January 7, 2003

Research, Planning, and Special Programs

Please see the attached memo regarding the new versions of the individual DPS school reports and how to review them before they are released to the public.

Northeast Area Superintendent

Please see the attached memos regarding: a leadership development opportunity , “Discover the Joy in School

Leadership,” and an educational leaders book talk on The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

Reminders:

1. Mentor Training Make-Up day will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11 at Manual High School, second floor library from 9 a.m. to noon. This mentor training is for anyone who did not attend the training in November. If you have questions or concerns, please call Kim Ortiz at 303-764-6970.

2. CSAP Reading/Writing Training Jan. 9 at Bruce Randolph Middle School from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the community room (second floor).

3. CSAP Math Training on Jan. 14 and 29 at Bruce Randolph Middle School from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the community room (second floor).

Risk Management

The flipchart, Classroom Emergency and Safety Procedure Manual, is being reviewed to be updated and republished this summer. This document is designed with the classroom teacher and school staff as the primary user. We would appreciate your close review of the document with your staff. Any suggestions you have to make the flipchart more easily understood or more complete would be appreciated. If you have information that is

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not presently in the flipchart that should be included, please let us know. Email your comments to michael_mayo@dpsk12.org.

DPS Foundation

Attached is a form for any district employee to use to reserve a seat at the DPS 100th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday, January 22. Special reduced pricing for DPS employees is $100 per seat. The form needs to be returned to the DPS Foundation at 900 Grant Street with payment by January 15.

Facility Management

See attached memo on summer 2003 Mil Levy/CRF projects and expenditures delays.

Curriculum and Instruction

Middle and High School PrincipalsTeen Zoo Program: Schools may want to participate in a program with the Denver Zoo called Teen Zoo Crew Program. This program was inaugurated at the Denver Zoo in 2001 for the specific purposes of assisting middle and high school students to cultivate a strong appreciation for wildlife and conservation; develop work skills, communication skills, study skills, and work ethics; explore career options; promote self-confidence and a positive self-image; enhance critical thinking and ethical development; and foster a lifelong commitment to volunteerism. The program supports and empowers teens, fostering “can do” attitudes and cultural competencies. Contact Estevan Duran, Science Coordinator, at 303-764-3395 or Estevan_Duran@dpsk12.org for more information. This program is excellent for meeting the student “service hours” graduation requirements some schools have.

Elementary Principals Elementary Literacy Winter Institutes

Doubletree Hotel, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.January 14–15, Northwest QuadrantJanuary 16–17, Southwest and Southeast QuadrantsFebruary 4–5, Northeast Quadrant

Principals are invited for the first day of each session and may attend both days if they choose.

Sharon Taberski Presentation for K–3 TeachersRed Lion Inn, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., January 25

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An informational flyer was sent by email to principals, coaches, and secretaries. If you need more information or a flyer resent, please email Dora Bruce at dora_bruce@dpsk12.org.

Reminder: Family Life Professional DevelopmentTwo Family Life professional development sessions will be held January 9 and 15, 2003, 4:00–6:00 p.m., at Centennial Elementary. These sessions are conducted for all fourth and fifth grade teachers who have not previously attended this board-mandated professional development. Teachers will be compensated for attending at the district inservice rate. Once trained, teachers will be qualified to teach Family Life curriculum in their schools. Share this information with your teachers and ask them to RSVP to Elizabeth Bible at 303-764-3423 with the session they will attend. If you have any questions, contact Estevan Duran, Science Coordinator, at 303-764-3395.

Master’s of Global Studies Degree Program for DPS TeachersThe Master’s of Global Studies is a one-year professional master’s degree designed for teachers to gain deep insights into today’s world and pass this information to students. Through the generosity of the Donnell-Kay Foundation, GSIS offers 75% tuition scholarships to DPS teachers. To be considered for the program, a teacher should have at least five years of teaching experience and must have a commitment to remain in the teaching profession.

