The Denver Public Schools Podcast

The Denver Public Schools Podcast

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!

Episodes

November 10, 2025 21 mins

DPS Communications and Community Engagement Manager Nicole Brady talks to DPS Director of Humanities Jennifer Begley about changes to improve literacy instruction.

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1.The DPS Board of Education election results remain unofficial until certification on Friday, Nov. 21. For updates, visit the Denver Elections Division website.
Current leaders:

  • Amy Klein Molk – Director At-Large
  • DJ Torres – District 3 (Central Denver)
  • Monica Hunter – District 4 (Northeast Denver)
  • Xóchitl Gaytán – District 2 (Southwest Denver)

New directors will be sworn in at a special BOE meeting on Dec. 2.

2. Prioritizin...

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October 31, 2025 3 mins

1. AI Resources for the DPS Community

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools offer endless opportunities for personalized learning experiences, a streamlining tasks and offering insights for areas of growth for students and staff. As DPS continues to integrate AI into spaces where we learn and work, we encourage families to review a the list of AI resources (Google Slides), linked in our shownotes, to learn more about AI and recommendat...

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In this week’s episode of EDUCA, DPS Nursing Services experts Marie Quinn and Nancy Cordova share how our district is taking proactive steps to protect our students and staff. They explain what Narcan is, how it works, and why DPS is making sure our schools are ready to respond in an emergency.

Opioid overdoses can happen anywhere, and the presence of fentanyl in our communities means it’s important for us all to stay info...

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En el episodio de esta semana de EDUCA, Marie Quinn y Nancy Cordova, expertas en Servicios de Enfermería de DPS, comparten cómo nuestro distrito está tomando medidas proactivas para proteger a nuestros estudiantes y personal. Explican qué es Narcan, cómo funciona y por qué DPS se asegura de que nuestras escuelas estén preparadas para responder en caso de emergencia.

Las sobredosis de opioides pueden ocurrir en cualquier lu...

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1. The Art of Storytelling! A Student Showcase Project

Does your student love graphic novels or comics? Library Services encourages first graders through seniors in non-charter schools to participate in the The Art of Storytelling Cartooning Student Showcase. Head to the link in our shownotes for entry requirements and details. Winners will be featured at the Steam Expo on May 2, 2026.

2. Five North High Student Films at the DocuWest...

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1. Ballot Initiatives for the Healthy School Meals for All Program

This November, Colorado residents will be asked to vote on two ballot initiatives, Proposition LL and Proposition MM, which would provide additional funding needed to sustain the Healthy School Meals for All program. Approved families will not be at risk of losing free meals if voters decide to not increase funding to the Healthy School Meals for All program. This me...

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October 10, 2025 30 mins

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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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October 2, 2025 21 mins

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...

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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...

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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 ...

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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...

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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 ...

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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...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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...
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