Latest news with #DenverPublicSchools
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Denver Public Schools will not close additional schools in 2025
DENVER (KDVR) — Denver's public school district is feeling the impact of changes across the metro area. Lower birth rates and housing challenges are resulting in a decline in enrollment. The school board voted to close seven schools and restructure three others under the Denver Schools Thrive Initiative. Previous reporting: Here are the 10 Denver Public Schools that could close or restructure in 2025 While the District will not close any additional schools in 2025, a spokesperson tells FOX31 that 6,000 fewer students are expected to enter the school system by 2029, an 8% decline that could drive additional changes in the coming years. 'This isn't something that we ever want to do, and it's something that we feel compelled to do and have to do as a result of our commitment to provide a high standard of service to all kids,' said DPS Enrollment and Campus Planning Executive Director Andrew Huber. Tara Johnson told FOX31 her daughter will no longer attend her neighborhood school due to the closures, but instead will start riding a bus to a new school this fall that is located about two miles away. 'This is a different school, new school; I'm not going to be able to just walk over there,' she said. Johnson says she is concerned about being able to quickly address any problems that affect her child's well-being. Denver sees historic drop in street homelessness: Mayor Johnston 'I want to make sure she's safe and everything that's happening for her is for her betterment,' said Johnson. Denver's school district currently has approximately 90,000 students, but that number will change according to DPS's Strategic Regional Analysis, which outlines projections for enrollment over the next five years. The report shows a pattern of declining enrollment since 2019 that is expected to continue through 2029. 'The things kind of like the specials, the electives, the extra supports and services that we know all of our kids deserve, become harder and harder to sustain financially,' he said. Huber added that it is important to carefully address falling enrollment numbers in order to preserve the quality of educational programs. 'We believe that as a result of that process, we've right-sized the district relative to our current enrollment,' said Huber. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
13-05-2025
- CBS News
Chromebook fire at Grosse Ile High School believed to be linked to dangerous social media trend
Repairs to Belle Isle fountain; financial impact of tariffs; and more top stories Repairs to Belle Isle fountain; financial impact of tariffs; and more top stories Repairs to Belle Isle fountain; financial impact of tariffs; and more top stories A Southeast Michigan school was evacuated last week, with a student getting medical attention because of a Chromebook device on fire, and authorities are pointing to a social media trend as possibly contributing to the situation. Chromebooks are small, inexpensive laptop computers that have been commonly used for years in classrooms for online lessons, assignments and sometimes as electronic textbooks. This spring, videos of people deliberately trying to short-circuit the small laptops picked up attention on social media in a trend nicknamed the "Chromebook challenge." The act of placing metallic items or pencils into the charging port can cause the device to short-circuit or spark, authorities say. The detail that adds a further hazard is that Chromebooks and similar devices use lithium-ion batteries, which can be difficult to put out should a device catch fire. Schools and fire officials across the country are attempting to put a stop to the trend through warning letters and publicity, such as the report issued by Grosse Ile Police regarding the incident on May 8 at Grosse Ile High School in Wayne County. A small fire that started with a Chromebook device at the high school resulted in that building being evacuated as a precaution, police said. Multiple fire departments, including Grosse Ile, Trenton and Riverview, responded to the school to check on the scene. One student was evaluated at a local hospital as a precaution, police said. Grosse Ile police detectives have taken over the investigation. "Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by a hazardous social media trend that encourages inserting metal objects into electronics," the police report said. "We urge parents and guardians to talk with their children about the dangers of participating in viral challenges and unsafe online behaviors. Safety starts with awareness." Some school districts across the country, including Denver Public Schools, have said families will be held responsible for damages in such incidents. A student in Northeast Ohio was charged with felony arson and vandalism after he tampered with a Chromebook, resulting in a classroom in that area being filled with smoke on May 9.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Time of India
New social media 'Chromebook challenge' is leading children to set their school laptops on fire; find out what this is
In the age of social media, trends can spread like wildfire without regard for the consequences. While many challenges are harmless fun, some take a miserable, dangerous turn, causing harm in real life. These trends often start as pranks or dares, but can result in severe injuries, property damage, or even legal consequences. The hoard of gaining attention or going viral can make judgment difficult, especially among younger audiences who may not fully grasp the risks involved. It's crucial for parents to stay informed about these trends, talk openly with children about responsible online behaviour, and understand the potential dangers of viral challenges is the first step in preventing them from causing harm. Operation Sindoor 'Decided to strike where it would hurt': Air Marshal on Op Sindoor Op Sindoor: IC-814 hijackers, Pulwama plotters among over 100 terrorists killed 'Pak Army lost 35 to 40 personnel': Takeaways from armed forces' briefing on Op Sindoor A similar new trend has emerged on TikTok, known as the " Chromebook Challenge ." This dangerous activity involves students inserting metal objects, like paper clips or pencils, into the USB ports of school-issued Chromebooks. In order to cause a short circuit, leading to sparks, smoke, or even fires. This behavior has led to evacuations in schools across multiple states, including Connecticut, Colorado, and Maryland. Authorities are warning that such actions pose serious safety risks, including potential explosions due to the devices' lithium-ion batteries. The "Chromebook Challenge" has not been confined to a single region. In Colorado, Denver Public Schools reported over 30 incidents, while the Colorado Springs Fire Department documented at least 16 cases. Similarly, in Connecticut, schools like Newington and Southington High School had to evacuate due to fires caused by tampered Chromebooks. This also had legal and financial consequences Beyond the immediate safety concerns, students participating in this challenge face significant legal and financial repercussions. In New Jersey, a 15-year-old was charged with arson after attempting to set a Chromebook on fire. Additionally, school districts are holding parents financially responsible for damages. For instance, Alexandria