DPS Snapshots with Special Guest, Emma Calkins - District Updates for Nov. 1

The Denver Public Schools Podcast

1. 2025-26 School Choice Round 1 is Almost Here & Enrollment Guides are Available Online
As Natalie shared last week, the DPS SchoolChoice Round 1 enrollment window for the 2025-26 school year opens at 10 a.m. on Jan. 15 and runs through Feb. 18, 2025 at 4 p.m. Learn more about SchoolChoice, check out the SchoolChoice explainer video. The 2025-26 Enrollment Guides are also a great SchoolChoice resource - the guides include an overview of each school and their unique programs. You can find the enrollment guides and a link to the SchoolChoice application. And for any SchoolChoice related questions, you can always email [e-mail].

2. Community Resources for Winter Break
We’ve officially made it to winter break! If you, your loved ones, or your community are in need of resources over the break, the DPS Family and Community Engagement Team (also known as FACE) has got you covered. The FACE team has compiled a list of meals, housing, and mental health winter activities. You can find this resource list.

Plus: students can get a free supper or snack at any Tasty Food site across Denver over the break! The City and County’s Office of Children Affairs offers these nutritious meals for youth ages 5 to 18 - no registration or ID required. Check out the Tasty Food schedule - in English and Spanish.

3. Learning Beyond the Classroom: Discover DPS’ Balarat Outdoor Education Program
Each year, 7,000 DPS fifth-graders embark on an unforgettable journey at Balarat, our district’s outdoor education program. Students learn essential wilderness skills like reading a compass and finding their way, while building confidence and teamwork through low ropes courses. Check out the video to see the magic at Balarat in action! You can also visit the Balarat website for more information

4. One Year Later: The Impact of DMLK’s New Gym
On Nov. 30, 2023, DPS celebrated the new gymnasium at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College. The new athletic facility was funded by the 2016 bond reserves, and one year later, Denver 7 reported on the positive changes the gym has spurred for the community. Students and teachers shared how the gym has brought varsity athletics to the school for the first time and has boosted student morale. Thank you, Denver voters, for making this possible!

To learn more about the impact of the gym, check out the Denver 7 report.

5. Morey Middle School's Theater Original Music Chosen for ThesCon Colorado
The Morey Middle School theater program wrote a musical, “Waiting For The Bus,” that was selected for the MainStage Show at ThesCon Colorado, which took place at the BellcoTheater on Dec. 12. This is the first time ever that a middle school production was chosen as the MainStage production.

You can listen to the original cast recording and read more about the musical.