64 SECONDS to Learn Up To 25 THINGS about St. Louis Park High School
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Important Websites for High School Families
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1: From the Interim Principal
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Greetings Families,
First off, I wanted to let you know that we are currently engaging in discussions and planning to potentially bring students back using a phase in approach at 25% capacity, not 50% as originally planned. A 25% capacity rate would provide for much more social distancing and at least a little bit of the social aspect of school and the face-to-face instruction and support that many of our students are craving. No final decisions have been made at this time, but I wanted you to know of the discussions that are taking place. Much more information regarding this will be provided next week
I had the privilege of “meeting” many parents and one senior student in my virtual, “Coffee with the Principal” meeting this past Wednesday. I also enjoyed participating in Superintendent Osei’s student listening session last Friday. In both cases, it inspired me to get to see the faces of our school community, even though they were on a 2 inch square on my computer screen. It was wonderful having the opportunity to listen to their concerns and answer their excellent questions.
One of the topics we discussed was the concern that students who are in athletics have had the opportunity to participate in a school sponsored activity, and experience some sense of “normalcy,” which has been terrific. But many of our students and parents are requesting additional information regarding student groups and clubs. Andy Ewald, our District Athletic Director, has gathered the current status of all our student groups and clubs and will be prepared to share it next week. Not all previously held groups or clubs are able to meet at this point, but some are and I want to provide specific information as to what activities and clubs are available and how a student would sign up to be a part of one. Stay tuned for more information.
Several parents asked why all students aren’t required to turn their cameras on during class. While it would be ideal if every student felt comfortable doing so, some are not comfortable having their bedroom or home visible for all to view. Students shared that some of their teachers require students to show their face for attendance. Another teacher insists cameras be on at the beginning of class and at the end to check for understanding. I strongly encourage all students to turn their cameras on, at least for part of the class period, so that teachers can see the reactions on their faces to check for understanding. Plus, it’s nice to see a smile once in a while, right?
Many students shared their frustration with feeling overwhelmed with too much homework, being assigned new learning on asynchronous periods and finding assignments in Schoology. I learned that some staff have continued to use Google Classroom, even though we have committed to using Schoology. I have shared these concerns with all department leaders to talk with each of their department members to ensure everyone knows and understands asynchronous and Schoology expectations. If your child is frustrated with technology or with finding assignments, please have them tell their teachers or contact Ellen George, our Media Specialist, to get help with navigating the apps that exist. Regarding too much homework, I know each teacher is trying to do the best they can to provide the best education possible. Please continue to encourage your children to advocate for themselves and ask for help if they need it. Teachers have been asked to provide as much patience, support and grace as possible in this difficult situation.
Finally, I realize this is an impossible situation. There are no perfect answers. There is no playbook. What I can promise you is that every single one of us here at SLP is working like never before to do the very best we can for your kids. Some parents want their kids in school. Others think it is unacceptable to even consider bringing any kids back, especially with rising Covid numbers in our area. Please know that if we do end up with a plan to bring some students back in the near future, you always have the option to continue with distance learning if you feel that is what is best for your child.
Be Safe everyone~
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Thank you to all who participated in our Socially Distanced Homecoming celebration including dress codes and a couple of virtual events! On Tuesday, Zaid Yusuf and Lilly Strathman were crowned Homecoming King and Queen during the Orioles soccer matches. Scan this QR code to see all the candidates nominated and those on senior court and 9th, 10th, and 11th grade royalty. On Thursday, there was great participation in the first ever Pickleball tournament. The final match was Mr. Otto and Mr. Austad against McCabe Dvorak and Drew Boyum. There were also great submissions to our talent show from a few students including Clarene Masaana. |
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This year, 2021 seniors will be able to submit their own portrait free of charge. Seniors MUST submit their chosen portrait through the Google Form provided on the Echowan website, under the senior pictures tab, ensuring that it meets all requirements. Portraits can be professionally taken through a senior shoot, or you can use any photo you like! We also have many Echowan photographers on staff that would be more than happy to take senior pictures for free. Please contact us through email at echowan2021@gmail.com if you would like to choose this option and we will set you up with one of our photographers. All senior Pictures must be submitted through the form by October 21!
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4: 2020-21 Yearbook Sales are Open
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2020-2021 yearbook sales are open! Purchase yours online now at slpechowan.com. Don’t miss out, get yours today! For any questions on sales, please email echowan2021@gmail.com
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5: Seniors - Place Your Order for Your Graduation Cap & Gown Now
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Jostens will be taking orders virtually this fall. Just go to gradsmn.org to place your order. There is no cost for your cap and gown.
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6: October is College Knowledge Month
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October in Minnesota kicks off the college application season with many Minnesota colleges offering no-fee college applications. October 1 is also the opening date for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Minnesota Dream Act Application. There are many online resources and training opportunities for educators, parents and students happening this month outlined below.
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7: MN Private Colleges Fall Exploration
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8: Virtual US Service Academies Information Night October 12
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The Office of Congressman Dean Phillips is hosting a Virtual U.S. Service Academies Information Night with representatives from all five service academies. Students and families will be able to learn and ask questions about the academy experience and the nominations process as well. The virtual event will be held from 6:00-7:15. For more information see the attached flyer.
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9: Financial Aid Bootcamp on October 20-21, 2020
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10: Heisman High School Scholarship
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Attention Class of 2021: While working on college applications this year, we recommend looking into the Heisman High School Scholarship presented by Acceptance Insurance. They give out 100 scholarships to male and female scholar-athletes ranging from $500 - $5,000.
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11: NCAA is hosting an Upcoming Webinar for Student-Athletes
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The Eligibility Center is hosting a webinar for college-bound student-athletes and their families on Saturday, October 10 at 11 a.m. Eastern/10 a.m. Central. This link will allow students and parents/guardians to register for this important event.
