STEM Updates
December 2021
A Message from the Superintendent
STEM Family,
At this time of year it is only natural to reflect on the things we are thankful for. When it comes to STEM and our learning community there are so many things that come to mind to be thankful for.
I am thankful for the entire educational team here at STEM that come to school each day to help our students learn and grow. Teachers and staff who work well beyond their 40 hour work week to prepare engaging lessons, teachers and staff who go the extra mile each day to connect with each child, and teachers and staff who always put the students' needs first. I am grateful for each of you and your kindness and love you show to each child each day.
I'm also thankful for our STEM parents who have truly become our partners as we work together to prepare our students for success. I'm thankful for the parent supports at home, whether it be coaching your child through rough patches with friends or late-night homework sessions. I'm thankful for the awesome PTO parents who show up just at the right time to events to jump in and help. Parents are truly the key ingredient to a great school.
Finally, I'm thankful for all the STEM students! I'm thankful for the fun stories they share with us about their pets, vacations, and hobbies. I'm thankful for the opportunity we have to lead and guide these amazing humans who will soon be our leaders in the community. They are truly the highlight of each day.
I am blessed and honored to serve the STEM community and I wish you all a wonderful November!
Shannon Davidson
Superintendent
UT Permian Basin STEM Academy
COVID FAQ
BINAZNOW RAPID TESTING CONSENT FORM
UTPB STEM Academy is offering COVID-19 testing at no cost for students and staff who develop symptoms of COVID-19 while at school. This testing uses Abbott Laboratories BinaxNOW tests provided by the state and federal government. Students under 18 years of age must have written parent consent for testing to be completed. If you wish to give your consent for COVID-19 testing using the BinaxNOW test, please read and complete this form.
Upcoming Events
Click the link to view our STEM Academy Calendar online.
November
01-05 Campus Based Assessments
01 National Family Literacy Day
04 Science Club 6th-12th grade
05 Cycle 2 Ends
05 Vann & Green, the Science Team
08 Cycle 3 begins
08-12 Robotics Hockey Fundraiser
10 NHS Pickle/Popcorn Sale
10 NHS Study Session
11 NHS Meeting 7:00am McMillan’s
11 Veteran’s Day
11 FAFSA Night UTPB 2nd floor MPR
12 Vann & Green, the Science Team
12 Fall Picture retakes
12 Career Day
12 StuCo Friendsgiving 12:30pm
12 Jackalopes Hockey Game Sponsoring Robotics
(Ector County Coliseum)
17 Snack Attack
17 NHS Study Session
18 Zoo Crew
18 Science Club 6th-12th grade
19 Vann & Green, the Science Team
22-26 Thanksgiving Break
December 2021
03 Reading Expo - Grades 3rd - 5th
February 2022
04 Peace, Love, & STEM
*All events are subject to cancellation or change
DONATION DRIVE FOR THE ODESSA MEALS ON WHEELS
ESPORTS WINTER TOURNAMENT
Friday, Dec 3, 2021, 12:30 PM
The University of Texas Permian Basin, Founders Building, Founders Road, Odessa, TX, USA
From Ms. Villarreal
NEW ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCE PROCEDURES
Catered Lunch Options
MCM Eleganté
Chick-fil-A
DECEMBER 8TH - SNACK ATTACK IS BACK!
Join VIPS today!
Fill out this Google Form to be contacted for volunteer opportunites!
Stock the Teacher's Lounge
It’s such a special treat for our Teachers and Staff to have access to snacks and drinks during their work day! Let’s start their school year off right! PTO is reaching out for help stocking both lounges before school starts. Anything donated is greatly appreciated!
Don't have time to shop? We've got you covered. Click this Donation Link. Any amount is greatly appreciated!
Elementary Updates
Dear Parents,
Dear Elementary Parents:
School holidays are fast approaching and before you know it, we will be in STAAR season. Thus, it is imperative that your child attend school each and every day including Fridays. Although Friday is a shortened school day, important instruction is occurring which is vital to your child learning the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills specific to each grade level. Although we are a charter school, we follow all Texas laws pertaining to attendance including the 90% rule which says that each student must not miss more than 10% of the school year or risk being retained. Thus, please refrain from taking family vacations while school is in session.
Remember to check your child's take home folders and google platforms daily to ensure your child is completing all assignments including homework. Learning occurs only when students do the work. If at any time you have questions, please contact your child's teacher.
As always, I treasure our partnership and look forward to a strong Semester 1 finish. Thank you for choosing STEM.
Best Regards,
Monica Elizondo, M.Ed.
Elementary Principal
The University of Texas Permian Basin STEM Academy
"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."
-William Butler Yeats
Office 432.552.2588
Fax 432.552.2581
@STEMLeader
@UTPBSTEMAcademy
Don't miss out!
Elementary Programs Cheat Sheet
Secondary Updates
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The end of the six weeks is fast approaching (November 5). Please make sure you are signed up for Ascender portal. Working together to stay on top of student assignments requires buy in from our parents. If you are having any difficulty please make sure and speak with Mrs. Aguirre in secondary office or Mrs. Flores in the district office.
The next item is our upcoming final exams in December. We will send out a the schedule after Thanksgiving break. Finals occur the week before winter break. Please make sure that your son/daughter are present for these important assessments.
The last item is for our high school students specifically. We are returning to our Winter Formal this year. Please watch for announcements the first week of December for our ALL high school dance. Students can see announcements in Canvas and hear them every morning at 7:40am. We will also be sending out emails with additional details. Hope to see all our high school students then.
In Service to others,
Mr. Cody Griffin
Principal STEM Academy Middle/High School
432-552-3580
@UTPBSTEMAcademy
@PrincipalStem
SECONDARY STUDENT CALCULATORS
Parents of Secondary Students:
In order to help our students have a positive and successful math experience, we encourage all students in 8th grade math and beyond to own a graphing calculator. A graphing calculator will be used in all 4 years of their UTPB STEM Academy math courses, and should also be more than adequate for any college level work after high school. We realize there is a cost involved but we’re hoping you see it as an 8‐year educational investment in your son and/or daughter.
There are several options for graphing calculators listed below. Any of the TI 84s or TI 83s will be more than adequate for our high school courses. We ask that any calculators labeled CAS not be purchased for school use, as these are not permitted for use on the STAAR test. These calculators can be purchased at many local stores like Office Depot, Staples, Target, or online at Amazon.com (see example in link below).
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
Thank you,
STEM Academy Math Team
TI84: https://www.target.com/p/texas-instruments-graphing-calculator-black-ti-84/-/A-13646060#lnk=sametab
High School NHS News
Secondary Programs Cheat Sheet
School Hours
2021-2022 Grant Applications
UT Permian Basin STEM Academy
Email: stemacad@utpb.edu
Website: www.utpbstemacademy.org
Location: 4901 E University Blvd, Odessa, TX, USA
Phone: (432) 552-2580
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/utpbstemacademy/
Twitter: @utpbstemacademy