The Lesson Plan: Career and College Success

Teen Mental Health: What Students Wish Adults Understood | Black Voices in Color Podcast

Behind the smiles, jokes, and social media posts, many students are silently struggling with their mental well-being. In this episode of Black Voices in Color, student hosts have an honest conversation about stress, anxiety, depression, social media, academic pressure, and the challenges many young people face every day. They share personal experiences, discuss how mental health impacts their lives, and explore the difference between everyday stress and more serious mental health concerns. The conversation also examines how adults can better support young people, the impact of social media on self-esteem, and practical ways students can care for their mental well-being. In this episode: *  The realities of teen mental health  *  How stress affects students inside and outside the classroom  *  Recognizing the signs of anxiety and depression  *  The impact of social media on self-esteem  *  Healthy coping strategies and self-care  *  Why students need trusted adults and support systems  *  Creating safe spaces for honest conversations  Most importantly, this episode reminds students that they are not alone and that asking for support is a sign of strength. 🎙️ 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 #MentalHealth #TeenMentalHealth #StudentVoice #DenverPublicSchools #MentalWellBeing #YouthLeadership #StudentStories #MentalHealthAwareness

From DPS Student to Denver Clerk and Recorder - EDUCA DPS Podcast

What role do students and families play in shaping the future of their communities? In this episode of Educa DPS, we explore the importance of civic engagement, voting, and participating in the democratic process. From understanding how local elections work to learning how young people can get involved before they are eligible to vote, this conversation highlights why every voice matters. Listeners will also hear about the journey of a West Denver native who attended Denver Public Schools and went on to serve the community through public service. The discussion covers voter registration, pre-registration for young people, election security, and practical ways students can engage in civic life and make a difference in their neighborhoods. In this episode: Why voting matters How local elections impact daily life Voter registration and pre-registration for young people Civic engagement opportunities for students Election security and voter confidence The power of community involvement Why student voices matter in democracy Whether you're preparing to vote for the first time or looking for ways to become more involved in your community, this episode offers valuable insights into the democratic process and the role each of us plays in shaping the future. 🎙️ Educa DPS is part of the DPS Podcast Network and highlights conversations that inform, inspire, and empower students, families, educators, and community members. #EducaDPS #DenverPublicSchools #CivicEngagement #Voting #Democracy #StudentVoice #CommunityLeadership #Education #Denver

Cómo las Elecciones Locales Transforman Nuestras Comunidades - EDUCA DPS Podcast

¿Qué papel juegan los estudiantes y las familias en el futuro de sus comunidades? En este episodio de Educa DPS, exploramos la importancia de la participación cívica, el voto y el involucramiento en el proceso democrático. Desde comprender cómo funcionan las elecciones locales hasta descubrir cómo los jóvenes pueden participar antes de tener la edad suficiente para votar, esta conversación destaca por qué cada voz importa. Los oyentes también conocerán la historia de un orgulloso egresado de las Escuelas Públicas de Denver que creció en el oeste de Denver y dedicó su carrera al servicio público. La conversación aborda temas como el registro de votantes, el prerregistro para jóvenes, la seguridad electoral y las distintas maneras en que los estudiantes pueden involucrarse en la vida cívica para generar un impacto positivo en sus comunidades. En este episodio: *  Por qué es importante votar  *  Cómo las elecciones locales impactan nuestra vida diaria  *  Registro y prerregistro de votantes para jóvenes  *  Oportunidades de participación cívica para estudiantes  *  Seguridad electoral y confianza en el proceso  *  El poder de la participación comunitaria  *  Por qué la voz de los estudiantes importa en la democracia  Ya sea que te estés preparando para votar por primera vez o que busques formas de involucrarte más en tu comunidad, este episodio ofrece información valiosa sobre el proceso democrático y el papel que todos desempeñamos en la construcción del futuro. 🎙️ Educa DPS forma parte de la Red de Podcasts de DPS y presenta conversaciones que informan, inspiran y empoderan a estudiantes, familias, educadores y miembros de la comunidad. #EducaDPS #EscuelasPublicasDeDenver #ParticipacionCivica #Voto #Democracia #VozEstudiantil #LiderazgoComunitario #Educacion #Denver

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