Elementary News and Updates (11/17/23)

Dear Elementary School Families,

As we reflect on the many things for which we are thankful, I want to take this opportunity to share a few things we are thankful for at STEM. We are thankful for our students who come to school every day ready to learn – they give us all a daily reminder of what is important and why we are here. We are thankful for the support of our parents in creating an outstanding partnership with our teachers to support our students best.

We are thankful for the teachers, instructional assistants, health assistants, office assistants, the nurses, cafeteria staff, custodians, student support team, teacher support team and administrators who really care about student achievement and have the best interests of our students at heart. I hope everyone spends the next week relaxing and spending time with family and friends.

I want to share one celebration before we go on break; we reach our goal of creating 40 Thanksgiving Food Baskets. Food baskets were delivered to Doull Elementary School on Thursday. As a reward for meeting our goal, we held a quick assembly today where Ms. J and myself were slimed and pied by student council members. Everyone had a blast. Be sure to check social media for the video.

I hope everyone has a wonderful break.

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. 30, from 6-8 p.m. – Secondary Gym

Friday, Dec. 1, from 6-8 p.m. – Secondary Gym

Saturday, Dec. 2, from 1-3 p.m. – Secondary Gym

The STEM Theater Department will be performing Clue as their Fall Theater Production beginning on Thursday, Nov. 30, from 6-8 p.m. in the Secondary Gym. Additional shows include Friday, from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 1-3 p.m. Tickets are $15 each, FREE for staff. Click the button below to purchase tickets.

Tuesday, Dec. 5, 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, Dec. 5, 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.

Our Business Office would like to request that all parents please verify their contact information in MySchoolBucks and update it if needed. Beginning November 20th, families with an outstanding balance will begin to receive late fees. Please reach out to ashley.westfall@stemk12.org with any questions.

It’s time to check the Lost and Found in the Elementary School Lobby. We’re slowly starting to collect items like jackets, water bottles and lunch boxes. Please take a moment to come in and see what is in the Lost and Found. At each school-break, we donate items that are left in the Lost and Found to charity.

Niche.com is an online platform that helps connect families with their future schools in their neighborhoods. It is one of the top search platforms that families use when looking for a new school. If you love STEM and what we have to offer your student(s), please consider leaving us a review. Click the button below to visit our school’s profile, where you can leave a review. Thank you in advance!

Sugar and spice and everything nice

As the weather cools down, it can take some extra bundling up to want to get outside, but colder commutes don’t have to be miserable!

Try these tips to help spice up your commute:

• Bring warm water, apple cider, coffee or tea in a travel mug or water bottle.
• Dress in moisture-wicking layers.
• Balaclavas are your best friend! Covering your face on extra cold days can help make your commute more pleasant.
• Consider a windproof jacket or coat.
• Use hand warmers for extra cold days.
• If you bike to work, have a backup plan. Keep extra cold weather gear at the office, or see if there is a bus or rail route that will take you home in case the weather becomes too cold or snowy.

Whether you’re traveling by bike, foot, e-scooter, bus, rail or carpool, track at least eight of those eco-friendly trips on MyWayToGo.org or the Commute Tracker app for a chance to win one of five pairs of Zulu wearable headphones.