Director's Message
A message from Mr. Alsup, High School Director
Dear STEM Spartan Students and Parents,
It’s hard to believe another year is coming to a close! The past few months have flown by, filled with memorable moments like musical performances, the fall play, and exciting athletic contests. We couldn’t be prouder of our students’ academic, artistic, and athletic achievements and the incredible talents they showcase.
Throughout my time in education, I’ve always viewed our school as the heart of our community. A thriving school is a place where students feel comfortable, supported, and surrounded by caring individuals. It fosters a sense of belonging where every student feels truly at home. This past couple of weeks, I’ve been particularly reminded of this special community spirit.
First, I’ve been so impressed by the number of alumni who have returned to STEM to visit with our current students and staff. It’s truly unique to see this level of engagement year after year, and it speaks volumes about the lasting impact of the STEM experience. Hearing about their college experiences, the new things they’ve learned, and the valuable skills they’ve developed has been incredibly inspiring. And most importantly, every student I’ve spoken with has emphasized how well-prepared they feel for college – a testament to the exceptional education they receive here.
Tuesday evening was a fantastic example of our vibrant community in action. Our boys’ and girls’ basketball teams hosted Sheridan High School, and all of our teams played exceptionally well in front of a large and enthusiastic home crowd filled with students, parents, and alumni. Concurrently, our French National Honor Society held a successful bake sale to raise funds for our annual science fair during Wish Week. And to top it off, our talented Theatre Department entertained families with a delightful array of theatre class productions in the elementary school gym. It was truly a night to remember!
Have you heard the exciting news? STEM High School was recognized as a runner-up for Favorite Charter High School in the Colorado Parent Magazine Family Favorites! This incredible achievement is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire school community. Thank you to everyone who voted for us!
Looking Ahead:
As we approach the holiday season, it’s time to start thinking about the year ahead. The second semester begins on Tuesday, January 7th. Shortly after, we’ll be embarking on the course selection process for the 2024-2025 school year. While formal registration isn’t yet underway, it’s crucial for you and your student to begin exploring course options. Please take some time to review our academic planning guide on the school website for more information.
Changes to Secondary Spring Conferences:
Based on feedback from our parent survey, we’re making some adjustments to our spring conferences to improve the experience for everyone. To minimize crowds and lines, we’ll be holding conferences on separate evenings based on last names:
- Last Name A-L: Wednesday, March 13th from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM
- Last Name M-Z: Thursday, March 14th from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM
I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Winter break! We look forward to welcoming you back to school on January 7th.
Sincerely,
Ryan Alsup
High School Director
Proud to be a STEM Spartan!
News and Updates
Update on Secondary Student IDS
Dear STEM Families,
We are dedicated to maintaining a safe environment for our students and staff. Safety is our number one priority and is a layered approach. One of the measures is to ensure that all students, staff, and visitors are identifiable on campus. Student IDs also alert office staff to who has off-campus permissions and allow students to quickly check in and out using our automated system. We ask for your continued support in ensuring your child is wearing an ID to school each day.
As time goes on, we understand that students will misplace their IDs and lanyards. We ordered another shipment of lanyards and ID holders, but our students are going through them pretty quickly.
After Fall Break, students will be charged $5 for replacements. This charge will run through their Myschoolbucks account. Please monitor the account and speak to your child about these charges if they occur.
Spartmart is looking into purchasing nicer, higher quality lanyards to sell as well and you may also purchase lanyards online.
Finally, because IDs are part of our dress code, if a student is not wearing an ID and does not have a temporary ID, they may be assigned a detention. Students have been made aware of this expectation.
Once again, we really appreciate your support. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to one of our building directors.
In partnership,
The STEM Admin Team
Tutoring during access in MS and HS commons
Our Math Society students are volunteering to assist with math homework during access periods (11-11:40 a.m.) on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Help will be available in both the Middle School and High School commons. Students who need support or want to catch up on homework should feel free to take advantage of this opportunity. Students should contact either their math teacher or access teacher to add their name to the list for help.
College and Career Newsletter
