The Denver Public Schools Podcast

Denver Public Schools
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Welcome to the DPS Podcast—the official hub for all things Denver Public Schools! Tune in to hear inspiring student success stories, discover family-friendly tips and resources, and stay up-to-date on the latest district news. We’re here to make sure every DPS family has easy access to the information they need. Don't miss out—hit subscribe now and join the conversation!

  1. 2d ago

    District Updates for Oct. 7, 2026

    Story 1: SchoolChoice Round 1 of SchoolChoice for the 2027–28 school year opens Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. and closes Jan. 19, 2027, at 4 p.m. To help navigate the process, DPS has launched a new video series featuring local DPS families to break down each phase of the process. Check out the first video linked in our show notes  for a two-minute overview of Round 1.  You can also stay informed with important deadlines, tips and updates by signing up for the SchoolChoice newsletter, also linked in our show notes. Story 2: Climate Champions Grant: Intent to Apply due by Friday, Oct. 16 Student-led climate action projects can apply for up to $10,000 in funding.  All grade levels and schools are eligible to apply. If you know students who might be interested, encourage them  to submit the Intent to Apply form linked in our shownotesl by Friday, Oct. 16. The Sustainability Team will follow up afterwards to help support your project team throughout the application process. Our third story is about the Multilingual Educational District Advisory Committee  Story 3:  MLE DAC on Oct. 21 All families are invite to the upcoming Multilingual Education (MLE) District Advisory Committee (DAC) on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 9-11 a.m. at Columbian Elementary School. During this session, the team will share important updates regarding Multilingual Education (MLE) programs, program goals and data and Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) structures.  Food, childcare and interpretation services will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to pre-register via the link in our show notes. Staff are also highly encouraged to attend and volunteer if possible. For more information, visit the MLE website.  Our fourth and final story is about  Story 4: Denver Mayor's Office Childcare for All Initiative  Childcare for All, a new citywide initiative, brings together families, childcare providers, educators, employers and community members to identify solutions to access to high-quality childcare. Community feedback will help inform future recommendations to strengthen childcare across our city. The Childcare for All Survey and webpage are linked in our show notes. The survey closes on Oct. 18. That’s all for this week. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of DPS Snapshots. Please remember to like and subscribe to our show to never miss an episode, and we’ll see you next time on DPS Snapshots.

  2. 6d ago

    October is College Month in Denver Public Schools: EDUCA DPS Podcast

    In this episode host Nicole Brady sits down with Tara Schneider, Senior Manager of Higher Education Academics in DPS, to discuss how Denver Public Schools is supporting students and families during Career and College Month this October. Learn about early college credit programs, financial aid support, and pathways for every student's post-secondary goals. Key Topics Covered: Exploring Post-Secondary Options: How DPS frames college and career readiness around student choice—whether attending a 4-year university, community college, trade school, or entering direct career training. Earning Early College Credit: Free access to high school concurrent enrollment, AP, and IB courses to save time and tuition. Guaranteed Admissions & Free Application Days: Partnerships with Colorado institutions (CU Denver, CSU, MSU Denver, and more) and details on Colorado Free Application Days (October 20–22). Financial Aid Assistance: Guidance on FAFSA and CASFA forms with help from school counselors and Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) Future Centers. First-Gen & Undocumented Student Support: Bilingual resources in all seven DPS consent decree languages and step-by-step family workshops. Career & Technical Education (CTE): Over 90 CTE programs, industry certifications, Emily Griffith Technical College pathways, and hands-on work-based learning (internships, apprenticeships, and Spark middle school programs). Action Steps for 9th & 10th Graders: Simple advice on how underclassmen can schedule time with counselors to explore options and start early. Subscribe to Denver Public Schools Plus for more episodes and updates!

