Category Archives: Stories from our schools

Science experiments for Stedman’s students – A to Z Fund stories, Part II

Science experiments for Stedman’s students – A to Z Fund stories, Part II

Do you remember when you were a kid how fascinating electricity, airplanes, water rockets, chemistry and weights and measurements seemed to be? Students at Stedman Elementary learned about these things in a  hands-on way last semester thanks to a grant from the DPS Foundation’s A to Z Fund. The after-school class at Stedman was taught by Colorado Experiential Learning Lab’s (C.E.E.L.) science educator, Lauren Wilson, whose approach allows students to conduct exciting science experiments and share their learning experience – all while leaving room for fun! Wilson, in his one-on-one instruction, guides students’ explorations from dissecting eyes to building terraria. The day we visited, students were learning about aerodynamics through the building (and flying!) of paper airplanes!

Read the rest of this entry

TeleTech celebrates the spirit of the season at McGlone Elementary

TeleTech celebrates the spirit of the season at McGlone Elementary

TeleTech, a generous DPS community partner, hosted the seventh annual “Spirit of the Season” holiday party at McGlone Elementary School in the Denver’s Montbello community last Monday. More than 1,500 McGlone students and family members were invited to the event, where they enjoyed a special holiday dinner, gifts and a visit from Santa all courtesy of TeleTech.

“McGlone was selected largely because of its vision for 21st century learning and dedication to student success despite the language and economical challenges,” said Emily Eikelberner, executive director of the TeleTech Community Foundation.  “We believe McGlone has created a model for successful educational reform for schools across the country and we are proud to support their tremendous efforts.”

Hundreds of TeleTech employees and their families volunteered more than 2,000 hours to make the event a success.  With 98% of McGlone families living in poverty, the special event was a welcome celebration of the season.

In addition to the party, the TeleTech Community Foundation donated nine Promethean boards, commonly known as interactive white boards, to promote newest learning strategies in McGlone classrooms encouraging interactive learning environment. Thank you, TeleTech Community Foundation. Way to go, McGlone Elementary. Happy Holidays!

Five Ben Carson Reading Rooms Open in Denver Public Schools

Five Ben Carson Reading Rooms Open in Denver Public Schools

Thousands of DPS students now have access to dedicated reading spaces in their schools, thanks to a generous gift from the Richard Lumsden Foundation and the Carson Scholars Fund.

Students enjoying the Ben Carson Reading Room at Samuels Elementary School.

This gift allowed for the construction of Ben Carson Reading Rooms at five local Denver Public Schools: Amesse, Colfax Munroe, Samuels and Swansea. Carson Scholars Fund Co-Founder Mrs. Candy Carson, family members and guests of the Richard Lumsden Foundation, and DPS and community representatives gathered at Samuels Elementary School on October 18th to celebrate the additions.

Read the rest of this entry

A to Z Fund Classroom Grants: going above and beyond for DPS students

A to Z Fund Classroom Grants: going above and beyond for DPS students
A to Z Fund

Oakland Elementary School students enjoyed new books thanks to the A to Z Fund.

Biology. Financial education. Field Trips. Instruments. Libraries. Software.

When it comes to giving Denver Public School students the education they deserve, the sky is the limit. That’s why the DPS Foundation started the A to Z Fund - to provide materials and opportunities that fall outside classroom budgets, but have a lasting impact on curious young learners. From aspiring Astronauts to Zoologists. And everything in between.

The A to Z Fund has granted more than $700,000 since 2006, providing new classroom technology, funding for field trips and competition travel, new musical instruments, books and much more. This school year alone, the A to Z Fund provided grants to 60 schools in DPS. As a result, thousands of students have had access to enriching programs and opportunities.

Read the rest of this entry

DPS Parent Leadership Institute

DPS Parent Leadership Institute

Parent Leadership Institute at North High School

Thanks to all the wonderful, engaged families who turned out this morning for the DPS Parent Leadership Institute at North High School. It was a busy and informative day, hearing from school leaders including Superintendent Tom Boasberg, as well as other education specialists. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the DPS Foundation booth and took brochures and flyers to distribute to their schools. And a special thanks to everyone who signed up to be DPS Foundation Sports Ambassadors for our community night games with the Rapids, Avs and Nuggets! Read more about special events & offers to see our hometown teams, visit Elitch Gardens and more!

DPS Foundation Booth

Castro Elementary School Parents

Parents from Castro Elementary School show their school spirit at the Parent Leadership Institute today.