St. Louis Park Middle School's Weekly News
November 11, 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:
I shared this story with the middle school staff this past week in my weekly staff update and wanted to also share this here with you. I was in Rob Hansen's OT this past week and after school, recognized a student from his class. I asked him his name and asked him "How do you like middle school?" He paused and looked directly in my eyes almost to make sure I was fully listening to him, and replied with intensity "I LOVE MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!" This is definitely one of my favorite memories and stories from this year.
We look forward to seeing you either virtually or in-person for your child's student-led conference this week with their Advisory teacher on November 17th or 18th. Please find the Sign-up Genius link in this OT Newsletter farther down or on the Middle School website.
Please also remember that the expectation for students on Wednesday, November 17th is to sign in to Schoology, go to each of their courses and complete the work/activity/assignment that their teacher has posted there. There will also be a question or poll that will be part of each course that day and this is for attendance purposes. We'll be talking to students about this as well but please make sure they do this part so they get credit for doing their work and being "present".
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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- Asynchronous Day of Virtual Learning November 17, 2021
- Conferences November 17 and November 18, 2021
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November 17 is an Asynchronous Learning Day |
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Wednesday, November 17 is a scheduled asynchronous learning day for students in grades 6-12, as both the Middle School and High School will hold family conferences on this date. All assignments on that day will be available in Schoology. Students will need to login to Schoology in order for attendance to be taken. More details will be made available soon explaining what this day will look like for students and families. Please watch upcoming editions of 6425 News and the Oriole Times, as well as next week's SLP Communicator for full details.
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Links for Student-Led Conferences |
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Please click here for the links to sign up.
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Getting to know..... Wendy Klute |
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Greetings! My name is Wendy Klute and I am thrilled to be joining St. Louis Park Middle School as the new counselor. Previously I was the K-12 counselor at Eagle Ridge Academy (Classical Charter School in Minnetonka), the 10-12 Science and Technology counselor at Shakopee High School, and a 9-12 counselor at Bloomington Jefferson High School.
I have lived in Eden Prairie for the past 25 years, but grew up in Robbinsdale amidst a family of educators (my mom taught 5th grade, dad 3rd, and both brothers teach 3rd) so counseling in a school setting is a natural fit.
My oldest daughter is a junior at Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA), my second daughter is a senior at EPHS, and my son is a freshman there. We have a 3-year-old Havenese pup named Moose.
In my spare time I enjoy live music, perusing the arboretum, scrapbooking, and traveling.
I look forward to interacting with the students, staff, and families of St. Louis Park Middle School.
I will strive to get to know students individually to assist with social/emotional components of
their growth in order to promote academic success.
Please feel free to email or call anytime so we can partner together.
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We have recently observed students being dropped off and picked up along Texas Ave and running across the street to the front of the Middle School. Please refrain from the practice as it not safe for students or drivers.
We discourage the dropping off of restaurant food for student lunch.
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America Recycles Day Competition |
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The Environmental Student Leadership team has entered SLP Middle School into the America Recycles Day competition and could win up to $2,000 for St. Louis Park Middle School – but we need your help!
The America Recycles Day competition is a national contest between schools to collect the most used clothing to be given back to the community. Five winners will receive cash prizes for collecting the most clothes – measured in pounds – between Nov. 1 and Nov. 30.
If St. Louis Park wins, the Environmental Student Leadership team has decided to put the cash prize towards starting a school garden!
The Environmental Student Leadership team is asking students and families to chip in. Anyone with gently used clothes to donate can bring them to the clothing recycling bins located in the back parking lot of St. Louis Park Middle School, next to the soccer fields.
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Over the last couple of weeks, 8th grade science students have been building solar suitcases in class. These suitcases are part of the 8th grade curriculum on renewable and non-renewable energy. Students have learned about the types of electricity, amps, volts, watts and how to wire a circuit. Now that the suitcases are built, we will be sending at least one overseas to schools that do not have access to electricity. The suitcase will light the main hall for the school so that students can come and study during the evening.
Ask your student about their experience building the suitcase!
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Free Weekend Food Program
St. Louis Park Middle School is happy to partner again with Every Meal (formerly The Sheridan Story). Every Meal provides SLP Middle School students with a food bag each Friday. There is no eligibility criteria. Please see the Brochure for more information. Please enroll here Every Meal Enrollment Form.
Contact Kristen Engen-Routzohn, School Social Worker with questions [email protected] 952-928-6389
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Racial Equity Policy Feedback |
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District Seeking Feedback on Racial Equity Policy
St. Louis Park Public Schools is seeking feedback from staff, students, parents/families and the community on a NEW Racial Equity Policy that was created in alignment with the 2020-25 Strategic Plan for Racial Equity Transformation. The purpose of this policy is to “establish expectations and accountability measures for the District’s work promoting racial equity and developing culturally relevant learning environments in order to create an equitable and anti-racist school system that honors all children, families, and staff.”
