Reminder to Follow The DPS 5 to Protect Each Other
With our school year underway, please remember to continue practicing the cornerstone of our health guidance, The DPS 5, to keep each other safe and our schools open and fully staffed for in-person learning. We have a responsibility to each other, and our health experts who guided us in the creation of the updated DPS 5 have shared that these are critical steps in keeping one another healthy and preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Remember to please wear your mask properly while indoors, ensuring your mask completely covers your nose and mouth, and fits snugly against your face. Learn more about proper mask wearing here. Additionally, make sure you have at least six feet of physical distance when it is necessary to remove your mask, such as while eating. And remember, masks aren't required outside, so feel free to enjoy the beautiful Colorado fall weather without one! Please review the COVID and Return Resources section of The Commons for more information. Thank you for doing your part to keep our DPS community safe!
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Moving to Gmail: Next Phase of Google Transition |
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Last year, Team DPS moved from Microsoft Office to Google. As the next part of the transition, we will be moving exclusively to Gmail for even greater collaboration across teams, schools and the community. Although the Google Transition won’t be complete until December 2021, we know you have questions about what this may look like for your work.
Here are the Top 5 things to know right now, and be sure to read all of the FAQs here:
5. Calendar and email items will be moved to Gmail. There is nothing you need to do to prepare for this move. All your existing calendar and email items in Webmail will automatically be moved to Gmail, even archived items! Email folders (called “Labels" in Gmail) will move over and will be organized like they are in Webmail.
4. You will be able to utilize shared mailboxes. Shared mailboxes -- called “Groups mailboxes” in Gmail -- can be used in Gmail, and you will have greater control on how these mailboxes are used. More information on Groups will be available soon on The Commons.
3. DPS will move to Gmail in three phases. DPS leadership has asked DoTS to lead the way in the Gmail Transition so they can best support Team DPS with it later this year. DoTS will transition on Oct. 4, a small group of early adopters will transition on Oct. 25, and the rest of Team DPS will begin the transition on Dec. 6.
2. Stay informed. If you feel unfamiliar with or uncertain about moving to Gmail, don’t worry! Resources will be available -- be on the lookout for more information soon. If you have questions in the meantime, please refer to this page on The Commons.
1. Your DPS email addresses will not change. After moving to Gmail, you will continue to use your "first_last@dpsk12.org" email address as well as your “first_last@dpsk12.net.” The only difference is that both will be accessible all in one place -- Gmail!
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Health Order Deadline Approaching: Supports Available to Take Action Today |
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There are just two weeks left for all employees to take action and submit their vaccination or exemption documentation into Employee Space to meet the requirements of the city’s health mandate by the Sept. 30 deadline. Thank you to all of our team members who have already taken action! If you haven’t yet, please do so today. Support is available for those who would like technical assistance -- click here to see these in-person events. Note: Please make sure to bring your documentation and your employee ID number.
As a reminder, vaccines are available for everyone in Colorado over 12 years old. Visit The Commons to learn more about where to get yours, if you haven’t already. Have questions or need other supports? Review resources and FAQs on The Commons or reach out to HR Connect at HR_Connect@dpsk12.org or over the phone at 720-423-3900.
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Top 5: What Are You Looking Forward to this Year?
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There is so much to be excited for this school year, from making music together to seeing students learn and grow in person. Thank you to the team members who shared what they are looking forward to most this school year!
Congratulations to our giveaway winner, Jamie Castillo of Centennial! See what other team members are looking forward to here.
