STEM SPOTLIGHT
STEM SPOTLIGHT 8/30/26
BOOSTERTHON ACCELERATOR FUND RUN AND COLOR PARTY ARE UNDERWAY!
Our Boosterthon Accelerator Fund fundraiser officially kicked off Friday, and we’re excited for the fun ahead!
In case you missed it, Ms. Kovalesky shared important information with both Elementary and Secondary families about fundraising, what students can expect over the next two weeks, event-day details, and how families can get involved.
Read Ms. Kovalesky’s messages below for everything you need to know!
THANK YOU FOR HELPING STEM GROW
This expansion is possible because of the strong reputation our families and educators have helped build. When you share the difference STEM has made for your child, you help others understand the value of our school and strengthen trust in STEM throughout the community.
Thank you for being our advocates, sharing your experiences and helping us bring STEM education to more Colorado students. We are grateful to grow from the strong foundation our entire STEM community has built together.
UPDATED 2026–27 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
There has been an update to this year’s Academic Calendar. We’ve linked the updated calendar below for families to review.
You will now see several dates marked in teal. These dates indicate days when some Secondary students who are not participating in scheduled testing will have a late start.
Additional information, including which students are impacted and specific arrival times, will be shared directly with affected families as we get closer to those dates.
Please take a moment to review the updated Academic Calendar below and save a copy for reference throughout the school year.
PARENT 2027-28 ACADEMIC CALENDAR SURVEY- WE VALUE YOUR INPUT
As we consider future school calendar options, we want to ensure that any decision we make reflects the needs of our families, students, and staff. Your input is an important part of this process, and we value the perspectives of our entire STEM community.
We ask that you take a few minutes to carefully review each of the calendar options provided in the survey and consider what would work best for your family. Each option has different benefits and considerations, and your thoughtful feedback will help us better understand the priorities and needs of our community.
Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective and for partnering with us as we work to make an informed decision that best supports our students, families, and staff.
Please complete the Parent Calendar Survey and select the option that you believe is best for your family.
ENRICHMENT AND ATHLETICS UPDATES
ATHLETICS UPDATES
SECONDARY FALL ENRICHMENT REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Secondary Enrichment registration is officially open! Explore our exciting fall offerings and find opportunities for your student to learn new skills, discover new interests, and get involved outside the classroom.
Spots are limited and may fill quickly, so don't wait! Use the button below to explore available programs and register today.
Please note: The website has been experiencing intermittent issues with the registration links. If you are trying to register for a Secondary club and the link is not working, please reach out to enrichment@stemk12.org for assistance.
MIDDLE SCHOOL FALL ATHLETIC REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Fall Athletics registration is officially open! With practices starting soon, now is the time to get your Spartan registered and ready for the upcoming season.
All student-athletes must complete their athletics registration and submit the required CHSAA form before participating.
Don't wait until the first practice! Use the button below to register today and make sure all required paperwork is turned in.
IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS
9/1: Elementary | Picture Day
9/2: SAC |Girl's Persist Meeting | Science Olympiad Interest Meeting
9/7: K-12 | No School | Labor Day
9/9: Boosterthon Event Day
9/14: Playground Ribbon Cutting-SAVE THE DATE
9/16: KOSON/STEM Board Meeting
9/17: K-5 | Elementary Only | No School
9/18: K-12 | No School
9/21-9/25: Homecoming Week
9/26: HS Homecoming Dance
10/3: Grades 9-12 | Stellr Space Design Challenge
IMPORTANT LINKS
ELEMENTARY NEWSLETTER
MESSAGE FROM MS. MANZANARES
Please click the button below to read full updates from Ms. Manzanares, Elementary Principal.
ELEMENTARY PICTURE DAY IS SEPTEMBER 1!
Elementary Picture Day is coming up on Tuesday, September 1!
Families who would like to order their student’s school pictures can use the link below:
- Click the link below to visit the ordering page.
- Your student’s September 1 Picture Day will be listed at the top.
- Click Order and complete your student’s information.
- When asked for your student’s teacher, enter the last name of their classroom teacher.
Click the link below to order your student’s school pictures!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
We need parent volunteers to help make Picture Day run smoothly! Volunteers will help keep students organized and moving through the photo process throughout the day.
Please consider signing up here!
PLAYGROUND PARTY-SAVE THE DATE
Our new Elementary Playground is almost ready, and it’s time to celebrate! Join us for a Playground Ribbon Cutting Party on Monday, September 21 from 5–7 p.m.
Bring the whole family to check out and play on our newly updated playground! Bring dinner and enjoy a picnic together, or purchase supper from the food truck joining us for the evening. Come play, eat, and help us officially open this exciting new space for our Elementary Spartans!
ELEMENTARY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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.
Picture Day Volunteers: Join our photographers in the gym to help organize students as classes arrive, straighten hair and clothing, and hand out a face wipe when someone is still proudly wearing a little bit of their morning snack.
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.
SECONDARY NEWSLETTER
MESSAGE FROM MR. ALSUP
Please click the button below to read full updates from Mr. Alsup, High School Principal
NEED TO ORDER SCHOOL PICTURES?
Picture Day has passed, and we know some families have had difficulty navigating the ordering process. If you still need to order your student’s school photos, please follow these steps:
- Click the link below and select your student’s Picture Day.
- Secondary families: Scroll down to find the August 10 and August 21 Picture Day options.
- Click Order and complete your student’s information.
- When asked for your student’s teacher, please enter the last name of their Access teacher.
Click the link below to order your student’s school pictures!
STELLR SPACE DESIGN CHALLENGE | GRADES 9-12
Calling all high school students interested in engineering, aerospace, technology, design, and problem-solving! STEM School Highlands Ranch will host the 2027 Colorado Space Design Challenge on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Students will step into the role of real-world engineers for the day, working collaboratively to respond to an RFP for a permanent Martian habitat. Participants will tackle design challenges, problem-solve as a team, and receive mentorship from professionals from major aerospace and technology companies.
Event Details:
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 8-5 p.m.
STEM School Highlands Ranch
$75 – all inclusive
Open to students in Grades 9–12
Registration also includes a 12-month Stellr Community membership and event T-shirt.
Interested students and families can use the registration information in the flyer below to learn more and sign up!
2026–27 YEARBOOK: IMPORTANT DATES & INFORMATION
We're excited to start work on this year's yearbook and wanted to share a few important dates and details.
Senior Pictures
Senior pictures are due October 31st. Image requirements have been emailed to your student, please make sure they follow those specifications.
Preferred Name Changes
If you'd like your student's name changed for the yearbook, please email yearbook@stemk12.org. Requests must:
- Come directly from the parent/guardian
- Include the student's name as it appears in Infinite Campus
- Include the preferred name you'd like used instead
Order Your Yearbook
Yearbooks are available now for $55 (back-to-school pricing) through September 25th. Prices increase after that date, so order early to save.
Order here
Senior Ads
Senior ads are due by November 9th and can be purchased here:
Order a senior ad
Please reach out to yearbook@stemk12.org with any questions. We can't wait to capture another great year!
SCHOOL HOURS
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