St. Louis Park Middle School's Weekly News
February 24, 2022
Please note: For the most up to date information please click on the Middle School website. (Language Translations available)
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SLP District Band Showcase
On Thursday March 10th, at 7pm, the annual SLP District Band Showcase will be taking place at the SLPHS Activity Center. Please join us for performances by the SLPMS Band 7 along with the SLPHS Wind Ensemble in celebration of our 5-12 band program and the talents of our amazing students. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Pienaar at [email protected]. |
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On Wednesday, February 16th, our Keystone students, along with a few guest students who had been identified by their peers and teachers as students who are curious about learning and interested in being leaders in our school, spent the day on a retreat. We are thankful to the members of Park Harbor Church for allowing us to host our retreat in their community space. Having enough space to move around and enough time to engage in a variety of activities made learning feel more personal. Our retreat focused on leadership development, racial awareness, mindful listening, and student agency (student voice).
We had organic and in depth conversations about race and identity, shared ideas about what it takes to create an inclusive and safe school environment, and made individual and collective commitments to showcase our leadership skills. Every student had an equal voice and a platform to share their perspective, recognizing that it takes courage to stand up and share their truth. Our mission in Keystone includes breaking down stereotypes and dismantling systems of racism by building relationships, listening with the intent to understand, embracing diversity, and enhancing our capacity to create meaningful change. With guidance and modeling from Ms. Keeya Allen, Dr. Lee-Ann Stephens, and an amazing group of S.O.A.R students from the high school, our middle school students were able to participate in a student-led, collaborative learning environment that was both rigorous and rewarding.
We would like to acknowledge all the teachers who were flexible with our students and allowed them to miss their classes to join the retreat - it was much appreciated!
Evelyn Lashley and Rob Hansen
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St. Louis Park Public Schools 2022 Minnesota Student Survey
Our school district is inviting students in the 6th through 11th grades to participate in the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey (MSS). This survey is voluntary and has been conducted in schools across our state every three years since 1989. The survey is anonymous and confidential. The privacy of students is protected, as students do not provide their names, student identification numbers, or other personal information. No individual or their families can be identified. The results are reported on our students as a whole.
Questions on the survey are about many topics relating to young people’s lives. The survey asks about how well school is going, future plans, out-of-school activities, physical and mental health, relationships, substance use, and more. High school students are also asked about sexual behavior. This information is used by communities and schools to develop effective programs and provide better services for students.
The survey is administered online. Students will have the ability to read the questions or have the questions read to them through the technology they use to access the survey. The survey takes approximately 45 minutes, or one class period, to complete.
Our school district has informed parents of such surveys in the past and now federal law also requires us to notify parents of this school activity. The Minnesota Student Survey (MSS) will be administered in our middle school and high school from April 4th through April 8th, 2022. You are welcome to review a copy of the survey at: https://mnstudentsurvey.org/instruments For additional support on how to review the survey, or if you have any questions about the survey, please contact Dr. Becca Starr, Assessment and Research Specialist at: 952-928-6022 or [email protected].
Students may also decline to take any part of the survey, or the whole survey, and are informed of that option by staff on the day of survey administration. If you do not want your student to participate in the Minnesota Student Survey, please know that we will be sharing links to a passive consent form/notice to parents by mid-March with a reminder that this survey will be administered in April. These forms will allow you to opt your student out of the survey.
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During the week of 2/14/22, Middle School Site Council debuted the "Kindness Awards" during the lunch periods. Students are encouraged to nominate fellow students who have been spotted in an act of kindness towards the school or another student. Nominations are gathered on Mondays with certificates and a treat presented on Fridays. The first week's winners are:
Max Foreman, Jake Machalek, Ivan Girenko, Kaylee Soles, Pali Mielke,
Gia Hackey, Sylvia Wood, Marlowe Diers, Cordelia Rubio, Kyla Kramlich, Hutton Newhall.
Congratulations to the winners! Thank you for making SLPMS a kinder place. Thank you also to the students who nominated them.
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Based on Popular Demand:
St. Louis Park Middle School Theater will be holding auditions for The Lion King Jr. on Monday February 28th, Tuesday March 1st, and Wednesday March 2nd from 4:00-5:25 in the choir room (224). You must have transportation home for the above rehearsals. There will also be auditions Tuesday March 1st during 7th period in the theater for those who do not have transportation home.
Please be prepared to learn some choreography and read/act from a script. If you would like to audition for a lead role, please be prepared to sing a short excerpt from a song of your choice (musical songs from any musical recommended).
Rehearsals will be from 4-5:25 Monday through Thursday. Depending on your role will depend which days you will attend. A rehearsal calendar will be available after casting is posted.
Our 4 performances are May 12-14th. Note for Saturday, May 15th: we will have 2 performances this day, a matinee and an evening performance.
