64 SECONDS to Learn Up To 25 THINGS about St. Louis Park High School
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December 4, 2020
Important Websites for High School Families
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1: From the Interim Principal
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Hi SLP Families,
While I am extremely sad that Covid has forced us into distance learning, I am excited to see many more of our students adapting to distance learning and finding ways to get their needs met and their grades up. Here is one special student who shared her story with me...
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Olivia Krueger, gr. 12, was falling behind in her classes and described herself as basically,”lost”. She received an email from Greg Whittle, one of our GLC’s (Grade Level Coordinators), inviting her to come to our Oriole’s Nest study hall in the cafeteria at school on Wednesdays. She felt that it was nice that he actually noticed that she may have needed extra assistance. So, she made the decision to show up.
Olivia showed up each Wednesday for a couple weeks and then learned that we expanded our Oriole’s Nest study hall to five days a week, so she came to school every day. She found that at school she was able to get tutoring help with all her classes. She felt better about things because she was actually doing the assignments, turning them in and watching her grades improve. She admitted that prior to her making the changes she needed to make, she said, “I kind of sat around and just hoped those assignments would do the work themselves.” She kept coming to school because she realized she worked better at school than at home because at home she said, “All I would want to do was sleep.”
I am thrilled to announce that Olivia improved her grades significantly! We are all extremely proud of her, but it’s most exciting to see how proud she is of herself! She went from having 21% up to 93% in a few short weeks of simply doing her work and asking for help when she needed it. Every single grade increased by an average of 50%. She is now excelling in every single class because she made the choice to advocate for herself, get her work done and be successful.
Families, please know that if your child is struggling, we will help them! Please open this link to familiarize yourself with all the safe options available to our SLP students. Whether virtual or in-person, support exists for your kids. Transportation is provided, along with free breakfast and lunch. Please open this link to see all the opportunities available: Opportunities for Assistance - Virtual or In-Person
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Kindly,
Wendy Loberg
Interim Principal
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2: Coffee With the Principal
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Join us virtually for Coffee with the Principal on Wednesday, December 16 from 11:30 - 12:30. Stay in touch with your principal team. Hear what's happening at the High School. Get your questions answered. Go to Signup Genius to sign up.
Hope to see you then!
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3: A Message for St. Louis Park High School Students
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Prior to fall break, Principal Loberg informed me that we experienced a couple of Zoom bombing incidents at the High School where an individual gained access to classrooms and disrupted the learning environment by expressing racially insensitive comments and behaving in a manner that is not in line with the core values of St. Louis Park Public Schools.
In St.Louis Park Public Schools, we believe that everyone has equal intrinsic worth and that embracing individual differences enriches our community. We also believe that respect of self and others is fundamental for a strong, healthy school community.
The behaviors that were demonstrated in these Zoom bombing incidents were disturbing and will not be tolerated. As a result of these recent incidents, you may experience additional security measures being implemented to enter your distance learning classroom. Principal Loberg has asked teachers to use additional security measures as a strategy to prevent these types of behaviors from occuring in the future.
On August 7, 2020 our School Board approved an Equity and Anti-Racism Resolution. In this resolution, our School Board reaffirmed its commitment to creating a school community where each and every student, family, and staff member work collectively to create an equitable and anti-racist school system that honors and elevates all.
I fully recognize that the individual acts of one student is not representative of our entire school community. I am confident that as a collective St. Louis Park High School community that we will continue to embody the core values of our district and be Upstanders during times when members of our community do things that are not in line with our core values.
I know this school year has been challenging. I want to thank each of you for your effort and I am proud of the resilience you have demonstrated during this pandemic. Please continue to stay focused on meeting your goals and know that we care about you and are here to support you.
In community,
Superintendent Osei
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4: St. Louis Park High School Offering Free Screening of Screenagers Documentary
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St. Louis Park High School in partnership with CARE Counseling is offering students and families a free screening of the documentary Screenagers: Next Chapter - Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience through December 16.
Filmmaker and physician Dr. Delaney Ruston takes the conversation around screens and teens to the next level with Screenagers Next Chapter - Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience—a film that examines the science behind teen’s emotional challenges, the interplay of social media, and most importantly, what can be done in our schools and homes to help them build crucial skills to navigate stress, anxiety, and depression in our digital age.
