Elementary News and Updates (10/27/23)

Dear Elementary School Families,

I hope everyone had a fabulous fall break. It was wonderful having all the students back and ready to learn. This week, we wrapped up our final week of Kindness Month. This week, we created an “All are Welcome” wall, where students created a representation of themselves for all to see. If you are in the building over the next few weeks, check it out. I have enjoyed seeing how our students are kind to each other and our community. We are entering the final 2 months of the first semester, and boy, do we have a lot planned. Please continue to read the parent newsletter each week and check our website for updates.

Halloween Class Party and Parade

We will be celebrating Halloween on Tuesday, Oct. 31. We will start the day by having a costume parade around the school at 8 a.m. Parents are encouraged to line the parade route as students showcase their costumes. Class parties will be held at the teacher’s discretion throughout the day. Please communicate with your teacher if you have specific questions about the class party. Please adhere to the following costume guidelines.

• Costumes that would otherwise violate the Student Dress Code Policy will only be allowed if approved by an administrator before wearing to school.
• For safety reasons, masks or makeup should not cover the student’s face in a manner that makes the student unrecognizable.
• Toy or facsimile guns or weapons (knives, swords…) are prohibited.
• Overly graphic costumes promote violence or otherwise might logically be assumed to be offensive to others are not acceptable.
• Costumes should not include items with sound effects, lights, or other components that would disrupt the classroom learning environment.

Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive

The student council will be hosting a Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive. Our food baskets will be delivered to Doull Elementary School for needy families. Each grade level will be responsible for donating specific items to the food baskets. We also want to include King Soopers gift cards for $25 in each basket. Our goal is to make 40 complete food baskets.

K: Cranberry Sauce and/or canned fruit
1st: Green Beans, corn or other canned vegetables
2nd: Stuffing
3rd: Mac and Cheese
4th: Cake or Muffin Mix and frosting
5th: Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
All grades can donate King Sooper gift cards in $25 increments

Veterans Day Celebration

We would like to invite any veteran or current military to the STEM Veterans Day Celebration on November 10th at 9 a.m. A reception for veterans and their guests will be held after the assembly. Please RSVP here by Sunday, Nov. 5, or call our main office at 303-683-7836.

Book Fair

The fall scholastic book fair will be from November 13-17. Students will have the opportunity to shop books with their class throughout the week. Please be on the lookout for more information from your classroom teachers. We will also need volunteers to help run the book fair throughout the week. Volunteer positions will be available in Raptor next week.

Important Dates:

• October 23 – November 14 – Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive
• October 31 – Halloween Parade and Class Parties
• November 3 – PD Day – NO SCHOOL
• November 1-30 – National Native American Heritage Month
• November 10 – Veterans Day Celebration
• November 13 -17 – Scholastic Book Fair
• November 20 -24 – Thanksgiving 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.

Thursday, Nov. 2, from 5-7 p.m. – Secondary Gym

Please help us spread the word that our Prospective Spartan Showcase Night will be Thursday, Nov. 2, from 5-7 p.m., starting in our Secondary Gym. This event is for all prospective families who would like to explore STEM and see what we have to offer for their students.

Tuesday, Nov. 7, 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, Nov. 7, 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, Nov. 8, from 6:30-8 p.m. – Zoom

Join the STEM PTO for their monthly meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 6:30-8 p.m. via Zoom.  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.