Need tiny tot activities?

Good morning, Denver. This is The Denver Scoop, where we chase headlines with the energy of a tiny tot. Wrangle that energy with our Tiny Tots To-Do list this week! 👧🏻

In today’s scoop:

• Adults free high school

• Colorado Aerotropolis

• DPS discipline guidelines

• Tiny Tots To-Do list

Let’s jump into it.

— Angelica Gomez

QUICK HEADLINES

👩🏻‍🏫 Free high school for adults

Denver's new Goodwill Excel Center offers adults a tuition-free second chance at a high school diploma, aiming to boost job prospects and financial stability. With 300,000 Coloradans lacking a diploma, this Aurora location hopes to enroll 400 students within three years. Funded by a mix of state grants and Goodwill's own contributions, the center will provide not only education but also daycare and support services.

🛩 Efforts to build Colorado Aerotropolis are now official

Denver's aerotropolis plan is officially soaring, with officials and staff from surrounding cities and Denver International Airport collaborating to turn undeveloped areas into a bustling hub for commerce and innovation. With DIA's massive land area and strategic location, they're pitching the region as an ideal spot for makers, manufacturers, and developers to build a thriving new city around one of the busiest airports in the world.

LOCAL BUSINESSES

🍣 Sushi surprises in the Rockies

Yelp's 2024 top 100 sushi spots list includes two Colorado gems, proving you don't need an ocean to serve up top-tier sushi. Rocky Yama Sushi and Colorado Sake in Denver snagged spots 67 and 87, impressing diners with their stellar rolls, cocktails, and rave-worthy service.

😔 Harvey Park Grille has closed

Josh Epps' dream of Harvey Park Grille ended after just four months, leaving him to wonder what went wrong as he drives by daily. Despite trying to cater to both longtime residents and new arrivals, the hip vibes and menu failed to attract the crowds he expected. Neighbors on Facebook lamented the loss and criticized the concept and prices, highlighting the challenges of evolving local tastes. Epps' story reflects the difficulties of bringing change to a transitioning neighborhood while holding onto hope for a better fit in the future.

SPORTS

⚾️ Pirates beat the Rockies 8-2

Jared Triolo and Jason Delay led the charge for the Pittsburgh Pirates after they bounced back to beat the Colorado Rockies 8-2 on Sunday, ending the Rockies' explosive hitting streak from the night before.

CIVIL

🏠 City Council considering $10M for affordable housing

Denver's City Council is diving into affordable housing and homelessness solutions, planning to spend $5 million on 62 new affordable units and another $5 million to aid 250 households moving from encampments to permanent homes. With Mayor Johnston's goal of 3,000 affordable units in sight, the city's pushing full steam ahead on these critical initiatives.

📜 DPS new discipline guidelines

Denver Public Schools is rolling out a detailed new discipline matrix this fall, guiding staff on when to suspend or expel students for offenses from bullying to bringing guns to school. Aiming to be more specific and less subjective, the matrix even includes real-world examples like "sextortion." Prompted by the 2023 East High School shooting and ongoing racial discipline disparities, the revised matrix will still emphasize restorative justice. Superintendent Marrero underscores that the goal remains keeping kids in school, not out.

👩🏻‍🏫 School closure policy approved by Denver board

Facing declining enrollment, the Denver school board has approved a policy for closing or consolidating schools, with three closures already on the horizon. As the district navigates funding woes and shifting demographics, the new guidelines emphasize financial viability and community collaboration, sparking debates over the role of standardized test scores in these tough decisions.

⚖️ City Council Meeting

On the agenda for today’s City Council meeting:

• Formation of the Ballpark Denver General Improvement District

• Installation of outdoor classroom solar canopies

• See full agenda

The meeting is at 3:30PM in the City Council Chambers at Cathy Reynolds City Council Chamber 1437 Bannock Street, Room 450. The public is welcome to attend or watch live on Zoom here.

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📍 Coors Field

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WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Pride Month

We pounded the streets of Denver to find Pride events so you don’t have to. We’ll share them here all month. Know a Pride event not listed? Submit one here.

Tiny Tots To-Do

At The Denver Scoop, we love to connect readers with fun local events. Every Monday from now until September, we’re bringing you a list of kid’s activity every weekday of the summer. Enjoy… and hang in there! 🤪

MONDAY 6/17: LuBird’s Light Playground @ Stanley Marketplace
This recurring activity is disability friendly and takes place free everyday. This playground will include state-of-the-art handicapped accessible swings, spinners and slides, musical sensory play equipment, smooth barrier-free surfacing and more—all with a magical vibrant design.

TUESDAY 6/18: Mommy and Me Mindfulness @ Denver Botanic Gardens
Children will love this mindfulness and meditation through activities event. The benefits of meditations for children include improving mental health, reducing stress, bolstering coping skills and enhancing relaxation and sleep.

WEDNESDAY 6/19: Hey Hey, Pre-K! @ Center for the Performing Arts
This Public Art tour is open to kiddos ages 3-5 plus their guardian. Join a member of the Public Art team for a little learning, a little reading, a little chalk art, and a WHOLE lot of fun!

THURSDAY 6/20: Sunny War @ Levitt Pavilion
Enjoy this free series concert for all ages and plan to pack a meal, or order from the local food trucks and bring a blanket for a perfect summer night with your neighbors.

FRIDAY 6/21: Big Day of Bugs @ Denver Botanic Gardens
Join the Gardens and community partners to learn more about the importance of pollinators and what you can do to support pollinator habitats, health and biodiversity.

Things To Do Today

🎤 Zac Maas @ Comedy Works
Enjoy a laugh with USA Today’s Top Five Comedy Clubs in the country.

⚾️ Colorado Rockies vs Dodgers
The sun is out a little longer... catch a game at Coors Field today at 6:40PM.

🤸🏽‍♀️ Yoga on Tap 
Stretch it out with a beer at New Terrain Brewing every Monday at 6PM.

LIVE MUSIC LINEUP

Monday

Tuesday

WEATHER WATCH

THAT’S ALL FOR TODAY

Thanks for hanging out with The Denver Scoop. We’re so happy you’re here with us. If you enjoyed this one, send it to someone who has tiny tots.