St. Louis Park Middle School's Weekly News
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A Message from the Principals
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When entering "definition of community" into Google, the result is "a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common". We have always felt a characteristic of St. Louis Park is that it is a place where people truly care about others before themselves. The senseless and tragic death of George Floyd, one of our community members, has impacted every single one of us, and our hearts and thoughts go out to each and every one of you.
Being able to support students is something our entire staff at SLPMS prides themselves on. Parents and guardians as you process and explain with your children what has happened this week, know that our staff is thinking of your children, our students, and we are all there for them as we enter into our final week of school.
With our sincerest thoughts at this difficult time,
Les Bork, Principal
Jason Boll, Assistant Principal
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We know that some of our students and staff are feeling the impact of recent events. You are all part of our St. Louis Park family and we offer our support. If you would like some additional guidance on how to talk to your children about the events of the last few days, our student services department offers these supports:
Theresa Weber-Sexton (School Counselor)
Kara Fahey (Social Worker)
Delana Brinkman (7th Grade Dean)
Gina Magnuson (8th Grade Dean)
Randy Zutz (6th Grade Dean)
These articles and sites provide information about children's reaction to trauma and how to talk about race:
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4th Quarter Distance Learning Grading Information
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During distance learning we have continued with our usual grading practices; students are graded on an IB rubric on their assignments and these are averaged into an overall letter grade. We wanted to continue with these familiar practices in order to keep communication as clear as possible between families and teachers in the midst of so many other changes. However, there are two significant changes. First, teachers have been encouraged to be flexible and allow grace for students who are struggling to adjust to the new model of learning for whatever reason, including accepting late work, minimizing the number of assignments given, and focusing on only the essentials. Second, no student will receive a final quarter grade of an F. Students who have not completed course work to put them in the A-D range will instead be given an NG, standing for NO GRADE. In addition to these changes to grading, please note that 4th quarter grades will not be counted toward students’ cumulative GPA.
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Create Digital Yearbook Signing Pages
Jostens has created a way to continue the tradition of signatures Social Distance Style. I am sharing the links to a demo video on how it works and the link to create an account.
A limited supply of the 2020 yearbook is available for purchase at
Jostens.com
until June 1st or when they are sold old.
The price remains $35. Delivery date is not yet known. Distribution plans will be made when they arrive.
If you are not sure if you ordered one, contact customer service 1-877-767-5217.
for assistance.
Click
here
for a special message from Lisa Becker, yearbook coordinator.
Thank you for your kindness and support. #slpstrong
Please email
Lisa Becker
if you you have any questions.
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Summer School Information
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Summer school is a great opportunity to continue learning over the summer in the subject areas of math, reading and science. Summer school will be in session from July 6-August 6, Monday through Thursday, in a distance learning format
from 8 a.m. to noon.
There will be live interaction with a teacher. Please sign up on the link below:
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Interested in Girls' High School Soccer?
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We hope this message finds all SLP families safe and well. In preparation for the fall sports season, with many unanswered questions (like will there be a season?), we felt it was important to try to connect as a program. We have info for returning players and want to encourage new participants to get involved.
Middle School Families: I am now finishing my second academic year at the middle school. We have another coach that will come on board this season from the middle school. We have several great ideas with the new schedule to expand our program offering to give kids a leg up into starting high school soccer. The high school athletic department and soccer community have been extremely supportive of our program.
For the past 8 years, our program has included 10-15 middle school students, mostly 8th graders, but a few 7th graders have gotten involved. The SLP School District provides transportation to the high school for practices and home games. Students will be picked up for away games at the middle school.
If you have questions or just want to communicate with me or the captains our contact information is below:
The captains can be reached at their school email addresses:
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Cross-Country Updated 5-29-20
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Interested in cross country? We are a go for having summer practices. We will be starting June 15th at 8 a.m. Practices will be Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8 a.m. for the month of June location of practices will vary and are TBD. We are currently updating our website at
www.slpxc.com
to provide more summer information. I will be hosting a virtual informational meeting on Tuesday, June 2nd at 3:30 p.m. for anyone interested in joining. I will be answering questions and providing information about the summer practices and the season. Here is a link to the informational meeting
http://meet.google.com/pyr-szge-ysq
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Transition to the HS for 8th Grade Students/Families
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Your student was given access to a google slide presentation with information regarding high school and 9th grade to support them in their transition. The presentation has been shared in their advisory class. Below is a link, if they missed it in their advisory class. Please be aware, you will need a SLP email address to view the link (encourage your 8th grader to login to their email and view it with them).
