64 SECONDS to Learn Up To  25 THINGS about St. Louis Park High School
April 10, 2020

1:  From the Principal

A sincere thank you to all of our teachers, students, and families as we complete our first week of distance learning.  As we are all finding ways to balance the changes made to our daily routine, I appreciate all of the efforts made to prioritize learning.  We also understand that this first week has been one of adjustments and there have been barriers for some of our students and families.  We  will continue to find ways to assist and connect again.

Many of our teacher meetings this week involved sharing experiences and learning together.  I personally have been learning with my three children while we balance the demands of this new arrangement.  I have found great value in relying upon people during this time of physical separation.  We will continue to find ways to stay connected in this distance learning environment.

Scott Meyers
Principal
2:  Student Attendance
St. Louis Park Families, as we have reached the middle of our 1st week of distance learning, we want to thank everyone for their effort and flexibility in the process. Starting today, attendance will be taken through students' advisory course on Schoology. Students will be asked to complete a short fun question to check in with their teachers. Answers will be recorded until 12pm, each day and attendance will be submitted at 1pm. The daily attendance calls will begin on Monday, April 13th alerting you about your student's attendance.  

As we learn more, this system may develop to include each academic course.  We are learning more each day about the multiple facets of distance learning.  We look forward to connecting and learning with all of our students! Please stay tuned for more updates and information in our weekly 6425 Newsletter.
3:  Tips for Home
  • Students and families should use Schoology as their primary online platform. All teachers have been instructed to post materials and communication on Schoology. Teachers may also use email, Remind, or other communication tools to contact students, but expect Schoology to be the primary means of communication
  • Students and families should expect a basic outline for the week from teachers on Monday mornings before 9:30 am. Teachers will give basic learning goals for the week and a notification of any "live" lessons, office hours, or assignments so students may communicate any conflicts with their teachers ahead of time. Teachers may present their weekly plan in the form of a newsletter, calendar, or Schoology update. Plans may change based on students' needs. Thank you for your patience if this communication is delayed or updated later in the week. Like you, teachers are also juggling many changes right now and will make every effort to be as clear and timely as possible. 
  • Teachers have been asked to provide 2-3 assignments or activities per week
  • Most learning will happen asynchronously, with students not required to be online at a certain time. However, teachers will offer opportunities for meeting together and for connecting synchronously, as well. Some classes, like languages and music, may offer face to face learning more frequently. Synchronous learning will be recorded and offered so that students can access it at another time, as well. Synchronous learning will be scheduled during school hours. Optional office hours may be scheduled outside of typical school hours
  • Students and families should expect that in the next few weeks, the school will offer a schedule of teacher office hours. This schedule should make it easier for students to remember when they can meet with their teachers and support staff "face to face" online.
4:  St. Louis Park High School Prom Postponed
After much consideration, St. Louis Park High School has determined that Prom, scheduled for April 18, 2020, will be postponed until this Summer. There were moments of hope during the past month that it could be held as scheduled. However, the continued Stay At Home Executive Order from Governor Walz through May 4, where large gatherings are not permitted, meant Prom could not be held in a meaningful and traditional way.

"This has been a difficult decision for us to make," said Principal Scott Meyers. "The health and safety of our students, parents, staff, and community is paramount at this time and we must move forward with that in mind."

The Student Council is planning a citywide celebration on the original day of Prom by hosting a Virtual Dance.  At 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, students, parents, staff, and community members are invited to participate in a virtual dance. "Get dressed up in something fancy, pick a song to dance to, and go outside to get groovin," said a release from the St. Louis Park High School Student Council. "We want the Class of 2020 Seniors to hear the music playing around the city!"

Everyone is encouraged to take a photo or video of their virtual dance party and share it to Instagram and tag @slpstudentcouncil and use #slpwontstopdancing. The photos and videos will be compiled by our Student Council to create a video commemorating the original prom date.  PLEASE NOTE: School-appropriate songs should be chosen.

Stay tuned for updates about other events and ways to celebrate the Class of 2020, all of our students, our school, and our community with Park Pride!
5:  HS Principal Search Update
In mid-February, St. Louis Park High School Principal Scott Meyers announced that he will leave the position at the end of the school year to return to teaching, citing a desire to spend more time with his children and family.

The search continues for the next St. Louis Park High School Principal. The District is currently surveying high school stakeholders to seek desired characteristics. The timeline for the interviews is listed below:
  • April 16: First Round Interviews with Stakeholder Groups
  • April 28: Second Round Interviews with Community
If you want to be considered as a participant in one of the stakeholder groups, please email the Superintendent's Executive Assistant Flower Krutina at kurtina.flower@slpschools.org.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
What are you looking for in the next high school principal? Click on the link below to complete a survey to help District Administration define the desired characteristics for the next principal.


