|
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 25, 2024
| |
|
Dear Middle School Families,
Our process for current 6th and 7th grade students to select classes at the Middle School for the 2024-2025 School Year is officially kicking off today with the publication of the 2024-2025 Course Catalog. We’re excited to offer a couple new options for electives next year for 7th and 8th Grade Students.
- Digital Media is a new course that combines the previous courses of Digital Illustration and Digital Photography. The full description of this course can be found on page 25.
- Yearbook Class is a yearlong class where students will design and create the school yearbook. The full description of this course can be found on page 25.
- Exercise Science is a new science elective focusing on the human body and physical activity. The full description of this course can be found on page 24.
During the week of February 5, counselors will visit 6th grade I&S classes to help students register for classes. Counselors will work with current 7th grade students in their Lang & Lit classes the week of February 12 to register for classes.
You can review the 2024-2025 Course Catalog here for all required classes for 7th and 8th grade students as well as elective options.
As a reminder, PowerSchool access will be turned off today for teachers to complete Quarter 2 grades. PowerSchool access will be turned back on Friday, February 2.
Thank you for your continued support of your student here at SLPMS!
In partnership,
Melissa Kalinowski
| |
|
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. 12 - NAAPID
Feb. 19 - No School - Presidents Day
| |
Interdisciplinary Team Websites | |
|
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!
There are two areas to celebrate this week (as well as many more) in our International Baccalaureate World School.
1st: Attention 8th grade families
The 8th grade students are engaged in the investigation aspect of their Community Project this week and starting their planning. They are working on this during Keystone Design 8 class this week with time embedded during advisory next week with their newly assigned Community Project supervisor. Here's a slide from this week:
| As you support your child's progress, notice the colors on the slide correspond to the colors of the slides in the students' digital notebook. Click here to see the guidance given during the investigation phase in the digital notebook. Students will receive a score in "investigating" (Criterion A) by the end of the project. Here's a copy of the simplified rubric that will be used: | |
|
General questions about IB or the Community Project? connect with Mia Waldera, IB Coordinator ([email protected])
Other resources?
*Evelyn Lashley, Community Project Coordinator
*your child's Keystone Design 8 Teacher
*you child's Community Project Supervisor (see Powerschool)
2nd: In IB World Schools: "Students identify and foster healthy relationships, an understanding of shared responsibility, and the ability to collaborate effectively." This standard is brought to life in our classrooms, here's an example:
Seventh and eighth grade Ceramics & Sculpture students have been hard at work on the pop-up gallery show, Sculpture Wars, which features large-scale papier-mâché sculptures. Students worked in groups to create a sculpture of their choosing – artworks include everything from Batman to Nike tennis shoes to super-sized food items – and focused on collaboration, communication and craftsmanship in this friendly artistic competition.
Groups are competing against one another for first, second, third and fourth place. Winners will have their work showcased in the display case near the school entrance on Monday, January 29th.
Voting is open to the entire staff as well as 6th grade advisories. Please stop down to room 152 through Thursday, Jan. 25, to view student works and vote for your top four favorite sculptures!
Winners of the Sculpture Wars competition will be announced Monday, Jan. 29, and voting for the competition closes this Thursday. Thanks to the great work done by our students and everyone who voted!
Link to slidedeck for Sculpture Wars
Respectfully,
Mia Waldera - Middle School IB Coordinator
[email protected]
| |
After School Spectators for MS Sporting Events
| |
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
| |
|
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.
| |
8th Grade Parent Registration Letter
| |
Virtual 6th Grade Parent Information night
| |
|
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
| |
Childrens MN Living With Grief Youth Group | |
Empowering Healthy Choices | |
|
January Level Up
This week our school counselors and social workers facilitated a “Level Up” lesson during advisory class about Empowering Healthy Choices. Level Up lessons are delivered in a large group format in our Performing Arts Center. We encourage you to continue this conversation at home. Below is a quick summary of the information provided with some discussion questions you can ask your student.
Learning Objectives:
- Acknowledge Stressors
- Consider what we have control over and what we don’t have control over
- Learn how our choices impact our whole selves
- Making healthy decisions is up to us
- Ideas for Self Care
Things Middle Schoolers Juggle
What’s missing? Students shared out: technology, money, discrimination, racism, homophobia,etc.
Everyone has their own “juggling” in their lives
We gave a scenario that students shared their ideas
Scenario: You are up all night playing a video game. When you get to school….
How is your
PHYSICAL HEALTH impacted? (tired, fall asleep in class, not coordinated)
Your EMOTIONAL HEALTH? (crabby/cranky, quick to anger)
Your SOCIAL HEALTH? (not being yourself around your friends, get in arguments)
Your COGNITIVE HEALTH? (not being able to focus in class, not remembering)
Your SPIRITUAL HEALTH? (not enjoying things important to you, not able to follow values)
Self Care Video
Discussion Questions
- Have your student reflect on some of the balls they may be “juggling”
- Ask them about self care ideas they would like to try, watch the video together.
- Have your student tell you about three choices they made today and how they impact their whole selves (physical, emotional, social, cognitive and spiritual).
- Ask your student if they have questions about unhealthy choices.
| |
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. | |
U of M Talented Youth Mathematic Program Information
| |
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
| |
|
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
| |
Washington DC Trip for 7th Graders | |
|
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]
| |
|
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.
| | |
|
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
| | |
|
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.
| | |
|
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.
| | |
|
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. 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
| |
|
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!
| | | | |
