Teacher Weekly
Oct. 18, 2023
New Arrivals Toolkit
Dear School Leaders,

We are excited to announce the launch of the New Arrivals Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to empower educators and schools in providing the best support for new-to-country and newcomer students and their families. This toolkit contains information, resources and contacts that will assist you in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Whether you're welcoming families, need interpretation and translation services, or require assistance with student registration and placement, this toolkit is a first-step resource for supporting immigrant, refugee, and newcomer students and their families.

We encourage you to explore the toolkit, share it with your colleagues, and make the most of these resources to create a welcoming and enriching experience for all students in your school.

Thank you for your dedication in providing quality education and support for all students in our district.

Respectfully,

Dr. Tony Smith
Deputy Superintendent
This Week's Top 5 Things to Know
Announcing the Strengthening Our PaCT Initiative
The Strengthening Our PaCT (Parent Communication Technologies) project is an all-DPS collaboration led by the Communications Department to improve the web-based communication tools used by Denver Public Schools, including DPSK12.org and all departmental and school websites. The vision of this project is that as a result of its full implementation, Denver Public Schools will have the most comprehensive, equitable, and understandable web presence of any school district in the United States. For more information, please visit dpsk12.org/strengthening-our-pact/.
MLL Capstone Rubric Accommodation and ELD Capstone Opportunity
As a reminder, Multilingual Learners (MLLs) who have been enrolled in U.S. schools for six or fewer years can demonstrate Literacy and Math proficiency via a score of two or higher on approved Literacy and/or Math Capstone Tasks (to be applied in their senior year). Additional information can be found here. Lists of eligible students will be sent to schools in mid-September.
Colorado Free Application Day$-Oct. 17-19
Hagan clic aquí para leer este mensaje en español.

Colorado's sixth annual Free Application Day$ will be held on Oct. 17-19 for Colorado residents! During this time, you can apply for free to Public Universities, Technical Colleges and Community Colleges in Colorado. Watch Governor Jared Polis’ announcement video in English or Spanish.

Almost all colleges and universities have application fee waivers for financial hardship throughout the year. If a student is struggling to pay an application fee and wishes to submit an admission application before (or after) Free Application Day$, click on this link or contact the admission office at the desired college/university for more information.
RSVP Today for a Collaborative School Committee (CSC)/District Accountability Committee (DAC) Virtual Kick-Off
To support your School’s Collaborative School Committee, the District Accountability Committee (DAC) is building out a DAC-CSC pipeline. To launch this initiative, the DAC is working with DPS Central, DCTA and other partners to host a virtual kick-off event on Nov. 9, from 5:15-6:30 p.m. All CSC/SAC members are welcome! The DAC’s goal is for the kickoff to be interactive, impactful and fun! Register your CSC/SAC members here.
If you have a second to let the DAC know what would make this time meaningful for you, the DAC is all ears! Share your perspective here by Friday, Oct. 27. If you have questions, contact Haruka Fushimi. You can also learn more about this effort here. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Professional Development Unit (PDU) Design Course
Are you interested in leading a Turnkey PDU or creating a brand-new one? Have you led PDUs before, but want to learn how to Design a course? This course comes at the perfect time to prepare a PDU application for Spring 2024 (deadline Jan. 8, 2024). Register through the 2023-24 PDU Design Course Registration Link. If you have questions, contact Michele Deats.
Additional Resources and Information
Click here for additional resources and information below:
  • Workshop Building Holocaust Curriculum

  • African American Young Ladies Summit (AAYLS): Issue to Action
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