Anyone interested in viewing the film can click here to register. The High School will also host a live panel discussion and Q & A session at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15 via Zoom. Click here to register for the panel discussion and Q & A session. Click here to download an informational flyer.
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Please see attached newsletter for information from your local Dollars for Scholars (DFS) program. DFS is a community based organization that raises money for scholarships for St. Louis Park High School seniors.
Check out their website here and see the attached winter newsletter.
If you wish to make a donation before the end of the year, on the website, you can click on the 'donate now' button or mail your donation to:
St. Louis Park Dollars for Scholars
P.O. Box 16403
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Any questions, please call Barb Nelson, SLPHS Counselor and Scholarship Coordinator
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6: Student Leadership Team
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The students have officially taken the lead with the Student Leadership Team for Professional Development! Kathryn Haertzen and Semona Robel led the group on Zoom in team building and identifying the cultures that member leaders are part of. The conversation deepened quickly while identifying the emotions that emerge when one's culture is ignored and how as a school we can move to action to embrace and honor the cultures that fill our school. |
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7: Echo Wins National Awards
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The National Scholastic Press Association recently released its national awards for individual contests and Newspaper Pacemakers, as announced at the (virtual) Nov. 21 National Journalism Convention. Read More
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8: SLP High School Art Students
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Check out the incredible Mixed Media Art that is being produced by our kids in Ms.Orthman's class!
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I am excited to announce we are having a 2021 Career EXPO! We have joined forces with multiple schools and a new platform called Elevate Futures to offer a virtual Career Expo. Please read over the information below and attached. SAVE the DATE - January 8, 2021! If you are available great! Once registered, you will receive detailed information on how to "create your booth" in the near future.
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When: Friday, January 8, 2021; 9:00am-2:00pm
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What: You are invited to participate in a Virtual Career Expo
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How: Host a virtual booth on the Elevate Futures platform. Elevate Futures is an interactive workforce development platform that links recruitment, skill building, and career navigation into one comprehensive system.
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Who: Students from eight secondary and two post-secondary area schools will attend to learn about industries, explore future careers, and get to now potential employers.
Register: Click here to register your business or organization and to create your FREE profile. For questions about setting up your profile contact Claudia Aurand at caurand@mplschamber.com.
Business/Organization Benefits:
- Gain exposure to more than 5,000 future employees or interns
- Increase company visibility and awareness
- Connect directly with educators for future engagement and volunteer opportunities
Virtual Booths Offer These Features:
- Publish a company profile that includes a video, company description and contact information so students can learn more about you
- Upload a personal message to visitors of your booth
- Upload multiple documents for your visitors to download and read
- Link to more than 1,000 existing career cards to showcase positions within your company
Our students are looking forward to an interactive and creative opportunity with this Career Expo!
Sincerely
Kara Mueller
Career & College Coordinator/CTE Coordinator
St. Louis Park High School
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10: Last Call for Senior Portraits for the Yearbook!
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LAST CALL for senior portraits! Seniors, submit yours now at www.slpechowan.com to be recognized in the 2020-2021 yearbook for your last year of high school. Submit your senior portrait FREE of charge on the google document linked to the website. Please be sure to follow the guidelines. If you do not submit a senior portrait, you WILL NOT be pictured in the yearbook!
The senior baby ad deadline has been extended! Seniors and parents, submit a cute baby photo and a message celebrating all your accomplishments! You must purchase your baby ad for $25 by December 22nd, and submit it by January 1st.
Requirements:
- Maximum 400 characters for the written message.
- The picture must be able to fit in a vertical space.
- Money, message, and picture must ALL be submitted by the due date in order for us to publish the ad.
How to Submit:
- Click the Balfour link above to purchase both a yearbook and baby ad.
- Check your email after your purchase for a confirmation from Balfour.
- Click the link in that email to submit your baby ad (message and picture).
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11: Purchase Your Yearbook Today!
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If you ordered pictures from Lifetouch they are available for pickup just inside Door #1. The building is open Monday-Friday from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm. If you are unable to pick them up contact Kiki Christensen at christensen.kirsten@slpschools.org.
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13: Winter Sports "Paused"
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Per Governor Waltz, all winter sports are "paused". This means that boys & girls basketball, boys & girls hockey, girls gymnastics, boys & girls nordic ski and boys swimming will not begin practices on the dates previously announced.
