DPS Snapshots Show with Natalie B.- District Updates for Dec. 14

1 SchoolChoice 

DPS SchoolChoice Round 1 for the 2026-27 school year is now open until 4 p.m. on Jan. 20! This annual open enrollment process is for any student who wants or needs to attend a new school next year.

To apply: Visit schoolchoice.dpsk12.org/apply.

If you are applying for ECE, please head to the SchoolChoice website for more details regarding Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) application. 

2. RASA Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New Middle School Wing

DPS celebrated a major milestone at Responsive Arts & STEAM Academy (RASA) with the official ribbon cutting for the school’s brand-new middle school wing. This expansion transforms RASA from a K–5 into a K–8 campus, providing students with intentionally designed classrooms and dynamic STEAM learning spaces.

With this new wing, RASA students now have a continuous and supportive pathway for learning, exploration, and growth. We invite our community to visit, experience the space, and see firsthand how this investment is shaping the future for our young learners.

Watch the full recap https://youtu.be/wuF2XcwjHLs

3. Multilingual Families and Community Members Invited to the MLE DAC on Dec. 10

Join the Multilingual Education (MLE) District Advisory Committee (DAC) on Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 9-11 a.m., at The Lowry Conference Center. The Committee will discuss ACCESS testing, state testing and attendance, focusing on their importance for language development, academic progress and preparation. Additionally, they will highlight how regular school attendance directly contributes to your child's success and social well-being. Breakfast, childcare and interpretation will be available. Attendees are encouraged to pre-register. Staff are also highly encouraged to attend. For more information, visit the MLE website.

4. Introducing Your New DPS Board of Education

On Nov. 22, Denver Public Schools officially swore in the newly elected Board of Education (BOE) directors. During a Special BOE Meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2, the BOE elected new officers. The new DPS Board of Education is as follows:

• Xóchitl Gaytán - District 2, President
• Monica Hunter - District 4, Vice President
• Dr. Donald “DJ” Torres - District 3, Treasurer
• Marlene De La Rosa - District 5, Secretary
• Kimberlee Sia - District 1
• Amy Klein Molk - At-Large
• John Youngquist - At-Large

5. DPS Celebrates Native American Heritage Month Through Student Art

Students from across Denver Public Schools gathered at South High School to create a powerful and vibrant sidewalk art installation in honor of Native American Heritage Month. The event brought together Native students, La Raza Culture Club and Latinos in Action to celebrate culture, identity and unity.

Using chalk, students filled the sidewalk with traditional symbols, messages such as Every Child Matters and artwork representing their diverse cultures. This is the first year the celebration has grown into a districtwide collaboration, and students hope even more schools will participate in the future.

Watch the recap video. 

That’s all for this week! Stay warm, friends!