Director's Update
A message from Mrs. Ridder, Middle School Director
Dear Middle School Families,
Happy Fall, everyone! We only have three weeks until parent conferences and Fall Break. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our students and staff. Our students have made significant strides academically, and I am proud of their accomplishments. Also, I would like to send a huge shout-out to the PTO for a successful Blast-Off on Thursday. A wonderful time was had by all! Thank you to our fabulous PTO!
Here are a few important updates and reminders:
October Count Day – October 1 – ALL STUDENTS IN ATTENDANCE PLEASE
The 11-day window for October Pupil Count begins on September 24th and ends on October 8th. The official count date is October 1, 2024. Our budget is based on the number of students counted during this period. We are asking all families to please try their best to have their children attend school during the count window days, especially on Tuesday, October 1st.
Please Monitor your Child’s Technology
Unfortunately, I have spent the past two weeks disciplining students for improper and inappropriate use of technology. Students are sending explicit texts and emails. Students are sharing explicit photos and videos. Some parents are shocked because their children do not have texting capabilities. Please know there are apps wherein students can sign up for free and text each other. Students also share extremely inappropriate things on Discord. I am asking for your vigilance. Please help educate your child, and please keep tabs on what they are sharing, where they are sharing it, and with whom.
Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences
This year’s fall conferences will occur on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 3:30-7 p.m. in the Middle School Cafe and Commons. The second day of conferences is Friday, Oct. 14, from 1:20-3:30. Please check the parent newsletter for additional details.
Please: No Food Delivery Services for Middle Schoolers
Food delivery from GrubHub, DoorDash, or any other place is NOT allowed in Middle School. Please speak to your child and explain that they may not order food to school. If a parent wants to drop off something for a child, that is a parent’s choice and can be done so by leaving the items at the Student Drop-Off Table in the Secondary Lobby.
Volunteers Needed for Our Athletic Events
A really fun way to get into the school spirit is to attend an athletic event! And, hey, while you are at it, why not help with the doors, collect tickets, or sell concessions? We are always looking for parent volunteers to come out and support our student-athletes. To become a parent volunteer, please complete this Volunteer Application. Once completed and a cleared background check is on file, you can sign up for events and track your hours. Please check the newsletter and the website calendar for our athletic dates and times. Thank you in advance!
IMPORTANT DATES
- October 1 – DCSD Official Count Day – ALL STUDENTS IN ATTENDANCE
- October 10-11 – Parent Teacher Conferences
- October 12-20 – Fall Break
Have a wonderful weekend!
In Partnership,
Maura Ridder, Middle School Director
Upcoming Events
KOSON/STEM BOD Advancement Committee Webinar
Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 6:30-8 p.m. – Zoom
Click the zoom below to watch the Advancement Committee Meeting. Email matt.cartier@kosonschools.org with any questions.
DEI Committee Monthly Meeting
Thursday, Sept. 26, from 4-5 p.m. – Room 106 (Secondary)
The DEI Committee meets monthly and is open to all families, students and staff. Please email tera.johnson-swartz@stemk12.org with any questions.
Homecoming Tailgate
Friday, Sept. 27, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. – Secondary Commons and Outside of Athletics Entrance
Hey Spartans! Are you ready for the newest and biggest homecoming event of the year? Come to STEM’s first-ever Tailgating Party on Friday, Sept. 27, from 3:30- 5:30 p.m. for tons of food, fun, and spirit! Pay only $6 to get a BBQ meal deal package that includes an entree, side, drink, and dessert, and also get free access to the Girls Volleyball Homecoming Game! There will also be games, face paint, and a sign-making station where you can design your own custom signs to cheer the girls to victory! Can’t wait to see you there!
Contact: Auburne.mauger@s.stemk12.org
Boston 8th Grade Pre-Trip Meeting
Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 6-7 p.m. – Google Meet
Parents of 8th graders going on the Boston class trip are invited to join via Google Meet to receive the latest details and instructions about the trip.
News and Updates
IMPORTANT! Secondary Yearbook Information
Parents and Friends of STEM - We need you!
Calling all parents and friends of STEM! Would you like to share about your career path, educational experiences and profession with our students? If so, we invite you to participate in our upcoming Career Discovery event.
On October 24th, we are hosting our annual Career Discovery Day event for middle and high school students. Our industry professionals will bring insight and inspiration to student learning and career exploration, allowing students to engage in career-focused conversations.
If you are interested in participating and supporting our student learning, please reach out to Nicole Ryan at nicole.ryan@stemk12.org.