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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)
January 11, 2024
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Dear Middle School Families,
It is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through the school year! It’s important to note for students and caregivers that Thursday, January 25th, 2024 is the last day of the second quarter. Teachers will be communicating with students and caregivers around the end of the quarter summatives that students should be preparing for. I encourage all students and caregivers to be checking grades on PowerSchool to ensure that all work for the quarter is complete and submitted.
We are anxiously anticipating the conclusion of our locker room construction project which is scheduled to complete in the next few weeks. Once the project is done, students will be assigned a locker for Phy Ed. Phy Ed teachers will communicate with students and caregivers as we near this date.
We will be hosting an informational meeting for families of incoming 6th grade students on Thursday, January 25th at 6:30pm. Current SLP 5th grade families will be receiving communication from me around this information, but if you have family, friends and neighbors who are not currently enrolled in SLP schools, but would benefit from knowing about this event, please share this information with them. Middle School Counselors will be visiting each 5th grade classroom to share information related to registration for middle school the week of January 29th. Students will receive a paper registration form for planning, but actual registration for classes will occur through a Google Form emailed to 5th grade SLP email addresses at the end of the week. Additionally, our band and choir programs are planning to visit each elementary school site on Tuesday, January 30th to provide 5th grade students with a better understanding of each music option.
Please see the information below regarding the full registration timeline for current 6th, 7th and 8th grade students.
Thank you for your continued support of your student here at SLPMS!
In partnership,
Melissa Kalinowski
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Jan. 15 - MLK Jr. Day - No School
Jan. 25 - Last day of 2nd quarter
Jan. 25 - Virtual Information Night for Incoming 6th Grade Students - 6:30pm
Jan. 26 - No School - Grading Day
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. 19 - No School - Presidents Day
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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,
International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools have the following standard that they work to bring to life on their campus.
"Teachers use inquiry, action and reflection to develop natural curiosity in students."
The IB evaluation team found evidence of this standard on our campus during their October evaluation visit. Here's an excerpt of the final evaluation report (future further sharing to come):
"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."
The Design 6 teachers have been collaborating to bring even further inquiry and relevance to their units. They met for a half day recently to continue deep planning on their "Bridges" unit.
Pictured (L to R) are Design 6 teachers with samples of student work:
Hollis Britton-Christensen, Ellyn Swenson, and Scott Beglinger
Pictured is the Design Cycle that is the heart of the Design courses grades 6-8.
Respectfully,
Mia Waldera - Middle School IB Coordinator
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Pictured (L to R) are Design 6 teachers with samples of student work:
Hollis Britton-Christensen, Ellyn Swenson, and Scott Beglinger
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Pictured is the Design Cycle that is the heart of the Design courses grades 6-8 | | |
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. | |
2024-1025 School Year Registration Timeline
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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.
More Registration Information for 8th Grade Parents
Registration for the 2024-25 school year is coming.
Help your student get prepared by watching this short video.
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Virtual 6th Grade Parent Information night
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Exciting News for 5th Grade Parents! Join us on Jan. 25, 2024, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for our online 6th Grade Information Night. Meet teachers, learn about the curriculum, and interact with our amazing principal. Don't miss out on this opportunity to kickstart a successful 6th-grade journey!
Find out more at ms.slpschools.org/grade6
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Today in Englund's science class, we were able to review the human body systems by looking at dissected fetal pigs. Students were able to explain the different body systems they saw an assortment of organs in the pigs. Haugo and Wineberg's classes will be seeing these in the coming days. | |
It's not too late to register for Boys' Basketball!
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Registration is open for all 6-8th graders and practice started after school on Monday, January 8th. Registration and information can be found on the Middle School Athletics page on the Middle School website. You must have an updated sports physical before you are able to register.
If you have any questions please email Derek Wennerberg - [email protected]
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St Louis Park Middle School Mountain Bike Team News | |
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The St Louis Park Middle School Mountain Bike Team wrapped up an excellent year in October. The team finished in the top three in each of their four regular season races. At the state championship race at Mount Kato, they finished 4th.
A number of individual riders also received recognition with their top 15 finish in season points.
