The Denver Public Schools Podcast

Go behind the scenes of how Denver Public Schools works in this episode of the DPS 101 Podcast.

In Episode 3, host Nicole Brady sits down with Chuck Carpenter, Chief of Finance for Denver Public Schools, to break down how school funding really works. From where the money comes from to how it’s spent in classrooms, Chuck gives a clear and honest look at the financial decisions that impact students every day.

You’ll hear about:

1. Strategic Roadmap Student Promises Survey

DPS is in the process of crafting its next Strategic Roadmap, which will include a list of “Student Promises.” You can think of a “Student Promise” as things that every student can count on. DPS wants to know what you believe should be true for every student so we can ensure we meet those expectations. Please take the Strategic Roadmap Student Promises Survey, help DPS refine what we promise to all students. The survey is open now through 5 p.m. on March 29. It takes only 7-10 minutes to complete and all responses are conf...

En este episodio especial de EDUCA DPS, Lincoln High School reunió a un poderoso panel de exalumnos que compartieron una experiencia en común: durante su paso por la escuela, el español era su idioma principal. Hoy, esos mismos estudiantes están triunfando en la universidad y en sus carreras profesionales.

A través de sus historias, consejos y mejores prácticas, los panelistas ofrecieron inspiración real y alcanzable para los estudiantes actuales, demostrando que el idioma no es una barrera, sino una fortaleza. Desde cómo navegar el sistema educativo hasta cómo mantenerse motivados...

Why does attendance matter every single day?

In this episode of the EDUCA DPS Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Cori Canty, School and Unified Improvement Planning Manager at Denver Public Schools, to break down the real impact of student attendance on learning, achievement, and long-term success.

From early literacy and third-grade reading benchmarks to graduation, college opportunities, and career readiness, this conversation connects the dots on why showing up matters—not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well.

We also dive into:

What “chronic absenteeism” really means (even with excuse...

¿Por qué la asistencia importa todos los días?

En este episodio del podcast EDUCA DPS, platicamos con la Dra. Cori Canty, Gerente de Planeación Escolar y Mejora Unificada en las Escuelas Públicas de Denver, sobre el impacto real que tiene la asistencia en el aprendizaje, el rendimiento y el éxito a largo plazo de los estudiantes.

Desde la lectura en los primeros grados hasta la graduación, las oportunidades universitarias y las carreras profesionales, esta conversación conecta todo para entender por qué presentarse a la escuela todos los días sí importa—no...

1. DPS schools are invited to participate in the CherryArts Student Art Buying

Program (SAB) to give students a hands-on arts experience at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival! Each year, 24 schools are awarded classroom resources and a $500 budget for students to purchase original artwork from the festival to keep on permanent display at their school. Three student representatives attend the festival with a teacher or guardian to select the artwork while learning about art appreciation, teamwork and financial literacy. The 2026 program will take place July 3, and applications are due Friday, March 20. BothTeachers and guardians...

1. SchoolChoice Round 2 Opens Tuesday, March 10

Round 2 of SchoolChoice opens Tuesday, March 10 at 10 a.m.! This window is for families who are new to DPS, missed Round 1 or changed their minds since Round 1 and would like to re-explore their options.

Unlike Round 1, Round 2 is first-come, first-serve within school admission priorities, so you are highly encouraged to apply early. If space is available, your student will be offered a seat; otherwise, they’ll be added to the waitlist.

¿Cómo trabajan las Escuelas Públicas de Denver para prevenir el acoso escolar y crear escuelas seguras y acogedoras para todos los estudiantes?

En este episodio del podcast EDUCA DPS, el presentador Beto Gaytan se reúne con Malena Reyes, experto en prevención del acoso escolar de DPS, para hablar sobre cómo el distrito está trabajando para construir una cultura escolar positiva a través de prácticas restaurativas, aprendizaje socioemocional e Intervenciones y Apoyos Conductuales Positivos (PBIS, por sus siglas en inglés).

Juntos conversan sobre:
• Cómo se ve la prevención...

How does Denver Public Schools work to prevent bullying and create safe, welcoming schools for every student?

In this episode of the EDUCA DPS Podcast, host Javier Ibarra sits down with Wes Ogburn, DPS bullying prevention expert, to talk about how the district is working to build positive school culture through restorative practices, social-emotional learning and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

Together they discuss:
• What bullying prevention looks like in DPS schools
• Current trends and student data around bullying
• The role social media plays in student interactions
• How schools support both stu...

