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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 8, 2024
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Dear Middle School Families,
We’ve had a strong start to the 3rd Quarter here at the middle school! Thank you for your support in conversations with your student around registration for next year’s classes. Our goal is to have all current student registrations complete by the end of February.
We have upcoming opportunities for family engagement. Tomorrow, Site Council will host Coffee with the Principal and we will learn more about the IB transition between elementary (PYP), Middle School (MYP) and High School (DP - Diploma Programme.) On Monday, we invite guardians in to celebrate National African American Parent Involvement Day where student work will be highlighted.
Mark your calendars for Friday, March 15 as we will host conferences with individual teachers in their classrooms. Teachers will be available to conference from 9-10:45am for the morning session and from 11:45am to 4pm for the afternoon session.
Thank you for your continued support of your student here at SLPMS!
In partnership,
Melissa Kalinowski
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Feb. 9 - Coffee with the Principals - 9:15am
Feb. 12 - NAAPID
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!
Tony Drews from Nashke Native Games was a guest speaker for 8th graders on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Keystone/Design 8 classes all met with him and enjoyed playing his Ojibwe language and culture games. Staff were invited to play the games before school as well as select 6th and 7th grade students with interest during advisory. Tony is a great example of how "real life" people identify a need in their community and use their vision, talent and energy to meet that need in order to make this a more peaceful planet. Building intercultural understanding and respect is a key value to St. Louis Park district and IB World Schools. Students in 8th grade are currently involved in planning their own action for communities that they value by using their personal talents and inquiries in a similar way. Experiencing a real life Community Project like Tony's was the learning that 8th graders did on their Community Projects this week. Here's a few pictures of the experience...
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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 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.
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 is February 12
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We honor the invaluable contributions of African American parents, families, and communities in supporting education and empowering our youth. National African American Parent Involvement Day is an annual celebration that promotes and provides strategies for all parents and students to take full advantage of the educational process at all levels of the educational system.
SLP Middle School will be welcoming our African American families Monday morning in the Performing Arts Center at 9:30am for National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID). Families will join us for a few student-led activities including:
* Coffee & Donuts with our visitors in the PAC Theater;
* Circle -- Introductions and opportunities to share about students’ MS experiences, Advisory classes’ Black History Learning Doors, and recent topics/learnings/artwork/exhibitions from Keystone, Design, Music, and/or other classes and activities;
* Then, Student Tour Guides will lead small groups of visitors through the building before returning to the PAC Theater to wrap up.
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Childrens MN Living With Grief Youth Group | |
Girls Youth Lacrosse Clinic | |
On Wednesday, 2/7, Ms. Annaliese Heim, the SLPHS Band Director, and the Wind Ensemble, visited the 8th grade band classes to perform for our students along with informing them of the HS band program and what musical options exist for them in high school. It was a great chance for our MS students to hear directly from HS band students and why they should continue band in HS. | |
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! | |
U of M Talented Youth Mathematic Program Information
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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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Our next virtual Site Council meeting is February 21st, 630 pm.
After that we have just two left - April 24th and May 15th.
Hope to see you there!
Please join us for Coffee with the Principals this Friday, February 9 from 9:15 a.m. – 10 a.m. in the Auditorium.
Stay in touch with your principal team. Hear what's happening at the School. Get your questions answered.
Coffee and Donuts provided - while they last!
Keith Richardson - MS Site Council President ([email protected])
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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.
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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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Important Dates in February
We realized that some of the February dates we shared in the district e-newsletter, the SLP Communicator, were incorrect. Please see the updated dates:
In February we celebrate Black History Month, Minnesota School Board Recognition Month, and Career and Technical Education Month
- 1 - World Hijab Day
- 2 - No School E-12 (Professional Development)
- 5-9 - National School Counseling Week
- 7 - Special School Board Meeting, 7pm
- 10 - Lunar New Year
- 12 - National African American Family Involvement Day
- 13 - School Board Meeting, 6:30pm (Open Forum moved to 2/13 instead of 2/28)
- 14 - Beginning of Lent (Christian)
- 15 - International Digital Learning Day
- 16 - No School K-5 (Conferences); 6-12 in session
- 17 - Random Acts of Kindness Day
- 19 - No School E-12 (President’s Day)
- 21 - Special School Board Meeting 6pm; School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
- 26-3/1 - MASA Public Schools Week
- 28 - School Board Meeting 5pm (Special Meeting at 5:15pm)
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February School Board Open Forum - Feb. 13 th at 6:30 p.m.
School Board open forum (where community members provide public comment to the school board) typically occurs on the 2nd board meeting of the month. Since the Feb. 28 regular school board meeting is very short (about 15 minutes) to accommodate the school board’s special meeting focused on the superintendent search, we’ve moved the date of open forum to the February 13, 2024 meeting at 6:30 p.m. Sign up for open forum.
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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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National School Counselor Week Feb. 5-9
Thank you school counselors! School counselors help to foster the academic, social, and emotional well-being of students. Through their unwavering dedication and expert guidance, they contribute significantly to shaping the trajectory of our schools and communities. Their efforts make a profound impact, empowering students to thrive and ensuring a brighter future for all.
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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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