Tech week is Monday, May 10th through Wednesday, May 11th until approximately 8:00. Dinner will be provided for these days.
If cast, you are expected to regularly attend rehearsals, work as a team and have fun! There is an Activity Fee of $120, scholarships are available as we never want finances to be the reason a student can’t participate.
Fill out this application form to sign-up for your audition. You must be signed into your school google account to complete.
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The SLP Girls Nordic team had a very good showing at the state meet Wednesday and Thursday, finishing in 4th place behind three VERY strong teams. It was very cold on Thursday and these girls showed a lot of grit and determination to pull off this result. This is a really exciting and young team. The team included:
Addison Chenvert
Kaylee Crump
Rachel Katzovitz
Modesty Manion
Ayelel Meyen
Jersey Miller
Victoria Schmelzle
Hanna Wilsey
Maren Wilsey
If you’re cool and like data: https://my.raceresult.com/192336/
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The students and staff have enjoyed getting to know our Global Intern, Estefanny this school year! Estefanny has been assisting teachers and sharing the culture of Colombia in several classes. Scott and Sally Hagen and family have generously opened their home to Estefanny as a host family.
The middle school is excited to be bringing back TWO Global Interns for the 2022-23 school year! Global Interns are a great addition to our classrooms and make connections with many of our students, not only ESP students. Global Interns bring an exciting energy to the classroom and are eager to be involved in the SLP community.
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 2023). 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 the Global Intern to Minnesota and our community in St Louis Park. You do not need to be an ESP family. All middle school families are welcome to host. There is no requirement for families to know Spanish as the interns are also fluent in English.
My family has had a great experience hosting in the recent years and created lasting friendships. Please reach out to me if you are interested or have questions. Karita Bentley at [email protected]
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Agustina Jerney, 6th Grader and SLPMS Spelling Bee Champion, took the Round 1 online test for the Metro Area Bee last week. Her score on that test has allowed her to move on to Round 2 of the Metro Bee, which will be held March 15! Congratulations, Agustina!
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COVID Tests Available for Students and Staff |
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Rapid-result COVID antigen tests are now available at sites for both staff and students. Tests can be requested at the front office of a student’s school or staff’s primary work location.
Students that are not enrolled in St. Louis Park Public schools such as siblings, relatives, children of staff, will need to request a test from their school/school district or leverage other testing resources. Relatives of staff will also need to leverage local testing resources. More information on community testing options are listed below. Please contact Flower Krutina, [email protected], with questions.
Order Free At Home Tests Online
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them. Go online to www.covidtests.gov and fill out a short form to order your tests today.
Additional Local Testing Options
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As we move into 2022, we're hoping you'll help provide treats for staff every couple weeks to show our support and appreciation. Some suggestions are fruit, muffins, bagels, granola bars, string cheese, yogurt, etc.
Please sign up at the link below if you are able to contribute.
Thank you!
Middle School Site Council
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From the School Social Worker:
Every Meal - Winter Meal Program
Every Meal has launched the Winter Meal Program, providing children and families with easier ways to get the food they need. Over 100 locations throughout the Twin Cities now have our meal bags available for free with no qualification requirements.
They hope these locations provide additional opportunities for your families to access Every Meal weekend food bags. Check out the winter meal program map to find additional locations.
Click HERE to view the Winter Meal Program Flyer.
Please contact school social worker Kristen Engen-Routzohn at [email protected] if you have questions or call 952-928-6389
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Youth Enrichment Opportunities |
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Enrichment Opportunities for Middle School Students
Community Education Youth Enrichment Programs (YEP) will have a line-up of both before and after-school programs available at St. Louis Park Middle School.
Middle School Gaming Club
From old school gaming systems (NES, N64) to time and space to play D&D with your friends, join the Middle School Gaming Club to send after-school socializing and gaming at the same time. Students should only register for 1 day of the week (Monday or Wednesday) to give as many students a chance to be a part of the club as possible.
Sessions:
Monday, Jan. 10-Feb. 7
Wednesdays, Jan. 12-Feb. 2
Mondays, Feb. 14-March 14
Wednesdays, Feb. 9-March 2
All run from 4:00-5:15 pm in the Cafeteria
Sliding scale pricing: $10/$20/$30/$40
Click here to sign up now!
Want to learn how to fly a drone? Interested in keeping that drone flying by fixing it up? Join the Middle School Drone Club to learn the basics of Drone flying, fixing, and racing. This will be a casual club to learn and fly. Students interested in competitive Drone flying will be invited to try out for the High School team.
Thursdays, Jan. 13- March 24, 4-5:15 pm
SLP Middle School
Students in grades 6-8
$20/$30/$40/$50
Questions about Enrichment Programs? Contact Kelleen at [email protected] or 952-928-6399
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