Happy February Steck Families:

It is hard to believe it is already February, especially as we continue to experience unusually warm weather throughout Colorado.  In my first few weeks here at Steck, I have had the opportunity to meet many students and families, and I look forward to connecting with all of you as I get settled.  One of my initiatives as the new principal is to bring our community together for both the students and the adults.  In the coming months, we will make some subtle shifts in an effort to connect our student community and our parent community.  An immediate opportunity to connect will be at the PTSA "Coffee with the Principal" tomorrow morning starting at 7:40am (Tuesday, 2/3).  Families can join in person or virtually with this link: meet.google.com/grs-bsyt-zdb

In the mornings, especially on these nicer days, I encourage you to park and walk to the school door with your student. This gives us a chance to greet you and welcome you to another great day at Steck.  If unable to do so, please use the Kiss and Go lanes, and remember to pull all the way forward to allow ample space for cars and students.  

I also want to recognize that we have experienced a larger-than-usual number of illnesses so far in 2026.  Inside the school, we are wiping down surfaces daily and encouraging students to wash hands thoroughly as well as using hand sanitizer.  Please continue to do so at home as well, as we aim to limit the number of school days missed, which I know can be a stressor for families.

Thank you for your continued support of Steck Elementary. Your partnership is vital in making our school a success.

Ken Burdette

Principal

Steck Elementary

Feb 11- Spring Conferences 3-6pm, by invite only

Feb 13- No School - Comp Day for Conferences

Feb 16- No School - President's Day Holiday

Feb 27- No School  - Professional Development Day

"Show your Love" during the month of February by wearing pink, red, or hearts every Wednesday during the month of February!  Steck Spirit wear (Steck gear or school colors) is always on Fridays!

Some Kindergarten Western wear artwork!

Our Spring Enrichment Session offers fun, hands-on classes that spark creativity, curiosity, and learning after school. Families can explore class options and register online during the Spring registration window.  Use the QR code below for more information.

 Session Dates: March 2 – May 15, 2026

 Registration Opens: February 3, 2026

 Registration Closes: February 18, 2026

Starbucks winners for the month:  ECE Nick K., Kinder Beau N. and Vivian W., 1st Anna G. and Jamal A. , 2nd AJ A. and Natalee B., 3rd  Grant P. and Reese M., 4th TJ B. and Lucia Mc., 5th Marabel B. and Angel S.

Minute to Win It Winners: ECE Salmane F., Kinder Annika H., 1st Leonna C., 2nd Sara M., 3rd Izzi W., 4th Micah R., 5th Cody W.

This months' game:  Snowball Toss!

Star Bucks winning grade levels:  Kinder - popcorn party, 1st grade - spirit day (grade level choice), 2nd grade - board games time, 3rd grade - lollipops, 5th grade - spirit day (grade level choice)

• Mark your calendar for the CMAS Testing from April 6 through April 24

• We need your help . . . Please refrain from scheduling appointments, vacations, etc. during the testing window

• Testing schedule-coming soon

• CMAS Resources

4th graders enjoyed a visit from the Golden History Museum! Students worked in groups "developing" Colorado's major cities.

5th graders creating art Michelangelo style

5th grade crime scene investigation: The Boston Massacre

Congratulations to our First Graders (Ms. Adatto's and Ms. Lang's classes) for having the highest attendance for the month of January. They will be celebrated with a special recess with Mr. B, our new Principal, as well as ownership of our Stecky the Spirit Stick Snake for this month. 

Here are overall, grade-level attendance percentages for January:

ECE: 93.89

Kinder: 94.24

1st: 96.29

2nd: 90.65

3rd: 94.49

4th: 94.35

5th: 93.89

About 250 students were celebrated at our Steck Stars January assembly for having 95% or higher attendance for the months of August through December (or the first half of the school year). Students will be coming home with "Outstanding Attendance" certificates today! Thank you and nice work to those students and their families!

Next week, those students who have missed 1 day or less (95%+ attendance) in the month of January will come home with a January certificate and a "smencil" (aka...smelly pencil)! 

We look forward to sharing our February Attendance incentives in the coming weeks! 

Photos from the Steck Auction Winners - Teacher Time with Nurse Emily at the Museum of Nature and Science - Discovery Health exhibit

Hello from the Nurse’s Corner,

This month’s will be a short one, with just a few reminders to Steck families!

1. If your student has had a toileting accident during school and borrowed clothing from the health office, please remember to wash the clothes (except underwear; we do not reuse those) and return them to the health office. It is encouraged you leave a full change of clothes in their locker as well.
2. If your child is coming down with something, please follow the guidance in the How Sick is Too Sick (Español) district guide. Respiratory viruses have been increasingly prevalent in our students since winter break, and the best way to stop the spread is to stay home when symptomatic.

Thank you for your continued support! 

Nurse Emily

GT NEWS for February 2026 

Spring Cognitive Testing Nominations: 

https://gt.dpsk12.org/o/gifted/page/testing-information 

December 1 - February 20: Complete Nomination Form 

March 2 - April 30: Testing Window 

May 4: Final date to send home results 

****Students that are Magnet Eligible or identified as HGT cannot sign up for any cognitive testing. 

ID & ALPs: December was another big data month for me. I’ve been reviewing I-ready diagnostics and cognitive testing results before sending a new list of our Steck Stars for ID approval. New ALPs will be sent out by the end of January. 

If you ever have any questions, contact Kat Zimmerman at kathleen_zimmerman@dpsk12.net

GT Family Website: gt.dpsk12.org 

Kat Zimmerman 

Coffee with Ken & next PTSA meeting

Join the PTSA for coffee with our new principal 

Tuesday, February 3rd - 7:45am in the cafeteria. 

February Dine Out at Shake Shack

Date: Wednesday, 2/18

Cherry Creek location, 260 N Josephine St.

Time: All day (10a-10p)

25% will go back to Steck

Online code: DONATE, or mention Donation Day at the register

King Sooper’s Community Giveback 

1. Create a digital account.

A digital account is needed to participate in King Soopers Community Rewards. If you already have a digital account, simply link your Shopper’s Card to your account so that all transactions apply toward the organization you choose.

2. Link your Card to an organization.

Selecting the organization that you wish to support is as simple as updating the King Soopers Community Rewards selection on your digital account.

     1. Sign in to your digital account.

     2. Search for your organization here.

     3. Enter “Steck PTSA”

      4. Select “Steck PTSA”  and click “Save”

Steck PTSA will display in the King Soopers Community Rewards section of your account. If you need to review or revisit your organization, you can always do so under your Account details

3. Steck PTSA earns funds

Any transactions moving forward using the Shopper’s Card number associated with your digital account will be applied to the Steck PTSA, at no added cost to you. 

Save the date Steck School Dance Friday April 24th 5-7pm at Hill Middle School gymnasium

Lunch and Recess volunteers always needed

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/9040E45A4AD28A6FE3-58793106-recess