6th Grade Girls
- Willow Swanson, 2nd
- Laila Lind, 8th
- Abbey Milton, 9th
6th Grade Boys
7th Grade Boys
- Jack Tate, 9th
- Benny Ruzek, 11th
8th Grade Boys
9th Grade Boys
This was an exciting year of growth for the team as the number of riders exceeded 30 for the first time, more than doubling the size of the team from last year. Mountain biking is a rapidly growing sport in Minnesota with the total number of riders statewide at nearly 3,000 for the 2023 racing season.
The St Louis Park Mountain Bike Team practices at Theodore Wirth Park twice per week starting just after July 4th. Races are mainly on Saturdays for middle school and Sundays for high school riders. Regular season races are in Sept and early Oct with the season finale state race in Mid October. Please visit our website at www.slpmtb.org or email [email protected] for more information. We welcome all levels of experience and also have a need for volunteer coaches to support practice rides.
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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. | |
St Louis Park Middle School Update
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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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As the weather has turned, it is important that students dress warmly in order to go outside for Phy Ed class, and coming into school as this is often the coolest part of the day. Students who use a blanket as a jacket will be required to put their blanket into their locker. Blankets cannot be worn in Phy Ed class for warmth for safety reasons. It is recommended that students consider leaving a sweatshirt in their lockers as different parts of the building are often differing temperatures throughout the day. | |
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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
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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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Get involved with the superintendent selection process
We’ve mailed a magnet postcard to SLP families with a QR code. We invite families to stay informed with real-time updates about the superintendent search. Right now, families can take an anonymous survey to help the school board understand the qualities you want in a superintendent. Please complete the survey by Jan. 18.
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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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Second Annual National Day of Racial Healing
Join us for the second annual National Day of Racial Healing Event on Monday, January 15 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Westwood Hills Nature Center. This program is an opportunity for children, teens, neighbors, and community members to learn about each other’s diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and lived experiences. All are invited to participate in the community conversation facilitated by high school students in St. Louis Park. The program is free for all ages. Dinner provided by Chef Jeff Catering.
2024's event will include music provided by community member Mari Harris, a keynote speech delivered by Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan and a closing by St. Louis Park Mayor Nadia Mohamed.
We are kindly requesting all registered participants to contribute to our STEP food donation drive by bringing non-perishable food items with them to the event.
This event is free and open to all ages. To register for the 2024 event, please follow this link - https://secure.rec1.com/MN/st-louis-park-mn/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTI3OTU1NTA=
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Check out A Trip to the Moon by Tracy Wells Jan. 19-21!
The St. Louis Park High School theater invites you to A Trip to the Moon. Set in the summer of 1969, A Trip to the Moon highlights the impact of the Apollo 11 lunar landing on daily life back on Earth. Fragmented perspectives follow more than 40 characters, including a frazzled NASA engineer, a conspiracy theorist, a hopeful groom, a mother dreading her son’s daft letter, a runaway clown, and families gathered around their televisions to witness Neil Armstrong’s famous first steps.
Due to construction at the High School, all performances will be held at the Middle School Performing Arts Center, located at 2025 Texas Ave S. Performances are Jan. 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens, and free with student ID for all SLPHS students.
Purchase tickets
For more information: Jodi Schifsky by email at [email protected] or by phone at 952-928-6221.
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January Bird Feeder Updates
The St. Louis Park Bird Feeder, a district-wide food shelf initiative, continues its mission to support students in need. In the latest update, six emergency bags were efficiently packed and distributed, providing essential sustenance. Additionally, three Snack Boxes and one Hygiene Box were prepared for those requiring extra assistance. As the new month unfolds, a reminder echoes for the community to utilize the provided form for requests, ensuring swift responses within two business days. This proactive approach reflects the commitment to address immediate needs, fostering a caring environment within the St. Louis Park community.
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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 new synthetic turf field installation consists of 199 tons of sand and 174 tons of fine rubber pellets installed on top of the turf to ‘fill in’ the turf fibers and reduce the impact of the field users. This volume of sand is enough
to fill over 300 backyard sandboxes and this amount of rubber is roughly the equivalent of over 28,000 car tires! View the construction updates webpage.
In the Loop: SLP Construction Newsletter
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Middle School Youth Enrichment Programs
Middle School Cooking/Baking Club
Join us to learn basic cooking skills by making a new recipe every week!
Wednesdays, Jan. 17-Feb. 21
4-5:15 pm
Pick your price: $39/$49/$59/$69 (pay the price that works best for your family)
Click here to register now!
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!
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