Welcome back, and Happy New Year! 

I hope you had a restful and joyful winter break. As we kick off 2025, we are energized and ready to continue our journey toward academic success together.

As we approach the end of Semester 1, it’s a time for reflection and celebration of all that our students have accomplished so far. As we head into finals, I encourage all students to stay focused, review their goals, and finish the semester strong.

Parents and guardians, your support is invaluable during this time. Please remind your student to check their assignments, meet any outstanding deadlines, and reach out to teachers if they need additional support. Together, let’s ensure each student closes the semester with confidence and success!

We are excited to invite you to our next Parent Engagement Advisory Council (PEAC) meeting on Monday, January 13th, at 6:30 PM (virtual). This is a wonderful opportunity to stay connected and engaged with our school community. During the meeting, we’ll share general updates about SLPHS, discuss College and Career Readiness resources, provide information regarding the impact of testing opt-outs, and cover other important topics.

We hope to see you there and look forward to your valuable input as we work together to support all students!

Finals week is just around the corner, taking place the week of January 20th. During this time, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their learning and mastery of the semester's content. The finals schedule is listed below.

As we look ahead, let’s remain committed to fostering an environment that promotes learning, equity, and student well-being. Let’s make the rest of the year a time of growth, curiosity, and excellence! As always…

Take care, be well, and GO PARK!

LaNisha Paddock

Principal 

The city launched its Safe Streets Action Plan to prevent, reduce, and eliminate serious injury and deadly accidents for everyone using the roads. Safety is a critical component of our transportation network and ensuring all residents can access their daily needs. The plan will include policies and recommendations that will guide future transportation investments in St. Louis Park.

REGISTRATION

Help your student prepare for HS Registration 2025-26

Link for Slides

Screen Recording (Approx. 4 min)

Semester 2 Schedules

The following is a message from the Counselors regarding your Semester 2 class schedule:

Semester 2 schedules are available in Powerschool (desktop version – not in Schoology). Please review as this is the most accurate version of student schedules.

The Schedule Change Request Form (online google form) is available now for students to request a schedule change.  

S2 Schedule Change Form

Counselors will continually review the requests and be in touch with students via email regarding any changes.  The google form link will be posted on the Powerschool Login page as well as on the Counselors Schoology pages.

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 Monday, January 27th, the first day of Semester 2, thus there still may be some changes to student schedules.  

All students should access Powerschool to see their updated schedule on Monday, Jan. 27th to start the second semester.

Language proficiency exams in most world languages will be offered at SLP HS to interested 11th and 12th-grade students on February 10-12. The cost of the exam is $25, or $10 for students with Educational Benefits. Please register here by Monday, January 13. 

Important dates:

Wednesday, January 15: Test preparation in C350 during PC.

Wednesday, January 29: Drop off session as needed. Test preparation for Somali and Oromo in C350 during PC.

Monday, Feb 10: Reading & Writing 

Tuesday, Feb 11: Listening & Speaking

If you have additional questions, contact Hanna Anderson at anderson.hanna@slpschools.org or in room B228

Escape the Vape Video Challenge Returns for 2025

Minnesota students have until January 31 to enter for a chance to win cash prizes

The Escape the Vape Video Challenge, a youth vaping prevention video contest, is back for 2025. Minnesota middle and high school students are invited to create and submit a 30-second public service announcement (PSA) video to educate their peers on the dangers of e-cigarette use, also known as vaping.

Contest submissions are being accepted now through January 2025. Submissions will be entered into a competition for cash prizes for both students and their schools.

Prizes for students and their school

Middle and high school students will compete in separate divisions. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top five entries in each division.

• First place - $500 for students and $250 for their organization or school
• Second place - $250 for students
• Third place - $150 for students
• Fourth place - $100 for students
• Fifth place - Escape the Vape Video Challenge swag package
• 
  

Important contest dates

• December 2, 2024 - Video Submission Opens
• January 31, 2025 - Video Submission Deadline 
• March 2025 - Finalists Announced 
• April 2025 - Public Voting and Winners Announced

Students can learn more and enter the contest at mnescapethevape.org. The contest website also outlines rules and tips for creating their videos. Past winning videos are also posted to help inspire students' creations.

For questions about the contest, email mnescapethevape@gmail.com.