March 2, 2004

Management ItemsCabinet ReportFollowing is a regular report about major issues and information discussed during the weekly Cabinet meetings. The Cabinet includes three principal representatives, all nine area and assistant area superintendents, other assistant superintendents and several department heads. Please contact your Cabinet representative with questions.

Major Issues Improving the coordination of the teacher staffing process and mill levy revitalization

process. Providing more budget flexibility for schools as part of budget planning for 2004-2005

school year. Final evaluation of teachers in the third year of probationary status by principals and Area

Superintendents. The majority of contracts for principals should be ready for Board of Education approval

in April. The Board of Education meeting Thursday, March 4 includes:

Supplemental budget for 2003-2004 school year Presentation of the Mill Levy Revitalization Committee report & staff

recommendations regarding the schools that should be given priority for inclusion to the revitalization initiative.

Updated presentation of Bryant-Webster’s K-8 and Dual Language programs. Presentation of staff proposal for the use of 1998 and 2003 mill levy funds for

textbooks. Further discussion of the staff proposal to provide more flexibility for high school

start times. The work session portion of the meeting will include a presentation of teacher and

administrator recruitment efforts and a discussion on the Mill Levy Revitalization Committee’s recommendations.

Additionally, there are 26 speakers at the 7 p.m. public hearing; the vast majority are signed up to speak about high school transportation issues.

ProComp Building Visits and Follow-up VisitorsThe faculty meetings to explain the Professional Compensation System for Teachers (ProComp) are continuing through March 11. Principals and department heads are urged to encourage all teachers to attend the meetings. Many teachers who are undecided about ProComp emerge from the meetings more positive because they have received new information from the trained and knowledgeable speakers from DCTA and DPS. Teachers who are not DCTA members may still join the association and vote.

Many teachers are requesting more information following the building visits. Knowledgeable ProComp field representatives are making follow-up visits to buildings to answer teachers’ questions. These current and retired teachers are visiting before and after school and are contacting teachers when they are not with students. They are checking into the office, but school secretaries are sometimes not aware that they are in the building with district permission. Please let your staff know that these are approved visitors. They would appreciate access to a map of the building and a schedule of teacher planning times so they can get teachers the answers they need to make an informed vote.

An 800 number has been set up to give teachers Salary Calculator results for their specific situation. The trained operators are available at 1-800-996-5532

Instructional ItemsSecondary Teaching And Learning Project For Science And Social StudiesSecondary principals — please accept a heartfelt thank you for your participation and support in helping to launch the Secondary Teaching and Learning Project in science and social studies. The level of professionalism demonstrated by your teachers was gratifying. Please extend a thank you to each and everyone who participated. Their overall enthusiasm and positive feedback has given the planning teams great motivation and direction as they begin to plan for the next institutes in April.

As a reminder, the next Social Studies Institute is Monday and Tuesday, April 19 and 20. The Science Institute is Thursday and Friday, April 22 and 23. Both will be held at Lowry, Building #758. Also, because this is an ongoing initiative, please plan to send the same science and social studies teachers who attended in February. This allows us to build on the previous learning that occurred in the first institute. As always, if you have questions or concerns, please call Bonnie Walters, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, at 303-764-3786.

Technology in Education ConferenceRegistration for the 2004 Technology in Education (TIE) Conference has begun. This year the conference will be held from Monday, June 28 – Thursday, July 1 at Copper Mountain. Funding has been secured through the DPS Information Literacy and Technology (ILT) budget and a generous grant from the DPS Foundation to help DPS school staff participate in this staff development opportunity.

The scholarships available this year have again been designed to encourage schools to send teams to TIE. In order to help facilitate schools' collaborative efforts and to support the integration of information literacy and technology in the DPS literacy and math initiatives, we

are encouraging librarians, elementary literacy or math coaches and secondary teachers from the various content areas to be a part of the school team this year. An administrator (Principal or Assistant Principal) can be substituted for one of these team members.

