STEM SPOTLIGHT

From Fall Breezes to Winter Chill: STEM’s Weather Update

As crisp fall days give way to winter’s chill, it’s time to prepare for changing weather and possible snow. STEM’s updated 2025-26 Weather Policy ensures safety while keeping learning on track.

If Douglas County School District announces a Late Start due to snow and/or icy road conditions,

STEM may implement a Virtual Learning Day instead.

• On Virtual Learning Days, 20% of instruction in each class will be conducted synchronously (live online instruction).

• For elementary students, 20% of synchronous learning will take place specifically in Math and ELA.
• The school building will be closed to students on these days.
• Families will be notified via email and/or Finalsite text messaging.

If a Late Start is called due to cold temperatures, STEM may:

• Proceed with a normal school day (standard start and end times), or
• Implement a delayed start, depending on the specific circumstances.

We encourage all families to regularly update their contact information and follow school

communications for timely updates during inclement weather. As we move from colorful leaves to snowy mornings, thank you for staying alert to weather changes and for helping us keep everyone safe while maintaining learning.

In partnership,

LynAnn Kovalesky

Executive Director

STEM School Highlands Ranch

Colorado Student Count Day is Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and attendance on this day determines the per-pupil funding our school receives from the state. These funds are essential to supporting high-quality instruction, maintaining programs, and providing the resources that help students thrive. To ensure our school receives full funding, it is critical that all K–12 students are present for the entire day unless they are ill. Please schedule non-emergency appointments on another date so that every student can be counted.

We are pleased to be included in the invite to the annual DCSD Diwali Event. This event is intended for all DCSD students, families and, staff.

Please complete and submit this form no later than October 7 to allow event planners to prepare food and activities accordingly. Only 1 RSVP form is needed by per family. Thank you!

Please click the link below to read full updates from STEM's athletic director, Mrs. Jones.

Missed picture day or want a retake? Tuesday, October 7th is your chance! Come dressed and ready for school photos, a perfect opportunity to update your yearbook photo and student ID.

Trunk or Treat is on October 24th, 5 PM – 6:30 PM. Costumes, candy, and community!

What is Trunk or Treat? Trunk or Treat is a family-friendly Halloween event where parents, staff, and volunteers decorate the trunks of their cars and hand out candy from their vehicles in our parking lot. Kids walk from car to car in costume, collecting treats in a safe, festive space.

We invite all parents to help make our Trunk or Treat a magical evening for students and families! Please consider decorating your car with a fun theme and bring at least 8 large bags of candy to share with all the little trick-or-treaters. Click the button below to sign up! Additional candy donations will be accepted in both the elementary and secondary offices.

Please click the link below to read full updates from Mrs. McElroy, Elementary Principal.

High School Homecoming Spirit Week is this week! Dress up, show your STEM pride, and join the fun all week long—let’s make it unforgettable! 🎉

• Monday 9/29 – PJ Day
• Tuesday 9/30 – Student/Teacher Swap Day
• Wednesday 10/1 – Decades Day
• Thursday 10/2 – Green Light Day
• Friday 10/3 – Rhyme Without a Reason

Let’s fill the halls with creativity, school spirit, and fun all week long!

Our High School Homecoming Bonfire lights up the night on Monday, September 29th from 7 PM - 8:30 PM at STEM School Highlands Ranch. A perfect way to kick off the week with music, games, and school spirit!

Our High School Homecoming Great Gatsby Dance is set for October 4th from 7–10 PM. Dress in your best Gatsby-inspired style! Think flapper dresses, sharp suits, and plenty of sparkle!

Gather your friends, hit the dance floor, and make memories that would make Jay Gatsby proud. Tickets can be purchased by clicking the button below!

The High School Powderpuff Game date has changed! The game is now Tuesday, September 30th at Marcy Park, 4:30 PM – 6 PM (9373 Desert Willow Rd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129). See you there for a fun evening of school spirit! Admission is free!

Get ready for a spooky-bright night of music, food, and fun! The Middle School Student Government invites all Middle School students to the Neon Nightmares Dance on Saturday, October 25th at STEM School Highlands Ranch.

• Time: 6 PM – 8:30 PM (Athletic Entrance doors open at 6 PM)
• Tickets: $10 presale / $15 at the door. Purchase by clicking the link below!
• Theme: Spooky Neon – wear your best neon or glow-in-the-dark outfit!
• Details: Music, food, games, a DJ, and plenty of photo opportunities.

Important Reminders:

• Costumes must be school-appropriate.
• No weapons of any kind.
• Faces must remain visible—no full-face masks or coverings.
• School IDs are required for entry.
• Come dance the night away with friends and celebrate the season in glowing style!

Save the Date for MS/HS Parent Teacher Conferences held in the Secondary Gym. We kindly ask that all families adhere to the Last Name alphabetical order for these dates.

• Tuesday, Oct. 7th | 4:30 - 7:30 PM – Last Names A–L

• Thursday, Oct. 9th | 4:30 - 7:30 PM – Last Names M–Z

Regular school day held on both Tuesday and Thursday.

8th-Grade Counselor Sessions: Meet with a counselor during Parent Teacher Conferences to discuss your 8th grader’s move to high school before Rising Spartan Night on Nov. 5th.

Sign up: go.stemk12.org/8thGradeCounselorQuestions

STEM will be hosting important college-readiness assessments this October for grades 6th - 12th.

Testing Dates & Details

• Wednesday, October 8th, 2025
• All 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th graders will take either the PSAT 8/9 or PSAT/NMSQT.
• IMPORTANT: No school for 6th, 7th, or 12th graders on this day.

Thursday, October 23rd, 2025

STEM will offer the SAT for any 10th, 11th, or 12th graders who wish to test for a fee.

Key Actions

• PSAT 8/9 (8th & 9th graders): Opt-Out by October 3rd.
• PSAT/NMSQT (10th & 11th graders): Opt-Out by October 3rd.
• SAT (10th–12th graders): Opt-In by October 6th.
• Opt-Out/Opt-In Forms Here: go.stemk12.org/October2025Testing

These assessments help establish college and career readiness benchmarks and provide valuable opportunities for scholarships and college preparation. Thank you for supporting our students in this important step toward their future success.

BELL SCHEDULE

Secondary School (6-12): 8 AM - 3:30 PM

Elementary School (K-1): 8:10 AM - 3 PM

Elementary School (2-5): 8:10 AM - 3:10 PM

AFTER-CARE HOURS

B.A.S.E. (K-5) 6:30 AM - 8:05 AM and 3 PM - 6 PM

Secondary (6-12) After School Care: 3:35 PM - 5:30 PM