Mr. Alsup Message

Dear STEM Families,

A lot has happened at STEM since my last newsletter, but perhaps the biggest highlight was Homecoming Week. Homecoming was a huge success! This year, we were thrilled to host our first-ever bonfire, which added an exciting new tradition to the celebration. The festivities began the week before with our Homecoming Assembly, and the students did a fantastic job.

I would like to thank all of our staff who volunteered to help make this an amazing week for our students. Whether it was coaching powderpuff, supporting the cheerleading team, participating in the assembly, or chaperoning the dance, we truly appreciate all that you do to make this possible. One of the wonderful things about STEM is that staff across all grade levels—elementary, middle, and high school—join together to support our students.

A special thank you goes to Daniel Kerwin, who continues to do an excellent job supporting Student Government. Finally, I’d like to thank our Student Government students for organizing the events and putting in countless hours to make it all happen.

Upcoming Testing Information

October 8
October marks an important part of the school year as students engage in assessments that help guide their academic journey. On Wednesday, Oct. 8, students will participate in the following:

• 8th & 9th Grade: PSAT 8/9 (administered in their Access class)
  Opt out closes 10/3
  
  

• 10th & 11th Grade: PSAT / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT)
  Opt out closes 10/3
  
  

These assessments are valuable tools that help students prepare for future standardized tests and provide feedback on their academic progress.

Please note that 7th, 8th, and 12th grade students will not have school on October 8.

October 23
SAT Test – Grades 10, 11 & 12

The SAT is a standardized test used for college admissions. This year it will be offered at STEM on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students who wish to take the test. There will be a fee for this assessment.
(Registration closes 10/6)

[Click here for the STEM 2025–2026 Standardized Assessment Calendar]

Parent/Teacher Conferences

This year’s fall conferences will be split by student last names:

• Tuesday, Oct. 7 – Students with last names A–L from 4:30–7:30 p.m.
  
  

• Thursday, Oct. 9 – Students with last names M–Z from 4:30–7:30 p.m.
  
  

If your child is struggling in a class, you may receive an email from teachers recommending that you attend, but all families are welcome to participate.

With each update, I sign off that I am Proud to be a STEM Spartan. I feel very fortunate to be part of such a fantastic school. Every day our students amaze me and make me proud to be part of their lives as they grow into adulthood. This week I watched our DECA students shine as they hosted their first DECA invitational, our Best Robotics teams burst with excitement as this year’s challenges were unveiled, and our student athletes demonstrate commitment and teamwork in competition. And of course, I’ve been inspired by our student leaders, whose hard work made Homecoming Week—and our first bonfire—such a memorable event.

We have amazing students, and it is an honor to work with them every single day.

That is all I have for now. I hope you have a great weekend!

Sincerely,
Ryan Alsup
High School Principal

Sincerely,

Ryan Alsup, High School Principal

Proud to be a STEM Spartan!