For more information on the TIE Conference please visit: http://www.tie-online.org

Please follow the link to the DoTS TIE Scholarship application at: http://ilt.dpsk12.org

The application deadline is Friday, March 12, 2004.

“One Book, One Denver” Citywide Bookclub Includes High SchoolsMore than 3,000 copies of the book “Peace Like a River” by Leif Enger are on their way to DPS high schools as part of Mayor John Hickenlooper’s first annual citywide book club “One Book, One Denver.” The Mayor is inviting DPS students and the entire city to read and discuss the book during March and April. Visit the website www.denvergov.org/onebook for a complete listing of “One Book, One Denver” events.

Curriculum & Instruction already has communicated with literacy coaches and ordered books for all studio teachers as well. Books will arrive this week with schools’ regularly-scheduled warehouse deliveries. Spanish books already have arrived at those schools that requested them. Watch for posters — schools are designing campaigns that include activities such as reading the book as part of the studio course, with student councils, AP or AVID classes, in volunteer student book clubs, etc.

Professional DevelopmentK–12 Principals—Attached is a schedule of professional development sessions for April 12. Encourage your teachers (including special educators) and staff to attend the sessions organized for them. If conflicts exist (e.g., your media specialist is also your building’s gifted and talented program facilitator), building principals can assist in making decisions about priorities.

The Students Services Department is requesting that special educators be directed to participate in the various workshop offerings. We value the opportunity to include all teachers in this districtwide professional development day, especially as we strive for compliance with No Child Left Behind. Within a decade, NCLB will require that all students, including those with disabilities, perform at the proficient level on state tests. Providing access to the general curriculum moves us one step closer to that goal.

When possible, we have included Web addresses or links to flyers so teachers can access additional details about specific workshops.

Please note that most sessions begin at noon or later. However, there are some exceptions because of the nature of the professional development session. We hope this schedule accommodates your need for time in the morning to conduct your own building-level activities. Lunch will not be provided at the sessions, except in special circumstances.

If you have questions about specific sessions, please call the individuals listed. Other questions may be addressed to Rosanne Fulton, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, at 303-764-3505.

For Your InformationGrants Resource CenterThe Grants Resource Center (GRC) website is continually updated with new and pertinent information regarding grant writing and fundraising within DPS. This week check out the new Workshops and Trainings page where you will find a list of training opportunities ranging in subject matter from grant writing, to resource development, to program evaluation. You can find the GRC website by going to the DPS website, clicking on About DPS then Departments then scrolling down to Grants Resource Center, or click here: http://grants.dpsk12.org.

HR Sending Letters To Employees Regarding Direct DepositIn the next week, HR will be mailing letters to the homes of employees who have not signed up yet for direct  deposit.

The letter reminds employees that it is now a requirement to use direct deposit for paychecks, and if they are unable to do so, they must complete a waiver form through the Disbursing Office by May 1, 2004.  Employees can access the direct deposit form at http://budgetandfinance.dpsk12.org/disbursing or request a waiver by contacting the Disbursing Office at 303-764-3715.

“Expanding The Visions” For African-American Male StudentsThe 14th annual African American Leadership Institute’s Expanding the Visions “Men and Generation Next: Multidimensional to Reach Your Potential” for African-American males in fifth- through twelfth-grades is from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 20 at the Auraria Campus near downtown Denver. Parents, teachers and counselors also are invited to attend. The conference provides an opportunity for African-American male students to meet and interact with African-American adult male role models who are working in or retired from traditional and non-traditional occupations or services in technology, engineering, math and science.

DPS will provide free transportation from the Montbello and Manual areas. Registration is $10 for students and $20 for adults. Pre-register by Friday, March 5 to qualify for giveaways and prizes. Register online at http://www.aali-rockymtn.org.

A flyer promoting the event is attached here. Please post and distribute.