GSIS offers many unique opportunities to study international affairs. Our programs are designed to expose students to a variety of topics and fields. All students are encouraged to gain expertise in a general area of international relations and develop specialized knowledge in a functional area. In addition, students can take classes from other graduate divisions such as education, history, economics, and sociology. By offering a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education, it is GSIS’ intention to provide teachers from the six-county area with new knowledge and information that will help them in their classroom.

GSIS is the proud home of the Center for Teaching International Relations (CTIR). CTIR’s mission is to promote global education in schools throughout Colorado and the nation. Participants in this scholarship program have a unique opportunity to contribute to CTIR’s programs and to develop and publish curriculum materials. For additional information on CTIR, visit: http://www.du.edu/ctir/.

For questions, contact the Admissions Office at 303-871-2544 or gsisadm@du.edu. Information about the Master’s in Global Studies also can be accessed at http://www.du.edu/gsis/.

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Denver Community School

Changing FocusThe Denver Community School program has undergone a variety of changes over the past few years. Each session, we have renewed our commitment to enhance offerings, attract new students, and make the program run cost effectively. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts and the support of our dedicated teachers and students, the revenue generated each session is not sufficient to cover our expenses. It will not be possible to continue the evening class program at Gove and Hamilton beyond January 2003.

Evening classes are still available at Morey Neighborhood Center. Their catalog is now available, including yoga, Spanish, computers, photography, fitness, Pilates, weight training for men and women, and swimming at National Jewish and Morey. Their great selection of children’s classes includes massage for infants and toddlers, adventures with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, babysitting, gymnastics, dance, art, Spanish, French, drama, boy’s basketball, and girl’s volleyball. Call Morey at 303-764-6887 for more information.

Denver Community School will remain an important link between DPS and the community, facilitating lifelong learning opportunities in all corners of Denver. We are excited about this chance to explore a variety of new models, including distance learning through broadcast television and online courses, afternoon enrichment, and daytime classes supporting family literacy, parenting, job skills, ESL, and GED. These new program opportunities will directly benefit DPS students and their families, and we are enthusiastic about bringing them to life in coming years.

Student Services

From the Office of Safe and Drug-Free SchoolsReminder: The eighth Annual C/SAT Training Conference, “Approaches to Prevention in The 21st Century” will be held March 1–2, 2003, at the Sheraton 4 Points Hotel, 600 South Colorado Blvd., from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Packets were sent out last month. If you didn’t receive one, call Lynne at 303-405-6625. Dr. Terry Tafoya is returning and will be speaking about, among other topics, communication and collaboration within organizations and communities and understanding the problems of chemical dependency and juvenile crime. There are also a variety of sessions to choose from on Sunday, March 2, such as Character Education, Restorative Justice, and Taking Care of Ourselves. This conference is free to all DPS staff, not just C/SATs, so please call Lynne at the above number to register.

School Community Partnerships

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Outstanding Educators AwardsEach year, the Colorado Department of Education provides opportunities to recognize and reward outstanding educators. These include special recognition programs for educators, students, and schools, as well as membership on advisory boards and task forces. In particular, your recommendation of teachers and administrators will provide the recognition they deserve for their hard work, dedication, and success with our students and community. For complete information on each of the award programs, please access the CDE Web site at http://www.cde.state.co.us/index_home.htm and scroll down the left column to Awards Programs.

We are all busy throughout the year and completing recommendation forms takes time. Recognition is so very important and meaningful. Please consider nominating Denver Public Schools’ employees and students for special awards and recognition.

You’re Invited To Discover The Woman Behind The Art.The Mexican Cultural Center, the Consulate General of Mexico, and the Museo de las Américas are offering two family events, free to the public.

Family Free Day will be held on Saturday, January 18. The day will include a fun art activity related to the “Frida Kahlo Unmasked” exhibit, and families are invited to walk around the gallery and enjoy work by Frida Kahlo and photography by Manuel Alvarez Bravo. There will also be an educational corner in the gallery where visitors can dress in traditional Mexican clothing. A Spanish-speaking assistant will be available during the Family Free Day.