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Varsity Football Tickets
The Minnesota Department of Health is only allowing a maximum of 250 spectators for outdoor gatherings. With that, St. Louis Park will only have 125 fans (half the tickets) at home and away games. Those 125 tickets will be distributed weekly to the families of the 10th, 11th and 12th grade players. If there are tickets left they will become available via a lottery with the Athletic Department the day before the game. There will be no tickets sold at the games.
Winter Sports
- 11/23 Start
- Boys Hockey - 18 games, 16 week season
- Boys Basketball - 18 games, 17 week season
- 11/30 Start
- Boys Swimming - 11 meets, 13 week season.
- Girls Hockey - 18 games, 16 week season
- Nordic Ski - 11 meets, 14 week season. No more than 3 schools at a meet.
- 12/7 Start
- Girls Basketball - 18 games, 17 week season
- Gymnastics - 11 meets, 14 week season. No more than 3 schools at a meet.
No invites, no tournaments. All schedules will be with schools within our Conference, Region/ Section or close proximity. We will get more information (spectators, event management, practice requirements, etc.) at a later point from the MSHSL and MDH.
Winter sport registration will be open on Monday, October 5th. Please go to www.gopark.org to register. |
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13: Join Math Team - Starts Monday, October 12
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Do you enjoy problem-solving and finding creative ways to solve a problem?
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Open to everyone as long as you have taken/are enrolled in a business course. If you are looking for an extracurricular, for emerging leaders and entrepreneurs, join DECA!
Looks great on college applications, teaches you life skills like how to complete a job interview! Learn more about the business world. Contact advisor, Mrs. Lugo (lugo.abigail@slpschools.org) if you are interested. We have meetings on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month on Zoom for now. Make sure you join before October 21st, hope to see you at our next meeting! Follow the DECA instagram @slpdeca for more updates!
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15: Class of 2022 - College Possible Applications are Open
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Hey Juniors! Want to earn a college degree? Looking for free support and personalized coaching? Applications are open for the College Possible high school class of 2022! College Possible is a national college access and success organization with over 20 years of experience supporting students as they earn their college degrees. Interested? Learn more about the program (video). Click here to apply or go to CollegePossible.org/join. If you have questions about the program reach out to Jessie at JOrtiz@CollegePossible.org
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16: Registration for the IB Exams and Payment
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Registration Form and Payment must be completed by 3:10 on October 21st.
Resources to commonly asked questions:
(3) How to apply for a grant for your examinations: see the final section of the registration form linked above.
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Due to the extension of distance learning, the PSAT has been postponed. The new test date will be January 26, 2021. To learn more about the PSAT go to the High School website under academics. Please contact Jami LaPray, High School Testing coordinator, with any questions. lapray.jami@slpschools.org
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18: Fall MAP (NWEA) Testing for 9th & 10th Graders Will Continue This Week
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PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE TO THE MATH MAP DUE TO CONFLICTS
The MAP Reading and MAP Math tests will be given to Freshmen and Sophomores remotely on Wednesdays during October beginning at 9:00am. Social Studies and Science teachers administering the exams will contact students prior to exam day with login and testing details and give the join codes and links needed to test.
October 14 - MAP Make up Reading Test
October 28 - MAP Math Test
November 4 - MAP Make up Math Test
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19: Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Registration is a Two Step Process
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Both steps must be completed to be successfully Registered!
STEP ONE: Exam Registration must be completed through https://myap.collegeboard.org/ Students have received join codes from their teachers and should have already completed this task.
To learn more about AP testing go to the High School website under Academics.
*Advanced Placement (College Board) and International Baccalaureate are different entities - registration and payment must be completed separately.
** Answer all questions completely to avoid late fees caused by registration mistakes
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20: Advanced Placement (AP) For All!
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21: High Achievement Program (HAP)
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Dr. Lee-Ann Stephens is the coordinator for the High Achievement Program at the High School. The High Achievement Program, also known as HAP, It is designed as an optional resource for Black, Brown and Indigenous to come together as a community of high achieving learners who are enrolled in one or more AP/IB/Honors class. HAP students meet by grade level on a biweekly or monthly basis. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Stephens at stephens.leeann@slpschools.org.
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22: From the Media Center
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Registration for Driver's Ed is now open!
Register and find more information here: Website
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24: Join the SLP Drone Team
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The SLP Drone Team is looking for all interested pilots to join our team for the 2020-21 season! We have started our preparations for the regular season that will start in January. If you have an interest in joining the team, please send an email to miller.mark@slpschools.org. One of the greatest things about drone racing is that you can practice a number of the skills you need to learn right on your computer at home. You will need a compatible controller, a computer and time to practice. Check out the website below for more information on some of the available packages to get you started. We would love to have you join the team so that we can keep the winning tradition alive! https://www.youthdronesports.org/minnesota
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25: Indigenous Peoples Day Virtual Event October 12
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Please join us on October 12, 2020 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sponsored by the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee and SLP Schools.
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26: Free Meals for Kids During Distance Learning
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While the District is in a distance learning educational delivery model, students and families will be able to pick up FREE MEALS (breakfast and lunch) at any of the six schools on Mondays and Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. In accordance with USDA guidelines, you must be a parent or guardian of a child (birth to 18) in the District in order to pick up these grab-and-go bag meals. Read More
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The District released its Return to School Guide to families on August 14. This guide contains important information about the three potential learning models (distance, hybrid and in-person), health and safety guidelines and protocols, and other general information on a variety of topics including transportation, school nutrition, childcare, arts, athletics, and much more! Click here to download a PDF version of this document.
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