The new principal will be selected in May and will begin serving in the role on July 1, 2020, pending successful contract negotiations and School Board approval.
6:  Contact Information Updates
Please make sure that we have correct and up to date contact information on file for you.  If you have a new phone number, address or email address, please send it to Kiki Christensen (christensen.kirsten@slpschools.org) or Deb Muralt (muralt.debra@slpschools.org). 
7:  Your SLP High School Team
Your SLPHS Team -

Grade

Counselor
Social Worker
Grade Level 
Coordinator
Administrator
9th Grade
Barb Nelson
nelson.barbara@
slpschools.org

Lauren Buxton
buxton.lauren@
slpschools.org
Tony Schrepfer
schrepfer.anthony@
slpschools.org
Jessica Busse
busse.jessica@
slpschools.org
10th Grade
Heidi Cosgrove
cosgrove.heidi@
slpschools.org

Marlee Nirenstein
nirenstein.marlee@
slpschools.org
Aaron Schloer
schloer.aaron@
slpschools.org
Todd Goggleye
goggleye.todd@
slpschools.org
11th Grade
Laura King
king.laura@
slpschools.org

Lauren Buxton
buxton.lauren@
slpschools.org
Greg Whittle
whittle.gregory@
slpschools.org
Jessica Busse
busse.jessica@
slpschools.org
12th Grade
Kelsey Milne
milne.kelsey@
slpschools.org

Marlee Nirenstein
nirenstein.marlee@
slpschools.org
D.J. Singer
singer.donielle@
slpschools.org
Todd Goggleye
goggleye.todd@
slpschools.org
 
Plato Assistance:
Maggie Arends, arends.maggie@slpschools.org 
8:  Tech Tips for Students
9:  Parent Tech Information
Internet Resources:
There are many resources available to support families during this time if they do not have access to the internet in their home. Below is a list of resources you may access to get more information on these services. The FCC recently announced the "Keeping Americans Connected Pledge," which most internet companies are honoring. This ensures that no one will have their internet disconnected for non-payment, it waives any late fees and opens up hotspots at no charge. To learn more and find additional internet resources visit 

Contact Deb Muralt, HS Admin. Assistant, for questions about PowerSchool at muralt.debra@slpschools.org or 952-928-6106

Contact Ellen George, HS Media Specialist, for questions about Schoology at
george.ellen@slpschools.org or 952-928-6215
10:  Free eBooks and Audiobooks List
11:  Free Meals Program
St. Louis Park Public Schools is offering neighborhood delivery of grab-and-go meals for students 18 and under. Park-Adam school buses will stop at 14 locations and times. During pick-up times, students and families will be able to pick up bag lunches as well as a bag breakfast meal for the following morning. Peanut-free options will be available. Meals will include a protein, a grain, a fruit, a vegetable and a beverage.

Click here for more information, delivery schedule and a map of scheduled stops. Anybody with questions can call the School Nutrition Department at 952-928-6146.

See the attached flyer for the Free Meals for Kids app.
12:  Advanced Placement Exam Update
  • Exams will take place from May 11 through May 22
  • Exams will be taken at home if schools do not reopen
  • Each subject's exam will be taken on the same day at the same time worldwide
  • For more complete information AP Exam Schedule 2020

Read More
13:  IB Exams Cancelled for May of 2020
To our IB Students and Families,

The International Baccalaureate Organization has announced that the May examinations for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme will not be held this year due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

14:  ACT/MCA/MAP/AP Testing Updates
ACT Update
ACT Scores from the all Junior Class ACT
 
According to the directions given at the end of the ACT Exam, it takes 5-8 weeks before students can expect to get their score.  To date, ACT has NOT announced any changes to this plan.   Last year it was almost 8 weeks after testing before students started receiving scores via snail mail.
 
April 4, 2020 National ACT
 
Based on information from the ACT website, the April 4, 2020 National ACT has been postponed until June 13.  Students who enrolled in that exam should be notified by ACT.  Please contact ACT.org for more information.
 
MCA and MAP Update
All MCA and MAP tests that have not already taken place this year are cancelled.
Thank you to teachers who administered and students who took the MCA Science or MAP Reading on March 10 and 11, 2020. We were on track to have our best scores in five years. Well Done!
 
Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Update
AP Exams are still scheduled to take place. However, this year the tests will be given in an emergency format.   On April 3, 2020 College Board (the company that runs AP testing) will announce details of the plan to schools.   Please see the College Board website for more detailed current information.
15:  District Asks Community Members to Make Cloth Face Masks -  Donations Accepted or Payment for Time & Materials
St. Louis Park Public Schools is asking community members to make cloth face masks for school district essential employees to wear in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

On Wednesday, April 8, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) released new guidance that "Staff members working in school-age and childcare programs are encouraged to wear cloth face coverings during the work day as much as possible." The new MDH guidance also stated that these masks are often homemade and should not be the medical-grade face masks such as surgical face masks or N95 respirators.

