64 SECONDS to Learn Up To 25 THINGS about St. Louis Park High School
October 16, 2020
1: From the Interim Principal
Hello SLP High School Families,

Thank you, parents and guardians, for everything you are doing to support your children as they navigate the rigors and complexities of distance learning. Please reach out to us if your child needs any assistance. Our schedule is much more rigorous and structured than last spring, and we are working to adapt to our students' needs.  

Parent Teacher conferences will be virtual and have been moved to Wednesday, Nov. 4 and Thursday, Nov. 5 from 4:00 - 7:30 p.m. Teachers will be contacting you to set up a private conference time using a new app called, Student Support Time App, but teachers are available for appointments each Wednesday, too.

We are working extremely hard to prepare for a safe return of students at 25% capacity on Monday, Oct. 26, 2020. See next section below for details. You will receive detailed information regarding new protocols and expectations for hallways, bathrooms, lunchroom, parent drop off areas, bus information and more next week. Masks will be required of all, including our band and choir students, and special masks have been purchased.

Lastly, as promised last week, you will find attached, the current list of clubs and activities available to students this year. This list does not include athletics, which can be found on our website. I hope many students will find one or more of these to be of interest to them. 

Enjoy this extended weekend, students and families.

Wendy Loberg
Interim Principal
2: Timeline for HS Transition from Distance Learning to Hybrid Learning
The High School will implement a phased approach to bringing students back into the school, based on percentages of students, dividing students into four cohorts (see below). This phased-in approach largely allows students to become familiar with new protocols and procedures and will ensure the safety of all students and staff at St. Louis Park High School.

Mondays
Cohort A-1 | Grades 9-12 | Last names A-E attend classes in person
Tuesdays
Cohort A-2 | Grades 9-12 | Last names F-K attend classes in person
Wednesdays
Student Feedback Day (tutoring, catch-up, appointments, etc.)
Thursdays
Cohort B-1 | Grades 9-12 | Last Names L-Q attend classes in person
Friday
Cohort B-2 | Grades 9-12 | Last Names R-Z attend classes in person

The transition to hybrid learning will take place:
• Oct. 26-30: 25% capacity (Grades 9-12); Hybrid Learning
• Nov. 2-3: No School
• Nov. 4-6: Distance Learning
• Nov. 9-13: 25% capacity (Grades 9-12); Hybrid Learning
• Nov. 16-20: 50% capacity (Grades 9-12); Hybrid Learning

A complete guide detailing schedules, safety precautions, logistics, etc. will be distributed to students and families the week of October 19.

Students are expected to sign into all class periods Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Each day, each hour is either "live (synchronous)" teaching "support/help (asynchronous)" teaching. On Wednesdays, students are expected to sign into Connections at 12:15 and meet with teachers for individual help.  Students who are failing a class are encouraged to connect with teachers every day, including Wednesdays. 

3: Freshman Orientation - Wednesday, October 21st
Please see attached letter that will be in the mail on Thursday (10/15).  Transportation information will be emailed by Friday 10/16, please reach out to transporation@slpschools.org if you do not hear anything by next Monday.

Students in Cohort C, those that are remaining in Distance Learning, should not plan to to attend the on site orientation.

We have attached a map of the HS here and will have copies for students as well that day. Remind your student to log into Powerschool on a computer next week starting Monday to find their locker information.

We look forward to seeing the Class of 2024 next week.
4: 10-12th Grade New Student Orientation
If there are any new students in Grades 10-12 that wish to have a tour prior to starting in our Hybrid schedule on Oct. 26th, SLPHS will be offering a building tour on Wednesday, October 21st at 9am.  Students only should meet in the cafeteria by 9am. We will have student leaders available to lead tours.
5: Parent Teacher Conferences Moved to November 4 & 5
The High School will be holding conferences on November 4-5 from 4-7:30pm. Conferences will be 5-10 minute sessions with each of the student's teachers. Please put priority on classes that you or your student has concern in, as the number of conferences are limited. If additional time is needed for conferences, please communicate with specific teachers. Family specific links will be sent via email next week through our new Student Support App (https://slp.studentsupporttime.com/) to set up meetings with parents and students.
6: Got Grades?
Please use the Powerschool parent portal to check student grades and not Schoology, as Schoology is not always an accurate reflection of all assignments. Teachers all use Powerschool to enter student grades and should have them updated on a regular basis.
7: Parking Permits
We will not be selling parking permits as we transition into Hybrid learning. Parking will be available for students in the student lot on a first come first serve basis. Once we move into full in-person learning we will prorate the sale of parking permits. 
8: IB Registrations Due Next Week!
There is a two step process for IB registration. This is different from the AP registration process.
To register for your IB exams complete this Google Form: https://forms.gle/fZY4uGsV45quCpY96
You will pay for your examinations at https://slpschoolsact.cf.affinetysolutions.com
Registration Form and Payment must be completed by 3:10 on October 21st.

Resources to commonly asked questions:
(3) How to apply for a grant for your examinations: see the final section of this registration form.

