“When you learn something from people, or from a culture, you accept it as a gift, and it is your lifelong commitment to preserve it and build on it.” -- Yo-Yo Ma
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Swigert Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month |
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To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Swigert International School students and staff watched this AAPI Heritage Month video and were invited to create posters to highlight an AAPI figure they admire and highlight the IB attribute their selected figure embodies.
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In addition, students engaged in a variety of art projects with art teacher, Ansley Delap. Students created art inspired by Polynesian Tivaevae (quilts), the landscapes of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, the history of surfing (which originated in Polynesia) and the public art of Asian American artist, Maya Lin. |
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Our DPS Equity Statement
Racial and Educational Equity is our collective responsibility. We will achieve equity when we dismantle deeply rooted systems of oppression that have historically resulted in inequitable access and distribution of opportunities and resources for those who represent marginalized identities, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, language and ability. We will create conditions where we all belong, are included, have clear purpose (why) and have the autonomy to lead in our respective areas. By creating these conditions, we will eliminate the predictability of success or failure for our students and team members.
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Save the Date for the Denver PrideFest Parade |
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Join DPS LGBTQ+ students, educators and allies on Sunday, June 26 for the Denver PrideFest Parade. The parade will go from Cheesman Park to the State Capitol. Our meeting time will be based on our assigned start time, which will be shared soon. Note: Please keep in mind that, because this is a busy event, cellphone connectivity may be spotty due to crowds.
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Reminder: Participate in the Achieving Excellence Academy |
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The DPS Culture, Equity & Leadership Team (CELT) works collaboratively to create a culture of equity that examines the systems, structures, beliefs and narratives about our culturally-diverse students, families and communities. CELT strives to provide engaging, culturally-relevant student learning and leading opportunities and experiences that build trust within the communities DPS serves. CELT is excited to announce a new summer program that is being offered as part of the district’s efforts to ensure equitable opportunities especially for (but not exclusive to) our diverse student populations.
The Achieving Excellence Academy (AEA) summer program is an in-person, immersive four-week pilot taking place June 21-July 14 at Denver School of the Arts. AEA will serve as a cultural identity and ethnic studies program especially for -- but not exclusive to -- Black/African-American and Latinx families, students and educators to learn more about these experiences and ancestral histories. Students and families can learn more and enroll here.
Interested in leading or teaching at AEA? Learn more and enroll here! Please note that all applicants are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
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Bridget Mckee-Stephenson
Senior Team Lead and Math Interventionist,
Force Elementary
Equity
“Bridget is an exemplary teacher and Senior Team Lead in the district. She puts Students First and strives for Equity by engaging deeply in data to provide quality math intervention for our students who need it the most. She also engaged a variety of community resources and nonprofits to table our spring carnival so that families can get the resources they need. In addition, she has found a volunteer yoga instructor to help us all strike work-life balance with free sessions weekly. Our entire intermediate team appreciates how she takes time to listen to our needs and takes into account our stress levels when planning DDI and professional development. She always makes you feel like part of the team!”
-- Kira Withrow, Force
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Calendar of Upcoming Events |
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