St. Louis Park Middle School's Weekly News

Please note: For the most up to date information please click on the Middle School website. (Language Translations available)


June 9, 2022 Final Edition of the 2021-2022 School Year
Principal's Final Message To The Oriole Community
As the final school day for the students come to a close on the 21-22 school year, I would like to acknowledge the effort made by so many of our students, staff, and parents/guardians in the St. Louis Park community this year. The staff made extraordinary commitments to support students in a variety of valuable co-curricular programs as well as opportunities for rigorous academic experiences. The positive student experiences could not have occurred without the endless energy, skills, and devotion of the entire staff.

I also want to personally thank the students and families for your efforts and support as well. To our 8th grade students, I am confident that you will make your presence known through significant personal contributions at the high school next year. The staff at the middle school is looking forward to and expecting continued leadership from our current 6th & 7th-grade students next year, too.

After 37 wonderful years at SLPMS, it is time for me to say goodbye to my role as principal at the school. The entire SLP Learning Community has given me so much support over the years to help me serve in this leadership role. I leave with pride that we accomplished so much academic success for so many students overtime. I am also very confident in the decision to elevate Jason Boll to the interim principal position and believe he will, with everyone's support, continue to nurture and grow our students academically, socially, and emotionally in the upcoming school year.

I would like to extend a final wish for everyone to have a safe and enjoyable summer break.

Go Park Go!

Sent with Highest Regards,

Les Bork
Principal
Key Upcoming Dates
August 22 | First Oriole Times News for the 2022-2023 School Year
  • Links to sign up for Family Connect Meetings
  • Back to School information

Save the Date Fall 2022
September 1 | Back to School Family Connect Meetings
This will be an opportunity for families and students to:
  • Make a personal connection with their Advisor
  • Review class schedule 
  • Find your locker and walk your schedule
  • Learn about Sports/Activities and Clubs
  • Ask Questions
Construction Reminder
Due to construction, the Middle School will be closed starting June 12th. The main office (Door 1) will be open throughout the summer. The main office number is 952-928-6300.
Cam Muata Named Middle School Interim Assistant Principal for 2022-23 School Year
St. Louis Park Public Schools is pleased to announce that Cam Muata will serve as Interim Assistant Principal at St. Louis Park Middle School for the 2022-23 school year. Muata has served in St. Louis Park Public Schools as a Racial Equity Instructional Coach since 2016. Prior to joining St. Louis Park, Muata served in various teaching roles in Robbinsdale Area Schools dating back to 1996.

Muata holds a bachelor’s degree from Augsburg University, a master’s degree from Hamline University, a specialist degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and his K-12 principal licensure. 

"I'm excited for Cam to join our administrative team at St. Louis Park Middle School," said 2022-23 Interim Principal Jason Boll. "Cam is an experienced, thoughtful and talented educator who has positively impacted students and staff at Peter Hobart Elementary School for the past six years. He will be a tremendous addition to our middle school community."

Current Assistant Principal Jason Boll will serve as the Interim Principal for the Middle School next year as Les Bork retires July 15. District Administration will share information about the Middle School Principal Search after the 2022-23 school year has begun.
Grade Level Party Fun
This past Monday brought beautiful weather for our Grade Level Parties. As you can see from the pictures below:

1. Students had fun.
2. Parents provided much-needed support
3. Staff were fully engaged.


A big shout out "thank you" goes to Laura Truett, parent party planner and the site council for both their financial and leadership support.
MS Ambassadors Visit Elementary Schools
Minnesota Viking TJ Smith visits the MS
New Minnesota Vikings player T.J. Smith came to visit the middle school last week Friday. T.J. visited and spoke to our Boys 2 Men group, bringing each of them a small Vikings football that he signed. He also visited and posed with students in the hallways and signed autographs for any student that wanted one.  

Attention 8th Grade Families:
High School Families Asked to Opt-In for 2022-23 Transportation
As a part of districtwide budget reductions, St. Louis Park Public Schools is making several changes to transportation for the 2022-23 school year. Transportation is a vital part of the day for many of our students and families, but reductions in transportation and other non-classroom areas allow the district to reduce the impact of reductions on classrooms and programs. The changes in transportation will result in budget savings of $325,000.

As a result, beginning with the 2022-2023 school year all 9th through 12th grade students will need to opt-in (register) for transportation. Several metro area school districts are using this practice to ensure that transportation service is running as efficiently as possible.  

The district will require that you complete the 2022-23 Transportation Opt-In Form if your address is eligible for transportation and you wish to have school bus transportation for your student in 2022-23.  If this form is not completed by August 1, 2022, no bus transportation will be routed for your High School student for the fall of 2022-23.

