STEM Owl Post

Hello STEM Community,

We held off on sending the Owl Post yesterday to take a moment to recognize the impact of the events that took place at Rainier Beach. Below is this week's Owl Post.

Thank you, Adrienne.

Safety is a priority for me as I learn my way as a school leader. On Friday, some students participated in a student organized walkout. About 45 middle school students participated. Some marched in front of the building and others made their way off campus. Although I was proud of students that chose to stand up for their beliefs, it was hard watching as children left campus without knowing where they were headed. Staff and myself supervised students that marched outside of the school. A team of people reached out to all of the families of students that we were aware of that missed class. Our safety team will be reviewing the procedures we followed, with the goal of supporting students self expression without compromising their safety.

There is so much to celebrate. Next week, during elementary school assemblies, we will recognize students with leadership qualities which aligns perfectly with the start of Black History Month. 2026 marks the 100th Anniversary of Black History Month. Black History Month offers an opportunity to explore how Black Americans have shaped our nation from its very beginning. At STEM, we are working hard to uplift Black History every day. Feedback on how to better serve your children is always welcomed.

Thank you to the PTA and 5th grade for hosting an elementary school dance party that brought additional joy into the building. I left before things heated up! A fog machine set off the fire alarm so everyone had to evacuate. After a quick visit from the fire department, the dance continued. It was great to see community come together to play games, dance, and make art! That event raised over $4K for the 5th grade Islandwood field trip!

Please have a good week and thank you for all that you do.

Adrienne

Tensions in our country are extremely high right now, I feel grateful to be part of such a supportive community. Please reach out for support when needed.

Updated Procedures and Supports Regarding Immigration Control and Enforcement

Seattle Public Schools has policy and procedure both when there are rumors or a report of immigration enforcement activity near a school campus as well as on campus activity and direct requests to schools. At STEM we are following these policies and procedures.

Seattle Public Schools School Leader Protocols: Responding to Immigration Enforcement Activity:

If a school leader is made aware of a rumor or report of immigration enforcement activity near one of our campuses, they will notify the district’s Safety and Security office. The report will be assessed by Safety and Security, and next steps will be determined in partnership with the school leader.

If immigration enforcement agents attempt to access our school buildings, they will not be granted access unless Seattle Public Schools legal counsel is able to verify a judicial warrant. More information can be found in Superintendent Procedure 4310SP.B – Limiting Immigration Enforcement at Schools.

Resources for Families

Families and community members can find resources and supports on our website. These include links to know your rights materials, the City’s rapid response program, legal resources, and family preparedness planning.

Emergency resources can also be found by calling 844-724-3737 to report immigration enforcement activity or get connected to emergency resources.

If you have questions please reach out to amollerensha@seattleschools.org.

Talking to Students about Immigration and Customs Enforcement

In the coming days, students may have an opportunity to ask questions and participate in a brief, age-appropriate discussion related to current events involving immigration and immigration enforcement. The conversation will focus on answering student questions and sharing general information about school safety procedures.

Students will be encouraged to talk with their families about any questions they may have and to follow up with staff as needed. Our goal is to provide accurate information, reassurance, and a supportive space for students.

If your child is experiencing worries or concerns, or if your family would like additional support or resources, please feel free to reach out to myself or Ms. Dana dmfink@seattleschools.org, our school social worker.

Resources:

National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID), observed on the second Monday in February, highlights the important role African American parents and families play in student success. NAAPID is an opportunity to strengthen relationships, build trust, and reflect on how we partner with African American families throughout the school year—not just on one day.

Extending NAAPID at Louisa Boren STEM K–8 At Louisa Boren STEM K–8, we recognize that while NAAPID centers African American families, not all families of color have historically felt welcomed or included in public school systems. In that spirit, we will be extending this recognition and invitation to all families of color (BIPOC families) as part of our commitment to belonging, connection, and partnership.

This is not intended as a replacement of NAAPID, but as an extension—an opportunity to honor family voice, build relationships, and reflect on how our school shows up for families of color in meaningful ways.

Event Details

Purpose: For teachers and admin to connect with families and begin to develop a deeper understanding of different families' experiences at STEM

Date: 2/9/2026

Time: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Schedule:

9-10 a.m. | Connect with other families and provide feedback to admin

10-11 a.m. | Brunch (food provided)

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Class or lunchtime with their child (families do not have to stay the entire time)

RSVP

If you have not been invited by us and would like to attend this event, please fill out this survey by or calling the school and letting us know by calling 206-252-8450.

Our children have been in school for over four months! The school wants to hear from you about how it has been going. Your feedback is important and valued. Please fill out the following form. It will be shared with our Race and Equity Team and other committees. I appreciate your collaboration and partnership in making our school better.

Parent/Caregiver Feedback on STEM – Fill out form

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) remains steadfast in our commitment to providing safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments for every student, regardless of race, religion, national origin, immigration status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We have a constitutional obligation to educate all students. No matter where you’re from, you are welcome here.

We are keeping watch for new policies that may affect our district. As new orders are introduced, we will work to provide as much clarity, calm, and stability as we can. Below are some resources shared by Dana, our school social worker.