“American Summit”The entertainment project, Inc. is offering a hands-on journalism and community involvement project. The event, “Taking A Stand As Americans: The American Summit” will take place on Saturday, March 20 at the Tivoli at Auraria Campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., facilitated by the non-profit literacy organization ‘The entertainment project, Inc.’ of Denver. The American Summit is a one-day hands-on learning opportunity designed to increase literacy awareness through a community exchange that introduces youth to professionals, celebrities and leaders through storytelling and journaling. The structured real-world experience asks youth and community alike to discuss and share you each is “Taking A Stand As Americans.” If you like more information please contact the Office of Community Relations, 303-764-3407.

Lost or Stolen ItemsWhen an item is lost or stolen for the school, the police should be notified. A police report should be filed that includes serial numbers and model of the items missing. There is $2500 deductible on lost or stolen items from risk management for reimbursement. However any item missing or stolen, and on the property schedule, needs to be removed from the school's property inventory. You can use the EAR form to remove an item from inventory. Avoid a problem with your annual inventory and complete the EAR on missing or stolen property. (Fixed Assets 303-575-4149)

If you need some suggestions for safety and health themes please visit the following website: http://riskmanagement.dpsk12.org/stories/storyReader$124

March Employee Recognition OpportunitiesMarch is “Music in our Schools” and “Youth Art” month. It’s also “National Middle Level Education” and “Social Work” month. This week (March 1-5) is “National School Breakfast” week and the National Education Association’s “Read Across America.”

TUESDAY TELEGRAM — Click on this link to access past issues:http://www.dpsk12.org/docs/tuesday_telegram/

(Back to AALI event)PRINCIPALS

Grades 5 – 12!Take this opportunity to offer your students and staff

a motivating enriching experience.

The African-American Leadership Institute in partnership with Metropolitan State College of Denver

PresentsThe 14th Annual

Expanding The Visions Conference

“Men & Generation Next: Multidimensional to Reach Your Potential”

This conference will offer:

Your male students and opportunity to interact with African-American men as workshop Presenters and Mentors for the day discussing career opportunities (technical, professional and non-traditional) and how to prepare for them. Student fee is only $10.

Your teachers, counselors and parents an in-service valued at hundreds of dollars for only $20.

Saturday, March 20, 20047:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Auraria CampusDowntown Denver, Colorado

For Information Call AALI at 303.299.9055 or

Visit us online at www.aali-rockymtn.org

Adult Session Presented by retired Colorado Educators: 

Drs. Samuel R. Batey and Barbara L. Batey

 "The Complexities of Academic Performance and

the African American Male Student" 

 

First session:  Dr. Samuel Batey 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 

The Grim Statistics Facing African American Males

Character Education

Fostering Resiliency in Students: Explore the factors in resilience that can contribute to the success of African American Male Students.

  

Second Session: Dr. Barbara Batey 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

Motivation of African American Male Students:  Challenging the "Anti-Intellectual" Myth

Underachievement Among Gifted Black Male Students 

April 12, 2004DPS Districtwide Professional Development Day

(as of March 2, 2004)Department/Discipline/

Contact AudienceProfessional Development

OfferedSite and Time Notes or Comments

Early EducationMary Ann Bash

ECE and kinder-garten teachers and their paraprofessionals, K–3 special education teachers

Wide range of three-hour workshops

Location TBA12:30–3:30 p.m.

Topics include oral language foundation for literacy, science, multicultural/arts units of study, how children learn through play, and author’s study in writing workshop. Look for a detailed flyer with all the information soon.

Library Instruction and TechnologyJody Gehrig

jody_gehrig@dpsk12.org

All K–12 librarians and library technicians

LION, Acquisitions, and Collaboration

West High School, LibraryNoon–4:00 p.m.

A complete agenda will be sent to all library staff.

ScienceEstevan Duran

estevan_duran@dpsk12.org

Elementary science teachers

Family Life Centennial ElementaryNoon–3:00 p.m.

ScienceRSVP to Estevan Duran

estevan_duran@dpsk12.org

Secondary science teachers

Fuel Cell Workshop

NREL Visitor’s Center (directions: http://www.nrel.gov/visitors_center/contact_visit.html)Noon–3:00 p.m.

