Thoughts as we head down the home stretch…. |
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STEM Charter Academy is an opportunity for a better future.
We all want better for our children. We seek out the best opportunities for them, but it is only an opportunity. In order for our young people to truly take advantage of everything STEM Charter Academy has to offer them, they must be active participants in their own education. As I walk through classrooms, I see students taking advantage of every opportunity provided to them on a daily basis…listening intently to a teacher’s instruction, asking questions for clarification, seeking help with a project they have worked hard on, but aren’t convinced is at its best yet. This hunger that I see is invigorating, contagious, and yes, very gratifying to see as a school leader.
The flip side of the coin is when I see a student that has the exact same opportunities in front of them squander what is their free opportunity to have a choice in their future vocation. STEM careers are abundant in our own country and will become even more so in the coming years, but the time for our young people to compete for them is NOW. You don’t retrain the way you think starting in college. The opportunity to get the best education starts with having a strong work ethic and being a problem-solving critical thinker. These are habits, not gifts. They must be practiced over a period of years in order to be perfected.
American companies are frustrated because they have millions of jobs that they can’t fill with Americans; so they have to import workers. Shame on us for not producing a workforce that is capable of sustaining our own economy and helping our citizens have more productive fulfilling lives in the process. Careers as software developers, medical health service managers, electrical engineers, radiologists, physical therapists, pharmacists, accountants, auditors, petroleum engineers, are only a few of the top 50 hottest jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). That doesn’t even include diesel mechanics, welders, electricians and other trades that pay a good wage.
Our school has become a place where teachers come to remember why they got into teaching, and parents bring their children to have the edge on the competition in the future job market.
As we watch other schools lower standards because they want to make people feel better about accomplishing less, you are to be commended for keeping your students' dreams alive by encouraging them to work through challenges and sail past their competition.
We thank you for your support in this endeavor. Your persistence, determination, and commitment in getting your child a solid education and developing a work ethic makes you truly rare. As the adults in our students’ lives, it is our job to look beyond the present and towards what is down the road. Let’s continue working together to keep our young people focused on the challenges and opportunities that lay before them. They will thank us for it someday. |
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History Blitz is this Thursday, April 11th between 4:30pm and 6:30pm in the STEM Projects Building. |
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Please do not drop your children off before 7:40am. They may not be on campus until 7:40 as we do not have supervision outside until then. Thank you |
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| NIBCA's Annual PET Parade of Homes: |
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This is the student version of the Parade of Homes (local builders showcasing their work) and they are having students create their own custom pet home! There are different requirements based on age and we are having the award night for the students at one of the custom homes with a dessert bar! Their goal is to help educate students on trade job opportunities in our community and have a chance to meet local builders/electricians etc. Please read this flyer for more information! Their kick-off event is April 26th from 4-5:30pm at the NIBCA office in CDA. This event is great for both parents and students to learn about the Pet Parade and be able to ask all their questions about what they can build!
The NIBCA also offers a scholarship that is available here. |
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Thank you, Mrs. LaPresta!!! |
Each spring our Integrated Math III students take the math placement exam for North Idaho College, to determine placement into dual credit math classes. We have received positive feedback from NIC that our students are consistently able to demonstrate a high level of preparedness to move into college-level mathematics based on their test scores and performance in the dual credit classes. While ALL of our teachers provide opportunities for higher level for our students, we want to specifically give HUGE kudos to Mrs. LaPresta for ensuring every year that our students are prepared and can make that transition smoothly into college math.
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NIC Dean's List for Fall 2023 (3.75 GPA or higher, at least 12 credits) |
Roman McNerney Kerensa McCrea Catherine Roco Hailey Young Congratulations: Keep up the good work!! |
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April 24th Music Showcase and Front Row Raffle: |
1st, 3rd, and 4th Graders will be performing a Musical Revue about Jazz on Wednesday, April 24th at 6 pm in the gym.
Students performing are asked to meet with in their regular classrooms between 5:30-5:45pm that evening.
