August 26, 2003 Superintendent S Office Powerpoint Presentation

August 26, 2003

Superintendent’s Office PowerPoint Presentation Dr. Wartgow’s PowerPoint presentation from last week’s administrators meeting is posted on the superintendent Web page—http://www.dpsk12.org/aboutdps/super—as a PowerPoint document and a PDF (portable document format) file.

Human Resources Principals—Please remind teachers who have received contracts by mail for the 2003–2004 school year to return a signed copy to Human Resources on, or as soon as possible after, August 31. Contracts for variable schedule teachers will be sent to teachers’ home addresses after the September 4 board meeting to be signed and returned by September 30.

Employee Benefits Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act created in 1996 and includes several components. One component deals with Personal Health Information (PHI), which is defined as any information, oral or recorded in any form or medium, that is:

 Created or received by a health plan, health care provider, healthcare clearing house;  Related to past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual or the provision or payment for health care for an individual; and  Individually identifiable.

Individual identifiers include:  Social Security number  Names  Medical record  Geographic Units  Account and health plan beneficiary  Dates numbers  Phone and/or fax numbers  Certificate and/or license  Email addresses  Vehicle ID number or plate  Any other unique identifiers

PHI is information created or received by the employer, in its capacity as the administrator of a covered health plan by the plan’s insurance company or HMO or by a “business associate” —1— performing administration functions for the plan. The information relates to the health condition or care of an individual or to the payment for care. The information permits identification of the individual. Examples of PHI include, but are not limited to, reports of diagnosis and treatment submitted with a benefit claim form, records related to an eligibility determination by a claims administrator, and a statement issued by a health insurance company reflecting payment for specific medical care.

PHI does not include health information created or received by an employer for employment- related purposes. For example, a medical certification submitted with a request for FMLA leave, a sick bank form, and notes related to an accommodation for a disabled employee are not considered PHI.

To safeguard PHI, please note the following:  When discarding any form of PHI, information must be shredded;  PHI must not be visible on desks;  When stepping away from your desk, PHI must be put away;  All files must be locked or have some type of controlled access;  When emailing, no type of PHI can be mentioned in the “Subject” line;  Make sure the fax machine is secure; and  All mail must be opened by the addressee only.

Should you have any questions regarding HIPAA, contact Lita Weinstein at 303-764-3769.

Purchasing Every year, sites receive numerous telephone calls from solicitors who want to sell them everything from copier supplies to subscriptions to cleaning supplies. Some imply they are calling from one of the district’s Term and Supply vendors or from our own warehouse to tell you about a “special offer.” Generally, the solicitor is taping the conversation and simply wants you to say “yes,”— yes, you are interested in the product, yes, you are interested in saving money, yes, to just about anything. The next thing you know, you have received a shipment and an invoice—probably for substantially more than the product is worth.

We want to alert you of this practice once again, since we have already had calls from schools who have received solicitations this year. If you or any member of your staff receives a call from a telephone solicitor, transfer the call to the Director of Purchasing on extension 3327. If someone at your site inadvertently says, “yes,” to a telephone solicitation, reject the shipment when it arrives; otherwise, you will be deluged with bills from the solicitor and ultimately, calls and letters from collection agencies.

Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools Slots are still available at our third annual SDFS Conference at Beaver Run in Breckenridge on September 6 and 7. This conference will provide research-based strategies for violence and substance abuse prevention. Hear Dr. Del Elliott from The Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence at University of Colorado (CU) speak about Model Blueprint Programs using these strategies. In addition, Dr. Richard Jessor from the Institute of Behavioral Science at CU will speak about the DPS 1500 student surveys that collected data on risk and protection factors. On September 7, you have a choice of several all-day training sessions, such as Olweus Bullying Prevention, Life Skills, Aggression Replacement Training, Sexual Harassment, and Successful School Interventions. These strategies are targeted to reduce the possibility of being labeled a persistently dangerous school by CDE. See attachments for more information, including how to register.

Planning Below is a schedule of area meetings for October student count training. October student count is a major source of district funding, and it is imperative that our 2003 count be as complete and accurate as possible. Attendance at one of these sessions by each school’s count coordinator is mandatory. If you are unable to attend the meeting scheduled for your area, please plan to attend one of the other sessions. Each session will cover student count for all grade levels.

Southwest Tuesday, September 2, 9:00–10:30 a.m. Abraham Lincoln High School Community Room Southeast Tuesday, September 2, 1:00–2:30 pm. Lincoln Elementary School Lunchroom Northwest Thursday, September 4, 9:00–10:30 a.m. West High School Presentation Room Northeast Thursday, September 4, 1:00–2:30 p.m. Bruce Randolph Middle School Community Room

Please contact the Planning Department at 303-405-6644 with any questions.

