The Denver Public Schools Podcast

En el episodio de esta semana del podcast de EDUCA DPS, Mario Quezada habla sobre el proceso SchoolChoice o EscojoMiEscuela, fechas importantes y cómo navegar el sistema con éxito. SchoolChoice o EscojoMiEscuela permite a las familias encontrar la mejor opción para sus estudiantes en las Escuelas Públicas de Denver. Mira la conversación en inglés y en español. También puedes encontrarlo en tu plat...

1. Denver Public Schools Files Immediate Temporary Restraining Order on Sensitive Location Revocation On Jan. 21, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the rescission of  immigration enforcement guidelines, which originated more than 30 years ago. Specifically, this policy restricted enforcement actions near sensitive locations, including schools. A DHS press release confirmed that t...

In the latest episode of the Black Voices in Color Podcast, hosts Joshua, Savannah, Anai and Paris dive into their purpose as leaders within the DPS community. Tune in to hear their thoughts on the importance of being selected for this impactful role, their commitment to inspiring others and using their voices to drive positive change. This episode also previews an upcoming discussion on Black stu...

Denver Schools Thrive Initiative Facility Utilization Survey DPS wants to engage with the communities directly impacted by the school closures announced late last year to determine what to do with the closed buildings for the 2026-27 school year and beyond. If you were impacted by the recent school closures, please take the survey to provide feedback. The survey will be open until February 14.  Yo...

1. Denver Schools Thrive Initiative Facility Utilization Survey If you recall, on November 22 the Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the Superintendent’s Recommendation to close 7 schools and restructure grade levels for 3 schools to address the impact of declining enrollment in Denver. Now, DPS wants to engage with the communities directly impacted by these closures to determine what...

En el programa de esta semana, Libby Malone y Cristina DeCuir-Delgado, psicólogas escolares certificadas a nivel nacional, analizan los recursos de salud mental disponibles en las escuelas para los estudiantes de DPS. Libby y Cristina también comparten consejos para que los padres apoyen a sus alumnos durante el año escolar.  No se pierda esta interesante conversación: mírela en inglés y español,...

In this week’s show, Libby Malone and Cristina DeCuir-Delgado, nationally certified school psychologists, discuss the school-based mental health resources available for students at DPS. Libby and Cristina also share tips for parents on supporting their students as they navigate the school year.  Don’t miss this insightful conversation -- watch in English and Spanish , or listen on your favorite po...

1. Immigration Resources for Families A Family Resource Toolkit is available to you in English and Spanish , and contains information and resources about rights, current DPS policies, training, mental health support, DPS resources, community resources and more. The toolkit is a comprehensive guide designed to assist families in creating personalized action plans in case of deportation or prolonged...

In this Marrero Moment, DPS celebrates the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year -- Janet Damon, a history teacher at DELTA High School and proud DPS alumni. Tune in to hear Janet share her journey and aspirations. 

1. SchoolChoice is Now Open! DPS SchoolChoice Round 1 for the 2025-26 school year is now open through 4 p.m. on Feb. 18! This annual open enrollment process is for any student who wants or needs to attend a new school next year, particularly incoming ECE-3, kindergarten, sixth- and ninth-grade students.*  To submit your application: Research your school options using School Finder and the Enrollme...

1. MLK Jr Marade The Martin Luther King Jr.  Marade will take place on Monday, Jan. 20 to honor civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. You did hear correctly–this annual event is called a “Marade” because it combines a march and a parade. The purpose of the holiday is to unify and educate communities. The MLK Youth Education Committee will host a Youth Talent Show on Saturday, Jan. 1...

In this EDUCA DPS Podcast, Julissa Soto, vaccine global ambassador and CEO of Latino Health Equity Consulting, shares her innovative approach to informing families about vaccines through her program, “One School, One Vaccine at a Time” (Una Escuela, Una Vacuna a la Vez). The programs culturally responsive and fun vaccine events provide wellness education, community resources and routine immunizati...

En este podcast de EDUCA DPS, Julissa Soto, embajadora mundial de vacunas y directora ejecutiva de Latino Health Equity Consulting, comparte su enfoque innovador para informar a las familias sobre las vacunas a través de su programa, “Una escuela, una vacuna a la vez”. la Vez). Los eventos de vacunación divertidos y culturalmente receptivos del programa brindan educación sobre el bienestar, recurs...