Questions? Contact Jenny Magdal magdal.jennifer@slpschools.org
9: Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Registration
No cancellation fee - request an exam and pay by October 21 to avoid hefty late registration fees. Please watch​ ​for more information​ ​about paying for exams. It’s a TWO STEP process. Both steps must be completed to be successfully registered!

STEP ONE: Exam Registration must be completed through https://myap.collegeboard.org/ Students have received join codes from their teachers and should have already completed this task.

STEP TWO: Exam Payment for AP Exam must be completed through Total Registration** https://user.totalregistration.net/AP/242205 Students who receive Free/Reduced Lunch must go through Total Registration** 

To learn more about AP testing go to the High School website under Academics.
Contact Jami LaPray, AP Coordinator, lapray.jami@slpschools.org for more information

*Advanced Placement (College Board) and International Baccalaureate are different entities - registration and payment must be completed separately.
** Answer all questions completely to avoid late fees caused by registration mistakes. 
10: Advanced Placement (AP) For All!
No cancellation fee - request an exam and pay by October 21 to avoid hefty late registration fees. For more information go to Advanced Placement on the High School website under Academics or the College Board Website.
11: Fall 2020 MAP (NWEA) Testing for 9 & 10 Graders to Continue
PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE TO THE MATH MAP DUE TO CONFLICTS

The MAP Reading and MAP Math tests will be given to Freshmen and Sophomores ​remotely​on Wednesdays beginning at 9:00am. Social Studies and Science teachers administering the exams will contact students prior to exam day with login and testing details, and give the join codes and links needed to test.

October 28 - MAP Math Test
November 4 - MAP Make up Math Test

Please visit the District Website for ​Assessment, Research and Evaluation​ for more information. 
12: October is College Knowledge Month
October in Minnesota kicks off the college application season with many Minnesota colleges offering no-fee college applications. October 1 is also the opening date for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Minnesota Dream Act Application. There are many online resources and training opportunities for educators, parents and students happening this month outlined below.
13: Senior Photos
This year, 2021 seniors will be able to submit their own portrait free of charge. Seniors MUST submit their chosen portrait through the Google Form provided on the Echowan website, under the senior pictures tab, ensuring that it meets all requirements. Portraits can be professionally taken through a senior shoot, or you can use any photo you like! We also have many Echowan photographers on staff that would be more than happy to take senior pictures for free. Please contact us through email at echowan2021@gmail.com if you would like to choose this option and we will set you up with one of our photographers. All senior Pictures must be submitted through the form by October 21!
14: 2020-21 Yearbook Sales are Open
2020-2021 yearbook sales are open! Purchase yours online now at slpechowan.com. Don’t miss out, get yours today! For any questions on sales, please email echowan2021@gmail.com
15: Senior Place Your Order for Your Graduation Cap & Gown Now
Jostens will be taking orders virtually this fall. Just go to gradsmn.org to place your order. There is no cost for your cap and gown.
16: Financial Aid Bootcamp on October 20-21, 2020
Click here for more information. Register at https://cvent.me/wzg3RZ
17: Heisman High School Scholarship
Attention Class of 2021: While working on college applications this year, we recommend looking into the Heisman High School Scholarship presented by Acceptance Insurance. They give out 100 scholarships to male and female scholar-athletes ranging from $500 - $5,000. 
Visit HeismanScholarship.com to learn more. The deadline to apply is October 20th.
18: Athletics
Varsity Football Tickets
The Minnesota Department of Health is only allowing a maximum of 250 spectators for outdoor gatherings. With that, St. Louis Park will only have 125 fans (half the tickets) at home and away games. Those 125 tickets will be distributed weekly to the families of the 10th, 11th and 12th grade players. If there are tickets left they will become available via a lottery with the Athletic Department the day before the game. There will be no tickets sold at the games.

Winter Sports
  • 11/23 Start
  • Boys Hockey - 18 games, 16 week season
  • Boys Basketball - 18 games, 17 week season

  • 11/30 Start
  • Boys Swimming - 11 meets, 13 week season. 
  • Girls Hockey - 18 games, 16 week season
  • Nordic Ski - 11 meets, 14 week season. No more than 3 schools at a meet.

  • 12/7 Start
  • Girls Basketball - 18 games, 17 week season
  • Gymnastics - 11 meets, 14 week season. No more than 3 schools at a meet.

No invites, no tournaments. All schedules will be with schools within our Conference, Region/ Section or close proximity. We will get more information (spectators, event management, practice requirements, etc.) at a later point from the MSHSL and MDH.

