Secondary News and Updates (07/01/22)

Please take a moment to check the STEM All-Events Calendar on our website.

There are lots of events already scheduled so please take a moment to take a look at the calendar to familiarize yourself with some of the events at the start of school. This calendar will continue to be updated throughout the summer as we get closer to the start of school.

Express Check-in is an online application that ALL FAMILIES, new and current, use to verify their student’s contact and household information and to complete district and STEM School required forms before each new school year. All families MUST complete the Express Check-in Process to ensure that they receive communication from the school. Failure to complete the Express Check-in process will result in significant limitations to internet service at STEM School Highlands Ranch.

No tentative date has been set yet for Express Check-In, but we anticipate it to be around Wednesday, July 13. Families will receive an e-mail from STEM with a link to access Express Check-in. You will also find a link to Express Check-in on our website. Registration fees are also paid electronically at this time and this is the only avenue to pay fees next year.

In order to complete Express Check-In, all families will need to use their Parent Portal log-in credentials. If you have not yet set up your Parent Portal account, please reference the YouTube Tutorial to the right to begin that process. Please also visit the DCSD Self Service Portal to set up your account.

We have a limited number of parking spaces available for High School students.

Beginning on Monday, July 4, please place your name on the waitlist if you are interested in purchasing a Student Parking Pass. The fee will be $50. You must have a current driver’s license to apply for a parking pass.

The initial sign-up window will close on Wednesday, July 6 at 12 p.m. Seniors who sign up during this window will receive priority, followed by juniors and sophomores. After Wednesday, July 6, we will go down the waitlist to assign passes on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Students who have been assigned a parking pass will receive an email after Monday, July 11. Notification emails will go out to parents and students. Payment must be made through Express Check-In on the Parent Portal before the pass can be given out. The student will be required to show a driver’s license to pick up the parking pass. Passes will be available for pickup in the Secondary School office beginning on the first day of school. If you have any questions, please contact Sherry Wise at sherry.wise@stemk12.org.

Please place your student’s name on the waitlist for a locker. The fee for a locker will be $5.00 Lockers will be assigned beginning July 15th. PLEASE NOTE, THAT DUE TO CONSTRUCTION, WE WILL HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF LOCKERS FOR AT LEAST THE FIRST SEMESTER.

Lockers are separated by grade level and will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. You will be able to pay for the locker fee through Express Check-In on the Parent Portal. Parents and students will receive an email with their locker number and combination. If you have any questions, please contact Sherry Wise at sherry.wise@stemk12.org.

Over the last two years, the USDA has provided school waivers that provide meals at no cost to the students. Those waivers will expire after the 2021-22 School year ends. This means that a return to paid meals will begin August 8, 2022 for students that do not qualify for Free or Reduces Meal Benefits. DCSD is asking that ALL families please complete the Free or Reduced Lunch Application by July 25, 2022.

If a family does not qualify for FRL, the meals will cost the following:

$3.25 – Elementary

$3.75 – Middle School

All meal prices include an entree, fruit, veggies and milk. Ala carte options are available at all schools and prices vary by option. Students pay for school lunches through their MySchoolBucks account.

We desperately need to hire to support the STEM community, any assistance is greatly appreciated.

We are looking for two Senior Program Leaders and one Program Lead to work in a busy and fun program. If you, or someone you know, is looking to develop management skills and gain experience in a growing program with a fun, experienced, and dedicated staff, this is the right move for you. Hours would be M-F 1:30-5:30/6. Part-time and full-time hours are available during school breaks. I am happy to coordinate with BASE Managers who have staff looking for more hours.  Feel free to call ( (720) 688-2928) or email (amy.dupays@dcsdk12.org) for more details or questions.

Thank you,

Amy Dupays