1. DPS School Thrives Initiative
The board has voted to approve the recommendation for the 2025-26 school year, meaning that: Columbian Elementary, Castro Elementary, Schmitt Elementary, International Academy of Denver at Harrington, Palmer Elementary, Denver School for Innovation and Sustainable Design, West Middle

All will be closing at the end of this year and will not reopen for the 2025-26 school year. Grade level restructures will take place at: Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy, Dora Moore, Denver Center for International Studies - Baker

Denver Schools Thrive Initiative webpage.

2. FREE meals and Snacks for Youth at Tasty Food sites

Tasty Food sites are OPEN from Nov. 25 to Nov. 29 serving FREE meals and snacks for youth ages 3-18. No registration or ID needed. Visit their website.

3. FACE University

There are three upcoming offerings with FACE university.

a. Homework Help for Parents on Wed., Dec. 4 from 3-4 p.m.

Register, or join the Facebook live.

b. DPS College and Career Success will be on Dec. 10 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Register or join the Facebook live.

c. Family Leadership Programs

Round 2 launches in Jan. 2025! Pre-register using the interest form.

4. 2023-24 Climate Action and Accountability Annual Report

The DPS Sustainability Team’s 2023-24 Climate Action and Accountability Annual Report documents progress toward DPS’ 2028 climate action goals.

The report is available in English and Spanish, access the one-page summaries in English and Spanish.

Email the Dept. of Sustainability: dept_sustainability@dpsk12.net.

5. 2025 Colorado Outstanding Assistant Principal

Congratulations to Hazael Roman-Lagunas, the Munroe Elementary Assistant Principal, who was named the 2025 Colorado Outstanding Assistant Principal (COAP) for elementary schools by the Colorado Association of Elementary School Principals.

1. Denver Schools Thrive Initiative and Addressing Declining Enrollment in Denver

The Superintendent made his recommendation to address the impact of declining enrollment in our district last week.
Schools recommended for closure:

• Columbian Elementary
• Castro Elementary
• Schmitt Elementary
• International Academy of Denver at Harrington
• Palmer Elementary
• Denver School for Innovation and Sustainable Design
• West Middle

Grade Level Restructures.

• Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy
• Dora Moore
• Denver Center for International Studies - Baker

Team DPS has made each of the affected schools an individual school webpage that explains the specific rationale for why the school is a part of the Superintendent's recommendation.

The Board of Education will vote on this recommendation on Nov. 21.

If you have questions, I encourage you to visit the Denver Schools Thrive Initiative Web Page.

2. National School Psychology Week

This week, schools across the country celebrated National School Psychology Week (NSPW) to highlight the important work of school psychologists in helping students succeed. In DPS, we have more than 200 licensed school psychologists and graduate students supporting student success through both big-picture efforts and one-on-one services.

3. Upcoming Webinar: Talking With Your Kids About Substance Use

Join the DPS Substance Use Prevention Team on Nov. 20 at noon for an informative session on how to discuss substance use with your children. This conversation can be daunting, but the team is here to help you navigate it. Register here through the link. Spanish interpretation will be available.

4. Find Out if you Qualify for Government Benefits at MyFriendBen!

It’s a tool that screens for over 50 public benefits, including funds specific to Denver like property tax rebates, afterschool programming and more. On average, in six minutes you will know the cash value of those programs and the time it takes to apply so you can quickly decide what’s right for you.

Go online right now to see if you qualify. Questions? Find answers about MyFriendBen.

5. November is Native American Heritage Month

Are you curious about learning more about Native American Heritage Month? I’ll link some resources in our shownotes.

En el episodio de esta semana del Podcast de EDUCA DPS, Courtney Kallas, maestra de Educación Especial de DPS, habla en profundidad sobre el Centro de Autodeterminación. Sintonícese para escuchar de primera mano cómo el centro está ayudando a los adultos jóvenes a establecer y alcanzar metas personales, explorar trayectorias profesionales y prepararse para la vida más allá de la escuela secundaria.

Míralo en inglés y español. Escuche en su plataforma de podcast favorita mediante la búsqueda, simplemente busque The Denver Public Schools Podcast.