DPS Snapshots Show with Natalie B. - District Updates for Oct. 3

1. SchoolChoice Round 1 

In case you missed it, the SchoolChoice Round 1 window is earlier this year! For 2026-27, the application will open at 10 a.m. on Dec. 2, 2025, and close at 4 p.m. on Jan. 20, 2026. Families will be notified of placement results in late February.

As a reminder, SchoolChoice is for any student who wants or needs to attend a new school for the following school year. All incoming ECE students, as well as incoming students who reside in an enrollment zone, must complete an application.

Start researching your options by visiting the School Finder and contacting individual schools to schedule a tour. SchoolChoice Hotline at 720-423-3493 or email schoolchoice@dpsk12.org. 

2. First AI 101 for Families Imagining Futures!

Calling all K-12 DPS families! Join us for the first AI 101 for DPS Families on Oct. 23 from 5-7 p.m. at Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy. The course is called “Families Imagining Futures” and is a free and interactive event for all-ages of learners to explore the world of STEAM You can Sign up for AI 101.

3. Design Like a Girl Workshop Series 

Design Like a Girl is a free, three-day workshop series for middle school girls (grades six to eight) to explore careers in architecture and design. Held at the CU Denver College of Architecture and Planning on three Fridays during the 2025-26 school year, participants will work directly with professional women to engage in design activities like model building and sketching. Apply for Design Like a Girl. Applications must be submitted by Oct. 10. 

4. MLE DAC on Oct. 15 

Join the Multilingual Education (MLE) District Advisory Committee (DAC) on Oct. 15 from 9-11 a.m. at The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver. We will be addressing several topics, including Parent Advisory Committees (PACs) and the Seal of Biliteracy. Attendees will learn about the roles and responsibilities of PACs at their schools, the benefits of the Seal of Biliteracy and how parents can support these initiatives to encourage their students' academic achievement. Light breakfast, childcare and interpretation will be available. Attendees are encouraged to pre-register.

5. Introducing the Newest Show on the DPS Podcast Network: DPS Stories 

The newest show of the DPS Podcast network spotlights a DPS Staff member and their amazing journey and how they bring that experience to serve our students and schools every day. 

In the first episode of DPS Stories, Roberto “Beto” Gaytan, lead producer and Emmy  Award-winning storyteller, shares his journey from arriving in Denver and learning English to becoming an on-air radio personality who has interviewed some of Latin America’s biggest names. Beto uses his craft to elevate DPS voices across the EDUCA Podcast and student features. 

Watch Episode 1  https://youtu.be/6uwyPSscl0k