STEM Spotlight

We are proud to announce that our completely redesigned STEM School Highlands Ranch website is now LIVE! This fresh digital experience was created with our families in mind and reflects our commitment to clear and user-friendly communication. Here’s what you can expect from the new website:

• Intuitive Navigation: Easily find what you need, when you need it, with a streamlined menu and improved organization.
• Up-to-Date News & Events: Stay informed with the latest announcements, features, and happenings throughout the school year.
• Essential Resources at Your Fingertips: From academic calendars to school policies, everything you need is now just a click away.
• Comprehensive School-Wide Calendar: Sync your schedule and never miss a STEM event—view all school-wide activities and updates in one central place.

We are especially excited to unveil the Parent Page, a dedicated hub for all the essential tools and information families rely on daily. Whether you're new to STEM or a returning parent, this page is your one-stop shop for:

• Important Forms & Documents
• Upcoming Events
• Quick Links to Key Platforms
• Resources for Supporting Your Student's Success

We encourage every parent and guardian to bookmark this page and check it regularly—it’s designed to help you stay informed and feel confident and connected throughout the year.

We’re not done yet! As summer continues, we’ll be adding more pages like athletics, extracurricular sign-ups, and a full faculty and staff directory to make the site even more valuable. We are beyond excited to introduce this new platform and especially the Parent Page, designed to support and inform our amazing STEM families. This website is just one more way we’re building a stronger, more connected school community.

Have questions about the new site? We are happy to help! Send us an email at info@stemk12.org.

As we gear up for another incredible year at STEM, we remain focused on fostering innovation, academic excellence, and a strong sense of community. Thank you for being such an integral part of our STEM family. We can’t wait to welcome our students back and launch into another year of learning, growth, and discovery—together!

In partnership,

LynAnn Kovalesky

Executive Director

As we prepare for the new school year, it’s time for all families to complete Express Check-In, which opens Thursday, July 24th. DCSD’s Express Check-In is a process that requires all families to log into the EngagED system using their IC/Parent Portal log-in information to verify their family and student information and review STEM and DCSD policies. Families will also be able to select how they wish to receive communications. Look for more information in future July STEM SPOTLIGHT parent newsletters.

• New Parent Portal Link: https://dcsdk12.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/parents/douglas.jsp
• New Student Portal Link: https://dcsdk12.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/students/douglas.jsp
• Click here for DCSD Parent IT Support

We NEED YOU to vote! STEM School Highlands Ranch has been nominated in FIVE categories for the Colorado Parent 2025 Family Favorites! These include Favorite Charter Elementary, Middle, and High School, plus Favorite Middle and High School Principals. It’s an incredible honor and with your help, we can win all five! Vote daily through August 15th on Colorado Parent and share the link with family and friends! go.stemk12.org/VoteSTEM

August is full of exciting milestones as we prepare to welcome students back to STEM for the 2025–26 school year. We can’t wait to see our STEM Spartans back on campus and ready for a successful year!

• August 11: Elementary School Meet the Teacher (Grades 1–5)
• August 11: SPARTAN START Orientation and SPARTAN LAUNCH (Grades 6–12)
• August 11–13: KINDIE SPARTAN LAUNCH
• August 12: First Day of School (Grades 1–12)
• August 14: Kindergarten First Day of School, Tissues & Tears (Early Release for Kindergarten Only)
• August 15: Kindergarten Early Release
• August 18: Kindergarten First Full Day of School
• August 19: High School Senior College Night
• August 20: Secondary Back to School Night (Grades 6-12)
• August 21: Elementary Back to School Night (Grades K-5)

Every Sunday the STEM SPOTLIGHT will include important back-to-school updates to help your family prepare for the new school year. Be sure to check each issue so you don’t miss key dates, reminders, and helpful resources.

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

• Secondary Students - Secondary East Driveline (Ridgeline Blvd.) and Athletic Entrance (via Blue Point Road): 7:30 AM - 8 AM
• Elementary Students - Elementary West Driveline (Barrons Blvd): 7:45 AM - 8:10 AM

Important: Elementary students may not be dropped off before 7:45 AM.

• If you have both elementary and secondary students:
• You may enter the Elementary Driveline starting at 7:30 AM.
• The Secondary student may exit the vehicle (if in the loading zone) and enter through the Athletic Entrance.
• The elementary student must remain in the car until staff begin active drop-off at 7:45 AM

Need help with school or after-school transportation due to a busy work schedule or multiple children’s schedules? STEM partners with Schoolpool, a free program that connects families to share rides or find commute buddies.

Signing up is simple! Please email info@stemk12.org to get the unique registration link. IMPORTANT: Do not share or make public the unique registration link.

Privacy and security: STEM School Highlands Ranch and Schoolpool do not run background checks, confirm valid driver’s licenses, or assess insurance coverage on participants. Potential users are advised to screen participants to their personal satisfaction and check their own insurance coverage for carpooling to ensure that they are covered under these voluntary arrangements. Schoolpool does not provide drivers, vehicles, or insurance.

• August 11th, 3 PM - 5 PM: Elementary Meet the Teacher (Grades 1-5). STEM welcomes families with students in 1st-5th Grade to meet their teacher for the 2025-26 school year and drop off school supplies.

• August 21st, 5 PM - 6:30 PM: Elementary Back-to-School Night (Grades K-5). Parents are invited to get to know their student's elementary teachers and classrooms while learning more about STEM Elementary school with a special presentation from our Elementary School Principal.

• August 11th: SPARTAN START: Back-to-School Student Orientation (Grades 6-12). Join us for SPARTAN START and SPARTAN LAUNCH (new students), the orientation event for all Secondary students at STEM School Highlands Ranch. Please see further details in the newsletter below.

