STEM SPOTLIGHT
STEM SPOTLIGHT 3/29/2026
A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE STEM BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Please take the time to read the special message from STEM's Board Chair, Carla Gustafson.
A NIGHT TO IGNITE - LESS THAN 3 WEEKS LEFT TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS
Celebrate 15 Years of Innovation at STEM
Join us for A Night to Ignite, a special evening honoring 15 years of innovation, impact, and community at STEM School Highlands Ranch.
This milestone event celebrates the students, staff, alumni, and community partners who have helped shape STEM’s journey—while looking ahead to an exciting vision for the future.
Guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and beverages, student-led demonstrations, inspiring alumni speakers, and a silent auction supporting innovative, student-centered learning.
This is an open house-style event—come and go as you please throughout the evening.
📅 Saturday, April 25 | 6–10 PM
📍 1101 W. Mineral Avenue, Littleton
This is a ticketed, adults-only (18+) event, and all proceeds benefit STEM School Highlands Ranch.
Take advantage of early pricing - tickets are currently $50 per person through April 15th. On April 16th, they will increase to $65.
We look forward to celebrating this incredible milestone with you!
2026 KOSON/STEM BOARD OF DIRECTORS – PARENT SEAT ELECTION
STEM School Highlands Ranch is seeking candidates for the upcoming open Parent Seat on the KOSON/STEM Board of Directors. This is an opportunity to serve in a strategic governance role and help guide the long-term direction of our school community. The role of a board member includes attending monthly meetings and serving on at least one committee.
Please be on the lookout for the Board Candidate Interest Form in your email on Wednesday morning, April 1st.
KEY DATES
April 1 – Candidate Interest Form becomes available
April 1–17 – Candidate submissions accepted
April 21 – Candidate Book published
April 22–May 3 – Election cycle
HOW TO LEARN MORE
Email board.chair@stemk12.org and a Board member will respond.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
You may run if you:
• Are a parent or legal guardian
• Have at least one student enrolled for the 2026–2027 school year
• Are able to commit to a three-year term (June 2026 – May 2029)
We encourage engaged and mission-aligned parents to consider serving. Your leadership could help shape the next chapter of STEM.
SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE (SAC)
Looking to Make a Meaningful Impact at STEM?
STEM’s School Accountability Committee (SAC) is seeking new parent and community members for the 2026–2027 school year!
The SAC is made up of parents, teachers, and community members—people just like you—who want to help shape the future of our school. While every Colorado school is required to have a SAC, at STEM it serves as an important and meaningful way for families to get involved and make a difference.
The committee plays a key role in:
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Reviewing and supporting school improvement plans
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Providing feedback on instructional programs
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Making recommendations on school funding priorities
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Monitoring progress tied to accreditation with the Board of Education
Serving on SAC is a great opportunity to stay informed, share your voice, and help guide decision-making that impacts our students and school community.
If you are interested in learning more or getting involved, we would love to hear from you at sac@stemk12.org.
ENRICHMENT AND ATHLETICS UPDATES
ATHLETICS UPDATES
STEM SUMMER CAMPS EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS MARCH 31ST
STEM Summer Enrichment and Athletic Camps are an exciting way for students to spend their summer alongside peers while continuing their passion for learning and curiosity through hands-on experienc
Camps are now available to view and register for on our website using the link below.
Early bird registration is available through March 31st—after this date, prices will increase.
Dates for Athletic Summer Camps are also listed on the website for planning purposes. Registration links for athletic camps are not yet available, but we will share those details as soon as registration opens.
IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS
4/4: FLL Lego Explore
4/6-4/24: CMAS
4/7: TSA Nationals Info Meeting | BOD Meeting | TSA Restaurant Night-Shake Shack
4/8: NHS Inductions
4/10: Early Release Day | 5th Grade Move Up to Middle School | Prom/ After Prom
4/15: SAT 11th Grade
4/16: PSAT 9th and 10th Grade | ES Student Gov Family Game Night
4/17: Calc Bowl
DINE OUT AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Who knew eating out could make such a big impact?
Each semester, STEM clubs partner with local restaurants to host Restaurant Nights as a way to raise funds for their activities, competitions, and events. It’s an easy (and tasty!) way to support our students.
So the next time you don’t feel like cooking, consider stopping by one of our upcoming STEM Restaurant Nights and enjoy a meal that gives back!
Coming up:
Support STEM's TSA
Tuesday, April 7 from 10 a.m.- 10 p.m.
Shake Shack: 1509 Park Central Dr., Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129.
25% of purchases made with the code DONATE go back to STEM TSA!
STEMFEST SHOWCASE - APRIL 23RD
Mark your calendars for this year’s STEMFest Showcase on April 23 from 5:00–8:00 p.m.
This special evening will highlight the incredible work of our students as they share their Problem Based Learning (PBL) projects and artwork with the STEM community. Students from across all grade levels will showcase the problems they explored, the solutions they designed, and the creativity they brought to their learning.
In addition to PBL presentations, this year’s event will also feature STEM’s Art Show, providing an opportunity for students to display their artistic talents and celebrate the role creativity plays in innovation and learning.
The evening will include:
- Elementary student showcases from 5:00–7:00 p.m.
- Secondary student showcases from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
We invite families and community members to join us in exploring student projects, viewing artwork, and celebrating the curiosity, creativity, and hard work of our students. Additional details about student presentations will be shared in the near future.
We look forward to coming together as a community to support and recognize our students’ achievements.
JOIN US FOR THE REMEMBRANCE AND RESILIENCY COMMUNITY WALK - MAY 7TH
Join us for the Remembrance and Resiliency Community Walk on Thursday, May 7. The walk will begin at 10:00 a.m. at STEM School Highlands Ranch and conclude with a community gathering at Central Park.
For additional details about the event, please click the button below to be directed to the Remembrance and Resiliency Community Walk webpage.
IMPORTANT LINKS
ELEMENTARY NEWSLETTER
MESSAGE FROM MRS. MCELROY
Please click the button below to read full updates from Mrs. McElroy, Elementary Principal.
SECONDARY NEWSLETTER
MESSAGE FROM MRS. RIDDER
Please click the button below to read full updates from Mrs Ridder, Middle School Principal.
SECONDARY CMAS SCHEDULE - PLEASE READ
CMAS testing will begin on April 6. Please note that student start times may vary depending on grade level and the specific tests being administered. Families please review the CMAS schedule to ensure students arrive on time and prepared.
AFTER - SCHOOL SUPERVISION REMINDER
We have noticed an increasing number of middle school students remaining on campus after school without being in a club, aftercare, or attending office hours, often gathering in the athletic entry hallway with friends.
Please remember that school dismisses at 3:30 p.m. Students who are not participating in a supervised activity (club, aftercare, or office hours) are required to leave campus at dismissal.
Please note that staff are no longer supervising students in the building after 4:00 p.m. Thank you for helping us ensure all students are safe and accounted for after school.
SCHOOL HOURS
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