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Beach Court Elementary students take a break on the playground.
April 18, 2018
Supporting Students' Transition Back to School
The kind of incident we experienced this week is stressful for all of us, but especially for our children. We are thankful for our educators for supporting students during this time, and we want to ensure you have the resources to help guide our students in transitioning back to school today. 

Please take a moment to review these resources:

If you have questions or need support, please reach out to your school leader or mental health team.
Nominate an Amazing Team or Teammate for an Honors Award
If you work with a person or team who inspires you, please take this opportunity to recognize them by submitting a nomination for one of the following Honors Awards:

  • Leadership Lamp: This extraordinary honor is reserved for four individuals each year who are making a difference and actively living all of our Shared Core Values.
  • Excellence in Teams: If you've seen a team going above and beyond -- whether it's a second-grade team, custodial staff or Science team -- take the time to nominate them today.
  • Family Leadership: Recognize a DPS parent or family who is making a positive impact in your school community.

All honorees will be announced and celebrated this fall. Nominations are due Friday, May 24. Questions? Email Our_DPSValues@dpsk12.org .
Benefits Open Enrollment Starts Next Week
Starting Monday, all benefits-eligible employees must take action to enroll in or waive benefits by May 10 . Take action early and you will be entered to win a prize! Visit thecommons.dpsk12.org/openenrollment to choose the plan that's right for you.

Need help selecting benefits? View the 2019-20 Enrollment Guide and our new Open Enrollment FAQ . Attend a benefits pop-up fair , sign up for a 30-minute phone or in-person consultation, or visit The Commons for additional information and resources.

Also, this year our Aetna rates have not increased from last year and our Kaiser Permanente rates decreased by 1.46%!
Teacher Tidbit Response: Earth-friendly Classroom Tips
Thanks to everyone who shared their earth-friendly classroom tips! The top response was submitted by Courtney Ferreira, at fifth-grade ELA-E teacher at Valverde Elementary.
"I cut up old towels and brought them in to use with a simple cleaner (water, white vinegar, dish soap and optional essential oil for scent) I made at home. This way I'm not using cleaning wipes that can't be recycled or reused."
Teacher Tidbit Callout: Teacher Memes!
You've probably seen at least one before. You may have shared one with a fellow teacher friend. They are ... teacher memes! Memes are relatable one-liner jokes that usually accompany a photo and are shared on social media. Share your favorite teacher meme through this form, and we'll include the top pick in the next edition of Teacher Weekly!
This Week's Top 5 Things to Know
2019 Summer Professional Development Registration is Live in Learning Space
Summer professional development registration is now live in Learning Space. Registration links for each session are located in the 2019 Summer Session Guide . Please work with your school leader to determine which summer professional learning experiences are right for you. These sessions will provide you with opportunities to build capacity, grow your instructional excellence and support your students. Session locations will be made available in late Spring. If you have questions, email Professional_Learning@dpsk12.org .
Review Bus Student Code of Conduct with Bus Riders
Transportation Services is encouraging all teachers to review the Bus Student Code of Conduct with all bus riders in their classroom. A review of the rules and responsibilities of both bus riders and bus drivers helps ensure safety remains the top priority. In addition to the Code of Conduct, this flyer also includes safety and etiquette tips. If you have questions, email transportation@dpsk12.org .
Updated Guide for SEO Summer Professional Learning Opportunities Available
An updated guide with Student Equity and Opportunity (SEO) summer learning opportunities is now available. Please note the date changes for Orton-Gillingham, the AN Center Institute and the MI-A Center Institute. Consult with your school leader on which sessions are right for you. These experiences are designed to provide opportunities for teachers and specialized service providers to build capacity, grow in their instructional excellence and support our exceptional students. If you have questions, contact Joellen Kralik .
Benchmark Order Form Updated, Orders due April 26
As a reminder, elementary teachers are encouraged to complete an inventory of Benchmark consumables and order materials in time for the 2018-19 budget cycle. Use this updated Benchmark Order Form and work with your school leader to identify what needs to be ordered. If you need support in identifying the correct consumable materials to order, contact Sara Wortinger . The deadline for submitting and approving orders for the 2018-19 school year is April 26 .
Register for the Summer 2019 Biliteracy Conference by June 1
Registration is now open for the Summer 2019 Biliteracy Conference on Aug. 1 . The conference will offer multiple learning strands and session options for teachers. Sessions are crafted based on your context and level of expertise as an ELA-S teacher. Whether you are in a dual language school, an elementary or secondary ELA-S or ELAS/E teacher, a biliteracy specialist, or working to implement Language Allocation Guidelines -- there's something for you! For more information about learning strands and sessions, click here . Register with the code ELA2019 by June 1 .
BONUS: Share Your School’s Earth Day Plans with the Sustainability Department
Earth Day is Monday, April 22 and Earth Week is April 21-27. Let us know what your class or school is planning for Earth Week, share your projects and register your school’s Garden or Sustainability club by emailing dept_sustainability@dpsk12.net .
Additional Important Resources and Information
Click here to learn more about these resources and opportunities:

  • Transition to Digital Transportation 1066 Form for Students with Disabilities on April 29

  • Register Now for the Final Routines for Reasoning Professional Learning
DPS Myth Busters
Myth Buster: Stand Out as a New Teacher Candidate
Question: What qualifications are administrators looking for in a new teacher? How can I get my foot "in the door" and what will elevate me to be a stronger teacher candidate? -- A short-term substitute teacher

Answer: In addition to having a valid teaching license, the qualifications administrators are looking for can vary from school to school. It's important that you feel you are a good fit for the school model and culture and that you share how you plan to contribute to it. Principals want to see that your values align with both the district and the school, and know you are willing to learn and adapt.

Candidates are encouraged to attend as many job fairs as possible. This provides the opportunity to meet school leaders, recruiters and Human Resources representatives from the district and learn more.
Have A DPS Myth Buster Question?
Have a question about new curriculum, district resources or how you can get more supports as an educator? Share your DPS myth buster question through this form and the answer may be featured in an upcoming edition.
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Denver Public Schools sends all district newsletters and critical employee communications through Constant Contact. Please do not unsubscribe your dpsk12.org email address from any message; if you unsubscribe from one newsletter or one communication, you will be removed from all other district-managed email lists in Constant Contact. If you have any questions, please email newsletters@dpsk12.org .