April 23, 2025 | Stories and News from St. Louis Park Public Schools

FAQ's on Schedule and Instructional Shifts

On Monday, members of the SLP community gathered for a Superintendent question and answer session.

There were many questions that we could not get to in the time allotted. We have posted some of the most frequently asked questions on the SLP Budget and Finance webpage for your review.

If you don't see your question answered here, you can make your voice heard in the following ways:

Submit a budget-related question using our online form. Our finance team reviews these questions and responds accordingly.
Email Dr. Hines at hines.carlondrea@slpschools.org for any other question and she will respond to you.

Thank you for partnering with us to make St. Louis Park Public Schools a place where students truly thrive. We’re committed to building a transformational learning environment where every student feels seen, valued, and a true sense of belonging – this is what makes our district so powerful.

Park and Learn: Kara Marlin Leads the Way with Non-Traditional Academy

St. Louis Park High School’s Non-Traditional Academy is preparing students for the real world – and Kara Marlin is leading the way.

With a focus on real-life skills and personalized support, Kara’s students are learning in environments that set them up for success both in high school and beyond. 87% of students surveyed say they believe Kara believes in their ability to succeed.

These unique programs are making a direct impact – students are developing essential soft skills, workshopping responses to common interview questions, writing resumes and cover letters and receiving valuable feedback from community volunteers.

In this episode, students step into mock job interviews, gaining confidence and building the career readiness they’ll carry with them into the future.

As one student shared:

“Something new that surprised me was all the new opportunities you are getting – I was not expecting this at all. I would recommend this class to everyone.”

Confidential Strategic Plan Focus Groups for Black, Asian and Indigenous Families

St. Louis Park Public Schools is building its next 5-year strategic plan (2025–2030), and we need your input to ensure it reflects the lived experiences of all families.

While we’ve received valuable input from many community members, we recognize the critical importance of including more perspectives from our Black, Asian, and Indigenous families.

PINK Consulting, LLC invites Black, Asian, and Indigenous families to participate in a confidential focus group to share how the last strategic plan –centered on racial equity - impacted you and your student(s).

Confidential Focus Group Registration Links (times are in the link)

Your feedback is vital to shaping a district culture of belonging, academic rigor, high expectations, and equity for the future.

Pink Consulting will be sharing out the results of the strategic plan virtually in May. Stay tuned for more information.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Visual Arts Showcase Displayed Incredible Student Artwork

High school students in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Visual Arts program recently hosted an art show in the Link for families and community members – and the creativity on display was nothing short of amazing!

Over two years, these students have developed personal artistic styles, explored a range of media, and created a body of work that reflects their voice, thinking and growth as artists. As part of the IB program, they also analyze global art, write reflections, and curate their own final exhibition.

Senior Communications Specialist Liz Anderson receives MinnSPRA President's Award

Congratulations Liz Anderson for receiving the MinnSPRA President's Award! Liz joined St. Louis Park Public Schools in August, and she has certainly made her mark! She is behind the creative social media strategy and is a lead driver of inspirational storytelling for the district. She is also an active member of MinnSPRA, the Minnesota School Public Relations Association. Her involvement with the MinnSPRA board, coupled with her contributions to professional development efforts, has had a lasting impact in school communications.

Superintendent Dr. Carlondrea Hines Asks Our Students the Big Questions… with the Tiniest Mic

If you haven’t caught Dr. Hines’ tiny mic interviews yet, you’re missing out! 🎤 The series features candid moments and big insights from our students. Recently, Dr. Hines stopped by Junior Achievement, where 4th graders from Peter Hobart and SLP High School students ran a full-on mock city. Then on National Kindergarten Day, she visited Aquila Elementary to chat with our youngest learners.

Let’s just say—when the tiny mic’s out, the good times roll!

SLP Students Score Big at Region 6AA Solo and Ensemble with Chamber Orchestra

Two talented middle school musicians, Stella Schleppenbach and Pacey Angier, performed with the SLP High School Chamber Orchestra at the Region 6AA Solo and Ensemble Contest – earning a superior rating of 38/40, our highest score in the past seven years!

Congratulations to Stella and Pacey for your incredible achievement and thank you for representing our district with such excellence. Enjoy one of the pieces from their performance: St. Paul’s Suite, Movement 4 by Gustav Holst.

Progress Toward World’s Best Workforce Goals

The World's Best Workforce (WBWF) was developed in 2013 to ensure that school districts enhance student achievement through teaching and learning supports. School boards that govern districts are required to develop comprehensive, long-term strategic plans that address the following four WBWF goals:

All children are ready for school.
All racial and economic achievement gaps between students are closed.
All students are ready for career and college.
All students graduate from high school.

St. Louis Park Public Schools remains committed to the World’s Best Workforce goals. While some of this year’s targets were not met, meaningful progress has been made, and the district continues to take strategic steps to support student success.

Read the Report

Dakota Road Closure April 23-28, 2025

Please plan ahead for the following events that may impact traffic in our area this week:

Dakota Utility Road Closure

Starting Wednesday, April 23, a portion of Dakota Utility Road will be closed for construction through Monday, April 28 (weather permitting).
Access to Kids’ Place and driveways will remain open via 35th Ave only.
No access from Dakota Ave during this time.

Sota Clothing Spring Warehouse Sale

Expect increased traffic near 6518 Walker Street during sale hours:
Thu–Fri: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility!

Central Clinic Temporarily Suspended, Attend Free Upcoming Immunization Clinic for Children

Services at Central Clinic are temporarily suspended. Services are not offered during summer months. Those in need of temporary services are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30-4 p.m. at Creekside Clinic, located at 6600 Excelsior (services include Immunizations, Sports physicals, Acute needs, and sexual health needs) starting on April 28, 2025.

Other resources available: