Lowe's employees volunteer in DPS community gardens.

Do you need a school partner? Want to strengthen an existing partnership? That's what we're here for! Check out answers to FAQs and contact us today at 720.423.3553.

SCHOOL RESOURCES

School Partners Program - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the school partners program?

The School Partners Program cultivates, nurtures and sustains partnerships between DPS schools and the Denver community. The program creates tailor-made partnerships between schools and businesses or community organizations. School partners provide a combination of volunteer time, in-kind contributions and financial resources to meet the specific needs of a school. In return, partners receive a multitude of benefits including an increased sense of pride and involvement in Denver's public school system and the success of our next generation of leaders.

How can this program benefit my school?

Schools have many needs that partners may be able to meet including tutoring, mentoring, reading aloud, financial sponsorships and more. In addition, working with a partner creates outside investment and support in the success of your school. This support can lead to increased opportunities and feelings of self-worth for students, faculty and parents. It’s a great feeling knowing you have a partner rooting for you!

How does my school receive a school partner?

Contact the School Partners Program Manager to discuss what type of partner might be right for your school. Be prepared to discuss your school’s strengthens and challenges as well as identify areas where a partner could be helpful. This will help the School Partners Program Manager find the “right fit” for your school. It will also help us be aware of your needs and willingness to work with a partner.

What do partners look for in a school?

Different partners look for different characteristics in a school, which is why the initial matching process is so important. Many partners request schools that are located nearby to better facilitate volunteering. Other partners may want to work with a particular age-group of students. However all partners want the following two things: a school that truly welcomes their participation and a school that communicates in an effective and timely manner.

Do partners offer opinions or suggestions regarding how a school is operated?

No, partners understand that schools are the experts in educating students. Just as they would not expect the school to tell them how to operate their business, they would not tell a Principal or teacher how to best run a school. In the unlikely case this become an issue, the School Partners Program Manager would help to clarify expectations and roles for the partner.

We have a great partner(s) at my school, but they are not officially part the school partners program – should they be?

First, congratulations on having a successful partnership! It is up to the school and the partner if they want to be considered “official,” however there are some great advantages. School partners receive special recognition in the community for their participation including being listed in the DPS Foundation’s annual report and website. Partners receive occasional emails with ideas and tips for maintaining great partnerships as well as invitations to networking events with other partners in the community. If your partner is interested in being considered an “official” partner, please contact the School Partners Program Manager.

What are some ways I can enhance my relationship with my partners?

Like many volunteers, partners like to feel appreciated! This can be accomplished with letters or artwork from students, notes from faculty and parents or with a special acknowledgment in the school newsletter or website. Inviting your partner to sit on your CSC is also a very effective way to increase their involvement and participation in the school. Finally, remember to invite your partner to attend celebrations in your school community such as the fall carnival, holiday music program, or TCAP celebration.

The School Partners Program also works to recognize partners and actively looks for ways to say “thanks” and steward these important relationships. If you have a great story about a partnership in your school, please share it with us! We love to feature testimonials, photos, video and more on our website and in our emails, so please share your stories with us by contacting the School Partners Program Manager.

We have several non-profits that visit the school and provide donations or programs to our students - are these considered school partners?

Non-profit groups play a big role in DPS, and we are grateful for the support and resources they bring to our students, however they are not considered “school partners” as part of this program. The district is currently assessing the best way to recognize and support this very important constituency.