64 SECONDS to Learn Up To  25 THINGS about St. Louis Park High School
December 20, 2018

1:   From the Principal

Being positively present in the moment is an important part of our Building-wide Norms and Agreements.  As we all approach a break that can be a varied experience for all of us, it was great to see smiling faces and kindness this week from students and staff.  Thank you to our Student Council for their positivity leading a spirit week.  I am sad that I forgot about crazy sock day, but I appreciated the teachers and students sharing their socks.
 
I also experienced students asking for work to complete over break, as well as students finalizing projects and preparing for assessments before our final day together before our break.  This positivity helps all of us as the break can be as unpredictable as it is relaxing.  I am very much looking forward to more positivity and collaboration after the break.  Have a wonderful break.

Scott Meyers
Principal
2:  Student Field Experience

18 Students Experience BONFE
 
A field experience to Bonfe left our students with a new look at the plumbing industry.  A few quotes from the students: "This industry is more appealing to me now than it was before I came here."  "I think I might want to start a career here." "I learned to do an interview." "There are a lot of opportunities for me out there that aren't through college or the military." and "You guys were great and taught me plenty on how to properly interview, showed me a quick run through of the different types of HVAC, also showed me the tools and technology used in plumbing. The whole experience was good; I would definitely look more into this company after today". 
 
Mark Miller, Engineering instructor and Trevor Paulson, Media Arts/Construction instructor found the experience to be fantastic.  Mark shared "I loved this whole experience. The employees were fun, showed their passion for the work and company, and really did a nice job of providing students with an alternate pathway for a great career after high school."
3:  NTA Visits Preschool at Central

The NTA students visited preschool classrooms at Central this week. They read books they created themselves to the preschoolers in order to help them learn more about counting, addition and subtraction. 
4:  Student Election Program
The City of St. Louis Park has created an exciting new opportunity for students, the "Student Election Program (SEP)"
 
The SEP Program offers students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to:
  • Support our community with it's first ever Ranked Choice Election (3rd City in the State).
  • Expand your knowledge and help educate your community.
  • Share your voice
  • Become a paid election judge (16 years or older before Nov. 5, 2019)
  • Build your resume through civic engagement
  • Become a leader in your community
If you are interested in becoming a "SEP" and learning more , join us for an informational meeting:
 
8:15 a.m. January 10, 2019
In B225
Mark your Calendar for the 1st week back after winter break!
 
See Mrs. Mueller, Career & College Coordinator in B220 if you have any questions.
5:  Microsoft Experience

Young women from St. Louis Park had a great Field Experience at Microsoft on Tuesday, December 18!  The release-day for girls in high school was the perfect blend of sisterhood, exploration of cool technology, delicious food, engagement with professional women and men, and experiential learning!  The interactive day included:  data analysis/hands on lab, tour of the internet and cloud computing, mixed reality/artificial intelligence, the power of professional skills and a MentorMash with Women in Tech!
 
Thank you  SPARCS for Young Women in Secondary Schools with IT Interest/MN Center for IT Excellence  for hosting the event and chaperone Dr. LeeAnn Stephens, Equity Coach, St. Louis Park High School.
6:  SLP Hosts eSports Tournament


Sunday December 16th was the first ever on site high school eSports tournament in Minnesota history hosted by our program at St. Louis Park. The event involved three local schools, Rosemount, Washington Tech Magnet, and SLP. They competed in three different games and it was a resounding success. A student was quoted saying, "I have been waiting so long for an event like this to happen." Channel 5 news also showed up to cover the event! A link to the article can be found here. A huge thank you to Mike Zweigbaum from Elevation Marketing for sponsoring the whole event! 
7:  Spanish Club

Students at Spanish Club learned about Christmas and New Year's Eve traditions in Spanish Speaking Countries. Students tried atole (a Mexican drink) and panetón (an Italian/Peruvian cake). In preparation for New Year's Eve, everyone got to eat 12 grapes as they made 12 wishes or set goals for the upcoming year. This New Year's Eve, get your 12 grapes and make your wishes as the clock strikes midnight. ¡Feliz Año 2019!
8:  Semester 2 Schedule Changes
The following is a message from the Counseling Office regarding your Semester 2 class schedule:
 
Counselors will be available January 15 & 17 on a drop-in basis to make any necessary semester 2 changes. Students will need a pass from their teacher as this time is close to finals review and the finals test schedule for Semester 1.  
 
