HELIX FEED

A Year of Purpose, Progress, and Possibility

By Nella Garcia Urban, CEO of DSST Public Schools

A Championship Year: Celebrating DSST Athletics 2024–2025

From record-breaking participation to historic championship wins, the 2024–2025 school year was a landmark season for DSST Athletics. Across our campuses, student-athletes, coaches, and communities came together to build something truly special—one game, one practice, and one moment at a time.

Mentors fuel innovation as DSST students reach for the sky

At DSST Public Schools, students participate in enriching programs that spark curiosity beyond the classroom—and even beyond Earth’s surface. Programs like CubeSat give students the opportunity to apply science, math and technology skills to analyze real-world factors like temperature, altitude, humidity and gas levels in the atmosphere.

Learning to lead with purpose, not just plans

Late-night Instagram scrolling isn’t usually where leadership breakthroughs happen, but for Lindsay Agbalokwu, a School Director in Training (SDiT), that’s exactly where one started.

A bowl of pho and a business plan: A journey rooted in Vietnamese-Laotian heritage

For Jadyn Nguyen, a 2019 graduate of DSST: Green Valley Ranch High School, identity isn’t just about where you come from—it’s about how you grow, who supports you and what you give back.

DSST: Montview High School students lead the way in sustainability

What started as a brainstorm over winter break has grown into one of the most successful high school composting program launches in Denver Public Schools' history, and it’s all thanks to a group of determined students, a visionary teacher and a community committed to building a healthier future.

Building the foundation for every DSST student to thrive

As we move into the final stretch of the year, we want to take a moment to celebrate some early wins and share what’s coming next regarding the middle school programming shifts.

Finding their voices: Multilingual Learners engage with immigration, identity & advocacy

At DSST: College View High School, multilingual learners are not just learning a new language—they’re using it to make sense of the world and speak up within it.

More Than a Path: A Journey of Dreams, Drive, and Determination

The college journey can feel overwhelming at first—but it’s also an opportunity to discover your passions, your purpose, and your potential. For Javier Martinez, a member of DSST: Elevate's founding Class of 2025, it’s been a chance to reflect, grow, and dream big.

"The college process is really about exploring your options. There are so many different colleges and universities out there, and you have to consider the academic factors you're looking for, financial aid opportunities, and the kind of college community you want to be part of.”

Javier saw the impact firsthand when he applied to Colorado Mesa University. "With financial aid through the FAFSA, it made a huge difference in the overall cost," he said. "It just makes things more manageable and helps you feel more comfortable and secure about the money you’ll be spending."

DSST: Green Valley Ranch HS students tackle Denver’s water future

Written by: Isabel Reyes, 10th‑Grade Chemistry Teacher, DSST: Green Valley Ranch High School