STEM SPOTLIGHT

THANK YOU, STEM FAMILIES!

We are thrilled to announce that STEM School Highlands Ranch was voted a Colorado Parent Family Favorite in ALL SIX categories!

That's right—a CLEAN SWEEP!

Thanks to our incredible Spartan community, STEM took home honors in the following categories:

Best Charter Elementary School

Best Charter Middle School

Best Charter High School

Best Charter Elementary School Principal- Amie McElroy

Best Charter Middle School Principal- Maura Ridder

Best Charter High School Principal- Ryan Alsup

This incredible recognition is a reflection of the dedication of our teachers, staff, and school leaders, as well as the unwavering support of our amazing STEM families!

To everyone who took the time to vote—THANK YOU! Your support means the world to us, and we are so grateful to be part of a community that believes in what makes STEM special.

Six categories. Six wins. ONE incredible Spartan community! 💙💛

GO SPARTANS!

The 2026–27 Open Enrollment process begins tomorrow, and siblings of current STEM students receive enrollment priority during Round 1. Look for a detailed email in your inbox tomorrow with full information about the process and key dates. Current students are automatically re-enrolled and do not need to take action. Learn more at stemk12.org/enrollment/enroll.

As we approach the November 3 election, we want to ensure our STEM families are informed about the Douglas County School District's proposed Mill Levy Override (MLO) appearing on this year's ballot.

What Would This Mean for STEM?

STEM School Highlands Ranch Board has expressed its support for the proposed Mill Levy Override.

Should voters approve the measure, STEM School Highlands Ranch plans to allocate its portion of the funding toward employee compensation and benefits through the following initiatives:

• Employee Health Insurance: Reduce the cost of employee health insurance plans.

• Salary Increases: Provide salary increases for STEM employees.

• Staff Bonuses: Set aside funding for employee bonuses.
  
  

These planned investments would be contingent upon voter approval and the amount of funding STEM receives.

Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026

For additional information, please visit the Douglas County School District's official Mill Levy Override information page linked below.

https://funding.dcsdk12.org/2026-mlo
https://funding.dcsdk12.org/2026-mlo/mlo-faqs

This communication is intended to provide factual information about the proposed ballot measure and STEM's plans should it be approved. STEM respects each family's right to make its own informed voting decisions.

The holiday season is the perfect time to show our amazing STEM teachers and staff just how much we appreciate them!

Our annual Staff Holiday Gift Card Program is back, and we invite our Spartan families to consider making a donation to help spread some holiday cheer!

All donations are combined into one collective fund and distributed evenly among STEM staff members in the form of gift cards. This is a wonderful way to recognize ALL the incredible individuals who work hard every day to make STEM such a special place for our students.

Donations are being accepted through December 7!

Participation is completely optional, and every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a difference! Gift cards will be delivered to staff before winter break, along with a holiday card recognizing our generous STEM families.

Help us say THANK YOU to our incredible STEM staff this holiday season!

STEM School Highlands Ranch is collecting food for our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, and we’d love every family to join in! Each grade has been assigned an item so we can put together complete holiday meals for families in our community:

• Kindergarten: Canned fruits
• 1st Grade: Stuffing
• 2nd Grade: Cake or muffin mix with frosting
• 3rd Grade: Mashed potatoes and gravy
• 4th Grade: Canned green beans and corn
• 5th Grade: Mac and cheese
• Secondary: Any of the items above
• All Grades: $25 King Soopers gift cards are also welcome and help families pick up a turkey or fresh ingredients
  
  

Donations will be collected October 25 through November 18. Elementary students, please drop off your donations with your homeroom teacher. Secondary students, please bring your donations to the elementary front office. Every can and box makes a difference, so thank you for helping our neighbors enjoy a warm Thanksgiving!

Get ready for an adventure filled with magic, laughter, and imagination!

STEM Theater is hard at work preparing a wonderful production of Peter and the Starcatcher, and you won't want to miss it!

