Weekly news & updates
Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 | Newsletter Archive | View as Webpage
Holiday Check-In with Deputy Gabe
SHARING OUR GOOD NEWS
We Miss You! Can't Wait to Have you Back at STEM!
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Toy Drive that was organized by ES, MS and HS Student Governments. You helped to make the Holiday season Bright!
STEM'S RETURN-TO-LEARN PLAN
STEM will return to In-Person Learning on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021. In order for STEM to return safely, we need everyone (students, families and staff) to make sure that they have familiarized themselves with the recent changes from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Tri-County Health and the Douglas County School District (DCSD).

For all in-person learners, if you are sick DO NOT COME TO SCHOOL. There is helpful guidance via the Close Contacts documents and the COVID-19 Health Screener that can be found via our informational pages.

Additionally, all in-person learners must wear a mask/face covering that is appropriate (if you can shine a light through it, it is not adequate) and it must be worn over the nose at all times. (unless eating/drinking)

Please keep in mind that when you come to school sick, it increases the anxiety, fear and stress of our staff. Check out the websites via the buttons below to see all of the important information.
NEWS AND UPDATES
STEM Gives Deadline Extended to January 24, 2021
STEM PTO presents our 4th annual STEM Gives! fundraiser! STEM Gives! is a direct giving campaign that will run November 9, 2020 to January 24, 2020. All benefits will go to our STEM School Highlands Ranch for teacher and school grants and STEM PTO events. Click here to donate.

STEM Strategic Plan Town Hall on Thursday, Jan. 14 (6-8 p.m.)
We hope you can join us for our second STEM Strategic Plan Town Hall on Thursday, Jan. 14 via Zoom from 6-8 p.m. With the impact of COVID and changes to STEM's Leadership Team, the Town Hall will provide our community with an update of what the Strategic Plan is and how we STEM is moving forward into 2021. To familiarize yourself with the Strategic Plan, click here.
STEM Offices will be closed through Winter Break for Visitors
  • The best way to reach staff is by email.  
  • For general inquiries, contact info@stemk12.org.
  • Please call the attendance line for absences (303) 683-7836.
  • For questions regarding enrollment, please visit the Enrollment tab on our website

Join the STEM Team - Open Positions
  • Middle School Educational Assistant (Part Time)
  • Campus Security Specialist
  • Recovery Coordinator
  • After-School Programing Assistant (Part Time)
  • Full Time Instructional Assistant
  • Part time Education Assistant
Click here to visit the Employment Page.

COVID-19 Exposure Notifications - From the CDPHE
CDE urges school leaders to promote the use of the statewide COVID-19 exposure notification system launched recently in partnership with Google and Apple. The system works if users opt-in to the free service on their Android and Apple phones, which share anonymous tokens with other users through Bluetooth technology. If another user tests positive for COVID-19 within a 14-day period and chooses to upload their results, users who were within range of exposure will receive an alert on their phones. The tokens are not associated with any phone number, name, location, IP address, and they change every 15 minutes to add an extra layer of anonymity.
 
The notification system automates the contact tracing process and complements the existing statewide health safety protocols without compromising the privacy of Coloradans and can be critical to prevent further spread of COVID-19. CO Exposure Notifications also provides individuals who receive an exposure alert with instructions on recommended next steps, including information on quarantine and contacting their local public health agency.
 
Learn more about CO Exposure Notifications at addyourphone.com and watch a video of Gov. Jared Polis explaining the system. For additional resources on COVID-19, visit covid19.colorado.gov.
FEEDBACK FOR STEM/COMMUNICATIONS PATHWAYS
Have feedback for STEM? Use the button below to access the Feedback Form to help STEM improve.
Have a question? Check out our Communications Pathways that outlines the Communication Process for specific questions.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Comprehensive List of DCSD Resources Available During COVID-19
Click here to access a PDF of valuable resources that DCSD has put together for those who need additional assistance during COVID-19.

AllHealth Network Offering FREE Support in Response to COVID-19
AllHealth Network has received a FEMA grant to start a Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) to provide FREE disaster behavioral health support in response to COVID-19. The program is named Colorado Spirit. Colorado has set up similar programs in the past after floods and wildfires. All of our services will be by telephone or video for now. 

Areas where Colorado Spirit can help:
  • Support around feeling of worry, sadness, hopelessness, anger, isolation or disconnection that life with COVID brings up.
  • Understanding and managing stress
  • Help with coping strategies
  • Connection to resources

Anyone can access these support services by calling 720-707-6789, emailing COSpirit@allhealthnetwork.org, or filling out the contact form on our website www.allhealthnetwork.org/Colorado-Spirit
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.
STEM Center for Strength
The STEM Center for Strength is taking shape. Click the logo to above to visit their website to get helpful resources as we continue our journey through recovery. You can also visit the STEM Center for Strength Facebook Page.

The STEM Center for Strength is excited to open its doors--virtually--to serve the community of STEM School Highlands Ranch. We are here to support students, parents, staff, and any community members affected by the incident of mass violence on May 7, 2019. 

Please join the mailing list to get information on free services and events at the STEM Center for Strength over the summer!

The STEM Center for Strength has therapy dogs, student groups, social activities, yoga, clinicians, and a variety of programming over the summer. Please check the website frequently for updates!
STEM IS CELEBRATING ITS 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Check out our Facebook page to use the Camera Frame or add a Frame to your Profile Photo. Share with us how long you've been at STEM so we can celebrate together.

Click here to see STEM's history of Innovation.
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.