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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)
October 5, 2023
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Dear Middle School Families,
This upcoming week is SLP Homecoming Week and we will be celebrating it here at SLPMS with Spirit Week. Each day next week will have a special theme:
Monday - PJ Day
Tuesday - Twin Day
Wednesday - Barbie Day
Thursday - Team Color Team - wear the color of your school team
6th Grade - Orange or Blue
7th Grade - Red or Purple
8th Grade - Green or Yellow
Friday - SLP Color Day
6th Grade - White
7th Grade - Orange
8th Grade - Black
Middle School students will have an opportunity to participate in the Homecoming Parade on Friday, Oct. 13th at 4:30pm. We have 50 slots available to students. A permission slip will be available from Ms. Wyffels in room 2321 starting on Monday. All participating students must have this permission slip signed and turned in by Thursday afternoon. Parents are responsible for transporting their students to and from the parade.
As a reminder, all middle school students must be accompanied by a parent to attend the football game. Students without a parent will be denied entry. See below for details.
GO PARK!!!
Thank you for your continued support of your student here at SLPMS!
In partnership,
Melissa Kalinowski
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| October 6th | Fall Open House/Teacher Meet and Greet - 9:00-10:45 am and 11:45am-4:00pm
Please check this document for middle school staff who have limited availability on Oct. 6th due to other teaching responsibilities in other buildings.
Asynchronous Learning Day | | October 11th | Site Council Meeting - 6:30-8:00pm | | October 16th | MAP Testing-Periods-5-7 (1:30-3:52pm) | | October 17th | MAP Testing-Periods-1-3 (9:05-11:30am) | | |
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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.
Sign up Genius Information
- 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
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SLP Middle School Open House | |
Asynchronous Day Expectations for Students for Oct. 6th | |
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Friday, October 6th is the first of four asynchronous learning days for the 2023-2024 school year. (Other days include Friday, November 17th, Friday, March 15 and Friday, April 19.)
Asynchronous days are school days. Teachers will post 10-20 minutes of work for their class that students will complete online at home by 9:00am. Students will have until 3:00pm to complete their work for the day. Teachers will be taking attendance based on student completion of assigned tasks. Students will be marked absent if they do not complete the assigned work for that day.
Students should reach out directly to their teacher if they are encountering any issues or challenges completing the assigned work that day.
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General illness and COVID-19 Procedures | |
St. Louis Park Public Schools will continue to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) regarding COVID-19 during the 2023-24 school year. COVID testing is recommended for individuals with COVID symptoms. Tests are currently available at school. Students/staff testing positive for COVID-19 should stay home a full 5 days and return to school on day 6 if their symptoms have improved & they have been fever free for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication. They should wear a mask through day 10. For more information on illness prevention and COVID-19 procedures visit: https://www.slpschools.org/about/departments/health-services | |
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Greetings,
We are so engaged this week in hosting our virtual evaluation visitors. There are two evaluators that are assigned to be with us this week and complete the final phase of our school's self study and evaluation process. One of them comes to us from Doha, Qatar. She is currently working in an International Baccalaureate World school there but is South African by heritage. The other evaluator comes to us from Colorado, USA. This week has been filled with conversations between the evaluation team and: our school board chair, district office representatives, families, staff, administration, and students. They have been doing virtual classroom visits, joining via Zoom on an I-Pad that was carried around. Please see images of Melanie Khalaf (science and Spanish teacher) and Faduma Adeed (IB Coordinator at the HS) who were 2 of many who assisted with our classroom observations. We are hosting our concluding meeting later today and look forward to sharing their findings with you.
--Mia Waldera, MYP IB Coordinator
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This is a screenshot of one of the virtual zoom conversations that took place this week around "Learning". Teachers and evaluators pictured left to right and top to bottom:
Tyler Northey(Design and Visual Arts), Jessica Edelheit (Language & Literature), Tyler Broderson (Individuals & Societies), Michelle Logan (evaluator), Elani McDonald (evaluator), Mehgan Setten (Science and Design/Keystone), Katie Small (Science and Design), Michelle Stark (Math), Evelyn Lashley (Language & Literature and Design/Keystone), Gladis Romero (Immersion/Language Acquisition)
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Join us for the SLP Homecoming Festivities on October 13, 2023
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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
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This week 7th graders had a wonderful hands-on experience at Westwood Nature Center. Our science department has been building a relationship with Westwood to create unique learning experiences for all students. On this trip, students were able to explore biotic and abiotic factors. Students found the most important factors in the bog, in pond water using microscopes, at the apiary (bee hive), and with the live animals. Students, parents, and staff continually said how much fun this trip was. We are so excited to strengthen our community and continue to use this wonderful resource! To see pictures from the trip, use this link
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SLP MS Play Update -
The Redemption of Gertie Greene
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Join the Enviromental Club!
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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 starting NEXT week on October 11th. (*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:
swenson.ellyn@slpschools.org
setten.mehgan@slpschools.org
We hope to see you there!
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School Wide Spelling Bee Update
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The 12th Annual SLP MS Spelling Bee will be held in the Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, October 17 at 6:30pm. Those who qualified should have received an email from Ms. Edelheit asking for confirmation on attending the in-person Bee.
