Secondary News and Updates (03/12/21)

Secondary-School News

Secondary News and Events

Complete the Intent to Return Form

Deadline extended to March 31, 2021

Do you Intend to Return for the 2021-22 School Year?

For enrollment planning purposes, please let us know, either way, if your child plans to return to STEM School Highlands Ranch next year.

Please complete this form for each of your currently attending STEM students. If you are currently enrolled at STEM please let us know that your child is returning. You do not need to “open enroll” to remain at STEM. If your child is currently attending STEM, they will be automatically enrolled for next year. Please also complete the form if your student is planning to seek enrollment at another school so that we can have an accurate count of returning students.

Do you Have a Sibling Who Wants to Attend STEM Next Year?

Does your current STEM student have a sibling who is interested in attending STEM for the 2021-22 school year? Did you know that they have priority on our waitlist? Please add them to our waitlist now! STEM’s open enrollment is now open and we will begin notifying families of accepted spots for the 2021-22 school year beginning Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Now Accepting Names for the 2021-22 School Year!

STEM is now accepting names for the waitlist for 2021-22 and beyond. Please spread the word to your family and friends. They can add their child to the waitlist here! We will begin notifying families of accepted spots beginning on December 1, 2020. Please note that STEM does not follow the Douglas County Open Enrollment process.

Intent to Attend Your Neighborhood School

If you wish to attend your neighborhood school, you must return this form to that school no later than January 5th. This will allow your child to attend that school in the fall of next year (2021-22).

Questions? Please call the MS office at 303-683-7836 or check the website for more enrollment information.

Upcoming Events

Virtual Exchange Opportunity for STEM Students (ages 14-19)

February 8 – March 21, 2021

Applications are now open for Worlds’s Denver partner STEAM Discovery Lab program, an excellent opportunity for STEM School Highlands Ranch students who are interested in international exchange, particularly with Egypt.

The Discovery Lab is a fully-funded (free!), virtual exchange program bringing together U.S. and Egyptian youth to explore leadership and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) for three to four hours per week from February 8 to March 21, 2021. Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a Certificate of Completion, access to the U.S. Department of State’s International Alumni Network, unique project funding opportunities from the U.S. Department of State, and a $400 scholarship towards participation in one of The Experiments in International Living’s programs around the world in 2022.

You can learn more, register for the virtual information session, and submit your program application on the STEAM Discovery Lab website. This opportunity is a great way for students to develop an enhanced understanding and practice of leadership as well as mutual understanding between youth from different cultures. Please feel free to contact Ms. Simi Basu (simi.basu@https://stemk12.org) with any questions you might have about this program!

Middle School Spirit Week

Monday, March 22-Friday, March 26

Join your Middle School Student Government for a Spirit Week after Spring Break!

  • Monday- Teacher Student Swap Day
  • Tuesday- Crazy Hair Day
  • Wednesday- Decades Day
  • Thursday- Hat Day
  • Friday- Zoom Icon Meme Day

Middle School Virtual Movie Night

March 26, 4-6:30 p.m. – Zoom

Join MS Student Government for our next VIRTUAL movie night! More details to come soon!

Wish Week

March 29-April 2

Wish Week is coming to STEM. Join us from Monday, March 29 to Friday, April 2 for our Make-A-Wish kid Peter. Click the button to the right to view our Wish Week page and meet our kid.

NEHS Writing Competition

March 29-April 9

This year, National English Honor Society will be hosting a writing competition. Students can submit a piece of writing answering the pivotal question: “What is something good that has come from the pandemic?”

All grade levels K-12 are eligible to participate. We are hoping to have parent volunteers judge the pieces and announce first- and second-place winners.

Science National Honor Society Earth Week Spirit Week

April 19-23 – Virtual Events and Dress-Up Activities

During the week of Earth Week, the Science National Honor Society is planning to have a spirit week-like event over the week of April 19-23. Each day will include fun dressing, and some days will include a simple activity.

  • On Monday, we will have a whiteout day; everyone wears white in order to raise awareness of melting glaciers.
  • On Tuesday, everyone will dress as their favorite season.
  • On Wednesday, everyone will dress as their favorite animal, and can bring a stuffed animal to class (in-person or on Zoom).
  • Thursday is Earth Day, so everyone will be encouraged to wear green and blue, or Earth Day shirts that would be available to buy.
    • We will be creating these shirts to sell, and all the funds collected will be donated to Grand County Fire Departments in thanks for their courage last year. On this day, we would also be releasing education videos for the entire school, as well as creating educational color packets for the elementary school students. For all secondary students, we are hoping to do a recycled-materials activity, such as building something useful in their household, that they can make from other materials.
  • Finally, on Friday, everyone will be encouraged to dress like a scientist, as the end of the week will follow with student-produced tutorials on at-home experiments for all students.

