Elementary News and Updates (08/09/24)

Dear STEM Families and Community,

It has been an amazing first week of school, and I am excited to welcome our kindergarteners on Monday for their first full day of school. Our students came back to school ready to learn and the staff wasted no time in developing relationships with your children, as well as helping them to learn the classroom expectations and routines that will lead them towards a successful school year. During the first few weeks of school, we put a heavy emphasis on behavior expectations, including our Spartan characteristics: Honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility, and empathy. Over the next several weeks, we will continue emphasizing STEM behavior expectations. At home, you can help by reviewing our behavior expectations with your student(s).

Back to School Night will be held on Thursday, Aug. 15, from 5-6:30 p.m. Back to School Night is an opportunity to learn about your student(s) classroom and the expectations for the year. Back to School Night is different than the time to discuss your student(s) individual needs. If you need to discuss individual student needs, please reach out to your student’s teacher via email. The schedule for Back to School Night is posted below.

• 5-5:20 p.m. – Welcome Message in ES Gym
• 5:30-5:50 p.m. – Session 1: K-5 presentations in the classroom
• 6-6:20 p.m. – Session 2: K-5 presentations in the classroom (only if needed for families with multiple students)

Here are a few other important reminders:

Driveline: I want to thank everyone for their patience with the afternoon driveline. It takes about two to three weeks to have the driveline running efficiently. Please continue to pick up your child at their designated time. Also, orange placards will not be allowed into the parking lot until 2:30 p.m. Please do not line up on Barrons Blvd. while waiting for the 2:30 p.m. mark. This is against our Traffic Management Plan and could result in a citation. Consider having your student walk and meet you at a designated spot off campus. If this is a choice your family makes, please fill out our Dismissal Authorization Form.

Picture Day: Picture Day will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 27. Please be on the lookout for communication from DR Photo on how to order school photos.

I look forward to working with you and your student(s) this school year. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

In Partnership,

Amie McElroy, Elementary Director

Monday, Aug. 12, from 7:30 a.m.-2:25 p.m. (First Full Day)

We are excited about the upcoming school year and cannot wait to meet our new friends. Please feel free to contact our Elementary Director, Amie McElroy (amie.mcelroy@stemk12.org), if you have further questions.

Thursday, Aug. 15, from 5-6:30 p.m. – Elementary Gym

Back to School Night is an opportunity to learn about your student(s) classroom and the expectations for the year. Back to School Night is not the time to discuss your student(s) individual needs. If you need to discuss individual student needs, please reach out to your student’s teacher via email. The schedule for Back to School Night is posted below.

• 5:00 – 5:20 p.m. – Welcome Message in ES Gym
• 5:30 – 5:50 p.m. – Session 1: K-5 presentations in the classroom
• 6:00 – 6:20 p.m. – Session 2: K-5 presentations in the classroom (only if needed for families with multiple students)

Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 5:30-7 p.m. – Mechatronics Lab in P-TECH/KOSON Building & Zoom

The KOSON/STEM Board of Directors will be holding its Monthly Meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 5:30-7 p.m. in person and via Zoom.  The BOD is comprised of parents and community members who volunteer their time. The Board’s role and purpose is to provide oversight of the KOSON Schools Chief Innovation Officer, who implements the policies set forth by the Board. The Board also provides support and direction for STEM’s long-term vision and mission. Additionally, the Board is active in making sure that KOSON Schools remains in compliance with all DCSD, state and federal compliance requirements, as well as STEM School Highlands Ranch’s Charter Contract.

Meetings are open to anyone to attend. Anyone who would like to address the Board Members must sign-up in advance by completing the Public Comment Form no later than 12 p.m. the day of each Board meeting. If written testimony or a handout is submitted, presenters are asked to supply one (1) copy via email to communications@stemk12.org.

Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 5:30-7:30 p.m. – KOSON/P-TECH Building (Mechatronics Lab)/Zoom

The meeting will also be available to watch via Zoom. 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 parents 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 to prioritize the spending of school money.

Want to connect with other families in your student’s grade? Join your student’s class page on Facebook to connect with other parents, get class-specific info, and more. Click the button below to visit our Get Connected back on the website that lists all of the Community Facebook pages. Be sure to answer all required questions in order join. Email info@stemk12.org with any questions.