The Denver Public Schools Podcast

In this episode of the EDUCA DPS Podcast, Grant Van Pelt, a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and Dr. Jane Lineman, Student Safety Coordinator with Denver Public Schools, discuss suicide prevention and the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces for our students.

The conversation highlights key warning signs, strategies for talking with someone who may be in crisis, and resources available for youth and fami...

En este episodio del Podcast de EDUCA DPS, hablamos sobre un tema de gran importancia: la prevención del suicidio.
El psicólogo escolar Grant Van Pelt comparte información vital sobre cómo identificar señales de advertencia, cómo crear entornos de apoyo en nuestras escuelas y comunidades, y qué recursos existen para quienes enfrentan una crisis de salud mental.

Denver Public Schools continúa comprometido en servir al n...

The newest show in the DPS Podcast network spotlights a DPS staff member and their amazing journey and how they bring that experience to serve our students and schools every day. 

In the first episode of DPS Stories, Roberto “Beto” Gaytan, lead producer and Emmy Award-winning storyteller, shares his journey from arriving in Denver and learning English, to becoming an on-air radio personality who has interviewed some of Latin America...

1. SchoolChoice Round 1 

In case you missed it, the SchoolChoice Round 1 window is earlier this year! For 2026-27, the application will open at 10 a.m. on Dec. 2, 2025, and close at 4 p.m. on Jan. 20, 2026. Families will be notified of placement results in late February.

As a reminder, SchoolChoice is for any student who wants or needs to attend a new school for the following school year. All incoming ECE students, as well as incomin...

In The Lesson Plan, host Nicole Brady takes listeners inside Denver Public Schools to explore how instruction, curriculum, and innovative teaching practices are shaping brighter futures for students. Each episode breaks down complex education topics into conversations anyone can understand, whether you’re a parent, teacher, student, or community member.

In this episode, Nicole is joined by Jessica Piwko, Executive Director...

1. Canine Weapons Detection

The Department of Climate and Safety is launching a Canine Weapon Detection Program at select DPS sporting events this semester. Safety means more than preventing harm – it’s about creating spaces where students and staff feel supported, comfortable, and able to thrive. Adding canine teams at events provides reassurance and helps the DPS community focus on learning, connection and school spirit.

You can Re...

In the latest EDUCA DPS Podcast, Nathalie Valencia and Kelly Bravo discuss FAFSA, CASFA and the many opportunities DPS students have to access college and career pathways. 

Tune in to hear how DPS is expanding access to higher education and supporting every student’s journey towards college and career success. Listen in English and in Spanish or on your preferred podcast platform. 

Thank you to our sponsor CSU Global! Turn ...

En el último podcast de EDUCA DPS, Nathalie Valencia y Kelly Bravo hablan sobre la FAFSA, CASFA y las numerosas oportunidades que tienen los estudiantes de DPS para acceder a sus carreras universitarias y profesionales.

Sintonízalo para descubrir cómo DPS está ampliando el acceso a la educación superior y apoyando el camino de cada estudiante hacia el éxito universitario y profesional. Escúchalo en inglés y español o en tu...

1. Submit Nominations For Storytelling Campaign

DPS is launching a storytelling campaign to celebrate the incredible students and educators across our community. In this campaign, the word “Public” in Denver Public Schools is replaced with five empowering adjectives — Passionate, Personalized, Powerful, Prestigious and Proud — to highlight what makes DPS amazing.

We’re inviting YOU to nominate a student, educator, team of people, or ...

1. Tell Your Students About SHIFT: Students for Health, Innovation, Facts and Truth

SHIFT, a program from Student Voice and Leadership, is a new, year-long, paid leadership opportunity for middle and high schoolers. This opportunity focuses on uplifting student input to design the future of sexual health education and student voice at DPS. Any middle or high schooler should apply if they are interested in health-related topics, educ...

On this week’s episode of the DPS Education Podcast
We’re joined by Dr. O’Neil from CSU Global to talk about opportunities for educators to earn their teacher and principal licensure 100% online. Dr. O’Neil shares how CSU Global’s flexible, asynchronous model makes professional growth possible for busy teachers while focusing on the skills our students need today—and in the future.

Listen now to learn more about how CSU Global ...

1. Celebrating SPF Ratings 

On 9/3, the Colorado Department of Education released its annual District Performance Framework (DPFs) and School Performance Framework (SPFs) reports. 

For the second time in history, Denver Public Schools’ preliminary district rating is Accredited! This rating is most commonly known as “green.” It’s one of the highest rankings a district can receive! We’re proud to announce, 98 DPS schools were rated as ...

1. Celebrating Attendance Growth Across DPS

Team DPS visited Legacy Options High School and Cheltenham Elementary to celebrate each school’s improvement in attendance! 

• Legacy Options High School improved their overall attendance from 78.19% to 83.17% for a total improvement of 4.98%. They also decreased chronic absenteeism from 73.68% to 64.49% for a total improvement of -9.20%!
• Cheltenham Elementary increased their overall atten...

The Lesson Plan takes you inside the classrooms of Denver Public Schools to explore how better curriculum, stronger instruction, and intentional strategies are driving student success. Hosted by Nicole Brady, this podcast brings you candid conversations with district leaders, educators, and experts who are shaping the learning experience every day.

In our debut episode, Nicole sits down with Dr. Simone Wright, DPS Chief of Academics...

1. DPS Special Education Advisory Committee (DSEAC) 2025-26 Applications Now Open

The DPS Special Education Department is seeking members for the 2025-26 Denver Special Education Advisory Committee (DSEAC)! This district-wide advisory group includes DPS parents, students, educators, administrators and community members dedicated to advancing special education programs and outcomes for students with disabilities. Applications are lin...

1. DPS App & Rooms
We’re excited to announce the launch of Rooms, our new two-way messaging feature, fully integrated into the official DPS app. You no longer need multiple accounts or apps to stay informed about your child’s school and district updates. Rooms allows you to receive important announcements, communicate with teachers, and keep track of coursework all in one convenient location.

Search for “Denver Public School...

In this episode, we dive into Universal Preschool (UPK) and explore how it’s making a difference for families across Denver. We also highlight how the Denver Public Library’s Summer Program helped make this conversation possible through their generous sponsorship. 📚✨

Don’t miss this engaging discussion about early learning, community partnerships, and the role of libraries in supporting young scholars.

Visit the Denver Public Librar...

En este episodio, profundizamos en el Preescolar Universal (UPK) y exploramos cómo está marcando la diferencia para las familias de Denver. También destacamos cómo el Programa de Verano de la Biblioteca Pública de Denver hizo posible esta conversación gracias a su generoso patrocinio. 📚✨

No se pierdan esta interesante charla sobre aprendizaje temprano, colaboraciones comunitarias y el papel de las bibliotecas en el apoyo ...

En este episodio especial, orgullosamente patrocinado por la Biblioteca Pública de Denver, le damos la bienvenida a Cat Lovejoy, conectora comunitaria bilingüe del Centro de Defensa Infantil de Denver. Juntos, profundizamos en uno de los problemas más urgentes que enfrentan los jóvenes hoy en día: el estrés adolescente. Desde la presión de las redes sociales hasta el desarrollo de la identidad y las relaciones con los compañeros, e...