St. Louis Park Middle School's Weekly News
December 16, 2021
Please note: For the most up to date information please click on the Middle School website. (Language Translations available)
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Dear Families:
As we head into winter break, I want to recognize and thank all of our students and staff for all their efforts so far this school year. I also want to thank our Site Council and you, our fabulous parent community for the wonderful staff lunch that was provided today. Please see some pictures below from our staff's time together.
A big shout out to our Band students as they are performing tonight. I want to recognize and thank Roy Pienaar, our Band Director, for all his hard work in preparing his students and the performing arts space for the concert. I also want to recognize our 7th and 8th grade choir students, including vocal director John Myzskowski, for their hard work and wonderful performance this past Monday evening.
Additionally, I want to direct you to the information below from our School Resource Officer, Chaunte' Ford. She has guidance about some current social media trends, some of which we've seen here at school throughout the year. Officer Ford continues to be a great resource to our students and our school community and I encourage you to read and discuss this information with your student.
Lastly, I wish each of you a winter break filled with family, fun, relaxation, and laughter. I look forward to seeing everyone in 2022.
Continue to let us know if we can do anything further to assist your student in reaching their full potential and brilliance.
Sincerely,
Jason Boll
Interim Principal
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Upcoming Dates to Remember |
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- December 20 - Winter Break begins
- January 3, 2022 - First day back from Winter Break
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Meet Abigail Watts.... New Social Worker |
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I am excited to begin work at St. Louis Park Middle School! I graduated from Winona State University and started my social work career in child protection. I then moved to non-profit work in adoption, foster care and pregnancy counseling. I stayed in the non-profit sector for almost 4 years before a brief period of working as a social worker at Regions Hospital.
I have a passion for working with youth with a focus on trauma informed practice, cultural humility and empowering youth to be their authentic selves. Outside of work, I love anything involving sports including playing and watching and love to run. I enjoy spending time with my friends and my puppy, Kia. I am in the midst of wedding planning as my fiance and I are getting married this July. I am excited to begin working with you all and getting to know the staff and students!
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We are reminding families that we are not able to receive Take-Out delivery for student lunch. Our doors are secured for everyone's safety.
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Student Social Media Use:
A Message from School Resource Officer Ford
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Social media is continuing to cause concerns both inside and outside of school. Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok are the most popular social media platforms used by our students.
In Snapchat, students create groups and invite members to join. Bullying can occur between group members - even when a student removes themselves and or creates a new account.
TikTok raises concerns due to the number of “challenges” that are circulated nationally. Right now, the latest challenge is giving someone a hug while someone else films it and shares it widely. The unwanted hugging and filming has made some students uncomfortable. Previous challenges have included bathroom vandalism which led to the closure of some of our student bathrooms.
If you are seeking resources to talk to your child about social media use, CLICK HERE.
As the School Resource Officer for St. Louis Park Middle School, I am available to discuss any specific concerns you may have about your child and social media use. I can be reached by email at ford.chaunte@slpschools.org or by phone at 952-928-6392.
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A huge thank you to so many parents who answered the quick call to donate desserts, beverages and chips for a pre Winter Break Staff appreciation lunch hosted by Interim Principal Jason Boll and Interim Assistant Principal Gina Magnuson! Site Council sponsored the Jimmy John's sandwiches out of existing funds.
This idea was initially discussed and decided upon last Friday. Our wonderful conference meal leaders, Laura Truett, Leah Anklem and Erica Driver turned it around quickly and made it happen today.
Our community of grateful parents filled every slot on the Sign Up Genius in ~16 hours on Tuesday/Wednesday. We also had several parents donate money that was put towards twenty $10 gift cards for our principals to leverage with staff.
Thanks to all for your generosity! Staff was very excited! (see pictures below)
Have a wonderful Winter Break!
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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Boy's Basketball Registration |
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Online Registration is open for Middle School Boys 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 following must be received by the Athletic Director before being able to participate in winter sports:
- Registration and payment (see above for instructions)
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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 2021-2022 Sports Qualifying Physical Examination Medical Eligibility Form.
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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.
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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.
Join us for a few hours of Open Gym during Winter Break. Play basketball, get a kickball game going, or throw the football around whatever you're favorite gym activity is, you are welcome to come to play!
Tuesday, December 28th, 1-3 pm
SLP Middle School FH 1
Students in grades 6-12
$5/student
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
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