DENVER — Editor's note: The Colorado Education Association (CEA) canceled the Day of Action at the Capitol scheduled for Thursday, March 19, because of public health concerns over the spreading of the COVID-19 virus. CEA plans to roll out a "virtual" day to offer educators, parents, students and public education supporters the opportunity to participate and have a powerful impact at the legislature from home.
Denver Public Schools (DPS) will be closed on Thursday, March 19 due to the expected absence of teachers participating in the "Educator Day of Action" being planned by the Colorado Educators Association (CEA).
CEA is planning a march on the Colorado State Capitol beginning at 8 a.m.
DPS officials said all schools will be closed to students, including preschools. School will resume as normal on Friday, March 20. Charter schools may not be closed on March 19. Charter school families are asked to check with their individual schools.
Discovery Link programs will be open to current Discovery Link and Enrichment families at all 44 sites across the district on March 19, and DPS will not charge families camp fees for this day, officials said. Families are asked to fill out the intent-to-attend information if they are currently signed up for the program and would like to use the service on March 19.
"Please know that we understand that this unexpected change is inconvenient for families, and this decision was made due to the large number of teacher absences expected," DPS said in a letter to parents. "We would not be able to provide academic programs even if we were to call in as many substitute teachers as possible. Please understand that we took the time to explore all resources and options before making this decision."
Extracurricular activities throughout the district will proceed as scheduled unless schools say otherwise, the district said.
Jefferson County Public Schools will also be closed on March 19 due to the expected teacher absences.
Jeffco Public School officials said school will be closed to students because the current number of teachers who have submitted an absence has exceeded the maximum number that can be covered by guest teachers.
The CEA is promoting the day of action for educators to rally at the Colorado State Capitol on the important issue of the inadequate funding level that school districts receive from our state government.
Anyone with questions or concerns can contact the district's Family and Community Helpline at 720-423-3054 or email FACE@dpsk12.org.
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