Weekly news & updates
Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 | Newsletter Archive | View as Webpage
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Update on COVID-19

We are working closely with the Douglas County School District (DCSD) in regards to providing information about the COVID-19 virus. We also closely follow all recommendations from the Colorado Department of Health with regard to student and staff safety.

We recommend all families familiarize themselves with the information provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to avoid confusion.
  • Click here to learn more about the virus.
  • Click here to learn more about what to do if you are sick.
  • Click here to learn more about the symptoms of the virus.
  • Click here to see what you can do to help stop the spread of of respiratory diseases like COVID-19.

We will continue to share out any new information that we receive. If you'd like to help us reduce the risk of illnesses spreading, please consider donating hand sanitizer, clorox wipes and kleenex to the Middle and Elementary School front offices.
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT STEM
Upcoming Events
See what's happening this month .
STEM School Highlands Ranch was chosen as an official host for a TedX Talk, which will take place on Saturday, Feb. 29 from 4-8 p.m. at the Wildcat Auditorium at Southridge Recreation Center (4800 S McArther Ranch Rd., Highlands Ranch, CO. 80130)
STEM Staff Wellness Challenge
Did you know that our staff is doing a Wellness Challenge? The challenge began in January and will last until March 14. If you'd like to help our staff members make healthy choices, consider donating healthy snacks to the front offices. Let's Be Healthy!
STEM WISH Week from March 2-6
STEM WISH Week is coming up from March 2-6. Wish Week is STEM's annual spirit week where our STEM community works with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to raise as much money as possible for children with life threatening illnesses. This week consists of multiple after school activities for all ages as well as restaurant nights. Check out the Wish Week Website to see all of the activities that are happening that week.
One-Year Mark Information
As the one-year mark approaches, Hannah Reese has begun the process of planning what that day will look like and the events that will encompass that day. If you have any feedback on who you'd like STEM to partner with for any community-related activities, please complete  this form . Additional information will be shared in the coming weeks. Questions can be directed to [email protected].
STEM's Got Talent Show Coming Up on March 5
Come out to support our amazing students (and some staff) in the eighth annual STEM's Got Talent Show on Thursday, March 5 from 6-9 p.m. at St. Andrew's Church. Tickets are $10 in advance, or $12 at the door. Click here to purchase tickets. STEM students and staff are free.
Save the Date for STEM PTO Gala
Save the date for the STEM PTO Gala on the evening of Saturday, March 7 from 6-10 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn & Suites. This event is open to all STEM Parents of any grade level. Cost per ticket is $25. Use the discount code COUPLE to receive a $5 discount per ticket. Please check the STEM PTO Newsletter below for more information.
Click here to view the flier for the Gala.
Click here to view the flier for the silent auction.
Scholastic Spring Book Fair Starts March 9
The Scholastic Spring Book Fair will kick off on March 9 and last until March 13, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in E135 (Elementary). Parents interested in attending should enter either through the Elementary or Middle School Front Offices to get a visitor's badge. Please make sure that you have your ID with you. Click here to read more about the fair.
STEM Spring Concert Coming up on Wednesday, March 11
Families and students are invited to come out to the STEM Spring Concert starting at 6 p.m. at Ranch View Middle School. Students, families, staff and STEM community supporters are all invited to attend. Admission is free, however donations to the Music Department are accepted.
SCHOOL UPDATES AND REMINDERS
Elementary Updates
Elementary updates include good news of the work that our students are doing, important reminders for parents and students and upcoming event information.
Secondary Updates
Middle and High School updates include good news of the work that our students are doing, scholarship/internship opportunities and upcoming event information.
Enrichment Updates
Find out more about our Enrichment Programs, including how students can get involved and the latest news.
Athletic Updates
Find out more about our High School Athletics, including how to get involved and how they are doing.
Reminder! Complete the Intent to Return form
If your student is planning on returning, but you have not let us know, please complete this Intent to Return form as soon as possible.
Early Dismissal Reminders
A student will be excused to leave class with an Early Leave Pass from the office. The student may exchange a note from the parent for the pass at the office. Also, a phone call to the office may be needed for younger Elementary School students.

The course of action that will cause the least amount of disruption to the classroom is to:

  • Pick your student up during passing period
  • Send a note in with your student to receive an Early Dismissal Pass (students will be able to show this to their teacher before class begins, and leave at the appropriate time).

