Teacher Weekly
Aug. 23, 2023
Welcome to the 2023-24 School Year, DPS Educators!
Dear Educators,

Welcome to the 2023-24 school year! This year is already buzzing with excitement as our students jump right back into learning. This is an exciting but also extremely busy time for everyone. Thank you for the countless hours you all have put into planning and preparing for the return of students to your classrooms.

If you are new to the Denver Public Schools, welcome! We are so excited to have you join Team DPS. You will find that you are among the most dedicated and passionate educators who live by our Shared Core Values of Students First, Integrity, Equity, Collaboration, Accountability and Fun.

If you are returning to DPS, welcome back! Thank you for continuing to choose to teach and invest your talents in our schools. I am honored to work with you and for you for another school year. Please join me in welcoming Senior Team Leads, Team Leads and regional/team specialists who are new to their school, role or DPS. I hope you are as excited as I am to see their impact on creating classrooms that are vibrant centers of learning.

Whether you are a new or returning member of Team DPS, your role as an educator is not just about getting our students ready for college and career, but also about nurturing critical thinking, empathy and adaptability -- skills that will serve students outside the classroom. Your impact goes beyond textbooks and lesson plans. You are shaping Denver's future leaders and changemakers!

If you need assistance or guidance in the coming weeks and months, please don't hesitate to reach out to your peers and leaders. Together we're going to make this the best school year yet!

Respectfully,

Dr. Tony Smith
Deputy Superintendent
This Week's Top 5 Things to Know
Complete Required LEAP Training by Sept. 15
Please complete the following LEAP training by Sept. 15:
Teachers
LEAP Changes and Requirements 2023-24: This is a required CDE expectation. Please review the requirements for LEAP implementation and learn about changes due to the new law SB70 and the DCTA contract. Note: This is not required for New Teachers or SSPs.
New Teachers (new to teaching, from out of district or returning to DPS)
LEAP 101: New Teacher Intro to LEAP 2023-24: This is a requirement for new Teacher Induction. Note: This training is not required for SSPs.
For more information, visit the LEAP Announcements page on The Commons or email LEAP@dpsk12.org if you have questions.
Data Privacy Updates
In continued efforts to protect DPS student and staff data, DoTS will be removing the ability to use OAuth on unapproved apps and sites. This means that if you previously used the “Sign in with Google” button with your DPS Google account, you may be blocked from signing in.

If you used sites or applications last year that were not on your school’s Academic Technology Menu, they may be blocked. In order to continue to use these tools and any new tools, please visit the Student Data Privacy page on The Commons for up-to-date instructions.
COVID-19 Reminder: What to Do After Testing Positive
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate for five days. Day Zero is the day symptoms begin or the day of the positive test.

Isolation may end on Day Five if:
  • Symptoms have ended, or symptoms are improving.
  • Individuals are fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications.

After the five-day isolation has ended and individuals are feeling better, they should wear a high-quality mask -- such as a KN95 or N95 -- through Day 10. If symptoms are not improving and/or the fever persists past Day Five, isolating until Day 10 is recommended.

Additional resources:
How to Use New Copiers/Printers
DPS' new copier/printer vendor, All Copy Products (ACP), installed new devices districtwide. If you weren't able to get set up before summer break, you need to do the following before you can print or copy:

  • Watch this nine-minute video to get an overview of our new machines and how to connect your badge to the system.
  • Install PaperCut Software on your device if you do not already have it. Directions are available for Windows and Mac.
  • Choose "DPS_Printing" from any printer dropdown. Please note that "Admin Follow You Print" will no longer work.

In addition to printing and copying, ACP also offers: 
  • Graphic Design
  • Production Services
  • Shredding Services
  • Chromebook Repair Pick-up and Delivery
  • Shipping and Receiving

If you have questions, contact Cassie Gentry.
Google Classroom Will Be Rostered Via Clever This Year
Google Classroom will be a supported app for all grades K-5. If your school did not purchase Seesaw, please consider using Google Classroom. Your classes will automatically be created and rostered via Clever and you will have the ability to accept or decline any of them. If you need support, please contact your Digital Coach or Nikki Thygesen.
Additional Resources and Information
Click here to learn about these resources and opportunities.
  • Seeking PDU Peer Reviewers: Apply by Friday, Aug. 24

  • Submit PDU Applications by Sept. 1

  • DoTS Help: Search for Knowledge and Resolve Yourself

  • Be One of the First Videos on the New DPS Tik Tok Account!

  • New Guidance and Resources for K-2 ELA-S Teachers
Contact Us
Connect with Us
Denver Public Schools sends all district newsletters and critical employee communications through Constant Contact. Please do not unsubscribe your DPS 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.