Steck Elementary School

Steck Elementary School

 

Steck Stars News

March 2026

 

Letter from Principal Ken Burdette

Dear Steck Community:

 

Thank you again for all your support in welcoming me to this new role at Steck. It has been wonderful getting to know the students, the staff, and the families.  I am excited about the future of Steck and the good work we can continue to do together.  

 

During the month of February, we focused on our theme of being supportive of one another. For the month of March, our theme will be trustworthy. These themes of being supportive and trustworthy come directly from our Steck Stars pledge. I ask that you continue to discuss these themes and reiterate the importance at home just as we do here at school.  Examples of at-home conversations can include simple things like saying "please and thank you", sharing and taking turns, and refraining from name-calling or speaking down to another student.  In particular, I would like to focus on the use of sportsmanship and kind words while on the playground and sports fields.

 

In the classrooms, we are actively working towards the end-of-year standards.  In addition, we are preparing for CMAS in the upper grades of 3rd-5th, while ECE-2nd continues to work on rigorous grade-level content.  

 

I am looking forward to a positive and successful 3rd trimester.  Please know you can reach out to your teachers, to the office, or to me with any questions or concerns.  Thank you for your continued partnership. 

Ken Burdette

Principal

Steck Elementary

 

 

 MONTHLY REMINDERS - MARCH

March 3 - PTSA meeting at 7:45am in the school cafeteria with coffee with Ken

March 10 - CSC meeting at 6:00pm in the school teachers' lounge

March 30 - April 3   No School Spring Break

 

Colorado Measure of Academic Success CMAS Testing for Grade 3-5

  • 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

 

Steck Spirit Days - March

March Madness - on Wednesdays wear your favorite college gear!

On March 3rd the date will be 3/03 so wear your Denver gear!

Every Friday is always Steck Spirit wear day!

 

FEBRUARY STARBUCKS ASSEMBLY

Starbucks winners for the month:  ECE Brisbyn H., Kinder Elijah R.-J. and Graham L., 1st Oliver S. and Alex W., 2nd Cristobal P.-A. and Dylan S.-L., 3rd  Paige F. and Eva M., 4th Marlowe C. and Noah H., 5th Thatcher B. and Penny G.

Minute to Win It Winners: ECE Isla S., Kinder Silas P., 1st Ford W., 2nd Natalie B., 3rd Will W., 4th EllingtonP., 5th Dean W.

This month's game:  Cookie on the Face game!

Star Bucks winning grade levels:  ECE - popcorn, Kinder- extra Centers time, 1st grade - extra recess, 2nd grade - extra recess, 3rd grade - extra recess, 5th grade - donuts

Ms. Adatto's First grade class introduced next month's character trait TRUSTWORTHY with a song they created and a partner dance they learned in Music class.

 

Classroom Happenings

Silly Hat Day in Ms. Adatto's 1st grade class

 

Fun in 4th grade with Valentine's Day and Mystery Math

ECE field trip to Mici Italian Restaurant

 

Attendance Matters-February

Class Attendance Winner for February:  Ms. Adatto's First grade class!

 

Nurse's Corner

Hello from the Nurse’s Corner,

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

 

Gifted and Talented News

GT NEWS for March 2026 

Happy Spring!!

Wow, February flew by faster than I could have imagined.  I’m wrapping up all the mid-year Talent Pool additions, new identifications and new ALPs.  Throughout March, I’ll be gathering more data, checking in with Steck Stars about their goals and working with our weekly challenge groups. 

SIGS Surveys (Scales for Identifying Gifted Students):

Teachers will be assigned formal SIGS surveys for Magnet Eligible students.  They have a few weeks to complete them.  Once the data is reviewed, I’ll reach out if it impacts your Steck Star’s designation (HGT, GT, Magnet Eligible or Talent Pool).

Spring Cognitive Testing:

March 2 - April 30:  Testing Window

May 4:  Final date to send home results

**Specific test dates will be sent out to families as soon as they are scheduled.

CMAS Testing in April:

Groups for all of the specialists in the building pause during the week of testing so we can assist with testing.  If your Steck Star mentions missing a group, please remind them why.

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

GT Family Website:  gt.dpsk12.org

Kat Zimmerman

Steck GT

 

Steck Garden Club

 

PTSA Update

REMINDER: Please join us for our next PTSA Meeting featuring coffee with Principal Ken!!

DATE: Tuesday, March 3rd, in the cafeteria after drop off

This is a great way to learn more about the inner workings of our school. We’ll also be serving coffee generously donated by local favorite, Under the Umbrella! 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Being a part of the PTSA is a GREAT way to build community, learn about the inner workings of our school, and make a real impact on Steck's Success. Open positions for next year include:

Annual Auction Chairs

Room Parent Coordinator

Fundraising Coordinator

Community Events Coordinator

And many more!

If you're interested in learning more, please click HERE to fill out our Volunteer Interest Survey.

CHOOK DINE OUT THIS MONTH! Help support a local business while raising money for our school! See below for details:

Date: 3/10 & 3/11 (Tues-Weds)

Time: 11a-8p (all day)

Location: 8th & Birch

20% will go back to Steck

Mention Steck at the register

Online code: Schools20

Flyer attached

DAVE & BUSTER'S FUNDRAISER STILL GOING STRONG! We wanted to remind you of a great fundraising campaign we currently have going with Dave & Buster's. Every time you buy a $20 Power Card, 50% of your purchase is donated to Steck! here's how it works:

Purchase $20 D&B's Power Card(s) from our fundraising page 

50% will go back to Steck

Card never expires, use at any D&B's location

Ends on 3/31

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR ANNUAL STECK DANCE! Mark your calendars for Friday, April 24th. You won't wanna miss it!