1. Ballot Initiatives for the Healthy School Meals for All Program

This November, Colorado residents will be asked to vote on two ballot initiatives, Proposition LL and Proposition MM, which would provide additional funding needed to sustain the Healthy School Meals for All program. Approved families will not be at risk of losing free meals if voters decide to not increase funding to the Healthy School Meals for All program. This means that if your family is approved for Free and Reduced Lunch, your students will still get free meals, even if voters decide not to give more money to the program.

If voters decide NOT to increase funding for the program, state funding for school meals would be significantly reduced at the end of 2025. At this time, we do not know how much funding the program would lose, but it’s important for families who are not approved for Free and Reduced Lunch to know that it IS possible that free meals will no longer be provided to their students. If voters decide to increase funding to the program, the current free meal program would continue into 2026 and beyond.

2. Learn About Money Skills: Financial Literacy

On Oct. 29 YOU can Learn About Money Skills Online! The webinar will discuss topics like saving, spending, and budgeting, plus share easy ways you can help your student build smart money habits. We’ll end with time for your questions. Register for the Financial Literacy: Learn About Money Skills webinar A Spanish session is being offered on October 27!

3. VOICES of Soul BEATS of Joy

Join the VOICES of Soul BEATS of Joy on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.for a vibrant celebration of student artistry, excellence and community at Lake Middle School. The event will have family workshops, exciting book giveaways, inspiring student poets and performers, plus a free lunch for all attendees. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect, celebrate and support our talented students! You can Register for VOICES of Soul BEATS of Joy by checking out the link in our shownotes.

4. Join Us! Healthy Choices, Bright Futures at Bruce Randolph – Oct. 21

The workshop title “Healthy Choices, Bright Futures” is coming to Bruce Randolph School on October 21 from 5:30–7:00 PM.

Families will hear a powerful story from a mom about fentanyl awareness, learn tools to talk about prevention at home, and connect with community resources. Dinner, childcare, and interpretation will be provided. Families may be eligible to receive gift cards.

You can RSVP to Healthy Choices, Bright Futures via the link in our show notes: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSmOKtpHicaVeq2rFWtCDW1aGBub0oOHnGjF4OkcidqgB9Vw/viewform

5. Fiesta Hispana

Hispanic Heritage Month Video

Students, families, alumni, community members and staff at Swansea Elementary came together to celebrate Fiesta Hispana, one of the school’s most cherished traditions. Students from all grades performed traditional dances from Latin-American countries. The annual event highlights the beauty of Hispanic culture through dance, music and classroom activities that honors the diversity of the Hispanic Community. This year, Swansea is proud to say they had over 500 attendees present to cheer on their student performers.

You can and should watch the recap video of Fiesta Hispana, linked in our shownotes.

En este episodio del Podcast de EDUCA DPS, hablamos sobre un tema de gran importancia: la prevención del suicidio.
El psicólogo escolar Grant Van Pelt comparte información vital sobre cómo identificar señales de advertencia, cómo crear entornos de apoyo en nuestras escuelas y comunidades, y qué recursos existen para quienes enfrentan una crisis de salud mental.

Denver Public Schools continúa comprometido en servir al niño como ser integral, promoviendo la seguridad física y emocional de todos nuestros estudiantes.

🧠 Escucha, aprende y comparte — juntos podemos salvar vidas.

🔗 Escucha este episodio completo en Spotify, Apple Podcasts o en YouTube @DenverPublicSchoolsPlus.
#EDUCADPS #PrevenciónDelSuicidio #SaludMental #EveryLearnerThrives

In this episode of the EDUCA DPS Podcast, Grant Van Pelt, a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and Dr. Jane Lineman, Student Safety Coordinator with Denver Public Schools, discuss suicide prevention and the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces for our students.

The conversation highlights key warning signs, strategies for talking with someone who may be in crisis, and resources available for youth and families. Denver Public Schools continues to strengthen its mental health and wellness programs to support every member of our school community.

The newest show in the DPS Podcast network spotlights a DPS staff member and their amazing journey and how they bring that experience to serve our students and schools every day.

In the first episode of DPS Stories, Roberto “Beto” Gaytan, lead producer and Emmy Award-winning storyteller, shares his journey from arriving in Denver and learning English, to becoming an on-air radio personality who has interviewed some of Latin America’s biggest names. Beto uses his craft to elevate DPS voices across the EDUCA Podcast and student features.

Watch Episode 1 of the DPS Stories podcast series.

Prefer audio? Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

1. SchoolChoice Round 1

In case you missed it, the SchoolChoice Round 1 window is earlier this year! For 2026-27, the application will open at 10 a.m. on Dec. 2, 2025, and close at 4 p.m. on Jan. 20, 2026. Families will be notified of placement results in late February.

As a reminder, SchoolChoice is for any student who wants or needs to attend a new school for the following school year. All incoming ECE students, as well as incoming students who reside in an enrollment zone, must complete an application.

Start researching your options by visiting the School Finder and contacting individual schools to schedule a tour. SchoolChoice Hotline at 720-423-3493 or email schoolchoice@dpsk12.org.

2. First AI 101 for Families Imagining Futures!

Calling all K-12 DPS families! Join us for the first AI 101 for DPS Families on Oct. 23 from 5-7 p.m. at Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy. The course is called “Families Imagining Futures” and is a free and interactive event for all-ages of learners to explore the world of STEAM You can Sign up for AI 101.

