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)

October 12, 2023

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Principal's Message

Dear Middle School Families,

We had a very successful IB evaluation visit last week. The evaluators were very impressed and stated that they have not ever given as many commendations as they gave us! A few highlights in their feedback on what we do well:

Students feel they can easily communicate with staff and that staff care and help them.
We embody international-mindedness and the IB Learner Profile attributes.
Our written curriculum is impressive and implemented with fidelity and integrity and is rigorous.
We offer abundant Social-Emotional Learning support for our students in considering the whole student.
We have a system of strong collaboration between teachers.
We show a strong commitment to equity and culturally relevant pedagogy in our everyday practices.
Student voice and choice is embedded in our daily instruction.
Students are provided multiple opportunities to assess their learning.

Once we receive our final report, we will hold a community meeting to share our results and next steps.

Thank you to all families who came last Friday for our open house. It was a wonderful day to connect and we appreciate your support! Our next opportunities for connection are Coffee with the Principal at 9:15 on Friday, November 10 and student-led conferences Nov. 15-17.

Speaking of support, thank you for supporting the annual Site Council fundraiser. As of today, over $15,000 has been raised. Contributions are still welcome and will be accepted tomorrow and beyond.

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

In partnership,

Melissa Kalinowski

Upcoming Dates

October 16th	MAP Testing-Periods-5-7 (1:30-3:52pm)
October 17th	MAP Testing-Periods-1-3 (9:05-11:30am)
Oct. 18th-20th	No School for Students
Nov. 2nd	End of Quarter
Nov. 3rd	No School - Grading Day

MAP Testing Information

Dear Families of our SLPMS students,

On Monday, October 16th during Periods 5-7 (1:30-3:52pm) and on Tuesday, October 17th during Periods 1-3 (9:05-11:30am), the entire student body will be taking the yearly MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) math and reading tests.

We are encouraging every student to take this test for the following reasons:

MAP tests shows individual student growth from year to year.
Every question is tailored to the individual student and where the student is academically.
Students get to show what they know as a reader, mathematician, and thinker.
MAP results show students, teachers, and staff what learning has already happened and what learning needs to be done.

We are discouraging any students from opting out of the tests. If you choose to opt your student out, please pick them up at 1:30pm on Monday, October 16th and drop them off at 11:25am on Tuesday, October 17th. 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 MAP testing, please sign up here.

Monday, October 16th: Shifts 1:00-2:45pm and 2:15-4pm
14 for each shift with the opportunity to take double shifts
Tuesday, October 17th: Shifts 8:45-10:15am and 10:00-11:30am.
14 for each shift with the opportunity to take double shifts

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.

IB World School Updates

Greetings!

International Baccalaureate World Schools work to bring the following practice to life on their campus:

"Coherent curriculum: The school provides opportunities for teachers to use collaborative planning and reflection to develop interdisciplinary understanding."

As an IB World School, St. Louis Park Middle School also values this practice and this year we have organized our students and staff into color teams. Each grade level has two teams and the staff on those teams meet together on Thursday mornings. So many rich and exciting connections are being made as well as a team approach to support students.

See images of the Blue Team and Orange Team here...not all members are pictured.

IB Coordinator,

Mia Waldera

[email protected]

Blue Team Staff:

Science: Jessica Honza and Ellyn Swenson
Individuals & Societies: Abigail Olson
Language and Literature: Marissa Thayer and Emma Wortman
Math: Hollis Britton
Front Office Staff: Cam Muata, Delana Brinkman, Ron Howard, Kristen Engen-Routzohn

Orange Team Staff:

Language & Literature: Emma Wortman, Caitlin Persky, & Lisa Lillie
Individuals & Societies: Rob Hansen, Molly Rosen, & Belva Peterson (ESP)
Math: Lisa Laptavijok, Caitlin Persky, & Hollis Britton
Science: Mehgan Setten, Melanie Khalaf (ESP)
Front Office Staff: Jason Boll, Wendy Klute, Kristen Engen-Routzohn, Mia Waldera & Ron Howard

Join us for the SLP Homecoming Festivities on October 13, 2023

All residents, families, staff, and alumni are invited to join together for this year's SLP Homecoming events! There will be a student parade from 4:30-5:00pm from the High School to the Football Stadium and the football game where the SLP Orioles will take on Cretin-Derham Hall - kickoff at 7pm. Come join the fun!

Homecoming Expectations:

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 game. The student must be in the bleachers unless with the accompanying adult.
No bags, backpacks or outside food/drink will be allowed in. No reentry. Please remember there are no cash ticket sales and no refunds.
Admission will stop at the end of the third quarter.

Please purchase your tickets here: https://gopark.hometownticketing.com/embed/event/171?es=3d0ggtfutrl2gq6rs8tuc4ha8a&single=1

Middle School FAQ's

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!

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.

Girls' Basketball Starts Oct. 30th

Registration is open for all 6-8th graders and practice starts after school on Monday, October 30th. 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 - [email protected]

Under the Influence Documentary

Join the Enviromental Green Team!