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5. “I think we can all agree that being with our students and being able to support them in person is what we are all looking forward to this year. They are our reason!” -- Gabrielle Gerlits, Merrill
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4. “This is my first year as a library para at Marie L. Greenwood and I am so excited to introduce my students to the library and get them excited about reading! I have so many fun activities planned. I hope they come to love this space as much as I do over the next school year!” -- Bonnie Prindle, Marie L. Greenwood Academy
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3. “I am looking forward to the infectious laughter of children's belly laughs!” -- Ami Patra, Schmitt
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2. “I'm looking forward to being able to make music in my classroom with students! It has already brought my students so much joy to be together in the music space and able to express ourselves and make music!” -- Sara Brunnschweiler, Asbury
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1. “I am looking forward to hearing our teachers and students in classrooms when I am walking down the hallways. It fills my heart with joy when I hear students shout out answers or when I hear teachers reading to their class. That is my favorite part -- hearing the stories that fill our hallways here at Centennial.” -- Jamie Castillo, Centennial
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Top 5 Callout: Fall Favorites |
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Next Wednesday, Sept. 22 marks the first day of the fall season! Whether it's pumpkin spice lattes, chili or a leaf-peeping hike, we want to know your favorite part of fall. Share your fall favorites through this form and you'll be entered to win a giveaway! |
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Get Involved in September’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month |
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We know that the pandemic has heightened the social emotional and mental health needs of so many in our community, making this a major public health concern. And there has never been a better time to learn more about how we can support our school communities and students than during this month’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Suicide is a leading cause of death for youth 10-24 years of age in Colorado. It impacts all racial demographic groups, and trends appear to be increasing among our youth of color (Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention). The Healthy Kids Colorado survey indicated that more than 6% of DPS middle and high school students reported that they had attempted suicide in the last year with higher reports in middle school. September is a time to raise awareness, challenge mental health stigma, and expand our programming across DPS.
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If you are interested in learning more and how you can get involved, review our district’s Suicide Prevention Resources or reach out to your school psychologist or school social worker. And be sure to join Team DPS during 20th Annual Second Wind Walk/Run on Sept. 25 to raise funding for DPS students in getting mental-health support related to thoughts of suicide or feelings of depression. Throughout the fall semester, additional resources will be shared to support the social emotional and mental health of our students and members of Team DPS. |
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Participate in The DPS Foundation’s Team DPS GIVES Campaign to Win a Winter Weekend Escape |
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Team DPS GIVES is the Denver Public Schools Foundation’s employee giving campaign, which encourages a culture of philanthropy in DPS. The DPS Foundation receives hundreds of highly qualified applications for school funds, yet only has the ability to fulfill approximately two-thirds of grant requests. Support educators, students, and schools by contributing a gift to Team DPS GIVES. Gifts received through the campaign support emerging student and school needs, as well as programs like the A to Z Fund Classroom Grant for Teachers.
Participate in the Team DPS GIVES Campaign here by 5 p.m. on Sept. 24 and you'll be entered to win a winter weekend escape to Vail! Note: No contribution is necessary to qualify for prizes.
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Learn More about What the DPS Ombuds Office Can Do For You |
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The Ombuds Office is excited to serve the DPS employee community starting Oct. 11. You can find more information about who we are and what we do here.
All members of Team DPS are invited to attend our virtual information sessions to learn more about the Ombuds Office and how you can access and benefit from our support and services. If you are interested in attending a virtual information session, please RSVP here by noon on Sept. 29.
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Joshua Pele
Drama Educator, Florida Pitt Waller
Fun
"Joshua Pele is always projecting the idea that learning should always be Fun, both in and outside of the drama classroom. Whether you are a student or a colleague, his positive attitude is contagious throughout the building. During remote learning and continuing this year, Mr. Pele created announcement videos using puppets that were both entertaining and informational. Mr. Pele also directed and produced a remote version of High School Musical Jr. that brought immense joy in a difficult year to those who participated and watched. No matter if it is in class or after school with the drama club or musical, Mr. Pele focuses on relationship and community building through fun games. Joshua Pele is also working hard this year to help launch the new Transformative Social Emotional & Academic Learning (TSEAL) curriculum at Florida Pitt Waller ECE-8 School."
-- Amanda Akstins, Florida Pitt Waller ECE-8 School
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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.
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