|
St. Louis Park Middle School's Weekly News
Please note: For the most up to date information please click on the Middle School website. (Language Translations available)
February 1, 2024
| |
|
Dear Middle School Families,
This week I had many moments where I felt immense pride in our SLPMS community! I’d like to highlight two of those moments.
The first occurred on Tuesday when I was able to catch up with our Select Choir and 8th Grade band students perform for 5th grade students at Aquila Elementary! Under the direction of Chris Larson, choir director, and Roy Pienaar, band director, our students did an amazing job promoting music opportunities to 5th grade students. It was a busy day performing at all four elementary schools in front of all 5th grade students!
On Wednesday, we hosted a lunch to celebrate how in 2023 SLP schools spent over $30,000 on food from local farmers and food producers through The Good Acre with support from the AGRI F2S grant program. We were honored to have Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, State Senator Aric Putnam and School Board Vice Chair Abdihakim Ibrahim join us for the event during two of our lunch periods. Local farmers who produced the food were also present. Many students took the initiative to introduce themselves to our guests and ask questions about their work in either farming or government work.
Thank you for your continued support of your student here at SLPMS!
In partnership,
Melissa Kalinowski
| |
|
Feb. 2 - No School - Professional Development Day for Staff
Feb. 7 - Virtual Information Night for 8th to 9th Grade - 5:00pm
Feb. 9 - Coffee with the Principals - 9:15am
Feb. 12 - NAAPID
Feb. 19 - No School - Presidents Day
| |
Interdisciplinary Team Websites | |
|
Dear MS Caregivers,
If you are new(ish) to the Middle School or have general questions, please be aware that we have a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page on the MS website. Click here to access this informational page. Please give us a call, too, if you have questions that are beyond the scope of this page. Thank you!
| |
|
Greetings!
Community Project update:
Our 8th grade students are in the middle of creating their "Proposal for Action" this week for their Community Project. They met with their Keystone/Design 8 teachers this week as well as their Community Project supervisor a few times. Here's the coaching/support they've received this week to keep them on track with their desired action.
- All purple slides should be done
- Action Proposal
- Due Thursday, February 1st
- Group time Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in Advisory
- Reflect
- Slide 17 for “during” Reflections
- Take Action
- To-Do List
The color-coding reflects the slides in their Digital Notebook. To view that notebook click here. Please connect with your son/daughter's Community Project supervisor (see Powerschool) if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's progress on this project.
Interested in learning with us?
Our middle school is an International Baccalaureate World School which means all students and all staff are part of the International Baccalaureate (IB). The recent IB evaluation resulted in feedback that we are "...commitmented to educational equity and access for students of all backgrounds and abilities; this is highly evident from the practices in place throughout the school."
We also received this recommendation for further/future development, "The school may wish to consider developing processes and structures that include review and systematic implementation and dissemination of policy to ensure it is understood and implemented by all members of the community."
Therefore, as we engage in learning more deeply on the concept of "Inclusion" this year we are doing a deeper review of our current policy. We are inviting members of our community to join us. If you are interested in hearing more about this and being involved in the learning, please reach out to:
Mia Waldera - IB Coordinator (waldera.mia@slpschools) or
Keith Richardson - MS Site Council President ([email protected])
| |
After School Spectators for MS Sporting Events
| |
Due to limited space/capacity in our field house and for health/safety, we will need to limit the amount of spectators attending Middle School after school events. Spectators will be limited to parents/guardians of players playing in the current game. Staff, other family members, friends and students will not be allowed to attend games due to the limited space available. | |
2024-1025 School Year Registration Timeline
| |
|
January 25th - 2024-2025 Middle School Course Catalog available online
January 25th - 6:30-7:30pm - Information Night for incoming 6th Grade Students - Virtual
Week of January 29th - Counselors visit 5th grade classrooms
January 30th - MS Band and Choir Student perform for 5th grade students
Week of February 5th - Counselors share information with current 6th grade students about registering for 7th grade classes
February 7th - 9th Grade Counselor Barb Nelson meets with all 8th grade students about 9th grade registration during Advisory
February 7th - Information Night for Incoming 9th Grade Students (hosted by the HS staff) - 5:00pm Virtual
Week of February 12th - Counselors share information with current 7th grade students about registering for 8th grade classes.