Does your student care about our environment and want to make a difference through action? Then the Environmental Club is for them! Student-driven action, guest speakers, field trips and partnerships with community members are all goals of the club! Let's amplify the student voices in our community!

When: We will meet after school on Wednesdays during the school year from 4p-5:15p. (*Note that the first few weeks students will need their own transportation, but can get a bus pass if needed) If your student also plays a sport/theatre/music, they can always come for the first part of the meetings and leave for practice.

Cost: FREE

Where: We will meet in Room 205 - Mrs. Setten's Room

Please reach out to Ms. Swenson or Ms. Setten if you have any questions.

Email:

[email protected]

We hope to see you there!

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

Cold Weather is Here

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.

School Wide Spelling Bee Update

Spelling Bee on Tuesday

25 students will compete in the SLP MS Spelling Bee on Tuesday, October 17 at 6:30. We will keep you updated on a winner. Good luck to all of our spellers. Just getting up on that stage is a victory!

8th Grade Buddy Program Launching after MEA

(Photo from May 2023)

Last year we started a Buddy Program for 8th graders to build community in our school through inclusion. It was a huge success and a highlight of the year for many students! Over the next few weeks, Ms. Alex McGue will be coming with her class to visit all Keystone Design 8 classes. They will give an overview of the optional buddy program between students in General Education and Special Education. If students choose to participate, they will join Ms. McGue's class about once per month during their Keystone Design 8 class. Students will build social and academic skills through games, science experiments, reading, and more.

Please talk to your 8th grader about whether they would like to join, and contact their Keystone Design 8 teacher with questions!

SLP MS Play Update -

The Redemption of Gertie Greene

Here is the rehearsal schedule for both cast and crew.

Email [email protected] or [email protected] with questions related to rehearsals and performances. Contact [email protected] with questions about crew.

2nd Annual International Day of the Girls

You are cordially invited to our 2nd Annual International Day of the Girl event being hosted on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 10am - 2pm at The Woman's Club of Minneapolis!

Our goal is to inspire and empower girls of all ethnicities toward seeing that they, too, can achieve the visions that they have for themselves and that they don't have to wait until they are 'grown' to do so!

The first hour of the day will be focused on highlighting our panel, guest and keynote speakers who are all middle and high school girls currently owning their businesses throughout the Twin Cities! The following three hours will be a steady flow of girls having fun at 'experiential booths' and patronizing throughout our 'Teen MarketPlace'.

We invite you to head over to our eventbrite -https://InternationalDayoftheGirlMpls.eventbrite.com - to register your favorite girl(s) and to share this information and link with girls and families that you believe will enjoy a day to celebrate girls!

Red Cross Babysitters' Training (Ages 11+)

Youth Enrichment Programs (YEP) is excited to once again start offering 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 activities that are age-appropriate
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: Saturdays, November 4 & 11

Time: 9 am-Noon

Location: St. Louis Park Middle School LMC Classroom

Price: $119

Click here to register now!

Park Select Choir

Spread the word to all of your fantastic students. We will be starting our Park Select Choir for grades 6-8 on Friday, October 13th at 8:05am. Students can register by visiting bit.ly/parkselectchoir, or by scanning the QR code to the left. This activity is open to all students, not just current choir singers. Thanks, and have a great week!

Maslon UPLIFT Mock Trial Information

Maslon Uplift Mock Trial begins after school on Tuesday, October 10th. Students will gather in Ms. Lisa Lillie's classroom (2319) where attorneys & law students will be there to create this extraordinary experience for our 8th grade students who signed up.

Students will need to either sign up for the Activity Bus (which leaves here around 5:25 pm) or arrange pick up with an adult. Here is a link for the bus. Once transportation receives this form, students will be issued a laminated bus pass that they will need to board the bus.

We are so grateful to be able to bring this opportunity to our students! If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Catherine Ahlin-Halverson or Ms. Lisa Lillie.

Yearbook News

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]

Site Council

SLP Middle School Fundraiser and Spirit Week - Happening Now

100% of the money donated goes directly to SLPMS Site Council.

As a direct result of the money raised, we can offer enrichment programs, pay for

field trips, support staff appreciation events, fund the Global Intern program, host a grade level end-of-year party and more. All of this is made possible, solely by the money raised.

If you have already donated - THANK YOU!

For anyone who still wants to, there is time to do so.

We can accept payment in the form of Venmo, Cash or Check.

Venmo = @SLPMS-SiteCouncil

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, [email protected] 952-928-6118

Aquatics is Hiring - Earn Extra $

Hispanic Heritage Month: Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept.15 to Oct.15, and provides us an opportunity to honor and recognize the significant contributions of Hispanic and Latino people in our society. It is with great appreciation of the resilience, creativity, and innovation of each individual and the gifts they bring to our school community.

October is National Farm to School Month!

Join us and thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities and organizations across the country as we celebrate food education, school gardens and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients. Read more about some of our local partners!

Button: https://www.slpschools.org/default-board-post-page/~board/district/post/national-farm-to-school-month