A free lecture is offered on Saturday, February 8, at 2:00 p.m. Curator Tariana Navas-Nieves will lecture on the work of Frida Kahlo and Manuel Alvarez Bravo. She will address key themes and the nature of their pieces.

Feel free invite your students and their families to enjoy this cultural event together.Museo de Las Américas, 861 Santa Fe Drive, 303-571-4401

Public Information

1. Please be on the look-out for sign-up forms coming soon to your school for students and their families to receive the Sunday Denver Post at no charge. This is designed to help provide materials at home for the Million Words campaign. Each family that subscribes will also receive a Learning Together reading and activities guide to help students and parents get the most from this program.

2. Please keep us posted about Million Word efforts in your school, so we can publish the success in Inside DPS. Individual student accomplishments, activities: anything is welcome! E-mail mark_stevens@dpsk12.org or fax 303-764-3413.

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TUESDAY TELEGRAM ARCHIVE:http://www.dpsk12.org/docs/tuesday_telegram/tue_tele_archive.shtml

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BackDENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Department of Research, Planning, and Special ProgramsINTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMUNICATION

TO: Principals, All SchoolsTHROUGH: Wayne Eckerling, Assistant SuperintendentFROM: Ethan Hemming, Research AnalystDATE: January 7, 2003SUBJECT: DPS School Reports on the Web

Asks for a final review of your school’s data on the DPS website. Sets deadline of January 13, 2003, for comments and/or corrections.

The DPS School Reports will soon be available on an interactive Web site. As we communicated to you last fall, the site will provide the same information that has been provided historically in the DPS school report cards. However, with the new Web site, there will be more data and the information will be searchable, comparable, and tailored to the request of the user. Before opening access to the public, we would like you to review your information one more time. Although you have reviewed all information previously, a review in the final presentation format should be helpful to you and will improve data quality. This new interactive Web site will be demonstrated at some of the area principal meetings. However, you don’t need to attend a meeting to access this site and review your school’s data.

To access your school’s information, use your Web browser, either Netscape or Internet Explorer, and enter the following address (or click directly on this link if you are reading this memo in your email directly):http://dps.schools.net. Then:

1. Enter your school’s name in the box directly below the words “Find any school’s profile” and click the “Go” button to the right. (You can also click on the “See Complete List of Schools” link and select your school from the list that comes up.)

2. Click on your school’s name on the listing.3. The first page will be the “Overview.” Please scan this page of information.4. Click on the “Achievement” link in the blue tab bar to review your CSAP information in more depth.5. Click on the “Teachers and Students” link in the blue tab bar to review detailed staff and student

information.6. To print any page of information, click the “Printable Version” link located just above the blue tab bar.

Please review your school’s information and communicate any questions, comments or changes to Ethan Hemming (phone 303-764-3633 or email ethan_hemming@dpsk12.org) by Monday, January 13, 2003.cc: Area Superintendents

Mark Stevens, Public InformationJoAnn Buck, DoTS

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Leadership Development Opportunity

“Discover the Joy in School Leadership”

Who: Aspiring LeadersWhere: The Tivoli Center on Auraria Campus

The Zenith Room (Room 640)When: January 24, 2003

5:00–5:30 p.m. Social (beverages and appetizers)5:30–7:00 p.m. Dinner, Intimate Facilitated Conversation,

Panel Storytelling, Q&A

On January 24, 2002, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., the Colorado Principals’ Centerwill provide an early evening dinner and conversation on the

hidden joy that fuels a principal’s passion.So often, our focus is on standards, accountability, and reporting.

Rarely do we have the opportunity to celebrate our roles as educational leaders throughstorytelling and laughter.

Aspiring leaders will not want to miss this evening filled with joy andpassion featuring practicing school leaders and CPC Board members:

John Youngquist, Board PresidentMike Campbell, Principal, Brighton High School

Pat Sandos, Principal, Skinner Middle School, DenverCynthia Watson, Principal, Mesa Elementary, Adams 50 Westminster

Staci McCormack, Assistant Principal, Arrowwood Elementary, Douglas County

Colorado Principals’ Center Director: Frank A. Bingham, Ph.D. www.coloradoprincipalscenter.orgUniversity of Colorado at Denver Campus Box 106, P.O. Box 173364 Denver, CO 80217-3364

Ph: 303.556.2190 Fax: 303.556.4479 Email: frank_bingham@ceo.cudenver.edu

Please check the box next to each event you wish to register for.