NO unscheduled early pick ups will be allowed after 1:15 p.m. 
OFFICE, VOLUNTEER, DONATION AND GENERAL NEWS
WE'RE HIRING!!
If you know of anyone who would be interested in joining our custodian team, we have several positions open. Interested applicants should complete this application and email it to [email protected] . To see all of our open positions, please visit our Employment page .
Volunteer/Donation Opportunities
Check out all the opportunities to volunteer at/donate to STEM.
Volunteer of the Month
Susan Montgomery is our Volunteer of the Month for February with over 36 hours devoted to PTO activities. We are so grateful to you and the wonderful PTO, thank you Susan!
Reminders from the Health Room
With cold and flu season upon us, just a friendly reminder as to when you should have your child return to school when home ill.
  • After 24 hours of medication for the following conditions: Strep throat, Conjunctivitis, or any other conditions requiring antibiotics.  
  • Free from the following conditions for at least 24 hours: Fever without the benefit of fever reducing medications (Tylenol/Motrin). 
  • Free from the following conditions for at least 48 hours: Diarrhea and Vomiting (related to stomach virus such as norovirus) with a fever. 24 hours after last bout of diarrhea and/or vomiting if without a fever.

Don't forget to wash your hands!
Following these District Policies will help keep some of the illness out of the classrooms! Please contact Karen Lewis (STEM School Nurse) at [email protected] , or call 303-683-7836 with any questions or concerns. Thank you in advance for helping us keep STEM a healthy place
Chaperones Needed!
CHAPERONES needed for the Middle School Student Government's Fire and Ice Dance on Saturday, March 7th. Volunteers needed from 5:30-8:30pm, please email [email protected] if you can help!
TEDx Donation Request
National English Honor Society has prepared a Sign-Up Genius that requests donations of food for STEM's TEDxTalk on February 29th.  Click here to view the sign up sheet.
STEM's Got Talent Concessions
Our 8th annual Stem's got Talent takes place on Thursday, March 5th, and we are seeking concessions donations. Any help is much appreciated!  Click here to view sign up sheet.
Middle School Dance Donations
On March 7th, Middle School Student Government presents the next Middle School Dance - FIRE & ICE, and are seeking donations.  Click here to view sign up sheet.
Reminder About Visitors to STEM
All secondary visitors must enter through the Middle School entrance and all elementary visitors must enter through the Elementary entrance. The High School entrance is not an entrance for visitors at any time. 

The High School entrance will be open for students to enter the school from 7:30 - 7:50 a.m. each day, and for students to exit at the end of the day. No one, including students, will be allowed to enter or exit from the High School entrance at any other time during the school day. 

All visitors MUST present identification to have a visitor badge made. Thank you!
AP Testing Proctors Needed
We are testing May 4-15, and seeking parent volunteers as proctors. Here are the requirements to be a proctor:
  • be a responsible adult
  • may not have a child taking the exam they are proctoring
  • be reliable, have attention to detail, and understand the importance of ensuring a secure testing environment
If you are interested, please contact Liz Dougan at [email protected] .
Donate to STEM via Smile.Amazon.Com
Did you know that you can donate to STEM through smile.amazon.com? Just set STEM Academy as your organization and a percentage of each of your order will be donated each quarter to STEM. To date, we have received $1,796.87 in donations.
Elementary Health Room Needs
We are in need of a few clothing items. View sign up sheet here .
Reminder to Pay Your Fees
Enrollment and AP testing fees for the 2019-20 school year were assigned to all students in July of 2019. All enrollment fees were due by August 8 as indicated in the Parent Student Handbook on page 11 and here. AP testing and special class fees were added once students schedules were complete. 

Please take a moment to log into your My School Bucks Account and check to see that all fees have been paid. If you have any questions about fees, please contact Ashley Westfall at [email protected] .

*All outstanding fees for seniors must be paid by April 1 if your student plans to walk in the graduation ceremony. 
SHARING OUR GOOD NEWS
Gitanjali Rao Earns 2020 President's Volunteer Service Award
Congratulations to ninth grader Gitanjali Rao on receiving the President's Volunteer Service Award for her exemplary volunteer service to her community. The award recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country.
Ava Mitchell Honored by Thespys
Congratulations to sophomore Ava Mitchell on receiving an overall superior assessment on her Thespys category at the last chapter event. As a result of this, she is now qualified to participate in the Thespys awards program, which will take place at the International Thespian Festival (ITF) from June 22-27.
ADDITIONAL UPDATES
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS
Mental Health Supports Page
If you haven't checked it out, our Mental Health Supports page, has a number of helpful resources for students and parents.
DCSD Mental Health Support Page
Douglas County School District has a Mental Health Resources page with a variety of resources for students and families. Please take a moment to review all that they have listed.
Additional Supports from All Health Network
The All Health Network has two opportunities for families and students to receive mental health supports. Click here to view the Parent Flier and click here to view the Student Flier , detailing the dates, times and locations of the support groups.
Dr. Cypers Anxiety Presentation for Parents on March 12
Dr. Cypers from Children's Hospital will present on helping students manage anxiety on Thursday, March 12 from 5:30-7 p.m. in the High School Cafeteria. All parents are welcome to attend
The Foundation for Douglas County Schools
The Foundation for Douglas County Schools is a 501(c)(3) non-profit which works with corporations and organizations to develop private resources to enrich education within Douglas County schools for the fulfillment of lifelong learning experiences of our students, citizens and community. Visit the website.
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