This video is one example of how to sew a mask. NOTE: It is not an endorsement of this YouTube channel or related videos or products.

Masks can be delivered to the St. Louis Park Public Schools District Office, located at 6311 Wayzata Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416. The District Office will be open Tuesday, April 14 and Thursday, April 16 from 9 a.m.-Noon for community members to deliver donated masks or deliver masks for payment.

Payment details:
  1. We will pay cash for four masks or less (up to $20).
  2. We are allowed to pay for up to 120 masks from one person; totaling $600.
  3. For payments over $20, we will have claim forms that can be completed to receive a future check from the school district.
If you have additional, specific questions, please contact Sara Thompson, Director of Communications and Community Relations, by email at thompson.sara@slpschools.org or by phone at 952-928-6000.
16:  Free "Strive Virtual College Exploration Week" for Juniors
Virtual College Fair
Strive Virtual College Exploration Week
Monday, April 20 - Thursday, April 23, 2020
  • 300+ colleges from 44 states and 10 countries
  • 96 sessions over 4 days
  • Day and evening options
  • Panel presentations on a range of topics for juniors and underclassmen
  • Free and open to students nationwide
Registration for students and parents is now live:
17:  Message From SLPHS Counseling
Staff, Parents, and Students:
 
We know that in times of uncertainty and major shifts in routine we all can experience stress, anxiety, and feelings of general uneasiness. We want to assure you that our SLP Student Services Staff is here to help! Here are some resources you can utilize, as well as our Counseling Staff contact information. Remember if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or are a harm to themselves or others please call 911 or your local police department.

Support Staff
Caseload
Contact
Barb Nelson
Class of 2023
nelson.barbara@slpschools.org
Heidi Cosgrove
Class of 2022
cosgrove.heidi@slpschools.org
Laura King
Class of 2021
king.laura@slpschools.org
Kelsey Milne
Class of 2020
milne.kelsey@slpschools.org
Lauren Buxton
Social Worker - Gr 9 & 11
buxton.lauren@slpschools.org
Marlee Nirenstein
Social Worker - Gr 10 & 12
nirenstein.marlee@slpschools.org

Administration
 Position
Contact 
Scott Meyers
Principal
meyers.scott@slpschools.org
Todd Goggleye
Assistant Principal
goggleye.todd@slpschools.org
Jessica Busse
Assistant Principal
busse.jessica@slpschools.org

Additional resources:  
  • Hennepin County Mobile Crisis Unit- 612-348-2233 (17 & Younger), 612-596-1223 (18 & Older) 
  • St Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) - Their mission is to identify, address and respond to the critical and emergency needs of residents in St. Louis Park. 952-925-4899.
Please be sure to stay up to date with local resources/websites
as things are constantly changing.


 
18:  Postsecondary Enrollment Options
Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college-level, nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions.  

Please review the   PSEO powerpoint  and   Frequently Ask Questions  on the HS website  https://www.slpschools.org/domain/721

Join Zoom PSEO Informational Meeting
Wednesday April 15th
12:00pm - 12:45pm
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/130494842?pwd=Y1BrVDJrL1VtZ1hNSzc1SDVoQ2xjdz09

Meeting ID: 130 494 842
Password: SLP PSEO
19:  Driver's Ed Course Sections
SLPHS Driver's Education
For more information click here.

To enroll during school closure: Send registration form & payment to:
Driver Education Office
4925 Dupont Avenue North
Mpls, MN  55430

Section 4 | April 27 - May 14 : FULL   **Due to school closure, updated course details will be sent via email**
Section 5 | June 8-19 AM : FULL
Section 6 | June 8-19 PM :  22 seats available
Section 7 | July 20-31 AM : 24 seats available
Section 8 | July 20-31 PM : 27 seats available

Driver's Ed Parent Meeting
The meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2020 has been postponed.  It will be rescheduled at a later date.
  • Attendance at this meeting will reduce your son/daughter's required supervised driving hours from 50 hours to 40 hours
  • Students do not need to attend the meeting
  • Parent/guardian will receive a certificate of attendance for attending the meeting
20:  Athletics
Attention Athletes:
You have access to optional at-home strength & conditioning workouts through our TeamBuildr app. If you're having trouble logging in, please contact Coach Gust ( gust.jessica@slpschools.org or @slplift on IG). Workouts are posted every weekday and are a great way to stay in shape while we're out of school. Keep an eye on Instagram for fun at-home challenges and updates. #parkpride #slpontop

Go to  gopark.org  for athletic event information and sports registration.
21:  Upcoming Dates
April 6 - Distance Learning Begins


St. Louis Park  High School
6425 West 33rd St., St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Phone: 952-928-6100 *  Fax: 952-928-6113
www.gopark.org ( Go Park - SLP Athletics Website)
Click here for the Districtwide Calendar