* This event is specifically designed for individuals considering a future in administration.** These events are well suited for administrators to bring along key teachers, if they so desire.

Discounts: Employees of CPC member districts may deduct $5 from the cost of each event.Aspiring leaders and other non-administrators, deduct an additional $5 for each event.If you register now for four or more paid events, take an additional 20% off the total.

Please detach and mail this registration page with payment to :Colorado Principals’ CenterCampus Box 106, P.O. Box 173364Denver, CO 80217-3364Please use a separate registration for each person.Make checks payable to: Colorado Principals’ Center.

NAME__________________________________________POSITION___________________________________________________

SCHOOL _______________________________________DISTRICT ___________________________________________________

EMAIL ___________________________________________PHONE ___________________________________________________

TOTAL COST (don’t forget the discounts) $ Two options for credit will be offered for the 2002–2003 CPC Conversation Series. Single conversations may be counted toward recertification credit or participation in multiple conversation events may be submitted to UCD for graduate credit. Information and cost for each credit option will be available at the events.

The Colorado Principals’ Center is a partnership that involves the University of Colorado at Denver, the Colorado Association of School Executives, Front Range BOCES, and the Denver Area School Superintendents’ Council.

Tuesday, Jan. 21 Success Without Self-Sacrifice:Bringing Balance Back to Education $40

Friday, Jan. 24 Aspiring Leaders Dinner Series:Discover the Joy in School Leadership

$25*(no discounts)

Monday, Feb. 3 Chairman’s Book Club:The Tipping Point Free

Tuesday, Feb. 11 Literacy in the Secondary School: Designing a State of the Art Language Arts Program $40**

Monday, Feb. 24 Classroom Instruction That Works:Supervision that Makes it Work $35

Tuesday, March 4 Getting More From YourSpecial Education Services $35**

Thursday, April 10 Data Analysis for Peak Performance $40

Monday, April 14 Research-Based Reading Instructionin the Upper Grades $35**

Questions may be directed to:Frank BinghamDirector, Colorado Principals’ CenterPhone: 303-556-2190Email: frank_bingham@ceo.cudenver.edu

Spring 2003 Conversation SeriesHosted by the Colorado Principals’ Center

BackThe Colorado Principals’ Center Presents:

An Educational Leaders’BOOK TALK

The Tipping PointHow Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

By Malcolm Gladwell

The Tipping Point, chosen by Chairperson John Youngquist for our February Book Talk, is a fascinating read that studies the magical moment when an idea, trend or social behavior crosses a threshold, “tips,” and spreads like wildfire.

What do crime in New York, Hush Puppies, and Sesame Street have in common?

How and why do some ideas, products, and messages spread like a virus?

In what ways do the fascinating notions in “The Tipping Point”

relate to the present status of public schooling in America?

Join us for a session of thoughtful and reflective conversation about how “The Tipping Point,” relates to our professional lives as educational leaders.

Who: Principals, Aspiring Principals, and Other Educational LeadersWhen: Read the book over the holidays or in January

On Monday, February 3, 2003, 4:30–6:00 p.m., the CPC will host a Book Talk session for small groups of educational leaders to engage in conversation.

Where: The Washington Park Bathhouse (Northwest corner of Washington Park at Downing Street and Virginia Avenue)

To participate: Purchase the book at the Tattered Cover, Barnes & Noble, or wherever else your heart desires. It is available for $8.96 (40% off,) at www.barnesandnoble.com. (no other cost)

Register by sending an email to: john_youngquist@dpsk12org. Include your name, place of work, position, and work phone number.

You will receive weekly “guiding questions” throughout January to pace your reading at two chapters per week.

