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)

September 14, 2023

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Principal's Message

Dear Middle School Families,

We are starting to settle into routines during this second week. Students are showing much more comfort in finding their way around the building and knowing what is expected of them in various spaces. During class, students are engaging in learning opportunities specific to the content of the class.

As a building, we are continuing to lean into building relationships with our students in all environments. Teachers and students are reporting that there is more engagement in classes and conversations occurring face to face without cell phones in the classroom. While some students may not have been excited around this new expectation, they are rising to the expectation of phones “away all day.” They are also holding each other accountable for keeping their phones away as well. In fact, some are having some fun with it. Last week, a group of students got my attention in the lunchroom and indicated that another student was talking on the phone. As I approached, it sure did look like the student did have one and then at the last moment, the student revealed what he had was a calculator and was only pretending to be on the phone. They enjoyed pulling one over on the Principal and we all shared a good laugh.

This week, Assistant Principals have been reviewing the Student and Family Handbook with all students during Science classes. We encourage you to review it together as a family as this is your best guide to understanding expectations for students. You can access a copy of the handbook by clicking here.

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

In partnership,

Melissa Kalinowski

Schoology Update

The persistent issue of students being unable to access Schoology has been resolved. Students should restart their machines and/or log in and out of Google and Schoology to clear up issues that may be lingering. If a student is still experiencing access issues to Schoology, please have them report to the LMC to get additional help. Thank you for your patience.

IB World School Updates

Calling all parents/guardians:

St. Louis Park Middle School is an International Baccalaureate World School. One of the benefits of being a World School includes association with schools internationally and gathering feedback regarding our campus and programming. As part of the regular evaluation process from the IB, last spring our school completed a self study related to the IB standards and practices. The final phase of our evaluation takes place on Oct. 3-5 with a virtual visit from 2 global evaluators. These three days will include a virtual visit of the school, virtual classroom visits and a variety of virtual conversations with the global team. One of the time slots for conversations is reserved for parents of our students. Please indicate if you have interest in joining that conversation and what support I can offer to you in preparation. We don't have the exact date and time for when that meeting will be scheduled but I will continue communication with those who are interested. For those responding, I'll be in touch with details. Thank you for your consideration.

Link to Form if Interested in Participating

Mia Waldera

MYP IB Coordinator - at the Middle School

Here are a few of the staff at St. Louis Park Middle School engaged in collaborative learning and leadership:

Science Year 1/Grade 6 Collaborative Team - from left to right: Melanie Khalaf, Ellyn Swenson, Jessica Honza, and Mehgan Setten.

from left to right: Emily Crook (Culturally Relevant Literacy Coach) and Melissa Kalinowski (Principal)

Learning in an IB community celebrates the many ways people work together to construct meaning and make sense of the world. Through the interplay of asking, doing and thinking, this constructivist approach leads towards open, democratic classrooms. IB students and teachers are lifelong learners, independently and in collaboration with others. Learning communities in IB World Schools engage in cycles of inquiry, action and reflection that lead to deeper understanding and a lifetime of learning. Learning is the central tenet, as well as the outcome, of developing purpose, culture, and environment in IB schools. - IB Standard on Learning

School Wide Spelling Bee- an Enrichment Opportunity for all Students

We are so excited to announce the 2023 SLP MS Spelling Bee. Students will have access to the qualifying test from September 18- October 2. The qualifying test is 46 questions and will be found on the Schoology main feed and your L&L teacher's website. The top 25-30 students will be invited to participate in the SLP MS Spelling Bee in the evening on Tuesday, October 17. See Ms. Edelheit in room 106 with questions.

Language and Literature Department Update - The Joy of Reading

Hello, families! This year all SLP MS students will need a book or other reading material for independent reading in Lang & Lit class. We want to help students become life-long readers and find JOY in that reading. Books and texts also work as windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors, letting students see multiple perspectives, their own identities, and learn about different cultures and ideas. Please ask your student what book they have selected for independent reading. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student's Language and Literature teacher. Thank you!

Maslon UPLIFT Mock Trial Information

All 8th grade students are invited to consider joining mock trial! Mock trial is free. We meet after school on Tuesdays until 5:20 starting on October 10. 8th grade mock trial students will work with volunteer lawyer and law student coaches to learn about the courts and develop their own trial skills. In December, we will form mock trial teams that will work with their coaches to become the prosecution or defense lawyers in a criminal mock trial. On March 5, 2024, mock trial students will go to the University of Minnesota Law school to try their cases in the law school’s courtrooms before real sitting judges. Tell your students to watch for more information in their Individuals & Societies classes later in September! Registration for mock trial also will open later in the month. We hope to see your 8th grader at mock trial! Please reach out to Catherine Ahlin-Halverson, [email protected], or Lisa Lillie, [email protected], with any questions.

SLP Girls Lacrosse Clinic

SLP Girls lacrosse clinic for K-8th grades located at the SLP High School Stadium Turf Field. Come enjoy 2 hours of lacrosse practice, drills, techniques, and game play with our SLPHS Girls Lacrosse coaches and players! Each player will receive an exclusive t-shirt with registration, as well as gain more knowledge and understanding of the sport. Equipment will be provided if players do not own their own, just bring a mouthguard and water.

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: $49 to secure your spot!

Our Registration Deadline is: 4/20/23

Registration link: WorldStrides

Trip ID: 207712

Please join Ms. Wyffels ([email protected]) for an informational meeting on Wednesday, October 4th at 7pm at the Middle School to find out more about this exciting experience. This trip is only open to current SLP 7th grade students.

Site Council

The mission of the Middle School Site Council is to serve the school community, advise the administration, and support student enrichment through fundraising, volunteer recruitment, event planning, and community engagement. Through the generosity of this incredible community, the actions and commitment of the Site Council members and the support of the entire school staff and administrators, we saw this mission statement come to life. If you are interested in joining Site Council, please contact:

Keith Richardson

Site Council Chair

[email protected]

(612) 462-9862

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

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.

Prevent Sickness this Fall

We want to remind staff and families about the importance of self-care while the flu and covid are present. Help keep our school communities healthy!

Stay home when sick
Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze

St. Louis Park Public Schools follows the guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health for when people should stay home.

COVID-19: 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.

Influenza-like-illness: Students/staff with symptoms of influenza should stay home until their fever is gone for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication. They should also be feeling well enough to participate in school before returning.

Shout Out Loud Wellness Fair

We invite St. Louis Park Public School families to join us on Saturday, Sept 30 for a family-friendly event at the Rec Center--ROC in St Louis Park promoting mental health and wellness in our community. This event will run from 11am - 3 pm and is free for all. Watch great entertainment and interact with community organizations. Be sure to stop by the St. Louis Park Public Schools booth highlighting the unique role schools play in promoting mental health and social-emotional wellness. Visit https://shoutoutloudmn.com/ for more information.

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 [email protected] for more information. Apply now!