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.

2. New Youth Resource Hub for Office of Children’s Affairs 

Denver youth and families now have a centralized online hub to access programs and services that help them thrive. The Office of Children’s Affairs launched the Youth Resource Hub to provide easy access to resources for academics, out-of-school programs, childcare, youth employment, health and family support. Whether you are looking for enrichment programs, job opportunities or family assistance, this one-stop platform makes it simple to find the help you need. 

Families, educators and community partners are encouraged to explore the hub and share it with others. Start exploring today by visiting the Youth and Family Resources website.

3. Fundraiser for Food and Nutrition Services Farms + DPS Farm Fundraiser

The farmers from our Food and Nutrition Services Farms at Schmitt and Bradley International School are holding a small online fundraiser to raise money for their project. Over the last three years, yield from these two small farms has quadrupled! In 2025 they grew nearly 28,000 pounds of cucumbers, squash, melons, carrots and more for DPS' school lunch program. Read more about their story and donate. The fundraiser closes Dec. 15.

4. Northwest Community Hub @ Trevista Academy Career Workshop 

On Friday, Dec. 5 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for a comprehensive Career Job Fair and Workshop at the Northwest Community Hub at Trevista Academy.
The event begins with hands-on, 40-minute workshops on:

• Resume writing
• Effective job searching
• Interview skills ("Dress for Success")

The afternoon focuses on DPS career opportunities, including an info session on our mission, openings, benefits, and application process, followed by a Q&A and hands-on application support with DPS staff. Bilingual support will be available. 

Register online, call 720-423-1180 or email [email protected]

5. DPS Dept. of Gifted and Talented Changes Testing as District Prepares to Open New GT Magnets

DPS Department of Gifted and Talented, or GT,  changed its universal screening test for the 2025-26 school year with the goal of providing more equitable testing and identifying a more diverse group of students. GT magnet eligible students will soon have new opportunities with four new magnet programs coming in 2026. Watch more in our latest video.

Thanks for tuning in. I’m wishing you a safe and relaxing fall break. And remember, because of Fall Break, we will not be releasing an episode next week.

We’ll see you next time on DPS Snapshots.

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:

• Amy Klein Molk – Director At-Large
• DJ Torres – District 3 (Central Denver)
• Monica Hunter – District 4 (Northeast Denver)
• Xóchitl Gaytán – District 2 (Southwest Denver)

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 all day, every day. [Access the 2025–26 calendar.]

• November Break: Nov. 24-28
• December Break: Dec. 22, 2025-Jan. 5, 2026

3. Food Assistance 

 If you or your family are in need of food assistance, there are resources available to you! These local organizations below may be able to help:

•Tasty Food Program: The Tasty Food Program offers afterschool meals for children that will be offered at Denver recreation centers. Visit the Tasty Food website

•Food Bank of the Rockies: You can find a food pantry near you using their Pantry Locator tool

•Colorado 211: This confidential and multilingual service connects people to vital resources across Colorado. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211colorado.org. Note: The hotline is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

•Feeding Colorado: A collaboration of five Feeding America food banks serving Colorado and Wyoming, working to ensure access to healthy, fresh food for those in need. Visit feedingcolorado.org/find-food or email [email protected]

•Hunger Free Colorado: Connects families and individuals to SNAP/food stamps, food pantries, free meals, WIC, and other nutrition programs for all ages. Call 855-855-4626 Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

4. Get Ready for SchoolChoice 

SchoolChoice is less than a month away! The Round 1 application is open from Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. to Jan. 20 at 4 p.m. It’s never too early to prepare. Here are some quick tips about ways to prepare: 

• Explore the School Finder to find schools near you or search based on academic program or interest. 
• Contact individual schools to schedule a tour! 
• Find general information about DPS and learn more about all of the programs available in the Enrollment Guide.

If you have any questions, review our FAQs, call the SchoolChoice Hotline at 720-423-3493 or email [email protected]. 

5. Student Represents DSA and DPS at Film Fest in Poland

Jerry Stone, a senior Video Cinema Arts major at Denver School of the Arts, attended the Science and Technology Film Festival in Kraków, Poland, where his short documentary “The Lab”—the only student project—was nominated for Best Short Documentary. A talented sound engineer with a thriving freelance career, Jerry continues to make DPS proud. Congratulations!

Please remember to like and subscribe to our show! 

