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Celebrating Our Native American community: A conversation with Crystal DeLeon from DSST: Green Valley Ranch

November is designated as Native American Heritage Month to honor the history, culture and contributions of Native Americans and Alaska Natives. In this conversation, Senior Manager of Diversity and Belonging Mercedes Blea-Davis had the opportunity to speak with Crystal DeLeon, Special Education Teacher at DSST: Green Valley Ranch Middle School, to discuss her culture and the significance of being Indigenous in today's world.

Topics: Community Stories

DSST: Elevate seniors explore Colorado College, get a glimpse into the future

On Nov. 5, seniors from DSST: Elevate took a memorable trip to Colorado College in Colorado Springs. For many, this was more than just a campus tour—it was a chance to envision their next chapter.

Topics: News, Updates, & Events, College Success

E-Ship teacher Alysyn Merrill inspires future entrepreneurs at DSST: Green Valley Ranch

For Alysyn Merrill, co-leader of the Entrepreneurial Studies (E-Ship) program at DSST: Green Valley Ranch High School, teaching isn’t just about covering curriculum—it’s about sparking ambition, resilience and creativity in her students. Through the E-Ship classes, Merrill empowers students to bring their ideas to life, often learning as much from her students as they learn from her.

Topics: News, Updates, & Events

Celebrating first-gen students and staff at DSST

At DSST Public Schools, we're especially proud that around 70% of our seniors are first-generation college-bound students. Nearly 2,700 of our alumni have paved this remarkable path. In honor of National First-Generation Day (Nov. 8), we spoke with three members of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team to share what being a first-gen student means to them. Their stories celebrate the courage and dedication it takes for students and staff to be the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree in the United States.

Topics: News, Updates, & Events

Students find their rhythm with DSST: Conservatory Green Middle School Band Club

It may be 8 a.m. at a middle school, but when you step into the Band Club at DSST: Conservatory Green, you can feel the energy. Students are eagerly chatting, tuning instruments, and getting ready to play, each one excited about the music they’re about to create. For Dave Balestrini, the club’s founder and a lifelong musician, this vibrant community is exactly what he hoped to build when he first launched the club.

Topics: News, Updates, & Events

What is Amendment 80?

Hi DSST! As you review your ballot and see the statewide measures, there may be one that stands out – Amendment 80. 

Amendment 80 seeks to amend our state constitution to add the right to school choice, asserting that "Each K-12 child has the right to school choice." It also provides parents the authority “to direct the education” of their child. This would seek to expand our current school choice system, which has been working for more than 30 years, from public schools (including charters) to add private schools, homeschooling, and other “innovative models.”

DSST supports school choice and advocates that all families should have the opportunity to choose what best fits their needs.

Topics: News, Updates, & Events

Shoutout to DSST's awesome school directors for National Principals Month

October is National Principals Month, and at DSST Public Schools, we’re lucky to have a lineup of incredible school directors who bring heart, energy and vision to our schools every day.

Topics: News, Updates, & Events

Honoring our Immigrant Community -- A Conversation with DSST's Senior Manager of Multilingual Education, Margarita Colindres

This Latine* Heritage Month, Salvador Ramirez, DSST Senior Manager Of Equity, Inclusion, Strategy And Implementation, had the opportunity to sit down with one of our network leaders, Margarita Colindres, to ask her questions about her Latine identity and the work she is doing that primarily services our Latine communities across the DSST network as the Senior Manager of Multilingual Education. Learning more about her identity as an immigrant to the United States from Guatemala helps us understand the current challenges and opportunities that DSST faces as we work to serve our newly arrived students from across Latin American and Caribbean countries. 

Topics: News, Updates, & Events

Unlocking Literacy: How DSST's Interventionists empower students to succeed

About 35% of students at DSST Public Schools are Multilingual Learners (MLL), and many have additional needs when it comes to proficiency in literacy. DSST believes that every student deserves equitable and excellent education. That is why we have dedicated Literacy Interventionists who work to close the gap for MLL students, as well as students who need additional support in literacy work.

Topics: Inside the Classroom

DSST: Cedar High School named 2024 National Blue Ribbon School

We are thrilled to announce that the U.S. Department of Education has named DSST: Cedar High School a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School. This recognition places Cedar High School among the top schools in the country, celebrating its outstanding academic performance and commitment to closing achievement gaps.

Topics: News, Updates, & Events