1. 2025-26 School Choice Round 1 is Almost Here & Enrollment Guides are Available Online As Natalie shared last week, the DPS SchoolChoice Round 1 enrollment window for the 2025-26 school year opens at 10 a.m. on Jan. 15 and runs through Feb. 18, 2025 at 4 p.m. Learn more about SchoolChoice, check out the SchoolChoice explainer video . The 2025-26 Enrollment Guides are also a great SchoolChoic...

1. 2025-26 School Choice Round 1 is Almost Here & Enrollment Guides are Available Online The DPS SchoolChoice Round 1 enrollment window for the 25-26 school year opens at 10am on Jan. 15 and runs through Feb. 18, 2025 at 4pm. Want to learn more about the School Choice Process? SchoolChoice explainer video . Speaking of–the Enrollment Guides for the 2025-26 school year are now available online,...

In this week’s EDUCA DPS Podcast episode, we welcome Dr. Patricia Hurrieta, Director of the Latine Student Success Team and Liliana Sanchez Cruz, program manager who dive into La Raza Report. The report outlines critical discussion on the opportunities Denver Public Schools and the broader Denver community have to improve outcomes for Latine students. The episode explores actionable strategies to...

En el episodio del Podcast de EDUCA DPS de esta semana, le damos la bienvenida a la Dra. Patricia Hurrieta, directora del Equipo de Éxito Estudiantil Latino y a Liliana Sánchez Cruz, gerente de programa, quienes profundizan en el Informe La Raza. El informe describe una discusión crítica sobre las oportunidades que tienen las Escuelas Públicas de Denver y la comunidad de Denver en general para mej...

1. Upcoming Winter Break  Winter Break is almost here! DPS students are off beginning  Monday, December 23- Monday, January 6. Students return to school Tuesday, January 7. Please check your school specific calendars for more information.  DPS Employees–your schedule likely looks a little different. We’ll link the different employee calendars in our shownotes.  2. Tasty Food Sites Winter Break Sch...

In the latest episode of the Marrero Moment, Dr. Patricia Hurrieta of the Latine Student Success Team and Michael Atkins, Director of the Black Student Success Team, share their insights on supporting students and creating pathways to success.  Tune in for an inspiring conversation about fostering inclusion, empowering students and making a lasting impact on the student experience at DPS.  https:/...

1. DPS School Thrives Initiative The board has voted to approve the recommendation for the 2025-26 school year, meaning that: Columbian Elementary , Castro Elementary , Schmitt Elementary , International Academy of Denver at Harrington , Palmer Elementary , Denver School for Innovation and Sustainable Design , West Middle All will be closing at the end of this year and will not reopen for the 2025...

1. Denver Schools Thrive Initiative and Addressing Declining Enrollment in Denver  The Superintendent made his recommendation to address the impact of declining enrollment in our district last week. Schools recommended for closure: Columbian Elementary  Castro Elementary Schmitt Elementary  International Academy of Denver at Harrington Palmer Elementary Denver School for Innovation and Sustainable...

In this week’s episode of the EDUCA DPS Podcast, Courtney Kallas, a Special Education teacher at DPS, talks in depth about the Self-Determination Center. Tune in to hear firsthand how the center is helping young adults set and achieve personal goals, explore career pathways and prepare for life beyond high school.  Watch in English and Spanish. Listen in on your favorite podcast platform by search...

En el episodio de esta semana del Podcast de EDUCA DPS, Courtney Kallas, maestra de Educación Especial de DPS, habla en profundidad sobre el Centro de Autodeterminación. Sintonícese para escuchar de primera mano cómo el centro está ayudando a los adultos jóvenes a establecer y alcanzar metas personales, explorar trayectorias profesionales y prepararse para la vida más allá de la escuela secundaria...

1. Denver Schools Thrive Initiative and Addressing Declining Enrollment The following schools have been impacted:  Elementary schools recommended for Closure:  Columbian Elementary Castro Elementary Schmitt Elementary International Academy of Denver at Harrington Palmer Elementary Secondary Schools Recommended for Closure Denver School for Innovation and Sustainable Design West Middle Schools with...

1. Read your whole ballot  Tuesday is election day, so make sure you get out and vote!  This year’s ballot is the longest in Denver history. Resist the urge to skim or skip sections! Every item matters.  Keep an eye out for ballot measure 4A - it will be near the end of your ballot. It asks Denver voters to approve the passage of a 975 million dollar bond investment for Denver Public Schools. If a...