Helix Feed

DSST Tech internship sparks STEM passion

At DSST Public Schools, our mission to disrupt systemic inequities in STEM education drives everything we do. A shining example of this commitment can be found at DSST: Elevate High School, where a tech internship is opening doors for students to explore STEM careers and discover their passions.

Topics: Our Program

DSST selects our next Chief People Officer

As you may have read in the DSST Download before the break, after many years at DSST, Chief People Officer Ashley Wiegner has relocated to be closer to family. We are deeply grateful to her for the incredible tenure she had here and the gift of time to run an intensive selection process with a highly competitive pool of candidates.

Topics: News, Updates, & Events

DSST: College View career fair opens doors to new opportunities for students

On Oct. 29, DSST: College View buzzed with energy as students explored a world of career possibilities at the school’s first STEM-focused Career Fair. With representatives from more than 20 Denver agencies—ranging from aviation and public health to the Denver Fire Department and city attorneys—the event offered students a unique chance to discover paths they may have never considered.

Topics: News, Updates, & Events

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