Middle School News and Updates (10/04/24)

Dear Middle School Families,

I hope this email finds you well. As the days get shorter and the leaves begin to change, I am excited to announce that Fall Break is almost here! Here is what is going on in middle school.

Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences

Fall conferences are next week on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 3:30-7 p.m. in the Middle School Cafe, Commons, and gym. The second day of conferences, Friday, Oct. 14, will be sign-up slots from 1:20-3:30. Teachers will send out individual sign-ups through IC. Please check the parent newsletter for additional details. Conferences.

I would like to remind you that the middle and high school counselors are available each week, Monday-Friday, 8:00-3:00, by appointment. Appointments with the middle school counselors may be scheduled by emailing directly at (A-L – lily.williams@stemk12.org; M-Z – lisa.clay@stemk12.org). Appointments with the high school counselors may be scheduled by visiting their calendar links at (A-L – Colene Belisle; M-Z – Madison Grebe).

Nominate a STEM Staff Member for an Apple Award!

As of today, you will find the 2024-2025 Apple Award Nomination link LIVE on our school’s page on the FoundationDCS.org website. The 2024-2025 Apple Award Nomination window will be open from Monday, Oct. 1, 2024, through Sunday, November 11, 2024. We invite our DCSD students, teachers, staff and community to join us in nominating their favorite teacher(s), principal, classified employee and department employee. After the Nomination window closes on November 11th, we will choose 2 school representatives. Each school may submit one educator and one classified representative to be considered for the 2023 Apple Award! October 1, 2024 – November 11, 2024 – NOMINATION WINDOW OPEN!!

IDs/Lanyards
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.

We understand that students will misplace their IDs and lanyards, and 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.

Additionally, 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.

PSATS

Our 8th-grade students will be taking the PSAT on October 9th. As this approaches, I wanted to remind you that many of our students don’t do particularly well because they have not had algebra.

Although our students may struggle, we think the benefits of having our students get the practice are immeasurable. Should your student get a lower score on the math portion, please do not be discouraged. We feel it is a very important practice tool for our students, and each time they are able to practice, it prepares them more for the SAT in the future.

NHS Tutoring during Access

Our Math Honor Society students are volunteering to help our middle schoolers catch up on homework or review specific math topics during Access. We are asking teachers to please assign the students they think need extra support. If you think your student needs extra support, please reach out to their math teacher to ask for your student to be assigned. Students can use SmartPass to sign out and head to either the Middle School or the High School Commons.

I hope you all have a wonderful opportunity to relax and enjoy quality time together. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, exploring local attractions, or simply enjoying some much-needed downtime at home, I truly hope you’ll make the most of this break.

In Partnership,

Maura Ridder

Monday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Secondary Gym

Students who would like to have their pictures retaken can do so on this date. DR Photo will send a link to families to order photos.

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Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 5:30-7 p.m. – Zoom

This is a special meeting. There will be no public comment. The community is invited to observe

Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 6:30-8 p.m. – Zoom

Join the STEM PTO for their monthly meeting.  STEM PTO is comprised of parents from the STEM community who work together to help foster a strong sense of community and provide enhancement activities for students, faculty, staff, and families while also helping to increase educational, social and emotional experiences for the members of their families.

STEM PTO is organized to enhance the quality of each student’s education, the school as a whole, and the entire community through the development of resources and the participation of parents, school staff, and the community. Meetings are open for anyone to attend.

Friday, Oct. 11

Kindergarten and first grade will dismiss at 11:50 a.m. Grades 2-5 will dismiss at 12 p.m. and grades 6-13 will dismiss at 12:20 p.m.

Dismissal on the West side (Elementary) will use PikMyKid and follow the normal dismissal process with using placards and coming at your designated time.

Dismissal on the East side (Secondary) will follow normal dismissal process with using Pink Placards at 12:20 p.m. and Blue Placards at 12:30 p.m.

Students will receive a sack lunch to take before dismissal.

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

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.

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.