Elementary News and Updates (08/25/23)

Dear STEM School Highlands Ranch Elementary Families,

We are three weeks in, and everyone is beginning to settle into their routines. It is so great walking around and seeing all the students engaged in their learning. Thank you for the wonderful turnout at Back to School Night. I enjoyed seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones. This week, first through fifth grade started iReady testing and the students are rocking it. It will be so exciting to see all their growth this year. Finally, this summer we installed a Gaga Ball Pit next to the playground. For those unfamiliar with Gaga Ball, it is a variation of dodgeball, where players hit the ball at each other with their hands and are eliminated if the ball strikes them on or below the knee. It has been such a hit!

Thank you, PTO for the grant!

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Love and Logic Parent Sessions: Love and Logic is a research-driven, whole-child philosophy that has been used by parents and educators around the world. The Love and Logic approach is built around the science of caring and respectful relationships. An authentic connection between parents/educators and children forms the foundation of good behavior and healthy decision-making. We are excited this year to be implementing Love and Logic in the classroom. As part of adopting Love and Logic at school, we will be offering parent sessions throughout the year. The hope is to have both parents and our educators partner to best support our students. Our first Love and Logic Session will be on Monday, Aug. 28 at 5 p.m. in the High School Commons or via Zoom. Hope to see you there!

Lost and Found: Our lost and found is beginning to fill up and each year, we donate hundreds of dollars worth of clothing and other lost items. Please help us return lost items to their owners by writing your child’s name on them, such as lunchboxes, water bottles, hoodies/sweatshirts and coats.

Volunteers: Our Office Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator Mona Loptien has launched our new Volunteer Management System through Raptor Technologies and will be processing Volunteer Applications that are in the system this coming week. The next step is to get all applicants run through a Criminal Background Check that Raptor will do for us. If you haven’t signed up to be a volunteer yet, please click here to learn more.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• August 28 – Love and Logic Parent Session
• September 4 – Labor Day – No School
• September 11 – 15 – Homecoming Spirit Week – More info to come
• September 22 – Professional Development Day – No School
• October 5 – PTO Bubble Run
• October 9-13 – Parent Teacher Conferences
• October 16-20 – Fall Break

Have a wonderful weekend. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

In Partnership,

Amie McElroy, Elementary Director

Please take a moment to check the STEM All-Events Calendar on our website.

There are lots of events already scheduled so please take a moment to take a look at the calendar to familiarize yourself with some of the events at the start of school. This calendar will continue to be updated throughout the summer as we get closer to the start of school.

Monday, Aug. 28, from 5-7 p.m. – via Zoom or in-person in the High School Commons

New for the 2023-24 School Year, our teachers and staff will incorporate guidance and curriculum from Love and Logic, a research-driven, whole-child philosophy founded in 1977 to support student’s social and emotional well-being. Throughout the school year, we will hold several Parent Information Nights to learn about Love and Logic, how it is being incorporated and implemented, and how it can be applied at home. We hope you’ll join us via Zoom.

Session 1: Module 1: Putting an End to Arguing Back-Talk and Begging

Participants will learn:

• Why arguing, back-talk and begging can place a child at risk for having large emotional and behavioral problems later in life.
• Practical strategies for ending arguing, back-talk and begging
• The basics of the Love and Logic approach
• That mistakes made early in a child’s life provide valuable learning opportunities if handled appropriately by parents
• The importance of holding children accountable for their poor decisions through the use of logical or natural consequences
• That mistakes made in life typically have much smaller “price tags” than those made later on

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

The KOSON/STEM Board of Directors will be holding its Monthly Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 5, from 5:30-7 p.m. 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.

The SpartMart is looking for feedback on apparel, accessories and food options that it currently sells and what it could sell in the future. Please click the button below to complete the feedback survey. You’ll be helping The Business Club Students improve what SpartMart has to offer so your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

FREE lunches are back for students! Starting in August of 2023, students will once again receive free lunches. Students must chose an entree, fruit/vegetable a milk for the free lunch. Snacks are not free.

While lunches will be free, it is important for families who need additional financial support to still complete the Free/Reduces Lunch application. Those who qualify for FRL status will only receive the additional benefits (free/reduced school fees, free/reduced trips, priority for scholarships in non-FRL field trips or Enrichment programs, and/or graduation fee reductions, etc.) of the program if they complete the application.

In order to assure that the District and STEM receive accurate data, DCSD and STEM are requesting that ALL families complete the FRL application that opens on July 15, regardless of financial status. A new application must be completed each school year. Families can also still apply for this school year using the link below.

We are looking for 2 Program Leaders to work in a busy and fun after-school program. If you or someone you know likes working with kids, has some experience working with children ages 5-12, and is eager to develop and learn new skills in a growing program with a fun, experienced, and dedicated staff, this is the right move for you. Program Leader hours are M-F, 1:30-5:30/6 p.m. Part-time and full-time hours are available during school breaks. This position is a “Select Charter Position” and offers an additional 10% (to hourly base rate) monthly stipend. If you are interested but need more flexibility, we are hiring Program Leader substitutes. Substitutes can work 2-3 days each week. We are also happy to coordinate with STEM who are looking for more hours. Feel free to call or email me for more details or questions at amy.dupays@dcsdk12.org, or (720) 688-2928.

On Tuesday, the DCSD Board of Education voted unanimously to place a $66M Mill Levy Override and $484M Bond on the November 2023 ballot (see the press release). All seven Board directors expressed their strong support and personal dedication to our students and our staff. During public comment the Board heard from students, teachers, neighborhood school principals, charter school principals, business leaders, elected officials and more – and all expressed strong support for additional funding. I hope you will take a few minutes to listen to the public comment – the support for YOU, our teachers and staff, from every part of our community was overwhelming.

• Click here to watch the public comment portion of the meeting.
• Click here to watch our presentation to the Board where we outlined staff recommendations for a Mill Levy Override and Bond.

The Board also unanimously adopted a compensation resolution that will automatically trigger if the MLO passes. For school district staff, this means pay increases would happen automatically should the MLO pass (with increases being paid retroactively back to July 1). For charter school staff, exact details about pay increases will come from your school’s board and leadership.

To learn more about how additional funding would benefit our schools and our staff, visit www.dcsdk12.org/funding. I also encourage you to read through our MLO/Bond plan.

iMatter Program

The iMatter program can connect youth (and adults) with a therapist for up to six free virtual counseling sessions that are completely confidential.

Overdrive Kids via the Douglas County Libraries

Safely search e-books for readers 12 and younger, including read-alongs for preschoolers. Filter by format, subject, device or reading level.

Introducing Family Health Resources on Your Mobile Device

Healthier Generation is excited to launch the Kohl’s Healthy at Home text messaging service, designed to help families prioritize healthy living and thrive. Sign up today to receive tips, activities, and resources for parents and caregivers.

Tuesday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Colorado State Capitol

Students, grades 9 – 12 are invited to attend Youth Congress. During this event, youth from around Douglas County get to weigh in on issues that affect youth and are of interest to youth. One of the missions of the Youth Congress is to communicate your thoughts, ideas, and solutions to elected and community leaders.