In this week’s episode of the EDUCA DPS Podcast, we’re joined by Leah Raffa, DPS Substance Prevention Specialist, and Vannessa Media Padilla, a dedicated school counselor from DC-21. Together they dive into the importance of substance use prevention and how our schools, families and communities can work together to support healthy, informed choices for our young people.

Leah shares insights on key risk factors, the critical role of mental health and the effectiveness of school-based prevention programs and what signs to watch for when it comes to substance misuse. You'll also hear practical strategies for families to help teens navigate peer pressure, media influences and emotional challenges.

En el episodio de esta semana del podcast EDUCA DPS, nos acompañan Leah Raffa, especialista en prevención de sustancias de DPS, y Vannessa Media Padilla, dedicada consejera escolar de DC-21. Juntas, profundizan en la importancia de la prevención del consumo de sustancias y en cómo nuestras escuelas, familias y comunidades pueden colaborar para promover decisiones saludables e informadas para nuestros jóvenes.

Leah comparte sus perspectivas sobre los factores de riesgo clave, el papel fundamental de la salud mental, la eficacia de los programas de prevención en las escuelas y las señales a las que debemos prestar atención en relación con el consumo indebido de sustancias. También escuchará estrategias prácticas para que las familias ayuden a los adolescentes a afrontar la presión social, la influencia de los medios de comunicación y los desafíos emocionales.

Escuche ahora en su plataforma favorita o vea el episodio en inglés y español.

1. The School Transformation Policy (STP)

The new School Transformation Policy (STP) will be effective starting in the 2025–26 school year, the goal is to improve schools so that no school has 4 or more years of red or orange performance ratings. In doing so, it empowers DPS to take earlier, locally-driven action when schools experience multiple years of low performance, before state intervention is required.

The policy applies to both district-run and charter schools and is tied to sustained low performance on the SPF:

• If schools have 1 to 3 years of Red or Orange SPF ratings - Schools will receive targeted support including: resources, changes to staffing or leadership, academic program adjustments, or entry into a turnaround network.
• If schools have 4 or more years of Red or Orange SPF ratings - The district may consider school replacement or closure. These decisions will follow a process grounded in community engagement and require Board of Education approval.

2. Summer 2025 Meals

The DPS Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a federally-funded, state-administered program that provides nutritious meals to children 18 years and younger at no charge. More information: Food and Nutrition Services website.

Also available over the summer is the Tasty Food Program. The City and County of Denver's Tasty Food Summer Meal Program runs Monday, June 9 through ​A​ug. 15. The program is open to all Denver youth ages 3–18, with no registration or ID required. More information about food sites and schedules is available on the Tasty Food website.

3. Gifted Testing Grades

Beginning in Fall 2025, Denver Public Schools will change when students are automatically tested for gifted identification. Instead of Kindergarten, 2nd, and 6th grades, students in 1st and 5th grades will now be tested. This change helps make access to gifted programs more fair and inclusive across the district. If your student is not in 1st or 5th grade, you can still nominate them for gifted testing. Learn more about the changes and testing nomination process.

4. Secure Funding for ECE-4

The state of Colorado offers up to 15 hours per week of free, state-funded preschool for 4-year-olds. Families who participated in the UPK program last year saved an average of $6,100 a year on preschool costs! Students who turn 4 on or before Oct. 1 are eligible for ECE-4 funding.

1. Submit your Round 2 DPS SchoolChoice application. dpsk12.org/prek
2. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis within school admission priorities.
3. Once you have accepted, it is time to submit your UPK application. This application is required to receive funding from the state.

5. Senior Feature: Meet Esther

In the final feature of our DPS Senior Spotlight series, we proudly shine the spotlight on Esther, an extraordinary student from Manual High School whose journey is as inspiring as it is powerful.

Esther moved to Denver from Uganda in 2023, arriving in a brand-new country without knowing anyone. Despite challenges, she wasted no time getting involved at Manual. In just a few years, she's become a role model and vital part of the school community.

Watch her story: https://youtu.be/WS5ezZGaR74

Have a great summer, DPS! See you next school year!