Each school that sends participants will receive at least one fuel cell kit. Teachers accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more detailed information, go to http://curriculum.dpsk12.org/scien/news/news_02-04.pdf

Social StudiesRSVP to Gilberto Munoz

gilberto_munoz@dpsk12.org

Secondary GIS teachers who attended the 9-26-03 inservice

GIS Software Follow-Up Session

North High School12:30–3:30 p.m.

Visual ArtsMaruca Salazar

maruca_salazar@dpsk12.org

K–12 visual arts teachers

Metropolitan State College of Denver Center for the Visual Arts, 1734 Wazee12:30–3:30 p.m.

See flyer at http://curriculum.dpsk12.org/va_calendar.htm for more information (flyer will also be distributed to visual arts teachers).

Media ArtsRSVP to Maruca Salazar

maruca_salazar@dpsk12.org

K–12 media arts and technology teachers

Five Points Media Center, 2900 Welton DCTV Studio, Suite 30012:30–3:30 p.m.

See flyer at http://curriculum.dpsk12.org/va_calendar.htm for more information (flyer will also be distributed to media arts and technology teachers).

Physical EducationEric Larson

eric_larson@dpsk12.org

K–12 physical education and special education teachers

Physical Education Workshop with Robert Pangrazi

Manual High School, AuditoriumNoon–3:00 p.m.

Attend the workshop and receive a free set of Pangrazi’s books for your school. This workshop will focus on: developing a physical education program that

accomplishes national content standards curriculum and lesson plan implementation latest findings on physical activity and youth obesity the use pedometers to motivate youngsters toward

Department/Discipline/Contact Audience

Professional Development

OfferedSite and Time Notes or Comments

increased physical activity using student activity levels for teacher and program

accountabilitySee physical education newsletter at http://curriculum.dpsk12.org/phys_ed/news_03-04.pdf for more details.

Foreign LanguageSamba N’Diaye

samba_ndiaye@dpsk12.org

All K–12 foreign language teachers

TPRS: Language Acquisition vs. Language Learning by Blaine Ray

George Washington High School, Community Room8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Bring your own lunch. See the foreign language newsletter at http://curriculum.dpsk12.org/for_lan/news_01-04.pdf for more information on TPR.

Secondary LiteracyRoger Chow

roger_chow@dpsk12.org 303-764-3574 or

Theress Pidicktheress_pidick@dpsk12.org

303-764-3895or contact your area specialists

Secondary Studio Course teachers and literacy coaches

Spring Institutes See flyers for detailed location information

See the attached flyers for middle and high school for more information.

Literacy/ELAElma Ruiz

elma_ruiz@dpsk12.org

ESL resource teachers

Meeting the Need of ELLs in ESL Schools

West High School, Conference Room, Third Floor12:30–3:30 p.m.

A flyer with more information will be emailed to all ESL resource teachers soon.

LiteracyElma Ruiz

elma_ruiz@dpsk12.org

Grades 1–3 Reading First and special education teachers

Guided Reading with Nancy Harris

Remington Elementary School, Library12:30–3:30 p.m.

See attached flyer for more information.

LiteracyElma Ruiz

elma_ruiz@dpsk12.org

Grades 1–3 Reading First and special education teachers

Spanish Guided Reading with Barbara Brannon

Remington, Room 20212:30–3:30 p.m.

See attached flyer for more information.

Career and Technology EducationRSVP to Karen Ellis

karen_ellis@dpsk12.org303-575-4868

All high school CTE and special education teachers

CTE High School Meeting

Career Education Center, Rooms 212 and 21910:00 a.m.–3:15 p.m.

