Helix Feed

Do charter schools replicate?

One critique of charter schools is that while a few energetic principals show success, it’s impossible to replicate. Not so, says a new study of Boston’s charters, which doubled from 16 schools to 32 in four years, even as they maintained their effectiveness.

Call for Infusion 2019 Performers

We are busy planning for this year’s Infusion 2019, which will be happening at the Denver Convention center on August 2nd. As you likely know, Infusion brings together our entire staff of nearly 800 educators and leaders to re-engage with our mission and our network, all while getting excited for the new school year.

DSST: Montview News Roundup

Thursday, May 16 was a big news day for the DSST: Stapleton community after announcing at Morning Meeting that we would be changing the name from DSST: Stapleton to DSST: Montview. 

Threatening the Future

The 65th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education approaches on May 17, but fights over school segregation, rather than decreasing, are becoming more common. Cities like New York and San Francisco are debating how to assign students to schools in ways that foster classroom diversity, and school secession movements — in which parents seek to form their own, majority-white districts — are accelerating.

DSST: Stapleton is now DSST: Montview

For almost two years now, engaged students at both the middle and high schools have dedicated countless hours and tons of energy to both the idea of changing the name of DSST’s founding school, and successfully implementing the change. At the middle school, students were led by Writing teacher PJ Shields, who dedicated extensive class time over two years to work through these changes. At the high school, this was done in partnership with Colorado Youth Congress (CYC).  From collaborating with their peers, staff members, DSST leadership, and the Stapleton community as a whole, we are proud of the leadership that these students have demonstrated as they embarked on this challenging and valuable work. It all culminated in a very special morning meeting today, where the school formerly known as DSST: Stapleton announced a new name - DSST: Montview.

Gaining Confidence through YouthBiz Startup

When students from DSST: Cole Middle School presented their business ideas at a YouthBiz StartUp pitch competition this week, they gained more than just business know-how.  These sixth and seventh graders gained confidence that can help them succeed in school and in life.

A Vision for Inclusion

Even before her first day of classes, Makia Jones learned lessons from DU she will never forget.

Hornet & Falcon help turn bill into law

Olivia, a 9th grader at DSST: Conservatory Green High School, testified at the State Capitol back in January to advocate for a bill that would automatically enroll high performing high school students into advanced classes. 

Transition Out of Engrade

At Our Core: Teacher Appreciation Week

One week is not enough to express our appreciation for the hard work and dedication DSST teachers bring to our students year round. However, throughout the network, we’ve all made a point to pause and recognize the important work that our teachers do that makes DSST so special.