| |
8th Grade Parent Registration Letter
| |
Spring Musical Auditions
| |
Auditions for Mean Girls Jr. will take place next week in the choir room, after school on Feb. 5 and 7. Students who audition after school must have a ride. If you cannot get a ride some auditions will be held during school on Feb. 5. You should ONLY Sign-up for this audition time if you are unable to attend the after school auditions because you do not have transportation home. No matter when you want to audition you need to sign up while being logged into your student account. To register for auditions fill out this form. Email [email protected] with questions. | |
The SLPMS Debate Team attended their first tournament yesterday. The debate tournament was held at Highland Park High School in St. Paul, and was put on by the MN Urban Debate League. The SLPMS Debate Team had five partnerships (teams) competing among a total of 51 middle school teams, and had a couple of wins. Out of the 105 debaters in our level, four of our team members scored in the top third for “Best Speaking” and received a medal. They are: Kiera Sangster (29th); Teressa Garcia (17th); Sienna LoPesio (12th); and Cate Williams (4th). The next debate tournament will be February 21. Congratulations to all of the members for their hard work and weeks of preparation. | |
Music Field Trip to SLP Elementary Schools
| |
|
On Tuesday 1/30, students from Select Choir and Band 8 attended a field trip to the four SLP elementary schools to perform for current 5th grade students. 5th grade students had the opportunity to learn about the music course offerings at the middle school, and hear about the experiences of current MS music students. Our students represented SLPMS with pride, and they were eager to share about the joys of music. This experience allowed students to see themselves as middle school learners and musicians.
Sincerely,
Roy
| |
Childrens MN Living With Grief Youth Group | |
Girls Youth Lacrosse Clinic | |
Join Park Synchronized Swimming! | |
Adoption and Foster Care Group | |
A place for adoptees (international adoption, domestic adoption, foster care adoption, kin/relative adoption, etc.) can come together with students of similar experiences for discussions, activities, and community. The group is held during the school day. It will meet for a full class period, once a week over the course of 6-8 weeks. If you are interested in your student participating or have questions, please contact Abbie Mullen, School Social Worker at [email protected] or 952-928-6325. | |
U of M Talented Youth Mathematic Program Information
| |
Redcross Babysitters Training (Ages 11+)
| |
|
Youth Enrichment Programs (YEP) is excited to offer additional Red Cross Babysitters Traning classes for students aged 11-15! Below is the information about the upcoming class.
Created by industry-leading experts, the American Red Cross's Babysitting Basics class covers a wide range of information that can help new babysitters gain the skills and confidence needed to care for infants and children. The course includes information on:
- How to care for infants and children
- What to do in an emergency and how to stay safe
- Choosing age-appropriate activities
- Recognizing, understanding, and handling certain behaviors
- Starting your babysitting business
The Babysitting Basics course culminates with a final exam. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a printable certificate that they can share with potential employers.
Dates: March 23 & 30
Time: 9 am-12:30 pm
Location: St. Louis Park Middle School LMC Classroom
Price: $119
Click here to register now!
| |
Every Meal Weekend Food Program
| |
|
Please click here for more information to sign up. If you have questions, please contact Kristen in Student Services: [email protected] or 952-928-6389
| |
|
Classes are kicking off! Sports and Clubs are getting back into gear. Before you get too busy, it's a perfect time to order your yearbook. Use the link to order your book today while the price is low.
https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A04145660
| |
Washington DC Trip for 7th Graders | |
|
Attention all current 7th graders! You have an opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. this spring with your classmates.
Trip Dates: June 14-17, 2024
Price: $2274
Family members and dependents of current educators, the military, and first responders receive a 5% discount off the base trip price.
Deposit: $99 to secure your spot!
Our Registration Deadline is: March 1, 2024
Registration link: WorldStrides
Trip ID: 207712
Trip website : 2024 D.C. Trip
We have a lot planned for this trip and I hope you can join us.
Samantha Wyffels- I&S teacher
[email protected]
| |
|
Interested in learning with us?
Our middle school is an International Baccalaureate World School which means all students and all staff are part of the International Baccalaureate (IB). The recent IB evaluation resulted in feedback that we are "...commitmented to educational equity and access for students of all backgrounds and abilities; this is highly evident from the practices in place throughout the school."
We also received this recommendation for further/future development, "The school may wish to consider developing processes and structures that include review and systematic implementation and dissemination of policy to ensure it is understood and implemented by all members of the community."
