Back To School: 2026-27

Dear STEM School Highlands Ranch Families,

As we prepare to begin another incredible school year, I want to extend a warm welcome to each of you. Whether you are returning to STEM School Highlands Ranch or joining our community for the first time, we are excited to partner with you for a year filled with learning, growth, and new opportunities.

This year, our theme, Building Foundations for Growth, reflects our commitment to ensuring every student has the strong foundation they need to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. At STEM, we believe meaningful growth begins with strong relationships, engaging learning experiences, and a school community that challenges and supports every learner. Together, we will continue to foster curiosity, inspire innovation, and prepare students for success both in and beyond the classroom.

Inside this newsletter, you'll find important information to help your family prepare for the start of the school year, including key dates, back-to-school events, school supply information, technology updates, and other helpful resources. We encourage you to take a few moments to review the information so your family is ready for a successful first day.

Our teachers and staff have spent the summer preparing classrooms, planning engaging learning experiences, and creating opportunities for every student to feel welcomed, connected, and inspired. We cannot wait to welcome our Spartans back to campus and begin another year of discovery, collaboration, and achievement.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for entrusting us with your child's education. It is a privilege to serve your family, and we look forward to an exceptional school year together.
Welcome back, Spartans! Here's to an amazing 2026–2027 school year!

In Partnership,

LynAnn Kovalesky
Executive Director

As the new school year approaches, please take a moment to review your Infinite Campus notification settings to ensure you're receiving important school communications.

If you've previously opted out of receiving STEM communications—including attendance notifications—you may no longer receive school emails or text messages. Many of these messages contain important updates about school closures, emergencies, events, attendance, and other time-sensitive information.

If you're unsure whether you've blocked our communications or believe you're missing important school updates, please contact our Registrar at registrar@stemk12.org. We're happy to help ensure you're receiving the information you need to stay connected throughout the school year.

Before the school year begins, be sure to download the STEM School Highlands Ranch App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app provides quick access to school calendars, important announcements, emergency notifications, faculty directories, and the resources families use most—all in one convenient place. Stay informed and connected throughout the school year with the STEM app!

7/27: Kick Start the Year Virtual Sessions

7/29: Senior Parking Spot Painting
7/30: Senior Parking Spot Painting
7/30: Pirates Cove
8/10: Secondary Spartan Start | Secondary Picture Day | Elementary Meet the Teacher
8/11: First Day of School | 1st-12th
8/13: First Day of School | Kindergarten | Tissue and Tears
8/18: Senior College Night
8/19: Secondary Back to School Night

8/20: Elementary Back to School Night

Coming Soon: Express Check-In Dates

Join fellow STEM families, students, and staff for an evening of fun, connection, and excitement before the first day of school.

This event is a wonderful opportunity for new and returning families to reconnect after summer, meet new friends, and build meaningful connections with classmates, teachers, staff, and other STEM families before the school year begins.

📅 Thursday, July 30
⏰ 6:00–8:00 p.m.
📍 Pirates Cove
1225 W. Belleview Ave.
Englewood, CO 80120

🎟️ Admission is $8 per person. Purchase your tickets in advance using the button below, or buy them at the door the evening of the event.

We hope you'll join us as we celebrate the start of another incredible school year. We can't wait to see you there!

Save the date and join Elementary Principal, Ms. J and Elementary Dean, Ms. Gray for the Elementary Kick Start the Year Webinar on Monday, July 27, at 12:00 p.m.

This virtual session will cover everything families need to know to prepare for the new school year, including important information, key dates, school procedures, and what to expect during the first weeks of school.

The webinar link will be emailed to elementary families closer to the event date. We hope you'll join us as we kick off another fantastic school year together!

Mark your calendars! Elementary Meet the Teacher will take place on Monday, August 10, from 3:00–5:00 p.m.

This is a wonderful opportunity for elementary students and families to meet their teacher, see their classroom, drop off school supplies, and get excited for the first day of school. We look forward to welcoming everyone back and kicking off another fantastic year together!

Additional details will be shared with elementary families as the event approaches.

Save the date and join Middle School Principal, Maura Ridder and Middle School Dean, Kate Soubeiga for the Middle School Kick Start the Year Webinar on Monday, July 27, at 11:00 a.m.

This virtual session will cover everything middle school families need to know to prepare for the new school year, including important information, key dates, school procedures, daily expectations, and what to expect during the first weeks of school.

The webinar link will be emailed to middle school families closer to the event date. We hope you'll join us as we kick off another fantastic school year together!

Save the date and join High School Principal, Ryan Alsup and High School Dean, Samson Barrios for the High School Kick Start the Year Webinar on Monday, July 27, at 3:00 p.m.

This virtual session will cover everything high school families need to know to prepare for the new school year, including important information, key dates, school procedures, graduation requirements, daily expectations, and what to expect during the first weeks of school.

The webinar link will be emailed to high school families closer to the event date. We hope you'll join us as we kick off another fantastic school year together!

Mark your calendars! Secondary Spartan Start will take place on Monday, August 10, from 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. in the Athletic Entry Hallway.

All students in grades 6–12 are expected to attend Spartan Start. This is an important back-to-school event designed to ensure students are ready for the first day of school.

At Spartan Start, students will:

• Take their school photo and receive their student ID.
• Receive their locker assignment and lock.
• Meet with counselors for schedule corrections if they are missing a class or enrolled in a course for which they have not met the prerequisite.
• Visit with student clubs and organizations to learn about involvement opportunities and sign up for activities.
  
  

To help reduce wait times, students are asked to attend based on their last name:

• Last Names A–K: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Last Names L–Z: 12:00–3:00 p.m.
  
  

Additional details will be shared with secondary families closer to the event. We look forward to welcoming all of our students back for another great school year!

Be on the lookout for next week's edition of our Back-to-School Newsletter, packed with important information and resources to help your family prepare for the first day of school!

Next week's newsletter will include:

Locker Request Form (Grades 6–12)

Parking Permit Information

Technology Waiver

School Supply Information

Immunization Requirements

Athletics Registration

Be sure to check your inbox—you won't want to miss these important back-to-school updates!