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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 15, 2024
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Dear Middle School Families,
February is Black History Month and to celebrate we have had and will have some special events. This past Monday, we hosted NAAPID (National African American Parent Involvement Day). Parents had the opportunity to interact with students in conversation, see the brilliance of our students in actions and words and take a tour of the school. This upcoming Wednesday will be our Black History Showcase. The theme for Black History 2024 month is the Arts, and our showcase will be focusing on the History of the Music and Dance of Black America. All Middle School students will have an opportunity to see performances by our Cheer and Dance Team and other student performers. The whole show is choreographed by students. This is the brilliance of our students at its best.
Thank you for your continued support of your student here at SLPMS!
In partnership,
Melissa Kalinowski
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Feb. 19 - No School - Presidents Day
Feb. 21 - 6:30-8:00 Site Council Virtual Meeting
Mar. 15 - Asynchronous Learning Day for Students
Mar. 15 - Family Engagement Day - Individual Conferences with Teachers
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Interdisciplinary Team Websites | |
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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!
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Greetings!
Dear 8th grade Families,
The Community Project is moving along. This week is the last week that students will be meeting with their Community Project supervisors before their action is due on Feb. 23rd. Here's an image of the reminders that students/student groups received from their supervisors this week. Keep in mind that the color coding goes along with their digital notebook. To view that notebook click here.
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Please reach out to your child's Community Project supervisor (see Powerschool) or their Keystone/Design 8 teacher if you have questions. Some very exciting projects are taking shape! | |
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St. Louis Park Middle School recently completed their evaluation as an IB World School. In the IB Evaluation Report, we received commendation on a variety of standards and practices. Here's one example:
"Examples of learning engagements and teaching strategies, such as phenomenon-based inquiry, passion projects, choice options in types of literature, Socratic seminars, collaborative learning cycles, and voice and choice in projects and assessments, clearly demonstrate the focus on developing students as inquirers and thinkers."
International Baccalaureate World Schools offer the Arts as a core subject. Sara Paul is one of our visual arts teachers who offers students "voice and choice" in their assessments. Two of her visual arts courses were recently studying Tim Burton's work. IB visual arts courses are high in rigor and have students engaged in the full arts cycle.
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After School Spectators for MS Sporting Events
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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. | |
2024-2025 School Year Registration
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6th Grade Parent Registration Letter
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7th Grade Parent Registration Letter
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8th Grade Parent Registration Letter
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March 15 Family Engagement Day
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Mark your calendars! SLPMS teachers will be available for individual conferences on Friday, March 15th. Conferences will be held in teacher’s classrooms during the following times:
9:00-10:45am and 11:45am-4:00pm.
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Student Handbook Updates
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Please note an update to our personal electronics guidelines (most commonly referred to as the Cell Phone Guidelines.) Starting on Monday, February 12, over the ear wireless headphones will also be included in the personal electronics policy. Students should keep these items in their lockers or their backpacks. Students should not be wearing them throughout the day. Corded headphones may be used under teacher direction in the classrooms but should not be worn during passing times or during lunch.
Additionally, students choosing to bring their own sports equipment to school (i.e. basketballs, footballs, etc.) will need to keep these in their lockers or backpacks. They should not bring these items to Phy Ed classes or to recess as we provide these items for all students and personal equipment can lead to conflict.
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National African American Parent Involvement Day
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7th and 8th graders stepped into a student leadership opportunity during Monday's National African American Parent Involvement Day. MS students shared experiences, topics they've learned, and gave feedback about our school in a community circle with visiting parents and staff. A couple of exhibitions and performances were a poetry reading and a dance performance. Finally, they served as guides to parents, touring the school. | |
Girls Youth Lacrosse Clinic | |
Looking for a way to support your community and make a difference in your child's school district? St. Louis Park Middle School has Special Education para professional job opportunities available. Para professionals provide support to students with a wide variety of disabilities. No evenings or weekends. Similar work calendar as your child's school calendar. Summers off, with optional employment opportunities if you should desire to work. If interested, please apply at slpschools.org/employment. | |
We are in need of womens underwear sizes XS - L. We are also in need of pants/bottoms in sizes XS-L, spray deodorant, and socks. If you are able to donate and have questions, please contact Abbie Mullen at [email protected] or drop the donations off at the front office. Thank you for considering! | |
Redcross Babysitters Training (Ages 11+)
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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!