This imaginative and hilarious adventure tells the story of how a young orphan boy becomes the legendary Peter Pan! Join a cast of unforgettable characters as they set sail on a journey filled with pirates, secret treasures, mysterious starstuff, and unexpected friendships. Packed with humor, heart, and a little bit of magic, this enchanting story reminds us that growing up is optional when you believe in the power of imagination!

Performance Dates & Times:

• Thursday, November 12: 6:00 PM

• Friday, November 13: 6:00 PM

• Saturday, November 14: 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM
  
  

Come support our talented STEM student performers and crew as they bring this magical story to life on stage!

🎟️ Get your tickets today using the link below!

We can't wait to see you at the theater! 💙💛

Join us for an exciting evening as STEM's Technology Student Association (TSA) hosts its annual Run Offs! Come cheer on our talented Middle and High School Spartans as they showcase their creativity, innovation, and hard work while competing for a chance to advance to the Colorado TSA State Conference!

Event Details:

• Thursday, November 5

• Time: 4:00–8:00 p.m.

• Location: STEM Athletics Entrance

• Admission: FREE!
  
  

Students will present projects and compete in a variety of categories, including architecture, communications, computer science, leadership, manufacturing, arts, and technology.

Fun for the Whole Family!

Our entire STEM community is invited to enjoy games, activities, and events for all ages while supporting our amazing student competitors!

Food Trucks | 4:00–7:00 p.m.

Come hungry! Food trucks will be on-site, and families are encouraged to support TSA's fundraising efforts by purchasing dinner or a treat.

Let's fill the halls with Spartan pride and celebrate our students' incredible talents!

For additional information, scan the QR code on the event flyer or visit the link below.
sites.google.com/stemk12.org/stem-tsa/run-offs-2026

11/2-11/6: 7th Grade | SeaCamp Trip #2

11/5: TSA Run Offs
11/6: Middle School Speech & Debate Tournament
11/9-11/13: Scholastic Book Fair
11/11: 2027 Boston Virtual Informational Meeting
11/17: TSA Fleece for Fighters
11/20: K-12 | Early Release
11/23-11/27: K-12 | Thanksgiving Break

Please click the button below to read full updates from Ms. Manzanares, Elementary Principal.

Get ready to discover your next favorite book! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to STEM School Highlands Ranch November 9–13, and we can't wait to welcome our elementary Spartans for a week of reading, exploring, and shopping!

Set Up Your Scholastic eWallet!

Our Book Fair will be cash-free, with all purchases made through Scholastic eWallet. Families are encouraged to set up and fund their student's eWallet before the fair so they're ready to shop! It's a safe, easy way for students to purchase books without bringing cash to school.

Set Up Your Scholastic eWallet Here!

Volunteers Needed!

We need your help to make our Book Fair a success! Parent volunteers are an important part of bringing this exciting event to our students. Whether you can lend a hand for a little while or a longer shift, we'd love your support!

Thank you for helping us bring the joy of reading to our elementary Spartans!

We know our STEM parents and families want to be involved, and we love having you on campus! Our Elementary School currently has several volunteer opportunities open and ready for families to sign up.

Lunchroom Volunteers: Help our students during lunch by opening drinks and packages, assisting with cleanup, helping keep the lunchroom running smoothly, and lending an extra hand where needed.

Driveline Volunteers: Help our staff safely welcome students from their vehicles to the building in the morning or help students get from the building to their vehicles during afternoon dismissal.

Whether you can volunteer once or become a familiar face around campus, we’d love to have you join us! Use the button below to view available opportunities and sign up.

Please click the button below to read full updates from Mr. Alsup, High School Principal.

Calling all current 7th grade families!

Interested in learning more about the 2027 8th Grade Boston Trip? Join Ms. Dillon for a virtual information night to learn more about this exciting travel opportunity for our future 8th graders!

Date: Wednesday, November 11
Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual Meeting

We encourage all interested families to attend!

Click the link below to join the virtual information night.

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: 3:30 PM - 6 PM