important message

Important message from Principal Ian Jones about next year

Posted on by
Dear Denver Online Families:
As you have likely learned from DPS and media communications, Denver Online is partnering with Denver Public Schools (DPS) to significantly expand in preparation for the 2021-22 school year. Denver Online will welcome DPS students who are seeking a virtual option for next year. We will also be expanding to include grades 6-8. This is in support of families who are most comfortable with the online environment and those students who thrived in this learning environment over the past year! These students will commit to at least one year at Denver Online in 2021-22 and will have the option to return to their buildings the following school year or continue to be part of our community. I am excited to welcome these families to Denver Online!  
While I am unsure of how many students will enroll at Denver Online next year, we will be funded for all of these students and will be increasing the size of our team, investigating expanded programming and adding programming options for students throughout the summer. Initial plans include additional concurrent enrollment (college) course options, some Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and a larger community of learners and professionals.
While our middle and high school will technically be one school – Denver Online, most of our staff, student opportunities, courses and other programming will operate separately. Our instructional program will stay primarily online; however, students will be able to meet with teachers and participate in activities at the Smedley Campus. Time spent in the building will be optional for most students and strongly encouraged for students who need additional academic support or are participating in school activities.
I am very excited to expand our school in this manner as the past year has created a renewed interest in the power of online learning as many students have discovered themselves to be flourishing academically throughout the pandemic. We have also received very positive feedback from students regarding our online structures this year, although every group of students with whom I spoke communicated that they would like to see:
  • Increased opportunities for students to socialize with other students;
  • Some in-person enrichment activities;
  • A return of our awesome monthly field trips;
  • In-person club and group meetings;
  • Opportunities to work with our instructional team in a face-to-face environment, as needed;
Our team is committed to ensuring that we take this feedback as we plan for the 2021-22 school year! We have already begun planning some of our events for the fall!
I am also committed to ensuring that all of our students return to familiar faces as we move into next year. We are planning to keep our returning students connected with our current instructional team in as many instances as possible. Of course, our community, our connection and our personalized approach to supporting our students will always remain the same! The goal is to expand the “Denver Online Way” to all new members of our community!
As our school year comes to an end, I am requesting that all families complete the following tasks to support our planning for next year:
Complete the Annual Family Update
The “Early Bird” window for online registration is April 26-May 21. Register online this spring and avoid paper forms and save time at school during the fall return. To get started, primary legal guardians of current students should visit the DPS Portal and either create an account or log in. You will need your student’s ID number.
Let us know if you’ll be returning to Denver Online or going to another school
Thank you so much for your continued engagement and support!
Ian Jones, Principal
judi house

Webinar focusing on how to support grieving families

Posted on by

Supporting Grieving Families, May 19, 12:00 MST

COVID-19 brought on a pandemic of grief that will impact our schools and community for years to come. This webinar is for adults who want to create understanding and connection with grieving youth. Judi’s House counselors will share information about grief and bereavement. They will review children’s common grief reactions and coping. Finally, they will offer tools for supporting children and teens. Register here.

The webinar will be presented in Spanish on  May 19 at 1:00 MST

Apoyando a Familias en Duelo, 19 de mayo, 1:00 MST

COVID-19 provocó una pandemia de dolor que afectará a nuestras escuelas y comunidad en los próximos años. Este webinario es para adultos que desean crear comprensión y conexión con los jóvenes en duelo. Los consejeros de Judi’s House compartirán información sobre el duelo y el luto. Revisarán las reacciones comunes de duelo y el afrontamiento de los niños. Finalmente, ofrecerán herramientas para apoyar a niños y adolescentes. Registrar Aquí.

