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)

March 21, 2024

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Principal's Message

Dear Middle School Families,

With the end of the third quarter coming up, the end of the year will come quickly. When we return from Spring Break, we will enter the testing season for the MCA. Please mark your calendars for the following dates and avoid scheduling appointments on these days: Tuesday, April 16th will be MCA Reading, Thursday, April 25th will be MCA Math and Wednesday, May 1st will be MCA Science (for 8th graders only.)

For our current 6th grade student families, you will be receiving a letter after Spring Break with information regarding immunizations and the requirement that these are up-to-date to start 7th grade. This fall, any student who is not up-to-date with their immunizations will not be allowed to start the school year until the student is up-to-date. Depending on how far out your clinic is scheduling appointments, I would encourage you to plan for and schedule this appointment so that your student can start on the first day of 7th grade. No cost immunizations are available at Central Clinic, however it is not open during school breaks, including summer break.

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

In partnership,

Melissa Kalinowski

Upcoming Dates

Mar. 28 - 6th Grade Field Trip to MN History Center (Permission Slip Required)

Mar. 28 - End of 3rd Quarter

Mar. 29 - No School for Students - Teacher Grading Day

Apr. 1-5 - No School - Spring Break

Apr. 16 - MCA Reading Test

Apr. 17 & 18 - Conferences - 5-8pm

Apr. 19 - Conferences 8-4pm and JumpStart for current 5th graders

Apr. 24 - Site Council - 6:30pm

Apr. 25 - MCA Math Test

May 1 - MCA Science Test (8th Grade Only)

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.

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!

Level Up

Level Up provides monthly lessons developed by our School Counselors and School Social Workers. This week students attended “Level Up” group Advisory in the PAC engaging in a trivia game to familiarize them with fun facts about colleges/universities and other post-secondary options. There was a wide array of questions ranging from history, famous people, the U of M, international students, expenses, the military, teacher feature, vocabulary, and the trades.

We had students against teachers and so far the students have beaten the teachers most rounds and have tied twice!

We encourage you to continue this conversation at home. Here are a few examples of the trivia questions:

1. How many branches of the University of MN are there?

Answer: 5 (Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris, Crookston, and Rochester)

2. What year did the first college/university open in the United States?

Answer: 1636 (Harvard University)

3. Which SLP staff members served in the military?

Answer: Mr. Bethke, Mr. Draper, and Mr. Trent

4. The new North Star Promise Scholarship will cover college expenses under what circumstances?

Answer: You are a Minnesota resident and the family income is less than $80,000

5. Which university has had a student win a medal at every Olympics since 1908?

Answer: Stanford University

6. What is the definition of a Gap year?

Answer: The year between high school graduation and starting college (usually for traveling or working)

7. Which U of M branch can Native American students attend for free?

Answer: University of Minnesota - Morris

SLPMS Debate Team to Participate in City Championship

The SLPMS Debate Team will be participating in the MN Urban Debate League City Championship on Tuesday, March 26th. Our debaters will debate against teams from all around the Metro on the topic of "disarming the Police."

The championship team is:

McKenzie Williams

Teressa Garcia

Sienna LoPesio

Alexa Sims

Antoinette Kamara (alternate)

Congratulations to our championship team, and to all the members of the Debate Team for a great season. Good luck on Tuesday!

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 - wennerberg.derek@slpschools.org

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, zumberge.lillian@slpschools.org

Jen Schmerler - co-director, schmerler.jennifer@slpschools.org

Katie Small - Technical Director, small.katie@slpschools.org

Jessica Edelheit - producer, edelheit.jessica@slpschools.org

Chris Larson - musical director, larson.christopher@slpschools.org

Washington DC Trip Information

for Current 6th Graders

ATTENTION all current 6th grade families! This is your invitation to attend an informational meeting about the 2025 Washington, D.C. trip. This trip is open to all students who are in 7th grade during the 2024-25 school year.

DATE: March 26^th, 2024

TIME: 7:30pm

LOCATION: LMC Classroom, St. Louis Park Middle School

CONTACT: Samantha Wyffels at

wyffels.samantha@slpschools.org

Financial assistance, affordable payment plans, and easy-to-use fundraising programs are available.

Extended payment plan also available! Sign up by 06/29/2024 and pay $149 a month until trip balance is paid in full!