Dr. Charlie Merrow, Director of Special Education for DPS joins Communications Manager Nicole Brady to take listeners behind the scenes of how special education services are implemented.  He explains the continuum of services offered for students with disabilities and how each serves student populations with different needs.

1. Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy being Featured Live on 9NEWS

Talented students from Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy were featured live on 9NEWS on Feb. 20, showcasing their original fashion designs ahead of their upcoming runway event.

During the segment, students shared the inspiration behind their pieces and presented designs that reflected their creativity, culture and personal identity. Their work highlighted both their artistic talent and the dedication they have shown throughout the project.

The live appearance on 9NEWS gave students a memorable opportunity to represent their school and share their voices with a...

1. The CDAC Feedback Form Is Open through Friday, Feb. 27

The Communication Devices Advisory Committee (CDAC) is supporting the development of a new Board of Education policy outlining rules for student possession of communication devices,  like cell phones, during the school day as required by Colorado HB25-1135. 

If you are interested in observing the CDAC at work, their fourth meeting is on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the 14th floor of the Emily Griffith Campus (1860 Lincoln St.) Childcare and Spanish interpretation services will be available for meeting observers. If interpretation services are needed fo...

DPS 101 is the podcast version of the DPS 101 Community Leadership Course, educating the community on the inner workings of DPS departments, structures and systems. 

Each episode will feature a DPS leader reflecting on their own leadership journey and explaining their department functions.

In Episode 2, DPS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Tony Smith explains the function of the Office of Schools, which oversees academics. Listeners will learn how curriculum planned at the district level makes its way into classrooms, and how feedback from schools and community members makes its way to leadership.

1. Changes to district surveys

DPS is changing their approach to district surveys. DPS is pausing the districtwide Family survey and limiting the Student and Staff survey efforts this school year. This intentional pause gives DPS the space to build a better survey approach for next school year that respects student, family and staff bandwidth and ensures that feedback leads to real, visible change in schools across the district. 

Peanutter to Communicator: The Story Behind “Trail Mix Talya”
In this episode of DPS Stories, we sit down with Talya Cohen, a DPS Communications Specialist known around the team as “Trail Mix Talya.” Before joining Denver Public Schools, Talya spent a year traveling the country as a Planters “Peanutter,” representing the brand in communities across the U.S., pitching local events, volunteering, meeting unexpected “celebrity” guests, and learning what it really means to be “on” 24/7.
Talya and Natalie swap Nutmobile memories (yes, they both drove it), share the funniest questions people asked, and reflect on the biggest lesson t...

1. DPS Transportation Guide To Printing Student QR Codes (Abigail Amane)

At the beginning of the school year, DPS Transportation launched a new app called My Ride K-12. With this app, parents receive late bus alerts, view route information and check their student’s bus location. 

Scanning on and off our buses is mandatory and students are required to have a QR code on their phone or printed ID. Due to these new requirements, DPS Transportation created an  instructional sheet, linked in our shownotes,  that walks families through the process of finding, printing, and/or placing the Q...

In this episode, DPS Lead AI Instructional Specialist Kali Peracchia and DPS Communications Manager Nicole Brady discuss Artificial Intelligence.
Topics include:
DPS policies on AI
AI apps current being used in DPS classrooms
Future opportunities and ethical dilemmas involving AI

Welcome to the EDUCA DPS Podcast.

In this episode, we explore the opportunities and resources available through Denver Public Schools libraries, and why school libraries remain essential spaces for learning, belonging, and community. You’ll hear how library services support students across the district through curated book collections, digital access to e-books and audiobooks, and tools that help students build critical thinking, digital literacy, and a lifelong love of reading.

We also dive into how collections are selected to reflect student identity, language, culture, and interests, including the growing popularity of graphic novels and manga, an...

Bienvenidos al podcast de EDUCA DPS.

En este episodio, exploramos las oportunidades y los recursos disponibles en las bibliotecas de las Escuelas Públicas de Denver, y por qué las bibliotecas escolares siguen siendo espacios esenciales para el aprendizaje, la integración y la comunidad. Descubrirán cómo los servicios bibliotecarios apoyan a los estudiantes de todo el distrito a través de colecciones de libros cuidadosamente seleccionadas, acceso digital a libros electrónicos y audiolibros, y herramientas que les ayudan a desarrollar el pensamiento crítico, la alfabetización digital y el amor por la lectura p...

1. Messages From Dr. Marrero and DPS in Regards to Friday, January 30th   

 Dr. Marrero sent out a message to the DPS community yesterday, where he emphasized that schools will remain open on Friday,  January 30th. DPS is committed to our students, and thanks to actions taken by the district and district leaders, schools continue to be a safe haven for students. 