All of these after-school events would be virtual. Contact: ryleigh.johnson@s.https://stemk12.org

Colorado Virtual Career Fair for Youth

April 19-22, 4-6:30 p.m.

This explorative & informative fair for youth will feature career panels representing a wide variety of industries throughout the state. REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for youth attendees, parents, educators, and potential career panelists via the website: www.youthcareerfair.org!

The Colorado Virtual Career Fair is a collaboration between the Colorado State Youth Council, Colorado Workforce Development Council, Colorado Association of Career & Technical Education, other Colorado professional education agencies & organizations; and many Colorado school districts.

The design of this fair has the intention of facilitating access and awareness of career path opportunities to students who may or may not have been able to access the options before. Beyond the barrios of geographic location, beyond zip code, beyond regional location and beyond school district – students & families, youth & individuals of any age or grade level are welcome to attend. Explore more: www.youthcareerfair.org

Panelists will represent the diversity of backgrounds, ethnicities and races and are intentionally recruited to help our students ‘see themselves’ in that future career.** If you are interested or know of others (think of your own friend, family and contacts) who would be a perfect fit, please see the attached Panelist Flier AND extend the ‘application’ here: https://forms.gle/6Gf1mFtZ1N64jvfm8

Equity and Mental Health within our youth communities is an investment the design committee wanted to focus on and the Attendee Registration form reflects this.

If any questions arise, please contact admin@youthcareerfair.org.

STEM Student Film Festival

Tuesday, April 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – YouTube

STEM will be holding its first-ever STEM Film Festival on Tuesday, April 27 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. via YouTube. This event is to showcase the creative, video work that is being done within our student body. This event is for Middle and High School Students.

A max of 15-minute Short MP4 Films should be submitted by April 15 to https://stemfilmfest@https://stemk12.org. Categories include:

  • Horror/Thriller
  • Comedy
  • Drama
  • Educational

Contact Dan Levinson (dan.levinson@https://stemk12.org) with any questions.

New to STEM Secondary "Welcome to STEM" Webinar

Wednesday, April 28, 6-7 p.m. – Zoom

New to STEM Secondary students and families are invited to attend our “Welcome to STEM” Webinar event on Wednesday, April 28 from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom.

This event is New families and students to STEM and for returning STEM families who have a student moving into sixth and ninth grades.

Topics will include:

  • STEM’s Formula for Character
  • Behavior Expectations
  • Review of Required Courses
  • Course Progression
  • Block Schedule
  • Sample Schedule
  • Teacher Expectations
  • Tips for Success
  • Enrichment
  • The Role of the Counselor
  • Driveline

Contact your grade-level counselor for more information:

News and Updates

Reminder of Senior Fees

The STEM Business Office would like to remind families of seniors, that if there are any outstanding fees on a student’s account, they must be paid for prior to graduation. Emails have been sent to families who have an outstanding balance. Fees can be paid for through MySchoolBucks.

Jeopardy-Style Capture the Flag (CTF) Competition

Terminix (NICE K-12 education) is hosting its 3rd annual Capture The Flag hacking competition event for Ages 13 and above. On Friday, March 26, 2021 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. CDT, teams will compete in a jeopardy-style CTF, solving challenges involving web exploitation, reverse engineering, forensics…etc. There will be puzzles for ALL skill levels, so whether you are a seasoned penetration tester or simply curious about InfoSec and would like to learn something new, there will be something that is right up your alley.

Registration and participation is 100% free and 100% virtual, and prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams. Prizes are unfortunately available for domestic participants only. Click the button below to register.  Reach out to infosec@terminix.com with any questions. We look forward to having everyone join us on Friday the 26th. Also note that this event will be hard-capped at 250 participants, so if you plan on attending, it is critical that you sign up early. For any questions, please email Ms. Simi Basu at simi.basu@https://stemk12.org.

Building Parent Trust Committee Survey

The Parent Trust Committee of the Strategic Plan Goal “Building Parent Trust” would like to collect some data from our community (students and parents) on some of the favorite implementations of Problem Based Learning that teachers have created in their classrooms. The committee gathered feedback during the Town Hall in January that included helping to build a repository of PBLs for teachers to use.

