Elementary News and Updates (01/14/22)

Tuesday, Jan. 18, in the morning

STEM will be offering COVID Testing for students and staff again on Tuesday, Jan. 18 in the morning.

ELEMENTARY FAMILIES: Elementary students whose parents have consented to testing will be pulled from their classes by the Health Assistant. No sign-up form (aside from the Consent form) is needed.

Tuesday, Jan. 18, from 5:30-7 p.m – High School Commons

The STEM Board of Directors has tasked Dr. Eucker and the Strategy Team of the Strategic Plan with taking the next steps toward replication the KOSON Instructional Method of Problem-Based Learning. Dr. Carletta Stewart is leading the efforts toward replication in the Sterling Ranch and within the Denver Public Schools communities. We’d like to invite interested STEM School Highlands Ranch Families who would like to get involved in helping to replicate the STEM magic with other families, to an Informational Session on Tuesday, Jan. 18 from 5:30-7 p.m. in the High School Commons. Dr. Stewart will be on hand to answer any questions. Even if you’re not sure if you want to get involved, we invite you to attend to find out more information.

Wednesday, Jan. 19, from 10-11 a.m – Secondary School Entrance

Each Wednesday, STEM opens up its doors from 10-11 a.m. for a building tour to interested families who would like to learn more about our school. We’d like to encourage our families to spread the word to anyone they know who might be interested in having their student(s) attend STEM. Interested tour participants should arrive 10 minutes early to get checked in and badged. They must bring a valid ID in order to get checked in.

Wednesday, Jan. 19, from 5:30-7 p.m. 

The monthly STEM School Accountability Committee (SAC) meeting will be on Wednesday, Jan. 19 from 5:30-7 p.m. The meeting will also be available to watch via Zoom as a trial. In-person participation is strongly encouraged to help build engagement. Additionally, those who would like to participate in Public Comment must do so in person.

The purpose of the SAC is to inform, encourage and provide opportunities for parent and community members to be involved in the planning and evaluation of the school’s instructional program and quality improvement processes. The SAC makes recommendations concerning the School’s performance, improvement, priority improvement, or turnaround plan, and meets to discuss the implementation of the School’s plan and other progress pertinent to STEM’s accreditation contract with the Board of Education. The SAC makes recommendations to the director for prioritizing the spending of school money.

Thursday, Jan. 20, from 5-9 p.m. – Torchy’s Tacos

Join TSA at Torchy’s Tacos (1515 Park Central Dr Ste. 100, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129) on Thursday, Jan. 20 from 5-9 p.m. for a Restaurant Night to raise money.

Monday, Jan. 24, from 5-7 p.m. – High School Commons

If you’re interested in getting involved in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at STEM, we encourage you to attend to find out more information. Email Amie McElroy (amie.mcelroy@stemk12.org) with any questions.

Wednesday, Jan. 26, from 4-8 p.m. – Torchy’s Tacos

STEM PTO is hosting a spirit night fundraiser for After Prom at Torchy’s Tacos (1515 Park Central Drive, Suite C-200 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129) from 4-8 p.m., on Wednesday, Jan. 26. Proceeds will go to help fund After Prom. Contact Susan Montgomery at STEMAfterProm@stemk12.org with any questions.

For enrollment planning purposes, please let us know, either way if your child plans to return to STEM School Highlands Ranch next year. Please complete the form below for each of your currently attending STEM students. If you are currently enrolled at STEM please let us know that your child is returning. You do not need to “open enroll” to remain at STEM. If your child is currently attending STEM, they will be automatically enrolled for next year. Please also complete the form if your student is planning to seek enrollment at another school so that we can have an accurate count of returning students.

Douglas County Libraries is now accepting applications for our spring term of Reading Buddies. This program pairs a trained teen volunteer with a current 1st- through 3rd-grade student who is having challenges with reading.

Sessions take place weekly Tuesday or Thursday from February 28 – April 28, from 4:15-5:15 p.m. Parents may find more information and fill out an application for the program via the button below. Applications are due Sunday, Jan. 30.

For questions, please email hireadingbuddies@dclibraries.org, call 303-791-READ, or stop by a branch and talk to any of our friendly staff members!

In the event that DCSD determines that the district should follow the DCSD Delayed Opening protocol, STEM School Highlands Ranch will abide by its Virtual School Day Policy. When it snows, our school’s operation and instructional expectations will be determined by one of these three scenarios:

1. Snow Day – Douglas County Schools (check www.dcsdk12.org) calls a snow day – The STEM building is closed and implements a Virtual School Day with 20% of the learning being synchronous. (NEW; STEM will not have Snow Days morning forward)
2. Late Start Day – Douglas County Schools calls a Late Start day – STEM is closed and implements a Virtual School Day with 20% of the learning being synchronous.
3. All Schools Open – Douglas County Schools declare Highlands Ranch area schools open – STEM is open and operating to our regular schedule.

Click the button below to access the prepayment site for the Elementary Yearbook. Soft Cover books are $20 and Hard Cover books are $30.

The time has finally come! We received word that the High School Staff Parking Lot will be fenced off and no one will be able to enter and/or park there starting on Monday, Jan. 17. The High School Staff Parking Lot will need to be reallocated to the construction company and fenced off. Access to this lot will be restricted to construction site activity only. The lot will be closed for the remainder of the year. Please start to familiarize yourself with the parking map so that you know where you can and can’t park. Additionally, please review our Driveline Procedures so that you know where you can and cannot drop-off and pick-up students. As a reminder, there is no drop-off or pick-up on the sidewalk around the campus. Drop-off and pick-up must be done through our Elementary and Secondary Drivelines.

The Colorado School Nutrition Association will be holding their annual conference this summer on June 15-16. Part of the conference is the One Plate Challenge at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, Colo. Check the flier to the right for more information.

Families can access their photos by visiting the link to the right 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#

Helping Kids to Understand and Overcome Anxiety with Dr. Scott Cypers

In this exclusive video series, join DCSD partner Dr. Scott Cypers for simple ways parents can help their kids overcome anxiety.

Literacy Tips for Parents of Adolescents

Discover ways to increase vocabulary, build fluency, and improve reading comprehension with your young reader. Based on 20 years of research on literacy programs and practices!

San Diego Zoo Live Cams

Even if you can’t make it outside, watching nature can still help calm the mind and body. Sneak a peek into some fascinating exhibits at the San Diego Zoo!

The Youth Award recognizes teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 who have overcome personal adversity and created positive change in their lives. Nominations are due Friday, March 4.

DCSD Parent University – License to Survive: Teen Driving Survival & Graduated Drivers Licensing
Wednesday, January 26 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Free virtual event
Register here via Eventbrite

Parents, is your teen ready for their driver’s permit? Learn more about the process, what to teach, and the potential risks of teen driving. All beginning drivers are welcome to attend.

Save the Date! Supporting Our Students Forum: Mental Health Resources and Supports in DCSD Schools
Hosted by the DCSD District Accountability Committee (DAC)
Thursday, February 17 | 5:30 p.m.
Rock Canyon High School