Please check your email and the DPS website for the most up to date information, as there may be additional communication sent after the recording of this podcast.  

2.ICYMI: Provide Feedback on the 20...

1. Search Launch for President of DPS’s Emily Griffith Technical College

As previously shared, Denver Public Schools is launching a national search to identify the next President of Emily Griffith Technical College, or EGTC, a leader who will build on the strong foundation in place and continue advancing Emily Griffith’s mission of Opportunity for All, in alignment with DPS’ vision that Every Learner Thrives.

DPS is working with a national executive search firm to recruit and select the best possible candidate for this critical role. The position is now posted apply or learn. 

Thank...

In this episode of the EDUCA DPS Podcast, Javier Ibarra sits down with Albert Samora, Executive Director of Transportation for Denver Public Schools, to discuss the innovative ways DPS is improving student safety. The conversation explores new safety technology, including the My Ride K12 app and AI-powered camera systems, and how these tools are giving families greater transparency and peace of mind. Sponsored by VS America, this episode highlights how thoughtful innovation and a strong mission are helping DPS safely transport students to their future.

En este episodio del podcast EDUCA DPS, Beto Gaytan conversa con Miguel Contreras, supervisor the routas del departamento de transporte de las Escuelas Públicas de Denver, para hablar sobre las formas innovadoras en que DPS está mejorando la seguridad de los estudiantes. La conversación explora las nuevas tecnologías de seguridad, incluyendo la aplicación My Ride K12 y los sistemas de cámaras con inteligencia artificial, y cómo estas herramientas brindan a las familias mayor transparencia y tranquilidad. Patrocinado por VS America, este episodio destaca cómo la innovación bien planificada y una sólida misió...

DPS 101 is the podcast version of the DPS 101 Community Leadership Course, educating the community on the inner workings of DPS departments, structures and systems. 

Each episode will feature a DPS leader reflecting on their own leadership journey and explaining their department functions.

In Episode 1, DPS Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero provides an overview of the DPS 101 Leadership Course, shares his personal story of why he became an educator, and explains how he works with the Board of Education to set priorities for the district.

The 2024-2025 4-year graduation rate for Denver Public Schools rose 2 percentage points year over year to 81.9%. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Tony Smith talks to Communications Manager Nicole Brady about the intentional efforts by educators and DPS leadership to raise graduation rates every year for the past 4 year.

DPS Communications Manager Nicole Brady sits down with Theresa Connolly, Financial Literacy Curriculum Specialist for Denver Public Schools. Financial literacy is now a graduation requirement in Colorado, and DPS was instrumental in laying the groundwork. 

In this discussion, learn why a team of DPS alumni pushed for financial literacy and how DPS students are now learning everything from budgeting, to taxes, to investments. Nicole and Theresa also discuss historical discrimination and how DPS is preparing students to be advocates for a financial system that's fair for everyone.

1.Abraham Lincoln High School’s 

It was all yellow at Lincoln this past week. Literally. DPS Superintendent, and Board President Gaytan dressed in yellow and surprised Lancer students to celebrate their two-level jump on the DPS School Performance Framework, moving from Red all the way to Yellow in a single year! This milestone is a testament to the hard work of the students, staff, and families at Lincoln. Congratulations, Lancers! If you want to watch some of the celebration, head to the link in our shownotes. 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSYgpEBjAnZ/?utm_source=ig_web...

Most people know Aaron Thompson as General Counsel for Denver Public Schools.
What they don’t know? He’s also a rapper, painter, and creative at heart.

In this episode of DPS Stories, Aaron opens up about his journey—from working on DPS buses to becoming the district’s top lawyer—and how art, music, and service have shaped the way he leads. He reflects on growing up in Aurora, finding his voice through creativity, and why keeping students first is at the center of everything he does.

This is a conversation about identity, leadership...

School Choice can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode of EDUCA DPS, members of the Denver Public Schools Enrollment Services team break down the School Choice process and what families should know as they prepare for the 2026–27 school year. You’ll learn why the application window is opening earlier, how enrollment zones work, and what to consider when exploring school options for your student.

Whether you’re navigating School Choice for the first time or looking for a refresher, this conversation is designed to help families feel informed and confident...

El proceso de EscojoMiEscuela puede parecer complicado, pero no tiene por qué serlo.

