HELIX FEED

Eid al-Fitr (EID): A Celebration of spiritual growth, gratitude and unity

As a network dedicated to ensuring our experiences are valued and appreciated, we reached out to several of our students to gain some insight about Eid al-Fitr (EID). This year, EID takes place on March 29 and 30. Below is what was shared and ways to support students during EID. 

'Carrying the legacy': DSST women share what it means to be a woman in leadership

March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the incredible contributions women have made throughout history and continue to make today. What began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978 as Women’s History Week soon gained national recognition, expanding to a month-long observance in 1987. In just the past 50 years, landmark legal changes—such as outlawing housing and credit discrimination against women in 1974—have helped pave the way for greater equity. Of course, the fight for women’s rights stretches back much further, from the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, securing women’s right to vote, to the many achievements women continue to lead today.

At DSST, we celebrate Women’s History Month by recognizing the women who shape our community as they share what it means to be a woman in leadership.

Sixth grade to college applications: How DSST fosters growth

Sienna Gaal started thinking about college earlier than most—back in eighth grade at DSST: Cedar Middle School. But even she didn’t expect to apply to 31 schools. Now, as a high school senior, the hardest part is waiting for responses.

Her journey has been shaped by the tight-knit community she found at DSST, where students grow and support each other. "Having created such a great community since sixth grade has allowed me to see how we grew up together," Gaal said.

'I came back': A senior’s journey to achieving a triumphant home run

One hundred percent college acceptance. For many, those words represent a dream come true, but for Jesus Marquez Estrada (DSST: Cole ‘25), they became the spark that ignited a fierce determination to succeed.

DSST: Cole has been more than just a school for Marquez Estrada, it’s been a place where he’s built the confidence to pursue college.

They built me up: How DSST helped Conservatory Green Senior find his path

When Zach Nesby (DSST: Conservatory Green ‘25) started middle school, he wasn’t thinking about college. But his mom was. She chose DSST for its rigorous academics and college prep, believing it would open doors for her son.

“She thought there would be more opportunities,” Zach said. And she was right.

Senior Signing Day Leads: Meet this year's starting line up

On May 1, the entire DSST community will gather at the Denver Coliseum to celebrate the incredible Class of 2025—including the Founding Bulldog Class at Elevate High School!

DSST: Cedar builds a legacy of empowerment and connection through brunch

At DSST: Cedar, the Black Girl and Black Boy Brunches are far more than just gatherings—they are powerful, transformative experiences that give Black students the chance to feel seen, celebrated and uplifted in ways that are all too often missing from traditional school spaces. These brunches have quickly become a cornerstone that fosters a sense of belonging, providing both students and mentors with a shared opportunity to connect on a deeper level, celebrate their identities, and affirm their paths toward success.

Study shows DSST graduates excel in college, careers and financial stability

At DSST Public Schools, a diploma is just the beginning of a journey toward lasting success. The mission goes beyond academic achievement—it's about preparing students for a future of opportunity. A recent study by the Charter School Growth Fund reveals just how far DSST students go to turn their dreams into reality, with data that showcases the network’s unique ability to prepare students for both college and career success.

A first-gen student’s journey home and the mission that drives him

When Matthew Telles walked through the doors of DSST: Green Valley Ranch in 2010, he wasn’t just another sixth-grader starting middle school—he was a founding student. The weight of that title settled on his young shoulders as he and his classmates set out to build something special, something lasting. Seven years later, he stood on the stage at Senior Signing Day, ready to take his next step into the unknown. However, the journey between those two moments was anything but easy.

Celebrating DSST leadership during Black History Month

At DSST Public Schools, we are proud that our diverse Board of Directors reflects the communities we serve. This Black History Month, we are honored to highlight our Black-identifying board members, whose leadership, expertise, and dedication help guide our schools toward greater equity and opportunity.