January 3, 2024 | Stories from St. Louis Park Public Schools

The SLP Communicator, published monthly, centers the stories and voices of students, staff, and our community. District-level news and information will be shared in school newsletters.

SLP Superintendent Search

Stay connected with real-time updates

We invite families to stay informed with real-time updates about the superintendent search. A magnet postcard was mailed to every SLP family. We encourage you to put it on your fridge and frequently visit the QR code for the latest updates.

Staff, families and the community are invited to participate in the anonymous survey and join our search firm partner (MSBA) for a community Q & A session today, Jan. 3 at 4 p.m.

Hometown in the City: The Lee Family

Discover why the Lees believe that St. Louis Park Public Schools is the perfect fit for their family. From academic excellence to a supportive and diverse environment, find out how the schools in this district have played a crucial role in shaping the educational journey of Asha.

Bridging perspectives: the experience of being a Youth Data Analyst

Anya Panday is a junior at SLPHS and an intern with the communications department. As the Editor-in-Chief of the SLPHS student-run newspaper, Echo, she is committed to the representation of student voice within the district. As an intern for the communications department, she develops a story for each SLP Communicator to incorporate student voice into the district’s communications.

This summer, I had the opportunity to work for St. Louis Park Public Schools through the Youth Data Analyst (YDA) program. Four peers and I spent the summer creating and conducting a research experiment based off of a question concerning our district and community. Through this process, we were given a chance to take autonomy over our learning and explore an undergraduate level research program.

Senior Ford Marciniak, one of the five YDA students, said YDA not only bonded him with his peers but pushed him to a new level academically. 

“Two of the pros I had this summer with YDA were the people I got to work with. We all got closer with each other by discussing topics that were new to me, eating really good food, and playing games! UNO will never be the same after YDA,” Marciniak said. “Another pro was going through the research process and seeing it go from start to finish. This project has been some of the most fleshed out and deep work I've done in an academic environment. I've carried not only what we learned about school systems with me, but that analytical lens towards life as well. I'm not sure I could think of a con to do with YDA itself, as I think it's a gold standard for a work environment, and I know my bar is going to be set unreasonably high after working with such an uplifting crew. The only con that comes to mind is with myself, and how I spent my time in YDA. If I could go back and do it again, I'd have been more engaged, especially with our readings as there was a lot to learn from the literature we read.”

Junior Jaiden Leary, another YDA intern, said YDA empowered his voice and changed his perspective on education. 

“The YDA experience has only upsides. The interaction and inside look I got within the district was eye opening,” Leary said. “On top of that the fact that I got to have a voice in change implications within the school was also profound.”

Marciniak said that while the work he did was informative, the course definitely pushed the interns at times.

“At times it was hard, this level of work was something that I hadn’t done before, especially in a group setting. Though everyone was diligent about the work they had, and communication was great in ensuring that we all knew what each one of us was working on, so I was confident I could do my part and everyone else seemed confident they could do theirs,” Marciniak said. “When we weren’t really getting anywhere with an approach to the research process, our mentors could see that and knew we needed to change things up. We didn’t waste any time, as meeting only two days a week meant we needed to get straight to business. It never felt rushed despite that, and we found plenty of time to focus on getting to know each other better and make it a meaningful experience.”

According to senior Estrella Ochoa, a YDA intern, the workload felt less strenuous because the content excited her.

“The workload wasn't bad and as someone who usually has trouble being motivated enough to get work done, YDA actually had me excited to work,” Ochoa said.

Marciniak said that working with his co-workers throughout the summer allowed him to hear new perspectives and share important stories.

“Most of the time I was in awe of those sitting at the table around me. Moments like discussing the racialized data and hearing a co-worker’s perspective was eye-opening at times,” Marciniak said. “There were things that as a white male student, I hadn’t experienced in my teacher-student relationships and was surprised to have heard such stories from fellow students. It was really powerful stuff and everyone approached each conversation with such fidelity and respect, a refreshing space that was new to me.”

Leary said that all students who have considered applying for YDA should take the leap, as everyone has a perspective to share.

“I would say to students considering it- no matter who you are, you have value,” Leary said. Your experiences and character have immense and irreplaceable value to the program.”

Marciniak said he encourages anyone interested in the program to apply, and to not stress about potential technical barriers to being involved with the internship.



“I seriously recommend you do this internship if you are at all interested in researching a topic, working in education/data-collection, or just need some spending cash over the summer. Since you only meet two days a week, it gives you plenty of free time, or an open schedule to work another job on top of it,” Marciniak said. “The accommodations were unbelievable, I was provided a taxi service completely free of charge that allowed me to get back and forth seamlessly from home to work, which I’m beyond grateful for. We got to go on field trips, have an unbelievable amount of food catered for free for us, explore the UMN Twin Cities campus, interview students from all across the St. Louis Park Schools, and built connections with some seriously smart people. It makes you look really good on college applications too which is always a plus. You’ll need to be able to show up and say what’s on your mind, as well as really listen as there are a lot of important things to get through and you can’t afford to constantly be playing catch-up. If you open yourself up to it, there’s a family to be found within YDA and it was really bittersweet walking away from it. If you’ve already read this far, then you must be interested in taking on the challenge; DO IT!”

