Posted September 18, 2023
Renaming a Denver Public School is a complex process. It is not just a name on a sign or a website; it’s a transformative process that reflects a commitment to progress, inclusivity, and the values that an educational institution stands for. Per the official DPS renaming policy, there were a multitude of factors we had to consider.
We brought our community together to talk about who we are and what this school name will represent. Developing this school name was a collective, collaborative effort and every voice was essential. In July, DPS posted a video about a construction update for the school and in this video we publicly asked our community to respond to a linked form, creating space for members to provide their perspectives.
Our team had many conversations with FNE residents, parents, teachers, and artists in order to deepen connections with the community. The word cloud you see here are concepts these members used to describe this neighborhood and community.
A diverse range of community members were involved in our decision-making process. We assembled a renaming committee, in which at least two underrepresented groups made up the majority. After significant conversations and feedback, each member filled out forms voting on which names they would choose for this new school.
We are extremely grateful for the time each member of our committee dedicated to this process. Renaming a school is a journey that requires thoughtful consideration, community engagement, and a commitment to positive change. Thank you to everyone who supported us on this foundational journey!