Problem based learning is STEM’s instructional model. Teachers utilized different techniques to have students solve a real-world problem, while teaching the state standards and core competencies.

Win a Zero Gravity Flight with The Galactic Gal!

Joe and Camille Calibeo are Lockheed Martin engineers who have worked with STEM students. Ever wanted to experience zero gravity? Now is your chance. Enter the FREE giveaway to win a GoZeroG flight and fly in zero gravity on April 10. The contest ends March 14 at 11:59 p.m. EST and the winner will be announced on social media on March 20. Here are the details about the flight:

  • The zero-gravity flight will depart from Las Vegas, NV.
  • The flight includes a rapid COVID-19 test (RT-PCR) upon arrival.
  • The winner will be required to complete a medical history form prior to the flight. See gozerog.com/faq for more information.

Middle School Commercial Contest

Hey STEM Middle Schoolers! Do you have a desire to make commercials out of random household items? Well, we have the contest for you. Middle School Student Government is excited to announce that we will be hosting a commercial-making contest from March 22-31s. To enter, simply email msstudentgovernment@s.https://stemk12.org with your submission. Submissions must be under three minutes long and no inappropriate submissions will be judged.

Please make a commercial using one of the following items:

  • Water Bottle
  • Dog/Cat/Sibling
  • Rock
  • Toilet paper
  • Pencil
  • Hot Cheetos

Nominate a STEM Teacher for the Schomp Awards

We’re calling on our STEM Community to nominate our teachers for the Schomp Automotive 2021 Teacher of the Year Awards. Click the button below to access the nomination form. This year, Schomp has expanded from being a traditional Schomp Honda program to now include the participation of all Schomp Colorado Dealerships, which means more schools, more teachers and more prizes.

Teachers can be nominated through March 26. The finalist selection and voting period will run through April 30. The teacher that receives the most of your votes will be awarded a three-year lease of the brand-new car of their choice* as well as $5,000 to support the cause of their choice.

Recovery Resources Available

Elizabeth Brown joined STEM in January 2021 as the Recovery Coordinator for STEM. While her desk is located in the new admin side of the P-TECH building, she will be spending the majority of her time in the school. The broadest description of her position is to provide overall coordination for the recovery of students, parents, and staff. Dr. Euker has stated that it is a huge priority for her that Elizabeth reaches out and provides the necessary support and information to our community. Elizabeth is working under a grant that can make all kinds of resources available to those who would like them.

Her role is specifically to support all who have been impacted, so if there are needs that aren’t being met, questions that aren’t being answered, or services that aren’t being provided, it would be really helpful to let her know so she can be sure to address those issues. Please email her at elizabeth.brown@https://stemk12.org.

$2,000 AI scholarship for STEM Students

March 21 – Application Deadline

AI Camp is offering scholarships for their summer program. In this three-week summer program, you will get to learn machine learning and create an impressive AI product. No coding experience is needed. With the full scholarship, you get to enjoy this $2,000 USD program for free. AI Camp was founded by Stanford Ph.Ds and advised by a Stanford Professor and CTOs from Silicon Valley. Click the buttons below for more information and to submit your application.

Boys and Girls State program

American Legion is accepting applications for High School juniors and seniors to take part in the Colorado Boys State, which is a six-day hands-on experience from July 11-16 at the Hotel Elegante Conference and Event Center in Colorado Springs. It focuses on the operation of the democratic form of government, the organization of political parties, and the relationship of one to the other in shaping the Colorado government. The American Legion Colorado Boys State program is sponsored by the Colorado American Legion. The program cost is paid for by The American Legion. At Boys State, young men learn about city, county, and state government through a non-partisan objective education approach. The young men also form friendships that will last a lifetime! Boys state is for high school juniors going into their senior year with at least one semester left of school.

FREE AIAA Membership for Students

AIAA’s (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics) is offering free membership for high school students. STEM School Highlands Ranch has been a partner with AIAA. We are piloting this first-ever AIAA outreach in several projects, including our internships and a project called “Martian Greenhouse.”

Join the STEM Team!

STEM is hiring. Check out the positions below on our Employment page to find out more.

  • Assistant Director (Middle and High School)
  • Elementary School Instructional Coach
  • Middle School Instructional Coach
  • High School Instructional Coach
  • Elementary Instructional Assistant – Full Time
  • Middle School Educational Assistant – Full Time
  • Middle School Computer Science Teacher (Part-Time)
  • After-School Programming Assistant (Part-Time)

Updates to Snow Day Procedure

Due to the delayed start at the beginning of the school year that has impacted our required academic minutes, if DCSD calls for a SCHOOL CLOSURE due to weather, STEM will operate on a Virtual Day Schedule instead. This decision was made to prevent having to add additional days at the end of the school year to make up for a snow day. If DCSD calls for a DELAYED START due to weather, STEM will operate on a Virtual Day Schedule.

