The Denver Public Schools Podcast

In this episode of the Marrero Moment, Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero sits down with DPS Chief Financial Officer Chuck Carpenter for a candid, accessible, and engaging conversation about the district’s financial health.

From what it means to hold a AAA credit rating, to how school budgets are built, to the external factors impacting our financial outlook — this episode breaks down complex topics in a way that families and...

1 Food Assistance Over Fall Break  

Tasty Food will be operating during DPS’ Thanksgiving break (Nov. 24-29) to help ensure that no child or youth goes hungry during their week off.

All Tasty Food sites will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27 in observance of Thanksgiving and Friday, Nov. 28 for the City and County of Denver furloughs. Saturday lunches will still be available for youth on Saturday, Nov. 29.

All youth ages three to 18 are ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...