READY TO SIGN UP NOW? Our trip ID is 215165

worldstrides.com/register

800-468-5899

Registration Information for 2024 Clay Target Team

St. Louis Park Schools has a Clay Target Team! Spring season runs from late March through early June. Students shoot 1 - 2 times a week (minimum once a week). Shooting days will be Sundays or Fridays @ Park Sportsman’s Club.

To be eligible, students must…

1. Have completed firearm safety training and obtain a firearm safety certificate.

2. Be a current 7th - 12th grade student in the S.L.P. School District.

3. Registration deadline is 3/24/2024

Interested 6th graders should obtain their Firearm Safety Certificate this year so they may compete during their 7th grade year. For registration info or any other questions please email slpclaytargetboosterclub@gmail.com

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 mullen.abigail@slpschools.org 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: engen.kristen@slpschools.org or 952-928-6389

Washington DC Trip for 7th Graders

Site Council

During the week of Spring Conferences, (April 17-19) we would like to show our support and appreciation for our amazing MS Staff.

Please click on the link below to volunteer your time, your cooking, your snack items, etc.

We are also happy to accept any monetary donations to help pull off the task of feeding these heroes.

Our Venmo account is @SLPMS-SiteCouncil

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E48ABA92BA4F85-48284532-slpmsteacher

All the information is in the Sign Up Genius link but if you have questions, please reach out to:

Laura Truett and/or Leah Anklam

laura@lauratruett.com

lahuesinganklam@yahoo.com

As a reminder, no meeting this month - our next call is April 24^th @ 630 pm

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, ewald.andrew@slpschools.org 952-928-6118

Native Craft Circle

Join us at the Native Craft Circle, hosted by the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC)! Students and families are invited to learn about the rich heritage of regalia. On March 23, April 6 and April 13, Native Craft Circle’s will be held in Room 1B at the Central Community Center. Students will be working on making their own regalia to use at upcoming events including the AIPAC Community Celebration that will be held on April 20. All are welcome to participate!

Download the Calendar-At-A-Glance for the 2024-25 school year is now available! This calendar includes important dates and details for families to stay informed and organized throughout the year. Please note the calendar is subject to change throughout the year. The bottom right corner includes a date indicating when the calendar was last updated.

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!

Paper forms are available in the middle school front desk and can be turned into the YEP offices.

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

Supporting Students During Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. This year, it will take place from March 10 to April 9. Practicing Muslim students will be fasting from dawn until dusk (approx. 5:30 a.m to 7:30 p.m). During their daily fasts, students will not partake in any food or beverage. Please be aware of what we are sharing with SLP staff about how they can provide support to students during this time:

Understanding and patience: Students may show signs of exhaustion, hunger and dehydration. Celebrations often involve gatherings and prayers late into the night, so it’s not unusual for students to be up past midnight for prayers and then get up at 3:30-4 a.m. to eat before dawn. Even students who do not fast may be tired as they may stay up late celebrating with their families.
Diversity within diversity: There is diversity within diversity, and not everyone will observe in the same way. Do not ask why someone may choose not to fast. There are many reasons why someone might not fast - it is not appropriate to ask about this.
Fasting: Educators may provide spaces for students to be away from others while eating and drinking is present. It is best to allow students a separate place.
Prayer spaces: Help to direct students to designated prayer spaces. Fasting students may request a space for prayer, and they will need to face East. Students may pray five or more times per day.
Acknowledgement: It’s also appropriate to say “Happy Ramadan, “Ramadan Kareem,” “Happy Mubarak,” “Ramadan Mubarak” if you wish to acknowledge the holiday.

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

Kindergarten Welcome: Orientation and Tours

Join as at your student's school!

Aquila, Peter Hobart, Park Spanish Immersion and Susan Lindgren Elementary Schools

Mark your calendars for March 21 from 5:30- -7:30pm! Join us for our Kindergarten welcome tours and orientation event, where you'll get an exclusive look into your child's educational journey with us!

Arrive at 5:30pm for a school tour, then stick around as your school principal shares valuable insights about our programs and services. It's the perfect opportunity to get your family ready for everything that will be part of your child's exciting kindergarten experience! We can't wait to welcome you and your rising kindergartener on March 21.

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