Director's Update
A message from Mrs. McElroy, Elementary School Director
Dear STEM Families and Community,
Fall is upon us, and the mornings are definitely crisp. Please remember to dress students appropriately for the weather, and don’t forget to label your student’s hoodies and coats with their names. October in Bullying Prevention Month. Classrooms will be having conversations about what is and what is not bullying and what to do if you or someone you know is being bullied. We will also focus on kindness and being a good friend. Please be on the lookout for more activities we will be doing during the month of October for bullying prevention.
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: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A084BA5AB28A4FF2-51358004-bubble#/
MySchoolBucks Donation Link: https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZHVZS5TX305OUU_ZZ649XQTBZ9K426
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. Help us get an accurate count by having your student participate in learning that day. I appreciate your support! Every student counts!
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are around the corner. They will be held the week of October 7th -11th. Conferences are an opportunity to discuss your student’s academic progress and address any concerns with the teacher. Please be on the lookout for communication directly from your student’s teacher in the upcoming weeks
Important Dates:
- September 30 – October 2 – 5th grade to Estes Park Outdoor Ed
- October 1 – STEM Board Meeting
- October 3 – K-5 Bubble Run
- October 4 – 2nd grade to the Denver Zoo
- October 7 – Picture Retake Day
- October 7 – 11 – K-5 Parent Teacher Conferences
- October 9 – STEM PTO Meeting
- October 10 – Kindergarten to Anderson Farms
- October 11 – Early Release Day
- October 14 – 18 – Fall Break
- October 25 – Trunk or Treat (5-7 p.m.)
- October 29 – Prospective Spartan Night (6-8 p.m.)
- November – 1 Professional Development Day
- November 15 – Early Release Day
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
In Partnership,
Amie McElroy, Elementary Director
Upcoming Events
School Picture Retakes
Monday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Secondary Gym
Students who would like to have their pictures retaken can do so on this date. DR Photo will send a link to families to order photos.
BOD Special Meeting
Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 5:30-7 p.m. – Zoom
This is a special meeting. There will be no public comment. The community is invited to observe
PTO Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 6:30-8 p.m. – Zoom
Join the STEM PTO for their monthly meeting. STEM PTO is comprised of parents from the STEM community who work together to help foster a strong sense of community and provide enhancement activities for students, faculty, staff, and families while also helping to increase educational, social and emotional experiences for the members of their families.
STEM PTO is organized to enhance the quality of each student’s education, the school as a whole, and the entire community through the development of resources and the participation of parents, school staff, and the community. Meetings are open for anyone to attend.
Early Release Day
Friday, Oct. 11
Kindergarten and first grade will dismiss at 11:50 a.m. Grades 2-5 will dismiss at 12 p.m. and grades 6-13 will dismiss at 12:20 p.m.
Dismissal on the West side (Elementary) will use PikMyKid and follow the normal dismissal process with using placards and coming at your designated time.
Dismissal on the East side (Secondary) will follow normal dismissal process with using Pink Placards at 12:20 p.m. and Blue Placards at 12:30 p.m.
Students will receive a sack lunch to take before dismissal.
News and Updates
Hands Free Announcing with PikMyKid
New! If you use our West (Elementary) Driveline, you can now set up your PikMyKid to auto-announce for you as soon as you enter our parking lot. Please click the button below to view the flier that has the instructions listed on how to set up your account.
Parents and Friends of STEM - We need you!
Calling all parents and friends of STEM! Would you like to share about your career path, educational experiences and profession with our students? If so, we invite you to participate in our upcoming Career Discovery event.
On October 24th, we are hosting our annual Career Discovery Day event for middle and high school students. Our industry professionals will bring insight and inspiration to student learning and career exploration, allowing students to engage in career-focused conversations.
If you are interested in participating and supporting our student learning, please reach out to Nicole Ryan at nicole.ryan@stemk12.org.