The Denver Public Schools Podcast

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...

1. SHAKESPEARE Festival Seal  

Don’t forget–the Shakespeare Parade and festival is FRIDAY, APril 25 at Denver Arts Complex with Opening Ceremonies at Skyline Park from 10am-4pm. DPS Shakespeare Festival is the oldest and largest student Shakespeare festival in the country, and includes thousands of students and teachers from schools all across the region. This year’s theme is a quote from Shakespeare’s The Tempest , “I lon...

In this EDUCA DPS Podcast episode, Lucero Elizondo, the manager of Business Systems and Data for the MLE Team, talks about the DPS Seal of Biliteracy. 

Lucero shares how this powerful credential strengthens college and job applications, builds confidence and celebrates our students’ rich linguistic diversity. Learn more about how students in 11th and 12th grade can apply for the seal, deadlines and why earning the seal str...

En este episodio del Podcast EDUCA DPS, Lucero Elizondo, gerente de Sistemas y Datos Empresariales del Equipo MLE, habla sobre el Sello de Bilingüismo de DPS.

Lucero comparte cómo esta importante credencial fortalece las solicitudes de ingreso a la universidad y al empleo, fomenta la confianza y celebra la rica diversidad lingüística de nuestros estudiantes. Descubre más sobre cómo los estudiantes de 11.º y 12.º grado pued...

1. Summer Academy Registration Extended to April 24

DPS Summer Academy, is a program for students in grades 1-5 and is designed to boost academic achievement and strengthen students’ literacy and math skills in a fun, safe, and welcoming environment. Registration has been extended to April 24! To register, visit Parent Portal.

2. Volunteer Appreciation Week is April 20–26

You probably already know that Teacher Appreciation Week is May...

DPS Black Voices in Color Podcast: Black Art Rooted in Culture Amplified by Music
In this powerful episode, our hosts explore the profound impact of Black music, past and present. From gospel to jazz, they reflect on how music has shaped their identity, amplified their culture, and influenced pop culture. 
If you’ve ever been moved by a beat, a lyric, or a sound that speaks louder than words, this episode is for you. Listen...

1. SchoolChoice Round 2 Is Now Open

The SchoolChoice Round 2 application is now open!

Anyone can participate in Round 2, including families who:

• Did not submit an application in Round 1 and would like their student to enroll in a different school; 
• Have changed their minds since submitting a Round 1 application and would like to re-explore their options; or
• Are new to DPS for the 2025-2026 school year.

There is no lottery in Rou...

In this EDUCA DPS Podcast, Brian Dino and Excier Rodríguez, members of the DPS EdTech and STEAM Team, discuss practical strategies for raising media-savvy kids. From choosing age-appropriate content and setting screen time limits to navigating social media safety and protecting online privacy, this episode shares practical advice and resources for families. 


Learn how to empower your children to think critically about...

En este podcast de EDUCA DPS, Brian Dino y Excier Rodríguez, miembros del equipo de EdTech y STEAM de DPS, analizan estrategias prácticas para criar niños con un buen manejo de los medios. Desde la elección de contenido apropiado para su edad y la limitación del tiempo frente a la pantalla hasta la seguridad en las redes sociales y la protección de la privacidad en línea, este episodio comparte consejos prácticos y recursos para la...

1. SchoolChoice Round 2 Opens on Tuesday, April 8
SchoolChoice Round 2 opens on Tuesday, April 8! There is no lottery in Round 2. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis within school admission priorities. If the school has available space, your student will be offered a seat, and you have 72 hours to accept or decline that seat. If a waitlist exists, your student will be added to the list in date and time...

En el último episodio del podcast de EDUCA DPS, profundizamos en el Sistema de Evaluación Conductual y Emocional (BESS) con Megan Miccio, trabajadora social escolar de la Preparatoria Thomas Jefferson, y Perla Murillo, trabajadora social escolar de la Escuela Intermedia Montbello. Esta herramienta universal de evaluación, que se implementa dos veces al año en todas las escuelas administradas por DPS, ayuda a identificar las fortale...