Winter sport registration will be open on Monday, October 5th. Please go to www.gopark.org to register.
19: Join the SLP Drone Team
The SLP Drone Team is looking for all interested pilots to join our team for the 2020-21 season! We have started our preparations for the regular season that will start in January. If you have an interest in joining the team, please send an email to miller.mark@slpschools.org. One of the greatest things about drone racing is that you can practice a number of the skills you need to learn right on your computer at home. You will need a compatible controller, a computer and time to practice. Check out the website below for more information on some of the available packages to get you started. We would love to have you join the team so that we can keep the winning tradition alive!    https://www.youthdronesports.org/minnesota
20: We Want YOU in DECA!
Open to everyone as long as you have taken/are enrolled in a business course. If you are looking for an extracurricular, for emerging leaders and entrepreneurs, join DECA!
Looks great on college applications, teaches you life skills like how to complete a job interview! Learn more about the business world. Contact advisor, Mrs. Lugo (lugo.abigail@slpschools.org) if you are interested. We have meetings on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month on Zoom for now. Make sure you join before October 21st, hope to see you at our next meeting! Follow the DECA instagram @slpdeca for more updates!
21: Class of 2022 - College Possible Applications are Open
Hey Juniors! Want to earn a college degree? Looking for free support and personalized coaching? Applications are open for the College Possible high school class of 2022!  College Possible is a national college access and success organization with over 20 years of experience supporting students as they earn their college degrees. Interested? Learn more about the program (video). Click here to apply or go to CollegePossible.org/join. If you have questions about the program reach out to Jessie at JOrtiz@CollegePossible.org
22: High Achievement Program (HAP)
Dr. Lee-Ann Stephens is the coordinator for the High Achievement Program at the High School. The High Achievement Program, also known as HAP, It is designed as an optional resource for Black, Brown and Indigenous to come together as a community of high achieving learners who are enrolled in one or more AP/IB/Honors class. HAP students meet by grade level on a biweekly or monthly basis. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Stephens at stephens.leeann@slpschools.org.
23: From PEAC (Parent Engagement Advisory Committee)
Parents, Guardians and Students!

Teachers, Administrators, Support Staff and our School Board Members are working tirelessly to ensure the best education possible happens in these dynamic times. Please take a moment and send a thank you for all they are doing.

The days are long. The concerns are many. The goal is always to best serve students and families. Take a moment to acknowledge their hard work and heroic efforts! Email addresses can be found in the Staff Directory under the PARENTS tab of SLPSchools.org or in the Powerschool app.

Thank you!
PEAC (Parent Engagement Advisory Committee)
24: PEAC "Teacher Challenge" Prize Donations
Hello Parents,

As another way to show appreciation and bring a little excitement to the work week, a drawing is being held every other week for fun prizes. Teachers are eligible to enter if they meet that week's "challenge".  Challenge examples:  
  • Enter to win if you have personally reached out to a student that needed a little extra 1:1 help this week.  
  • Enter to win if you have a best practice to share around getting all students to use video in your class.  

We are looking for prize donations. $50 restaurant gift cards are ideal. If you can donate, please drop off at the HS main office or email an electronic gift card to thomas.jennifer@slpschools.org. We hope to secure at least 10 prizes to take us through the semester. If you can't donate the full $50 GC, consider donating a smaller amount we can bundle with another. All denominations and donations will be put to great use to give our staff a boost! If you have any questions about other possible prizes, please email slphsPEAC@gmail.com or call 612-210-5196 (Julie's cell). 

Thanks for helping to make this year a little brighter for our wonderful staff!

Julie Yakes
Lauren Weiser
PEAC (Parent Engagement Advisory Committee co-chairs)
25: Junior Library Guild eBooks & Audio Books
60+ eBooks and audiobooks are available to SLPHS students. Click on the link below, then click “Sign In” under Have Personal Account? Use the same format as your personal school Google Apps username: (LastName_FirstName), but every Password is the same: orioles#1 Now you can bookmark your place that you stopped reading, or take notes/make highlights.
 
If you login to the shorter URL https://jlg.ipublishcentral.com/ then you will need to first login to our school-specific site with School UserNameslp and School PasswordSLPHS (this is case sensitive).
 
In this Junior Library Guild digital program, some books will rotate/change every month; under each book cover note the days left that the book will be available. Click on the book cover itself for more book details including a book description. The book cover icon in lower right will tell you whether it’s an eBook (page icon) or an audiobook (headphones icon).
 
“JLG Digital” app is available if you have an iPhone or Apple computer (Android is coming). If you download this, you can download your book and read/listen even without a WiFi connection. Login with your personal Username and the universal Password (orioles #1). Downloaded books will disappear at the end of their assigned time, so pay attention on the JLG bookshelf to the “days remaining” for each title.

Contact Ellen George (952) 928-6215 or george.ellen@slpschools.org if you have questions.
26: Drivers Ed
Registration for Driver's Ed is now open!
Register and find more information here: Website
27: myHealth for Teens and Young Adults
Upcoming opportunities for parents. Join myHealth in our latest series of parent workshops created to increase your confidence in navigating sensitive topics with your family. Together, we will learn how to support our young people in our ever-changing world.

Oct. 15 6:30-7:45pm Register Here
Oct. 22 6:30-7:30pm Register Here
Nov. 5 6:30-7:30pm Register Here
Nov. 12 6:30-7:30pm Register Here
28: Free Meals for Kids During Distance Learning
While the District is in a distance learning educational delivery model, students and families will be able to pick up FREE MEALS (breakfast and lunch) at any of the six schools on Mondays and Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. In accordance with USDA guidelines, you must be a parent or guardian of a child (birth to 18) in the District in order to pick up these grab-and-go bag meals. Read More
Return to School Guide
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.

This document will be updated frequently and will be maintained on the district website at www.slpschools.org/covid19.