Elementary News and Updates (09/20/24)

Dear STEM Families and Community,

September marks Mental Health Awareness Month. Jill Dean, our social worker, has gathered many resources for teachers to talk about mental health at an age-appropriate level. During our social-emotional learning time, teachers have been discussing with students strategies they can use when they are not feeling their best. Teaching students strategies to help manage both their mental and social well-being is just as important as academics. We know students learn best when they are feeling their best. I encourage you to talk with your child about their mental health. Open dialogue is one of the best preventive measures we can take.

K-12 Homecoming Spirit Week

Homecoming is this week. We have many fun activities planned for the whole K-12. I encourage everyone to come cheer on the Powder Puff game on Monday, Sept. 23, at 4 p.m. at Northridge Rec Center. We’ll end the week with a Tailgate Party outside the athletic entrance starting at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, followed by the girl’s volleyball game. Both of these events are for all STEM students. We will also celebrate all week with spirit days.

Our spirit days are:

• Monday – Sharks -v- Jellyfish (K-2 – Sharks wear blue and 3-5 -Jellyfish wear pink)
• Tuesday – Sleep with the fishes (Pajama Day)
• Wednesday – Under the Sea (Dress as an Under the Sea character)
• Thursday – Coral Day! (Wear tie-dye)
• Friday – Beach Day! (Wear your favorite beach wear)

School Count is Coming

It’s official – October Count Day this year is Tuesday, October 1st. The most important action you can take to support school funding is to make sure your student attends school on this day. Much of public education funding from the State of Colorado is based on student count, so we encourage you to make sure your student comes to school that day.
The “count window” the state observes is from September 24 – October 8, but the most important student count day is Tuesday, October 1st. Please help us get an accurate count by having your student participate in learning that day. I appreciate your support! Every student counts!

Bubble Run

Our annual Bubble Run Fundraiser is Thursday, Oct. 3, from 8-11 a.m. This year, we will be hosting a grade-level war. The grades K/1, 2/3, and 4/5 who raise the most money will win an extra recess with a sweet treat from PTO. Also new this year, students who donate at least $20 will receive a STEM Strong T-shirt from PTO. The teachers from the top 3 classes with the most donations will be awarded a lunch and/or breakfast from the PTO! Below are the links to volunteer and donate to the fundraiser.

• Volunteer Sign Up
• MySchoolBucks Donation Link

Important Dates:

• September 23 – 27 – Homecoming Spirit Week
• September 23 – Powder Puff Game at 4pm Northridge Rec Center
• September 24 – October 8 – October Count
• September 26 – DEI Committee Meeting (4-5 pm)
• September 27 – 4th grade to the Denver Zoo
• September 27 – Tailgate Party at 3:30pm followed by girls volleyball
• September 30 – October 2 – 5th grade to Estes Park Outdoor Ed
• October 3 – K-5 Bubble Run
• October 7 – 11 – K-5 Parent Teacher Conferences
• October 10 – Kindergarten to Anderson Farms
• October 14 – 18 – Fall Break

Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

In Partnership,

Amie McElroy, Elementary Director