The PTO Press - July 2023

Just another way to keep you informed about PTO-specific news and events.

A Message From the Board

Welcome to the start of our new (fiscal) year and our NEW monthly newsletter! We are excited to bring you the latest updates, announcements, and highlights of the PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization). Our goal is to keep you informed about all the PTO-specific news and events happening within our school community.

We hope your summer is going great and that you are enjoying the warm days surrounded by loved ones. We have a lot of information to share about the numerous events taking place in our organization during the upcoming school year. Therefore, make sure to read through these newsletters and frequently check the calendar to stay informed.

Thank you for being a part of our PTO family, and we look forward to an exciting journey ahead!

Meet the Board for 2023-2024

**Welcome to our NEWEST board member!

Jamie Lanning - Fundraising Chair

We are thrilled to have Jamie join us, bringing her valuable fundraising experience. She has some fantastic ideas to enhance our fundraising efforts and provide much-needed support. Jamie has two children at STEM: a second grader and a sixth grader.

Allyson Davis - Community Chair

Allyson is actively involved in all areas of the PTO and STEM. I'm sure you've noticed her presence. She excels at cultivating relationships among individuals and fostering connections. Allyson has three children at STEM: an incoming kindergartner, a second grader, and a fifth grader.

Erin Ehn - Social Events Chair

Erin has breathed life into the STEM community this past year, and she has even more in store for the upcoming year. She is our go-to person for "BIG IDEAS" and consistently delivers, even under tight deadlines. Erin has two children at STEM: a fourth grader and a fifth grader, with another one joining in the fall of 2024.

Melissa Roder - Fundraising Chair

Melissa is the veteran PTO mom and has been involved for nearly eight years. She brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the team, keeping us grounded. (You may also spot her occasionally substituting in your children's classrooms!) Melissa has two alumni students, one in 11th grade and another in 9th grade at Horizon HS. Additionally, her twins are currently seventh graders at STEM.

Amber Wey - Operations Chair

Amber has been on the team for nearly five years. Most of her work is done behind the scenes, except for handling most of the communication you receive. She has one alumni student, currently in 9th grade and heading to Legacy HS, as well as two other children currently attending STEM: a second grader and a fifth grader. (Two more will be joining in the fall of 2025.)

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Upcoming Social Events

Kindergarten Play Date

For any incoming Kinder families, please join us on the school playground at Wyco Park on Saturday, August 5th, at 10:00 am. It will be a great opportunity for the kids to get to know each other, and for us to connect as well! Don't forget to bring snacks, water, and sunscreen. Additionally, please note that there are most likely no bathrooms available at the park, so please plan accordingly.

Back to School Night

Find us at Back to School Night on Wednesday, August 9th, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Visit our table and drop off your Summer Bingo Card for a chance to win a prize! Click HERE to download your copy and start playing.

Movie on Wyco

Everyone is welcome! Join us for a back-to-school gathering in the park. Save the date for Friday, August 11th, at STEM Lab/Wyco Park. The fun will begin at 5 pm, followed by a movie screening at dusk. Stay tuned for more details, coming soon.

Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, August 5

10:00a Kinder Playdate

Wednesday, August 9

4:30p Back to School Night

Friday, August 11

5:00p Back to School Movie Night

Monday, August 14

First Day of School

Friday, September 1

Fall Fundraiser

Fundraising Updates

Our Ongoing Passive Fundraising Programs

Also known as "no-cost" fundraising, these programs provide a means for you to support the school without any additional charges to your family. For more information, CLICK HERE or click on the images below to directly visit their respective sites and learn how to get started.

July's Teacher Feature

Miss Julia Tennant- Kindergarten

These are a few of her favorite things:

Color: Green

Sports Team: Denver Broncos

Snacks: Dr. Pepper, Twizzlers, Chips

Homemade Goodies: Cookies

Place to Eat: Chick Fil A

Place to treat herself: Coldstone

Hobbies: Painting and Gardening

Little surprises that bring her joy: Kind Notes

Miss Julia Tennant will be joining our Kindergarten team this fall! We are thrilled to have her on board and wanted to get to know her a bit better before August. Therefore, we asked:

Q. What inspired you to become a teacher?

A. "To help educate and inspire young minds, to create another home for all kids to feel welcomed by"

Q. How do you engage with students who might be struggling in or out of the classroom?

A. "Being patient and providing different resources/tools for students to explore to allow better engagement."

Q. Can you share an example of a particularly challenging teaching experience and how you overcame it?

A. "Having to rewrite curriculum to make sure my students needs are being met to the utmost potential."

Q. What do you think will be the most rewarding aspect of working at STEM Lab?

A. "Being a part of a community that has shaped me into the person I am today."

Q. How do you foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment?

A. "Lots of cooperation and opportunities to get to know one another and share their differences."

Q. What historical (or not) person in the S.T.E.M. realm has been an inspiration to you?

A. "Jane Goodall"

Teachers and Staff! We would love to feature you in an upcoming newsletter. If you are interested please fill out this FORM.

Community Spotlight

Student Appreciation

Did you know that we also focus on boosting the morale of the students at STEM Lab? One of the ways we accomplish this is through the creation of a "Take What You Need" board. This board showcases Post-it notes adorned with uplifting messages or stickers for students to place on their notebooks, water bottles, backpacks, and more. You can find these boards located in the Middle School Hall, the 3rd-5th grade Hall, and the 1st-2nd grade Hall.

Staff Appreciation

Throughout the year, our Staff Appreciation team collaborates to offer delightful surprises for the staff at STEM. These surprises can range from pampering supplies to a snack cart or even "pop-up" events like a hot cocoa bar or candy apple bar. Additionally, we organize a Staff Appreciation wall and, of course, Teacher Appreciation Week, which is a week filled with excitement and special treats.

The PTO is a separate entity from the school

It's true! We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates independently from the school. This means that any donation you make to us is tax deductible. Although we function separately, we maintain a close working relationship with the school administration team, as collaboration is crucial to the success of our partnership. If you're curious about the sponsor of an upcoming event, keep an eye out for our "PTO sponsored" labels or our PTO Logo. If you don't see those, it's either a STEM Lab-sponsored event or a Student Leadership-sponsored event.

School News & Updates

Click here to be directed to the school's website

for information on news and events happening at STEM Lab.