Senior Information Night Recording

Updates to 2020-21 Academic Calendar and Graduation

In late August/early September of 2020, STEM had to make an adjustment to its Academic Calendar to extend the school year by a few days in order to account for our delayed start. The last day (half day) for Elementary is Friday, May 21 and the last day (half day) for Secondary is Tuesday, May 25. You can view the updated Calendar here. Additionally, graduation has been moved to Thursday, May 20 at 2 p.m. at EchoPark Stadium.

School Photos Update

STEM had picture Day on February 16 & 17 for students needing a current school photo. If your student was unable to take advantage of the picture days at STEM, please set an appointment to have their picture taken at the photographer’s studio. Check out the buttons to the left to schedule an appointment or order photos.

New Gear available for sale in the SpartMart

Don’t Delay! Show your STEM Spartan Pride by ordering from the NEW gear that is available in the SpartMart Store. Check out the flier to the right for more information. The SpartMart is operated by STEM students and the gear is designed by STEM students as well.

February 2021 SpartMart Sale

Secondary Yearbook Info

2020-21 Yearbooks for Sale

All Secondary Students can pick up their yearbooks from last school year at the Middle School Front Office. People who have yet to purchase their yearbooks from the 2019-2020 school year and would like one can email sherry.wise@https://stemk12.org to request and get payment information.

Online ordering is now available for 2020-21 Yearbooks. Click here to purchase yours today!

Recovery Resources Available

Elizabeth Brown joined STEM in January 2021 as the Recovery Coordinator for STEM. While her desk is located in the new admin side of the P-TECH building, she will be spending the majority of her time in the school. The broadest description of her position is to provide overall coordination for the recovery of students, parents, and staff. Dr. Euker has stated that it is a huge priority for her that Elizabeth reaches out and provides the necessary support and information to our community. Elizabeth is working under a grant that can make all kinds of resources available to those who would like them.

Her role is specifically to support all who have been impacted, so if there are needs that aren’t being met, questions that aren’t being answered, or services that aren’t being provided, it would be really helpful to let her know so she can be sure to address those issues. Please email her at elizabeth.brown@https://stemk12.org.

FREE Meals for Hybrid and Virtual Learners from DCSD

DCSD will be providing weekly remote meal bag pick-ups at all neighborhood Middle Schools in Douglas County (pick-up not available at STEM). Meal pick-ups do NOT require pre-order. Simply pull up to our curbside pickup locations and request a meal for kids, just like our Summer Feeding sites. Kids do not need to attend DCSD Schools and do not need to be present for pickup. Please see the flier to right for more information.

DCSD Nutrition Services is Hiring

DCSD Nutrition Services is hiring! They are offering four- and six-hour per day Kitchen Assistant positions in Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock and Parker. Partial or full benefits are available with pay starting at $12/hr. Nights, weekends and school breaks off! Click the button below to apply.

Enrichment Update

High School Ultimate Frisbee Registration Open

US Ultimate Frisbee will start back up after Spring Break. Practices will be Mondays and Wednesdays. Click the button below for more information and to sign up.

Volunteer and Donation News

*Due to COVID 19, no visitors or volunteers are allowed inside the building at this time. Volunteer requirements will be adjusted as needed. There was a consideration to switch volunteer hour tracking syhttps://stems, but we will stay with our syhttps://stem we have been using at this time.

Volunteer opportunities below are all outside of the school building.

Donation Requests

Staff Feedback Team Donations

The Staff Feedback Team is seeking “treat” donations for staff. If you are interested in donating any of these items, please bring to the MS Office labeled “SFT Treats” – thank you so much!!

Individual bags of:

PE Donations

Our Physical Education Department would love to take your students on new and exciting adventures, but sometimes that requires extra equipment. There was recently a disc golf course built within walking distance from our campus, and we would love to use this space in our community to enhance our curriculum. We are looking for donations of frisbee golf discs that students can use. Anything and everything would be greatly appreciated!

Please bring these donations to the MS office labeled PE Donations. For questions, contact Megan Lipe, Secondary Physical Education Teacher megan.lipe@https://stemk12.org.

ES Counseling Donations:

Please bring to the ES Office labeled ES Counseling. Thank you!

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