Link:
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Important Information for 8th Grade Students/Families
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Freshman Orientation - Class of 2024
At this point, we are moving ahead as if we will be starting school in the fall (until more information is available from state leaders). Freshman Orientation is planned for Wednesday, September 2, from 8:30-11:30 a.m., with a parent orientation that evening at 7 p.m. Students will get their class schedules, be able to tour the building and attend the Activity Fair to learn about all the great things going on at SLPHS. More information regarding both these events will be in the back to school mailing in August.
Barb Nelson
9th Grade Counselor, St Louis Park High School
Google Voice Number 612-562-9760 - Spring 2020 during Distance Learning
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Sock Contest Winner Announcement
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This February, Community Ed Youth Enrichment Programs, in partnership with Sokguru, held our first annual Design an SLP Spirit Sock contest for Middle School students. We received submissions from 44 students. Thank you to everyone who submitted a design! Below is our announcement of the finalist and winning designs.
Finalists:
Lilia Meyer (8th grade)
Ingrid Kotnik (6th grade)
Aliya Yousuf (6th grade)
Jack Mobley (6th grade)
Dominica Mora Zengel (7th grade)
Brekin Netoff (6th grade)
Winners:
Two designs were chosen as winning submissions. They will be combined to make an SLP Spirit Sock which will be for sale next year.
THE WINNERS ARE (drum roll):
Aurora Pascual (6th grade)
Karlis Kreslins (6th grade)
Congratulations to Aurora and Karlis!!!
Thank you to everyone who submitted a design, they were all very well-done and super creative. Be on the lookout for the revealing of the final design soon!
Sincerely,
Darrell Young (YEP), Kelleen O'Brion (YEP), Anthony Rhines (Sokguru), and JonWalter Rhines (Sokguru)
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At the Middle School, students exhibit greatness! In February, students had the chance to give a shout out to a peer they felt demonstrated the qualities of an Upstander. What are those qualities? Upstanders are Principled, Balanced, Caring, Communicators, Open Minded, Risk Takers, Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Reflective.
They did this at lunchtime by scanning a QRO code with their phone or a parent helper’s phone and filling out a short form. Students provided so many wonderful examples that the system was maxed out. Distance Learning was implemented before we could re-open it in March.
For the last 2 weeks in OT News, we shared the first rounds of student peer shout-outs. Here's the last installment of the year. Enjoy this glimpse of our fantastic students.
- Renee D. nominated Naomi B. because she cleans up the tables at lunch.
- Thomas H. nominated Noah F. because he is super nice and is always helping other people.
- Wyatt G. nominated Oliver P. because he is a nice person.
- Elsa C. and Katie H. nominated Olivia W. because she is always so kind to everyone. She sits with us at lunch.
- Parker J. nominated Owen A because he is a great friend and we both play hockey.
- Micha C. was nominated for helping me when I’m sad.
- Miles B. was nominated because they have been a good friend and supported me in tough times.
- Layla M. and Ruby V. nominated Paige D. because she has always been there for me. She is so kind and caring. She always has something productive to say and makes us happy.
- William B. nominated Parker J. because they are a good person and friend.
- Noah F. was nominated because he’s nice and funny and makes people laugh.
- Milo T. was nominated because he is funny and nice.
- Shepard C. nominated Preston M. because he gave out free cupcakes.
- Nora P. was nominated because she is very kind and always makes sure everyone is respected.
- Owen A. was nominated because he is always supportive.
- Alivia O. nominated Q H. because he helps me with everything and is so nice and caring.
- Lily A. nominated Riley R. because she is the kindest person ever.
- Hamda M. nominated Rosalina H because they’ve helped me a lot over the years.
- Layla M. nominated Ruby V. because Ruby is so nice and has been a great friend. She always pushers her hardest and brings me up when I’m down.
- Prophet T. was nominated for being awesome.
- Riley R. was nominated for being a caring person and helping out with math homework.
- Ruby V. and Layla M. nominated Sela M. because she always makes my day feel brighter and she is always in a positive mood. Sela is also hardworking and upbeat and encourages me to do my best.
- Sela M. was nominated because she is always supporting everyone and is very nice.
