The Lesson Plan: Career and College Success

Black Voices in Color - Student Voice and Leadership

What happens when students are given a seat at the table? In this episode of Black Voices in Color, student hosts explore the power of student voice, leadership, and advocacy in Denver Public Schools. Through an engaging conversation about leadership development, civic engagement, and educational equity, students discuss how young people can move from identifying challenges to creating meaningful change in their schools and communities. The episode highlights the importance of ensuring all students—especially those whose voices have historically been underrepresented—have opportunities to influence decisions that affect their education and future. Students also share their own experiences, perspectives, and advice for peers who want to get involved and make a difference. In this episode: Why student voice matters Developing leadership skills and confidence Civic engagement and advocacy Youth-adult partnerships Creating positive change in schools Building community through shared experiences Advice for students who want to make an impact Leadership doesn't begin after graduation—it starts with having the courage to speak up and get involved. 🎙️ Black Voices in Color is part of the DPS Podcast Network and is dedicated to elevating the voices, experiences, and perspectives of Black students across Denver Public Schools. #BlackVoicesInColor #DenverPublicSchools #StudentVoice #StudentLeadership #BlackExcellence #YouthLeadership #Education #StudentAdvocacy #DPSVoices

Justin Simmons Reflects on Retirement, Purpose, and Giving Back to Denver - The DPS Marrero Moment

What does it take to achieve greatness on and off the field? In this special episode of the Marrero Moment, Denver Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero sits down with former Denver Broncos All-Pro safety Justin Simmons for an inspiring conversation about leadership, education, resilience, family, and community impact. Justin reflects on the lessons that shaped his journey from South Florida to Boston College and ultimately the NFL. He shares how setbacks in school taught him the importance of discipline, why education became his greatest investment, and how the support of his "village" helped him overcome challenges along the way. The conversation also explores Justin's recent retirement from professional football, his commitment to serving the Denver community through the Justin Simmons Foundation, and why he believes every young person has the potential to achieve more than they ever imagined. Whether you're a student, parent, educator, athlete, or community leader, this episode offers valuable lessons about humility, perseverance, and the power of giving back. In this episode: *  Justin Simmons' journey to the NFL  *  The importance of education and academic success  *  Overcoming setbacks and learning from failure  *  Life after football and retirement  *  Building strong communities through service  *  Advice for students and future leaders  *  The partnership between the Justin Simmons Foundation and Denver Public Schools Foundation  Subscribe for more conversations highlighting the students, educators, leaders, and stories shaping Denver Public Schools. #DenverPublicSchools #JustinSimmons #DenverBroncos #Leadership #Education #MarreroMoment #DPSStories #StudentSuccess #CommunityImpact #Denver