See you at the Book Talk: Refreshments will be served!

BackDENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMUNICATION

To: Area Superintendents and Site-Based Managers From: Mike Langley, Executive Director, Facility ManagementDate: January 7, 2003Subject: Summer 2003 Mil Levy/CRF Projects and Expenditures

Many of you are aware of the current budget constraints currently facing the district. We had planned and coordinated numerous projects for your schools this coming summer of 2003. These projects were to be funded via the Mil Levy/CRF Program. This memorandum is to inform you that due to the possible financial issues the district may be facing from the UAL Chapter 11 Action, your projects will not be executed this coming summer as planned. These projects will now be deferred until at least the summer of 2004 (see attached list). We will proceed with the design of the projects so when funding becomes available, we can execute without delay.

Our commitment continues to ensure you are provided with safe, functional facilities and stand by that commitment. All projects were evaluated considering any possible safety/functionality issues that may arise and decisions were made accordingly.

This is an unfortunate situation caused by events beyond our control and based solely on budget/financial considerations.

It is hopeful that the General Obligation Bond currently in planning will be passed by the voters and we can move forward in the coming years.

Any concerns you may have can be forwarded to Morgan R. Deane at 303-575-4137.

cc: Facility Managers, Morgan R. Deane, Trena A. Jones

Deferred Mil Levy/CRF ProjectsSchool Principal Facility Manager Project Scope

George Washington Mario Williams Debra Rodriguez Parking Lot and Storage ShedSmith Joyce Simmons Parking LotGove Laurence Tarver Barry Green Playground; Replace RoofNorth Offie Hobbs Warren Jones Tennis CourtsCollege View Cora Martinez Steve Schwindt DrainageJohn F. Kennedy John MacPherson Hank Martinez Parking Lot—RotundaHenry Wendy Lanier Ken Nelson Dimmer SystemsCentennial Joellen Davis David Chavez Dimmer SystemsGust Janis Everett David Reyes Lunchroom TablesFairmont Melanie Byers Michael De Camillis Lunchroom TablesEGOS Sharon Robinson Victor Quintana Relocate BackflowSouth William Kohut Fred Lopez Lunchroom FloorGreenlee Josephine Garcia James Maes Parking LotMarrama Paul Sandos Thanh Nguyen Lunchroom TablesBradley Angelo Spataro Eric Daniels Lunchroom TablesHarrington Sally Edwards John Velasques Carpet ReplacementSchmitt Gaynell Lawrence David Abeyta Classroom Carpet and TileHallett Wanda Beauman Jimmy Gates Façade RepairMontbello Hansell Gunn John Selman Replace Boiler Stack, Interior PaintThomas Jefferson Ann Bailey Andrew Ramirez Brick Repair on Porch

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RESERVATION FORM TO: Mary, Denver Public Schools Foundation FAX: 303-764-3732

900 Grant Street, Suite 710 PHONE: 303-764-3553Denver, CO 80203

Name: __________________________________________________________Phone Number: _________________________________________________Address: ________________________________________________________City, State, Zip:_________________________________________________DPS Employee ID Number (if reserving at $100 per seat):_______

Denver Public Schools Foundation

proudly celebrates the100th Anniversary of Denver Public Schools

Wednesday, January 22, 2003

____ Yes! I am pleased to pledge at the following level (check one):□ Platinum Table (10 guests) $10,000□ Gold Table (10 guests) $ 5,000□ Silver Table (10 guests) $ 2,500□ Patron Couple (2 guests) $ 1,000□ Individual Reservation (___ seats)$ 250□ DPS Employee Reservation (___ seats)$ 100

____ I am unable to attend; however, I pledge $______________ as a tax-deductible contribution in recognition of the DPS 100th Anniversary.

**** I M P O R T A N T ****

Please print exactly how you would like your name to appear in print for recognition:

Name(s): _______________________________________________________________________

PLEASE RETURN WITH PAYMENT TO THE DPS FOUNDATION BY JANUARY 15, 2003.

The DPS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN 84-1224325).Thank you for your support.