Mrs. Ridder Message
STEM SPOTLIGHT MESSAGE: 4/12/26
Dear Middle School Families,
I hope this letter finds you well. We have an important week ahead for our students: Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) testing. Next week, starting on Monday and ending on Thursday, our middle school students will be participating in CMAS.
I understand that testing can sometimes feel a bit weighty, and we want to remind you that our aim is to provide a supportive and relaxed environment where your child can confidently demonstrate the wonderful learning they have accomplished this year.
These assessments offer valuable insights into our students' academic progress, helping us to better understand their strengths and identify areas where we can continue to nurture their growth. The information gleaned from CMAS, combined with our ongoing classroom assessments and observations, provides a comprehensive understanding of each child's educational journey.
CMAS - Next Week - Important to know:
April 13-17 - CMAS testing for middle school
6th and 7th grade: Please make sure 6th and 7th graders have charged chromebooks and chargers on Monday morning.
Attendance: Although attendance is important everyday we ask each family to try their best to get to school on time so that your child will be able to test with their class and not have to take makeup.
Parent opt out information is on the website under the Academic tab - Assessments.
Gentle suggestions to help your child feel their best next week:
Rest and Recharge: Please ensure your child gets plenty of sleep each night. A well-rested body and mind make a big difference.
Nourishing Mornings: A healthy and comforting breakfast on testing days will provide sustained energy and focus.
Words of Encouragement: Your positive and loving support is invaluable. Remind your child that we are proud of their efforts and that their best is always enough.
A Calm Start: Ensuring your child arrives at school on time will allow for a peaceful and organized beginning to the day. Once a testing session has started, students will not be able to access their classroom.
Middle School Honors Awards ceremony
Date: May 13th at 4:30 pm
This ceremony is by invitation only. We will send out an email to all families of students receiving an award by May 1st.
NOTE: Starting in the Fall, there will be a change in how we calculate our Middle School Honor Roll.
3.50-3.75 - Honor Roll
3.75 - 4.0 - High Honors
Important Dates and Events
April 13-16 - CMAS Testing
April 23 - STEM Showcase and Night to Ignite
April 24 - No School - Professional Development Day
April 30 - May 2 - SHREK the Musical
May 7 - No School - Remembrance and Resiliency Walk
May 12 - Secondary End of the Year Concert
May 13 - Middle School Awards Ceremony
May 18 - Graduation - No School
May 21 - Half Day, Last Day of school
I hope you all have a nice weekend.
In Partnership,
Maura Ridder
Middle School Principal
STEM School Highlands Ranch