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Empathy in Origami: AST students bring history to life through paper cranes

The Middle School Commons at Aurora Science & Tech (AST) is alive with a vibrant display of thousands of paper cranes, each carrying a story of empathy, resilience and hope. For the past four years, 7th-grade students in Allie Crites' Social Studies class have folded paper cranes as a kinesthetic project intertwined with their history lessons, creating a powerful tradition that resonates throughout the school.

The project began during the challenging 2020-21 school year when hybrid learning left both students and teachers weary of screens.

“I was SO tired of being online and in front of a computer screen. So were the students,” Crites recalls. Inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki and the legend of the thousand paper cranes, Crites introduced this hands-on activity to her class. “History is just a bunch of stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things that the time calls for,” she said.

Crites’ personal connection to the story of Sadako, which she read in middle school and later revisited during a poignant trip to Hiroshima, helped her see the potential impact on her students.

“I cried and fell to the ground seeing all the paper cranes from all over the world sent in memory of all the innocent children who have perished in wars,” she shared. This emotional experience fueled her desire to make history relatable and meaningful to her students. 

Each year, the project has taken on new significance, reflecting contemporary global issues. The first year’s cranes were dedicated to the victims of COVID-19. The following years honored children in Ukraine, oppressed black and brown children in the community, and most recently, children who have died in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

Perspective: A blueprint for better schools

In the endless debates and rankings concerning great places to live, the Centennial State is often highly ranked and admired.

Known for its mountains and national parks, above average number of sunny days, strong economy, sports teams, and expansive brewery scene, Coloradans relish this positive attention.

However, one of the state’s most important assets is less known.

Many Coloradans are unfamiliar with the barrier-breaking success story of DSST Public Schools. DSST’s mission is to transform urban public education by eliminating educational inequity and preparing all students for success in college and the 21st century.

From starting high school on a basement couch to rising 'like a phoenix': The Class of 2024

Imagine starting high school. No tour. No assembly. No meeting new friends. That’s how it was for thousands in the class of 2024.

Three Cole seniors were featured in a CPR article as part of a larger NPR story of seniors graduating after starting their high school experience in the pandemic. 

DSST leadership team celebrates growth and joy at 2nd annual leadership pipeline symposium

The DSST Leadership Development Team hosted the 2nd Annual Leadership Pipeline Symposium on May 15th. The transformational evening celebrated the 2023-2024 participants from DSST’s three leadership pipelines  — School Directors in Training (SDiT), Advanced Leadership Cohort (ALC), and the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). 

T.O.A.S.T is coming up. Here's what you need to know.

We are thrilled to host our Third Annual T.O.A.S.T. (Toasting Our Achievements, Successes, and Talents) Celebration on Wednesday,
May 22 at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

This event is for DSST Team members, plus a guest, to celebrate all
of the amazing work accomplished this school year as a team.

Self-expression and healing through art: A young artist thrives at DSST: College View

When Cesia Tomita (DSST: College View ‘24) walked into middle school for the first time, she could immediately feel the close-knit community at DSST: College View. 

“I had a lot of support from my teachers in middle school,” said Tomita.

DSST schools shine bright in latest U.S. News rankings

In a resounding victory for education excellence, DSST Public Schools have once again demonstrated our unparalleled commitment to academic achievement.

The latest U.S. News and World Report rankings showed that all six DSST schools with graduating classes were among the top 8% of high schools across the nation.

If we zoom in to Colorado, they were among the top 40 high schools statewide! In fact, every eligible DSST high school stands among the top 25 schools in Denver, and among the top 10 best high schools within Denver Public Schools.

But wait, there's more! DSST's dedication to educational excellence extends beyond high school. All DSST middle schools have secured spots among the top 30 best schools in the Denver Public Schools system. And in Aurora, Aurora School of Science & Tech has proudly claimed its place as the 7th best school in the entire Aurora Public School System.

Let's take a moment to applaud the remarkable achievements! Here's to continued success and a bright future filled with limitless possibilities for all DSST students!

Blossoming at DSST: Green Valley Ranch

Eyeruse Kifle, DSST: Green Valley Ranch 24 has always excelled academically, her 4.5 GPA speaks for itself, but she was a shy middle schooler. Well, in her words, “really shy.” Talking to someone new was barely possible. But then, DSST: Green Valley Ranch Middle School presented the opportunity to join the theater club and drum line.

Eyeruse Kifle's 8th grade photo

DSST students create pathways to health through immersive mural at Anschutz Children's Hospital

DSST Public Schools and Anschutz Children's Hospital have joined forces to bring a vision to life that promotes and encourages wellness through art. Nestled within the hospital's stairwell, a vibrant mural emerges, inviting patients, staff and visitors alike to embark on a journey of inspiration and health.

“The mission of the wellness department at the hospital (was) to encourage more people to take the stairs,” said Alexis Wallin, the Visual Arts Teacher at DSST: Conservatory Green High School. “The idea was that by making it beautiful, including healthy images and ones that resonate with all ages, people would choose to take the stairs.” 

20th Anniversary Gala recap: Celebrating 20 years of DSST, honoring Bill Kurtz

On Friday, April 19 the DSST community gathered to celebrate 20 years of educational excellence and honor Bill Kurtz during his final year leading DSST.

The evening was filled with laughter and joy as guests enjoyed dinner and a program consisting of speeches from DSST alumni, a video from our honorary co-chairs, and a video celebrating Bill Kurtz and one about DSST's 20 years of impact.