As we get more information from the Minnesota State High School League we will communicate it out. Go Park!
Go to gopark.org for athletic event information and sports registration.
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14: 12th Grade College & Career Drop-Ins
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If you are interested in getting help with your college applications or any other college & career related question, please attend Ms. King's Thursday Zoom Help Sessions. |
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15: Seniors - Order Your Cap & Gown Now
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Please go to gradsmn.org to order your cap and gown now. There is no charge to families. We order our cap and gowns from Jostens and due to the situation with the pandemic, they need to have this information as soon as possible. If you have any questions contact Deb Muralt at muralt.debra@slpschools.org. |
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16: PSAT Registration Deadline December 18
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The new PSAT test date will be January 26, 2021. Students who have registered for the PSAT are enrolled for the January exam. Students may still register for this exam.
Students must be registered for exams by 3:15 p.m., December 18, 2020
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Register at www.TotalRegistration.net/PSAT/242205
- Registrations are on a “while supplies last” basis and cost $30.00.
- Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch can request a fee waiver when registering.
- Students who would like to take the PSAT, but for whom the cost is prohibitive should contact their Counselor or the Testing Coordinator about grants** to cover the fee.
*The PSAT is used to qualify students for National Merit Scholarships when taken during 11th grade. Students who are in the top third of their class and/or have over a 3.0 GPA are encouraged to take the test. Tenth graders who are in the top 25% of their class should consider taking the test as well as a practice for 11th grade. The PSAT can also be used as a practice test for the SAT.
**Grants do not have to be repaid.
Please contact Jami LaPray, High School Testing Coordinator with any questions.
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17: Unemployment Benefits for High School Students
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High school students who lost wages after January 27, 2020, due to the pandemic, can now apply for MN Unemployment Insurance Benefits. The benefits are retroactive, but the deadline is December 25th, 2020. More information & steps for eligible youth HERE.
Context:
- Previously, the federal law excluded high school students from being eligible for federal aid.
- Youth and advocates came together to sue the state of MN and won on December 1, 2020!
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All enrolled high school students who lost a job or suffered lost of income during COVID-19 can now claim Unemployment Insurance Benefits. Refer to https://www.uimn.org/applicants/needtoknow/news-updates/covid19-workers.jsp for more eligibility information.
What Eligible Youth Need to Do:
- Determine if your employment was impacted by COVID-19 since March (hours cut, laid off, business closed, etc.)
- Collect your Social Security Number, State ID/Drivers Lic., Employer information (Address, date of employment, pay rate)
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Beware of scams, only log into uimn.org and its extensions, make sure you see the MN Unemployment Insurance logo on the top left of your window and date on the top right.
- You can apply for unemployment to be retroactive even if you are back at work.
- YOU MUST APPLY BY DECEMBER 25TH, 2020
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Visit the MN Unemployment Insurance Benefits System at https://www1.uimn.org/ui_applicant/applicant/login.do
What's Next?:
- There will be a waiting period after you apply. Benefits will not be immediate if you qualify.
- Check your MN Unemployment Insurance Account for important messages or action items.
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Learn more about Unemployment Benefits at: https://www.uimn.org/applicants/videos/
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18: Desire to Lead Winter Accessory Drive
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19: Listen/Dear Cancer 2021 Teen Essay Contest
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Are you a teen living with cancer or a cancer survivor? Has someone you love experienced cancer? How has cancer shaped the life of someone you know? Gilda's Club Twin Cities is looking for honest, personal reflections and original insights by writers 13-18 years old who demonstrate an authentic ability to move readers by sharing their cancer experience.
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20: Change to Chill Hennepin County
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December Note - Achieving Balance
For students and adults alike, balancing life's to-do's with what is most important to you can be a struggle. The first step to finding more balance in life is to identify your values and compare them to the activities you spend your time doing to see if they match up. Start by having a conversation with your family about balance in life - discuss exercise, school work, self-care, alone time, family time, time with friends and whatever else your value items are! Then go through the Values Circle Chart activity to compare how you spend your time with those things that are most important to you.
