The Denver Public Schools Podcast

The Lesson Plan takes you inside the classrooms of Denver Public Schools to explore how better curriculum, stronger instruction, and intentional strategies are driving student success. Hosted by Nicole Brady, this podcast brings you candid conversations with district leaders, educators, and experts who are shaping the learning experience every day.

In our debut episode, Nicole sits down with Dr. Simone Wright, DPS Chief of Academics...

1. DPS Special Education Advisory Committee (DSEAC) 2025-26 Applications Now Open

The DPS Special Education Department is seeking members for the 2025-26 Denver Special Education Advisory Committee (DSEAC)! This district-wide advisory group includes DPS parents, students, educators, administrators and community members dedicated to advancing special education programs and outcomes for students with disabilities. Applications are lin...

1. DPS App & Rooms
We’re excited to announce the launch of Rooms, our new two-way messaging feature, fully integrated into the official DPS app. You no longer need multiple accounts or apps to stay informed about your child’s school and district updates. Rooms allows you to receive important announcements, communicate with teachers, and keep track of coursework all in one convenient location.

Search for “Denver Public School...

In this episode, we dive into Universal Preschool (UPK) and explore how it’s making a difference for families across Denver. We also highlight how the Denver Public Library’s Summer Program helped make this conversation possible through their generous sponsorship. 📚✨

Don’t miss this engaging discussion about early learning, community partnerships, and the role of libraries in supporting young scholars.

Visit the Denver Public Librar...

En este episodio, profundizamos en el Preescolar Universal (UPK) y exploramos cómo está marcando la diferencia para las familias de Denver. También destacamos cómo el Programa de Verano de la Biblioteca Pública de Denver hizo posible esta conversación gracias a su generoso patrocinio. 📚✨

No se pierdan esta interesante charla sobre aprendizaje temprano, colaboraciones comunitarias y el papel de las bibliotecas en el apoyo ...

En este episodio especial, orgullosamente patrocinado por la Biblioteca Pública de Denver, le damos la bienvenida a Cat Lovejoy, conectora comunitaria bilingüe del Centro de Defensa Infantil de Denver. Juntos, profundizamos en uno de los problemas más urgentes que enfrentan los jóvenes hoy en día: el estrés adolescente. Desde la presión de las redes sociales hasta el desarrollo de la identidad y las relaciones con los compañeros, e...

In this special episode, proudly sponsored by the Denver Public Library, we welcome Cat Lovejoy, bilingual community connector with the Denver Children's Advocacy Center. Together, we dive into one of the most pressing issues facing youth today: teen stress. From social media pressures to identity development and peer relationships, we explore what’s really going on inside the minds of teens, and how we can help.

Cat ...

Black Voices in Color – Mentorship
In this episode of Black Voices in Color, we explore the power of mentorship, who counts as a mentor, why we need them, and how they help shape our personal and professional growth. From broken chargers to spiritual guidance, from TikTok breaks to real-life role models, this episode is full of laughs, reflection, and real talk.

Produced by Denver Public Schools, this podcast centers B...

Welcome to Black Voices in Color, a student-produced podcast from Denver Public Schools that amplifies the voices of Black students across the district. In this episode, hosts Annai, Paris, Savannah, and Josh reflect on the powerful moments from the 5280 Student Voice and Leadership Summit at the Colorado History Museum — where students tackled real issues like declining enrollment and school violence with bold proposals, creative ...

This week on a very special edition of DPS Snapshots, we’re sitting down with Katia Lopez—special education teacher by day, Miss Denver by night! 

Katia shares her incredible journey from a shy little girl in Texas to a fierce advocate for educational equity and the arts. Find out how a childhood love of theater, a big role in The Wizard of Oz, and a coffee chat with Miss Texas led her to the classroom—and the Miss America stage.

You...

En el episodio de esta semana del podcast EDUCA DPS, nos acompañan Leah Raffa, especialista en prevención de sustancias de DPS, y Vannessa Media Padilla, dedicada consejera escolar de DC-21. Juntas, profundizan en la importancia de la prevención del consumo de sustancias y en cómo nuestras escuelas, familias y comunidades pueden colaborar para promover decisiones saludables e informadas para nuestros jóvenes.

Leah comparte...

In this week’s episode of the EDUCA DPS Podcast, we’re joined by Leah Raffa, DPS Substance Prevention Specialist, and Vannessa Media Padilla, a dedicated school counselor from DC-21. Together they dive into the importance of substance use prevention and how our schools, families and communities can work together to support healthy, informed choices for our young people. 

Leah shares insights on key risk factors, the critic...

1. The School Transformation Policy (STP)

The new School Transformation Policy (STP) will be effective starting in the 2025–26 school year, the goal is to improve schools so that no school has 4 or more years of red or orange performance ratings. In doing so, it empowers DPS to take earlier, locally-driven action when schools experience multiple years of low performance, before state intervention is required.

The policy applies to bo...

This week on the Black Voices in Color podcast, the co-hosts explore the power and potential of Black entrepreneurship. Their conversation aims to inspire the next generation to dream big and think boldly about building their own business. Co-host Josh, founder of Keys to the City, shares his journey as a young entrepreneur, proving that it's never too early to start creating your future. 

Tune in to get inspired or l...

1. First Annual DPS Seal of Climate Literacy

Denver Public Schools is proud to celebrate innovative young climate leaders who were awarded the Seal of Climate Literacy, a new diploma endorsement recognizing student action, advocacy and knowledge about climate change. During a special event at North High School, students from across the district gathered together to celebrate the sustainability projects that earned them the seal. 

Wat...

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 con...

1. TAW Winners

All week, DPS has been celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week with educator-exclusive discounts, student quotes and classroom grant giveaways! In partnership with the DPS Foundation and the DPS Communications Department, nine lucky teachers were randomly selected to receive grants that can be used toward their classrooms for next school year.

$500 Grant Winners: 

Aomi Diaz - George Washington High

Emily Bevington - North ...

1. Measles

Large measles outbreaks are occurring throughout the United States, including in states bordering or close to Colorado. Measles is more than a rash. It's a serious respiratory illness that can lead to severe complications. Measles is easily spread and can remain in the air for up to two hours and stays on surfaces, too. If one person has it, nine out of 10 people who are unprotected around them will get measles. A pe...

In this Black Voices in Color podcast, the hosts discuss the college application process, financial aid and how to make your scholarship applications stand out. They also share details about the Common Black College App, which allows students to apply to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) all with one application. 

Mr. Hap Legg, a school counselor at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College, shares his co...