STEM

While in one of our 4th grade classrooms, I took a picture of some of the posters that lined the classroom walls. Teachers at STEM take the time to make sure that students have examples of what they're learning and how they're going to learn it. This year, our staff are focusing on collaborating with one another to make sure students are learning at high levels, that we are reviewing data to serve students.

Last week, our school received the budget for the 2026-2027 school year. Some celebrations: We will have a full time assistant principal next year and K-3 will have an additional teacher that will be used to support teaching either by reducing class sizes for one grade level (Teachers are discussing what they think would work best to support students). I will be reviewing the budget during Thursday's PTA meeting.

On Saturday, I got to go to Chief Sealth where both boys and girls basketball teams were playing. STEM did a wonderful job. The girls got the win and the boys came close. If you find yourself with some free time on s Saturday, go watch our Owls on the court! They do a great job!

Have a good week and thank you,

Adrienne/Ms. O

STEM will be holding their career day on Friday, April 10 beginning at 8:30 a.m.. We are looking for professionals in the following fields (this is what students have asked to learn more about).

Careers in: Healthcare & Medical, Science, Space & Environment, Engineering, Technology & IT, Arts, Design & Creative Careers, Sports & Entertainment, Food & Culinary Fields.

Representation matters, and our objective is to expose our diverse population of students to a variety of jobs being done by people they can identify with. If you are able and interested, we hope you will be willing to help inspire our PK through 8thgrade students by sharing your career journey, your interests, and hobbies as a child and how they influenced your career choice, a typical workday, education requirements, and more. We invite you to bring artifacts, tools, or takeaways. We want students to have the opportunity to hear from someone whose career choice interests them and to explore career fields they may not have considered before.

We ask that speakers commit to at least 90 minutes. The 90-minute period will allow you to speak to three classes of students, twenty minutes per class in grades 6-8 and fifteen minutes per class in grades PK-5. If you would like help preparing your presentation, just let us know. We will be happy to help you.

If you are interested in participating, or know someone who would be interested, email Adrienne Ollerenshaw amolllerensha@seattleschools.org or Jessica Shamburger jlshamburger@seattleschools.org

Thank you !

Updated Procedures and Supports Regarding Immigration Control and Enforcement

Seattle Public Schools has policy and procedure both when there are rumors or a report of immigration enforcement activity near a school campus as well as on campus activity and direct requests to schools. At STEM we are following these policies and procedures.

Seattle Public Schools School Leader Protocols: Responding to Immigration Enforcement Activity:

If a school leader is made aware of a rumor or report of immigration enforcement activity near one of our campuses, they will notify the district’s Safety and Security office. The report will be assessed by Safety and Security, and next steps will be determined in partnership with the school leader.

If immigration enforcement agents attempt to access our school buildings, they will not be granted access unless Seattle Public Schools legal counsel is able to verify a judicial warrant. More information can be found in Superintendent Procedure 4310SP.B – Limiting Immigration Enforcement at Schools.

Resources for Families

Families and community members can find resources and supports on our website. These include links to know your rights materials, the City’s rapid response program, legal resources, and family preparedness planning.

Emergency resources can also be found by calling 844-724-3737 to report immigration enforcement activity or get connected to emergency resources.

If you have questions please reach out to amollerensha@seattleschools.org.

Talking to Students about Immigration and Customs Enforcement

In the coming days, students may have an opportunity to ask questions and participate in a brief, age-appropriate discussion related to current events involving immigration and immigration enforcement. The conversation will focus on answering student questions and sharing general information about school safety procedures.

Students will be encouraged to talk with their families about any questions they may have and to follow up with staff as needed. Our goal is to provide accurate information, reassurance, and a supportive space for students.

If your child is experiencing worries or concerns, or if your family would like additional support or resources, please feel free to reach out to myself or Ms. Dana dmfink@seattleschools.org, our school social worker.

Resources:

• What to Say to Kids About ICE
• What To Do if You're Worried About ICE (for kids)
• What Deaf and Hard of Hearing People Need to Know About ICE
• Step by Step Family Preparedness Plan

When a staff member does something that you would like to acknowledge, one way you can do that is by telling us about it. The things that staff and community have shared have brought joy to me and my staff. If you would like to share something that a staff member did, use this link: STEM Staff Shout Outs

All students at STEM receive one free breakfast and lunch per day- vegetarian options daily!

• The Cafeteria is open at 8:35 a.m. to serve breakfast daily
• Students can check-in with any adult in the Cafeteria to navigate breakfast & lunch service

By filling out the The School Meals Application, it helps our school receive federal and state funding. It does more than just support our cafeteria. Please fill out!

• April 2: All School Spring Concert
• April 10: Career Day
• April 13-17: Spring Break

SPS School Calendar

STEM Calendar

The SPS 2026–27 school year calendar is now available, giving families time to plan for the year ahead. From the first day of school to breaks and holidays, all the key dates are in one place. Important note: School will start before Labor Day in the upcoming school year.

Visitors Check in with the Office

If you have to come into the building for some reason, you will need to check in with the front office. All visitors in the building should have an visitor sticker or lanyard. There is a new kiosk to help us keep track of all of the wonderful people that are passing through.

