In this episode host Nicole Brady sits down with Tara Schneider, Senior Manager of Higher Education Academics in DPS, to discuss how Denver Public Schools is supporting students and families during Career and College Month this October. Learn about early college credit programs, financial aid support, and pathways for every student's post-secondary goals.

Key Topics Covered:

Exploring Post-Secondary Options: How DPS frames college and career readiness around student choice—whether attending a 4-year university, community college, trade school, or entering direct career training.

Earning Early College Credit: Free access to high school concurrent en...

En este episodio Natalie Valencia, gerente de Trayectorias de Educación Superior de DPS, explica cómo el distrito ayuda a los estudiantes a explorar diversas opciones tras finalizar la escuela secundaria y cómo pueden recibir asistencia con la FAFSA y la CASFA para financiar sus estudios universitarios.

Temas clave abordados:

Exploración de opciones postsecundarias: Cómo DPS enfoca la preparación universitaria y profesional en torno a las opciones de los estudiantes, ya sea asistir a una universidad de 4 años, un colegio comunitario, una escuela técnica o ingresar directamente a la capac...

Our first story is about the Annual Bond Report. 

Story 1: 2025-26 Denver Public Schools Annual Bond Report 

The 2024 Bond Oversight Committee is proud to release the 2025-26 Denver Public Schools Annual Bond Report.  The annual report outlines the projects that have been completed, their impact and what projects are coming up next. During the 2025-26 school year, $394 million was spent and committed, funding:

734 critical maintenance projects.One million square feet of new concrete.29 air conditioned schools.117 focused learning environments.17 secured safety vestibules.13 comprehensive high school athletics upgrades.

To learn more about the...

In this episode of the DPS EDUCA in English podcast, host Nicole Brady talks with Dr. Cori Canty, Manager of School Improvement and Attendance for Denver Public Schools, about the importance of consistent attendance and a new partnership with the Denver Broncos Attendance Network.

Why Attendance Matters: Consistent attendance drives both academic success and social-emotional development. It is especially vital from early childhood through 3rd grade, where missing school hinders the transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn."Chronic Absenteeism: Defined as missing 10% or more of the school year (justified or not...

En este episodio del pódcast EDUCA DPS, el locutor Beto Gaytán conversa con la Dra. Cori Canty, gerenta de mejora escolar y asistencia, sobre el papel fundamental que desempeña la asistencia regular en las Escuelas Públicas de Denver (DPS).

Por qué la asistencia importa: La asistencia constante impulsa tanto el éxito académico como el desarrollo social y emocional. Es especialmente vital desde la educación infantil hasta 3.º de primaria, donde faltar a clase dificulta la transición de "aprender a leer" a "leer para aprender".Ausentismo crónico: Se define como...

Our first story is about Hispanic Heritage Month.

Story 1: Hispanic Heritage Month

Denver Public Schools is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place annually from September 15 to October 15. Today, 52% of nearly 90,000 students and more than 35% of our 18,000 staff identify as Hispanic or Latino. The lived experiences of our Latine students, families and staff remain central to our districtwide priorities. The DPS Latine Student Success team leads ongoing work dedicated to the academic achievement of our Latine scholars. We wanted to use this moment to share some key highlights from the Latine Student Success...

Communications Manager Nicole Brady sits down with Dr. Stacy M. Park, Denver Public Schools’ new Chief of Academics. Dr. Park shares her journey in education, the personal reason she always includes the "M" in her name, and how the  academics team under her leadership will work to drive success in DPS.

Highlights of the episode include:

Inside the Academics Team: How curriculum, special education, multilingual learning, and career readiness work together.What's New in Classrooms: Updates on curriculum in DPSCelebrating Academic Growth: What recent CMAS growth and back-to-back "Green" dis...

Story 1: Attendance Awareness Month 

Our goal at DPS is to ensure every learner thrives. And one way we as the collective DPS Community can do that is by identifying and removing barriers that keep our students from coming to school each day. When students are not at school, they not only miss out on valuable learning opportunities for the time they were absent, but they can experience long-term impacts that hinder their development in reading by third grade, achieving in middle school and graduating from high school.

You’ve likely heard the phrase “chron...

 Story 1: Community Engagement Sessions to Review Enrollment Boundaries and Zones

DPS is continuing to host community engagement sessions in every region in September to learn more about what communities value as DPS reviews enrollment boundaries and zones.

You can attend one of four remaining engagement sessions. The remaining meetings are being held on the following dates from 6-8 p.m.  

Thursday, Sept. 10, 6-8 p.m. at Lincoln High SchoolMonday, Sept. 14, 6-8 p.m. at Northfield High SchoolTuesday, Sept. 22, 6-8 p.m. at CEC Early CollegeThursday, Sept. 24, 6-8 p.m. at Bruce Randolph Sc...

In this episode of the Educa DPS Podcast, host Nicole Brady welcomes Albert Samora, Executive Director of Transportation for Denver Public Schools, to kick off the new school year with essential updates on student travel. They discuss the implementation of the My Ride K-12 mobile app, a tool designed to give parents real-time visibility into their child’s bus journey.

Key Discussion Topics

App Functionality: How students scan on and off buses using QR codes (via cell phones or physical lanyards/IDs) to send direct updates to parents.Safety & Efficiency: Bu...

