STEM SPOTLIGHT

This past week has been difficult for many in our community as we processed recent events and their impact on students, staff, and families. At STEM, the safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority. We know that moments like these can raise questions and concerns, and I want to thank you for reaching out, for sharing your voices, and for trusting us as we walk through these challenges together.

Moving forward, we will continue to support our students through counseling services, attentive staff, and open lines of communication with families. Building strong relationships rooted in trust, communication, and collaboration is essential as we work together to ensure our students feel safe, connected, and supported in their learning environment.

Even as we navigate difficult times, it is important that we also come together to celebrate the strength of our STEM community. Our annual STEM Blast Off event is one of the best opportunities to do just that. On Wednesday, September 17th, we’ll gather as students, families, staff, and friends to celebrate everything that makes STEM unique. Clubs will host fun activities such as a dunk tank, rock wall, slime table, game truck, obstacle courses, concessions, and more. This event is also one of our most important fundraisers, helping to support our Tier One clubs and create opportunities for student success.

As part of this year’s Blast Off, we will also have a special space for painting river rocks as a way to honor and support our neighbors at Evergreen High School. This small act of kindness is an opportunity for our community to extend care beyond our walls and stand in solidarity with others impacted by tragedy. If you are unable to attend STEM Blast Off, but would like to paint a river rock, you can drop off your creation to the Elementary or Secondary front offices by Friday, September 19th.

We hope you will join us for this evening of celebration, connection, and support. Together, we are truly stronger, and together, we will continue to uplift one another and move forward as a community.

With appreciation,

Lynann Kovalesky

Executive Director

STEM School Highlands Ranch

We are grateful for the partnership and support you show every day, and we also value the positive relationships we’ve built with our immediate neighbors. Recently, a few concerns have been shared by residents of the community to our west, and we’d like to take a moment to ask for your continued help in keeping those relationships strong.

When picking up or dropping off your student, please be mindful of our neighbors’ homes, driveways, and parking areas. To help keep everyone safe and respectful of shared spaces we MUST:

• Use the designated crosswalk at the north end of Barrons Blvd.
• Park only in appropriate, legal areas—not in private community spaces or alleyways.
• Keep driveways and entrances clear for resident and business use.

Your care in following these practices ensures that we remain good neighbors while also keeping our students and families safe. Thank you for being mindful and for helping us maintain the welcoming, respectful reputation of STEM in our community.

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 someone extraordinary. 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!

Our JEDI (Justice, Equality, and Diverse Identity) Committee works to ensure that students, staff, and families of every background feel valued, supported, and safe in our school community. Join us in our first meeting of the year to discuss our vision and mission, help plan a multi-cultural event in January, and discuss events and activities during the Colorado Youth Diversity Conference.

Tuesday, September 16th

3:45 PM - 5 PM

STEM School Highlands Ranch High School Commons

All parents and guardians are warmly encouraged to attend and help us create an inclusive environment where every voice is heard.

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

STEM Blast Off Carnival – Happening This Wednesday, September 17th!

GREAT NEWS! The Presale Wristbands and Tickets will be available through midnight tonight, Sunday, September 14th! Purchase TONIGHT! Prices for wristbands increase to $20 at the door and individual tickets only for $1 each. Purchase through MySchoolBucks linked below.

DUNK TANK Schedule Announced!

Set a phone reminder and line up to dunk your favorite STEM teachers and staff! Students voted, and these brave volunteers are ready to make a splash—come cheer them on and send them into the tank!

• 5:00 - 5:15: Ms. Zinter
• 5:15 - 5:30: Ms. DeWeese
• 5:30 - 5:45: Ms. Doucett and Ms. Peterson
• 5:45 - 6:00: Mr. Chang
• 6:00 - 6:15: Mr. Mann
• 6:15 - 6:30: Mr. Alsup
• 6:30 - 6:45: Mr. Carrier
• 6:45 - 7:00: Ms. Kovalesky

Non-Stop Fun with a Wristband or Ticket

• $20 Wristband: Unlimited play at Luigi’s Game Truck, obstacle courses, yard games & more

• Special Activities: 1 ticket each for face painting, rock wall, duck race, bungee run, dunk tank

Eats & Treats Available for Purchase

• What Would Cheesus Do Food Truck

• Kona Ice

• STEM concessions (cash only!)

• Or bring your own picnic if you prefer

Why You’ll Love It

• Live music, prizes, and a community-wide party

• Supports Student Government, Robotics, Theater, Speech & Debate, After Prom, and other key student clubs.

We can't wait to see you there! Non-STEM siblings are welcome to join and purchase a wristband or ticket to participate in all the fun.

We are looking for more parent volunteers to make this event a huge success. Would you consider signing up?

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.

Elementary School parents can pick up presale wristbands and tickets on Tuesday, September 16th or Wednesday, September 17th at the Elementary front office.

Families with Both Elementary & Secondary Students:
If you also have a Secondary student, that student will receive all of your presale items—both Elementary and Secondary purchases—on Wednesday, September 17th during Access.

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

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 middle school counselor Lisa Clay by September 24th, lisa.clay@stemk12.org.

Secondary students will recieve their presale wristbands and tickets during Access on Wednesday, September 17th.

Families with Both Elementary & Secondary Students:
If you also have an Elementary student, you Secondary student will receive all of your presale items—both Elementary and Secondary purchases—on Wednesday, September 17th during Access.

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