covid

Pop-up Covid-19 Vaccinations for DPS students 16+

Posted on by
Great opportunity to get your COVID-19 vaccine (16 and older)! Denver Health will host pop-up Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine clinics for DPS students aged 16 and older at the following DPS sites and dates:
  • South High School: First dose on Saturday, April 24; second dose on Saturday, May 15.
  • Manual High School: First dose on Sunday, April 25; second dose on Sunday, May 16.
  • North High School: First dose on Saturday, May 1; second dose on Saturday, May 22.
  • East High School: First dose on Sunday, May 2; second dose on Sunday, May 23.
Appointments are required. Students can check their DPS email for more information or call our School-Based Health Centers at 303-602-8958 to make an appointment.
As a reminder, Children’s Hospital Colorado also has an opportunity for both eligible DPS students and their family members to receive the vaccine.
perfectly you prom

DOHS Perfectly You Prom!–Friday, April 30th, 3pm, Zoom

Posted on by

What: The Covid quarantine isn’t going to stop us from still having an epic prom!  It’s just going to look a little different this year!  For the “Perfectly You Prom,” you’re encouraged to come as your best self, the version of you that makes you excited to be alive!  This could mean dressing up in a fancy dress or tux; sporting some creative costume, makeup, or hairdo; or simply coming as you are.  We will be having some great activities for everyone to enjoy:

  • School Royalty: Get dressed up in your favorite prom attire and then strike your best pose!  Then send your pictures to Kaci_Sintek@dpsk12.org by May 3rd.  Two winners will be chosen at random from all of the photo submissions and crowned as “School Royalty” at our last All School Meeting in May!
  • Whole Group Games: We will be doing a super fun mystery game with all of those who come to the school prom.  This game includes werewolves…so you know it’s going to be a good time! 
  • Small Group Games: Similar to sitting with a group of friends at the tables at proms, we will be using break-out rooms to play a couple of different activities to help us all get to know each other a little better and share some laughs!
  • Prom Background Photo: To make our Zoom Prom feel a little more legit and special, we will have a fun background for everyone to use on their Zoom!  That way we can all look like we are at prom together :)

Who: All students highly encouraged to attend!

When: Friday, April 30th, 3pm

Where: https://dpsonline.zoom.us/my/kacisintek 

 

spring showcase

Sign Up for the DOHS Student Showcase by May 3rd!

Posted on by

Hey Students!

It’s time to show off all you’ve learned and done this year. Have you completed a project in one of your classes that you’re really proud of? 
Have you done an honors project that’s unique?

Do you have art work that you’d like others to preview before our DOHS Art Show on May 14? 

Have you completed an internship, work study or concurrent enrollment course that you want to tell others about? 

Have you created something through a club that you’d like to share? 
Seniors, do you have a story, advice or plans for your future that you want to highlight? 
Now’s your chance to shine!!  Join us on Thursday, May 6th from 6:00-7:30pm virtually for Denver Online’s very first Spring Showcase! 

Students can sign up for 5 minute blocks to present their highlight from the 20-21 school year. 

All are invited and encouraged to participate as a speaker or an observer. 

Please sign up for your timeslot by May 3rd! 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0449A9AE2DA31-spring

If a time is already taken and you’d like to add your name, please email dawn_bauer@dpsk12.org to let me know what category and timeslot you prefer.

It’s time to register for career exploration classes at CEC!

Posted on by

Are you interested in taking career exploration classes at CEC next fall? Career course options include: audio engineering, construction, sports medicine, video game design, fitness/health science, business management, film/video production, biomedical sciences, welding, medical careers, architecture, criminal justice, and more. See a full list of courses here:https://cecdenver.dpsk12.org/academics/career-technical-education/. On their site, you can also see videos of the hands-on projects students work on in each class.

Classes are online 5 days per week through CEC, either the morning (7:35-10:05am) or the afternoon (12:20-2:50).  In past years, CEC classes have been in person, but this year they are fully online. Next year CEC is hoping to return to in-person classes.  Contact Nadia Coleman (nadia_coleman@dpsk12.org) to sign up. Classes fill up fast, so get in touch ASAP!