64 SECONDS to Learn Up To  25 THINGS about St. Louis Park High School
October 18, 2018

1:   From the Principal

MEA Break is already here.  It seems like the year is moving along quite quickly.  Our teachers started to transition into workshop mode as we explored reading strategies that can help all students in all subject areas on Wednesday afternoon.  Thank you Bekah Noble, English Teacher for leading our staff professional development session.
 
Our Student Advocates and Grade Level Coordinators modeled Restorative Practices as we reflected on the implementation of our building-wide norms and agreements.  The time was very valuable as we discussed student responses to our norms as well as our roles in modeling for students.  We are very grateful for the time to learn together as educators.  This is a direct tie to our norm "We are all learners".  Thank you for a great start to the year!

Scott Meyers
Principal
2:  Fall Conferences October 25 & 30
St. Louis Spark High School will be holding parent-teacher conferences on Thursday, October 25 and Tuesday, October 30 from 4-7:30 p.m. Conferences will be held in the High School Field House. (Entrance is located on the south side of the building adjacent to the railroad tracks.) It is helpful if you bring a copy of your student's schedule (or a list of teachers) with you to conferences (available in PowerSchool). You will be able to get a copy of this schedule at a welcome table in the field house on conference night if needed. Hope to see you there.
3:  Family Communication Survey Outcomes
Thank you for completing the communication survey this spring! Staff convened over the summer to review feedback and made the following updates to continue enhancing our school/home communications!
 
Important High School website links are more prominent in the weekly 6425News so it's quicker to find what you need!
 
We welcome parents into the school to meet with the Principal by hosting Coffee with the Principal meetings. These are small group conversations in which parents can ask their questions, share feedback and hear updates in an informal environment. Thank you to those who joined us on Wednesday, September 26th! It was an engaged group who received answers to their questions and shared experiences to help each other!
 
We have developed a Parent Engagement Committee who will invest some volunteer time to enhance the communication network and support parent/family/staff events. (If interested in joining, please email Deb Muralt at muralt.debra@slpschools.org.)
 
All students now receive the weekly newsletter, 6425News, so they are knowledgeable about upcoming student opportunities, deadlines and spotlights.
 
Program materials are now available at High School events so parents are aware of the many High School resources that support student success.
 
Thank you for supporting our commitment to enriching the school/home connection!
4:  Carlson Companies Host Student Career Workshop

High School Career Pathways Advisory Board member, Nick Vournakis, hosted an interactive workshop at Carlson Company Wagonlit.  Abby Lugo's Business Innovations class learned about the competitive travel industry, career pathways, identified a business problem and presented solutions!
 
Thank you!
 
**Want to support more career and college exploration opportunities? Contact Carrie Jennissen at c.jennissen@gmail.com or Kara Mueller at mueller.kara@slpschools.org to host field trips, internships or classroom panel conversations.
5:  Academic Supports
Click here to see days, times and locations for academic support at St. Louis Park High School.
6:  MAP (NWEA) Math Testing
MAP(NWEA) Math for all 9th and 10 Graders will take place October 23-25.  Math MAP testing will take place during Science class this fall.  This year we will be using a special block schedule for Fall MAP(NWEA) testing. Using a different schedule will allow students to take the MAP(NWEA) test in one class period administered by a teacher who will use the results!

For more information about testing please visit Assessment, Evaluation and Research on the School District website.
7:  "Scholarship Finder"
Free Resource from Hennepin County Library
Interested in scholarship money for college? The Scholarship Finder from Ebsco is part of the Learning Express Library online resource from the Hennepin County Library. Besides the Scholarship Finder, you can find interactive tutorials, and test preparation tools for SAT, PSAT, ACT, many AP tests, TOEFL, and more. It is free, but you will need your Hennepin County Library card to access Learning Express Library.
 
Access Learning Express Library by going to  hclib.org   - "Browse" -- "Online Resources" -- "Learning Express Library" (it's a long, alphabetical list). You will login to the resource with your HCL library card. Get your HCL card by stopping in person to any local public library (bring identification showing your address), or apply online and your library card will be mailed to you.
 
Once in Learning Express Library, use the search box and enter "scholarship finder" to get to this particular resource. Then you will create a new account the first time, or login to your Learning Express Library account - which will keep track of any practice tests or resources you use.
 
8:  Beat the Odds Scholarship
The  Beat the Odds® scholarship application is now available and will be entirely online this year!

The Beat the Odds® scholarship program honors outstanding high school seniors who have overcome tremendous adversity in life to achieve academic excellence, demonstrate leadership in their communities and aspire to attend college. Each year, through a competitive review process, Children's Defense Fund-Minnesota selects five of the most deserving Twin Cities-area high school students for a Beat the Odds® scholarship to be put toward college expenses.