The district will review ridership and drop students who are not riding for 10 consecutive days or more. Do not request transportation unless your student will ride the bus. The District will provide you the opportunity to add your student at the end of November and again at the end of March.
Honoring District Retirees
Please Join the Park Public Schools & Community Foundation In Honoring & Thanking This Year’s School Retirees

The Park Public Schools & Community Foundation (PPS&CF) sends a heartfelt thank you to the 21 members of our wonderful school staff who are retiring this school year. This group of accomplished and dedicated professionals includes several staff with 15+, 20+ and 30+ years of service with the St. Louis Park Public Schools. Topping the list with the longest tenure is Les Bjork who is retiring after serving as St. Louis Park Middle School’s Principal for 37 years! 

This year’s retirees include: Susan Anderson, Janice Armstrong, Les Bork, Karen Brasel, Jeffery Cain, Jane Dorn, Elizabeth Engel, Laurie Erickson, Lori Fox, Kim Gillespie, Martha Gruning, Melissa Hanna, Thomas Herbst, Mary Juberian, Joyce Koshiol, Jami Lapray, Pamela Mullen-Schultz, Jeremiah Otucho, Sanatan Persaud, Vicki Reese and Debra Sparling. Please join the PPS&CF in thanking them for their dedication and service to our students!

The PPS&CF seeks to make a positive impact in St. Louis Park by providing grants to teachers and staff to enhance educational opportunities in St. Louis Park Public Schools; and, providing grants to nonprofits supporting youth in St. Louis Park. The PPS&CF is funded by generous donors in our community. Please consider making a gift to the PPS&CF in honor of this year’s retirees so the PPS&CF can continue to make grants to carry on their tradition of excellence in our schools. 
Middle School Summer Learning Academy
Looking for your child to have an amazing summer? Well look no further because the answer is the Summer Learning Academy! 

Summer Learning Academy (SLA) for the Middle School which will be held at the Saint Louis Park High School from June 20th to July 21st Monday through Thursday 9 to 1:30 pm. No school will be held the week of July 4th. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Transportation is available upon request. If you are unable to attend every day you can still attend, but please communicate that with Nicole Doescher.  

We have redesigned the program to improve engagement and increase your young scholars' overall enjoyment of the program. We do not want to give all of the fun away, but a few examples are working with their friends to make a podcast about ANY topic they are interested in (such as best cheat codes for their favorite game, why summer school should be banned, or their beliefs on reform of various systems) and a celebration on the last day of the academy in order to showcase their success this summer. 

Summer Learning Academy is open to all students who currently attend the SLPMS at no cost. We encourage you to spread the word (including passing along this form) to all families and their students. 

Additionally, any student who is in 8th grade who successfully completes the Summer Learning Academy will receive elective credit and will walk into high school ahead of the curve. 

Please feel free to contact Nicole Doescher via email at [email protected] or telephone at 952.562.9045. Please complete the attached form in order to register your child for the Summer Learning Academy for the SLPMS. 


Click here for this info in Spanish

Click here for this info in Somali

Reminder: 7th Grade Shots
7th Grade Vaccination Requirements:

In accordance with the Minnesota Immunization Law (Statute 121A.15), students entering 7th grade for the 2022-2023 school year are required to have documentation of immunizations received, or a legal exemption, for Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) and meningococcal vaccines. Information about immunization requirements can be found here

If your student should not have immunizations for medical reasons or because of your conscientiously held beliefs, we must have legal proof of exemption. The legal exemption form is available on the MDH website.

After your student has completed the immunization requirements, send a copy of the immunization record, or legal exemption, to the Middle School Health Office. Records can be faxed to 952-928-6383. 

Central Clinic offers healthcare to students who live or go to school in St. Louis Park. Services are free and include immunizations. 

Location: Central Community Center, 6300 Walker Street, St. Louis Park.
Hours: 1-4:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, during the school year. Hours are limited in the summer months.
Phone: 952-993-1100

Youth Enrichment Opportunities

Summer Opportunities for Middle School Students from YEP (Youth Enrichment Programs)

*We have a great selection of Summer Camps that are available for Middle School students, click the links on each camp to see the full details!*


Camp Invention:
Camp Invention needs some Leaders In Training for the week of August 15. The Leaders-in-Training (LIT) position is a summer opportunity for students entering grades seven through nine. LITs build leadership skills in a dynamic, invention-based setting while mentoring children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Through the program, LITs gain and practice leadership and teamwork skills, act as role models for younger participants, and earn to set and meet personal and team goals. Questions, please reach out to Tammy Englund ([email protected]) or Kelleen O'Brion ([email protected])

Questions about Enrichment Programs? Contact Kelleen at [email protected] or 952-928-6399