Starting Friday, August 22, through Wednesday, October 1, please submit the number of students in membership at your school each day at http://planning.dpsk12.org/pupilcount. Elementary and middle schools should submit a count of students by grade level; high schools submit a single total for the school.

Daily membership must be submitted to Planning and Research by 10:00 a.m.

Membership is NOT:  Attendance  A count of students pulled from SASI  Students who have never attended  Students with extended absence and uncertain return

Membership IS:  Students who have enrolled and attended at your school at least once since the start of school and have attended on a regular basis  Students who have attended but are not present today should be included in the membership if they are expected to return before October 1

If the Web site is not available, daily membership may be submitted via the following:  Email daily membership to Joe Little ([email protected]) in Planning  Fax daily membership to 303-405-6649  Telephone daily membership to 303-405-6644

Please call Planning at 303-405-6647 if you have any questions.

Community Relations Yard Sign Pick-Up Please collect your first-day-of-school yard signs. We will contact you soon about a plan to retrieve these – we intend to recycle these for next year. Curriculum and Instruction N-O-T Program The American Lung Association is receiving applications for this year’s Not-On-Tobacco (N-O-T) program for high schools only. Nationwide evaluations show this program helps teens stop smoking. The attached document provides details. The deadline to return the application is September 30, 2003. Grants are funded through a grant from the Colorado State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership (STEPP).

New Teacher Mentors Please complete and return the attached Secondary New Teacher Mentor form to Holly Dout at [email protected] or fax to 303-764-3890.

Everyday Mathematics Study Group Opportunities Please see the attached flyer for more information about study groups for elementary Everyday Mathematics teachers.

NCLB Graphing Calculator Course The NCLB/Graphing Calculator Course is an opportunity for middle school mathematics teachers to earn affordable college-level mathematics credit. The course focuses on integrating the TI-73 graphing technology with the CMP curriculum. Please see the attached flyer.

Junior Great Books Session The attached flyer describes a local Junior Great Books session for interested DPS school principals and administrators.

Principal Invitation Five pilot schools—Cole, Kepner, Grant Ranch, Kennedy, and West—along with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) will begin a process of designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating school counseling programs committed to promoting high achievement for every student. The pilot school counselors would like to invite all principals, assistant principals in charge of counselors, and area superintendents to come to a meeting from 4-5:30 p.m., Thursday, September 11, in the fourth floor lunchroom of the Administration Building at 900 Grant Street. School counselors will switch their emphasis from service-centered for some of the students to program-centered for every student. It is very important that administrators provide support for the organization, development, and implementation of the school counseling program. You will be introduced to the National Model for School Counseling Programs, and we hope to gain your support in moving forward. Public Information Office Marketing Tip of the Week What Mary Poppins sang as “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” Superintendent Jerry Wartgow belted out last week at the administrators meeting as “super conscientious friendly DPS employees.” Watch for details about upcoming customer service training for school office professionals, because all staff members are involved in setting your school or department’s reputation. They can’t opt out. Whenever the phone is answered, whenever there is a parent/teacher conference, whenever a visitor arrives, impressions—either positive or negative—are communicated.

Video—Dateline High School Once duplication is completed, schools will receive copies of “Dateline High School,” the video that opened last week’s administrators meeting. Think about showing it to parents and community groups and taking it on the road when you speak to DPS stakeholders.

Disney Teacher Awards Through Friday, October 3, Disney is searching for 45 dynamic, creative teachers who lead their students to the height of learning for the 2004 DisneyHand Teacher Awards. Nominations may be submitted by students, former students, parents, principals, community members, or coworkers by calling the toll-free number 877-ATA-TEACH (877-282-8322) or by logging on to http://disney.go.com/disneyhand/. The awards honor representatives of the teaching profession who construct creative learning environments in which students and teachers alike explore, imagine, and engage in a variety of thought-provoking experiences. DisneyHand will award $25,000 to the outstanding teacher of the year, with the school receiving $10,000. All 45 honorees will receive $10,000 each, with their respective schools receiving $5,000.

September Appreciation Opportunities Mark your calendars now!  National Days of Prayer and Remembrance—Friday, September 5 through Sunday, September 7 in remembrance of the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.  National Grandparents’ Day, Sunday—September 7 (consider inviting grandparents to school on Friday)  Substitute Teacher Appreciation Week—Monday, September 8 through Friday, September 12

Sex Offender School Information—Parent Letter Correction—If you’ve not yet sent the parent letter included in the August 12 issue of Tuesday Telegram, please update two of the phone numbers with the following phone numbers:  Denver Police Department, Records Department, 720-913-6756  Sex Offender Management Board, 303-239-4442

Tuesday Telegram Deadline The deadline to send information for inclusion in Tuesday Telegram is noon on Tuesdays. Email items to [email protected].