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 students and educators across our community. In this campaign, we replace the word “Public” in Denver Public Schools with five empowering adjectives — Passionate, Personalized, Powerful, Prestigious and Proud — to highlight what makes DPS amazing.

We are particularly looking for students to highlight as a part of this initiative! You may also nominate educators, a team of people or even yourself to be featured in this campaign. It’s a chance to share good news with the community and spotlight the people behind our district's accomplishments. Stories will be shared across district channels, with the potential for additional media coverage.

You can Submit your nomination on the Denver Public Schools Storytelling Nomination Form, linked in our shownotes.

3. Powerful Inclusion: Celebrating Disability and Dyslexia Awareness Month

October is Disability and Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to recognize the strength, resilience and brilliance of every learner. At Merrill Middle School, eighth-grader Will embodies what it means to be powerful, showing that inclusion helps every student shine. 

You can Watch Will’s powerful story by visiting the link in our shownotes. 

4. Maryrose Kohan’s Passion Empowers Students at George Washington High School

At George Washington High School, speech and debate coach Maryrose Kohan has spent nearly two decades helping students find their voices and their confidence. Her classroom is more than a place to learn about arguments or prepare for a competition. It's where students discover their passions. Maryrose’s passion for teaching creates a space where every learner feels seen and supported to take risks. Head to our shownotes and Watch her story. 

5. Join Us for DPS Discount Days with the DPS Foundation

It’s the last weekend for the Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns event at THE HUDSON GARDENS. If you’re unfamiliar with this magical event, picture a glowing trail made of thousands of magnificent, hand-carved pumpkins, a  synchronized light show and 70 + larger than life displays. 

This special fall activity ends Saturday, Nov. 1. Use the discount code DPS25 at checkout to receive 10% off your ticket order! 20% of all sales through the discount code will be donated to the DPS Foundation!  For more event information, please visit the Magic of the Jack O'Lanterns website. 

That’s all for this week! Thanks for tuning in. 
Please remember to like and subscribe to our show! 
Thank you to the DPS External Communications team for their help editing and producing this episode. 
We’ll see you next time on DPS Snapshots. 

En el episodio de esta semana de EDUCA, Marie Quinn y Nancy Cordova, expertas en Servicios de Enfermería de DPS, comparten cómo nuestro distrito está tomando medidas proactivas para proteger a nuestros estudiantes y personal. Explican qué es Narcan, cómo funciona y por qué DPS se asegura de que nuestras escuelas estén preparadas para responder en caso de emergencia.

Las sobredosis de opioides pueden ocurrir en cualquier lugar, y la presencia de fentanilo en nuestras comunidades significa que es importante que todos nos mantengamos informados y preparados.

Escuche el episodio de esta semana de EDUCA, disponible en inglés y español dondequiera que escuche sus podcasts.

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 podcasts.
Las sobredosis de opioides pueden ocurrir en cualquier lugar, y la presencia de fentanilo en nuestras comunidades significa que es importante que todos nos mantengamos informados y preparados.

Escuche el episodio de esta semana de EDUCA, disponible en inglés y español dondequiera que escuche sus podcasts.

1. The Art of Storytelling! A Student Showcase Project

Does your student love graphic novels or comics? Library Services encourages first graders through seniors in non-charter schools to participate in the The Art of Storytelling Cartooning Student Showcase. Head to the link in our shownotes for entry requirements and details. Winners will be featured at the Steam Expo on May 2, 2026.

2. Five North High Student Films at the DocuWest Film Festival✅

Five North High student films were chosen to be part of the DocuWest Film Festival. The festival is happening this weekend at the Holiday Theater (2644 West 32nd Avenue). The student films will be presented on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 3:35pm. 

You can purchase a ticket to see the student films in person or watch the docu-ment-aries by visiting the link in our show notes . 

View the student documentaries.

Purchase a ticket.

3. Rise and Read Parent Training 

Guardians can register to join the Rise and Read Parent Training session to boost their child’s reading skills! The workshop includes Free books + tips.

• the Spanish session will be on November 3 at 8 a.m.
• An English session will be held on November 5th at 6 p.m.
• And the Vietnamese session will be on November 15 at 10:30 

The link to register is in our show notes. 

English: Register now. 

Spanish: Regístrese.

Vietnamese: Đăng ký ngay bây giờ!

4. VOICES of Soul, BEATS of Joy ✅

Join us for a vibrant celebration of student artistry, excellence and community at Lake Middle School! Enjoy family workshops, book giveaways, inspiring student performances and a free lunch.

• Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

5. Volunteer Opportunities 

Volunteer Services connects schools, DPS employees and community members with meaningful ways to engage students, educators and families. You can become a consistent presence in our students’ learning journey and make a lasting impact. 

To learn more, visit  the Volunteer Services website, linked in our shownotes. 

That’s all for this week! Thanks for tuning in.

Please remember to like and subscribe to our show! 

1. Ballot Initiatives for the Healthy School Meals for All Program

This November, Colorado residents will be asked to vote on two ballot initiatives, Proposition LL and Proposition MM, which would provide additional funding needed to sustain the Healthy School Meals for All program. Approved families will not be at risk of losing free meals if voters decide to not increase funding to the Healthy School Meals for All program. This means that if your family is approved for Free and Reduced Lunch, your students will still get free meals, even if voters decide not to give more money to the program.

If voters decide NOT to increase funding for the program, state funding for school meals would be significantly reduced at the end of 2025. At this time, we do not know how much funding the program would lose, but it’s important for families who are not approved for Free and Reduced Lunch to know that it IS possible that free meals will no longer be provided to their students. If voters decide to increase funding to the program, the current free meal program would continue into 2026 and beyond.

2. Learn About Money Skills: Financial Literacy

On Oct. 29  YOU can Learn About Money Skills Online! The webinar will discuss topics like saving, spending, and budgeting, plus share easy ways you can help your student build smart money habits. We’ll end with time for your questions. Register for the Financial Literacy: Learn About Money Skills webinar A Spanish session is being offered on October 27! 

3. VOICES of Soul BEATS of Joy

Join the VOICES of Soul BEATS of Joy on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.for a vibrant celebration of student artistry, excellence and community at Lake Middle School. The event will have family workshops, exciting book giveaways, inspiring student poets and performers, plus a free lunch for all attendees. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect, celebrate and support our talented students! You can Register for VOICES of Soul BEATS of Joy by checking out the link in our shownotes.

4. Join Us! Healthy Choices, Bright Futures at Bruce Randolph – Oct. 21

The workshop title “Healthy Choices, Bright Futures” is coming to Bruce Randolph School on October 21 from 5:30–7:00 PM.

Families will hear a powerful story from a mom about fentanyl awareness, learn tools to talk about prevention at home, and connect with community resources. Dinner, childcare, and interpretation will be provided. Families may be eligible to receive gift cards.

You can RSVP to Healthy Choices, Bright Futures via the link in our show notes: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSmOKtpHicaVeq2rFWtCDW1aGBub0oOHnGjF4OkcidqgB9Vw/viewform  

5. Fiesta Hispana

Hispanic Heritage Month Video

Students, families, alumni, community members and staff at Swansea Elementary came together to celebrate Fiesta Hispana, one of the school’s most cherished traditions. Students from all grades performed traditional dances from Latin-American countries. The annual event highlights the beauty of Hispanic culture through dance, music and classroom activities that honors the diversity of the Hispanic Community. This year, Swansea is proud to say they had over 500 attendees present to cheer on their student performers. 

You can and should watch the recap video of Fiesta Hispana, linked in our shownotes. 

En este episodio del Podcast de EDUCA DPS, hablamos sobre un tema de gran importancia: la prevención del suicidio.
El psicólogo escolar Grant Van Pelt comparte información vital sobre cómo identificar señales de advertencia, cómo crear entornos de apoyo en nuestras escuelas y comunidades, y qué recursos existen para quienes enfrentan una crisis de salud mental.

Denver Public Schools continúa comprometido en servir al niño como ser integral, promoviendo la seguridad física y emocional de todos nuestros estudiantes.

🧠 Escucha, aprende y comparte — juntos podemos salvar vidas.

🔗 Escucha este episodio completo en Spotify, Apple Podcasts o en YouTube @DenverPublicSchoolsPlus.
#EDUCADPS #PrevenciónDelSuicidio #SaludMental #EveryLearnerThrives

In this episode of the EDUCA DPS Podcast, Grant Van Pelt, a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and Dr. Jane Lineman, Student Safety Coordinator with Denver Public Schools, discuss suicide prevention and the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces for our students.

The conversation highlights key warning signs, strategies for talking with someone who may be in crisis, and resources available for youth and families. Denver Public Schools continues to strengthen its mental health and wellness programs to support every member of our school community.