Schedule changes will be made for the following reason:
  1. A wrong course appears
  2. A course has been failed
  3. A class is missing
  4. There is a class conflict.  
Please be advised there are no changes for teacher or time of day preference for classes .
 
Classes are still being balanced through January 28th, thus there still may be some changes to student schedules.
 
All students need to pick up a new copy of their schedule the first day of Semester 2 on Monday, January 28th in the cafeteria to ensure they are following the most up to date version.
9:  All Juniors Will Take the ACT (FREE)
All JUNIORS-Class of 2020 will take the ACT (FREE)

February 20, 2019 (8:20 a.m. start)

On site at St. Louis Park High School 
  • All Juniors have been registered (DO NOT REGISTER ON LINE).
  • Accommodations for identified students have been made.
  • Students will prepare their answer sheet (pre-administration) during 2/13/18 CCR Advisory.
  • Students can access FREE ACT Prep Course & Practice Tests online at: Career & College Center/MNCIS/ACT PREP.
Visit the St. Louis Park Career & College Center online to learn more about the ACT.   Career & College Center Upcoming Events - ACT
 
What is the ACT?  The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test.

If you have any questions, contact Jami LaPray, Assessment Coordinator or Kara Mueller, Career & College Coordinator
10:  IB DP Pre-Finals Mindfulness Challenge
The Annual Pre-Finals Mindfulness Challenge is well underway, but it is not too late to get involved. Practice Mindfulness each day using the prompt on the calendar as a way to relax and focus before finals. Additionally, you can attend Mindfulness Monday's all school year at 8:00am in room A308. Below is a picture of a group undertaking one of the challenges. 


For more fun photo's, follow slp_ib_dp on Instagram.

Questions? Contact  Jenny Magdal.

11:  State & District Testing at the High School
Learn more about why testing is important and when testing at the High School takes place.


12:  Enrollment for Summer Opportunities
Enrollment for Summer Opportunities is starting!

Registration is now open for our next session of Minnesota Business Venture (MBV).

Apply now for the Mayo Clinic Summer Immersion Program Summer 2019.  Applications will be taken from December 1, 2018 - March 1, 2019. Apply early.  For information:
https://www.mayo.edu/mayo-clinic-school-of-health-sciences/careers/career-immersion/career-immersion-program-minnesota

For more information about summer opportunities go to the Career & College Center on the High School Website.
13:  Minnesota State University Moorhead
Juniors and Seniors
 
Are you considering Minnesota State University Moorhead? Want to attend their Preview Day Friday, February 15?!
 
They are providing free bus transportation for juniors and seniors in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas and will pick up students in St. Paul and Brooklyn Park, drive them to Minnesota State University Moorhead for Preview Day, and return that evening. Meals will be provided at no cost to the student.  Students can bring up to two guests with them for their visit. Space is limited, so we're encouraging students to sign up as soon as possible. Register online at:  www.mnstate.edu/bus-visit
 
If you register for this great opportunity, make sure your parents call the attendance line to excuse your absence!
14:  9th Grade Parent Advisory Council
Please join us for the second 9th grade Parent Advisory Council meeting of the year on Tuesday, January 15th from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in room C163 (back of media center) at the High School.
 
All are welcome! You do not need to sign up to attend. We will ask for your feedback about how 9th grade is going for your student and insights you might offer as a SLPHS parent. We will also hear information about the IB Program and course offerings from Jenny Magdal, our IB Coordinator. This is a great opportunity to connect with other 9th grade parents and SLPHS staff. 
 
