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!

This week on the Black Voices in Color podcast, the co-hosts explore the power and potential of Black entrepreneurship. Their conversation aims to inspire the next generation to dream big and think boldly about building their own business. Co-host Josh, founder of Keys to the City, shares his journey as a young entrepreneur, proving that it's never too early to start creating your future.

Tune in to get inspired or listen in on your favorite podcast platform.

1. First Annual DPS Seal of Climate Literacy

Denver Public Schools is proud to celebrate innovative young climate leaders who were awarded the Seal of Climate Literacy, a new diploma endorsement recognizing student action, advocacy and knowledge about climate change. During a special event at North High School, students from across the district gathered together to celebrate the sustainability projects that earned them the seal.

Watch the full recap by visiting the link in our show notes: https://youtu.be/-6sowtt4ymY

2. Upcoming at FACE University Session

Join us for a powerful 30-minute session designed to equip parents and caregivers with tools to support students facing stress and uncertainty. In this quick but impactful workshop, participants will learn practical ways to help your child cope with environmental stressors, build family-wide resilience and navigate challenges while waiting for therapy or additional support. Empower your family with connection, compassion and real-world strategies!The session titled: Supporting Students During Times of Uncertainty is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27 from 5–5:30 p.m., on Zoom.

3. Fidelity Scholars Program Recipients

Ten Northfield High School students have been selected for the Fidelity Scholars Program, an impressive achievement in the program’s first year of eligibility for Colorado students. Since 2023, Fidelity has awarded nearly 600 scholarships across 11 states, totaling more than $9 million.

The program uses a last-dollar model, covering remaining college costs after family contributions and other financial aid, significantly reducing or eliminating student debt. Scholarships cover tuition, room and board at in-state institutions and are renewable for four years, provided students maintain a 2.5 GPA, complete the FAFSA annually and remain engaged with the program.

In addition to financial support, scholars benefit from financial education, success coaching and mentorship to help them thrive throughout college and beyond.

4. DPS Coach Mentoring Program: Calling All Industry Professionals!

Join DPS on June 16 from noon-1 p.m. for an informational webinar to learn about the DPS Coach Mentoring Program for the 2025-26 school year. We are seeking partners in all industries, companies and organizations. Impact students with this community volunteer opportunity and support them along their career/post-secondary journey. RSVP via the link in our shownotes .

5. East High School Principal Named as a Finalist for NASSP Principal of the Year

On Monday, Terita Walker, Principal of Denver East High School, was named a finalist for the High School National Principal of the Year award by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Terita was selected as the 2025 Colorado High School Principal of the Year in February and is one of six finalists selected for the National award.

The winner will be announced at the National Conference of School Leadership in July. We’re crossing our fingers that Terita is named the overall winner!

May is Asian American Pacific Islander Month and Jewish American Heritage Month. To celebrate, DPS created two videos

• The DPS AAPI story features Ali, a senior at East High School, who helped bring the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) History class into her school's curriculum. https://youtu.be/MYvb2ttmKwE
• And the DPS Jewish American Heritage Video showcases how Jewish students are finding connections and community through Jewish Cultural Clubs, offered in partnership with JEWISHColorado. https://youtu.be/9gscaJ8k2Dg

1. Accessibility Updates

In June 2021, Colorado passed House Bill 21-1110 to strengthen state discrimination laws for people with disabilities. It makes sure that everyone has access to digital content created by local government organizations, including school districts.

As a result some school branding, websites and school content may look a little different to ensure accessibility in the upcoming school year.

Watch a video about accessibility in action at DPS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCRQSYk_GhQ

If you’re a DPS employee, school leader or curious staff member, you can learn more on Digital Accessibility page on The Commons.

2. Join LEAC and Support Latine Students in DPS

NOW accepting applications for our Latine Education Advisory Council (LEAC) through June 9! LEAC seeks to improve educational opportunities and to provide quality education for Latine students across Denver Public Schools. We are looking for students, families, staff and community members to join our council. Apply today!

3. Collecting Student Technology for the End of the School Year

To ensure DPS is prepared for students to have Chromebooks at the start of next school year, all students must return their Chromebook and charger at the end of this school year.

Students should also return their hotspot and hotspot charger if they have one. Graduating seniors must turn in all of their equipment. If there is any intentional damage or loss, a fee will be added to the student's MySchoolBucks account.

4. DPS Senior Spotlight: Meet Keana

Keana (Kay-ana) is a senior at John F. Kennedy High School who brought heart, hustle and humility to everything she did throughout her high school experience. A top student and star athlete, she earned the DPS Female Athlete of the Year for her school and holds records in basketball. Off the courts, Keana is known for lifting up her peers and creating space for others to succeed.

After graduation she’s heading to Colorado State University to study business and encourages young students to get involved, show up and take command of their future. Congrats, Keana! Watch her story here. https://youtu.be/91UygI99lkc

5. Back to School Events

While some students and teachers are counting down the days until summer, some DPS team members are counting down the days until the 2025-26 school year begins! DPS is looking forward to welcoming families in Aug. 2025 at their 2025 Back to School events!

• Free school supplies
• Family-friendly activities
• Opportunities to connect with DPS programs and resources

Back to School events:

• Aug. 9 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at Lincoln HS
• Aug. 13 from 3–7 p.m. at Manual HS
• Aug. 16 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. – Evie Dennis Campus

RSVP here.

