Dear Steck Families,

Hello Steck Community! I am thrilled to be named the new principal of this amazing school and community.  As a long-time public educator, I have been fortunate to serve as a classroom teacher, an Assistant Principal, and a Principal at both the high school and elementary levels.  Most recently, I have spent the prior 10+ years as the Principal at Park Hill Elementary. During this time at Park Hill, I enjoyed working with the community, developing the careers of teachers and future leaders, and supporting students in their educational journey.  One additional aspect of my career path that I am particularly proud of is being selected for and completing the Cahn Distinguished Principal Fellowship in October 2024, an esteemed program with principals throughout the country.  

I am excited to get to work! It is a true honor to have been selected for this opportunity. I will bring a calm, positive leadership mindset to school, and am eager to work alongside students, staff, and parents.  I will work to build relationships, drive instruction, and put students at the forefront of our work. Lastly, I am looking forward to meeting all of our students, staff, and families.  You are all part of the Steck community, and I know we will work well together for the success of everyone.

Ken Burdette, Steck Principal

Dear Steck Families,

We are sharing the link for the "Returning to Steck Survey" again. We experienced a glitch with the previous responses, so please use this new link to resubmit your answers.

Here is the link to the survey: Returning to Steck 26-27 school year

Thank you for your understanding.

In honor of the Stock Show, each Wednesday will be Western Wear Wednesdays - this can be as simple as wearing jeans or go all out and cowboy/girl it up!

Starbucks winners for the month:  ECE Jonah T., Kinder Elliot W. and Amir A. , 1st Sadie M. and Harrison M. , 2nd Lizzie F. and Corbin A., 3rd  Liam T. and Isidro C., 4th Davis C. and Mitsuki F., 5th Harris A. and Arya K.

Minute to Win It Winners: ECE Eloise H., Kinder Henry F., 1st Naomi A., 2nd Mathilda L., 3rd Aryceli C., 4th Clem K.,        5th Ella M.

This months' game:  Build as many snowmen as you can out of marshmallows!

• 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

First Grade took a Field trip to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in December.

Kindergarten classes learned about celebrating Hanukkah in December.

Hello Steck Families,

Welcome back from winter break! Since we are still deep in respiratory virus season, I want to provide some information on 1) symptoms of common respiratory illnesses, 2) public health data on what diseases are trending locally and 3) what our district policy is for common illnesses. 

The most common infections we are seeing at Steck and in the Denver community are flu, strep throat, and the common cold. This infographic breaks down the infection and expected symptoms. If you suspect your child is sick, please have them seen by their pediatrician, or you can make an appointment with any of DPS’s School Based Health Centers (which are free for all DPS students).

Right now, Influenza A is the frontrunner diagnosis seen at Children’s Hospital and their clinics. (the blue line in the photo below).  If you would like your student to be vaccinated, it is not too late in the season to do so! 

And finally, here is guidance on How Sick is Too Sick to be at school. For strep, a student must be kept home for 12 hours after starting antibiotics. For flu, they must stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications and other symptoms have been improving for 24 hours. 

Thank you, and as a reminder I can be reached every school day at 720-424-3898 or emily_epstein@dpsk12.net. 

How sick is too sick? English

How sick is too sick? Spanish

GT NEWS for January 2026 

Spring Cognitive Testing Nominations: 

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

December1 - 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 

COME JOIN US AT OUR NEXT PTSA MEETING

DATE: Tuesday, January 13th, 7:45AM in the cafeteria

You do NOT need to be a member to join - please join us to learn more about the inner workings at our school!

Dine out for Steck at Walter's 303

Dates: Tuesday, 1/13, 1/20, 1/27

Lowry location, 200 Quebec St, #109

Time: All day (11a-9p)

15% will go back to Steck, take out or dine in only

Online code: Steck26, or mention Steck when dining in

Lunch and Recess volunteers always needed

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