Questions? Please contact Kelly Brown at 952-928-6122 or brown.kelly@slpschools.org.
15:  Attendance - To Excuse Your Student's Absence
 When your student is absent or ill please:
  • Call to report a student's illness or absence within 24 hours: 952-928-6045
  • Students are responsible for contacting their teachers or checking Schoology regarding missed work.
  • Only legal guardians may excuse a student's absence.
When your student needs to leave for an appointment:
  • Students can bring a note to the Student Office before school and they will receive a pass to leave class at the time requested.
  • OR students can return to school with a note and the absence will be excused.
  • OR a student's parent or guardian can leave a message on the attendance line (952-928-6045) within 24 hours of the appointment and the absence will be excused.
  • Parents do not need to come into the building when picking up and dropping off students.
16:  On Site Counseling Available at SLPHS
There are immediate openings on Thursdays with our therapists, Sarah Fox or Allison Seaburg.


See the attached flyer or contact your student's grade level counselor for more information.
17:  Academic Supports
Click here to see days, times and locations for academic support at St. Louis Park High School.
18:  Driver's Ed Course Sections
SLP Driver's Education Information
       
Section 3:  Jan. 28 - Feb.14 - 7 seats available                       
Section 4:  Feb. 25 - Mar. 14 - 17 seats available                  
Section 5:  Apr. 22 - May 9 - 27 seats available
Section 6: June 17-28, 8:00-11:00 a.m. - 23 seats available
Section 7: June 17-28, 11:00- 2:00 p.m. - 29 seats available
Section 8: July 15-26, 8:00-11:00 a.m. - 28 seats available
Section 9: July 15-26, 11:00- 2:00 p.m. - 30 seats available
 
More information available: Click here.
19:  CLASS OF 2019: ORDER YOUR CAP AND GOWN
It's time for the members of the Class of 2019 to order their cap and gown for this year's commencement ceremony in June.

Students can simply text the word "SENIOR" to 25827 or go online to  www.gradsmn.org/st-louis-park and then fill out the necessary information. 
20:  SLPHS 2019 Graduation Celebration Event
All seniors and their families 
Please visit  www.slpseniorparty.com  to get information about the graduation party on June 6, 2019. Information about how to purchase your ticket, make a donation, and more can be found at www.slpseniorparty.com.  
 
Please purchase tickets NOW so party planners can plan accordingly.    If you need ticket financial assistance, please contact Kirsten (Kiki) Christensen, Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Principal, St. Louis Park High School at 952-928-6102 or christensen.Kirsten@slpschools.org.
21:  SLPHS 2020 Graduation Celebration Event
Junior Parents and Caregivers
If you are interested in learning about leading the annual St. Louis Park High School Graduation Celebration Event, please contact Class of 2019's volunteer Joanne Bongaarts at  joannebongaarts@gmail.com
22:  PowerSchool Public App
PowerSchool Public App:  Looking for the latest accurate grades on the app? Click the "Classes" link and view S1 for the High School. To avoid any confusion, the Q1 mid-term grade has been removed from the public portal and app.
23:  Winter Drop In Center
SLPHS Students...looking for something to do over winter break?  Want somewhere to hang out with your friends?  Stop by the SLP Teen Drop in Center located at 7600 Hwy. 7 (right next to the Knollwood Christian Church). 
 
Officer Gronski will be there:
Wednesday & Thursday, December 26th & 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday & Thursday, January 2nd & 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
 
There are a variety of things to do...play video games, pool, ping pong, carpet ball, pin ball, watch a movie, sing karaoke, shoot hoops (indoor & outdoor basketball hoops) or just hang out on the couches with your friends. 
24:  Athletics
Go to gopark.org for athletic event information and sports registration.
25:  Upcoming Dates
December 24-January 4 - No School, Winter Break


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