A Closer Look at Enrollment and Budget Implications

Enrollment trends play a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape, influencing budgets, and highlighting the dynamics of student population shifts. Review the recent fall enrollment figures for the fiscal year 2024, comparing them against our budget projections, we will unravel some insightful trends gleaned from the data analysis conducted during the ongoing budget planning process. Additionally, in adherence to policy 545, we will delve into the nuances of the Spanish Immersion admissions policy and the dynamics it introduces.

Enrollment Update for Fiscal Year 2024:

For the upcoming fiscal year, K12 enrollment shows a slight decline from projections, down by 62 students (1.4%). While this may seem marginal, it does impact funding for the current school year. The enrollment breakdown by grade reveals noteworthy figures, particularly in kindergarten, where hitting the targeted 330 students is seen as a success in fostering future growth.

Patricia Magnuson, the business director, emphasizes the significance of maintaining robust kindergarten enrollment, stating, "This is one of the larger classes that we've had in recent years, and it's really important as we get kids in at kindergarten that we maintain that enrollment here in St. Louis Park." The data reveals variances in enrollment across grades and schools, with kindergarten consistently meeting the target.

St. Louis Park stands out in its open enrollment landscape, gaining more students through the enrollment options program than losing. Open enrollment allows students to attend any public school of their choice, often necessitating self-transportation or opting for public charter schools. 

Magnuson notes, "St. Louis Park continues to gain more students through the enrollment options program in the state of Minnesota." A comparison with neighboring districts places St. Louis Park in the mid-range, with approximately 18.65% of the student population open enrolled into the district.

Digging deeper into capture rates, the analysis shows that St. Louis Park captures 82.5% of resident families choosing public schools. While this figure has slightly declined over time, it remains competitive among neighboring districts.

Comparing capture rates with neighboring districts provides additional insights. St. Louis Park's capture rate is higher than Eden Prairie and Robbinsdale but lower than Edina and Hopkins. Unique factors, such as property growth and open enrollment availability, contribute to variations among districts.

Examining specific districts where 20 or more St. Louis Park families choose to enroll, the data unveils interesting patterns. Minneapolis emerges as a net gainer, with 500 students coming into St. Louis Park, while only 39 St. Louis Park students enroll in Minneapolis Public Schools.

Private school choices also impact the educational landscape. The historical preferences of St. Louis Park families reveal consistent trends, with certain private schools attracting larger numbers.

Park Spanish Immersion (PSI) remains a focal point of interest, marked by disparities in racial demographics compared to other schools in the district. A detailed breakdown of the PSI student body by race illustrates the contrast in comparison to other schools. 

The School Board is addressing Policy 545, the Spanish Immersion admissions policy, seeking opportunities for improvement. PSI's student body does not fully reflect the racial diversity of St. Louis Park, creating a discussion point for future considerations.

Looking ahead, the district is actively welcoming the class of 2036, with kindergarten applications opening soon. Budget updates will incorporate new enrollment numbers, considering a 2% increase in the funding formula. As trends evolve, projections for the next budget cycle will be adjusted accordingly. Enrollment is a multifaceted aspect of educational planning, intertwining with budget considerations, policy requirements, and the broader dynamics of student choices. Tonight's discussion provides a comprehensive overview of where St. Louis Park stands, offering valuable insights for strategic planning and future adjustments.

4 New Programs in SLP Community Education

In this class, led by the experienced and culturally adept instructor Amran Mohamed Noor, participants will learn the basics of the Somali language, including the alphabet, common greetings, and essential vocabulary. Amran, a dedicated educator for both children and adults, brings her unique perspective as a native of Somalia, enriching the learning experience with firsthand cultural insights. Beyond language essentials, participants will engage in informative conversations about Somali culture, gaining a deeper understanding of traditions and customs. As our esteemed Somali: Language and Culture instructor, Amran Mohamed Noor is poised to create an inclusive and immersive learning environment, fostering a connection to the rich heritage of Somalia. Join us on this exciting journey of language acquisition and cultural exploration!

Say goodbye to the myth that vegan desserts compromise on taste and texture; in this class, you'll exclaim, "This is vegan?" as you embark on a delicious journey of plant-based sweet creations. Our expert instructors will guide you through the use of innovative plant-based ingredients like flax eggs, aquafaba, non-dairy milks, coconut oil, and nut butters, transforming your desserts into vegan delights. Sample the mouthwatering results during the class and leave armed with the knowledge and recipes to recreate these delectable treats at home. The best part? No one will suspect they're vegan unless you choose to spill the secret. Join us for a sweet adventure in vegan dessert-making that will redefine your expectations and delight your taste buds!

Adults and seniors, join us for a fun and social experience at our Adult Pickleball sessions. Held at convenient locations within the St. Louis Park community, these sessions provide a fantastic opportunity to stay active, make new friends, and enjoy the fast-paced and dynamic nature of Pickleball. Instructors will guide players of all skill levels through the rules and strategies of the game. Pickleball is not only a great way to enhance your fitness but also a fantastic way to connect with others in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Sign up today for a lively and enjoyable experience!

Designed to spark imagination and foster self-expression, these theatre programs provide an exciting platform for students to explore the world of theater. Young participants will have the opportunity to explore various aspects of theatrical arts, including acting, improvisation, and stagecraft. Through a series of fun and interactive activities, students will build confidence, enhance communication skills, and develop a love for the performing arts. Whether they're aspiring actors or just looking to have a great time, our K-5 Theatre Programs promise an unforgettable experience that combines learning and fun. 

January Dates

6300 Walker St. | St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Phone: 952-928-6000 | Fax: 952-928-6020