Director's Update
A message from Mrs. Ridder, Middle School Director
Dear Middle School Families,
We have an important week ahead for our students: Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) testing. Next week, starting on Monday, our middle school students will be participating in CMAS and PSAT (8th grade.)
I understand that testing can sometimes feel a bit weighty, and we want to remind you that our aim is to provide a supportive and relaxed environment where your child can confidently demonstrate the wonderful learning they have accomplished this year.
These assessments offer valuable insights into our students’ academic progress, helping us to better understand their strengths and identify areas where we can continue to nurture their growth. The information gleaned from CMAS, combined with our ongoing classroom assessments and observations, provides a comprehensive understanding of each child’s educational journey.
Important to know:
- 6th grade: Please make sure 6th graders have charged chromebooks and chargers on Monday morning.
- Attendance: Although attendance is important everyday we ask each family to try their best to get to school on time so that your child will be able to test with their class and not have to take makeu..
- April 15th – 6th, 7th, and 12th graders will NOT have school that day and have the chance to work on studying and catching up on any unfinished work at home. Teachers will not be assigning new work. 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th will be participating in CMAS, PSAT, and SAT testing on April 15th.
Gentle suggestions to help your child feel their best next week:
- Rest and Recharge: Please ensure your child gets plenty of sleep each night. A well-rested body and mind make a big difference.
- Nourishing Mornings: A healthy and comforting breakfast on testing days will provide sustained energy and focus.
- Words of Encouragement: Your positive and loving support is invaluable. Remind your child that we are proud of their efforts and that their best is always enough.
- A Calm Start: Ensuring your child arrives at school on time will allow for a peaceful and organized beginning to the day. Once a testing session has started, students will not be able to access their classroom.
Into the Woods Musical – May 1-3
Click here for all the information including description, showtimes, and tickets. https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZHVZS5TX305OUU_ZZ66IHOODS0MGIU
We are looking for volunteers!
Our musical theatre team could really use help for tech week and shows. Some of the things are food donations, ticket sales, concession sales, set build day, and strike. Here is the sign up genius link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0844ABAC28A7F5C61-56124590-tech#/
We truly appreciate your ongoing partnership and support in your child’s education. Your involvement makes a significant difference, and we are so grateful for your trust in our school community.
I hope you are all enjoying this beautiful spring weather. Thank you once again for your incredible support. If you have any questions or concerns regarding CMAS testing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or to Amanda Davenport, our testing coordinator: amanda.davenport@stemk12.org.
In Partnership,
Maura Ridder
Middle School Director
Upcoming Events
CMAS Testing Information
April 14th – 18th
Read Here for more information!
6th and 7th Graders Day Off
April 15th
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.