Mrs. Ridder Message

As we move into February, we’re grateful for the momentum we’re seeing across classrooms and the continued partnership we share with our families. I want to share a few important events and updates with you.

Secondary Walkout Follow-up

Thank you for your patience and understanding during the student walk out this week. Our administrative team worked with our legal team to determine best practices in situations such as this. We respect that students have opinions and want to use their voices. At the same time, as a middle school, we have a responsibility to keep students safe, supervised, and engaged in learning throughout the school day. Because of this, students are expected to remain in class during instructional time and to stay on campus during school hours.

Leaving class without permission or leaving campus during the school day, for any reason, will be addressed using our existing attendance and behavior policies, just as it would be in any other situation. This means:

• Students who leave class without permission will be marked absent for that time

• Students are responsible for any missed work

• If behavior becomes disruptive, unsafe, or interferes with the learning of others, additional consequences may apply in accordance with our code of conduct

Our approach is neutral and consistent. Expectations and consequences are based on student behavior and safety, not on the reason for the behavior or the viewpoint being expressed.

Students are welcome to express their views in peaceful, non-disruptive ways that do not interfere with instruction, school operations, or the rights of other students to learn. Our goal is not to silence students, but to ensure that learning can continue and that all students remain safe during the school day.

We value our partnership with families and appreciate your support as we reinforce clear expectations while continuing to care for and support our students.

Spring Conferences

Our Spring Conferences will be held on Tuesday, March 10th from 4:30-7:30 pm Open House Style for last names A-K and Thursday, March 12th from 4:30 - 7:30 pm, open house for last names L-Z. To keep the nights balanced, please note the change of letters for each night. Both days there will be a 10 minute time limit in order to accommodate as many families as possible. If you need more time with a teacher, please feel free to reach out to that teacher. I urge all parents to check your student’s grades on a regular basis and work with your student to reach out to their teacher for support.

No Tardy Party

Our second No Tardy Party will be held during Access on Wednesday, February 25th. There will be games, dancing, snacks, glow lights, and a live performance by our own DJ Bad Boy Barrios! Students must have 2 or less tardies to attend.

Upcoming Events and Dates

• February 13 - No School; Professional Development Day

• February 13 - Midnight Snowfall Dance

• February 16 - No School - Presidents’ Day

• February 19-21 - TSA State Competition

• March 10th and March 12th - Spring Conferences
  
  

As always, thank you for trusting your students to us. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time.

In partnership,

Maura Ridder
Middle School Principal
STEM School Highlands Ranch