64 SECONDS to Learn Up To  25 THINGS about St. Louis Park High School
April 12, 2019

1:   From the Principal

This week was filled with excitement as our students took on leadership and represented our school well.  Although weather created some issues for us on Thursday, we were still able to host the 2019 BARR (Building Assets Reducing Risks) Conference with 500+ visitors from across the nation here to learn more about the BARR program.  The BARR Program was developed here at St. Louis Park High School 20 years ago.  Even without our grand student welcome we were able to share student work and see some students perform.  I was extremely proud of our students and staff for all of their great work to make SLP shine.  A huge thank you to Kelly Brown, SLPHS BARR Coordinator, and the amazing staff at the St. Louis Park Doubletree, and BARR's National Team for helping us shift our kickoff location when school closed.
 
The week ended with an amazing Cultural Show organized and performed by our students.  I appreciated the traditional and contemporary elements.  Most of all it was great to see the connectedness of the performers as they celebrated at the end of each performance.
 
We are very fortunate to have so many great student leaders at our school.  In all grades there are examples of students finding ways to contribute to make our school special and outstanding.  I am definitely proud today and excited about our future at St. Louis Park High School.

Scott Meyers
Principal
2:  Prom Rescheduled to May 4 at American Swedish Institute
Principal Scott Meyers, Student Council President Alexis Machoka, and Thespian President Nietzsche Deuel collectively announced on Wednesday, April 10, that the 2019 St. Louis Park High School Prom has been rescheduled to May 4.
 
Prom was originally scheduled for May 11, which coincides with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan when Muslims renew their focus on prayer and abstain from food and drink during daylight hours.
 
Students from many religious affiliations raised concerns that Prom would be held at a time when not all students would be able to attend because of their personal, religious beliefs.
 
"I want you to know that it means something to me as your principal that you continue to hold our school accountable in our collective work to strive for equity," Principal Scott Meyers said. "I also want you to know that your feelings of disappointment regarding our school are valid and matter to me very much."
 
Meyers said that planning for school events is not a solitary function. It requires a whole school and community to help plan inclusively and effectively.
 
"We appreciate you speaking honestly, truthfully, and openly about how you feel. This reminds me of the importance of a safe space for dialogue, discussion, and multiple perspectives. My goal is to learn from our student body and provide my full support in any way I can. With that being said, please continue to use your voice and support your peers. Action starts with conversation," Meyers said.
 
School Administration, student council and the theater program worked together to provide a solution: 
 
The Spring Play will now be performed Thursday May 2 and Friday May 3 at 7 p.m. and a matinee show on Saturday May 4th at 2 pm. 
 
Prom will be moved to Saturday May 4th from 9 p.m.-Midnight at the Swedish Institute
3:  Music Teacher Steve Schmitz Finalist for MN Teacher of the Year
St. Louis Park High School Music Teacher and Director of Bands and World Drumming Steve Schmitz has been named one of nine finalists for the 2019 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award. Schmitz has taught in public schools since 2003 and at St. Louis Park High School since 2011.

Schmitz was named one of 168 candidates for the award in January. He was then named one of 40 semifinalists in late February. An independent selection panel of 24 leaders in the areas of education, business, government and nonprofits selected the finalists from the pool of semifinalists.

The selection panel will meet again on May 4 to conduct individual interviews with each of the nine finalists and to cast votes for the 2019 Minnesota Teacher of the Year.

The winner of the 2019 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award will be announced at a banquet at the St. Paul RiverCentre on May 5. The Minnesota Teacher of the Year program, now in its 55th  year, is the oldest and most prestigious recognition program in Minnesota to honor excellence in education.
4:  School Start-End Times Update
The School Board for St. Louis Park Public Schools voted in three motions to change the school start and end times for students beginning in the 2020-21 school year.

MOTION #1: The School Board voted unanimously to move forward with the Triangle Option which calls for a three-tier system (Tier 1 - Elementary Schools; Tier 2 - High School; and Tier 3 - Middle School).

MOTION #2: The School Board voted 6-1 to implement the Triangle Option beginning in the 2020-21 school year. District Administration will assemble project teams to study childcare options and Middle School and 7-12 Athletics to prepare for the change.

The proposed schedule for the Triangle Option follows:
  • Tier 1 / 7:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m. / Aquila, Park Spanish Immersion, Peter Hobart, Susan Lindgren
  • Tier 2 / 8:25 a.m.-3:15 p.m. / High School
  • Tier 3 / 9:10 a.m.-3:52 p.m. / Middle School
MOTION #3: For the 2019-20 School Year, the School Board voted unanimously to invest an estimated $70,000-$80,000 for times to remain the same as this school year. Park Spanish Immersion School students will be transported on their own buses to accommodate the location change to the Cedar Manor School site. The Board rejected the administrative proposal that was cost-neutral and would have elementary students starting school 15 minutes later than current times.

The School Board expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude for the time and dedication of the School Start-End Times Project Team in researching, gathering input/feedback, and developing options to recommend to the School Board. 

Superintendent Osei pledged that District Administration will be efficient and responsive to families in implementing the changes to school start-end times. He said this is a tremendous opportunity for our youngest learners to have access to afterschool enrichment opportunities. Per Superintendent Osei, this action will help the school district continue to actualize its mission by providing a safe and nurturing environment that energizes and enhances the spirit.

