DPS Snapshots Show with Natalie Brigham - District Updates for Feb. 21

The Denver Public Schools Podcast

1. Nominations for 2026 Teacher of the Year

Nominations are open for Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year! The Teacher of the Year program elevates and celebrates exceptional educators. Colorado’s 2026 Teacher of the Year will become a nominee for the National Teacher of the Year award and have an opportunity to travel to Washington, DC with other state nominees from across the country.

Please nominate the teachers who have made a difference in your student’s life! The nomination form is available in our show notes and will be open until Friday, March 14. For more information, visit the Colorado Department of Education's website.

2. Denver Parks and Recreation Spring Activity Guide Now Available!
Mark your calendar: Spring activity registration opens Tuesday, Feb. 25 at noon. Browse the guide, linked in our show notes, and plan your season, from swimming to sports leagues, arts classes and outdoor adventures.

3. Call for Earth Month Events

Earth Month begins in April, and the DPS Sustainability Team is looking to see if your school is planning on hosting any events. If that’s you or your school, notify the Sustainability Team. They want to help support and get the word out! They also understand that environmental actions happen year round. If your school has any additional events this spring, feel free to share those events, too.

4. John F. Kennedy High School Partners with Make -A-Wish Colorado

The Student Council at John F. Kennedy High School helped to raise $2,000 for Make-A-Wish Colorado. Every year, Kennedy students and the Commander Community come together to participate in "Wish Week." Commanders get to show off their school pride and raise money to help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Some of their fundraising events included class penny wars, pie-a-staff member and silly string a teacher!

You can check out a recap video of Kennedy’s Wish Week. The school’s reel is linked in our shownotes.

5. Dos Amigas Fundraiser

The DPS Foundation’s Dos Amigas fundraiser starts this week. Treat yourself to delicious, authentic Mexican meals while supporting the Denver Public Schools Foundation! You can order now through Tuesday, Feb. 25 and get your meals delivered by Wednesday, Feb. 26. Use code "FOUNDATION" in the notes section of your order for 20% of the proceeds to go directly to the DPS Foundation.

That’s a wrap for this week’s episode! You won’t be hearing from me next week–I’ll be out enjoying some PTO. But be sure to tune into next week’s episode! The lovely Emma Caulkins will be your guest host telling you the most important stories for the week.

Thank you to the external team for helping produce this week’s episode. Like and subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode of DPS Snapshots. We’ll see you next week!