The Denver Public Schools Podcast

From School Boundaries to Student Art - DPS Snapshots with Natalie B.

5 min · 15. maj 2026
episode From School Boundaries to Student Art - DPS Snapshots with Natalie B. cover

Description

Our first story is a big one: Redrawing Our District Equitably: School Boundary and Enrollment Zone Update  1. Redrawing Our District Equitably: School Boundary and Enrollment Zone Update All families deserve equitable access to the schools that are the best fit for their students. Denver’s changing population means that DPS must adapt to ensure every student has access to robust programming. The Redrawing Our District Equitably: School Boundary and Enrollment Zone Update [https://www.dpsk12.org/page/redrawing-our-district-equitably] initiative allows for DPS to evaluate the boundaries and zones to better balance resources, support healthy school enrollments and address Denver’s shifting population. The goal is to ensure every student in DPS can thrive, regardless of their zip code. DPS is committed to making community-informed decisions, and you are highly encouraged to get involved in this conversation. At the moment, there are two ways to do that.  * You can share your thoughts via the survey [https://edu.sogolytics.com/r/q8eEpi] linked in our shownotes, which is open through June 5. * You can RSVP [https://forms.gle/YZJq9paccG3z4FkU7] to attend one of the Virtual Community Engagement sessions happening on : * Thursday, May 21 at 5 p.m.or [http://p.m.or] Friday, May 22 at 7:30 a.m. Additional engagement opportunities will be coming in fall 2026. Next up is a story about the Device Policy Sentiment Survey 2. Device Policy Sentiment Survey Closes at 5 p.m. Today The DPS Board of Education is set to vote on June 8 on a new policy regarding students having access to communication devices (such as cellphones, headphones, smart watches, etc.) during school hours.  DPS is conducting a survey to understand the DPS community's current sentiment to ensure upcoming communications about this policy clearly address concerns and questions. The Device Policy Sentiment survey [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.5CmVkIvVF3zRoYwMSEbM5yTNFx-2B64NGYmmx7i9kGlpuWq92TlTSTJffUwMmSjrQvDoxI_RPq-2B-2FDk2OLCpAnHDtYNmCXCglzA9vVHe4wPhqp-2BgMAATcB-2FAXAMW6hL6Zjv-2F3rV4B8X7YpheDN-2BqLDStdj9wotMZfq1-2F8eRdnhJFGkfROG51ybsMkuP1qagv9KMXMjF7-2BhcRQfL1HAHiwrgpf25abBshV3sR-2FFdrxKUonMW-2F8Cxhn4DUDb6JpJRl1tD3soR3Ple-2BjTfVxyuH10QysG8IThvAeQo-2F2jjCK3f1RdI-2BkXw683FVdHkfdRDlqpctLSv2w0mWEaBSxwjxCkRdwZtja2pgoKvSLoya3i4JIfIR6FM-3D__;!!I5wY4Ip2iQ-G!46gWJ3gxz1p4q9EK5UL3SZ-qQoPTiKecwHxp1Z6tmFaQS5KU4IEg0CP64sZaeF-7Eu2gFR9OETxBBz3G_IZNdiPYYDczXsjRrA$] (Linked in our shownotes) closes at 5 p.m. today, May 15. The questions take 5-7 minutes to answer and all responses are confidential. You can learn more about the policy on the Communication Devices Advisory Committee (CDAC) [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.3bUr3Jj6hEqcIrymqBBc-2F8eG8QGH2TNSfmN-2FQRy26SjIA1BpvrLGpYyTNUwCZFw7CULAweqH1T3nmhrXMZvUg4P0dhStCdOreQbQp2bYjHA-3DQlIp_RPq-2B-2FDk2OLCpAnHDtYNmCXCglzA9vVHe4wPhqp-2BgMAATcB-2FAXAMW6hL6Zjv-2F3rV4B8X7YpheDN-2BqLDStdj9wotMZfq1-2F8eRdnhJFGkfROG51ybsMkuP1qagv9KMXMjF7-2BhcRQfL1HAHiwrgpf25abBshV3sR-2FFdrxKUonMW-2F8CzDM8q-2Bo9fqGkjcPs8b3MxV8E3ygxr5qQ2SP3bS-2FXMEnEC-2FR9HK27GzTA9T0PLCbsCg7qE6WNjqvpnNyExMlnEP-2BKtiixv8lPXf0jtubfIyCYUcRpjgME1LjbVoJaxAhZM-3D__;!!I5wY4Ip2iQ-G!46gWJ3gxz1p4q9EK5UL3SZ-qQoPTiKecwHxp1Z6tmFaQS5KU4IEg0CP64sZaeF-7Eu2gFR9OETxBBz3G_IZNdiPYYDc89R6dTg$] website, also linked in our shownotes.  