Inservice includes: Literacy in the CTE classroom Lunch sponsored by Denver area businesses Quadrant networking Sessions (Proactive Schools, End-of-Course

Assessments, Marketing Your CTE Program, Feeder Schools Networking and Planning, New Programs or Program Renewal, and Data)

Evaluation and wrap-upBring appropriate resources to complete your work on end-of-course assessment

Career and Technology EducationRSVP to Karen Ellis

All middle school CTE and special

CTE Middle School Meeting

Career Education Center, Rooms 212 and 219

Inservice includes: Literacy in the CTE classroom

Department/Discipline/Contact Audience

Professional Development

OfferedSite and Time Notes or Comments

karen_ellis@dpsk12.org303-575-4868

education teachers 10:00 a.m.–3:15 p.m. Lunch sponsored by Denver area businesses Quadrant networking Sessions (End-of-Course Assessments, Marketing

Your CTE Program, Feeder Schools Networking and Planning, Technology Plan, and Data)

Evaluation and wrap-upBring appropriate resources to complete your work on end-of-course assessment

Student Services/Gifted and Talented

Sue Muller303-405-6692

RSVP to 303-405-8114

Gifted, highly gifted, and special education teachers

Meeting the Needs of Twice-Exceptional Students with presenters Dr. Betsy Cabell and Lisa Selle

Merrill Middle School, Cafeteria12:30–2:30 p.m.

Maximum number of participants is limited to 30.This course is will provide teachers with strategies for meeting the academic and social/emotional needs of twice-exceptional students. These students who are gifted in one or more areas but have some type of disability in other areas. See attached flyer for more information.

Student Services/ELA/Literacy/ Gifted and Talented

Sue Muller303-405-6692

RSVP to 303-405-8114

General and special educators, administrators, and paraeducators

Differentiated Instruction for Inclusive Teaching (Study Group) with presenters Diane Anderson, Talonna Arakawa, Roger Chow, Molly Leamon, and Brooke Walker

South High School, Library12:30–2:30 p.m.

We want to provide an understanding of the ideas and strategies that address academic achievement for all students. Through an interactive dialogue, we will identify how to bring the notion of differentiated instruction, cultural pedagogies, and inclusive practices into collaborative communities that we create. See attached flyer for more information.

Spanish Guided Reading for Spanish Guided Reading for Grade 1–3 TeachersGrade 1–3 Teacherswith Barbara Brannonwith Barbara Brannon

April 12, 2004Remington Elementary School

Room 20212:30–3:30 p.m.

Barbara Brannon has taught kindergarten through sixth grade for 27 years. She is a certified bilingual and English as a Second Language instructor, as well as being a trained Reading Recovery/Descubriendo la Lectura teacher. Barbara is a thoughtful trainer with extensive experience in helping teachers with bilingual and second-language learners. She believes that ongoing conversations with informed colleagues are key to helping teachers develop an internal voice to regulate teaching decisions.

Agenda Where does small group guided reading fit into a comprehensive literacy

instructional framework? What is small group guided reading instruction?

Planning for Spanish Small Group Guided Reading Lessons Organizing materials Managing what other students are doing during small group instruction Grouping students flexibly Selecting leveled texts to meet readers’ needs Preparing text introductions to support vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension Identifying focus strategies to address during the lesson

Conducting Spanish Small Group Reading Lessons Organizing word work experiences to extend phonemic awareness and phonics knowledge Observing and assessing student behaviors during reading of an entire text Scaffolding student reading of text and prompting for integration of strategies when needed Meeting individual students’ needs in a group Increasing student engagement and comprehension while reading leveled texts

Extending Spanish Small Group Reading Lessons Following through with identified focus strategies Addressing critical needs observed during text reading Clarifying confusions and reiterating teaching points Reinforcing good reading strategies observed Providing extension activities: writing and content connections

Guided Reading for Guided Reading for Grade 1–3 TeachersGrade 1–3 Teachers

with Nancy Harriswith Nancy HarrisApril 12, 2004

Remington Elementary School Library12:30–3:30 p.m.

