May 26, 2021 | Volume 1 • Issue 34
Maria Graver Selected to Become Aquila Elementary Principal
St. Louis Park Public Schools is pleased to announce that María Graver will become the next Aquila Elementary School Principal.

"I am excited for the students, families and staff at Aquila. Maria is a leader who cares deeply about the success of each student and throughout the interview process she demonstrated evidence of her ability to engage and positively influence the adults she works with," said Superintendent Astein Osei.

"During the interview process Maria demonstrated that her beliefs are in alignment with the strategic direction of our organization and that she is committed to fostering the growth and brilliance of the students at Aquila."

Graver has more than 13 years experience as an elementary school teacher and instructional coach. She is currently the Assistant Principal at Richfield High School. Graver also works as an Educational Equity Coordinator for Minneapolis Public Schools and is a consultant for the Hackman Consulting Group where she develops and delivers curriculum promoting racial equity and social justice for educational and corporate entities. 

Graver holds an Educational Specialist degree from Concordia University - St. Paul, MN; a Certificate of Critical Literacy from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities; a Master’s Degree in Instruction from Roosevelt University - Chicago, IL; and a Bachelor’s Degree in American Studies from Carleton College - Northfield, MN.

Shelley Nielsen currently serves as Aquila Elementary School Principal. She announced this Spring that she would be retiring at the end of the 2020-21 school year.
Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony Details
Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2021 will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8 at the High School Stadium. In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to Wednesday, June 9.

General Graduation Instructions
The ceremony will be similar to those prior to the pandemic with a few exceptions per Minnesota Department of Health guidance. Students and families will receive further information and can expect additional communication about graduation as we approach June 8th.

Seniors need to arrive for graduation at 6:15 p.m. to line up and prepare for the ceremony. The stadium will open at 6:30 p.m. for families to enter the stadium and find their seats. The celebration will begin at 7:00 p.m. Sign language Interpretation will be present at the event.

Click here for more complete details.
K-5 Summer Learning Academy and Summer Learning & Play Programs Available to All Families
Registration is now available for the St. Louis Park Public Schools K-5 Summer Learning Academy. This year's Summer Learning Academy will run from June 28 through August 12, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Parents and guardians can also pair the Summer Learning Academy with an afternoon Summer Learning & Play offering for a full day of learning and fun! 

More information about the Summer Learning Academy as well as afternoon Summer Learning & Play programs can be found by downloading the following flyers: English | Spanish | Somali

If you would like to register your child for the Summer Learning Academy, please contact your child's teacher. If you have general questions about the Summer Learning Academy, please contact Academy Principal Jennifer Zipf at 952-928-6090 or zipf.jennifer@slpschools.org.

Questions about Summer Learning & Play programs can be directed to Kelleen O'Brion at 952-928-6399 or obrion.kelleen@slpschools.org
Updated COVID-19 Dashboard
The dashboard will be updated every Wednesday and can be found on the District's COVID-19 News & Updates page at www.slpschools.org/covid19.
Masks Still REQUIRED in Schools and on Buses
for Students and Staff
The Safe Learning Plan - including Executive Orders 20-19, 20-82, 20-94 and 20-95 - will be in full effect through the end of the 2020-21 school year. This means schools will continue following the Safe Learning Plan until whenever the last teacher contact day is for each individual school district or charter school. This means that face masks are still required to be worn on the bus and inside school buildings by both students and staff.
12+ Vaccine Clinic at St. Louis Park High School
ATTENTION ST. LOUIS PARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS FAMILIES WITH A STUDENT AGE 12+

Hennepin County Public Health is helping to ensure that all people in Hennepin County who want the COVID-19 vaccine can get it. Hennepin County Public Health and St. Louis Park Public Schools are partnering to provide a COVID-19 vaccination opportunity for youth (age 12 and older) and their families.

DETAILS: 
Sunday, June 6 - Shot #1 and Sunday, June 27 - Shot #2
9:00 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
St. Louis Park High School Field House, 6425 W. 33rd St., St. Louis Park, MN 55426
(Park and enter at Door #15)

CLICK HERE for details about parental consent and to register.
NOTE: Only 150 vaccine doses are available at this clinic, REGISTER NOW!

Other Vaccine Options for 12+
Minnesotan’s ages 12-15 can get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at community sites in Oakdale, Lino Lakes, and at Roy Wilkins Auditorium as well: COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program.

If you are 18+ and want your COVID-19 vaccine?
The St. Louis Park Fire Department will be administering the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine on June 27 at Aquila Elementary School, 8500 W. 31st St., St. Louis Park, MN 55426. Registration information COMING SOON.
Middle School Theater Program to Present James and the Giant Peach Jr.
Tickets are now available for James and the Giant Peach Jr., the St. Louis Park Middle School Theater spring musical. Shows are June 1-4, 7 p.m. at the ROC, located at the St. Louis Park Rec Center. Tickets are $10 apiece and can be purchased by clicking here.
 
Please join us for this special return to live theater in this exciting outdoor performance space! 
Attention Middle School and High School Families: June 2 and June 9 Attendance
The end of the school year is quickly approaching and students are returning their devices to school. On Wednesday, June 2 and Wednesday, June 9 students will be asked to continue their attendance check-in with teachers during Advisory at the Middle School and Park Connections at the High School.

If students have a personal device and Internet access they may continue to login to connect with their teachers as usual. If a student does not have a device or Internet, teachers will reach out to connect with students in another way. PLEASE NOTE: These connections are REQUIRED for attendance at both the middle school and high school.
High School Students Named to All-State Band
Three St. Louis Park High School students were recently recognized by the Minnesota Music Educators Association's (MMEA) All-State band program. Junior clarinet player Olivia Brown and sophomore tenor saxophone player Isaiah Klepfer have been named to the 2021-22 Minnesota All-State Band. Junior tuba player Kris Moe has been chosen as an alternate.

Being named to the All-State Band qualifies students to attend camp in August where they meet a guest conductor and attend long hours of rehearsals and sectionals. The group of students will perform an August concert and will then meet again in February to perform at Orchestra Hall as part of the MMEA Midwinter Clinic.