3. Our third story is about Recognizing National Prevention Week: Anti-Vaping Resources In honor of National Prevention Week, DPS is highlighting the importance of vaping prevention. E-cigarettes remain the most common tobacco product used by students nationwide, and we are committed to providing our community with tools to combat this trend. Our goal is to help students navigate the social pressures and health risks associated with vaping. Most middle and high school students who vape want to quit. Visit the Anti-Vaping campaign page [http://ess.dpsk12.org/o/studentequity/page/anti-vape], linked in our shownotes,  to learn more about the impacts and to find resources for those who may need help quitting. By staying informed, we can work together to foster a safer, healthier environment for every learner.   4. Our fourth story is about the 2026-27 Back to School Shopping Experience  While most people are winding down for the year, the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team is looking ahead to help students start next year ready to learn and succeed! The new 2026–27 Back-to-School Shopping Experience has been redesigned to give families a more relaxed and personalized experience at our Community Hubs. The Back-to-School Shopping Experience is a free one-stop shopping experience where students can pick out grade-level backpacks and school supplies in a welcoming and stress-free environment. All DPS families are welcome. To help families avoid long lines and have enough time to shop comfortably, visits will take place by scheduled appointment during the week of August 10–14. * The first step is to Complete the interest form [https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.-2FC-2FcQyyLAX8vpYKitzCkwh5-2Fzfvkl2weRk-2FdZJkDVWoFVUZh7JWY-2FAOXfbk1YvWetZnR_RPq-2B-2FDk2OLCpAnHDtYNmCXCglzA9vVHe4wPhqp-2BgMAD-2FfgdP1PvVGx-2BTMpmozLunBd0aEwXZOmR4iVLEtN5xCCCtN02lhwo1BCqa0hi4CuRCIXrgvJeoj8VpziNdi6Y44rMTjdWzTmSQls4MhFqUBGmLqY91PzYsGR86zCl3qDXDQ1Qb2sddJoVZOES4AK5V5M-2F7JDKWczAuaFzL9zX5WS2ol8InPC6bvipqbYXD-2FiIkMwiE8enpmUUD0-2BKeU2DbdbtGmpliP5pZTIu0DTEzY1Cj11V7q9OEomxNDJy5LGI-3D__;!!I5wY4Ip2iQ-G!5fuDzeGeTs52ZH8kkTvriJRZhdQRFg-Q78geEMlVKgbuXd05xpog7M0j9LZ1npglBu-7YtMaSTVV6AmwzmMRHXoGOhYOcZp9$], linked in our shownotes.  * Next, a team member will contact you before August 10–14 to schedule your shopping day and time. * Finally, On your scheduled day, bring your student’s ID number (lunch number) and enjoy the experience. Our fifth and final story is about Student Art On Display at Denver International Airport  5. Student Art On Display at Denver International Airport  In celebration of 150 years of Colorado history, Denver School of the Arts, Hill Campus of Arts and Sciences and Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy collaborated to create a DPS student art exhibition at Denver International Airport!  The “Mile High Expressions” exhibit forms a collective portrait of a state that is both deeply rooted in history and constantly evolving. This is more than an opportunity for students to share their work; it is a chance for them to contribute to Colorado’s story.  Travelers looking to celebrate America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th milestones are invited to view the exhibition. The exhibition is on view now through Nov. 2, and is located on the upper level of C Concourse, Mezzanine Level 3. Head to our shownotes to watch the student artists [https://youtu.be/vF-r6OEXuII?si=2cYxvLi_tVyCwkd_] share why this exhibition is special to them. You can also visit dpsk12.org/page/history [https://www.dpsk12.org/page/history] to see how DPS plans to celebrate 150 years of Colorado statehood.   That’s all for this week!  * Please remember to like and subscribe to never miss an episode.  * As always, thank you to the DPS External Communications team for their help editing and producing this week’s show. * We’ll see you next week on DPS Snapshots.

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15. juni 202627 min
episode DPS SnapShots: Celebrating a Year of Success and Looking Ahead to Summer artwork

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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.

29. maj 20263 min