TUESDAY TELEGRAM ARCHIVE (click on this link) http://www.dpsk12.org/docs/tuesday_telegram/tue_tele_archive.shtml (BACK) Not On Tobacco (N-O-T). N-O-T is a 10-session, voluntary tobacco cessation program for high school students. The American Lung Association of Colorado (ALAC) trains facilitators at each school to implement N-O-T for its students during school hours. N-O-T’s gender-sensitive curriculum uses a multiple-strategy approach to help teens stop smoking and teach them life-management skills, such as anger and stress management, decision-making and communication skills, as well as promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as exercise and good nutrition. The goal of N-O-T is to help teens either quit smoking or reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke. Reduction in cigarette consumption is seen as a positive step toward being able to quit smoking completely. The core curriculum consists of 10 sessions (one per week) and four optional follow-up, or “booster,” sessions to reinforce what the group has learned and achieved. N-O-T is currently implemented in 41 states nationwide and in 41 schools in Colorado.

Funding. Given the large number of schools that have applied, we cannot guarantee every school funding. For those who have applied for N-O-T funding previously, we continue to refine the grant process. This year, schools will receive funding based on the number of students they anticipate completing the N-O-T program at their school during the 2003–2004 school year. Schools may run as many N-O-T groups throughout the school year to achieve this goal of student participants. Students are counted as “completing” the program if they attend eight or more N-O-T sessions. Completion is based on attendance, not on quit rates. Schools determine their funding amount on page 4 of the application. Payment schools receive their full funding amount, minus the facilitator incentive funding, at the beginning of the 2003 school year. Each school must maintain records and receipts of expenses in the event of an audit, but are not required to turn these receipts into ALAC. Schools may request the facilitator incentive funding upon ALAC’s receipt of student evaluations and the end-of-year program report.

Grantees are required to fully support implementation of the N-O-T program by ensuring facilitator participation in training, active student recruitment and retention, provision of student and facilitator incentives, and completion of evaluation materials (please see the application for a complete list of requirements). If your school is accepted, the contract for these services begins as early as August 1, 2003, and conclude June 30, 2004. These grants are funded through a grant from the Colorado State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership (STEPP).

Applications Please complete the application and send completed materials to Sarah Yarian Davis, Tobacco Program Manager, American Lung Association of Colorado, 1600 Race Street, Denver, CO 80206 or fax to 303- 377-1102. Deadline for the first round of applications is September 30, 2003. If funding remains after the first deadline, another round of applications will be accepted.

Timeline Below is the grant application process. 1. School submits application (including signed contract, budget, administrative support letter, statement of disclosure, and W-9 form) to ALAC by September 30. 2. ALAC reviews application and notifies school as to whether they will receive funding as soon as application is reviewed. 3. ALAC contacts schools to schedule facilitator training. Trainings will be held locally and coordinated with nearby schools when possible. 4. Facilitators begin implementing N-O-T at school. 5. Mid-year progress report due in November. 6. Facilitator completes N-O-T program and returns all student evaluation materials to ALAC. 7. End-of-year report and budget reconciliation due by June 30.

Contact Sarah Davis at 303-388-4327 or [email protected] if you have questions about the application or need assistance completing the application. Or visit ALAC’s Web site at www.alacolo.org or call 800- LUNG-USA outside the Denver metro area.

—7— (BACK) Brief Descriptions of Sunday Training Sessions

Life Skills Training This program for grade 3–9 students teaches prevention-related information and drug refusal skills, as well as promoting anti-drug norms and fostering the development of personal self-management skills and general social skills, including anger management.

Second Step Second Step is an excellent violence prevention curriculum that teaches empathy, impulse control, and anger management. The program is well researched, experiential, multicultural and well validated. Appropriate for elementary schools.

Aggression Replacement Training Experiential training in an expanded version of curriculum developed by Dr. Arnold P. Goldstein from Syracuse University. Appropriate for middle and high schools. Teaches empathy and anger management.

Sexual Harassment Prevention Learn what constitutes sexual harassment, including contributing factors, language and behaviors, flirting, assumptions, and schools’ liability. Review case examples, the laws, and legal responses to sexual harassment lawsuits.

Bullying Prevention This presentation will provide strategies from the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. Attendees will be involved in interactive and participant-led activities. Individual, classroom, and schoolwide interventions will be provided.

Schoolwide Behavioral Interventions (Support) Providing educational programs for children who have significant behavioral needs is often highly challenging. Traditional approaches to working with these students often focus on trying to “fix” the individual. However, a recent emphasis on “Positive Behavioral Support” encourages development of schoolwide systems that improve outcomes for all children and youth. A comprehensive, three-level approach for building a schoolwide system of behavioral support will be presented.