Each year, we raffle off front row seats to the music concerts as a way to raise money for our music program. Every $10 raffle ticket buys a chance at two (2) front row seats!! Simply visit the main office between now and April 22nd with cash or check to enter. |
Pictures Needed:
THIS IS THE LAST WEEK for Photo submissions to be accepted for this year's yearbook. If you have pictures from one of our concerts, competitions or: FTC Invent Idaho National Honor Society Student Leadership
Triple Play Math Counts FLL Community Chess Club/3D Print Rocketry
or any other fun stuff that you do outside of school, please email photos to stemyearbook@northidahostem.org. Please include the names and grades of students in the pictures and a brief description, if possible. Yearbook order forms will be available NEXT WEEK! |
On Sale NOW - Only $17 Each: 2023/2024 Yearbooks are now available to order! Forms and money are due to the office by Thursday, April 18th. Stop by the office if you need a new form! |
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Important: Super 1 Pick up Area: |
A reminder from the Rathdrum police that drivers cannot turn that area into a parking lot. You MUST keep a lane available as a FIRE LANE. Please do not ruin this pick up area for our families by not being considerate of this fact. Thank you |
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Our STEM middle school mathletes: led a math-based service project this past Thursday, reaching out to the 4th grade STEM students in a Day of Mathematics. During the Day of Mathematics the mathletes shared the math games and strategies they developed over the past three months with the 4th graders. The goal of the project was to share math concepts that the 4th graders can implement in the classroom and in everyday experiences! Fun was had by all!
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STEM Charter Capital Campaign Month: |
April is our STEM Charter Capital Campaign Month: As many of you know charter schools cannot bond or levy for facilities and that is why you never see our name on your property tax bill. If you are not aware, Idaho gives a tax CREDIT of 50% (That means you literally get back half of what you donate on your state taxes.) It is also deductible on your Federal taxes as we are a registered 501 (C) (3) tax exempt organization. All donations to the capital campaign go towards paying down our mortgage on our facilities. If we raised $100 for every student at STEM we would raise over $50,000. You can do less than $100 or you can do more. Every bit helps. You may always donate, by check or online at https://stemcharter.square.site.
Thank you for your support!! |
Adley Garwick & Reece Carron for becoming Adobe Certified Professionals in Visual Design. They got this certification through Mr. Johnson’s Graphic Design class. |
The American Legion Boys & Girls State finalists selected: |
The following juniors have been selected to attend Boys State: Marley Bilski, Nic Gronlund,
Zach Cook and Girls State: Chelsea Venning The interviewers noted that all had done a fantastic job on their applications and interviews. |
Thursday Lunch Forms:
The final Thursday pizza lunch forms went home with students earlier this week. Please be sure these are returned to the office by Monday if your child wishes to be included in the pizza order for Thursday, April 18th. |
Quarter 3 Report Cards: Quarter 3 Report Cards were emailed to parents today. Please reach out to your child's teacher(s) with grade questions and concerns. |
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STEM Sponsored Blood Drive:
Our spring blood drive is happening tomorrow, April 11th, 2024. There are still a couple spots available! Please see the attached flier for information to sign up. For questions or assistance, contact Mrs. Daley at info@northidahostem.org. |
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Our juniors and seniors attended the STEM Charter Prom on Friday night with refreshments, dancing, and lots of fun. We are so proud of these students and it was a joy to watch them enjoy their special night. This event takes a lot of planning and effort. The whole staff decorated and set up on Friday. A HUGE thank you to Mrs. Pence and Mrs. Cook for organizing and operating this fun evening along with a LOT of help from, Mr. Swick , Mr. Gill, Mrs. Stafford, Mr. & Mrs. Clifton, Mr. & Mrs. Moon, Mrs. Carlson, Mr. and Mrs. Olsen, Mr. Eldenburg, Mrs. Sims, Mr. Johnson, and Mrs. Arpke whom all gave up their Friday night to make sure a good time was had by all!
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As our year begins to wind down, we want to thank you all for your continued support of our school and program. When we all individually do our jobs, the team succeeds!! We ARE making a difference! |
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Until next time, we’ll see you in the parking lot!!! |
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Scott Thomson Executive Director STEM Charter Academy |
| Travis Swick Principal STEM Charter Academy |
| Cyndi Cook Vice Principal STEM Charter Academy |
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15633 N Meyer Rd. Rathdrum, ID 83858
(208) 687-8002 |
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