En este episodio de EDUCA DPS, el equipo de Servicios de Inscripción de las Escuelas Públicas de Denver explica cómo funciona EscojoMiEscuela y qué deben tener en cuenta las familias al prepararse para el año escolar 2026–27. Aprenderá por qué la ventana de solicitud abre más temprano, cómo funcionan las zonas de inscripción y qué considerar al explorar opciones escolares para su estudiante.

Ya sea que participe en EscojoMiEscuela por primera vez o...

1. Let's Talk About DPS Finances - A New DPS Q&A with Our CFO 

School finances can feel confusing, and many members of the DPS community have asked great questions about how DPS manages its budget, long-term debt and voter-approved bond dollars. In this week’s DPS Q&A, Communications Manager Nicole Brady sits down with our Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chuck Carpenter, for an open conversation about where DPS funds come from, how money is spent and how financial responsibility affects students. 

In the Q&A, our CFO breaks down: 

In this DPS Q&A, Denver Public Schools Chief Financial Officer Chuck Carpenter sits down with DPS Communications Manager Nicole Brady to answer community questions about school finances.

The conversation breaks down how DPS budgets work, what a “clean audit” means, and why the district carries long-term debt. Chuck explains how voter-approved bonds are used to fund school construction and improvements, how financial oversight works, and how DPS ensures that resources are focused on students.

They also discuss enrollment trends, future funding challenges, and how families and community members can review DPS financial information and stay...

1 SchoolChoice 

DPS SchoolChoice Round 1 for the 2026-27 school year is now open until 4 p.m. on Jan. 20! This annual open enrollment process is for any student who wants or needs to attend a new school next year.

To apply: Visit schoolchoice.dpsk12.org/apply.

If you are applying for ECE, please head to the SchoolChoice website for more details regarding Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) application. 

2. RASA Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New Middle School Wing

DPS celebrated a major milestone at Responsive Arts & STEAM Academy (RASA) with the official ribbon cu...

In this episode of the Marrero Moment, Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero sits down with DPS Chief Financial Officer Chuck Carpenter for a candid, accessible, and engaging conversation about the district’s financial health.

From what it means to hold a AAA credit rating, to how school budgets are built, to the external factors impacting our financial outlook — this episode breaks down complex topics in a way that families and staff can understand.

Topics covered include:
• How DPS manages a $1.5B budget
• Why AAA credit matters for our schools
• The real challenges affecting district f...

Dr. Tony Smith, Deputy Superintendent of Denver Public Schools sits down with Communications Manager Nicole Brady to discuss leadership and academics in DPS.

1 Food Assistance Over Fall Break  

Tasty Food will be operating during DPS’ Thanksgiving break (Nov. 24-29) to help ensure that no child or youth goes hungry during their week off.

All Tasty Food sites will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27 in observance of Thanksgiving and Friday, Nov. 28 for the City and County of Denver furloughs. Saturday lunches will still be available for youth on Saturday, Nov. 29.

All youth ages three to 18 are welcome to stop by for a free meal. No ID or registration is required.

Visit the Tasty Food website.

DPS Communications and Community Engagement Manager Nicole Brady talks to DPS Director of Humanities Jennifer Begley about changes to improve literacy instruction.

1.The DPS Board of Education election results remain unofficial until certification on Friday, Nov. 21. For updates, visit the Denver Elections Division website.
Current leaders:

New directors will be sworn in at a special BOE meeting on Dec. 2.

2. Prioritizing Attendance Around the Upcoming Holiday Breaks

Regular attendance builds strong routines and supports students’ personal, social, academic, and emotional growth. Please plan family activities around the school-year calendar to help your child be in school al...

1. AI Resources for the DPS Community

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools offer endless opportunities for personalized learning experiences, a streamlining tasks and offering insights for areas of growth for students and staff. As DPS continues to integrate AI into spaces where we learn and work, we encourage families to review a the list of AI resources (Google Slides), linked in our shownotes, to learn more about AI and recommendations on how students should use AI tools appropriately. 

2. Submit Your Nominations for a Storytelling Campaign

DPS is launching a storytelling campaign to celebrate the incredible s...

In this week’s episode of EDUCA, DPS Nursing Services experts Marie Quinn and Nancy Cordova share how our district is taking proactive steps to protect our students and staff. They explain what Narcan is, how it works, and why DPS is making sure our schools are ready to respond in an emergency.

Opioid overdoses can happen anywhere, and the presence of fentanyl in our communities means it’s important for us all to stay informed and prepared.

Listen to this week’s episode of EDUCA, available in English and Spanish wherever you get your podcas...