Therefore, as we engage in learning more deeply on the concept of "Inclusion" this year we are doing a deeper review of our current policy. We are inviting members of our community to join us. If you are interested in hearing more about this and being involved in the learning, please reach out to:
Mia Waldera - IB Coordinator (waldera.mia@slpschools) or
Keith Richardson - MS Site Council President ([email protected])
I am happy to report that through the generosity and quick action of this community, a brand-new refrigerator was delivered and installed for the staff lounge last Friday. Thank you to all of those who sounded the alarm, helped coordinate and donated funds.
Our next Coffee With The Principals is coming up on February 9th at 915 am. Please join us at the Middle School - coffee and treats provided.
Keith Richardson - MS Site Council President ([email protected])
| | |
|
Latino ECFE - Free Classes!
Come play and meet other families in our community! Central Early Learning Center is offering a FREE Latino ECFE class for children ages 0-4. Parents and children come and play together in the gym, sing songs, and make art! Parents separate for a short time to talk about child development with a parent educator and an interpreter while the children stay with teachers for more fun!
Register online! Click here to register or call 952-928-6777.
Tuesdays from 12:30-2:00 p.m.
| | |
|
Home Athletic Events Expectations for SLP Schools
For all home High School athletic events where admission is charged:
- Any child in 8th grade or below must be accompanied by a paying adult who is responsible for them, their behavior and their whereabouts at the event. The student must be in the bleachers unless with the accompanying adult.
- No bags, backpacks or outside food/drink will be allowed in at home football games and there will be no reentry.
- All tickets must be purchased electronically, either in advance, or at the event. There will be no cash options available. No refunds.
- For football, admission will stop at the end of the third quarter.
Please purchase your tickets here: https://gopark.hometownticketing.com/embed/all
If you have questions, please reach out to Andy Ewald, Athletic Director, [email protected] 952-928-6118
| | |
|
Accessibility of Menstrual Products in School Bathrooms
All St. Louis Park Public Schools’ school bathrooms will be getting the addition of menstrual products and dispensers. The stocked dispensers will be installed by the end of January. In the interim, products will continue to be available in the health offices of all school buildings. The distribution of menstrual products will be discreetly placed in designated dispensers within the restrooms, and our custodial staff will monitor and replenish the supplies regularly. This change, required by Minn. Stat. § 121A.212, aligns with our commitment to fostering a safe and nurturing learning environment for all students.
| | |
|
Subscribe to Board Briefs
Do you want to receive highlights and happenings after each regular School Board meeting? Subscribe to the Board Briefs newsletter. View past Board Briefs here in English, Spanish, or Somali.
| | |
|
New ParkTV channels for SLP board meetings and other programming
ParkTV is updating its Comcast cable channels to include more high definition (HD) channels, while still maintaining standard definition (SD) viewing options. St. Louis Park Public Schools programming, including concerts, plays, school board meetings and sports, can now be viewed on HD Ch. 859 and SD Ch. 16. View the airing schedule.
Additionally, you can watch school board meetings and other videos on our Youtube channel.
| | |
|
In the Loop SLP Construction Update
View updates from Knutson Construction and St. Louis Park Public Schools about construction projects in the school district. November highlights include project milestones and progress for the High School and Middle School.
Fun Fact:The ceramic wall tile used in the new Tinker Space traveled over 1,500 miles to our jobsite from Mexico. This distance is the equivalent to over 6,000 laps around the new St. Louis Park High School Track!
View the construction updates webpage.
In the Loop: SLP Construction Newsletter
| |
|
Middle School Youth Enrichment Programs
Middle School Gaming Club (winter session)
Join us in the Cafeteria on Tuesdays to game with your friends!
Tuesdays, Jan. 16-March 26
4-5:15 pm
Pick your price: $20/$30/$40/$50 (pay the price that works best for your family)
Click here to register now!
Middle School Chess Club
Mondays, Jan. 29-March 25
4-5 pm
$145
Click here to register now!
Middle School Musical Theatre
Acting, singing, and dancing for the stage! See what it takes to put together your favorite Broadway musicals and put together a performance for family and friends!
Saturdays, Jan. 27-March 2
1-2 pm
$105
Click here to register now!
Middle School Newspaper Club
Thursdays throughout the school year
4-5:15 pm
Pick your price: $20/$30/$40/$50 (pay the price that works best for your family)
Click here to register now!
| | | | |
