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 for languages other than Spanish, please email CDAC.groups@dpsk12.net.

The CDAC website.

2. DPS 101: Inside the Office of Schools with Dr. Tony Smith

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. On the latest episode,  Deputy Superintendent Dr. Tony Smith joins the DPS 101 Podcast to explain the function of the Office of Schools. The video podcast is linked in our shownotes: Watch the video to learn more.

3. DPS Educator Janet Damon Receives NEA Foundation Award

DPS’ very own Janet Damon of DELTA High School is the recipient of the 2026 NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence from the NEA Foundation! The award is one of public education’s top honors. Janet, who is also the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year and a finalist for the National Teacher of the Year award, teaches ninth-12th grade history and social studies. With over 25 years of dedicated service to DPS, Janet has transformed countless lives through her innovative approach to history, positivity and selfless commitment to students.

4.George Washington High School Earns National Recognition for Unified Excellence

During their winter pep rally, the GW community celebrated a major milestone as their Unified Basketball and Special Olympics program received a prestigious national banner from Special Olympics Colorado. This honor places George Washington among only five schools in Denver Public Schools history to earn this level of recognition, one of the highest distinctions a Unified program can achieve.

The celebration also included a surprise moment for longtime educator Maryrose Kohan, who was presented with a National Speech and Debate Education Award for Region 6. Her leadership and dedication to students continue to make a lasting impact on the GW community.A video of the  the full celebration.

5.Lunar New Year Celebration at Denver North High School

On Feb. 17, Denver North High School hosted a celebration for the Lunar New Year. The event featured a vibrant lion dance, and the gymnasium reached full capacity as students, staff and community members gathered to experience and honor this significant cultural tradition. Denver North extends the utmost gratitude to the Chinese class and the Asian Pacific Student Alliance for organizing and hosting such a meaningful and joyous event. 

The  Denver North Photography Club captured photos of the event. Head to our shownotes to see their image gallery: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rv-BxO-mOVEAEP8Jgu_wntDR4Nd9zza5?usp=sharing

That’s all for this week!  Thanks for tuning in. Please like and subscribe to our show to stay informed of important DPS news throughout the year!