Important Information for High School Families
October 3, 2021
Message from Principal Paddock
Happy Autumn!

Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.
-Lauren DeStefano

Autumn in all its beauty reminds us of transformation.  Leaves begin to change color, fall, and the air is crisp and refreshing.  A transition into possibilities of what was and what we might become.  It is a time of reflection, celebration, and visioning.  Like the leaves, what will you let go of and how will you transform into your best self? I hope you all find the time to slow down and take in the beauty of autumn and the gifts it provides this season.  

Take care, be well, and GO PARK!

LaNisha Paddock
Principal
BinaxNOW Test Kids Not Available for SLP MS & HS Students
These COVID-19 community testing sites across Minnesota offer free tests to all

St. Louis Park Public Schools informed Middle School and High School students and families on September 30, 2021 that the BinaxNOW test kits are not currently available for students in grades 6-12. Test availability for Middle School and High School students was incorrectly reported in the September 29, 2021 issue of the SLP Communicator; the District apologized for the error.

Based on information from the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Education, the BinaxNOW test kits are scheduled to arrive for Middle School and High School students in November. Instructions for students and families to access the test kits will be shared upon their arrival.

If a student develops COVID symptoms, they should be tested. Local testing opportunities available to students and families now are listed below:
These COVID-19 community testing sites across Minnesota offer free tests to all.
Visit local pharmacies, hospitals and clinics near you. Search here: Find Testing Locations.
Students, parents/guardians, and families can also use the COVID-19 test at home program to have a test mailed to them.
Parent Pickup Update:
Parents and caregivers, please make sure to use the front entrance (Door 1) area for picking up your student(s) at dismissal. After school pickup is prohibited in the south lot in front of the athletic entrance. Use of this lot disrupts our ability to effectively transport students to athletic events and competitions because it causes congestion and buses cannot pass through. Thank you for your cooperation.
Orchestra News
Congratulations to orchestra students who were selected to and participated in the MetroWest All-Conference music festival on Tuesday September 28. Students representing St. Louis Park High School joined selected students from 6 other schools in the MetroWest area to spend a day working with guest clinician Dr. Yali You, orchestra director and music professor at Hamline University.
Pictured left-to-right: Ramona Mavis (band, sophomore), Emily Foster (violin, freshmen), Jack Kottke (cello, sophomore), Jacob Nelson (viola, participated as percussionist, senior), Semona Robel (violin, participated as flute, senior), Fiona Petrie (violin, senior), Chiara Collinet-Adler (violin, sophomore), Mae Turman (violin, sophomore), Owen Winecoff (violin, junior), Gunnar Anderson (band, junior), Isaiah Klepfer (violin, junior). Selected but unable to attend: Madeleine Anklam (cello, sophomore)

Congratulations to these students on being selected as some of the top musicians in the St. Louis Park School District
Stock Market Game Weekly Winner
The Personal Financial Management classes are again playing the Stock Market Game hosted and paid for by Best Prep Minnesota and generous business partners. Students have a “fake” $100,000 to invest in stock, bonds and mutual funds following real stock market data. Each week we celebrate class and overall winners. This semester students have discovered how to invest in the stock market, the magic of compound interest, the importance of investing early and often and how index funds can help mitigate investment risk. Congratulations to our weekly winners!
9th Grade ELA
9th Grade English Language Arts students did a book tasting to find books that interest and excite them. 9th grade students start with independent reading to learn to read like a writer and practice the state standard of self-identifying engaging books.
PEAC
Hello SLPHS Parents and Guardians!

Many of you have asked how you can help as the school year gets into full swing. As we figure out volunteer opportunities and needs, a couple things the school can always use are disposable face masks and kleenex. The school would also love REUSABLE MASKS to give to students. Feel free to drop either of those items at the front office at any time or even ship via AmazonSmile (6425 West 33rd St, SLP 55426).


Also, mark your calendar for our first virtual PEAC meeting on November 3 from 6-7 p.m. Watch for more info and a live Zoom link in the next couple weeks.

Thanks for all your support!
Julie Yakes and Lauren Weiser - PEAC Co-chairs
STEP Produce and Meat Packs
STEP Coat Distribution
Orioles' Nest: After Hours
Are you looking for homework help, a place to study or a chance to earn a credit? The Orioles’ Nest is the place for you! The Orioles’ Nest is an after school academic support program that is open to all students.

When and Where? 
Starting on October 5th, The Nest will occur every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30pm - 5:30pm in the Learning Lab. 