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21: Relate Counseling Center
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Instead of meeting with a therapist at an outpatient office, your child can meet with a therapist in school or virtually during the school day. For information about school mental health services offered through Relate Counseling Center click here. |
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22: STEP Holiday Toy Program
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STEP is suspending its annual Holiday Toy Shop due to the pandemic. In place, families will receive $30 Target gift cards for each eligible child. Registration for STEP’s Toy Program for infants through age 14 who live in St. Louis Park will be December 1-18th, or as long as our funding lasts. Please go to our website stepslp.org to register on December 1.
STEP está suspendiendo su tienda anual de juguetes debido a la pandemia. En su lugar, las familias recibirán tarjetas de regalo de Target de $30 por cada niño elegible. La inscripción para el programa de juguetes de STEP para bebés de hasta 14 años que viven en St. Louis Park será del 1 al 18 de diciembre o mientras dure nuestra financiación. Visite nuestro sitio web stepslp.org para registrarse.
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23: Distance Learning and Student Assistance Information
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Daily Schedule
Student Support App
To sign up for a help session with a teacher or for the Oriole Study Nest click here.
Transportation
To sign up for transportation click here.
Other Supports are Available
Many supports are available including virtual support, tutoring, Learning Lab, math tutoring sessions, mental health supports and more. Check other supports available at the High School here. |
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For solutions to common technical problems that you may have with a student device, check out the St. Louis Park Schools Family Tech Help site which is located at https://slpfamilytechhelp.blogspot.com/.
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25: Parent/Guardian PowerSchool Help
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To learn how to set up a PowerSchool parent account click here.
Are you unsure of how to get the most out of your PowerSchool account? In-app help is available from a central online location in a simple, easy-to-use format. Once you are logged into your PowerSchool account, use the “Help” link in the upper right corner of the page to explore all of the things you can do in PowerSchool such as Review Class Information, Review Class Schedules, Email Teachers, View Grades and Attendance and more.
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Registration for Driver's Ed is now open!
Register and find more information here: Website
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27: COVID-19 Testing At Home
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Order an At-Home Test
Click here for Test Site Information
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is offering Minnesotans more and different options for COVID-19 testing by offering saliva testing in a growing number of locations across the state. The test is more comfortable than a nasal swab, and available at no cost to anyone who believes they need a COVID-19 test. Saliva testing is free and available to all Minnesotans who believe they need to be tested, with or without symptoms. Identification is not required. You do need to have an email address and phone number to receive your results.
Insurance is not required. If you do have insurance, you will need to show your card. The test is completely free whether or not you have insurance, and you will not receive a bill.
Saliva testing may not be right for those with low saliva production, such as children under age 4 or someone who has suffered a stroke.
Monday - Friday: 12-7 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
What to expect at the testing site
- Wear a mask or face covering if you can.
- If you made an appointment ahead of time, you can show either your confirmation email/text or tell staff your name, birthdate, and address. Plan to arrive close to the time of your scheduled visit.
- If you did not make an appointment ahead of time, you can register at the event.
- Bring your insurance card if you have health insurance. The test will be 100% free whether or not you have insurance. If you do, we may ask your insurance company to help pay for your test.
How the saliva test works
You must not eat, drink, chew or smoke anything for at least 30 minutes before taking a saliva test. A health care professional will tell you how to take the test, but you will do it yourself.
You will spit into a funnel attached to a tube. Producing the required amount of saliva usually takes 10-12 minutes. You will get your results in about 48-72 hours.
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28: Keep Your School Nurse Informed
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Our Health Services Team is here to support staff and students - even during distance learning. Public health agencies at the state and county levels are overwhelmed with the current number of positive COVID cases and may not be able to answer questions in a timely manner.
The Licensed School Nurse and Health Aide at the high school can answer COVID/illness related questions, work through guidance given by the MN Department of Health, provide information on COVID testing sites, and assist with contact tracing and investigating.
Do not hesitate to reach out with your own questions or to notify us of students who may need support at this time. Please call 952-928-6308 or email Susanne Otos at otos.susanne@slpschools.org or Anjonette Scott at scott.anjonette@slpschools.org.
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The District released its Return to School Guide to families on August 14. This guide contains important information about the three potential learning models (distance, hybrid and in-person), health and safety guidelines and protocols, and other general information on a variety of topics including transportation, school nutrition, childcare, arts, athletics, and much more! Click here to download a PDF version of this document.
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