Middle School News and Updates (01/12/25)

Middle School News and Updates (Presentation)

Director's Update

A message from Mrs. Ridder, Middle School Director

Dear Middle School Families, 

Happy New Year! I would like to extend a warm welcome back to school and I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable holiday season.I am excited to resume learning and look forward to a productive and rewarding second semester. It truly feels like our students are happy to be back in their routine. 

Our school events calendar is jam packed, so hold on tight for another semester of exciting events.  

Important Announcement – Change to Early Release Day lunches

  • Starting this semester, we will no longer be serving lunch at school on early release days. This change is due to recent adjustments within the district around the state’s free lunch program, which have impacted our ability to provide lunch during shortened school days. To ensure that students stay energized and focused, we kindly ask that all students pack a substantial snack to enjoy on early release days. For students attending the BASE program after school, please note that they will need to bring a packed lunch from home. Students will eat their lunch once they arrive at the BASE program.”

Upcoming Dates and Events

  • Thursday, January 16 – Our students will compete in our school Spelling Bee after school; two winners moving on to the district Bee.  
  • Monday, January 20 – No School – Martin Luther King Day
  • Thursday, January 23 – Academic Planning and Course Information Night – 5-6:00 – This night is for all 5th-7th grade families to learn about course registration for middle school. We will review required courses and elective courses with families so that they can assist students during the course registration window. Please park in the elementary school lot and enter through the Athletic Entrance.
  • Saturday, January 25 – Brain Bowl Regionals; State competition scheduled for February 22. 
  • February 13 – 15 – TSA State Competition – February 13 – 15
  • Monday, February 17th – No School – Presidents’ Day
  • February 28th – March 2 – Wish Week  
  • Thursday, March 6 – Our 13th annual STEM’s Got Talent Show
  • Wednesday, March 12 and Thursday, March 13 from 3:30 – 7 – Parent Teacher Conferences –  More details to follow. 
  • March 14 – 23 – Spring Break 
  • March 24 – 26 and March 26 – 28 – 6th Grade Keystone Science Camp Trips

We are also in the process of choosing a date for our Middle School Winter Dance.  It will take place in February.  Stay tuned for that date.  

Thank you all for your continued support as our students continue their educational journey this school year. 

In partnership,

Maura Ridder, Middle School Director

Upcoming Events

Academic Planning and Course Information Night

January 23rd 5:00 – 6:00 p.m

This information night is designed to provide parents of next year’s middle and high school students with an overview of the Academic Planning Guide and to help you support your students as they select their courses for next year. Students will also receive this information at school.

Spelling Bee

January 16th

Our students will compete in our school Spelling Bee after school; two winners moving on to the district Bee.  

STEM DEI Committee

January 16th 4-5 pm

The DEI Committee meets monthly and is open to all families, students and staff.

MLK Day - No School!

December 20th

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.

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