To attend, please sign up on student support time: LINK
For transportation home and bus information, please sign up here: LINK 

What are the Benefits? 
Cross- curriculum tutoring to address academic concerns 
Students have the ability to earn .5 credit for every 75 hours they attend 
Peer Tutors have the ability to earn 1 credit for every 75 hours they attend
A quiet place to study with reliable internet and technology availability 


If you have any questions on how to join The Orioles’ Nest or want to become a Peer Tutor, please reach out to Kaelyn Dagon  
Picture Retake Day
Lifetouch will be here on Thursday, October 14th for picture retake day. All students will need to get their picture taken for a student ID. If you would like to have your child’s picture retaken simply return your original package on picture retake day. You can still order pictures at mylifetouch.com insert the picture day ID EVT48BTGC in the box. Any questions call Lifetouch at 1-866-955-8342.
Senior Cap and Gown Orders
Attention Seniors:
Please submit your cap and gown order at gradsmn.org for graduation. All orders need to be submitted by November 30, 2021.
Winter Sports
Winter sport registration will be open on Monday, October 4th. Please register online at www.gopark.org. If you do not have internet access, please stop in the high school athletic office to register. You will need to have a valid (within 3 years) sports qualifying physical on file to register. Here are the winter sport offerings and start dates:

Girls Hockey (coop w/ Hopkins) - November 1st
Gymnastics - November 8th
Girls Basketball - November 15th
Boys Hockey - November 15th
Boys & Girls Nordic Skiing - November 15th
Boys Basketball - November 22
Boys Swimming - November 29

Please visit www.gopark.org for more information.
Rescheduled MS DC Trip
Current 7th, 8th, and 9th Graders, would you like to travel to Washington, D.C, this coming June with your friends? Registration is still open for this year's trip! There are three ways to register:
 
1. Register online at www.worldstrides.com/signup
2. Call WorldStrides at 1-800-468-5899
3. 7th and 8th Graders, mail in the registration form that was in your invitation packet.
 
Our Trip ID is 193112. For more information, contact David Burr via e-mail at burr.david@slpschools.org.
SLPHS Family Welcome Night Information
We appreciated the opportunity to connect with parents and caregivers during our Family Welcome Night this week. If you were unable to join us, please feel free to review the information included HERE.
Math Team Informational Meeting
Monday, October 4th
3:15 in B330

Do you want to improve your problem-solving skills? Do you have an interest in math?   

Find out more about the math team after school on Monday, October 4th in room B330.

If you can not make the meetings, please reach out to Kristin Johnson at johnson.kristin@slpschools.org or Aaron Peterson at peterson.aaron@slpschools.org or stop by B330.
Drone Team Informational Meetings
If you are interested in joining the 2021-22 Drone team, please join us in one of the following meetings next week: 

Wednesday, October 6th at 7:30 am
or
Wednesday, October 6th at 3:20 pm(right after school)

We will talk about the season and share some information about how to get you started with drone racing!  

Feel free to check out the YDSC site to learn about pilot packages and see what it is all about. The first race of the season will be at Holy Angels on the 4th of October!

If you can not make it to either of these meetings, please reach out to Mark Miller at miller.mark@slpschools.org or stop by B136
PSAT Information
PSAT 
GOING….GOING…. 
Space is limited – Get a place now! 
REGISTRATION OPEN to any Sophomore or Junior 
The test takes place on Wednesday, October 13 
The exam starts at 8:25am. Students will be excused from classes periods 1-4 and Park Connections 
Register at www.TotalRegistration.net/PSAT/242205 
Registrations are on a “while supplies last” basis and cost $30.00. 
Free to students who qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch 
Registration Ends - Friday, October 8 at 4:00pm 
For more information contact: 
Jami LaPray 
St. Louis Park High School Testing Coordinator 
lapray.jami@slpschools.org
Questions/Concerns about your child's chemical use?
St Louis Park has recently entered into a relationship with Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. What started as grant-based support has turned into them still supporting the schools in surrounding communities. They are providing a Chemical Health Educator and Prevention Specialist to us at SLPHS. Cindy Doth has the ability to meet with students and families. 

Appropriate students to receive support meetings with Hazelden Betty Ford Staff:
Chemical use and related mental health issues impact daily functioning
Social, recreational, employment, or educational difficulties
Interpersonal relationships deteriorating
Home life disrupted 
Repeated offences with substance use other than nicotine 
Self-identify as having difficulties with substances 
Involvement in legal system 
Substance use and involved in sports (in or off season) 
Parent expresses concerns