We had a school record 500+ students take the qualifying test! Bravo to all who engaged in this enrichment opportunity.
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The SLPMS Swim team coaches would love to acknowledge our swimmers for their excellent efforts at our meet against Prior Lake and Lakeville on 10/2!
In the 100 Yard Medley Relay, the team of Josie, Talia, Frankie and Elise placed 9th. The team of Kefira, Polly, Lauren and Simone placed 5th. The relay of Audrey, Reina, Myra and Alaina placed 1st with a time of 1:11.45.
For the 100 Yard Freestyle, Alaina placed 4th, Lauren placed 2nd and Reina placed 1st with a time of 1:17.84.
For the 100 Yard IM, Polly placed 8th, Audrey placed 2nd and Myra placed 1st with a time of 1:22.65.
For the 50 Yard Freestyle, Harriet placed 10th, Hadley placed 9th and Josie placed 8th.
For the 50 Yard Butterfly, Myra placed 1st with a time of 36.34.
For the 200 Yard Freestyle, Reina placed 3rd and Alaina placed 2nd.
For the 50 Yard Breaststroke, Simone placed 9th, Polly placed 6th and Audrey placed 4th.
For the 50 Yard Backstroke Elise placed 9th, Talia placed 7th and Lauren placed 5th.
For the 200 Yard Freestyle Relay, the team of Reina, Alaina, Audrey and Myra placed first with a time of 2:20.91.
Every single swimmer had at least one personal best time, and as a team we had 37 total personal best times!! Go park!
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8th Grade Buddy Program Launching after MEA
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(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!
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Under the Influence Documentary | |
2nd Annual International Day of the Girls | |
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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!
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Red Cross Babysitters' Training (Ages 11+) | |
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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!
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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!
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Maslon UPLIFT Mock Trial Information | |
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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.
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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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SLP Middle School Fundraiser and Spirit Week - Coming Next Week - October 9-13!
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.
We still have a couple of openings, for volunteers, if you are able or interested. Click the link below
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E054EA4A72BA0FF2-44445104-spirit/38388022#/
For those of you who are thinking about or wondering in regards to a company match of donations, use the link below to see if your company could participate. We are a non-profit 501c3 organization, and so many organizations would love to help. Every dollar counts! (this may not be all inclusive so feel free to ask the right person at your place of employment)
Pro Tip - search by company, rather than charity or cause on the site.
https://www.charitynavigator.org/donor-basics/giving-101/employee-match-programs/
Keith Richardson
Site Council Chair
krichardson58@hotmail.com
(612) 462-9862
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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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Aquatics is Hiring - Earn Extra $ | |
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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.
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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
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Share your talents with us! Community Education is now hiring instructors for our Winter Season | |
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International Baccalaureate (IB) Evaluation Visits in SLP Schools
Inquiry, reflection, and feedback - three practices that are vital to our success.
Every five years, our IB schools take part in a rigorous self-study and evaluation process of inquiry, reflection, and feedback. This process allows us to learn more about ourselves and receive feedback from an outside professional international organization. During the month of October, all five of our IB World Schools will undergo an evaluation visit by members from the International Baccalaureate. During the visit, the evaluation team will meet with students, families, educators, and district leaders. During these sessions, the evaluation team will seek to learn more about the following:
- Our understanding of what it means to be an IB World School
- Evidence of the Standards and Practices in our schools
- Strengths of our schools and areas we want to improve/grow
The IB Organization has a set of standards and practices (similar to MN Standards and Benchmarks) for IB schools. While some of the practices are mandatory, (e.g.: having an IB coordinator and a Pedagogical Learning Team, Exhibition and Community projects) the majority of the standards and practices are inspirational - in other words, the IB finds them to be universally tried and true practices that we should ASPIRE to…
The IB Standards and Practices fall into four categories
- Purpose
- Environment
- Culture
- Learning
There are five International (IB) World Schools in the St. Louis Park Schools - Aquila, Peter Hobart, Susan Lindgren, the Middle School and the High School. Two-thirds of K-12 SLP students and staff are part of our International Baccalaureate Programs.
Evaluation visits dates
Middle School - October 3 - 5
Aquila - October 4-6
High School - October 25-27
Susan Lindgren - October 25 - 27
Peter Hobart - October 30 - Nov. 1
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Volunteer with St. Louis Park Public Schools!
We’re now accepting applications for a variety of assignments that fit your interests and time. If you travel for work, vacation, or over the winter months, you can still volunteer! Click on the link to learn about volunteer opportunities or to complete the online application form. All school volunteers are required to be familiar with School District Policies on Bullying Prohibition and Gender Inclusion. Please keep in mind that opportunities currently listed are subject to change.
Contact VISTA Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, Aidan Cowley at cowley.aidan@slpschools.org for more information. Apply now!
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Middle School Youth Enrichment Programs
Gaming Club
Tuesdays, Oct. 3-Dec. 19
4-5:15 pm
Sliding Scale Pricing: $20/$30/$40/$50
Click here to register now!
Newspaper Club
Thursdays beginning Oct. 5
4-5:15 pm
Sliding Scale Pricing: $20/$30/$40/$50
Click here to register now!
Middle School Chess Club
Mondays, Oct. 23-Dec. 11
4-5 pm
$145
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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