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 29, 2024

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Principal's Message

Dear Middle School Families,


Every year, each grade level goes on a grade-level field trip.  A few of these field trips are coming up within the month of March.  On Wednesday, March 13, the entire 7th grade will be going to the Science Museum.  On Thursday, March 28, the entire 6th grade will be going to the Minnesota History Center.  Later in May, individual 8th grade classes will be going to REM5, which is a virtual simulation experience linked to the Solar Suitcase they will be building in science classes.


It is imperative that all students have a signed field trip permission form.  When your child brings their form home for their respective field trip, please sign and return as soon as possible.  District policy does not allow for us to accept anything other than written permission to attend an off-site field trip.  We want all students to be able to share in these experiences!


Additionally, the 7th grade field trips will need parent volunteers.  Please consider volunteering to come along if you are able to.  (Thank you to all 6th grade parents who have already volunteered for March 28th.)


Thank you for your continued support of your student here at SLPMS!


In partnership,

Melissa Kalinowski

Upcoming Dates

Mar. 4 & 7 - Musical Theater Choir/Tech Design Class Performances - 7pm

Mar. 7 - District Band Showcase at the HS - 7pm

Mar. 15 - Asynchronous Learning Day for Students

Mar. 15 - Family Engagement Day - Individual Conferences with Teachers

Interdisciplinary Team Websites

Check these websites to see updates on what your student is learning in each course and important calendar events like tests and project due dates.


6th Grade Blue

6th Grade Orange

7th Grade Red

7th Grade Purple

8th Grade Green

8th Grade Yellow


Middle School FAQs

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 8th grade families, 


Students have been engaged with their Community Project Supervisors this week by finishing up each of the phases (see image below) for their projects. Students are preparing for their presentations which will be coming up next week. Presentations will be done for the 6th and 7th grade students, March 6th. Please see the image below that shows the four criteria that will be scored based on the evidence the students have collected and shared with their supervisors. Student scores for Community Project will be in Powerschool on the Community Project course. 


Please partner with us and have your child practice their presentation with/for you. Reach out to your child's Community Project supervisor if you have any questions. 


Mia

MYP IB Coordinator



Quiz Bowl Team A Qualifies for National Competition

After a heartracing tournament in Mounds Park this past weekend, we have qualified to send a team to Nationals in Chicago, Illinois in May! We went into a nail biting tiebreaker in which the tournament director met with the moderator so our win could not be contested. During the final playoffs, we came in 4th out of 33 teams which cinched our qualification to compete at the National Championship Level. 


Pictured left to right are the following 8th grade students from SLP A Team:


Riley Hicks, Finley Keogh, Sam Webb, and Elise Hogg


Congratulations to all the students who compete in Quiz Bowl. Your hard work both academically as well as being outstanding teammates who continue to encourage one another hasn't gone unnoticed. SLP B Team "just" missed qualifying for the playoffs. Sixth graders are getting the experience they need to continue to grow in confidence. Veteran 7th grade players have stepped in as captains for the teams. You are all wonderful examples that continue to represent SLP in a way that is outstanding!


Fantastic job to all of our players in Quiz Bowl 


Ms. Lillie

High School Musical Jr

"High School Musical Jr. is being performed in the Performing Arts Center at the Middle School on Monday, March 4th and Thursday, March 7th at 7:00pm! Musical Theater Choir and Theater Tech Design have been preparing all year. Admission is free."

7th Grade Field Trip Information

7th Graders will be participating in a field trip to the Minnesota Science Museum on Wednesday, March 13. Students will be leaving the Middle School at 9:30 a.m. and will be returning at 1:30 p.m. Look for permission slips on Monday, March 4.

March 15 Family Engagement Day

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.

Spring Sports Start March 25th

Registration is open for all 6-8th graders and practice starts after school on Monday, March 25th for Spring Sports. Sports offered at the middle school are Boys Tennis, Boys and Girls Track & Field and Girls Lacrosse. Registration and information can be found on the Middle School Athletics page on the Middle School website. If you have any questions please email Derek Wennerberg - [email protected]

Mean Girls Jr Cast and Crew Information

Mean Girls Cast and Crew

Here is your rehearsal schedule

Cast- contact Zumberge and Schmerler with conflicts and questions

Crew- contact Ms. Small with questions


Lil Zumberge - co-director, [email protected]

Jen Schmerler - co-director, [email protected]

Katie Small - Technical Director, [email protected] 

Jessica Edelheit - producer, [email protected]

Raices

Please contact Carmen Rudin, Abbie Mullen ([email protected]) or Delana Brinkman ([email protected]) if you are interested in your child joining.