District Administration will begin forming implementation teams soon and will regularly communicate progress to all stakeholders. The School Board also asked District Administration to develop an evaluation process for the school start-end times implementation (including attendance, academic performance, and behavior statistics).
5:  Career Expo Exhibitors Wanted

2019 Career Expo April 24, 2019 

Wednesday, April 24, 9:45 -10:45 a.m. (9:15 a.m. setup) 
St. Louis Park High School Gym

Our Annual Career Expo is a highly interactive "Career Exploration Event" providing high school students an opportunity to connect with business and industry. You and/or your organization's participation is valuable and needed! Please join us by clicking the link to register: Career Expo Exhibitor Registration (registration closes, April 18) There is NO cost to participate!

Career Expo objectives for our students: To gain information about careers and educational options. To investigate career options aligned with their strengths and interests. To improve job seeking skills & learn what employers need. To become aware of multiple career paths. To explore non-traditional careers.

Career Expo Flyer  

6:  SLPHS Youth Skills Training Program

Principal Meyers, Mark Miller, Engineering Instructor, Kara Mueller, CTE Director, Jacob Johnson, Junior and Will Halvorson, Senior were invited to speak at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Workforce Roundtable this week regarding the St. Louis Park High School Youth Skills Training Program.  TwinWest Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event. 

The Youth Skills Training Program at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (YST@DLI) supports the development and implementation of experiential learning opportunities for students 16 and older. These locally developed programs are implemented in cooperation with employers and schools. Youth Skills Training programs include paid part-time employment and related classroom instruction. St. Louis Park High School currently has two career pathways approved with the DLI; IT and Engineering/Manufacturing. 

Congratulations to Jacob Johnson and Will Halvorson the first student interns hired from the YST program.  Jacob will be an IT intern and Will an Engineering intern;  both with the City of St. Louis Park.

7:  Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Fund
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."
Benjamin Franklin

Please consider making an investment by donating to the  Dollars for Scholars  Scholarship  Fund  to help a St. Louis Park graduating senior afford post-secondary education.  The St. Louis Park Chapter of Dollars for Scholars is an all-volunteer organization that provides financial support to local students. 

Our newsletter explains more about our community program to help local students with college expenses. 

You can also check out our website at  www.stlouispark.dollarsforscholars.org    for more current information.


8:  Mr. Faricy's English Class
Here is what Mr. Faricy's English class is working on:

In Creative Writing we are working on a piece of realistic fiction called, A Day in the Life of my Future Self.

In 9th Grade we are reading the graphic adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey.

In 11th Grade we are researching the Harlem Renaissance Period.
9:  College Possible
ATTENTION SOPHOMORES! College Possible is now accepting applications for next year's cohort. College Possible is an organization that believes every student who dreams of earning a Bachelor's degree should have the knowledge, tools, and resources to do so. During high school, students will be guided through the key aspects of preparing for college, such as the ACT and college applications. Once in college, students will continue to receive coaching and support until they graduate! To be eligible for College Possible, students must:
  1. Have a minimum GPA of 2.0
  2. Meet the College Possible income eligibility requirements
  3. Commit to full program participation
  4. Demonstrate an interest in earning a Bachelor's degree from a 4-year college or university
If you are interested in applying, you can find the application online here: www.collegepossible.org/join . If internet access is an issue, there are paper copies available. The application deadline is May 31, and the application should be completed in one sitting. 

If you have additional questions or concerns, please drop by the College Possible office at the back of the Learning Lab, or email the College Possible coaches:


Thanks!

10:  Enrollment for Summer Opportunities
Check the Career & College Center website to discover upcoming events and learn about summer opportunities!  This website is updated with new events.

Events and Summer Opportunities
11:  Academic Supports
Click here to see days, times and locations for academic support at St. Louis Park High School.
12:  Driver's Ed Course Sections
SLP Driver's Education Information
                     
Section 5:  Apr. 22 - May 9 - FULL
Section 6: June 17-28, 8:00-11:00 a.m. - FULL
Section 7: June 17-28, 11:00- 2:00 p.m. - 20 seats available
Section 8: July 15-26, 8:00-11:00 a.m. - 22 seats available
Section 9: July 15-26, 11:00- 2:00 p.m. - 23 seats available

More information available: Click here.
13:  Class of 2019 Celebration Event
All seniors must buy their graduation celebration event ticket by May 10th. There will be no tickets sold after May 10th. Please see www.slpseniorparty.com for more information. Confidential financial scholarships are available. See Kiki Christensen in the student office for more information. The event takes place after graduation on Thursday, June 6th. 
14:  Athletics
Go to gopark.org for athletic event information and sports registration.
15:  Energy Assistance Program
Energy Assistance Program helps lower-income Minnesotans with their heating bills. There is a deadline approaching of May 31st for applications for the 2019 program and they have funding for additional households remaining.  Please see attached flyers for more information.

Energy Assistance Program Flyer
Heat or Food Flyer English
Heat or Food Flyer Spanish
16:  Upcoming Dates
April 19 - No School
April 24 - Career Expo, 9:50-10:45 a.m.
May 2 & 3 - Spring Play, 7:00 p.m., Auditorium
May 4 - Spring Play, 2:00 p.m., Auditorium
May 4 - Prom, 9:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m., Swedish Institute
May 6 - HS Band 9/Jazz Band Concert, 7:00 p.m., Auditorium
May 7 - HS Symphonic Band/Wind Ensemble Concert/Senior Awards, 7:00 p.m.,    Auditorium
May 17 - Early Release - Professional Development
May 22 - Scholarship Night, 7:00 p.m., HS Gym
May 27 - Memorial Day
May 29 - HS Choirs 1940's POPS Concert/Senior Recital/Awards Night, 6:00    p.m., HS Gym, 7:00 p.m., HS Auditorium
May 30 - HS Orchestra Spring Concert, 7:00 p.m., Auditorium


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