—8— (BACK) The Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools, Department of Student Services, Denver Public Schools, welcomes you to

Spectacular Location Beaver Run Resort, Breckenridge, Colorado—a world-class family resort and conference complex, a short walk from downtown Breckenridge.

When and Who September 6–7, 2003 for all DPS staff

Accommodations Lodging is your responsibility to pay for and reserve. Special lodging rates are available to DPS personnel. A limited number of rooms are reserved for conference participants. Reserve your room before August 4, 2003, by calling 800-525-2253. Identify yourself as a DPS participant to take advantage of these great rates: Hotel room $89 Deluxe studio $111 Colorado Suite $119 One-bedroom condo $123 Two-bedroom condo $179 Cancellations are your responsibility.

Meals Breakfast and lunch provided on both days by the Safe and Drug-Free Schools Office.

Credit One semester hour of CDE credit available for attending both days, $25, payable at conference. A certificate of attendance will also be provided. We are unable to pay an honorarium for attending or mileage reimbursement.

To register Fax (303 405-6624), mail (OSDFS, Fox Street), or email ([email protected]) the completed form (below) to Lynne Popkowski, no later than August 20, 2003. Questions: 303 405-6625. Registrants will receive detailed information after registration closes.

------

Name: ______

School: ______

Phone: (work)______(home)______

Circle ONE Sunday Session: Bullying Prevention Life Skills Training Second Step Aggression Replacement Training Sexual Harassment Prevention Schoolwide Behavioral Interventions

Comments: (special needs, food, etc.) ______—9— (BACK)

—10— (BACK) N C L B G r a p h i n g C a l c u l a t o r C o u r s e October 25, 2003 November 15, 2003 January 17, 2004 April 17, 2004 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. for middle school teachers who are interested in incorporating more graphing technology into CMP lessons RSVP to Elizabeth Bible at [email protected] by October 1. You will receive an email confirming your registration and identifying the location. Attendees receive either a stipend or can earn 2 hours of university math credit. Attendance at all sessions required for credit.

—11— Questions? Call 303-764-3423.

—12— (BACK) Denver Public Schools 2003–2004 Secondary New Teacher Mentor Form School Principal New teachers and their mentors, including CASEL teachers (special education first-year TiRs) meet as a team September 8, 2003, at Manual High School from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. If you have questions, call Holly Dout at 303-764-3584. You may key in the information on this form and email to [email protected] or fax it to 303- 764-4890. Thanks! First-year TiRs will have a mentor in the building. First-year TiRs and their mentors DO NOT meet on September 8! Submit first-year TiR mentor names and their social security numbers to Human Resources, Laura Peterson, [email protected] or 303-764-3201 (fax), 303-764-3293 (phone). Second- Grade and Mentor New Teacher Name Year TIR Mentor Name Subject Social Security Number (Yes or No)

—13— (BACK) The Great Books Foundation A nonprofit educational organization 35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 2300 • Chicago, IL 60601-2298 • 800-222-5870 • www.greatbooks.org Junior Great Books Programs in the Colorado K–12 Classroom Energize Teachers and Students a special workshop exclusively for district administrators and principals Adams 5 Star Schools Educational Support Center October 1, 2003, Thornton, CO, 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

Continental breakfast is included. You should attend if you are a district administrator or principal who wants to:  reach and exceed demands of the Colorado Standards for Reading and Writing;  learn about Perfection Learning with shared inquiry for middle and high school;  inspire your students to think and read critically;  engage in in-depth discussion about outstanding literature;  see student discussion in a structured search for meaning;  explore new research-validated classroom materials; and  plan customized staff development with a Foundation consultant. Reservations are limited to the first 40 district administrators and principals. To hold your space, call Sophia Krol- Michniak at 800-222-5870, extension 266, email to [email protected], or fill out the reservation form below and fax it to Sophia Krol-Michniak at 312-407-0224. Please register by Wednesday, September 17! Agenda 8:30–9:00 a.m. Registration and continental breakfast 9:00–11:30 a.m. Junior Great Books interpretive activities for the classroom Critical thinking through shared inquiry discussion Junior Great Books and the Colorado Standards for Reading and Writing Planning your implementation of JGB and Perfection Learning’s “Literature and Thought”

Yes, I plan to attend the presentation in Thornton, CO, on Wednesday, October 1.  I am unable to attend. Please send me information about Great Books programs.

NAME:______TITLE:______

DISTRICT/SCHOOL:______WORK PHONE: ______

ADDRESS: ______CITY/STATE/ZIP:______

 I would like you to invite an additional administrator:

NAME:______TITLE:______

DISTRICT/SCHOOL:______WORK PHONE: ______In an effort to be cost-effective, The Great Books Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization, relies on faxes to share with and receive information from customers. Personal information provided by customers is not shared with outside sources. If you do not wish to receive such faxes, please notify us by return fax at 312-407-0334 or by email at [email protected]. —14—