STEM Elementary Newsletter

September 6, 2024

DATES TO REMEMBER

TUESDAY! September 10: We are rolling out the red carpet for PICTURE DAY! Wear your favorite picture day clothes and best smile!

(PreOrder Here: https://orders.schoolandsportpics.com/ordering Use the drop down menu to select our school name)

Click here for the 2024-25 School District of Waukesha Calendar

News & Updates

Safety Week

Next week is Safety Week at STEM Academy! Our staff and students will be participating in various safety drills throughout the week to ensure everyone is prepared for emergency situations. These drills are important for keeping our school community safe. At the conclusion of every drill, we will also be sending messages to families to keep everyone informed.

Last Chance to Opt OUT of Family Directory

One of the unique things about STEM is that our students come from all over our school district- and beyond! In the first few weeks of school, we will provide a directory so that you can easily connect with other STEM families and continue building our great community!

If for any reason you DO NOT want some or all of your family's contact information shared with other STEM families, please click here to complete the OPT OUT form. Form must be completed by SEPTEMBER 6th, only if you wish to OPT OUT. (Please note a new form must be completed each year if you are opting out).

New Student Lunch Bunch

Beginning the week of September 9, Ms. Tobianski, our school psychologist, will invite small groups (by grade level) of Newly Enrolled STEM Elementary students to join her for lunch. A hand delivered invitation will be given to students in the morning of their scheduled lunch bunch. The students will bring their hot or cold lunch to the student service room. They will talk about any questions they have about their new school, what they like best so far, the friends they've made, and any worries or concerns they have regarding school. If time allows, we will do a fun activity as well. Special appearances by our school social worker, Callie Lederman, and our school counselor, Ashley Doolittle, are possible.

4th & 5th Grade Junior Coaching

Information and applications went out to all 4th and 5th graders interested in being a Junior Coach this year. Junior Coaches help facilitate playground games and resolve small conflicts on the playground with our younger grade levels. Throughout the year, Junior Coaches receive monthly training with our Playworks Coodinator, Krystin, and complete one playground shift per week (missing about 20 minutes of academics).

While not all 4th & 5th graders that apply to be a Jr. Coaches will get the role, we have multiple other opportunities for students to lead at STEM that include signing up to be Maker Space Helpers, Classroom Buddies, and more.

Applications are due next week Tuesday.

STEM Family Volunteers & Social Coordinators

We are thrilled to announce that STEM Elementary will be offering a variety of after-school social activities and volunteer opportunities for families throughout the year! In partnership with our STEM Governing Board, we’ll be sharing weekly updates and sign-up opportunities to keep you informed and involved.

For those of you newer to STEM, our school operates under a Charter School status, which means we are led by a Governing Board (click here to learn more and see the current members). The Governing Board holds our 501(c)3 accounts, similar to the accounts used by PTO/PTA organizations in traditional schools. Moving forward, we will no longer use the term "PTSO" to refer to our volunteer leaders, to avoid any confusion. As we continue to grow, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible contributions of our past PTSO volunteers. Their dedication has helped shape many of the traditions and events we cherish at STEM Elementary.

Below is a list of ideas inspired by the wonderful leadership of past coordinators and volunteers. If you’re interested in taking the lead on any open opportunities, helping out, or have a new idea you’d like to bring to life, please reach out to Mr. Pochinski at dpochins@waukesha.k12.wi.us. (Please only submit ideas that you are willing to lead.)

Fundraisers -- Dine to Donate, Scrip gift cards, & Staff Experience Raffles
Social Activities -- Carbs and Coffee, Fall Dance, Winter Movie Night, Spring Lego Night, & Ice Cream Social
Teacher Appreciations -- Stock the fridge, Conference Dinners/Lunch, & Holiday Scrip gift cards
STEM Food Share - Food Donations & Friday Distribution (see below)
Book Fairs (see below)

Please check out this section of our newsletter every week to stay informed about our fundraising efforts and sign up for volunteer opportunities. Volunteering gives you the unique opportunity to actively shape your child’s school experience, strengthen connections within the school community, and show your child the value of being involved.

Next week, Fall Dance details and volunteer opportunities will be shared.

Fall Book Fair Volunteer Sign Up

Our Fall Book Fair will be held October 14-18. Click here to sign up for a slot! The more volunteers we have, the more hours the fair can be open!

STEMShare Supplemental Food Program

We are pleased to again offer our STEMShare program to families who need it. STEMShare provides healthy, kid-friendly foods to participating students at the end of each school week. If your family would benefit from this service, please click here and complete the request form (this information is kept strictly confidential).

MakerSpace Request

Our MakerSpace could use donations of paint. Donations can be dropped off in the front lobby.

📌 Don’t Miss Out on our Two Facebook communities!

Check out the Waukesha STEM Academy page for the latest events, updates, and fun photos from all grade levels. Stay connected and engaged with the Waukesha STEM Elementary School Families page, your go-to for social connections, and community activities.