January 5, 2022 | Volume 2 • Issue 19
A Message from Superintendent Osei
As we have returned from winter break, we have experienced the impact of the Omicron variant. We have seen increased numbers of staff and students testing positive, which has created staffing challenges. We are working to sustain in-person learning for students and in order to do this we need everyone to do their part. Please remember to keep your student home if they are sick or have symptoms. Masking continues to be an important mitigation strategy, so please ensure that your student comes to school everyday with a proper fitting mask. These steps along with testing regularly and getting vaccinated will help us sustain in-person learning.  

On December 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that it is updating its guidance on isolation and quarantine for the general public. The updated guidance includes criteria for when shortened time periods can be applied and for how long people should stay home if they test positive (isolation) or are in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 (quarantine).

We know that there are many questions about this update and how it will be implemented. MDH has not provided official guidance on the CDC update. Once MDH updates the guidance on isolation and quarantine, they will update their materials and provide more information for schools.  

At this time, current guidance from MDH followed by St. Louis Park Public Schools states that staff and students who test positive for COVID stay home a full 10 days from symptom onset, or 10 days from test date, if asymptomatic, and are fever free and feeling better before returning.

Thank you for your continued support of St. Louis Park Public Schools and partnership as we work through these challenging times.

In partnership,

Astein
A Message From School Board Chair Mary Tomback
On Tuesday, January 4th, I accepted the resignation of Board Member Laura McClendon. The Board and I are tremendously grateful for Ms. McClendon’s service to our community and her dedication to the students of St. Louis Park Public Schools. Details about the Board’s process to appoint a community member to fill this vacancy will be shared within the coming weeks.
COVID Dashboard
The District's COVID Dashboard will be updated every Wednesday with the exception of Winter Break and Spring Break and can be found on the District's COVID Updates & Information page at www.slpschools.org/families/covid-updates-information.
COVID Tests Available for Students and Staff
Additional rapid-result COVID antigen tests have been ordered and are now available at sites. Tests can be requested at the front office of a student’s school or staff’s primary work location. The newest test that has become available is the BD Veritor nasal swab test. One test kit (containing two tests) may be requested at a time. BD Veritor tests are app enabled and require a smartphone and internet connection. An alternative test option will be supplied to families that do not have access to a smartphone and internet connection. 

Students that are not enrolled in St. Louis Park Public schools such as siblings, relatives, children of staff, will need to request a test from their school/school district or leverage other testing resources. Relatives of staff will also need to leverage local testing resources. More information on community testing options are listed below. Please contact Flower Krutina, krutina.flower@slpschools.org, with questions. 

What is the BD Veritor antigen rapid test?
The BD Veritor nasal swab at-home test is a rapid antigen test that can be used by anyone over the age of two. Each kit includes two tests per box. In order to take the test, you are required to download the Scanwell Health App on an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel smartphone. The app will guide you through the testing process and will take about 20 minutes to complete.


Additional Local Testing Options
Upcoming Vaccine Events for Ages 5+
In partnership with Hennepin County, St. Louis Park Public Schools will be hosting Pfizer vaccination events for people ages 5 and up. If you are receiving a second dose or booster dose, please bring proof of vaccination. Event details:

  • Dates: Saturday, January 15, 2022 and Saturday, February 5, 2021
  • Time: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Location: Aquila Elementary School
  • The vaccine is free and no insurance is required
  • Individuals receiving a vaccine will receive a $50 Visa gift card (while supplies last)

Register by using your phone to capture the QR code or click the following link:  Vaccine Registration & Scheduling (hennepin.us)

Event Flyers: English | Spanish | Somali
Website Technical Issues
The District and school websites have been down since approximately 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 4, due to a systemwide outage by our website host Finalsite. The most recent message from the company stated the following:

We have made significant progress in restoring our network. The engineering team is beginning to bring websites back online and will continue to do so throughout the evening. We are confident that all sites will be restored by tomorrow morning (Eastern Time) and will update you once again when we have a full resolution.

We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused to families over the past 36 hours and hope that our website is fully operational again soon.
District to Host Virtual Elementary Principals Panel for Incoming Kindergarten Families
St. Louis Park Public Schools will host an online elementary principals panel for incoming kindergarten families from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 18 on Zoom. 

At this online event, families will be able to:

  • Meet the principals from all four elementary schools
  • Learn about IB-PYP and Spanish Immersion instruction 
  • Hear 20 questions about Kindergarten answered
  • Share your questions in real time

Click here to join the Zoom on January 18.
5th Grade Families: Save the Date for Incoming 6th Grade Information Night
St. Louis Park Middle School will host a Virtual Incoming 6th Grade Information Night at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 20. Fifth grade families will receive a communication in the next week with more information including how to register for this event.

During this virtual event, students and families will be welcomed by school leaders, receive details about course registration, and participate in breakout rooms to learn more about St. Louis Park Middle School.
High School Theatre Program to Present "These Shining Lives" January 14-16
The St. Louis Park High School Theater Program will present These Shining Lives, January 14-16, in the High School's Carl A. Holmstrom Auditorium. 

Set in the 1920s, Melanie Marnich’s These Shining Lives chronicles the strength and determination of women considered expendable in their day, exploring the true story of women poisoned by their work at the Radium Dial Company. In the face of tragedy, these women discover the depth of enduring friendship and the courage to fight for justice against the company that knowingly put their lives at risk.

Performances are January 14 and 15 at 7:00 p.m. and January 16 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are free with a SLPHS student ID, $5 for all other students and senior citizens, and $7 for adults. Click here to purchase advance tickets online. Tickets will also be available at the box office 30 minutes prior to the performance. Please note, masks are required inside the building.
Honoring Mary Juberian After 37 Years!
We're Hiring!
Mask Up!
Stay Home When You Are Sick!