DPS Snapshots Show with Natalie B. - District Updates for May 16

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.