  3. 6d ago

    Octubre es el Mes de la Universidad en DPS: EDUCA DPS Podcast

    En este episodio Natalie Valencia, gerente de Trayectorias de Educación Superior de DPS, explica cómo el distrito ayuda a los estudiantes a explorar diversas opciones tras finalizar la escuela secundaria y cómo pueden recibir asistencia con la FAFSA y la CASFA para financiar sus estudios universitarios. Temas clave abordados: Exploración de opciones postsecundarias: Cómo DPS enfoca la preparación universitaria y profesional en torno a las opciones de los estudiantes, ya sea asistir a una universidad de 4 años, un colegio comunitario, una escuela técnica o ingresar directamente a la capacitación laboral. Obtención de créditos universitarios tempranos: Acceso gratuito a cursos de inscripción simultánea, AP e IB en la preparatoria para ahorrar tiempo y costos de colegiatura. Admisiones garantizadas y días de solicitud gratuita: Alianzas con instituciones de Colorado (CU Denver, CSU, MSU Denver, entre otras) y detalles sobre los Días de Solicitud Gratuita en Colorado (del 20 al 22 de octubre). Asistencia con la ayuda financiera: Orientación sobre los formularios FAFSA y CASFA con el apoyo de consejeros escolares y los Centros Futuro de la Fundación de Becas de Denver (DSF). Apoyo a estudiantes de primera generación e indocumentados: Recursos bilingües en los siete idiomas del decreto de consentimiento de DPS y talleres familiares paso a paso. Educación Técnica y Carrera (CTE): Más de 90 programas CTE, certificaciones de la industria, vías de acceso en el Colegio Técnico Emily Griffith y aprendizaje práctico basado en el trabajo (pasantías, aprendizajes y programas Spark para secundaria). Pasos a seguir para estudiantes de 9.° y 10.° grado: Consejos prácticos sobre cómo los estudiantes de los primeros años pueden programar una cita con sus consejeros para explorar opciones y comenzar desde temprano.  ¡Suscríbete a Denver Public Schools Plus para ver más episodios y novedades!

  4. Sep 29

    District Updates for Sep. 29, 2026

    Our first story is about the Annual Bond Report.  Story 1: 2025-26 Denver Public Schools Annual Bond Report The 2024 Bond Oversight Committee is proud to release the 2025-26 Denver Public Schools Annual Bond Report.  The annual report outlines the projects that have been completed, their impact and what projects are coming up next. During the 2025-26 school year, $394 million was spent and committed, funding: 734 critical maintenance projects.One million square feet of new concrete.29 air conditioned schools.117 focused learning environments.17 secured safety vestibules.13 comprehensive high school athletics upgrades.To learn more about the Bond Oversight Committee and its work, visit the Bond website, linked in our show notes. Our second story is about 2027-28 School Choice Dates.   Story 2: 2027-28 SchoolChoice Dates It’s never too early to start thinking about next year. For the 2027-28 school year, the SchoolChoice Round 1 application will open at 10 a.m. on Dec. 1, 2026 and close on Jan. 19, 2027 at 4 p.m, and  Families will be notified of placement results in late February. For more information on School Choice, visit the link in our show notes.  Our third story is about Orange Shirt Day.  Story 3: Orange Shirt Day On Wednesday, Sept. 30, the Native American Culture and Education (NACE) team invites our school and community to wear orange for Orange Shirt Day (PDF). This day honors Indian Boarding School survivors and recognizes Indigenous histories and resilience. And don’t forget to mark your calendars– Indigenous Peoples’ Day will be celebrated on Monday, October 12. Our fourth story is about the DPS Poetry Book,  Story 4: The DPS Poetry BookSubmissions for this year's DPS Poetry Book “denverpoets” are now open! All DPS students attending a non-charter school in ECE through fifth grade are invited to submit an entry via the link in our shownotes. Poems can be about any subject or written in any language. Our fifth and final story is about guaranteed admissions to Colorado School of Mines. Story 5: The Mines Golden GuaranteeColorado School of Mines is offering guaranteed admissions to Colorado students who qualify and apply by the Nov. 1 priority application deadline. To qualify, students must be Colorado residents, have a 3.8+ unweighted GPA or an unweighted GPA plus a minimum 1420 SAT or 32 ACT composite. Students cannot have a grade below a B- in any math or science course and must have already completed pre-calc or trigonometry. Students must also have completed three years of lab-based science. To learn more, visit the Mines Golden Guarantee, linked in our show notes.

  5. Sep 24

    Cómo DPS está trabajando para aumentar la asistencia escolar con la ayuda de los Denver Broncos: EDUCA DPS Podcast

    En este episodio del pódcast EDUCA DPS, el locutor Beto Gaytán conversa con la Dra. Cori Canty, gerenta de mejora escolar y asistencia, sobre el papel fundamental que desempeña la asistencia regular en las Escuelas Públicas de Denver (DPS). Por qué la asistencia importa: La asistencia constante impulsa tanto el éxito académico como el desarrollo social y emocional. Es especialmente vital desde la educación infantil hasta 3.º de primaria, donde faltar a clase dificulta la transición de "aprender a leer" a "leer para aprender".Ausentismo crónico: Se define como perder el 10 % o más del año escolar (sea justificado o no). Las tasas alcanzaron su punto máximo durante la pandemia y, aunque están mejorando, siguen siendo un desafío clave.Iniciativas de DPS: El distrito colabora con la Fundación Denver Broncos y Attendance Works, ofrece incentivos para los estudiantes y envía reportes de progreso mensuales a las familias.Consejos para las familias: Monitorear la asistencia a través del Portal de Padres (Parent Portal), establecer rutinas nocturnas constantes y mantener una supervisión activa con estudiantes de todas las edades.

