Donation and Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering and giving to STEM are vital to the success of our school. Our school has a charter that requires a commitment of 30 volunteer hours per family (15 hours per single-parent family).
To make volunteering easy and seamless, please refer to the Volunteering Basics section that will allow you to set up your volunteer account and keep track of your hours. We are extremely grateful for the time and energy donated by STEM parents each year.
Volunteer Opportunities
Driveline (Earn Double Volunteer Hours):
- Parent supervisors needed during AM & PM Driveline! sign up here. Arrive 5 minutes early to find parking and grab a vest. Extra incentive: Earn double hours ie: log 60 hours in Driveline. (that’s 30 actual volunteer hours). Click here to sign up.
Lunchroom Volunteers:
- A great way to become involved and see our students during their non-learning time. Click here to sign up.
Spartan Afternoon Program:
- A great way to avoid waiting in the afternoon drive-line, and maybe even take your own child home with homework complete. This opportunity is after school and only requires volunteers to monitor students (no tutoring involved). If you are interested, please click here.
TSA Volunteers
To volunteer for TSA or to provide snacks please click here.
Volunteer of the Month
A big thank you to Suzanne/Doug Savolainen, our volunteer of the Month for August. Doug has already given 22 hours to our BEST Robotics team.
We appreciate your time so much Suzanne & Doug!
Classroom Wishlists
Teachers always need additional supplies throughout the year in order to enhance their students’ experiences. Consider making a donation to a teacher’s classroom by getting something off their Wish List. You can view all of our teachers’ wishlists on our Parent Get Involved page, or by clicking the button below.
Gift Card Donation Request for Staff Prizes
If you’re looking for a way to give to STEM, consider donating gift cards for our Staff Prizes. Gift Cards in $5 increments are great for us to use to gift out when we do staff recognitions and games. Please drop gift cards off at either the Elementary or the Secondary Front Office and label it “Staff Prizes.” Thank you!
Chess Club Donations
Consider donating to our Chess Club. The group would benefit from having some good tournament sets with clocks. These are the tournament sets we would like to have, with blue and buff boards, black and white pieces and a blue clock. Click the link below to sign up.
School Donations
Both our Elementary and Secondary Offices are always in need of donated items. Click the button below to see what we need and to sign up. Please bring the items to the appropriate front office with a label for what it is for.
Upcoming Events
All Things Senior Info Meeting
Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 8-8:45 a.m. (High School Commons)
Seniors are invited to attend an All-Things Senior Informational Meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 15 from 8-8:45 a.m., in the High School Commons. Seniors will get information on how to prepare for their senior year and have the opportunity to meet with representatives of Jostens to talk about graduation announcements, caps & gowns and more.
Homecoming Pep Rally
Friday, Sept. 17, from 2:10-2:55 p.m. (H.S. Parking Lot)
High School Student Government will be holding a Homecoming Pep Rally on Friday, Sept. 17 in the High School Parking Lot for High School Students. Interested in learning more, contact Karen Adam at karen.adam@stemk12.org.
High School Spirit Week Dress Up Days
Monday, Sept. 20 – Cottagecore (Country)
Tuesday, Sept. 21 – Flower
Wednesday, Sept. 22 – Gnomes (Green) and Fairies (Pink)
Thursday, Sept. 23 – STEM Spirit
Students in High School are encouraged to get dressed up to show their #STEMSpartan Spirit during our Homecoming Week festivities.
Powder Puff Football Game
Wednesday, Sept. 22, from 4-6 p.m. – field 4 at Northridge Rec Center
High School students are invited to attend and take part in the STEM Powder Puff Football game. Girls will be playing football while the boys will be the Cheerleaders from the sidelines. More information will come out as we get closer to the event. Email karen.adam@stemk12.org with any questions.
National Honor Society Induction
Thursday, Sept. 23, from 5-7 p.m. – High School Commons
The National Honor Society will hold its Induction of New Members ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 23 from 5-7 p.m. in the High School Commons. Please park in the High School Parking Lot and enter through the High School Doors. Reach out to Aubrey White, aubrey.white@stemk12.org with any questions.
High School Homecoming Dance
Saturday, Sept. 25, from 7-10 p.m. (High School Commons)
The High School Homecoming Dance will be on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 7-10 p.m. in the High School Commons. There will be a Chill Room and a Karaoke Room as well. Tickets will be $20 each. Bring cash to lunch the week leading up to homecoming. There will be student government members at a table at the front of the lunchroom.
Students will enter through the High School Entrance and park in the High School and Elementary School Parking Lots. Please email karen.adam@stemk12.org with any questions.
