St. Louis Park Middle School's Weekly News
October 23, 2020
Calendar
October 26 & 27, 6th grade start hybrid learning Cohort A (last name A-K)
October 28, Fall Performance Audition Tape Due (if participating)
October 29 & 30, 6th grade start hybrid learning Cohort B (last name L-Z)

November 2, No school, grading day
November 3, No school, professional learning day
November 5, 6th & 7th grade hybrid learning Cohort A (last name A-K)
November 6, 6th & 7th grade hybrid learning Cohort B (last name L-Z)
November 9 & 10, 6th, 7th & 8th grade hybrid learning Cohort A (last name A-K)
November 11 & 12, Conferences
November 12 & 13, 6th, 7th & 8th grade hybrid learning Cohort B (last name L-Z)
6th Grade Hybrid Learning
On Monday/Tuesday, October 26/27, Cohort A (last name A-K students)will be in person learning at the middle school (Cohort B and C will continue learning using a distance learning format).
On Thursday/Friday, October 29/30 Cohort B (last name L-Z students)will be in person learning at the middle school (Cohort A & C students will continue learning using a distance learning format).
Please note: Students will be using the "Middle School Daily Schedule". Any student participating through distance learning will check in at the start of each period and the teacher will give instructions.

Please review the following reminders for students who will be coming to SLPMS for in-person learning:
The following information comes from "Preparing For 6-8 Hybrid Learning".
**St. Louis Park Middle School Building opens to the students at 8:50 a.m. each day. If students arrive before that time they will need to wait outside for the school to open. A student's school day/class schedule starts at 9:10 a.m.
**All students must adhere to hygiene protocols, and the wearing of your mask appropriately at all times--pages 29 & 32-35.
**If riding the bus you need to review the time and location for pick-up that was sent to your family via email. Bus information is also available in the public PowerSchool portal. The bus procedures are outlined in the Hybrid Learning document--page 21.
**If walking or coming to school by car, look at the school map on how to enter school property and school building--page 9.
**Review general information on the hallway, social distancing requirements, visitor expectations, etc.--page 13.
**Individual lockers will be assigned to students on Tuesday and Thursday. Personal items brought to school on Monday will need to remain in the student's possession throughout the day. 
**Devices: Students are expected to bring a school issued chromebook fully charged (with charger) when attending school. Students may bring their personal device if they choose, with parent/guardian permission, at your own risk. Wi-Fi will be available for personal devices.
**Backpack: Students will be allowed to carry a backpack from class to class to carry school supplies and computer --page 12.
**Cohort Switching Information: If a family wants to change from Distance Learning to an in-person Hybrid Learning Model, the school requires 2-4 weeks to complete the request. This provides time for middle school staff to ensure that every class a student has, which will be increasing in class size because of this move, can safely be accommodated with regard to physical classroom capacity. A family request for a student to move from hybrid learning to distance learning can be processed almost immediately. Families wanting to change either learning model need to email Brenda Klinepier at klinepier.brenda@slpschools.org to begin the change process.

More information may be attained by completely reviewing the document titled: "Preparing For 6-8 Hybrid Learning".

I hope your family finds ways to enjoy this surprising outdoor weather this weekend.

Les Bork
Principal
4th Hour Time Change starts October 26 for all students
4th Hour / Lunch / Advisory Period Update: 
With hybrid starting for 6th graders on Monday, October 26, our entire school will start our original 4th period, four lunchtimes, and Advisory First and Advisory Last schedule that happens during the 11:30 a.m.-1:28 p.m. timeframe. We have spent time discussing the 4th hour class and Advisory to make sure all students know exactly what this means for their lunch, Advisory, and 4th hour class. We are communicating this to parents/guardians so you know the date that this will go into effect and that it has been initially discussed with your student. Click here for 4th hour, lunch, and advisory schedule with times.
Fall Performance Audition Announcement
Are you a dedicated theater kid? We are going to do our very best to create a fall production, but it's going to be an "all-hands-on-deck-show-your-theater-devotion-jack-of-all-trades-collaborative-creative-experimental-joyfilled-unprecidented-socially-distanced-virtually-performed EXTRAVAGANZA!!" So, if that sounds like you, please send Ms. Zumberge an audition tape by Wednesday, October 28 at midnight. What goes into an audition tape, you ask? Basically anything that shows off your acting chops. You could choose a scene from a favorite movie or show and act it out, or make up your own scene, or find a monologue on the internet. Do you sing and dance? Show that off as well. Please limit it to under 3 minutes. If you are interested in helping out behind the scenes, please email Ms. Zumberge describing your interest and any special talents you bring to the table. Questions? Email Ms. Zumberge at zumberge.lillian@slpschools.org.
Staff Professional Learning
SLP community, 