3. Design Like a Girl Workshop Series

Design Like a Girl is a free, three-day workshop series for middle school girls (grades six to eight) to explore careers in architecture and design. Held at the CU Denver College of Architecture and Planning on three Fridays during the 2025-26 school year, participants will work directly with professional women to engage in design activities like model building and sketching. Apply for Design Like a Girl. Applications must be submitted by Oct. 10.

4. MLE DAC on Oct. 15

Join the Multilingual Education (MLE) District Advisory Committee (DAC) on Oct. 15 from 9-11 a.m. at The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver. We will be addressing several topics, including Parent Advisory Committees (PACs) and the Seal of Biliteracy. Attendees will learn about the roles and responsibilities of PACs at their schools, the benefits of the Seal of Biliteracy and how parents can support these initiatives to encourage their students' academic achievement. Light breakfast, childcare and interpretation will be available. Attendees are encouraged to pre-register.

5. Introducing the Newest Show on the DPS Podcast Network: DPS Stories

The newest show of the DPS Podcast network spotlights a DPS Staff member and their amazing journey and how they bring that experience to serve our students and schools every day.

In the first episode of DPS Stories, Roberto “Beto” Gaytan, lead producer and Emmy Award-winning storyteller, shares his journey from arriving in Denver and learning English to becoming an on-air radio personality who has interviewed some of Latin America’s biggest names. Beto uses his craft to elevate DPS voices across the EDUCA Podcast and student features.

Watch Episode 1 https://youtu.be/6uwyPSscl0k

In The Lesson Plan, host Nicole Brady takes listeners inside Denver Public Schools to explore how instruction, curriculum, and innovative teaching practices are shaping brighter futures for students. Each episode breaks down complex education topics into conversations anyone can understand, whether you’re a parent, teacher, student, or community member.

In this episode, Nicole is joined by Jessica Piwko, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning for DPS, to discuss the district’s bold shift in math instruction. From adopting problem-based learning to co-creating culturally relevant curriculum with students, Jessica shares how DPS achieved historic gains on state math assessments and what it means for the future. The conversation also explores student voice, teacher innovation, and the role of new tools like AI in supporting classroom learning.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to transform instruction at scale, and why math matters more than ever, you’ll find the answers here.

1. Canine Weapons Detection

The Department of Climate and Safety is launching a Canine Weapon Detection Program at select DPS sporting events this semester. Safety means more than preventing harm – it’s about creating spaces where students and staff feel supported, comfortable, and able to thrive. Adding canine teams at events provides reassurance and helps the DPS community focus on learning, connection and school spirit.

You can Read the community letter (Google Doc) linked in our show notes with additional information on The Department of Climate and Safety’s next steps and commitment.

2. Colorado Free Application Days are Oct. 7-9

To inspire more Coloradans to continue their education, all 32 public colleges and universities in Colorado and several private institutions will allow students to apply for free from Tuesday, Oct. 7-Thursday, Oct. 9 as part of Colorado Free Application Days. Colorado Free Application Days kicks off Colorado Applies Month, a statewide campaign that encourages high school juniors and seniors to explore, chart and execute a post-high school path. By waiving application fees, Colorado Free Application Days aims to improve access to further education and training. Visit the Colorado Free Application Days webpage, linked in our show’s description, for more information.

3. Upcoming Workshop:

Join the Substance Use Prevention team for a workshop titled, “Free Tools for Change: Simple Solutions for Parents and Communities” on Zoom on September 29th at noon Attendees will gain an understanding of the “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign, which aims to reduce underage drinking and substance use among youth under 21 by providing youth-serving professionals, families, parents, and caregivers with information and resources to address these issues early and often.Spanish interpretation will be available. You can register via the link in our shownotes: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cnYEK9v7So2N6Jj83uKO8g#/registration

4. ICYMI: Read the DPS 2024-25 Annual District Report

Last week, DPS launched the 2024-25 Annual District Report. This report reflects the tireless dedication of DPS’ educators, team members, students, parents and community. This report was created to serve as the third annual update to the Strategic Roadmap, which helps us understand our journey, recognize our accomplishments and identify areas for growth.

The report showcases the key initiatives of the past year, significant milestones and our future direction. It provides a comprehensive overview of our progress, emphasizing the strides we've made in various areas, especially in improving the Student, Adult and System Experiences.

5. Happy 150th Birthday to East

Happy 150th birthday to East High School! One of Denver’s most iconic high schools is celebrating its 150th birthday this year, and 100 years of history in their school building. Head to the DPS’ social media page to check out a reel about the birthday festivities.

Thank you to our sponsor CSU Global! Turn your aspirations into outcomes with 100% online, fully flexible bachelor's, master's, and certificate programs designed around you. Visit https://csuglobal.edu/

En el último podcast de EDUCA DPS, Nathalie Valencia y Kelly Bravo hablan sobre la FAFSA, CASFA y las numerosas oportunidades que tienen los estudiantes de DPS para acceder a sus carreras universitarias y profesionales.

Sintonízalo para descubrir cómo DPS está ampliando el acceso a la educación superior y apoyando el camino de cada estudiante hacia el éxito universitario y profesional. Escúchalo en inglés y español o en tu plataforma de podcast preferida.

¡Gracias a nuestro patrocinador, CSU Global! Convierte tus aspiraciones en resultados con programas de licenciatura, maestría y certificado 100 % en línea, totalmente flexibles y diseñados a tu medida. Visita https://csuglobal.edu/