DPS SnapShots: Celebrating a Year of Success and Looking Ahead to Summer

1. CMAS and CoAlt Family Portal Now Open Colorado Measures of Academic Success, or CMAS, score reports for the 2025–26 school year will be released online through the Colorado Department of education’s Family Portal.  On Friday, May 29: Initial student performance summaries will be accessible via the Family Portal [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.-2FC-2FcQyyLAX8vpYKitzCkwv-2Bvd-2FgtILCh5dYa9o6cD7BJpZ3FjqzkcuSfnF6IQfQKBvVo_sMuO5gCLSrpWd9nZArxkB-2BNxmtySYkUDQl6nWA3w43Bx4rzSfau4S-2BHlYYJ4NbS7ycy6zMSflmHnn1Mba-2BHSU97wdoS-2BpJtYavSpCZEu-2F6UvmoWZchjJh8hFxJWQlyK4-2FibsMbEOCFrg0cFt-2B9ytyIDRiqXEB5IG2OeKd6qRxcFvqso-2Fy0pYuMeRoGr80FqyBmsVf8hjns-2BkNlJESsgtZ-2FZ8C8MDVVH5-2BuTXYPjEUzWKT4ZvlQbDW-2FWYQiqlio96aAULZceL4Jso-2BEewAA2V4aIsaM155lURPu-2BSns2LOYM-3D__;!!I5wY4Ip2iQ-G!48Lpd_hcMehO2qwiugE7JnOGbz4EmicMExKhvWiK-ccE-8ot40GOKWwH_ZXz37Y5vzzqzX-23TW9OmUbxj_tcCI2h3MqYA$].By June 15: Final, detailed performance results — including peer comparisons, strengths and areas for growth — will be added to the portal. And In Fall 2026: Paper reports are sent to your child’s tested school for distribution to families.For more information, we have a guide for how to look up scores online linked in our shownotes: Family Portal Guidance Folder [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.4G-2BjNSxLlRW50aopnT0b8VqTfnrJVqLeQmtFTeDBd2ilwsN54-2Fbsp57315qu3CZdsqEephYWjgiW35y-2FLMdE3qC-2BduhXIJNCO57RT8dxd6Cg3movRDflabOwPJycIimEOtfR_sMuO5gCLSrpWd9nZArxkB-2BNxmtySYkUDQl6nWA3w43Bx4rzSfau4S-2BHlYYJ4NbS7ycy6zMSflmHnn1Mba-2BHSU97wdoS-2BpJtYavSpCZEu-2F6UvmoWZchjJh8hFxJWQlyK4-2FibsMbEOCFrg0cFt-2B9ytyBcQvJO5zBCIRgdpt6l6Uzr1dNTYWNvWebcA4oNJC4ix0FjKCwN7gNFJMu-2F3re-2F9WLvefoXttJPjT0-2BiSqhTDXQLlxn3w3of9G0NtB1lHJH7Er9JPGvlJ-2FdfigD8DKQqjnZ8xudDKgTF5qhY6-2Fi09Ac-3D__;!!I5wY4Ip2iQ-G!48Lpd_hcMehO2qwiugE7JnOGbz4EmicMExKhvWiK-ccE-8ot40GOKWwH_ZXz37Y5vzzqzX-23TW9OmUbxj_tcCKA6NMh3Q$]. Next up is a story about DPS students who are graduating TWICE 2. A Diploma and a Degree - The DPS Students Who Are Graduating Twice https://youtu.be/oOEgv4CnxaU 133 DPS students in the class of 2026 received their Associate's degree in addition to a high school diploma. That's two years of college while still in high school. We are so proud of our graduates for their dedication. Head to our shownotes to watch a video about Orion Connally, a Northeast Early College graduate, explain how he did it and how others can too! 3. Our third story is about E-Bike Safety Tips from the Denver Police Department E-Bike Safety Tips from Denver Police Department As we head into summer break, the Denver Police Department would like to remind parents and students how to be safe when riding e-bikes and bicycles and avoid potential citations [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rB5ToeR-jdPbSnOZTlIkMYz_RfmPpwYu/view?usp=sharing]. Riders should always  * Wear a helmet. * Ride in the roadway, as it is illegal and unsafe to ride on the sidewalk. * Obey traffic signs and traffic laws. * Ride in the same direction as the traffic is traveling and do not cut in front of vehicles. * Go the posted speed limit. * Wear reflective gear * Ensure front and back lights work. * Be predictable and use appropriate hand signals. * Secure bicycle with U-lock fastened to an immovable object. ATVs, go-carts and other off-road vehicles are prohibited from Denver’s roadways, sidewalks and parks. The Denver Police Department wishes everyone a fun and safe summer. 4. I Heart to Read with Justin Simmons and Rachel Garcia - A DPS Literacy Celebration DPS recently kicked off a new literacy initiative with a high-energy celebration focused on inspiring a love of reading among young scholars. Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero was joined by former Denver Broncos All-Pro safety Justin Simmons and Mexican Cultural Center representative Rachel Garcia for a day filled with reading, dancing and joyful learning experiences.  The initiative aims to connect students with high-quality, grade-level texts while bringing the community into classrooms to help ignite excitement and passion for reading.  Head to our shownotes to Watch the recap video: https://youtu.be/w7yTVhTmlr4 [https://youtu.be/w7yTVhTmlr4]  5. Tasty Food Free Summer Meal Program Tasty Food’s free summer meal program will kick off Monday, June 1! All Denver youth, ages 3-18, are welcome to stop by any participating sites to enjoy free and wholesome meals, Monday-Friday between the dates of June 1-August 21. Participating sites are linked in our shownotes ( English [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xh-HLCCBac5TIyl9m8kVT0HKLy8ym6zS/view?usp=sharing__;!!I5wY4Ip2iQ-G!8l_D08EnZ6V2VmQxEcPT7XmYBM5BDdKWSF8J9i54EF_lilCaNc1LNAhnau_MMtIjYKX1zOsAnvO7iRa3ze48f3kvcQPRb2c8b0A$] and Spanish [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://drive.google.com/file/d/1grdWji-ZEph1rsXWcpb5i2xxtR6aGxBc/view?usp=sharing__;!!I5wY4Ip2iQ-G!8l_D08EnZ6V2VmQxEcPT7XmYBM5BDdKWSF8J9i54EF_lilCaNc1LNAhnau_MMtIjYKX1zOsAnvO7iRa3ze48f3kvcQPR5lBH8Mw$]). You can also visit the Tasty Food website [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Office-of-Childrens-Affairs/ProgramsInitiatives/Tasty-Food__;!!I5wY4Ip2iQ-G!8l_D08EnZ6V2VmQxEcPT7XmYBM5BDdKWSF8J9i54EF_lilCaNc1LNAhnau_MMtIjYKX1zOsAnvO7iRa3ze48f3kvcQPRdq4yiVI$] for more information.

DPS Stories - The Proud Story of Ken Connelly

In this powerful episode of DPS Stories, we sit down with Ken Connelly, a middle school educator at Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy, children’s rights advocate, author, and survivor whose journey is unlike anything you’ve heard before. Ken opens up about surviving childhood abduction, growing up in poverty, dropping out of high school, discovering he was dyslexic at 37 years old, and ultimately becoming an educator dedicated to making sure no student falls through the cracks. From serving in the military to advocating for children’s rights on the national stage, Ken shares how resilience, mentorship, and education transformed his life. He also reflects on the teacher who changed everything for him, why teaching became his greatest accomplishment, and how he now works to be that same source of hope for his students every day. You’ll also meet Bishop, Ken’s beloved service dog and unofficial school mascot, whose calming presence has touched countless students. This episode is emotional, inspiring, and a reminder of the incredible impact educators can have on the lives of young people. 🎧 Listen now and hear why Ken says, “Hopefully someday someone will say, ‘I had a Mr. C.’” #DPSStories #DenverPublicSchools #Education #TeacherStory #Resilience #StudentSuccess #ChildAdvocate #MiddleSchoolTeacher #PublicEducation #InspiringStories

DPS 101 with FACE Executive Director Dr. Adella Arredondo

Go behind the scenes of how Denver Public Schools works in this episode of the DPS 101 Podcast. In Episode 6, host Nicole Brady sits down with Dr. Adella Arredondo, Executive Director of Family and Community Engagement, or FACE. FACE oversees a number of critical programs in DPS: from engaging families in their children's education, providing resources like food and ESL classes, fostering school accountability and academic success, and recruiting volunteers for DPS schools. 🎧 Whether you're a parent, staff member, or community member, the DPS 101 podcast is a great way to better understand how DPS operates and how decisions are made.