January 1, 2023

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Greetings SLP Community!

Happy New Year! We hope that this message finds you well rested and ready for the exciting opportunities that the upcoming year holds. As we kick off 2024, we want to keep you informed about important events and updates from our high school.

We invite all parents and guardians to join us for our next Parent Engagement Advisory Council (PEAC) meeting on January 8th at 7 pm. This is a valuable opportunity to collaborate with school leaders, discuss upcoming initiatives, and learn about various school matters. This meeting will focus on semester one finals, school year 24/25 course registration, as well as a session on the implications of testing opt-outs by Dr. Silvy Lafayette. This meeting will be held virtually. A zoom link is attached. We look forward to seeing you there!

Prepare to be entertained by the incredible talents of our students at this year's winter one-act play. Our theater students have been working tirelessly to bring you a captivating performance that is sure to be a highlight of the season. Save the date for January 19th-21st. Bring your family and friends to enjoy an evening filled with artistic expression.

As we wrap up semester one, we want to remind students and families that finals will take place the week of January 22nd. We encourage students to set academic goals for themselves and utilize the resources available to them. Teachers are available for extra help during designated office hours and the Orioles’ Nest runs Tuesday through Thursday from 3:30-5:30 pm after school (beginning again on January 9th). Let's make the next three weeks of the semester successful.

Wishing you a fantastic start to the new year!

Take care, be well, and GO PARK!

LaNisha Paddock

Principal

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

ATTENTION ORIOLES' NEST STUDENTS:

There will be no Orioles' Nest the following days -

Jan. 2nd, 3rd, 4th

The Nest will start up again on Jan. 9th

LMC UPDATE

Caretakers, need to set up your account for PowerSchool or Schoology? Or don’t remember your password? Please follow this link for directions.

Alison Tsuchiya Theiler

Media Center Specialist

[email protected]

GET INVOLVED WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT SELECTION PROCESS

Get involved with the superintendent selection process

The School Board initiated the superintendent search and is seeking your input through two avenues:

Virtual Q & A with MSBA on Jan. 3 at 4 p.m.

Join on Zoom
Session recorded and posted on the district’s YouTube
Submit anonymous questions in advance by Jan. 3 at noon
Questions accepted during the session via the chat box
A recording will be available on the district’s YouTube

2. Anonymous Superintendent Search Survey will be coming soon!

Accessible in English, Spanish, and Somali
Hard copies are at the district office
Deadline for responses: Jan. 18
MSBA will present a summary to the School Board

For inquiries, contact Barb Dorn, MSBA Director of Leadership Development and Executive Search, at 507-508-5501. Thank you for your interest in the superintendent search process!

PARENT ENGAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PEAC)

Our Parent Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC) MIssion:

We partner to create a collaborative and inclusive learning environment for students, families and educators that fosters and embraces the brilliance of the St. Louis Park community.

Parents and Caregivers, as we head into the winter break, please enjoy time off with your family and take a moment to review our current list of volunteer opportunities. To learn more, please send a note at [email protected].

Ways to help:

Donate gift cards to the Sunshine Planning Squad The high school’s Sunshine Planning Squad plans fun activities that build wellness with staff. Please consider donating one of the needed 25 $5-$15 gift cards that will be shared with staff in upcoming activities. Please address your donation to the Sunshine Planning Squad or Dan Philippe and drop it off at the office.

Donate a service or skill. If you have a service or skill that you would like to donate (e.g., prepare taxes) and you think it would benefit staff or the school, please send a note at [email protected]. We’ll get you connected!

Treats for staff needed for Jan. 9 and 23 Please continue to show our staff how much you care by signing up to donate treats for staff - sign up here.

Mark your calendar and attend our PEAC meetings, which will provide you with important updates from your Principal team and key department stakeholders. All meetings are from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m:
January 8 - Zoom
April 16 - in person at the high school