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 28, 2024

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Principal's Message

Dear Middle School Families,

What an interesting week we’ve had weather-wise. As a lifelong Minnesotan, I know to expect some weather in March (and possibly even in April), but I know that I am definitely in a zone to welcome Spring! Calendar-wise, spring is definitely on the horizon with Spring Break starting tomorrow, Friday, March 29th. I hope that this week brings rest and rejuvenation to all as we will have the final push of the school year when we return to school on Monday, April 8th for 4th quarter.

Since this is the transition between 3rd and 4th quarter, a reminder that PowerSchool will be turned off during Spring Break to allow time for teachers to enter final grades for 3rd quarter. PowerSchool will be turned back on Friday, April 12th. We will have student-led conferences the following week on Wednesday, April 17th from 5-8pm, Thursday, April 18th from 5-8pm and Friday, April 19th from 8am-4pm. Look for sign-up genius links to be sent when we return from Spring Break.

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

In partnership,

Melissa Kalinowski

Upcoming Dates

Mar. 28 - End of 3rd Quarter

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

Apr. 1-5 - No School - Spring Break

Apr. 10 - No School

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!

Middle School FAQs

Greetings!

International Baccalaureate schools aspire to developing units and assessments that are authentic in nature. One way we do this is to have more than one subject collaborate on a unit/assessments. This week the teachers from grade 8, science and individuals & societies, gathered to do further planning on an upcoming unit entitled, "Here Comes the Sun". This unit asks students to engage in learning from both subjects in order to be more successful on the interdisciplinary summative assessment. During April and May, ask your child what they are learning in the two subjects and how they are seeing the connections between them.

Pictured are teachers (L to R):

Dave Breitenbucher, Marta Fuster, Sam Wyffels, Tammy Englund, Katie Small and Scott Meyers. (not pictured: Dylan Bethke)

---- MYP IB Coordinator, Mia Waldera

MCA Testing Information

Dear Families of our SLPMS students,

On Tuesday, April 16th and on Thursday, April 25th during Periods 1-3 (9:05-11:30am), the entire student body will be taking the yearly MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment) reading and math tests, respectively.

We are encouraging every student to take these tests for the following reasons:

Students get to show what they know as a reader, mathematician, and thinker with regard to the state standards at their respective grade levels
Schools, teachers, and caregivers can gain valuable information about how well a student is progressing academically.
Teachers and school leaders receive information about areas of strength and gaps in our current curriculum, which then informs how educators plan lessons in math, reading, and science.
Any student who opts out of these tests is scored as “not proficient/did not meet standards” at a state level.

We are discouraging any students from opting out of the tests. If you choose to opt your student out, please keep them home in the morning and drop them off at 11:25am on that Tuesday and Thursday. We are asking this because we would like the whole building participating in and focused on showing our learning with minimal distractions. Please support us in this endeavor.

If you are interested in volunteering during MCA testing, please sign up here.

Tuesday, April 16th: Shifts 8:45-10:15am and 10:00-11:30am.
14 for each shift with the opportunity to take double shifts
Thursday, April 25th: Shifts 8:45-10:15am and 10:00-11:30am.
14 for each shift with the opportunity to take double shifts

8th Grade Job Opportunity

Attention 8th graders, if you are 14 years old and looking for summer employment, the St. Louis Park Rec Center is hiring at the Aquatic Center! Please scan the QR code on the flyer to complete an application. If you have additional questions, please contact Officer Gronski at pgronski@stlouisparkmn.gov

6th Grade Choral Students

Congratulations to the five St. Louis Park Middle School sixth grade students who were selected to perform with the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA-MN) 4-5-6 All-State Honor Choir! Sienna Dabruzzi, Bronson Gudmundson, Emma Rego, Louisa Tuttle Magee, and Nora Ostlund were selected from hundreds of applicants across the state of Minnesota. They rehearsed and performed with other selected singers on March 23rd at St. Michael Albertville High School. Dr. Shekela Wanyama (associate conductor of VocalPoint) and Mr. Joshua Pedde (director of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir) were the featured conductors for the two choral ensembles. We are proud of the hard work and dedication that these students have shown as they prepared their music and performed in this special event!

Talent Show Auditions

Hi Middle School Parents! The talent show this year will happen during the day on May 31. Why tell you now? Because try-outs will be after school Mon, April 15 and Tues, April 16 and during 5th hour April 16th. Help your middle schooler show off their skills! Help them get their act together.

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

Swim Lessons

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

Due to inclement weather, the informational meeting for the June, 2025 Washington, D.C. trip has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 16th, 2024.

This meeting is open to all current 6th grade families who will have students in the 7th grade during the 2024-25 school year.

NEW DATE: April 16^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

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.

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!

Don't miss out on an incredible summer experience! Registration for our Summer Learning Academy ends March 31st. Sign up your student now for academic enrichment and fun at St. Louis Park Middle School. You can register online or pick up paper forms at the front office. Drop off completed forms to Mr. Young in the YEP office or at the front office. Secure your spot today!

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

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

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: The SLP HS Storm Shelter has over 500 tons of concrete used for the structure. That weight is equivalent to 195 Knutson work Trucks!

View the construction updates webpage.

In the Loop: SLP Construction Newsletter