This past Wednesday, October 21, the staff at SLP MS were engaged in learning. Staff are continuing to work on the technical and technological aspects of distance and hybrid learning. We are learning from and with our colleagues on a regular basis. The afternoon professional learning offered sessions and support on Zoom, Pear Deck, and other tech tools. There was also an option to work on adaptive, critical thinking around accomplishing our district mission. Here's the description of the session:
It is for educators interested in having deeper dialog on how we can use the current changes happening in education as further opportunity for anti-racist transformation.

The learner profile attribute of Risk-Takers certainly was on display with the members of the session.
Risk-Takers definition: We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

SLP MS staff are determined and resilient in an environment of tremendous challenge and change.

Mia Waldera
MYP IB Coordinator
Conferences
Just a reminder that Student-Led Conferences are Wednesday, November 11, from 9:10 a.m.-7:50 p.m. and Thursday, November 12 from 4:25 p.m.-7:50 p.m. You will be sent a Sign-Up Genius on Friday, October 30, from your student's Advisory teacher to select a time that works best for you and your student. The time slots are 25 minutes in length and you will be able to choose whether this is an in-person or virtual conference.  

Students started working on the content for their student-led conference this week in Advisory. Please ask your child how this is going.

Jason Boll
Assistant Principal
St. Louis Park Middle School
952-928-6304
It's Time to Check Out Library Books
The St. Louis Park Middle School library media center is pleased to announce that students can begin checking out books and picking them up "curbside" (in the front entrance foyer) next week! We will be accepting students requests and holds via our Destiny Catalog online. Instructions for how to request and hold books can be found here. We have many new books and thousands upon thousands of great middle school books both in English and Spanish. Students can check out books for pleasure reading and/or for school assignments using our new system. Please contact Greg Holmbeck, library media specialist, or Diane Vig with questions at holmbeck.gregory@slpschools.org and vig.diane@slpschools.org, respectively. Happy Reading!!  
New Before School Community Ed Clubs
Visual Storytelling w/ Mr. Justin Cherrier
Join our very own Mr. Justin to learn all about how to make an impactful short film. Once you have the basics down, students will make their very own film which they will write, shoot, and edit before presenting it to an audience. 

Two sessions available: 
For A-K students: Mondays, Nov. 9th-Jan. 25th, 7:45-8:45 a.m., Middle School Room 2314 
For L-Z students: Thursdays, Nov. 12th-Feb. 4th, 7:45-8:45 a.m., Middle School Room 2314 

Pricing is on a sliding scale: $59/$69/$79/$89. 

Click here to register now! 

Hip-Hop Club with Mr. Deandre Adams
Mr. Deandre's hip-hop club program gives teens an opportunity to tell their stories, build community, and express their artistic visions through the music of hip-hop culture and the culture of the cipher. 

Two sessions available: 
For A-K students: Tuesdays, Nov. 10th-Jan. 19th, 7:45-8:45 a.m., Middle School Room 2314
For L-Z students: Fridays, Nov. 13th-Feb. 12th, 7:45-8:45 a.m., Middle School Room 2314

Pricing is on a sliding scale: $59/$69/$79/$89. 

Click here to register now! 

Open Gym with Mr. Dennis Joyner
Start your morning out right by joining Mr. Dennis for open gym time to play basketball and hang out with your friends. 

Two sessions available: 
For A-K students: Nov. 10th-Jan. 19th, 7:45-8:45 a.m., Middle School Fieldhouse 2 
For L-Z students: Thursdays, Nov. 12th-Feb. 4th, 7:45-8:45 a.m., Middle School Fieldhouse 2

Pricing is on a sliding scale: $39/$49/$59/$69.

Click here to register now

All programs are open for students in Grades 6-8 and are limited to 14 students. After the club is over students will have a chance to eat breakfast before school begins at 9:10 a.m.  

Questions? Contact Kelleen at obrion.kelleen@slpschools.org or 952-928-6399 
MS Sports
2020-2021 Middle School athletics will look different from what it has in the past. The following is the plan for the 2020-2021 school year.

