Director's Update
A message from Mrs. Ridder, Middle School Director
Dear Middle School Families:
As we approach the final two weeks of this school year, my heart swells with pride for all that our students have accomplished. We eagerly anticipate celebrating their achievements and growth in the days ahead, and we are committed to finishing this year with the same energy and enthusiasm that has defined it. Let’s make these last two weeks count and end the year strong, together!
I want to send a huge congratulations to the cast and crew of Into the Woods. The students did an amazing job! Thank you to Mr. Roberts and Ms. Hafner for pouring their hearts and souls into our students and this production. By all accounts, it was our strongest, most entertaining musical yet! Bravo!
Another shoutout needs to go to the students, staff, parents, and board members who advocated on behalf of STEM at Tuesday’s DCSD Board meeting. They all spoke passionately and eloquently about the need to replicate our fabulous school.
Finally, a big congratulations to Tracy Grove and Jill Dean for their nominations for DCSD Shining Stars Awards. Each year, the Douglas County Special Education Advisory Committee (DCSEAC) accepts nominations for its Shining Star program. This award celebrates the amazing DCSD staff members who are providing outstanding service and care for students who receive special education services. Staff members are nominated by parents and families because of the difference they make in the lives of their students. Ms. Grove and Ms. Dean’s dedication, compassion, and commitment to our students and families truly shine, and it’s wonderful to see their efforts celebrated in this way.
Here’s a quick rundown of upcoming events:
- Tuesday, May 13th – Middle School Awards and Recognition Ceremony at 4 pm: We can’t wait to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of our extraordinary middle schoolers. All students receiving an award or recognition should have received an email from me. This is an invitation only event. This event will take place in the gym. Please use the athletic entrance. The doors will open at 3:45 pm. The ceremony should take about one hour.
- Thursday, May 15th – Secondary Spring Music Concert at 5 pm: Please join us for our annual spring concert featuring our student orchestras, bands, and choirs, directed by the incomparable Mr. Gomez and Mr. Granville. This event will take place between 5-7 pm in the gym. Please use the athletic entrance. Concessions will be sold at intermission.
- Monday, May 19th – No school – Senior Graduation: Our graduating class celebrates their achievements on this day, and our faculty will be there to celebrate with them. School will be closed that day.
- Thursday, May 22nd – Last Day Hooray! The school year officially concludes on Thursday with dismissal at: 11:30 am. The 6th and 7th graders will rotate through various activities sponsored by their teachers, and the 8th graders will head to the park for a Welcome to High School Party!
I look forward to seeing you all and celebrating the end of this fabulous school year with you!
In partnership with,
Maura Ridder
Middle School Director
Upcoming Events
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.