STEM SPOTLIGHT

Our Blast Off Carnival was a huge success—and it’s all thanks to YOU, our amazing STEM families and community! A special shout-out to our incredible Parent Teacher Committee and to Allie Everson for organizing this wonderful event. Though the rain came, everyone still managed to make the most of it and have a “Blast!”

Your enthusiastic support raised over $10,000 to directly benefit Student Government and student-run clubs. Every wristband, ticket, and smile made a difference—helping our students dream bigger and do more.

A massive THANK YOU to every family who joined the fun and to our generous partner Venture Martial Arts for helping create a night to remember. Kona Ice, What Would Cheesus Do, Luigi’s Game Truck, and Blaster Bouncer Denver added extra magic to the evening.

Because of you, our students feel the power of a supportive community and the excitement of what we can accomplish together.

Check out the fun video on our Facebook or Instagram recapping the event!

In partnership,

LynAnn Kovalesky

Executive Director

STEM School Highlands Ranch

Colorado Student Count Day is Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and attendance on this day determines the per-pupil funding our school receives from the state. These funds are essential to supporting high-quality instruction, maintaining programs, and providing the resources that help students thrive. To ensure our school receives full funding, it is critical that all K–12 students are present for the entire day unless they are ill. Please schedule non-emergency appointments on another date so that every student can be counted.

We invite you to consider donating to We Love Our Staff Wednesday! The STEM Parent Teacher Committee (PTC) is collecting monetary donations through MySchoolBucks to show appreciation for our incredible staff!

Your support helps us provide a monthly meal on select Wednesdays throughout the year creating moments of gratitude and connection for the teachers and staff who give so much to our students every day.

This initiative is proudly part of the Accelerator Fund, supporting programs that enhance the student and staff experience. Thank you for helping us celebrate our amazing STEM team!

The Foundation for Douglas County Schools invites you to help celebrate our amazing educators and staff! The annual Apple Awards honor those who inspire a love of learning and spark innovation across the district. Thousands of community nominations come in each year—add yours today and recognize an extraordinary STEM staff member and/or teacher. Learn more about the Apple Awards here.

Parent Ambassadors support STEM through events, tours, advocacy, industry partnerships, new family outreach, and upcoming Parent Focus Groups. Many opportunities are available, and participation counts toward volunteer hours. Learn more by clicking the button below!

On Thursday, October 9th, STEM School will host Career Discovery Day, an annual event designed to connect 8th–12th grade students with professionals from a wide range of industries. We're inviting local industry professionals—including you—to share your career journeys with our students. If you're interested in joining this event, please click below to learn more!

Please click the link below to read full updates from STEM's athletic director, Mrs. Jones.

Sell Your Creations at the STEM Holiday Market!

We’re looking for makers, artists, and bakers to help fill our first ever STEM Holiday Market with handmade gifts and holiday magic. Reserve a vendor table for $25 and share your talents with the STEM community. Link below to sign up!

If you have talents in making handmade gifts and treats, this is your opportunity to shine and make some cash this holiday season! If you have a talent in any of these, please consider selling. If your creative talent is not listed, let us know!

• Holiday décor: ornaments, wreaths, garlands, centerpieces
• Wearables: knitted hats or scarves, jewelry, leather goods
• Bath & body: candles, soap, lotion bars, essential-oil sprays
• Art & craft: prints, cards, resin art, DIY kits, wooden toys
• Edibles: jams, whole uncut produce, commercially pre-packaged pastries, cupcakes, cookies, popcorn (kettle corn), dry goods (spices, coffee beans)
• Any food sold must comply with Colorado Health Regulations and Licensing Requirements
• Extras: pet treats, seasonal table runners, custom mugs

SAVE THE DATE for the STEM Holiday Market

When: Saturday, December 6th, 9 AM – 5 PM

Where: Secondary Gym & Athletic Commons

Support local creators this holiday season at the first-ever STEM Holiday Market! Enjoy a festive day of shopping, music, and warm treats while supporting the creativity of our STEM community. Browse a wide variety of handmade treasures—perfect for holiday gifting.

Please click the link below to read full updates from Mrs. McElroy, Elementary Principal.

Please click the links below to read full updates from Mrs. Ridder, Middle School Principal, and Mr. Alsup, High School Principal. These updates have important information about High School and Middle School that all parents should be informed about.

STEM High School students will now be participating in the Suicide Prevention Assembly on September 25th along with their Middle School colleagues. To learn more about the assembly, please scroll down. Because of the sensitive nature of this topic, we want you to be aware in advance. Students will take part in a pre-lesson beforehand and a post-lesson afterward. Our Support Services Staff will be available during and after the assembly for any student who needs extra support.

If you have questions or prefer that your child not attend, please email your child's Middle School or High School Counselor by September 24th.

• High School Counselor, Colene Belisle: colene.belisle@stemk12.org
• Middle School Counselor, Lisa Clay: lisa.clay@stemk12.org

STEM School Highlands Ranch is committed to proactive steps that address a challenge found in schools everywhere: bullying and cyberbullying. To support this effort, we have invited international speaker and author Mr. John Halligan to present to our students. Mr. Halligan will share the heartbreaking story of his 13-year-old son, Ryan, who died by suicide in 2003 after enduring bullying from peers both in school and online. Ryan also struggled with underlying mental health issues and depression, making his story a powerful reminder that there is always a real person behind the screen.

On September 25th, students will watch a short video of Ryan’s life before Mr. Halligan recounts the events that led to his son’s death. His presentation offers a unique perspective from a parent who has experienced the devastating effects of bullying and cyberbullying. Students will leave with life-changing lessons on forgiveness, suicide prevention, the importance of bystanders, and a challenge to make amends when needed. Families can learn more at www.ryanpatrickhalligan.org

The High School Powderpuff Game date has changed! The game is now Tuesday, September 30th at Marcy Park, 4:30 PM – 6 PM (9373 Desert Willow Rd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129). See you there for a fun evening of school spirit! Admission is free!

There are still spots open and we would love to have your child join us!

Keystone Science School is an overnight trip designed just for our 6th grade students! During this exciting experience, students will cross-country ski and explore water conservation through snow science, all while building teamwork and making lasting memories.

The trips are scheduled for:

March 23 – 25, 2026 and

March 25 – 27, 2026 (the week right after spring break).

If you are interested in sending your child on this trip, please click the link below to fill out the interest form. This form is solely for expressing your initial interest and helping us plan accordingly. Official registration and confirmation of enrollment will occur only after all necessary payment and paperwork have been completed.

Get ready for a spooky-bright night of music, food, and fun! The Middle School Student Government invites all Middle School students to the Neon Nightmares Dance on Saturday, October 25th at STEM School Highlands Ranch.

• Time: 6 PM – 8:30 PM (Athletic Entrance doors open at 6 PM)
• Tickets: $10 presale / $15 at the door. Purchase by clicking the link below!
• Theme: Spooky Neon – wear your best neon or glow-in-the-dark outfit!
• Details: Music, food, games, a DJ, and plenty of photo opportunities.

Important Reminders:

• Costumes must be school-appropriate.
• No weapons of any kind.
• Faces must remain visible—no full-face masks or coverings.
• School IDs are required for entry.
• Come dance the night away with friends and celebrate the season in glowing style!

Open Gym on every Tuesday and Thursday school day will now be from 7:30 AM - 7:55 AM.

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: 3:35 PM - 5:30 PM