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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)
April 13, 2023
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Middle School Families:
We welcomed back our students this past Monday and their renewed energy has been amazing.
As you can see below, our staff and students have taken full advantage of this beautiful weather. I am looking forward to next week for two reasons. First, MCA testing and student led conferences give our students the opportunity to show their individual educational growth. Second, on Friday we are hosting "JumpStart " for our incoming 6th graders. I am grateful for the wonderful collaboration between MS, Elementary and Community Education in making it happen.
Thank you for your continued support of our entire Middle School community.
Jason Boll
Interim Principal
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This week 7th graders got to enjoy the nice weather by writing out powerful and meaningful quotes about change making, justice, and taking action with chalk on our sidewalks! This is a part of our 7th grade Interdisciplinary Unit between Language & Literature and Individuals & Societies called Changemakers: Past and Present. | |
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MCA Testing
Tuesday, April 18th, Reading MCA
Periods 1-3 A day
Tuesday, April 25th, Math MCA
Periods 1-3 B day
Wednesday, May 3rd, Science 8th graders
Periods 1-3 B day
Spring Conferences
Wednesday April 19 4-8 pm
Thursday April 20 4-8 pm
Friday April 21 8 am - 4pm. **Asynchronous Day of learning for students
7th Grade Field Trip
- An American Tale at the Children's Theater 5/31/23
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On Tuesday, April 18th and on Tuesday, April 25th during Periods 1-3 (9:05-11:30am), the entire student body will be taking the yearly MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment) reading and math tests, respectively.
We are encouraging every student to take these tests for the following reasons:
- Students get to show what they know as a reader, mathematician, and thinker with regard to the state standards at their respective grade levels
- Schools, teachers, and caregivers can gain valuable information about how well a student is progressing academically.
- Teachers and school leaders receive information about areas of strength and gaps in our current curriculum, which then informs how educators plan lessons in math, reading, and science.
- Any student who opts out of these tests is scored as “not proficient/did not meet standards” at a state level.
Students who are testing, please make sure that they bring a FULLY CHARGED CHROMEBOOK to school.
We are discouraging any students from opting out of the tests. If you choose to opt your student out, please keep them home in the morning and drop them off at 11:25am on those Tuesdays. For opt out please go to this link.
We are asking this because we would like the whole building participating in and focused on showing our learning with minimal distractions. Please support us in this endeavor. If you are interested in volunteering during MCA testing, please sign up here.
Sign up Genius Information
- Tuesday, April 18th: Shifts 8:45-10:15am and 10:00-11:30am.
- 14 for each shift with the opportunity to take double shifts
- Tuesday, April 25th: Shifts 8:45-10:15am and 10:00-11:30am.
- 14 for each shift with the opportunity to take double shifts
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The Roll with Patrol Event is BACK! It has been rescheduled for Friday, April 28th!
If you already turned in a permission slip you are on the list to attend the event on April 28th. If you can no longer make it, please notify Officer Gronski in the student services office.
If you 'd like to sign up for FREE skating, FREE pizza and FREE pop, come to the student services office and pick up a permission slip.
See Officer Gronski if you have questions!
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Project Diva Leadership Group | |
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Project DIVA International primarily serves middle and high school Black girls within Minneapolis–St. Paul and the surrounding suburbs, ages 11-19, of a variety of economic statuses and backgrounds. Our leadership team focuses on peer to peer, group and individual year-long coaching with the leadership of professionals from all walks of life to develop personal relationships and long-term impact.
SLPMS is proud to have 16 girls that participated in this leadership group this year. We hope you'll join Project DIVA International to celebrate the growth and accomplishments of our SLP girls in their program this year! Families, friends and school staff are invited to attend this special event. The cost for the show is $20.00. All donations will go directly towards our programming.
Here's the direct EventBrite link to our event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/546671076907. Can't make it to the show but want to show your support? How about purchasing a Style Show T-shirt? The cost is $25.00 pay right online at: www.projectdiva.org (under our donate tab there is a shop option). If they purchase online for a girl, ask them to please include the girl's name and shirt size. Also, please note all shirts will be delivered to the girls the day of the show. If a girl doesn't make it we will get them to them through staff or drop them off at SLPMS.
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Many students are finishing their Community Project action this week. It was "due" this Tuesday, but that was more of a guideline for time management. There are many groups who will be finishing this week or weekend. Students have had time to work on their individual reflections and tasks in the Digital Notebook during Keystone Design 8 for many weeks. They had time in Advisory today to meet as a group again.
Groups should start a slideshow for their final presentation even if they aren't done with action, because they will still present even if their plan didn't work out. We showed them an example presentation in Keystone Design this week with a student whose action didn't end up happening (but they had great reflection on learning). I have not made the schedule for April 26th presentations, but they'll be assigned to present to a 6th or 7th grade class in the afternoon.
They are doing some amazing things!
Evelyn Lashley
lashley.evelyn@slpschools.org
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The last regular season tournament for Quiz Bowl occurred on Saturday, March 18th in Savage, MN. All four of SLPMS Teams qualified for single elimination playoffs in the afternoon.
Finley Keogh was recognized as "Rising 7th Grader."
Elise Hogg received another trophy for placing 5th with individual scoring.
Parents and Students had a wonderful End of Regular Season Pizza Party with cake (thank you to the Hogg family)! Parents played against the students for some really fun Quiz Bowl Trivia Games. Lots of laughter could be heard. Thank you families for all your support of your students and Quiz Bowl!
SLPMS Team A which includes Tyber Augustine, Riley Hicks, Elise Hogg, and Cesar Wood will be competing at Nationals in Chicago the weekend of May 12-14.