City Public Schools in Virginia imposed a $304 fine, which is the full replacement cost of a damaged Chromebook on parents of students involved in such incidents. How did TikTok respond? TikTok has acknowledged the issue and stated that it has blocked certain search terms related to the "Chromebook Challenge." The platform claims to remove content that promotes dangerous behavior. However, despite these efforts, videos related to the challenge continue to surface In the age of social media, trends can spread like wildfire without regard for the consequences. While many challenges are harmless fun, some take a miserable, dangerous turn, causing harm in real life. These trends often start as pranks or dares, but can result in severe injuries, property damage, or even legal consequences. The hoard of gaining attention or going viral can make judgment difficult, especially among younger audiences who may not fully grasp the risks involved. It's crucial for parents to stay informed about these trends, talk openly with children about responsible online behaviour, and understand the potential dangers of viral challenges is the first step in preventing them from causing harm. A similar new trend has emerged on TikTok, known as the "Chromebook Challenge." This dangerous activity involves students inserting metal objects, like paper clips or pencils, into the USB ports of school-issued Chromebooks. In order to cause a short circuit, leading to sparks, smoke, or even fires. This behavior has led to evacuations in schools across multiple states, including Connecticut, Colorado, and Maryland. Authorities are warning that such actions pose serious safety risks, including potential explosions due to the devices' lithium-ion batteries. The "Chromebook Challenge" has not been confined to a single region. In Colorado, Denver Public Schools reported over 30 incidents, while the Colorado Springs Fire Department documented at least 16 cases. Similarly, in Connecticut, schools like Newington and Southington High School had to evacuate due to fires caused by tampered Chromebooks. This also had legal and financial consequences Beyond the immediate safety concerns, students participating in this challenge face significant legal and financial repercussions. In New Jersey, a 15-year-old was charged with arson after attempting to set a Chromebook on fire. Additionally, school districts are holding parents financially responsible for damages. For instance, Alexandria City Public Schools in Virginia imposed a $304 fine, which is the full replacement cost of a damaged Chromebook on parents of students involved in such incidents. How did TikTok respond? TikTok has acknowledged the issue and stated that it has blocked certain search terms related to the "Chromebook Challenge." The platform claims to remove content that promotes dangerous behavior. However, despite these efforts, videos related to the challenge continue to surface Parents should keep a watch on their children's online activity Parents should openly discuss with children about the dangers of participating in such challenges and the potential consequences. Monitoring online activity and setting clear guidelines for internet use can help prevent involvement in harmful trends. Parents should keep a watch on their children's online activity Parents should openly discuss with children about the dangers of participating in such challenges and the potential consequences. Monitoring online activity and setting clear guidelines for internet use can help prevent involvement in harmful trends.
CBS News
10-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Denver high school celebrates its legacy as it prepares to shut its doors
As the school year comes to an end in Colorado, seven schools are closing for good. Citing low enrollment, the Denver Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously for the closures back in November. CBS Hundreds of students will have to make the move to new schools next year, including those attending the Denver School of Innovation and Sustainable Design. On Friday, the school held a closing ceremony to celebrate the legacy its students and faculty are leaving behind, and unveiled a new mural in its hallway that highlights a decade worth of impact. It was an emotional celebration for those who walked the halls, past and present. "All the different feelings that happen when you know something is ending, but also happy to see that we're celebrating all the wonderful impact that we've made with our students throughout the years," said Dr. Evelyn Cruz, the school's principal. DSISD specialized in project-based learning and small classroom sizes. But more importantly, its faculty and staff cultivated an environment of support and inclusion. Erica Linares explains the school was the perfect fit for her daughter Maria Victoria who has autism, she and got emotional sharing the impact it has had. Maria is only a freshman, but her first year of high school has been more than memorable. "Honestly, it has to be one of my best years in school, because I was bullied a lot," said Maria. "Now I'm a part of the family, and I get to spread the word of what the school used to be." Maria is among the students pictured on the newly unveiled mural, and an important part of the DSISD legacy. "I have a hard time expressing what I feel," said Maria. "Even though my face doesn't really say sad. inside, I was actually pretty sad." Thanks to help from staff, Maria has already found another high school. But, for her and many others, they're having to leave their safe space behind. "Students like Maria and others that have expressed that concern, we've helped them look for places that can help them feel that safety that they felt here," said Dr. Cruz. DSISD has shared its building with Morey Middle School. Although it's shutting down, the middle school will remain and expand into the building. The students' last day of school will be June 3.
CBS News
10-05-2025
- CBS News
Colorado firefighters, schools warn about viral TikTok Chromebook challenge
Firefighters and school districts in Colorado are warning about a potentially dangerous TikTok challenge that has gone viral. In these challenges, students are putting metal or pencil lead into the charging ports of their Chromebooks to have them spark, smoke or catch fire. There are concerns about possible explosions or the release of toxic fumes. TikTok/MTB_LOGAN01 On Thursday, Denver Public Schools warned families that students participating in the challenge could face serious consequences. "This behavior poses significant safety risks to students and staff and will not be tolerated within our community. Chromebooks are powered by lithium batteries, and attempting to set fire to one can lead to explosions, severe burns or even cause fires in buildings. Participating in this behavior will result in disciplinary consequences and could potentially lead to legal repercussions for students," said DPS. TikTok/MATT_ROUSE There are at least 16 known cases of the Chromebook challenge in the Pike's Peak region so far. Earlier this week, another incident happened at a high school in Lafayette. Multiple Colorado Springs students involved with these incidents have been ordered to go through the Colorado Springs Fire Department's Youth Firesetter Intervention Program. Denver schools encouraged anyone aware of someone participating in the challenge to contact a trusted adult at school.