En este episodio del podcast Educa DPS, el anfitrión Beto Gaytán platica con Lluvia Ávalos, representante del Departamento de Transportación de las Escuelas Públicas de Denver (DPS). Juntos abordan los detalles clave de la nueva aplicación móvil My Ride K-12, diseñada para ofrecer mayor seguridad, eficiencia y tranquilidad a las familias sobre el transporte escolar de sus hijos.

Puntos clave del episodio

Visibilidad en tiempo real: Los padres pueden verificar la ubicación y los momentos exactos en los que sus hijos suben y bajan del autob...

Story 1: Device Free Schools 

Administrative policy JICJ, or better known as the Student Use of Personal Communication Devices is now active in all district-run schools for all students in all grades (ECE-13).

While students are on campus during the school day, personal communication devices (PCDs) should be turned off and kept out of sight. Some schools may have a place to store personal communication devices or students may keep them in backpacks or lockers, but not pants pockets. Each school has decided how they expect students to store PCDs and has shared those e...

How can families and educators better support the mental well-being of young people?

In this episode of Educa DPS, we explore the realities of teen mental health, the challenges students face every day, and the practical ways adults can help create safe, supportive environments where young people can thrive.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including stress, anxiety, trauma, social media, identity, belonging, and the importance of listening without judgment. We also discuss how families, schools, and communities can work together to support students and connect them with resources when they need help.<...

¿Cómo pueden las familias y los educadores apoyar mejor el bienestar mental de los jóvenes?

En este episodio de Educa DPS, exploramos las realidades de la salud mental en la adolescencia, los desafíos que enfrentan los estudiantes cada día y las formas prácticas en que los adultos pueden crear entornos seguros y de apoyo donde los jóvenes puedan prosperar.

La conversación aborda temas importantes como el estrés, la ansiedad, el trauma, las redes sociales, la identidad, el sentido de pertenencia y la importancia de escuchar sin juzgar. También h...

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...

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...

¿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 De...

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 shar...

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...

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.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 o...

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, mentor...

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 ope...

Our first story is a reminder that SchoolChoice Round 2 is still open@ 

1. SchoolChoice Round 2 is still open!

If you missed Round 1 of SchoolChoice, changed your mind since Round 1, are new to Denver, or are an ECE-4 applicant who didn’t get matched through Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK), Round 2 is for you!

Unlike Round 1, Round 2 applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis within school admission priorities, so you are encouraged to apply soon. If space is available, your student will be offered a seat; otherwise, they’ll be added to the waitlist. If you’r...

In this episode of "The Lesson Plan" Dr. Samantha Haviland, DPS Executive Director of Career and College Success and Scott Burke, Director of Higher Education Learning join host Nicole Brady for a graduation season discussion on career and college preparation. Learn how college level and concurrent enrollment courses have led to a record number of DPS students receiving an associates degree while still in high school; how the district is expanding Career and Technical Education; and how DPS students can find mentors, internships and job opportunities while still in high school.

Our first story is a big one: Redrawing Our District Equitably: School Boundary and Enrollment Zone Update 

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 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...

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

In Episode 5, host Nicole Brady sits down with Trena, Chief of Operations for Denver Public Schools.

The Office of Operations oversees more than 2,000 employees in DPS departments including Climate and Safety, Transportation, Facilities, Sustainability, Technology Services, Planning, Design & Construction and more!

🎧 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.

1. Uplifting Community Voice: New Collaborative School Committee (CSC) Impact Videos

The  DPS Communications team and the Family & Community Engagement team, also known as FACE, created a series of Collaborative School Committee Impact Videos through interviews with school leaders, teachers, parents, students and community members.

This project provides a first hand look at what it means to serve on a CSC and how it supports community voice and family engagement.  You can watch the impact video, linked in our shownotes. 

CSC Impact Video

2. DPS Students are Hopping Aboard the Bike Bus https://you...

1. Should Students Have Access to Communication Devices During School Hours?

The DPS Board of Education is finalizing a new policy regarding students having access to communication devices (such as cellphones, headphones, smart watches, etc.) during school hours. As we prepare for implementation in July 2026, we are 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, is now open and closes at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15. The questions take 5-7 minutes to answer and all responses are...

DPS Interim Deputy Superintendent of Operations Chuck Carpenter explains the Milll Levy Override Proposal DPS is considering for the November 2026 ballot.  Listen to learn:
 - What a Mill Levy Override is
 - The Difference Between a Mill Levy Override (MLO) and a Bond
 - How the money can be spent
 - What the impact is on property taxes
 - How the community can provide input on the MLO proposal

In this episode of the Educa DPS Podcast, we sit down with Yoseline Loya from the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) to break down everything DPS students and families need to know about preparing for life after high school.

From scholarships and financial aid to college visits and career exploration, this conversation is all about access, opportunity, and making informed decisions. Whether you’re a freshman just getting started or a senior ready to apply, DSF provides free support every step of the way.

We also cover:
• What it means to be college and career read...

En este episodio del podcast Educa DPS, conversamos con Yoseline Loya de la Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) para desglosar todo lo que los estudiantes y las familias de DPS necesitan saber sobre la preparación para la vida después de la escuela secundaria.

Desde becas y ayuda financiera hasta visitas universitarias y exploración de carreras, esta conversación gira en torno al acceso, las oportunidades y la toma de decisiones informadas. Ya sea que seas un estudiante de primer año que recién comienza o un estudiante de último año listo para postularse, la DSF o...