Community Identifies Need

Parents concerned about the quality of their children’s schools were surprised to see the Quality Schools Task Force forge ahead with plans to abandon the DPS SPF ratings and adopt the state performance framework, even as families were challenged to weigh in during the COVID 19 pandemic. The Quality Schools Task Force continued to hold meetings in March and April (both virtual) to move the work forward. 

Partner Response

A broad-based coalition of community groups and schools led by Stand for Children asked the task force and Board of Education to hit pause until the pandemic abates. Read the letter sent to the Board here.  Hear directly from parents who have been engaged in this work for months in this video .

Impact

The Board of Education will hold a special public comment session about the proposed changes to the SPF on May 18. The seven-member board is scheduled to vote on the recommendations on June 11.

Community Identifies Need

The Montbello Organizing Committee (MOC) received reports of many neighbors losing jobs during the pandemic. Parents trying to help their children with new remote learning protocols were also facing the prospect of having no money to pay rent or buy food.

Partner Response

MOC is committed to empowering community voice through economic development, healthy food access and equitable education for all students.

This video reflects some of the MOC efforts during the COVID 19 pandemic: food access for students and their families in the neighborhood. Twice a month, MOC hosts a massive distribution of free food to the community. 

Impact

MOC’s is now distributing food to hundreds of families every two weeks. These efforts have been covered by CBS4, 9News, Fox31, and The Denver Channel.

Community Identifies Need

In March, 2020 Denver Public School families faced the daunting task of supporting their children with the launch of remote learning, given the closure of schools and disruptions brought on by the COVID 19 outbreak in Colorado.  Parents reported feeling stressed and overwhelmed at the challenges of supporting students during this unprecedented time.

Partner Response

TEN is a team of community organizers committed to ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education. In this video, TEN leaders and parents illustrate how they are working to support one another and ensure every student receives the tools they need to learn during the COVID 19 pandemic.  

Impact

TEN has emerged as a voice for families seeking to overcome inequities in the public schools, and has provided many resources online during the pandemic. These efforts have garnered coverage on CBS 4: Transform Education Now Helps Support Parents, Children During Remote Learning and Organization Asks Denver Public Schools To Help Parents As Summer Camps Are Canceled