DPS Snapshots with Natalie Brigham - Sept. 6

The Denver Public Schools Podcast

1. Attendance Awareness Month

September is Attendance Awareness Month! When students are not at school, they miss out on valuable learning opportunities and can experience long-term impacts that hinder their development in later grades. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or DPS staff member, please do your part to get students to school on time, every time. We’ll link some attendance related resources in our show notes, as well as the 2024-25 School Year Calendar.

• Why Attendance Matters
• DPS Attendance Webpage
• Attendance Works Handout

2. 2nd Graders at Green Valley Elementary Receive Free Bikes

Second graders at Green Valley Elementary recently received brand-new bikes thanks to Southwest Airlines, Kroenke Sports and Wish for Wheels. You can watch the PRECIOUS video of the students receiving their wheels and helmets on YouTube. Spoiler: The mascots Bernie and Rocky do make an appearance.

3. Apply to the Climate Champions Grant Program!

The Climate Champions Grant Program, which is run by the Sustainability Team, provides funding for DPS students to implement climate action projects in their schools. This program engages DPS students in real-world problem solving, leadership development and project-based learning that will allow for innovative and creative solutions to climate change. https://youtu.be/TX8bVr_j4xM

There is $225,000 available to fund multiple projects, and project teams can request up to $25k. Pre-application is due Oct. 22, and the application is due by Dec. 3.

There are a few restrictions. Students and staff from DPS schools are encouraged to apply, and projects must be based at a DPS school. The application is open to all grade levels. This program is meant to be student-led, but projects must have a DPS staff champion who will support the project team, be accountable for project deadlines, and ensure funding is spent appropriately. Please note, DPS charter schools are NOT allowed to apply at this time.

For inspiration, review the climate action projects that were funded last year.

4. Coming Up: Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is around the corner. National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15 every year. There are many ways to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of those who came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Some examples include cultural performances, film screenings, art and literature exhibitions and more.

We’ll link to local events happening throughout the month in our show notes, but be sure to keep an eye out for celebrations happening at the school level.

5. It’s Not Too Late to RSVP for the 2024 Black Excellence Summit

Don’t forget, the 2024 Black Excellence Summit will be taking place on Saturday, September 14 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Education Building at University of Denver. The RSVP form is linked in the show notes!