In the past year, the School Board Policy Committee worked collaboratively with the Superintendent, entire School Board and district leaders to write the new policy language with input and feedback on draft language from all stakeholder groups.
Public schools have historically-embedded systems and structures that disproportionately target and impact our black, brown and indigenous students in the area of discipline while not providing equitable educational environments. With our new strategic plan and the school board’s resolution on equity and anti-racism, and discipline data, we knew that writing this policy was a priority to guide the school district’s work system wide.
To seek feedback on the FINAL DRAFT of this policy, the school district is conducting focused conversations with stakeholder groups and inviting feedback through Thoughtexchange. Thought exchange allows stakeholders to share thoughts, feedback, and ideas in an open-ended, confidential, and easy-to-use digital environment. After school board approval there will be education for teachers and staff and students and families for full implementation of this policy.
The school district appreciates your time and attention to this important work and is eager to hear your thoughts.
Parents/guardians, teachers, and staff should click here to participate in the Thoughtexchange.
Students should click here to participate in the Thoughtexchange.
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Upcoming Listening Sessions |
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Upcoming Listening Session Opportunities
Stakeholders have a number of opportunities to attend listening sessions and share feedback with both the School Board and Superintendent Osei in the coming weeks.
Listening Sessions with Superintendent Osei
As a part of the process to hear stakeholder perspectives, Superintendent Osei will be hosting Listening Sessions this fall for students, parents/guardians, and staff. Listening Sessions will be held virtually via Google Meet.
November 16 | English speaking parents/guardians | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Google Meet Link
School Board Listening Session
All stakeholders are invited to attend St. Louis Park School Board Listening Sessions to ask questions and have a conversation with school board members. Up to three school board members will attend to listen to stakeholders. It is not an official meeting and no official action will be taken. Please be aware that the school board members will end the listening session 30 minutes after the posted start time if there are no stakeholders in attendance.
November 16 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | In-person - location TBD
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Middle School to Host 5+ Vaccine Clinic on Monday, November 15
In collaboration with Community Care Clinics of Minnesota, St. Louis Park Public Schools will be hosting a COVID vaccination clinic for students ages 5 and older at St. Louis Park Middle School from 4:20-7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 15, with second doses being given on Monday, December 6. Middle School students will have the option to receive a vaccine during the school day.
A printed consent form with a parent or guardian signature will be required for all students to receive a vaccine. Printed copies can also be found at your student's school. One form is required per student.
Click here to register your student for this vaccination clinic.
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High School Nordic Information Meeting |
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Tuesday 11/16
6:30 pm
High school cafeteria
The meeting is open to anyone registered or interested in joining the Nordic team.
We will discuss practice and meet schedules, ski gear, fundraising, pasta parties and to answer any questions. Go Park Nordic!
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Girls Basketball Registration |
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If you need help creating your user account (it is the same as your lunch payment account) click here: Creating New Account
Coaches:
6-8th Grade Girls Basketball: All 6th - 8th grade girls basketball players will be practicing and playing at St. Louis Park Middle School. We will be playing against other schools with two teams. A and B teams.
Participation Fee: $105
Sports Physicals: All athletes will need to have a current sports physical (not immunizations) on file at the Middle School before they will be able to participate. Physicals are good for 3 years.
Activity Bus and Transportation: Buses will leave the Middle School at 5:30 everyday after practice. If they have an event that lasts past 5:30 they will need to be picked up after the event at the middle school. We provide bus transportation to and from all away sporting events.
Season Length: The first day of practice is Monday, November 1. The season lasts approx. 8 weeks until the end of December. Practices are from 4:00 – 5:30 PM, Monday - Thursday. There are no after school activities on Fridays.
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The SLPMS Spelling Bee will be held on Monday, November 15, at 7:00 P.M. in the new Performing Arts Center at the Middle School. Everyone is welcome to attend and support the contestants! Audience members and spellers must wear masks.
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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.
Yoga w/ Chaunte **FREE**
Tuesday mornings, 7:45-8:45 am
Thursday after school, 4-5 pm
Super Sports Club w/ T.Will Sports
*Dodgeball and Kickball*
Tuesday mornings, 7:45-8:45 am, 10/26-11/30
$78
Morning Open Gym
Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 7:45-8:45 am
$39-$69 (Sliding Scale)
Questions about Enrichment Programs? Contact Kelleen at [email protected] or 952-928-6399
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