• August 20th, 5 PM - 7:30 PM: Back-to-School Night (Grades 6-12). Parents are invited to attend to get acquainted with their student's bell schedule, meet their teachers and learn about course expectations for the semester. Principals and counselors will be in attendance to answer parent questions.

Tomorrow, Monday, July 14, an important email from our school nurse will be sent to all parents. It will include required medical forms to be completed by your child’s doctor, as well as essential information and procedures for medication drop-off. If you have questions or need support after you review the message, please reach out to our school nurse at nurse@stemk12.org.

Mrs. McElroy, our Elementary Principal will be sending a separate email to all kindergarten parents with full details about KINDIE SPARTAN LAUNCH Week, Meet The Teacher, the first two early release days, Tissues and Tears, and the first full day of school. Please keep an eye on your inbox—important info is coming soon!

A driveline placard is a printed sign that families display in their car's front window during pickup. Elementary placards will be available for pickup at the Elementary School entrance during the following times:

• Monday, August 4th – Thursday, August 7th: 8 AM – 2 PM

• Monday, August 11th: 3 PM – 5 PM

Each family will receive two placards per student. If you need more, you may request them, and they will be sent home with your student during the first week of school.

Parents of students in 1st -5th grade will be able to view their student's classroom teacher in IC (or Infinite Campus) starting the week of July 28th. Kindergarten parents will be notified of their student's teacher on August 13th. First through fifth grade families are invited to attend Meet the Teacher and drop off school supplies on Monday, August 11th from 3 - 5 PM.

We’re excited to share that B.A.S.E. will now be offered in the mornings this year, running Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 8:05 AM. While breakfast won’t be provided, students are welcome to bring their own to enjoy during the program. Afternoon B.A.S.E. will continue from 3 PM to 6 PM. Families can register for either or both sessions through the B.A.S.E. website.

B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Enterprise) is DCSD's child care program offered on-site at STEM providing a safe, structured, and engaging environment for students outside of regular school hours. Activities include homework help, games, crafts, STEM enrichment, and more—all led by DCSD staff.

The Elementary school supply list is attached for your convenience. Please review it to ensure your student is prepared for the first day of school.

Secondary student schedules will be available in Infinite Campus (IC) starting July 28th. Counselors will be available during SPARTAN START to assist with any necessary changes.

Monday, August 11th | STEM Secondary Gym

New for 2025-26!! SPARTAN START is the official orientation event for all Middle and High School students, both new and returning. It is designed to help students and families prepare for a successful school year. Attendance is strongly encouraged as this event plays an important role in helping students feel prepared, informed, and confident for the start of school.

During SPARTAN START, students will visit a variety of stations to take school photos, receive student IDs, pick up tech devices, get course schedule help, learn about clubs, athletics, and support services, meet staff and volunteers and get fully prepared for the new school year! Families should plan to spend approximately one hour on site to complete key stations.

A parent is highly encouraged to attend with their student during the assigned open house window based on last name. Counselor support for schedule changes will be available during the times listed:

• A–L: Open House from 8 AM to 12 PM | Counselors available from 8 AM to 11:30 AM
• M–Z: Open House from 12 PM to 3 PM | Counselors available from 1 PM to 3 PM

SPARTAN LAUNCH – Welcome Sessions for New Students

New students are also encouraged to attend SPARTAN LAUNCH, a special student-only welcome session designed to help them meet classmates in their grade, explore the building, and connect with school counselors, principals, and assistant principals. SPARTAN LAUNCH is built into the SPARTAN START experience and does not require a separate registration. Each session includes small-group time with other new students, student-led building tours and onboarding with school principals and counselors. Students may choose to attend one of two sessions: 10 AM to 11:30 AM or 1:30 to 3 PM

We look forward to welcoming all of our Secondary students and families on August 11th.

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We’re happy to help your student get set up with a locker for the upcoming school year! The annual fee is $10.00. To request a locker, please complete this form.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Secondary School Office Assistant Kim Maier at kim.maier@stemk12.org.

The parking pass fee is $50, and a valid driver’s license is required to apply. Click here to request your parking pass.

Secondary students will be provided specific supply needs by their teachers the first week of school. STEM School Highlands Ranch provides laptops for all 6th and 7th grade students as part of our technology program. Students in grades 8–12 are required to bring their own device that meets the recommended specifications. Families with students in these grades should plan accordingly when preparing for the school year. Click here for the 2025-26 Laptop Recommendations.

All Secondary students (6-12) are required to wear their Student IDs at all times. Student IDs will be issued at SPARTAN START. Students will receive one lanyard with their first ID card at no cost. A $5 fee will be charged for all replacement IDs and lanyards.

Students should print their class schedules and bring them on the first day of school. If your student carries a phone, we suggest taking a picture of the schedule, as well. This helps them avoid standing in a long line at the front desk, which may make them tardy to class. Schedules will also be available to print during SPARTAN START.

If you’ve made it this far—thank you! We’re so excited to welcome you back, or welcome you for the first time if you’re new to STEM! Be sure to keep watching for STEM SPOTLIGHT emails every Sunday, and keep an eye on your inbox throughout the week for important texts or additional updates. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for highlights and community discussions.

One last item to mention: There are only a few 2024–25 secondary yearbooks left! If you’d like to purchase one, stop by the Secondary Office starting July 21st, Monday–Friday, between 8 AM and 3 PM. Yearbooks are $60 each, cash only (please bring exact change if possible). First come, first served!

Go Spartans!