DPS Snapshots Show with Natalie B. - District Updates for Feb. 14

1. Denver Public Schools Files Immediate Temporary Restraining Order on Sensitive Location Revocation

On Jan. 21, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the rescission of  immigration enforcement guidelines, which originated more than 30 years ago. Specifically, this policy restricted enforcement actions near sensitive locations, including schools. A DHS press release confirmed that the Acting DHS Secretary signed a directive on Jan. 20, revoking the Biden Administration’s policies regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations. 

On February 12, Denver Public Schools filed a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to immediately stop DHS from revoking sensitive location status for schools. This emergency filing comes after several ICE arrests took place in neighborhoods surrounding some of our schools last week, negatively impacting some DPS families and students.

In a letter to the DPS community, Dr. Marrero shared that “DPS must operate according to our Shared Core Value of Students First. This value is a guiding principle that frames our every action and decision, ultimately pushing all members of Team DPS to do what’s right for our students, staff and families. To that end, I want to reassure our community that filing this TRO further signifies that DPS remains committed to providing the highest-quality education to our students and that schools will remain safe, welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environments for all. Our students belong in their schools and deserve to feel safe.” 

2.  SchoolChoice Closes on Feb. 18 at 4 p.m.
Have you submitted your SchoolChoice application yet? Be sure to do it this weekend! For more information on SchoolChoice SchoolChoice website. If you have any questions, review our FAQs, call 720-423-3493 or email schoolchoice@dpsk12.org.

3. Free Self Care Health FairPrioritize your health and wellness by attending the free Self Care Health Fair at the Cool Event Center (1050 S Sable Blvd, Aurora, CO 80012) on Saturday, Feb. 22  from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 

4. DAC/CSC Virtual Meet-up on Feb. 27!Are you a member of your school’s Collaborative School Committee (CSC) or School Accountability Committee? Join the District Accountability Committee (DAC) for the DAC/CSC virtual meet-up on Thursday, Feb. 27 from 5:30-7 p.m. Connect with other CSCs and share best practices to strengthen the work of these important school committees.

This district-level event is open to members of the CSC and School Accountability Committees from all schools (district-run, innovation and charter). Register today.

5. DPS Celebrates Black History Month: Angel and Atalia’s Journey Continues

Two years ago, DPS shared the inspiring story of Angel and Atalia, two extraordinary students from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College who embodied black excellence through their dedication and achievements. Today, we share an update on their success. Now thriving at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Angel is on the path to becoming an attorney, while Atalia is pursuing her dream of becoming an oncologist. Watch to see how these remarkable young scholars are shopping their futures and continuing to inspire our community.