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Every Meal Weekend Food Program
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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
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Washington DC Trip for 7th Graders | |
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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]
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Please join us for the February Site Council call.
The virtual meeting will be held on the 21st at 630 pm.
Hope to see you there!
Keith Richardson - MS Site Council President ([email protected])
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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
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Reduce vaping and e-cigarette use among youth
In 2023, St. Louis Park public schools partnered with Public Health Promotion to reduce vaping and e-cigarette use in our school community. Public Health Promotion’s Health@School team partners with local Hennepin County school districts to prevent and reduce commercial tobacco use among young people. Learn more.
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Be SMART: A message about proper gun storage and safety
St. Louis Park Public Schools is teaming up with Be SMART to share an important message about proper gun storage and safety.
Last year, more than 350 children in the U.S. gained access to a firearm and unintentionally shot themselves or someone else. In 2021, 22 Minnesotans under the age of 18 were killed by guns, and more than 1,700 guns were stolen across our state that year. When guns are not properly stored, tragedy can strike.
We ask that you consider following the Be SMART message in your home. It emphasizes the importance of secure gun storage. Consider secure gun storage as an important step you can take to help protect your family, school and community.
Here’s what Be SMART stands for:
Secure all guns in your homes and vehicles.
Model responsible behavior around guns.
Ask about unsecured guns in other homes.
Recognize the role of guns in suicide.
Tell your peers to Be SMART.
Research shows that secure storage plays a vital role in reducing the risk of gun violence. Preventing children from accessing unsecured firearms is required by Minnesota law.
In addition to following the Be SMART message, you can take action by:
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Learning more at besmartforkids.org
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Watching and sharing the Be SMART educational video
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Sharing Be SMART resources and materials
Thank you for reading this important safety message and for being a partner with us in helping to keep our kids, schools and communities safe.
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Superintendent Search Update
The Feb. 7 school board meeting included discussion of the stakeholder report, options for community engagement, and discussion of interview questions for the first round of interviews. Save the date notifications and more information about community engagement opportunities will be shared with staff and families soon. Visit the Superintendent Search webpage for real-time updates on the search process.
Key dates
- February 7: Superintendent applications closed
- February 21: School board determines finalists and finalizes interview questions
- February 28 and March 1: First round of interviews; Finalists announced the evening of March 1
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March 2: Community Q&A with finalists - tentative - more information to come
- March 14: Second round of interviews and selection of the lone finalist
- March 26th: Board approves the employment contract
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Community Conversations - Minnesota Department of Education
Join the Minnesota Department of Education team on Thursday, February 29th for a high-powered, interactive and reflective conversation entitled “Redefining Our Role in Black Youth Mental Health.”
Exploring Self-love in the context of mental health involves fostering a positive relationship with oneself, practicing self-compassion, And prioritizing one’s well-being. Come learn, share and invest in the relationship with yourself.
Thursday, February 29, 5:30-7:30pm at the wonderful Capri Theater; 2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis, 55411. Parking is available next to the building.
Featuring: youth poetry, a youth panel, and hear directly how your mental health impacts youth and insight from a local educator.
Please be sure to ask them to register with the QR code on flier or: Registration - Community Conversation: Redefining Our Role in Black Youth Mental Health (office.com)
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Central Clinic
Free Walk-in Clinic for all St. Louis Park Public Schools Students
Central Community Clinic
The Central Community Clinic is a free, walk-in clinic for children from birth to high school who live or go to public or private schools in St. Louis Park. Central Clinic's mission is to reduce barriers to healthcare for the children and youth of our community.
Services are no-cost and include:
- sports and camp physicals
- treatment for acute illness and injuries
- well-child/baby check-ups
- immunizations and vaccines (for uninsured/Medical Assistance/MNCARE)
- sexual health care
Interpreters can be arranged by calling ahead of time. At this time, Central Clinic is not able to administer Covid vaccines.
- Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1:00-4:30 p.m.
- Location: Central Community Center - 6300 Walker Street - Door 7
- Contact: Call 952-933-1100 or email central [email protected]
Dental Care
Low cost dental care is also available at this location the first Friday of every month. Call Children's Dental Services to make an appointment at 612-746-1530.
The Central Clinic was founded in 1996 as a response to the Children First initiative. The clinic is funded by a grant from the Park Nicollet Foundation, staffed by doctors from Park Nicollet Creekside Clinic, and governed by an advisory council.
View the flyer: English | Somali | Spanish
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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.
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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
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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!
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