What To Say To Kids About ICE

Qué Decirles a Los Niños Sobre I.C.E.

Red Cards:

Red Cards - Vietnamese

Family Preparedness:

Plan de Preparacion Familiar Family Preparedness Plan

Seattle Public Schools invited students that scored less than 60 percent on the MAP standardized tests in reading and/or math to take part in Summer Learning. We recognize that standardized tests capture a student's ability on that given day and does not necessarily reflect their overall ability. If you would like more information as to why your child was selected or if you think this is a good fit for you and your family, reach out to your child's teacher or the front office. We want to make sure that you are supported.

Summer School Dates:

June 29–July 31, 2026
Student Hours: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Schools open at 7:30 a.m. for bus arrival.
All school breakfast at 8 a.m.

Please reach out if you have questions about appeals,

When a staff member does something that you would like to acknowledge, one way you can do that is by telling us about it. The things that staff and community have shared have brought joy to me and my staff. If you would like to share something that a staff member did, use this link: STEM Staff Shout Outs

Being on time and at school every day is an important life skill. It is crucial to student’s success for them to learn early the routines and habits that contribute to them being successful in school and in life. Learning is greatly impacted when students are not present to receive daily instruction from the teaching staff.

Did You Know?

All absences (excused and unexcused) have the potential of harming students academically.
Students who miss 10 percent (18 days) of the school year, or two or more days a month, are defined as being chronically absent.
By sixth grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that a student may drop out of high school.
By ninth grade, regular and high attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than eighth-grade test scores.
It takes an average of three days for a student to catch up from one day of being absent.
Missing three or more days of school per month can set a student back up to two full years of learning.

7-9 Absences: The Danger Zone -There is a good chance your child has fallen behind academically. Develop a plan with the school to help your child get to school on time and attend regularly.

4-6 Absences: The Warning Zone - Your child's learning may be affected. Pay special attention to make sure your child is keeping up with the work.

0-3 Absences: The Satisfactory Zone

What You Can Do

Make School Attendance a Priority

Discuss the importance of showing up to school every day with children.
Book appointments outside the school day or on non-school days.
Help children stay healthy by ensuring they get plenty of sleep, eat a balanced diet, wash their hands regularly, and are up-to-date on immunizations.
Keep children home only if they are truly sick. Complaints of headaches or stomachaches may be signs of anxiety.

Set Regular Bedtime and Morning Routines

Help your child maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and going to bed on time.
Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.

Help Your Child Stay Engaged

Find out if children feel engaged by their classes and safe from bullies and other threats.
Ensure children are keeping up with school work so they are not tempted to miss school if they haven’t done their homework or studied for a test.
Stay on top of academic progress and seek help from teachers or tutors if necessary. Make sure teachers know how to contact you.
Stay on top of your child’s social contacts. Peer pressure can lead to skipping school, while students without many friends can feel isolated.
Encourage meaningful after-school activities, including sports and clubs.

Communicate with Your School

Know the school’s attendance policy including incentives and penalties
Talk to teachers if you notice sudden changes in your child’s behavior. These could be due to something going on at school.
Check on your child’s attendance to be sure absences are not piling up.
Ask for help from school officials, after-school programs, other parents or community agencies if you are having trouble getting your child to school.

We’re Here to Help

Please partner with us to ensure your student attends regularly and is successful in school. We know students may be absent from school for a variety of reasons. Our attendance office, school nurse, social worker, and teachers are prepared to help if your student is unable to make it to school regularly or on time. We will track attendance daily, document when your student is missing from class, communicate with you to understand why the absence occurred, and identify barriers and supports available to overcome challenges you may face in helping your student attend school.

If you have any questions about your student’s attendance or general questions or concerns, please email k8stem.attendance@seattleschools.org or call 206-252-8450.

All students at STEM receive one free breakfast and lunch per day- vegetarian options daily!

The Cafeteria is open at 8:35 a.m. to serve breakfast daily
Students can check-in with any adult in the Cafeteria to navigate breakfast & lunch service

By filling out the The School Meals Application, it helps our school receive federal and state funding. It does more than just support our cafeteria. Please fill out!

School Menus

Seattle Public Schools, in partnership with PEPS, is offering a free four-part virtual workshop series for parents and caregivers of students ages 10-19.

These engaging 90-minute sessions are designed to help families better understand and support their teens during adolescence. Topics include adolescent brain development, navigating social challenges, effective communication, and more.

Families can attend any or all the workshops based on their interests and availability. Live captioning is provided, and all sessions are held virtually via Zoom.

We encourage principals to share these flyers with families and promote this valuable opportunity within their school communities.

Feb. 10, 2026 – Adolescent Stress and Coping Strategies

Contact: Lisa Davidson, Manager of Prevention & Intervention, lmdavidson@seattleschools.org

February: Black History Month
April 2nd: All School Spring Concert
March 13: Pi Night at STEM
April 13-17: Spring Break

SPS School Calendar

STEM Calendar

Visitors Check in with the Office

If you have to come into the building for some reason, you will need to check in with the front office. All visitors in the building should have an visitor sticker or lanyard. There is a new kiosk to help us keep track of all of the wonderful people that are passing through.

