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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 18, 2024
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Dear Middle School Families,
As an IB School, one of the expectations is that our 8th grade students complete a Community Project. During the past week, students selected whether they wanted to work as an individual, in a group of two or a group of three and have been assigned a Community Project advisor (which more than likely is different than their current advisor.) This work during the school day will occur during advisory over the next few weeks. There are five phases of the Community Project:
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Students will present their projects to 6th and 7th grade classes on March 6th. If you have an 8th grader, thank you for your support of this project, especially if you are donating materials, driving time, etc. to support your student in the completion of this project.
As a reminder, the end of 2nd quarter is next Thursday, January 25th. On that date, PowerSchool will be turned off for about a week in order for teachers to complete quarter grading. Please be sure to check PowerSchool before January 25th.
Thank you for your continued support of your student here at SLPMS!
In partnership,
Melissa Kalinowski
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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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Grade 8 Families,
The students in 8th grade are in the early stages of their Community Project this week. Here's a little information on what the Community Project is all about:
The Community Project is...
- The capstone Project to the IB Middle Years Program
- Students taking action on a need in their community, based on their personal interest
- Supervisors giving guidance to groups as they work towards their goal
- Students reflecting on their journey from the beginning of the process through the end
Students have identified their groups (1 to 3 students) and they've been assigned a supervisor. Their supervisor will be coaching them with their community project along with their Keystone Design 8 teacher. They will be meeting with their supervisor during advisory time at regular intervals. Students have created a copy of the Community Project Digital Notebook and shared with their supervisor and Keystone teacher. This week they met with their group with their supervisor with the action goal due this Friday (see slide 5 of the digital notebook).
What can you do? Please ask your child what they are interested in doing for their project and if they are working with others or alone.
General questions about the community project? Please connect with Mia Waldera (IB Coordinator), Evelyn Lashley (Community Project Coordinator) or contact your student's Keystone Design 8 teacher or their Project Supervisor (see Powerschool).
Respectfully,
Mia Waldera - Middle School IB Coordinator
waldera.mia@slpschools.org
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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. | |
2024-1025 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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Childrens MN Living With Grief Youth Group | |
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 - wennerberg.derek@slpschools.org
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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 mullen.abigail@slpschools.org 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: engen.kristen@slpschools.org or 952-928-6389
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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
wyffels.samantha@slpschools.org
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The staff refrigerator at the Middle School is in need of replacement. We have already seen a wonderful display of energy from this generous community of parents and guardians, around this news. We can put it to some great use
If you are able to donate, do so here @SLPMS-Site Council - via Venmo
Or, you can mail a check directly to the middle school, addressed to the Site Council.
2025 Texas Ave S
SLP, 55416
We will use these funds to get it replaced ASAP. If we have the wonderful situation where a little extra is leftover, we will use those funds to cover some other unexpected expenses
All money raised will impact the school in some manner!
Thank you
Keith Richardson
Site Council Chair
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Superintendent Search Update
- Magnets: We are aware that many families received multiple magnets instead of the intended one per household. Our printing vendor accidentally missed the important step of merging duplicate addresses. We sincerely apologize for the wastefulness. Please know that our printing vendor is crediting the district for costs related to this error. If you have extra magnets, please consider dropping them at your student’s school and we will distribute them to staff and community members.
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FAQs: Superintendent Search FAQs: We’ve added 45+ questions to the online FAQs about the superintendent search. Visit the super search webpage to learn more.
- Online and Hard Copies of the Superintendent Survey: The online community superintendent search survey is open through January 18. Hard copies of the survey can be picked up and dropped off at your school’s main office. Please turn in the hard copy of the survey by January 22. The survey is available in English, Spanish and Somali.
Take the survey - open through 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, ewald.andrew@slpschools.org 952-928-6118
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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.
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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 schifsky.jodi@slpschools.org 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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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
kalinowski.melissa@slpschools.org
boll.jason@slpschools.org
muata.cameron@slpschools.org
ms.slpschools.org
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