  6. Sep 24

    How DPS is working to increase attendance with help from the Denver Broncos: EDUCA DPS Podcast

    In this episode of the DPS EDUCA in English podcast, host Nicole Brady talks with Dr. Cori Canty, Manager of School Improvement and Attendance for Denver Public Schools, about the importance of consistent attendance and a new partnership with the Denver Broncos Attendance Network. Why Attendance Matters: Consistent attendance drives both academic success and social-emotional development. It is especially vital from early childhood through 3rd grade, where missing school hinders the transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn."Chronic Absenteeism: Defined as missing 10% or more of the school year (justified or not). Rates peaked during the pandemic, and while improving, they remain a key challenge.DPS Initiatives: A new partnership  with the Denver Broncos Foundation and Attendance Works, offers student incentives, and sends monthly progress reports to families.Tips for Families: Track attendance via the Parent Portal, set consistent evening routines, and maintain active guidance for students of all ages.

  7. Sep 22

    District Updates for Sep. 22, 2026: Hispanic Heritage Month, DSEAC and BESS Window is Now Open

    Our first story is about Hispanic Heritage Month. Story 1: Hispanic Heritage MonthDenver Public Schools is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place annually from September 15 to October 15. Today, 52% of nearly 90,000 students and more than 35% of our 18,000 staff identify as Hispanic or Latino. The lived experiences of our Latine students, families and staff remain central to our districtwide priorities. The DPS Latine Student Success team leads ongoing work dedicated to the academic achievement of our Latine scholars. We wanted to use this moment to share some key highlights from the Latine Student Success Impact Report, reflecting the remarkable progress and dedication of our students, educators and community. Key achievements include:  Achieving the largest READ Act growth across the district -> a 21% Growth in Foundational Reading SkillsSignificantly decreasing the number of students reading significantly below grade level. -> an 18% Reduction in Below Grade Level Readers: Demonstrating outstanding biliteracy outcomes in Spanish reading ->  77% Proficiency  in Bilingual K–3 Classrooms:Strengthening partnerships with families through targeted outreach and building deep relational trust within our school communities through professional learning. -> Family Engagement & Leadership Institute (FELI) Success. The LSS team recently made an Instagram page so staff and families can stay close to the impactful work they are doing. Give them a follow, and be on the lookout for local Hispanic Heritage Celebrations celebrations happening at schools and across Denver.  Our second story is about the Denver Special Education Advisory Committee Story 2: Denver Special Education Advisory Committee (DSEAC) The Denver Special Education Advisory Committee (DSEAC) is a district-level advisory group dedicated to improving outcomes for students with disabilities through collaborative and intentional community engagement. DSEAC membership includes parents, families and caregivers of DPS students with disabilities, DPS educators, school administrators, advocates, community partners and district leaders. If you are interested in participating in DSEAC,  head to our show notes to complete the DSEAC Membership Application. Our third Story is about the BESS Screening Window Story 3: BESS Screening Window is Now Open  The Behavioral and Emotional Screening System, better known as BESS, is now open. The BESS is a proactive screening tool, not a diagnostic assessment or evaluation. DPS has utilized the BESS for nearly a decade to support student mental health and screenings occur multiple times annually for all students across the district. A form can be completed in less than 5 minutes! Guardians can go to: tinyurl.com/bessparent, Enter your student’s DPS ID and date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY) and  complete the screening form.  To learn more, visit the link in our show notes (https://ess.dpsk12.org/o/studentequity/page/dpsscreening) or contact your student’s school.  That’s all for this week. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of DPS Snapshots. Please remember to like and subscribe to our show to never miss an episode. We’ll see you next time on DPS Snapshots.

  8. Sep 18

    Meet Dr. Stacey M. Park, New Chief of Academics for Denver Public Schools

    Communications Manager Nicole Brady sits down with Dr. Stacy M. Park, Denver Public Schools’ new Chief of Academics. Dr. Park shares her journey in education, the personal reason she always includes the "M" in her name, and how the  academics team under her leadership will work to drive success in DPS. Highlights of the episode include: Inside the Academics Team: How curriculum, special education, multilingual learning, and career readiness work together.What's New in Classrooms: Updates on curriculum in DPSCelebrating Academic Growth: What recent CMAS growth and back-to-back "Green" district performance ratings really meanSubscribe to the DPS Podcast for updates throughout the school year

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About

Welcome to the DPS Podcast—the official hub for all things Denver Public Schools! Tune in to hear inspiring student success stories, discover family-friendly tips and resources, and stay up-to-date on the latest district news. We’re here to make sure every DPS family has easy access to the information they need. Don't miss out—hit subscribe now and join the conversation!

Information

  • Creator
    Denver Public Schools
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    254
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Denver Public Schools Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Denver Public Schools Podcast

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