STEM loves volunteers! Opportunities range from recess help, classroom organizers, 1:1 tutoring sessions, field trips, Enrichment parent chaperones and more! Before volunteering can begin, paperwork needs to be filled out and a background check completed through SPS. This process can take up to 3 weeks.

Interested? Please contact our Office Assistant, Leo mrshaughness@seattleschools.org, to get the ball rolling.

When is your child too sick for school?

When is your child too sick for school? (OSPI flyer)

Housing, Financial, Food, Clothing, Legal

Resources available now and please reach out to our school Social Worker, Dana Fink, for direct support: dmfink@seattleschools.org | 503-766-3648

🎶Dance Was a Hit!!

Thank You to everyone that came out to the Elementary Dance Friday night to support our 5th graders upcoming trip to Islandwood!! Amazingly successful evening full of fun, community and surprise additions- definitely a night to remember! Many thanks to all of the volunteers and party planners!

General PTA Meeting Thursday, 2/5, 6:30-8 pm!

Please join us this Thursday for important discussions about our community, PTA updates and to help us plan out the remainder of the school year. Meeting is held in the STEM Library or via Zoom- hope to see you there! Join the General PTA Meeting via Zoom Please reach out to executiveboard@stemk8pta.org with any questions.

📆 Save the Dates!

General PTA Meeting- Thursday, 2/5, 6:30-8 p.m.: Engage in important discussions, receive PTA updates and help to plan out the remainder of the school year- hope to see you there! Join the General PTA Meeting via Zoom.
Staff Appreciation- Thursday, 2/12: Help us to show our wonderful STEM staff how much we love them, with yummy food and treats! Additional info about Staff Appreciation and to sign up for this event. staffappreciation@stemk8pta.org
Movie Night- Friday, 2/27 @ 6 p.m.: Showing My Neighbor Totoro, to benefit the STEM Woodshop! $5-10 suggested donation for entry + snacks. This is not a drop off event - thank you!
Pi Night- Friday, 3/13: Free community event to celebrate International Pi Day! All the math fun- plus pizza and pie- more details to come!

* View our calendar here for up-to-date PTA & school events *

🌈GGLOW Kick-off to Pride!

Save the date for our annual Kick-off to Pride party- Friday, May 29! This Free community event is put on by the STEM GGLOW (Gender non-binary/Gender Queer, Gay, Lesbian or Whatever) Club and the PTA. If you're interested in helping with planning or volunteering day of please email paula@stemk8pta.org. Thanks!

Lost & Found!

STEM's Lost & Found is full! Please check out the rack just inside the front doors of school- items will be donated soon.

Community Announcements

Black History Month family events around Seattle - Black History Month Events for Kids
Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) Rapid Response virtual training- Friday, 2/6, 6–8 p.m.: Learn about existing networks across the state that mobilize for deportation defense, and work to support communities and keep families together. Additional Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, Rapid Response Virtual Training info.
Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) Know Your Rights virtual workshop - Wednesday, 2/11, 6–7:30 p.m.: Learn how to support yourself and your community during encounters with immigration enforcement agents. Additional Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, Know Your Rights virtual Workshop info.
10th annual University of WA Introduce a Girl to Engineering Event- Saturday, 2/21, 12:30-4:45 p.m.: Introduce a Girl is an annual STEM outreach event geared towards youth ages 5-15. Students have the opportunity to explore science and technology through a variety of interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities hosted by UW students. This event is free for all participants and is a great way to get youth excited about STEM! Additional Girl to Engineering Event info and to register.
Sensory inclusive performances, events & activities in Seattle: Including the Seattle Aquarium with free headphones & weighted pad blanket kits available at guest services! Full list of sensory inclusive locations and details.

Join the PTA here- for Free!

Join the PTA Leadership Team!

Current Full Board open positions: Co-Race, Equity & Inclusion Chair, Co-SPED Chair, Membership, Field Trip Coordinator (grades 5-8) and Garden Club Coordinator. We're looking to grow our Fundraising Committee! If you'd like to join us for one or a few fundraising efforts this year, or have ideas you'd like to share, let us know!

Open Executive Board positions for the '26-27 school year: Treasurer, Co-Treasurer and Secretary.

Please reach out to executiveboard@stemk8pta.org for additional info on these roles or with interest!

Check out our STEM PTA website for updated PTA & school activities, contacts for our Executive & Full Board, our PTA's Mission & Values, financial details, ways to support our PTA, updated Enrichment info, Tours & Open Enrollment details and More!

🦉 stemk8pta.org | Facebook | Instagram | communications@stemk8pta.org

STEM partners with the YMCA to provide an on-site before and after school program. or contact our Site Director, Anna Hofmann, at ahofmann@seattleymca.org.

Principal: Adrienne Ollerenshaw amollerensha@seattleschools.org

Assistant Principal: Andrea Stowell anstowell@seattleschools.org

Administrative Secretary: Latisha Ellis ljellis@seattleschools.org

Office Assistant: Leo Shaughnessy mrshaughness@seattleschools.org

School Social Worker: Dana Fink dmfink@seattleschools.org

STEM Owl Post