STEM loves volunteers! Opportunities range from recess help, classroom organizers, 1:1 tutoring sessions, field trips, Enrichment parent chaperones and more! Before volunteering can begin, paperwork needs to be filled out and a background check completed through SPS. This process can take up to 3 weeks.

Interested? Please contact our Office Assistant, Leo mrshaughness@seattleschools.org, to get the ball rolling.

When is your child too sick for school? (OSPI flyer)

Resources for housing, finances, food, clothing and legal available now and please reach out to our school Social Worker, Dana Fink, for direct support: dmfink@seattleschools.org | 503-766-3648

Let's gather as a community to discuss important PTA & school topics and to plan out the remainder of the school year, together! Our General meetings are a great time to connect with Ms. O too! Please join us in the STEM Library or via Zoom from 6:30-8 pm. Join the General PTA Meeting via Zoom. Questions? executiveboard@stemk8pta.org

• Staff Appreciation is March 11, let’s show STEM staff some appreciation by starting Pi Day early! Additional info about Pi Night & Staff Appreciation and to sign up.
• March 13 from 5:30-7 pm is our annual Pi Night, a Free community event to celebrate International Pi Day! STEM Pals, Kodely, STEM Bots, tons more math fun + pizza and pie!! Interested in helping with Pi Night? Sign up to run a math activity, donate some pie or for other day of volunteer opportunities.

We're excited to bring back our Read-A-Thon fundraiser, to benefit our STEM PTA! We're looking for anyone interested in a big or small roll to help plan, organize and execute this all-school event to encourage an increase in reading within our student body, while fundraising for STEM!

Agenda: Review chosen platform, set up prize collection group, finalize dates/timeline

Join the Read-A-Thon planning meeting via Zoom. Questions? Please reach out to elyse@stemk8pta.org.

We're looking for participants for our annual Budget Committee to help structure the PTA's financial support for STEM for the '26-27 school year. Meetings will take place in April with a 3-5 hour total estimated commitment. Please reach out to treasurer@stemk8pta.org for questions or interest!

Superintendent, Ben Shuldiner, started with SPS February 1. He is hosting several upcoming community engagement sessions, for dates and additional information! STEM PTA Advocacy Chair, Greg Goldstein, is collecting questions from our school community to bring to some of these sessions: greg@stemk8pta.org

Save the date for our annual Kick-off to Pride party- Friday, May 29! This FREE community event is put on by the STEM GGLOW (Gender non-binary/Gender Queer, Gay, Lesbian or Whatever) Club and the PTA. If you're interested in helping with planning or volunteering day of please email paula@stemk8pta.org.

• General PTA Meeting- Thursday, 3/5, 6:30-8 p.m.: Engage in important discussions, receive PTA updates and help to plan out the remainder of the school year! Join the General PTA Meeting via Zoom.

• Staff Appreciation- Wednesday, 3/11: Let’s show STEM staff some appreciation by starting Pi Day early! Additional Staff Appreciation info and to sign up. staffappreciation@stemk8pta.org

• Pi Night- FRI 3/13, 5:30-7 p.m.: FREE community event to celebrate International Pi Day! All the math fun- plus pizza and pie! Volunteer + pie donation opportunities.
• Movie Night- Friday, 3/27 @ 6 p.m.: Showing the Lego Movie to benefit the 8th grade overnight camp trip to NatureBridge! $5-10 suggested donation for entry + snacks. Additional Movie Night info!

* View our calendar here for up-to-date PTA & school events *

Current Full Board open positions: Co-Race, Equity & Inclusion Chair, Co-SPED Chair, Membership, Field Trip Coordinator (grades 5-8) and Garden Club Coordinator. We're looking to grow our Fundraising Committee! If you'd like to join us for one or a few fundraising efforts this year, or have ideas you'd like to share, let us know!

Open Board positions for the '26-27 school year: Treasurer, Co-Treasurer, Secretary & Movie Night Coordinator.

Please reach out to executiveboard@stemk8pta.org for additional info on these roles or with interest!

Check out our website for updated PTA & school activities, contacts for our Executive & Full Board, our PTA's Mission & Values, financial details, ways to support our PTA, updated Enrichment info, Open Enrollment details and More!

🦉 stemk8pta.org | Facebook | Instagram | communications@stemk8pta.org

• West Seattle Food Bank Clothesline re-opening & Free tax help- The Clothesline is now open for donations + distribution. Operating times and to learn more about receiving Free in-person tax help!

• Sensory inclusive performances, events & activities in Seattle: Including the Seattle Aquarium with free headphones & weighted pad blanket kits available at guest services! Full list of sensory inclusive locations and details.

STEM partners with the YMCA to provide an on-site before and after school program. Additional STEM/YMCA Before & Aftercare information.

Principal: Adrienne Ollerenshaw amollerensha@seattleschools.org

Assistant Principal: Andrea Stowell anstowell@seattleschools.org

Administrative Secretary: Latisha Ellis ljellis@seattleschools.org

Office Assistant: Leo Shaughnessy mrshaughness@seattleschools.org

School Social Worker: Dana Fink dmfink@seattleschools.org