School Picture Retakes
Families can access their photos by visiting the link below or going to dr-photo.com, selecting the School Portrait Proofs link, and when prompted enter their private password in the following format: Student ID#
Friday, Oct. 8 – Photo Retake Day
- Elementary students will go in small groups with their homeroom teacher.
- Secondary students will go during their study hall.
- If a student does NOT have a study hall, they can get their photo during their lunch break.
For virtual students, there will be an opportunity to have their photo taken at our photographer’s studio beginning in September until Thanksgiving. There will be a link to sign up.
News and Updates
Join Sources of Strength
Interested in helping spread hope and positivity at your school? Join the Sources of Strength after-school club. We’ll be planning positivity campaigns, hosting special events, providing support to peers, playing games, finding your strengths, and striving to create a general sense of belonging amongst students.
Our first meeting is on Thursday, Sept. 16 from 3-4 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Come check it out to see if you’re interested. We’ll meet on the first and third Thursday of each month. A schedule of meeting dates will be posted in the future.
Contact: HS social worker Katie Bouchard (katie.bouchard@stemk12.org)
Join the Student Advisory Committee
The STEM Student Advisory Committee is looking for new members. Student Advisory is a student-run committee dedicated to improving the school and increasing student voice. Student Advisory is open to all students in grades 6-12. We meet every Thursday from 3-4 p.m. Our first official meeting will be on Thursday, Sept. 16. Click the button below to see the introductory slideshow. If you have any questions please contact studentadvisory@s.stemk12.org.
Drinking Fountains Shut-Off Temporarily; Water Bottle Filling Station Still Active
Attention all families! Due to the increase in COVID cases, we have had to turn off the drinking fountains within the school building. Please have your student bring a water bottle to school and use the Water Bottle Filling Fountain that is located right next to the drinking fountain. Thank you for your understanding.
Join the Student Advisory Committee
The STEM Student Advisory Committee is looking for new members. Student Advisory is a student-run committee dedicated to improving the school and increasing student voice. Student Advisory is open to all students in grades 6-12. We meet every Thursday from 3-4 p.m. Our first official meeting will be on Thursday, Sept. 16. Click the button below to see the introductory slideshow. If you have any questions please contact studentadvisory@s.stemk12.org.
Models Needed for SpartMart Gear
Attention #STEM Spartans! We are seeking volunteer models for SpartMart. Selected participants will get to keep the product they are modelling. If you are interested, please have a parent fill out the form below. Participants will receive a confirmation email from SpartMart with the date and time.
Spartan After School Program
All students not involved in a Club or Activity at STEM must be picked up by a parent, or in our Spartan Afterschool Program. Students are not allowed to be roaming the halls, waiting for their parents to pick them up.
Spartan Morning and Spartan Afternoon programs are open to all Middle and High School students on a drop-in basis. There is no need to schedule days. Both programs take place in the Middle School Cafeteria, on the West side of the building.
Our program is only offered on days when school is in session. We do not currently offer any care on school holidays. Cost is only $8 in the afternoon and $2 in the morning. Click the button below to learn more.
Attention High Schoolers! eSports is here!
Do you love playing video games and want to do it competitively against students from other high schools? If you do, then we have good news for you. eSports is here! Pre-season practices will begin on Monday, Sept. 13 with the first competitions starting the week of September 27. All practices and competitions will be held at STEM. If you are interested in participating, please visit the Playvs website. There you will find a list of games offered and more information about the competitions themselves.
This is a certified activity through the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA). High School students who sign up are agreeing to participate for the fall season. There will be a coach, and all practices and competitions will be held at STEM. We will also charge our $350 activity fee, which will cover the costs of the licensing and some equipment needs. If you are interested, click the button below to complete the Interest Survey. This is for High School Students only.
Check out the newest Clubs and Activities in our Enrichment Programming
We have so many offerings for our students to get involved in clubs and activities at STEM. Click the button below to see all of our offerings. Don’t see something that interests your student? Email Mrs. Sara Phelps (sara.phelps@stemk12.org) to see if that club could be added.
Here are the latest Middle School Clubs that have been added:
- Basketball
- BEST Robotics
- Dungeons and Dragons
- Fencing
- Literary Magazine
- TSA (Technology Student Association)
Here are the latest High School Clubs that have been added:
Join our STEM Secondary Team
We’re hiring! We need Educational Assistants to join our Secondary Staff for the 2021-22 School Year. Click the button below to find out more about each position. We’ve also got an opening in our Elementary School. Click the button below to see all of our job openings.