Nancy Harris has taught 17 years, during which she worked with diverse populations, in both rural and urban settings, kindergarten through grade 6. She is a certified PK–8 elementary teacher, a certified reading specialist, and a trained Reading Recovery teacher. Currently, Nancy facilitates national K–8 literacy workshops and seminars, focusing on implementing the literacy framework, assessment, the reading process, readers’ workshop, writers’ workshop, comprehension strategies, shared reading, guided reading, and literature circles. She continues her work in classrooms with teachers and children through classroom demonstrations and coaching.

AgendaGuided Reading

What is guided reading? Where does small group instruction fit in the literacy framework? Getting reading for guided reading—discussions on what must already be in place.

Planning for Guided Reading Grouping students (identifying strategy work, grouping students to meet individual needs) Selecting text Introducing the text to support vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension Reading the text Revisiting the text Responding to the text

Conducting Guided Reading Sessions Coaching and prompting Higher-level questioning Scaffolding strategy work as needed Meeting individual students’ needs Ongoing assessment

Extending Guided Reading Sessions Reinforcing strategy work addressed and observed Working out confusions Determining next steps

High School Studio CourseSPRING INSTITUTE

The Spring Institute for high schools is made up of two events. The first is the Read-In, which will be facilitated by coaches with their

school literacy team, in preparation for the upcoming institute. The second event offers a choice of three dates, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday. Studio teachers must attend the grade level they teach,

and literacy coaches must attend both ninth and tenth grade sessions.

April 12Noon–3:30 p.m.

High school literacy

coaches and Studio Course

teachers

Read-In: to prepare

for institute that covers the final

parts of the Studio Course

curriculum

School-Based

April 14, 16, OR 17

8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

High school literacy coaches

and Studio Course teachers

Final Unit and Investigations

Lowry CampusRegistration details and

location to follow

If you have any questions, please contact your area specialists or Theress Pidick, 303-764-3895, theress_pidick@dpsk12.org

Roger Chow, 303-764-3574, roger_chow@dpsk12.org

Middle School Studio CourseSPRING INSTITUTE

The Spring Institute for middle schools is made up of four events. The first two are for literacy coaches only. The Read-In will be facilitated by literacy coaches with their school literacy team.

Then each school will schedule teacher professional development to meet individual needs.

March 1Noon–4:00 p.m.

Middle school literacy coaches

Memoir Unit and Briar Rose Discussion

Lumber Baron Inn, 2555 West 37th

AvenueMarch 30

8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Middle school literacy coaches

Final Unit and Investigations

Lumber Baron Inn, 2555 West 37th

AvenueApril 12

Noon–3:30 p.m.Middle school

literacy coaches and Studio Course

teachers

Read-In: to prepare for school-based

professional development for the

final parts of the Studio Course

curriculum

School-Based

As scheduled Studio Course teachers (facilitated

by literacy coaches)

Final Unit and Investigations

School-Based

If you have any questions, please contact your area specialists orTheress Pidick, 303-764-3895, theress_pidick@dpsk12.org

Roger Chow, 303-764-3574, roger_chow@dpsk12.org

Differentiated Instruction for Inclusive Teaching 12:30–2:30 p.m. South High School Library Audience: General and Special Educators (limited to 30 participants) Instructors: Diane Anderson, Talonna Arakawa, Roger Chow,

Molly Leamon, and Brooke WalkerCome away with an understanding of strategies that address academic achievement for ALL students. Through interactive dialogue, participants will identify how to bring the notion of differentiated instruction, cultural pedagogies, and inclusive practices into the collaborative communities we create.

Meeting the Needs of Twice-Exceptional Students 12:30–2:30 p.m. Merrill Middle School Lunchroom Audience: Gifted, Highly Gifted, and Special Education Teachers (limited

to 30 participants) Instructors: Dr. Betsy Cabell and Lisa Selle

This training will provide teachers with strategies for meeting the academic and social/emotional needs of twice-exceptional students (those who are gifted in one or more areas, but have some type of disability in another area).

Due to limited space, you will need to register through the Instructional Resource Center.

Please call 303-405-8114 on or before April 9, 2004.