SLP Synchro Practice Starts March 4

SLP Synchro practices start next week! 


The high school synchronized swimming team starts their season on Monday, March 4, and we’d love to have your swimmer participate! Available to students in grades 7-12 and no prior synchro experience needed. Kids should feel confident swimming across the pool & willing to try new things in the water. We practice after school & Saturday mornings. Register now with SLP Athletics, and email Coach Carol at [email protected] with any questions. Go Park!

Girls Youth Lacrosse Clinic

Employment Opportunity

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.

Donation Request

We are in need of pants/bottoms in sizes XS-L, gently used is accepted. 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+)

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

Washington DC Trip for 7th Graders

Global Leadership Trip for Current 8th Graders

Site Council


District Communications

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



Welcome to Summer Learning Academy 2024!

We're thrilled to announce that this year's elementary summer learning program will be held at Peter Hobart Elementary from June 17 - July 25, running Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please note that the academy will be closed on district holidays: June 19, July 4, and July 5. To ensure a productive and enriching experience, breakfast and lunch will be provided daily. Registration will be open from March 1-31, with both online and paper forms available. Keep an eye out for flyers for more information on how to register your child for this exciting educational opportunity!


  • Semi-finalists: View the resume summaries for the four semi-finalists for superintendent, Dr. Willie Barney, Dr. Carlondrea Hines, Dr. Jenna Mitchler and Dr. Teri Staloch. Interviews on Feb. 28 and March 1. The finalists will be announced the evening of March 1.
  • Community Q&A with finalists on Sat., March 2: Submit a question for the Community Q&A with Finalists taking place on March 2, 1-5pm at Central Community Center or submit in person. View the flier in English, Spanish and Somali. American Sign Language (ASL), Somali, and Spanish interpreters will be available. We will post a link online to submit online community feedback on finalists prior to the event.
  • Finalist interviews on March 13: Finalist interviews will begin at 3:30 p.m. at Central Community Center in Room 21. The interviews and deliberations are open to the public, live-streamed, and posted on Youtube for 30 days. We will post a link online to submit online community feedback on finalists prior to the interviews. The lone candidate will be announced the evening of March 13.
  • STORiole Pop-up shop (SLP merchandise) at March 2 and 13 meetings: The DECA STORiole is a student-run entrepreneurship that sells SLP clothing and accessories. There will be a variety of items for purchase. Cash, cards and tapless payments are accepted, or can be purchased online at The DECA STORiole. Clothing is produced by students or is purchased through minority or women-owned vendors. 


Superintendent search updates are posted several times each week. Read all updates. 

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)


Kids Place Summer Program - Registration Opens March 1, 2024


We’re excited to host the Kids Place Summer Program for grades K-5 at Aquila Elementary.

Program Highlights: 

•Balanced schedule includes structured enrichment activities as well as supervised play time for children to explore their own interests

• Daily academic skills practice 

• Focus on building friendships


Visit slpcommunityed.com/kids-place/ for more information

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. February highlights include project milestones and progress for the High School, Central Community Center, and Data Center.


Fun Fact:There will be roughly 5000 square feet of brick installed at the new SLP Data Center. That is equivalent to the size of the SLP High School Main Gym Basketball Court!


View the construction updates webpage.


In the Loop: SLP Construction Newsletter


Community Education

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 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! 






Ms. Melissa Kalinowski, Principal

Mr. Jason Boll, Assistant Principal

Mr. Cam Muata, Assistant Principal


2025 Texas Avenue South

St. Louis Park, MN 55426

Phone: 952-928-6300

Attendance: 952-928-6394

Fax: 952-928-6383

[email protected]

boll.jason@slpschools.org

muata.[email protected]

ms.slpschools.org

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