would receive if the 2024 bond initiative is passed and implemented. We’ve got you covered! School letters are now available in the 8 most common languages spoken by our DPS community. Here you can find your school on the list and download your letter to learn more about potential funding for your school.

4. Celebrating National Principals Month
Oct. is National Principals Month!. We're grateful to our DPS principals for all they do to empower students and staff and help their school communities to thrive. This year, team DPS highlighted two principals. Victoria Wyatt, principal at John F. Kennedy High School, and Dawn Salter, principal at Palmer Elementary School.

5. The DPS 'Your Voice/Tu Voz' Survey
If you have not yet completed the Your Voice/Tu Voz survey, there is still time! Complete the survey here by Friday, Nov. 1.

As a reminder, families with multiple children in different DPS schools now only need to complete one survey for all of their children. You can check out these two videos in English and Spanish to learn more about why it is so important to share your voice.