Middle School News and Updates (08/23/24)

Dear Middle School Families,

We are three weeks into the year, and so far, so good! I am truly grateful to our staff, our families, and our volunteers for helping to make the start of the year so smooth. It was wonderful seeing so many familiar faces and meeting new families at our Back to School Night last week. Thank you to all of you who came out to meet our incredible faculty. I hope you felt the excitement in their classrooms. It has truly been one of the best starts to a school year that I have ever experienced.

Tardies

Thank you to all of you who are assisting your students in arriving at school on time for their classes. We have significantly fewer tardies this year, and our students are less stressed and happier as a result.

Exciting Extracurriculars

Our Middle School Club Rush was held last week. Students rushed to sign up for basketball, cross country, TSA, Robotics, photography, STEMed Jr, Science Olympiad, Cheer, Student Gov, and countless more after-school programs. Club advisors will be emailing more information to those who signed up. Reach out to Melanie.fitzroy@stemk12.org, our Enrichment Coordinator, if you have any questions.

Early Release Days

This year, we will have seven early release days. Our first early release day is next Friday, August 30th. The schedule can be found below. It can also be found at the bottom of the Academic Calendar on our website:

Early Release Blue Day Schedule

August 30, November 15, March 14 & April 25

Early Release Gold Day Schedule

October 11, January 24 and April 11

Vounteers

If you would like to volunteer, please go to the volunteer page on our website or in the parent newsletter. When you volunteer, please make sure to sign in at the office and retrieve a badge. Again, thank you for all your help!

Important Dates

• August 30 – Early Release Day: Students will be released at 12:20 p.m.
• September 2 – No School – Labor Day
• October 10-11 – Parent Teacher Conferences
• October 14-18 – Fall Break

I hope you all enjoy your weekend.

In partnership,

Maura Ridder, Middle School Director

Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Elementary School Gym

Secondary students who need to retake their school picture or who missed photo day at the beginning of the school year can go to the Elementary School Gym during their Lunch Break to get their photo taken. A link to order photos will be sent directly from DR Photo. Please email info@stemk12.org with any questions.

Tuesday, Sept. 10, 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, Sept. 10, 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.

Dear STEM School Highlands Ranch Eighth Grade Families,

Please complete the form via the button below if you would like to opt your student(s) out from taking the PSAT 8/9.

The PSAT 8/9 is an opportunity for parents, students, and teachers to see what skills students need in order to prepare for High School and College.

Please complete by Friday, Aug. 30, at 5 p.m.

Thank you,

Maura Ridder, Middle School Director

Policymakers recommended that the Colorado Department of Education examine the costs necessary to adequately provide Colorado students with a thorough and uniform public education. The Department has contracted with AIR to conduct this research. Click the button below to find out more.

Dear STEM School Highlands Ranch Secondary Families, 

We are writing to inform you that a service dog will be accompanying one of our students at STEM School Highlands Ranch starting Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. The service dog is trained to perform specific tasks to help the student navigate their school day more effectively. The student’s right to be accompanied by the service animal while at school is protected by law. 

Here are a few key points to keep in mind: 

• Role and Purpose: The service dog is a trained service animal and will be working alongside their handler to provide support. 

• Interactions: While the dog is on campus, we ask that students and staff respect the boundaries around the service animal. It is important not to approach, pet, or distract the dog during school hours. 

• Training and Supervision: The dog has undergone extensive training and will be under the supervision of their handler while at school. 

There will be information sessions at school to integrate the service animal into our daily routines, and all students will be informed that the service animal is a working animal and not a pet. As such, all students will be instructed on the proper procedure, conduct, and etiquette pertaining to the service dog.

If you have any questions or concerns about this new addition, please feel free to contact Ryan Alsup (ryan.alsup@stemk12.org) or Kaeli Sandhoff (kaeli.sandhoff@stemk12.org). 

Thank you for your understanding and support in making STEM School Highlands Ranch a welcoming place for everyone. 

In partnership,

Ryan Alsup, High School Director

Kaeli Sandhoff, Director of Student Support