STEM SPOTLIGHT

Registration for this year’s Boosterthon Fundraiser opened Friday! Our biggest fundraiser of the year is officially underway, and we can’t wait to see what our STEM community accomplishes together!

If you missed the exciting message from Ms. Kovalesky with all the details about this year’s event, fundraising goals, incentives, and how to register your Spartan, be sure to review it below.

Register today, start sharing, and help us reach our $75,000 goal!

No. STEM does not follow Douglas County School District’s Delayed Start Fridays. On most Fridays, STEM will follow our regular school-day schedule.

Throughout the year, STEM does have several scheduled Early Release Fridays for staff professional development.

Early Release Dismissal Times:

• Grades K–2: 11:20 a.m.
• Grades 3–5: 11:30 a.m.
• Grades 6–12: 11:55 a.m.
  
  

Our first Early Release Day of the 2026–27 school year is Friday, August 28. We will send reminders to families as the date approaches.

For your convenience and to help with planning throughout the year, we encourage families to print or save a copy of the Academic Calendar linked below. The calendar includes Early Release Days, school breaks, days off, the last day of school, and other important dates.

Use the button below to view the 2026–27 Academic Calendar.

Looking for a way to get involved and make a difference in the STEM community? Our Parent Teacher Committee (PTC) is made up of parents from grades K–12 who work collaboratively with the school to support our students, staff, and families.

The PTC helps show appreciation for our incredible staff, organize community-building events, and support fundraising initiatives that benefit our entire STEM community.

Interested in learning more? Join us for our upcoming PTC Interest Meeting! You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the PTC, meet other parents, ask questions, and find out how you can get involved.

Wednesday, August 27
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Enter through the Athletic Entrance

Whether you have a little time to give or want to take on a larger role, we’d love to have you! We hope to see many of our STEM families there!

As more students begin riding e-bikes to and from school, we want to help families better understand Colorado’s e-bike laws and safety expectations. Colorado defines three classes of e-bikes, each with different rules regarding speed, age requirements, and where they may be ridden. Families are encouraged to review these guidelines with their students and reinforce safe, respectful riding habits.

Please remember:
• Always follow posted signs and trail rules
• Be respectful of pedestrians and other riders
• Helmet use is strongly encouraged for all riders
• Certain motorized vehicles, including electric motorcycles and some scooters, are not considered e-bikes and have additional restrictions

Thank you for helping us keep our students and community safe and informed!

Elementary and 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.

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.

8/17: Kindergarten First Full Day
8/18: Senior College Night
8/18: TSA Interest Meeting
8/18: STEM Board of Directors Meeting
8/19: Secondary | Back - To - School Night
8/20: Elementary | Back - To- School Night
8/21: Secondary | Make-up Picture Day
8/27: PTC Information/Interest Meeting
8/28: K-12 | Early Release Day
9/1: Elementary | Picture Day

Wednesday, August 19 | 5:00–7:30 p.m.

We are excited to welcome our Middle and High School families to Secondary Back-to-School Night!

Families will enter through the Athletic Entrance and head to the Secondary Gym for a brief welcome presentation from Mr. Alsup and Mrs. Ridder.

Following the presentation, families will follow their student’s Silver Day schedule (Periods 1–8), giving you the opportunity to visit each classroom, meet your student’s teachers, and hear a brief overview of their classes.

Please bring a copy of your student’s schedule with you. Each class period will include a short teacher presentation followed by a 5-minute passing period to travel to your student’s next class.

Evening Schedule

• 5:00–5:20 p.m. – Principal’s Welcome | Secondary Gym
• Period 1: 5:25–5:35 p.m.
• Period 2: 5:40–5:50 p.m.
• Period 3: 5:55–6:05 p.m.
• Period 4: 6:10–6:20 p.m.
• Period 5: 6:25–6:35 p.m.
• Period 6: 6:40–6:50 p.m.
• Period 7: 6:55–7:05 p.m.
• Period 8: 7:10–7:20 p.m.
  
  

We look forward to seeing our Secondary families and kicking off a great year of partnership between home and school!

Thursday, August 20 | 5:00–6:30 p.m.

Join us as we kick off another exciting school year at Elementary Back-to-School Night! This evening is a wonderful opportunity to hear from Principal Ms. Manzanares, meet your child's teacher, learn about classroom expectations and curriculum, and discover ways to partner together for a successful school year.

Schedule

• 4:45 p.m. – Doors Open
• 5:00 p.m. – Welcome Presentation with Ms. Manzanares (Elementary Gym)
• 5:45–6:00 p.m. – Teacher Presentation Session 1
• 6:15–6:30 p.m. – Teacher Presentation Session 2 (for families with multiple elementary students only)
  
  

We encourage all elementary families to attend and look forward to partnering with you to make the 2026–27 school year a successful and memorable one!

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

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

Secondary Picture Make-Up Day will take place on Friday, August 21, from 8:00–11:00 a.m.

If your student missed Spartan Start, they will need to have their school photo taken and receive their 2026–27 Student ID during this time.

As a reminder, Secondary students are required to have their Student ID with them each school day, so please make sure your student is prepared to have their photo taken on August 21!

STEM Secondary provides safe and supervised after school care for middle and high school students from 3:40 – 6:00 PM on school days. After school care takes place in the MS cafeteria on the west side of campus, and parents pick up their students at STEM’s Athletic Entrance. No need to schedule in advance; students can simply drop in once registered. Care is only offered on days when school is in session and not during school holidays or breaks.

SmartCare Childcare Platform
SmartCare manages student attendance and payment for secondary after-care. Please register your student(s) in SmartCare before they attend. To register, email enrichment@stemk12.org with the subject “SmartCare,” and we’ll set up an account for you.

Cost: $7* per afternoon

* Families in need of financial assistance: contact ashley.westfall@stemk12.org for more information.

Contact:
Direct Line (during After-School Care hours): (720) 679-7478
Questions? For more information, email enrichment@stemk12.org

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!

Curious about what TSA (Technology Student Association) has to offer your student? Join us for our upcoming TSA Interest Meeting to learn more about the opportunities, experiences, competitions, and connections available through TSA!

Tuesday, August 18
5:00–6:00 p.m.
Middle School Cafeteria

Come meet the team, ask questions, and discover what TSA can do for you and your student. We hope to see you there!

Senior families, college application season is here! Join Mrs. Myrick for Senior College Night and learn more about preparing for college and navigating the application process.

Tuesday, August 18
5:30–6:30 p.m.
High School Cafeteria

This important presentation will help seniors and their families better understand what to expect as they prepare for the next step after high school. We encourage our senior families to attend and come ready to learn and ask questions!

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