The Beat the Odds® scholarship application is now available and will be entirely online this year!

Students interested in applying should follow this link:

Nominators can submit their recommendation letter in two ways.
  1. Once a student completes their application, nominators will receive an email prompting them to submit a recommendation letter separately.
  2. A nominator can also provide the student with their recommendation letter ahead of time and the student may upload it in their application and submit all at once
9:  ACT Student Champion Award
Applications are open for the ACT Student Champion Award! The ACT Student Champion Award recognizes one student in each state who is tenacious and persistent, no matter the challenge, and is prepared for life after high school with a goal in mind and plan in place. 

ACT Student Champions receive a $500 non-renewable scholarship, certificate, and state-level recognition. 

Please encourage students in the graduating class of 2019 who have taken the ACT who fit the following criteria to apply: 
  • High school seniors who have overcome challenges and can articulate their education and/or career actions 
     
  • At a minimum, students must have a composite ACT score of 22 on a single test date OR a Gold ACT® WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate® 
Applications can be found www.act.org/readinesschampions. Applications are due October 31, 2018, and champions will be notified on or before January 31, 2019. 

All questions may be directed to ccrc@act.org.
10:  The Horatio Alger Scholarship
Receive up to $25,000 for college with The Horatio Alger Scholarship.  
Click here for details.
11:  FAFSA Completion Night
College Financial Aid Workshop - Help completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

St. Louis Park High School Media Center
Thursday, October 25, 2018 4-7:30 p.m.  Read More

Completing the FAFSA Form 2018-19

Naviance
We are pleased to introduce Naviance Student - a mobile-friendly, comprehensive website your student can use to make plans about careers and college.
12: 
Has your student considered studying abroad? 
Want to learn about the opportunity to study abroad?  On Tuesday, Oct. 16, the Associate Director of Admissions at School Year Abroad (SYA) will be in the Career & College Center, room B220 during 2nd hour (9:30-10:19 a.m.). Stop by B220 prior to Tuesday to sign up for the visit! 
 
Click the links below for more information and to see their web site.
 
P.S. Currently one of our own SLPHS students is in China through SYA.
13:  Colleges Visit SLP High School
Attention Juniors & Seniors
The following colleges will be visiting St. Louis Park High School soon.  Please sign up in the Counseling Office.



Colorado State University Mon October 22, 2018 9:15 AM
Navy Mon October 22, 2018 10:10 AM
Buena Vista University Mon October 22, 2018 1:25 PM
University of California, San Diego Tue October 23, 2018 -
Knox College Tue October 23, 2018 9:30 AM
National Guard Tue October 23, 2018 1:30 PM
Marines Wed October 24, 2018 1:25 PM
Rainy River Community College Thu October 25, 2018 10:25 AM
Montana State University, Bozeman Mon October 29, 2018 10:10 AM
Bradley University Mon October 29, 2018 1:25 PM
Miami University, Oxford Tue October 30, 2018 10:30 AM
Drake University Tue October 30, 2018 1:30 PM

14:  Fall Private College Campus Visits
Fall is a great time for campus visits.  Now that fall is here, you can take the next step in your college search: campus visits. Nothing will help you better imagine what it would be like to live and learn there than visiting campuses.
Click here for more information.
15:  Twin Cities Film Fest College & Career Fair
Twin Cities Film Fest College & Career Fair
Saturday, October 20, 2018
12:00-2:00 p.m.
TCFF Can Can Wonder-Lounge
1658 West End Blvd. 
St. Louis Park, MN

Top colleges, media companies and festival filmakers are gathered all in one place to learn about you.  There's something for everyone!

For information go to tcffeducation.org
16:  October is College Knowledge Month
The goal of this initiative is to provide every graduating high school senior with the preparation, opportunity, and support needed to apply to their post-secondary schools of choice!  Click here for more information.
17:  ACT Prep Course
All Juniors (Class of 2020) will take the ACT test at the High School on February 20, 2019  (at no cost)

What is the ACT?   The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions.  T o help students prepare we offer a  FREE ACT Online Course & Practice Tests.

Click here for more information.
18:  Padres y Guardianes de Estudiantes de High School
Please plan to attend 
Shaping Our Future for Latino Students and Families
 
Tuesday, November 13th
From 6:30 - 7:30pm
St. Louis Park High School Media Center/Library
 
Our Latino students and families will be empowered with the knowledge and tools required to support their career plans and future success.
 
