Weekly news & updates
Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020 | Newsletter Archive | View as Webpage
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT STEM
Upcoming Events
See what's happening this month .
Go Red Day for heart disease is this Friday
If you'd like to take part, the annual National Go Red Day is on Friday, Feb. 7. This is a national initiative to increase awareness about heart disease.  Click here  to order Go Red apparel. If you do not want to purchase apparel, you can just wear red to support!
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)
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 practice for the reenactment will take place on February 11 from 8-10 a.m. in the Elementary School Parking Lot. Please note that students will be in uniform and have battle gear from that time period. These items are props only. The reenactment will take place on February 19 at Chattfield State Park from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Save the Date for STEM PTO Gala
Save the date for the STEM PTO Gala on the evening of Saturday, March 7 at the Hilton Garden Inn & Suites. Please check the STEM PTO Newsletter below for more information.
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!
Don't Delay! Click on the image above to donate to the STEMGives Campaign.
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!
STEM GeoBee Crowns First-Ever Winner!
Congrats to our first-ever National Geographic GeoBee winner! Seventh-grader Sidd Aradhya (left) was crowned as STEM's Champion, and seventh-grader Zach Feldkamp (right) finished second. 14 students competed and after five tiebreakers, the winner was announced. Students were asked questions about world geography in this competition. Sidd will now take the qualifying test to hopefully qualify for the regional level to compete against other winners from across the state.
Thank you PTO!
A Big Thank You to our PTO and all those who donated toward the new welcome lobby mats. We love the #STEMStrong Spartan Spirit.
Hannah Reese Recognized
Congrats to Hannah Reese on being recognized by the Center For Bright kids as a recipient of the 2019 Lighthouse Advocacy award.
Real-World Lesson on Data and Network Security
Our Middle School Networking and Cyber Security class had a special guest visit this week to share his knowledge about Data and Network Security. STEM Parent Mr. Wicks, discussed digital threats and how we can save personal information online. He also shared with the class about Managed Services and Networking Security in business. We are so thankful for our parents who can share their expertise. The need for Cyber Security is growing and we are training students to be ready for the workforce with the knowledge about real-world networking threats, certifications and careers.
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.
Student Government Donations
Middle School Student Government will be running Crush for a Crush and is seeking soda and lollipop donations by February 11. Click here to sign up.
Roaring '20s Party
STEM seventh graders are invited to a "Roaring '20s" themed party after school on February 13. They are seeking donations and volunteer help. Please click here to sign-up.
Elementary Health Room
We are in need of a few clothing items for our Elementary Health Room. Click here for the sign-up sheet.
Donate to STEM PTO Valentines PD Day
STEM PTO provides food and treats for our amazing staff on Professional Development (PD) Days. Click here to see what items that need. Click here to view STEM PTO's flier.
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