1. TAW Winners

All week, DPS has been celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week with educator-exclusive discounts, student quotes and classroom grant giveaways! In partnership with the DPS Foundation and the DPS Communications Department, nine lucky teachers were randomly selected to receive grants that can be used toward their classrooms for next school year.

$500 Grant Winners:

Aomi Diaz - George Washington High

Emily Bevington - North High

Emilie Kelley - McGlone Academy

Josephine Tierney - Oakland Elementary

Deborah Grunewald - Florida Pitt Waller

Ashton Gutierrez - Inspire

Nhu Mai Pham - Grant Ranch

Daniel Hopkins - DC 21

$1,000 Grant Winner

Cody Clark - Hamilton Middle School

Congratulations to this year’s winners!

2. Social Media Trend Involving Chromebooks

There is a social media trend that encourages the destruction and burning of school-issued Chromebooks. Please do not promote this trend and do not encourage your students to engage in this behavior. This behavior poses significant safety risks to students and staff. Chromebooks are powered by lithium batteries and attempting to set fire to one can lead to explosions, severe burns or even cause building fires. Participating in this behavior will result in disciplinary consequences and could potentially lead to legal repercussions for students.

DPS encourages parents and guardians to have conversations with their students about the risks of participating in harmful online trends, and to help reinforce the importance of responsible and safe use of school-issued technology.

If your student becomes aware of any behavior related to this trend, please encourage them to contact a trusted adult at school.

3. DPS Seal of Biliteracy

Students from across the district gathered with their families, friends and educators for the annual DPS Seal of Biliteracy Celebration. The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to students who show their proficiency in two or more languages. This year, over 1,500 students received their seal! This is a record number for DPS! Congratulations to the students for all their hard work throughout their time in high school to reach this milestone.

4. DPS Teacher Feature - Miss Denver

During the school day, her students at Swansea Elementary call her Miss Kat. But after the bell rings, this passionate and dedicated special education teacher has another name– Miss Denver.

Katya Lopez, former Miss San Antonio and current Miss Denver, brings her love for learning to everything she does. As a Teach For America Corps member, Katya moved to Colorado to support students with disabilities. Katya loves using her performance background to connect with students by reading, singing and sharing the power of art to help young minds express themselves and grow.

Full story https://youtu.be/QQxu28tTo6s

5. Valdez Elementary Reducing Food Waste

This year, in an effort to reduce food waste, Valdez started a compost coordinators program where each second grade class selected two coordinators. Kolby, Soledad, William and Zia now oversee the disposal of waste during their lunch period, instructing their peers to separate compostable materials from trash with a watchful eye on the compost bin to ensure their guidance is followed.

Valdez has started incorporating a share table, thanks to a collaboration with local organization, We Don’t Waste. Students contribute uneaten food in its original packaging or purchased from the school to the share table throughout the lunch day. The food is then stored for use during after school programming.

The full story.

1. Measles

Large measles outbreaks are occurring throughout the United States, including in states bordering or close to Colorado. Measles is more than a rash. It's a serious respiratory illness that can lead to severe complications. Measles is easily spread and can remain in the air for up to two hours and stays on surfaces, too. If one person has it, nine out of 10 people who are unprotected around them will get measles. A person can spread measles to others even before they show symptoms.

Making sure your student is protected is key to keeping your family and community safe. Find a vaccine provider near you by visiting cdphe.colorado.gov/immunizations/get-vaccinated.

2. Seal of Climate Literacy Awards Ceremony

Friends and Family of HS students who have achieved the Seal of Climate Literacy are invited to celebrate students' climate action at the awards ceremony at North HS on May 12, 5:00-7:00. You can RSVP via the link in our shownotes

3. FACE University Zoom

Join FACE University on Tuesday, May 27 from 5–5:30 p.m. on Zoom for a powerful 30-minute session designed to equip parents and caregivers with tools to support students facing stress and uncertainty. Attendees will learn practical ways to help their student(s) cope with environmental stressors, build family-wide resilience and navigate challenges while waiting for therapy or additional support. Register with the link in our shownotes- Supporting Students During Times of Uncertainty |

4. DPS Spark Summer Job Shadow Program: Application Deadline Monday!

Do you know a 7th or 8th grade student? Encourage them to join the job shadow program this summer! Participants receive an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a career path, hands-on experience and get to meet professionals in the field! We have the application form linked in our shownotes, and apply quickly because the deadline is Monday, May 5!

5. Attendance Reminder Mayor's YouthWorks Initiative: Upcoming Job Fairs
The Mayor’s YouthWorks Initiative rewards eligible youth for their employment over the summer. If you meet the requirements and complete all steps, you can receive a $500 retention bonus in the fall! Applications are open now through July 1. Join an upcoming in-person or virtual job fair to learn about available opportunities through this program.

We have the Mayor’s YouthWorks Initiative website linked in our shownotes for more information.

Interested in other summer programs? Use the Denver Youth Program Locator to find summer opportunities near you.

Thank you to the external team for their help in producing this week’s episode. Make sure you’re liking and subscribing to never miss a show! Tune in next week! See you then!