- Makiyla W. nominated Sharah S because they tell me to do the right thing.
- Shea S. was nominated because she’s always super nice and caring. She helps people out when they are in need. She is a great friend.
- Shepard C. was nominated because he is always trying to help people. He encourages people to do the right thing without making them feel bad about it.
- Addie V. nominated Shea S. because they’re so sweet and are never mean to anyone ever.
- Carina O. and Ashley B. nominated Sophia M. because she is really nice and helps out in orchestra. Sophia is always positive and helpful when you need it.
- Sofia G. was nominated because she is amazing at art and will support you when you are sad.
- Ruby B. was nominated because when I broke my ankle, she found me and gave me a huge hug and offered to carry my stuff.
- Salma G. was nominated because she is a good person!
Way to go Middle School Students! There are always opportunities to be an Upstander and we hope you will continue to find ways to be there for your peers now and through the summer! See you in the Fall.
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Site Council Opportunities for 20-21 School Year
Interested in getting more involved with SLP Middle School next school year?
Come put your talents to use as a member of the Site Council leadership team!
We are currently recruiting for the following positions for the 20-21 school year:
- Incoming Co-Chair – do you like being organized, setting meeting agendas, and being in on setting strategy? Learn to keep the Site Council wheels in motion as incoming Co-Chair. We’ll show you the ropes.
- Fundraising Co-Leaders – make Spirit Week happen. Raise important funds for things like field trip for every student. This job is big enough for two – bring a friend…a great role for organized extroverts!
- Communications Lead – coordinate Site Council content for Oriole Times and lead the Site Council Communications work group to strengthen communications to families. Great for someone passionate about connecting school and families.
- Coffee with the Principal Coordinator – choose dates, pick up coffee, and join “CwtP” twice a year. A great way for coffee lovers to contribute with a smaller time commitment.
No prior experience is required – just your willingness to jump in and help out! Site Council meets approximately 7 times during the school year.
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Host Families Needed for Global Interns 2020-2021
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The middle school has had another successful year with our two Global Interns, Carlos and Irene! They have been a great addition to our classrooms and have made many connections with our students. They continue to assist teachers during this time of distance learning choosing to stay here and help contribute to the school as well as the community. We are looking forward to the next school year with two more interns. One is Angela from Spain and we are now excited to announce Bryan from Colombia will joining SLP Middle School as well! We are looking for two host families for the fall semester-late August through the end of January and two more host families for next spring- late January through the end of the school year in 2021. The main requirement is the intern must have their own legal bedroom. It is a great opportunity for your family to learn about another culture while introducing them to Minnesota and our community in St Louis Park. You do not need to be a PSI family. All middle school families are welcome to host. The interns are also fluent in English. My family has hosted an intern the last two years and had great experiences with lasting friendships. Please reach out to me if you are interested or have questions.
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Click
here
for the April issue
of tips, activities, and helpful information for families
.
Click
here
for the May issue.
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Support for Students and Parents
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The COVID-19 global pandemic is an unprecedented challenge, which can cause increased worry, stress, anxiety, and confusion for students and adults. During this time of Distance Learning, school counselors, psychologists, social workers and multicultural liaisons are available as resources to families. Please feel free to reach out to any of these staff members via email if your student needs support.
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Looking for other opportunities? Check out these programs
2020-20 Student Calendar at a Glance
Online Youth Enrichment
Nelson's Meat
Growing Vegetables in Containers
Makeup Bootcamp
Feldenkrais
How Do You Pay for It?
St Louis Park Mountain Bike Team
Click
here
to see the website.
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DC Trip 2020/2021
In conjunction with WorldStrides, Mr. Burr decided to postpone this year's DC Trip to June of 2021 and join them with next year's trip to create one
LARGE
7th and 8th grade trip! Registration is still open if you'd like to travel in June of 2021 and you'll be a
7th or 8th grader next school year
. Please contact David Burr at
[email protected]
for more information. There will also be a parent information session held next fall.
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Support the Class of 2020
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The St. Louis Park Public Schools Foundation is launching a community-wide effort to celebrate our seniors. Show your Park Pride for the class of 2020 by planting a lawn sign in your front yard for all to see!
The Class of 2020 will finish its senior year at home, instead of cruising the halls with friends, attending prom, starring in one final performance or playing in one last game.
Your donation will help fund future innovative classroom grants for St. Louis Park students for years to come.
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