The latest news from STEM School Highlands Ranch

Weekly news & updates

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 | Newsletter Archive | View as Webpage

Upcoming Events

See what's happening this month .

STEM Town Hall Rescheduled to January 30

Rescheduling will allow everyone to complete the semester, get through the holidays and help us to gain the best feedback for our strategic plan.

DCSD Community Nights with the Denver Nuggets

Help raise money for STEM, while watching your hometown team. Read More

Attendance and Tardiness Reminders

Please take a moment to review the STEM School Highlands Ranch Attendance Policy from the Parent Student Handbook.

A message from Evan Forster with All Health Network

My name is Evan Forster and I am a therapist at All Health Network, stationed full time at STEM. I’ve met many of you throughout my time with the school, and look forward to my continued work with the wonderful students and families in the STEM community.

Alumnus Reade Webb and Arrow Electronics Donate Computers

On Friday, Nov. 8, alumnus Reade Webb and his coworkers from Arrow Electronics stopped by STEM School Highlands Ranch to deliver high-end computers as a donation. The computers value at over $30,000. Hats off to Webb and the team at Arrow for providing our school with access to some of the best technology.

Reminder about Transportation Management Plan Requirements

Please review and abide by the TMP to ensure the safety of our entire #STEMSTRONG community.

It's Time for Thanksgiving

It is with profound gratefulness that we welcome this holiday at STEM School Highlands Ranch. So much has been achieved over the past few months with our collective effort:

School started on time and almost at capacity.
STEM was successful in our double-tax exempt bond on Wall Street with an enviably low rate allowing more of our resources to be dedicated to our faculty and staff.
Our students are fully engaged and once again representing our school well in athletic and academic competitions.
All Health and other organizations have partnered with our school to provide a safety net of mental health resources where no one is denied services.
We were fully staffed on August 1 and have been able to find highly qualified teachers for vacancies since the start of school.
Students bring us joy every day with their exuberance to work hard solving challenging questions and problems.

I wish all of our community could see what I see each day when conferring with our faculty and students. I see extraordinary creativity and focus to push the limits of what’s possible. We are fortunate to be part of this truly unique school that Never Stops Innovating.

Next week is a time for all of to pause and give thanks. Being with our families, enjoying delicious food and doing whatever brings happiness is the best part of Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

P.J. Eucker PhD

Executive Director

Sharing Our Good News

Check out this great story about the student-driven UBTECH Learning Collaboration taking place between our STEM Students, UBTECH and several rural schools.

VOLUNTEER/DONATION NEWS

Volunteer/Donation Opportunities

Check out all the opportunities to volunteer at/donate to STEM.

Guest Speakers

Seeking volunteers for our last project in Business 115 and it is fast approaching, 11/22-12/12! As a guest speaker you will provide students with a valuable mental picture of how businesses and the professionals who work within them function.

Supplies Needed

We are in need of Kleenex and many Classroom / office / health room donations.

Sign-up here

6'x4' Bulletin Board Needed

Sources of Strength is rolling out a year long initiative to recognize our faculty and staff-teachers, support staff, administration, office and custodial staff. Our goal is to connect students to students and students to faculty. When recognizing teachers and staff, we will be sending a questionnaire asking about their middle school experience and asking for a middle school photo. This information will be displayed on a bulletin board for students to view.

Gift Card Donations

In an effort to support "You've Been Caught," our positive behavior program, we are asking for $5 gift card donations for middle school students. When a student is caught demonstrating one of the STEM Formula for Character traits (Honesty, Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Empathy), they will be given, which will be put into bi-weekly drawings. We would like to use the gift cards as the prize! Click here to sign up. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

ACTION ITEMS

Nominate Your Favorite STEM Educator/Staff Member for an Apple Award

Reminder to Submit Your Intent to Return

The STEM Santa Program is back!

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.

STEM's Got Talent Auditions Coming Up on February 6

Come audition for our Eighth Annual Stem's Got Talent show on Thursday, Feb. 6 from 3-6 p.m. in Middle School Music Room (Room 149).

Lost and Found Reminder

Please have your student(s) check the Lost and Found as all items will be donated over Thanksgiving Break.

Support STEM Athletics

Support our STEM Athletics Teams by signing up to purchase a yard sign. Click here to find out more and purchase. 100% of the proceeds will go toward our Athletic Teams. Signs must be order by December 8 and are projected to be delivered the week of December 16.

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.

Coffee with Parents Provided Great Feedback

Did you know that we had our first Coffee with Parents event? Myself, Dr. Karen Johnson (Director of Curriculum and Accountability), Stephanie Mendrala (Director of Professional Development), Dan Hoffman (Assistant Director of Student Experience 6-12) and LynAnn Kovalesky (Assistant Director of Student Experience K-5) were in attendance and had a very informative discussion with 10 parents while enjoying coffee and pastries.

We heard comments on the successes and progress of our elementary and secondary drivelines, while also taking feedback on additional improvements that could be made to increase safety and awareness for both pedestrians and drivers.

Another discussion centered around students who have multiple tests or assignments due on the same day. I shared the work that both the middle school and high school teams are doing to create a comprehensive calendar of large assignments and tests. This will help teachers understand the workload of students at any one time.

The meet and greet concluded with a great discussion on the purpose and need for the School Accountability Committee (SAC) and how parents can get involved and make an impact at STEM. Please reach out to [email protected] if you are interested in learning more.

As we head into the Thanksgiving break, I want to express my gratitude for all of our parents and families who dedicate their time and focus to help STEM School Highlands Ranch students and staff reach their unlimited potential. Thank you and have a wonderful holiday.

Thank you,

Leanne Weyman, EdD

Director, STEM School Highlands Ranch

ADDITIONAL UPDATES

Read the latest from the Student Support Team

Walking the Beat with Deputy Gabe Uribe

Read the latest edition of the STEM PTO Newsletter

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.