Weekly news & updates
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020 | Newsletter Archive | View as Webpage
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT STEM
Upcoming Events
See what's happening this month .
Reminder!!
Reminder, no school on Friday, Feb. 14 due to Teacher/Staff Professional Development, and no school on Monday, Feb. 17 due to the President’s Day Holiday.
Parent Coffee Next Week
Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 7:50-8:50 a.m. in the High School Commons. This is an opportunity for parents to ask questions and meet with STEM Administration while enjoying coffee and lite snacks.
Fifth-Grade Reenactment Coming Up
Fifth grade will once again be participating in the Revolutionary War reenactment. The purpose of the reenactment is to bring history alive and develop a deeper understanding of the circumstances surrounding the founding of our country. The reenactment will take place on February 19 at Chattfield State Park from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
STEM PTO Skate City on Wednesday, Feb. 19
Join STEM PTO at Skate City in Littleton (5801 S. Lowell Way) for a private event from 6-8 p.m.. The teacher with the highest student participation will receive $100 directly from Skate City. Admission is $5.00 and skate rentals are $3.00. All waivers will be signed at Skate City drop off. It’s also Game Card Night where your skater will receive a FREE $10.00 Game Card with admission.
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 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 STEM Events Calendar to see all of the activities that are happening that week.
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. Contact Maura.Ridder@stemk12.org. for more information.
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.
STEM Spring Concert Coming up on Tuesday, March 10
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. Cost per ticket is $10.
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!
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 Hannah.Reese@stemk12.org.
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. 
SHARING OUR GOOD NEWS!
Congrats to our Apple Award Winners!
Last week we went around and honored our DCSD Apple Award Winners with a bouquet of flowers as a gift from DCSD. Congrats on your great honor!
Grace Ryan named National Merit Scholar Finalist
Congratulations to our very own Grace Ryan on being named a National Merit Scholar Finalist. Ryan is one of 15,000 Finalist from around the United State to move on.
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 careers@stemk12.org . 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.
Elementary Health Room
We are in need of a few clothing items for our Elementary Health Room. Click here for the sign-up sheet.
Poetry Cafe
We will be holding our annual poetry cafe on February 24, and are looking for donations of coffee, hot chocolate and goodies.  Click here to view sign up sheet.
Support NEHS at Shake Shack on February 24
On Monday, Feb. 24, consider ordering your lunch or dinner from Shake Shack in Highlands Ranch to help support the National English Honor Society. From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., 25% from of meal proceeds will be donated to NEHS.
SpartMart is Open!
We have a multitude of fabulous clothes available and we also have delicious food and drinks for students to indulge on. We are open Monday and Wednesday mornings in the Elementary School, and on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday before and after school in the Middle. You can also order your goods online and pick them up in the Middle School office.
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.
Need to know who to contact?
Check out our updated Communications Pathways document to assist you when trying to reach out to us.
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.
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.
STEM School Highlands Ranch| stemk12.org