How to apply
- Application Note, you will need to download this application form, fill it in and save it locally to your computer, then return it via email with the following items:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- References
Business and Industry Mentors Needed
We are asking our STEM community to help us find businesses and industries willing to be mentors for the STEM Career Discovery Mentorship and Internships. On our “Building Ships” page of the STEM website, you can find a link to a survey we use to match student interests to subject matter experts. Our community partners help us find the best fit for students seeking mentorships and internships.
Our industry, business, and educational partners at STEM School Highlands Ranch are essential to student success. They help us understand real-world problems and solutions. As subject matter experts and community partners they empower student learning, support teachers, and help us prepare students for the future.
Click the button below for more information. For more information, contact Gregg Cannady (gregg.cannady@stemk12.org).
Join the Math Honor Society
Hello STEM Spartans, do you like math or solving complex problems? If you do, Math Honor Society is for you! We compete in math competitions, have our annual PI day event, and many more new and exciting math-related, school-wide events. There is only one requirement to join MHS: a 3.0 GPA in two years of HS math. If you meet this requirement and want to participate in MHS, reach out to Isabelle McCall (isabelle.mccall@s.stemk12.org) anytime until September 30 with a short paragraph on why you want to be a member and a copy of your transcript (reach out if you have any questions). Please let us know if you have any questions!
Mentorships and Internships for High School Students
Attention STEM High School students. We are so happy to announce mentorship and internship opportunities. Your first step is to fill out the Career Discovery Application. Click the button below to access the form.
No Parking in Local Business Parking Lots
Did you know?
Reminder on Early Dismissals
Students will need to be signed out by a parent at the respective office (Elementary or Secondary). The steps below outline the steps to follow in order to cause the least amount of disruption to the classroom:
- Secondary:
- Pick your student up during the passing period. (Secondary)
- Send a signed note in with your Secondary student to receive an Early Dismissal Pass from the front office (students will be able to show this to their teacher before class begins, and leave at the appropriate time).
- Elementary:
- Call ahead to the Front Office so that they are aware that you are coming.
- Elementary students will be released upon the arrival of their parents.
NO unscheduled early pickups are allowed after 1:15 p.m. This is to minimize disruption to the last period of the day. Additionally, for Elementary, please avoid picking up your student after 2 p.m. so that you are not impeding the Elementary Driveline. For Secondary, please avoid picking up your student after 2:30 p.m. so that you are not impeding the Secondary Driveline.
Whatever you are going through, AllHealth is here to help
AllHealth Network offers mental health services for students and families onsite at STEM School Highlands Ranch with a licensed professional counselor, Kathleen Shook. Kathleen uses evidence-based treatment approaches to talk and play with kids of all ages to help them with anxiety, depression, trauma, and adjusting to life’s changes. Sessions happen during school hours for your convenience and most insurances are accepted.
Additionally, AllHealth Network offers free services such as counseling, support groups and opportunities for social connection to students, families, and community members affected by May 7th at the STEM Center for Strength located at 640 Plaza Dr., Suite 130.
To get connected to any of the services AllHealth has to offer, contact Kathleen at 720-462-9645 or the STEM Center at 720-980-5761.
2021-22 Secondary Yearbook Information
Resources and News from DCSD
Mental Health Resource of the Week
#BreakTheStigma: 14 Nonfiction Mental Health Books for Children, Tweens, and Teens
These nonfiction titles offer a great jumping-off point for elementary, middle, and high school readers. These works include personal essay collections, educated guides, informative picture books, and workbooks.
Literacy Resource of the Week
Helping Children Build Language Skills
You can help children develop their language abilities by tuning in to what they say and responding in ways that result in more talk.
Keep the Calm at Home
Parent Support Group
Parenting During the Pandemic. Free Interactive Zoom Discussion Group Hosted by AllHealth Network.
DCSD Parent University
Youth Vaping: Recognition, Prevention, and Intervention
Wednesday, September 29 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Teens may think e-cigarettes are safer than traditional tobacco products, but research links vaping to health and behavioral risks that can affect a young person for years to come. Would you recognize if your child began vaping? Would you know how to prevent e-cigarette use? How would you intervene if your child is already vaping?
Learn how to answer these questions in a special 30-minute webinar with Dr. Katrina Iverson, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Director at Sky Ridge Medical Center. She will guide you on how vaping impacts a young person’s health, how it affects the broader community, and what you can do to make a difference today. Plus, learn how vaping can affect COVID-19 infections and other respiratory issues. The presentation will be followed by 15 minutes of Q&A.