DSST: Aurora Science & Tech Middle School
DSST Dispatch: March updates from DSST!
03/21/24, 7:47 AM
The 20th Anniversary Gala is almost here!
The DSST 20th Anniversary Gala is less than a month away! Join the celebration on Friday, April 19 at the Hyatt Regency Denver. Take a moment to purchase your ticket and join DSST alumni, staff, families, community partners and longtime friends. Let’s celebrate the evening together with dinner, drinks and a program that celebrates our first 20 years and honors Bill Kurtz in his final year as CEO. Learn more here.
Network Highlights
Rayan's journey from academics to advocacy
- Rayan E. (DSST: Montview High School ‘24) has an impressive academic record, but she truly shines when she shares her passion for diversity and equity in the medical field. "I don’t 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 want to go to med school. I don’t 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 want to be a doctor. I want to go to the roots of the healthcare system and see what is not being adequately addressed right now.” Read more about Rayan's journey here.
- *Senior Signing Day is on May 2! We are so excited to celebrate our Class of 2024 in just a couple months!*
- Bryan Castaneda, 10th-grader at Aurora Science & Tech High School (AST), has his sights on becoming a thoracic heart surgeon. “I’ve always been interested in the health care field. I like helping people, and to experience empathy. Medicine is never bland. It’s always innovative and exciting.” Castaneda shared how AST has provided him with unique opportunities that will help him follow his dreams. Read more here!
In case you missed it
- James W., a student at DSST: Montview High School, is a published author! He wrote "AWESOME AUTISIM AFFIRMATIONS" to support the emotional regulation of children and adults with Autism. You can support him by clicking here to order the journal today.
- Victoria Cruz is a School Director in Training at Cole Middle School. Her journey to becoming a school leader at DSST Public Schools wasn't exactly what she had envisioned for her career, but it turned out to be a transformative experience that she cherishes deeply. You can read her story here.
- DSST is one of the only schools in the Central Park area working with AI. A few of our staff members took some time to discuss AI's impact and potential. Read more about what our teachers had to say about the exploration of AI in their classrooms here.
Resources & Reminders
Connect More is the ultimate guide for parents who want to level up their connection with their teens and overcome parenting challenges like building stronger bonds, having mental health discussions and mastering talks about the risks of fentanyl, tobacco, and vaping. Learn more here.
DPS Substance Use Prevention hosts online webinars designed to provide you with the tools to help empower youth to make smart decisions about substance use. The webinar schedule is available here.
The 24-25 DSST Academic Calendar is now live! The calendar reflects notable dates for our entire community, including half days for students, family conference dates, staff professional development dates and more. You can download the full calendar here. We can’t wait for next school year!
Important DSST Dates
- March 25 - 29: DPS Spring Break - No school for DSST schools in Denver
- April 1: No School - Cesar Chavez Holiday
- April 19: 20th Anniversary Gala
- April 27 - STEM & Creative Core Showcase - RSVP Here
- May 2: Senior Signing Day
Support DSST
If you would like to learn more about opportunities to give, reach out to info-development@scienceandtech.org or at (303) 802-4117.