Girls' Basketball is scheduled to start on November 9 and registration is now open!
It will be in house only. We will not be competing against other schools for this season.
What middle school sports will look like in the hybrid learning model:
  • Student Athletes will only practice and participate on the days they are in session at school.
  • Students with last names A-K will practice and participate in any games/matches on Mondays and Tuesdays.
  • Students with last names L-Z will practice and participate in any games/matches on Thursdays and Fridays.
  • There will be a 5:30 p.m. activity bus available after practice.

Online Registration is now open. Click here to register: Middle School Girls Basketball (Select Middle School Girls Basketball).
When prompted to log in, you will log in with the same username and password you use to pay your students lunch account.
If you need help creating your user account click here: Creating New Account
The first day of practice will be November 9 for Cohort A and November 12 for Cohort B. The season will last until December 22. Practices are from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
The following must be received to the Athletic Director by November 9 for Girls'Basketball:
  • Registration and payment (see above for instructions)
  • Proof of sports physical exam (exam date can be found on Powerschool) given within the previous three years (which clears the athlete for full participation) on file in the Health Office. If the physical expires during the season, a new physical must be provided before the athlete may begin participation. A well child check-up or immunization records do not count as a sports physical. Click here to download the 2020-2021 Sports Qualifying Physical Examination Medical Eligibility Form. 
Attendance Reminder
Families are reminded that all student absences must be reported to the attendance office to be excused. You may phone, 952-928-6394 or email, msattendance@slpschools.org.
Dean of Students, Social Worker and School Counselor
Dean of Students:
(6th Grade) Gina Magnuson
(7th Grade) Randy Zutz
(8th Grade) Delana Brinkman

School Social Worker & School Counselor:
Kristen Engen-Routzohn (Social Worker)
Theresa Weber-Sexton (School Counselor) 
Family Tech Help
The NEW St. Louis Park Schools Family Tech Help site is located at https://slpfamilytechhelp.blogspot.com/. Please look here for solutions to common technical problems that you may have with a student device. If you are in need of additional, specific assistance, you can email a technician at familytechhelp@slpschools.org or leave a message at 952-928-6056.
In both cases please state the student name, school, grade, and provide device info, and contact phone or email. Both of these methods are checked on a regular basis during the school day from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Any calls or emails made after 4:00 p.m. will be received and returned the next school day after 7:30 a.m.
Other Helpful Information
Click here for the Preparing for 6-8 Hybrid Learning Guide
Click here for the Wednesday Schedule.

Free meals for students, Click here for all the information.

Click here for the Middle School Website. Go to parent resources for information on PowerSchool and Schoology. Go to student resources for information on PowerSchool and Schoology.

Download the 2020-21 St. Louis Park Public Schools Return to School Guide

Click here for the digital school calendar.
Students Voting Program
St. Louis Park Public Schools will be participating in the Students Voting program this fall. Students in grades 2-12 will participate in this statewide mock election program. This program will be implemented in place of Kids Voting USA in St. Louis Park this year.
 
This year, for the first time, the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State and the YMCA Center for Youth Voice are working together to help students statewide discover the importance of elections and the power of their voice – and their vote – in our democracy.
 
Students Voting gives teachers at all grade levels the tools and resources to expose their students to a comprehensive voting experience whether it's online or in person that includes learning about candidates and issues, voter registration and casting a ballot on or before Election day.
Middle Years Newsletters
Helpful information for families:
Transition Days
After almost seven months away from attending in-person schooling, Cohort A & B students arrived Thursday and Friday for 6th Grade Transition Day Activities. I am sharing with you some of the action pictures from the days planned activities.

Sending you wishes of a warm weekend with family and friends.

Les Bork
Principal
Upcoming Listening Sessions with Superintendent Osei
Upcoming Listening Sessions with Superintendent Osei
Click here for dates and times
District/Community News
Other opportunities in the district/community

MS Open Gym
Visual Storytelling
Adult Options in Education
Fencing Fall 2020
Halloween Art Party
Youth Innovation Labs with REM5
Youth Enrichment League 2nd Fall Session
Young Entrepreneurs Academy
Animal Humane Society Shelter Vet Camp
Game Design/Coding & Graphic Design/Art Class
Teen Tech STEM Club

Click here to see the flyers.