April 27, 2018
Thousands of Voices Call for a Brighter Future for Education
"Today demonstrated just how much that support is needed -- as well as the possibility of what it would mean for our kids."
Dear Team DPS,

 
Supt. Tom Boasberg 
"Your future is in our classrooms."

"Our kids don't deserve to be No. 46!"

"Fund our future."

Among horns, chants, cheers and waving posters, the call for change was clear today at the Capitol.
 
"Teachers are putting in the work," said Allie McDonald, a literacy tutor at Centennial Elementary. "The state and the nation should be doing the same." As someone who recently moved to Colorado for the high quality of life the state has to offer, Allie said she was shocked to hear that same quality wasn't given to education supports.
 
"Life is great here, but that's not reflected in education funding," she said. "That's devastating. Education is the foundation."

(Watch this DPS Features video capturing today's call to action.)

Educators from across the state gathered at the Capitol to ask for better funding in Colorado schools. 
Today was a powerful and inspiring day for education in Colorado when thousands of teachers from across the state came together as one to urge our state government to better fund our schools. The sea of red, which participants wore in solidarity of the cause, flowed over the steps of the Capitol and Civic Center Park, and it was remarkable to see educators from all parts of the state -- urban, rural and suburban; red counties and blue counties; big districts and small districts.

"We're out here fighting for our kiddos and for ourselves," said KIPP Northeast Elementary teacher Kelie Johnson, who said she was marching both for her students and her own child.
 
"We're hoping for more funding for our schools and kiddos in general for a better education. And honestly for teacher funding too. If I can't support my own child, how can I support other kids?"

(Hear from more of our teachers in this video.)
 
In Colorado, we fund our students at an average of $2,500 per student less than the national average. We know our kids deserve better than that. Our state needs to dramatically increase our investment in education, and all of our voices play a vital role in this effort. It's critical to be able to compensate our professionals and meet the equity needs of our students who live in poverty, are learning English or require special education.
 
Allie McDonald, a literacy tutor at Centennial Elementary.
After working with other superintendents for two years to craft a stronger, better and more fair school finance approach, we were very disappointed that the legislature shelved our proposed New School Funding Distribution Formula this week. We'll continue to press our legislators to make a change, and I encourage you to contact your elected representatives to ensure your voice is heard too. 
 
Today demonstrated just how much that support is needed -- as well as the possibility of what it would mean for our kids.
 
"Teachers do so much for society," said Steck Elementary parent Dave Vorlage, who joined the rally with his family in support of educators. "This [call to action] should put more teachers in our classrooms and in front of students, investing in our kids and investing in our families."
 
I hope we can soon look back to see today was the catalyst for change -- the beginning of a brighter future for all students.
 
Best,
Tom  

Pictured above: Educators from Munroe Elementary joined teachers and advocates from around Colorado to push the state for more funding for our schools .

The Show Went On: 34th Annual Shakespeare Festival a Success Thanks to Teacher Support
Student performers from Montclair Elementary dressed to recite "Midsummer Night's Dream." 
After months of reciting lines, practicing cues and collaborating with classmates, thousands of DPS students performed the Bard's classic works at today's 34th annual Shakespeare Festival.
 
The festival gives students an opportunity to perform in elaborate costumes on stages at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA), with families, educators and friends cheering them along.
 
"This is something they remember," said Karl Horeis, a fourth-grade teacher at Montclair Elementary. Karl has been bringing classes to perform at the Shakespeare Festival for seven years. "Four or five years later, I have kids come back and tell me, 'I still remember all of my lines from Macbeth.' It's a peak experience for them; it's one of my favorite days of the year -- and one of theirs, too."
 
With the support of our educators, our student performers conquered stage fright, discovered a love for theatre and learned the importance of teamwork -- all the while, making memories to last a lifetime.
 
"I was a little nervous at first," said Chloe Johnson, a fifth-grader at Marrama Elementary. "But once we got on stage, I felt great."
 
Thank you to all our educators who made the Shakespeare Festival a success for our kids!
Students to Continue 2018 National Day of Silence to Support LGBTQ
Today, April 27, marks the National Day of Silence, a student-led day of action to work toward making the bullying and harassment of LGBTQ students unacceptable in schools. Because classes were cancelled today, some schools are opting to recognize the Day of Silence instead on Monday, April 30. Students will participate in events to recognize and protest the discrimination, harassment and silencing experienced by LGBTQ students and their allies. Participants often take a vow of silence during the school day, handing out "speaking cards" explaining the reason for their silence.

To learn more about Day of Silence, visit glsen.org/day-silence. 
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