Dear friends,
Since I moved to the U.S., Thanksgiving has become my favorite holiday. It includes three of the activities that I enjoy the most—cooking, eating and shopping!
On a more serious note, I love celebrating Thanksgiving because it is a day to gather family and friends and acknowledge the things for which we’re grateful. People of all beliefs, cultures and ethnicities can come together to celebrate on Thanksgiving. Over the past months, I feel like it has been easy to be distracted by things that have divided us. This week, though, it seems especially fitting to focus on the things that we accomplish together. And when we join together on behalf of our students, I count the things that we make happen for them among many blessings.
Team DPS: parents, educators, and community- I’m grateful to Denver voters for passing ballot initiatives 3A and 3B that invest critical dollars in proven initiatives from early literacy to social-emotional supports, as well as provide funds to improve school buildings, some of which haven’t been upgraded in decades. While the initiatives don’t solve all of our funding challenges, they help a lot.
Passionate educators- I’m grateful for dedicated educators that show up in our schools every day to be effective instruments of positive change.
DPS Leadership and our students- I’m grateful to our DPS Board of Education and our superintendent for passing a resolution last week committing that DPS schools are equitable, safe spaces for all of our students, staying true to our vision of Every Child Succeeds. Said DPS Board Member Lisa Flores, “This resolution is not about political affiliation — at all. We are in the business of educating our children, and in order to do that, our students need to feel safe and respected.”
When I consider these things, I am heartened to see that as a community, we are showing up for our students in a strong way. Last week, we hosted a school tour and conversation with Principal Jesús Rodriguez at Trevista at Horace Mann (pictured left). I was reminded of the energy and good work that is happening in our schools each and every day, and I’d love to share this with you. If you’re interested in joining us for these types of experiences, please let me know.
Ultimately, I am grateful for all of you who stand taller and seek more and better for our students today and for years to come.
Today and always for OUR kids full of gratitude,
Verónica