STEM

Hello STEM Community!

Before I get started, Go Seahawks! I've never been much of a football fan but this city is changing that!

February is Black History Month. 2026 marks the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month. Black History Month offers an opportunity to explore how Black Americans have shaped our nation from its very beginning. Our school is centering Black voices, honoring achievements, and highlighting the contributions Black individuals and communities have made to our culture, arts, sciences, and everyday life.

We also have other events this week: February 14th is Valentines Day. The STEM version of this is Friendship Day. Some classrooms may choose to have a celebration. I have included our guidance around holiday celebrations below.

On Wednesday, our school will practice a monthly safety drill. We will do an earthquake drill followed by evacuating the building and heading to the field (which would be where you would meet your child if we ever find ourselves in the situation where students have to be picked up after an earthquake. These are for practice and after the drill, we review and discuss with our safety team how things went.

STEM continues to prioritize Social Emotional Learning. A resource that I have referenced before is Second Step. All classroom teachers have logins to this resource and have been using it to teach whole group lessons on goal setting, emotional management, empathy and kindness and problem solving. If you want to learn more about how your child's teacher is using this tool, reach out!

We are just days away from midwinter break. I come from a family of baseball enthusiasts so we will be headed to Arizona for the first days of Spring Training.

Thank you for everything.

Adrienne

Here is the communication I shared with staff around holidays and celebrations:

Friendship Day/Valentines Day

Valentines Day is approaching. A couple of staff have mentioned that in previous years, the school celebrated a Friendship Day in place of Valentines Day. I am sharing guidance from previous administrators around holiday guidance. If you would like to discuss or revisit this, please let me know.

• To promote the academic environment of the school and decrease disruptions and emphasis on sweets, Louisa Boren STEM K-8 strives for a and"treat-free" practice for birthdays and holidays. If you would like to send something to school with your child to commemorate their birthday, please consider healthy snacks or donating your child's favorite book to the classroom in lieu of food items.

• In a similar vein, STEM K-8 is “Treat free” for Harvest Festivals, Valentines Day, or other celebrations that may occur. Instead look for healthy snacks that can be used for classroom celebrations. A new twist is finding a place where to eat the snacks. Outside/cafeteria are options. If you use the cafeteria, let me know so we can discuss the cleaning of that space.

• We are inclusive and strive to validate all of our students. We pay attention to the balance and the importance we put on particular cultures.

• In addition to not over-focusing on particular cultures, we do not over-focus on a particular holiday within one culture. In this way, we are not defining an entire culture or faith through one holiday.

• We are careful to avoid stereotypes when presenting holiday information, putting up decorations and implementing activities.

• We do not teach the religious aspect of only one holiday. We can explain religious aspects of multiple holidays in a matter-of-fact simple manner.

• We involve families as much as possible and as is age-appropriate in the implementation of holiday activities. We will keep families informed of upcoming holiday activities and events. For students whose home culture prohibits a particular celebration or recognition, we will find alternative activities that promote their inclusion in the classroom.

• There are no hard and fast rules about the time that should be spent because the amount of time will vary according to the age, interests and needs of the children.

• As we decide on holidays to teach about, we think about our students and teachers reflect on holidays that have importance to them as individuals. For example, if a teacher has a passion for American history, her class can only benefit from experiencing that passion around Patriots Day. Teachers may also want to consider including holidays that are important to our larger community and city. Teachers are encouraged to discuss with their grade-level partner the list of holidays they are considering.

Just inside the front doors of STEM, you will find our lost and found rack. It is overflowing with jackets, lunchboxes, sweatshirts, clothing and other items. On Friday, we will bag up and donate all lost and found items. Please swing by and check to see if any of the items belong to you or someone in your family.

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

Our children have been in school for over four months! The school wants to hear from you about how it has been going. Your feedback is important and valued. Please fill out the following form. It will be shared with our Race and Equity Team and other committees. I appreciate your collaboration and partnership in making our school better.

Parent/Caregiver Feedback on STEM – Fill out form

Seattle Public Schools invited students that scored less than 60 percent on the MAP standardized tests in reading and/or math to take part in Summer Learning. We recognize that standardized tests capture a student's ability on that given day and does not necessarily reflect their overall ability. If you would like more information as to why your child was selected or if you think this is a good fit for you and your family, reach out to your child's teacher or the front office. We want to make sure that you are supported.

Summer School Dates:

• June 29–July 31, 2026
• Student Hours: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Schools open at 7:30 for bus arrival.
• All school breakfast at 8 a.m.

Please reach out if you have questions about appeals,

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!

• February: Black History Month
• March 13: Pi Night at STEM
• March 31: Career Day
• April 2: All School Spring Concert
• April 13-17: Spring Break

SPS School Calendar

STEM Calendar

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

Please help us to show STEM staff how much we love and appreciate them for all they do for our community- with yummy food, drinks and treats! More info and to sign up for Staff Appreciation. Thank you!

Questions? staffappreciation@stemk8pta.org

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

All students are participating in Woodshop this year! Join us Friday, 2/27, at 6 pm to watch My Neighbor Totoro to support the continuation of this awesome program at STEM! Suggested donation of $5-10 for entry + snacks. Snack donation and day of volunteer opportunities to help make this fundraiser successful. This is not a drop off event, thank you!

We partner with amazing local game store Meeples to provide FREE Game Nights at STEM! We're looking for help organizing these future community events to continue this fun tradition at our school. Please reach out to vp@stemk8pta.org with interest, thank you!

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. Thanks!

• 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!

• Pi Night- Friday, 3/13: FREE community event to celebrate International Pi Day! All the math fun- plus pizza and pie! Stay tuned for more details.

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

Current Full Board open positions: Co-Race, Equity & Inclusion Chair, Co-Special Education 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 Executive Board positions for the '26-27 school year: Treasurer, Co-Treasurer and Secretary.

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, Tours & Open Enrollment details and More!

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

• West Seattle Food Bank Clothesline re-opening & Free tax help- The Clothesline re-opened for donations 2/7 and will re-start distribution 2/17. All operating times and to learn more about receiving FREE in-person tax help!

• Black History Month family events around Seattle- Black History Month Events for Kids

• Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) Know Your Rights virtual workshop- Wednesday, 2/11, 6–7:30 p.m.: Learn how to support yourself and your community during encounters with immigration enforcement agents. Additional Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, Know your rights virtual Workshop info.

• 10th annual University of WA Introduce a Girl to Engineering Event- Saturday, 2/21, 12:30-4:45 p.m.: Introduce a Girl is an annual STEM outreach event geared towards youth ages 5-15. Students have the opportunity to explore science and technology through a variety of interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities hosted by UW students. This event is free for all participants and is a great way to get youth excited about STEM! Additional UW Introduce a Girl to Engineering Event info and to register.
• 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 locations and details.

STEM partners with the YMCA to provide an on-site before and after school program. Additional STEM YMCA information or contact our Site Director, Anna Hofmann, at ahofmann@seattleymca.org.

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