Special Guest:
 
Felipa Cespedes
Latin@ Outreach & Success Specialist
North Hennepin Community College  | 7411 85th Avenue N. | Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
 
Preguntas en Espanol: Carmen Rudin, 952-928-6438, rudin.carmen@slpschools.org
 
Preguntas en Ingles: Kelly Brown, 952-928-6122, brown.kelly@slpschools.org
 
Information in Spanish
19:  Yearbook News
Yearbook Sales:
 
2019 yearbooks are currently on sale for $70 on slpechowan.com. You can also pay with cash or check (made out to Balfour) in room B229 during all three lunches. Echowan staff will be present at parent-teacher conferences on October 25th and October 30th to sell books.
20:  Senior Meeting Dates to Remember
Notes to Seniors from Ms. Busse
 
The following are a few important dates that you need to mark on your calendars:
  • Oct. 24th, 2018 Wednesday: Senior Meeting Advisory hour in Auditorium.
    • Plato
    • Attendance
    • Leadership
    • Jostens 
  • Jan. 16th, 2019 Wednesday: Senior Meeting Advisory hour in Auditorium. 
  • Feb. 13th, 2019 Wednesday: Senior meeting Advisory hour in Auditorium. 
  • Apr. 10th, 2019 Wednesday: Senior meeting 3rd hour in the cafeteria. 
  • May 15th, 2019 Wednesday: Senior meeting 3rd hour in Auditorium. Permit distribution
21:  Teen Health Awareness and Family Support Opportunity from Teen Annex Clinic
Let's Talk! Parents and Youth Connect about Sexuality

When? Saturday, October 27th, 10am-12:30 p.m. Where? Annex Teen Clinic, Robbinsdale.  Click here for more information.
22:  Mindfulness Mondays
Please join us on Monday mornings from 8:00-8:15 in room A308. Previous attendance is not necessary.
23:  9th Grade Parent Advisory Council
Please join us for the first 9th grade Parent Advisory Council meeting of the year on  Thursday, October 25th  from 6:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. in room C163 (back of media center) at the high school.

All are welcome! You do not need to sign up to attend. We will ask for your feedback about how 9th grade is going for your student and insights you might offer as a SLPHS parent. We will also share information about current events at the high school. This is a great opportunity to connect with other 9th grade parents and SLPHS staff. 

Questions? Please contact Kelly Brown at 952-928-6122 or brown.kelly@slpschools.org.
24:  Driver's Ed Parent Meetings
Driver's Ed Parent Meetings (Optional)
St. Louis Park High School

Fall Meeting: Tuesday, November 27 5:30-6:30 p.m.
 
Spring Meeting: Tuesday, April 23 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Location: SLPHS Room B112, located across from the gym, 1st floor

Information:
 
*Attendance at this meeting will reduce your son/daughter's required supervised driving hours from 50 hours to 40 hours.

*Students do not need to attend the meeting.
 
*Parent/Guardian will receive a certificate of attendance for attending the meeting.
 
RSVP: to Bill Wodarski, Driver's Ed, Inc. Program Coordinator, billwodarski@gmail.com or 651-621-5649
                                
Limit: 25 seats
25:  Driver's Ed Information
SLP Driver's Education Information
       
Section 2:  Nov. 26 - Dec. 13 - FULL                             
Section 3:  Jan. 28 - Feb.14 - 30 seats available                       
Section 4:  Feb. 25 - Mar. 14 - 26 seats available                  
Section 5:  Apr. 22 - May 9 - 30 seats available
Section 6: June 17-28, 8:00-11:00 a.m. - 32 seats available
Section 7: June 17-28, 11:00- 2:00 p.m. - 30 seats available
Section 8: July 15-26, 8:00-11:00 a.m. - 30 seats available
Section 9: July 15-26, 11:00- 2:00 p.m. - 32 seats available
 
More information available: Click here.
26:  Athletics
 Go to gopark.org for athletic event information and sports registration.
27:  Upcoming Dates
October 17 - Early Release, Professional Development
October 18 & 19 - No School, Education MN Conference
October 25 & 30 - High School Conferences, 4-7:30 p.m., Field House
November 1 - End of Quarter 1
November 2 - No School, Grading Day
November 9, 10 - High School Musical, 7 p.m., Auditorium
November 11 - High School Musical, 2 p.m., Auditorium
November 16, 17 - High School Musical, 7 p.m., Auditorium
November 18 - High School Musical, 2 p.m., Auditorium
November 21,22,23  - No School, Thanksgiving Break


St. Louis Park  High School
6425 West 33rd St., St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Phone: 952-928-6100 *  Fax: 952-928-6113
www.gopark.org ( Go Park - SLP Athletics Website)
Click here for the Districtwide Calendar