November 4, 2020 | Volume 1 • Issue 11
Message from Superintendent Osei
As we await the outcome of the presidential election, I imagine that you may be experiencing a range of feelings, beliefs and thoughts about the future of our country no matter where you stand on the political spectrum. 

We recognize that these feelings, beliefs and thoughts are not isolated to adults and that students may be experiencing a range of feelings, beliefs and thoughts as well. As a school district we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment where students can process what is happening in the world around them. 

No matter the outcome of the election, we will work to create learning environments that reflect civility and decency as we strive to:

  • ensure all students attain their highest level of achievement; 
  • prepare all students to contribute to society; 
  • offer high quality opportunities for lifelong learning;
  • provide multiple pathways to excellence;
  • challenge all learners to meet high standards; and 
  • provide a safe and nurturing environment that energizes and enhances the spirit.

We recognize that in order for us to be at our best for our students that we need to engage in self-care practices. Below, I am sharing some self-care strategies that I shared with staff yesterday as they may be helpful for you as you process potential feelings, beliefs and thoughts connected to the pending presidential election outcome. 

Self-care strategies:
  • thinking about limiting your news and social media intake;
  • treating yourself to your favorite foods;
  • spending at least 10 minutes of time daily on something that feels good; and
  • journaling or writing about how you’re processing this moment.

Thank you for your continued support of St. Louis Park Public Schools and I hope each of you are finding ways to take care of yourself during this time of uncertainty in our country. 

In community,

Astein
Learning Model Information
Secondary Information
Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Hennepin County and in consultation with the Minnesota Departments of Health and Education, St. Louis Park High School will continue with its 25% capacity hybrid model until further notice. This is a change from what was previously communicated in the Preparing for 9-12 Hybrid Learning Guide, which said the High School would move to 50% capacity on November 16.

This means that the High School will continue to have four cohorts that will each attend school in-person one day a week:

  • Cohort A-1 | Last Names A-E | In-Person on Mondays
  • Cohort A-2 | Last Names F-K | In-Person on Tuesdays
  • Cohort B-1 | Last Names L-Q | In-Person on Thursdays
  • Cohort B-2 | Last Names R-Z | In-Person on Fridays

The Middle School will continue with its phased-in approach to the hybrid learning model, which means 8th graders will return to school in-person two days a week beginning Monday, November 9.

As case rates in our city and county continue to rise, we will be working with our Regional Support Team to determine the appropriate educational delivery model moving forward.

Elementary Information
With the implementation of the Elementary Distance Learning Academy on Monday, November 16, all elementary school families will be sent a Teacher/Classroom Assignment Letter via email and postal mail no later than Wednesday, November 11.
Updated COVID-19 Dashboard
The COVID-19 Dashboard will be updated every Wednesday and can be found on the District's COVID-19 News & Updates page at www.slpschools.org/covid19. Please note that on the website, the District will post the four most recent weeks of data so that stakeholders can see trends.
School Board Schedules Listening Sessions
All stakeholders are invited to attend St. Louis Park School Board Listening Sessions to ask questions and have a conversation with school board members. Up to three school board members will attend to listen to stakeholders. It is not an official meeting and no official action will be taken. Please be aware that the school board members will end the listening session 30 minutes after the posted start time if there are no stakeholders in attendance.

The School Board recently scheduled the following Listening Sessions:

  • November 16, 2020 | 6:30 p.m. | Zoom Link | Meeting ID: 924 4653 8467 | Passcode: 802979
  • February 16, 2021 | 6:30 p.m. | Location TBD
  • April 20, 2021 | 6:30 p.m. | Location TBD
Listening Sessions with Superintendent Osei
As a part of the process to hear stakeholder perspectives, Superintendent Osei will be hosting Listening Sessions over the course of this school year for students, parents/guardians, and staff to better understand the impact of the implementation of the District's educational delivery models. 

Upcoming Listening Sessions:
 
November 17 | 5:00-6:00 p.m. | Parents/Guardians - English | Zoom Link | Meeting ID: 934 2061 5183 | Passcode: 520346
 
November 17 | 6:00-7:00 p.m. | Parents/Guardians - Spanish | Zoom Link | Meeting ID: 967 9287 9471 | Passcode: 029610
District to Consolidate Bus Routes on November 16 when Elementary Full-Day Hybrid Begins
St. Louis Park Public Schools will consolidate routes for elementary students beginning Monday, November 16 in conjunction with the transition to elementary full-day hybrid instruction. The consolidation will allow for greater efficiency in staffing and routing, and reduced bus times for students.

The new routes and pickup/dropoff times for all elementary students will be shared with families via Powerschool Public Portal next week (Nov. 9-13). Families will be notified with a SchoolMessenger phone call when to check the portal for updated information.

Families who are considering a bus stop change or in need of an alternate stop, should visit the District website at www.slpschools.org/transportation to download request forms. If you have specific questions, please call the District Transportation Department at 612-437-4719.
Free Meals Program Updates
Students and families continue to have access to free breakfast and lunch meals - both at school and at grab-and-go locations on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Please note that the District is discontinuing delivery of meals to various apartment complexes around the city as of Friday, November 6, due to low participation numbers.

If anyone has questions or needs more information about the St. Louis Park Public Schools Free Meals program, they can contact the School Nutrition Department at 952-928-6146.
Winter Weather and COVID-19
November is here and that means the possibility of winter weather and school closures. St. Louis Park Public Schools will do our best to make a decision about a late start or school closing by 5:30 a.m.; early dismissal and decisions regarding afterschool and evening athletics, events and activities will be made by 2 p.m. The District communicates a school closing, late start or early dismissal by:

  • Automated phone call to staff and families
  • Web posting to www.slpschools.org
  • Information will be posted on the District’s Facebook and Twitter accounts
  • Communication to WCCO Radio (830) and local TV Channels 4, 5, 9, and 11
  • Recorded message on School Closing Hotline (phone: 952-928-6055)

If school must close early, buses will take home regular riders. Younger students who walk will be kept at school if there is any uncertainty about whether a parent or neighbor is home to care for them.

The school district is in contact with the National Weather Service, St. Louis Park Transportation, and leaders from other school districts to provide the best response to keep students and staff safe in severe weather conditions.

The school district will not communicate that school is open as scheduled. If a school closing, late start or early dismissal is not announced, staff and students should attend as usual.
Emergency school closing information is also provided to the following media outlets: WCCO 830 AM; WCCO Channel 4; KSTP Channel 5; KMSP/FOX Channel 9 & KARE Channel 11.

Important Update: The Minnesota Department of Education recently issued new guidance that allows school districts to adjust their Safe Learning Plan in order to respond to inclement weather and possible school closures. This means that if St. Louis Park Public Schools is engaged in the hybrid learning model, the District could choose to remain open during a winter weather event by providing all instruction on that day in a distance learning format.
We are Hiring!
The District is currently hiring a number of full and part-time positions. Please spread the word with your professional contacts and encourage friends, family and acquaintances to apply to work for St. Louis Park Public Schools!




6311 Wayzata Blvd. | St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Phone: 952-928-6000 | Fax: 952-928-6020