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Registration is open for all 6-8th graders. Sports offered at the middle school are Boys Tennis, Boys and Girls Track & Field and 7th & 8th grade Girls Lacrosse. Registration and information can be found on the Middle School Athletics page on the Middle School website. If you have any questions please email Derek Wennerberg - wennerberg.derek@slpschools.org
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Attention 6th grade families:
Now is the time to start thinking about registering your student for a trip to Washington, D.C. in June of 2024. There will be a meeting on Thursday, April 13 at 6:30pm in the LMC classrooms to go over trip details. In this meeting, you will learn more about the trip and all the fun things the students are going to do and see. There will be a short video about WorldStrides and why we have them as our partner for this trip. In this video, you’ll learn a little bit more about WorldStrides so you have a better understanding of their history, mission, and value and why they are so passionate about educational travel. You’ll also learn about all the great tools they have available to help families pay for the trip including financial assistance, fundraising, and affordable payment plans.
If you are unable to attend, but are still interested in learning more please email Samantha Wyffels at wyffels.samantha@slpschools.org.
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Conference Meals
Hello Middle School Families!
During the week of Spring Conferences we would like to show support and appreciation for our amazing MS staff by providing them with meals!
Wednesday, April 19th we will serve Jimmy Johns
Thursday, April 20th we will serve Parkway Pizza
Please sign up for additional items on this Sign Up Genius or volunteer to help with set up/clean up!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E48ABA92BA4F85-slpmsteacher2
All items should be delivered to the Front Office on WEDNESDAY the 19th between 9am and 4pm. Items may be store bought or homemade.
Thanks for all you do to support the Middle School!
Laura Truett and Leah Anklam - Conference Meal Coordinators
Host Families Needed
The students and staff have enjoyed getting to know our Global Interns this school year! Kevin from El Salvador and Sara from Spain have been assisting teachers and sharing their cultures in several classes. A huge thank you to the Winecoff and Valley Families for opening their homes this spring semester.
The Middle School is excited to announce we have secured two Global Interns for the 2023-24 school year, one from Colombia and one from Spain. Global Interns are a great addition to our classrooms and make connections with many of our students, not only ESP students. Global Interns bring an exciting energy to the classroom and are eager to be involved in the SLP community. We are looking for two host families for the fall semester (late August through the end of January) and two more host families for next spring (late January through the end of the school year in 2023). The main requirement is the intern must have their own legal bedroom. It is a great opportunity for your family to learn about another culture while introducing the Global Intern to Minnesota and our community in St Louis Park. You do not need to be an ESP family. All middle school families are welcome to host. There is no requirement for families to know Spanish as the interns are also fluent in English.
My family has had a great experience hosting in the recent years and created lasting friendships. Please reach out to me if you are interested or have questions. Karita Bentley at karitabentley@gmail.com
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SLP Athletic Hall of Fame - Nominations Open!
Do you know someone who was a great athlete or coach for the Orioles? Or someone who has spent their life committed to Orioles sports? We are currently taking nominations for our next SLP Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Banquet in the spring of 2024. The process only takes 2-3 minutes and you are welcome to nominate multiple people.
- Athletes: To be eligible, the SLP athlete must have graduated from St Louis Park High School at least 10 years prior to being nominated, except in extraordinary circumstances as determined by the committee.
- Coaches: An SLP coach that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, character and athletic achievement during his/her involvement at St Louis Park High School.
- Lifetime Achievement: A person who has given meritorious service or has been a loyal friend and supporter of the SLP Athletic Program.
Nominate form - due September 1, 2023
Volunteer Appreciation Week is April 16-22!
Take a moment to thank the parent, student, and community volunteers in your building for the work they do supporting our students and staff.
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April 18: School Board Listening Session
The SLP School Board invites families to join them for the upcoming listening session on Tuesday, April 18. The listening session will be held at 6:30pm in the High School Library Media Center. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and have a conversation with school board members. It is important to note that this 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.
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Park Pride for the class of 2023
Help celebrate our graduating seniors by joining a community-wide effort to show Park Pride for the class of 2023. We invite families and community members to buy and display a lawn sign in your front yard or window for all to see ($25 each).
Signs will be distributed April 23 and 30 12-2 p.m. at the SLP High School parking lot near door 1. Please order by Friday, April 14.
Order your sign today
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Kids in the Park program - still accepting applications
The St. Louis Park Housing Authority is still accepting applications for the Kids in the Park Program. Attached is our application and criteria for the program. Applications can also be found on the city website.
The Kids in the Park program provides rent assistance to households with school-age children for up to four years. Participants receive a flat monthly rental assistance that decreases annually over the four-year period. Eligible households must have an income at or below 50 percent of the area median income; have one parent or guardian who works a minimum of 28 hours per week; live in rental housing in St. Louis Park; and comply with their lease requirements. Families with disabled and elderly heads of household don’t need to comply with the work requirement. The program was developed in partnership with the St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) and the St. Louis Park School District.
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Middle School Cooking Club
Join us to learn some basic cooking and baking skills by making a new recipe each week!
Wednesdays, April 19-May 24, 4-5:15 pm
Sliding Scale Pricing: $39/$49/$59/$69
Click here to register now
Middle School Chess Club
Join us to play the game you love each week!
Mondays, April 10-June 5, 4-5 pm
$145
Click here to register now!
The Report Card: Newspaper Club
We are looking for writers, designers, illustrators, or anyone interested in contributing to our newspaper: The Report Card. Students can join at any time.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-5:15 pm
Sliding Scale Pricing: $10/$20/$30/$40
Click here to register now
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Mr. Jason Boll, Interim Principal
Mr. Cam Muata, Interim Assistant Principal
2025 Texas Avenue South
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Phone: 952-928-6300
Attendance: 952-928-6394
Fax: 952-928-6383
boll.jason@slpschools.org
muata.cam@slpschools.org
ms.slpschools.org
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