December 20, 2024 | Stories and News from St. Louis Park Public Schools

🧡 Special Edition ❄️

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Celebrating Our Successes and Preparing for the Year Ahead

As we approach the upcoming break, I want to encourage each of you to take this time to rest, relax, and enjoy moments with family and friends. This break is essential for us to approach the second half of the school year with joy and care for all. Whether you’re spending time with loved ones or enjoying some quiet moments to yourself, I hope you return feeling refreshed and ready for the months ahead.


I also want to take a moment to celebrate some of our accomplishments. The first half of the year has been filled with significant progress and achievements. Our schools have developed comprehensive Continuous Improvement Plans, and I have seen the efforts of each school as they continue to work toward their goals. These goals are essential for ongoing success, and I am appreciative of the work being done to impact each of our learners. 


While there are many celebrations that could be shared from every school building, I wanted to highlight some exciting news from the high school. Compared to the previous year, at least 20% more 12th grade students are taking high-impact, college credit bearing or honors courses, and 413 students participated in fall activities. We are seeing evidence that our students are engaged in their learning in and out of the classroom.


Looking ahead, we have much to anticipate, including continued work on our budget and strategic plan. These initiatives will guide our path forward, and throughout it all, we will remain firmly grounded in our mission: to see, inspire, and empower each learner to live their brilliance in an environment that centers student voice and experience. We are committed to creating equitable learning experiences that energize and enhance the spirit of our community.


Most importantly, I want to congratulate our students. Your hard work and dedication continue to inspire us, and we look forward to all the incredible accomplishments still to come. Enjoy your well-deserved break, and we'll see you in the new year!


Sincerely,

Superintendent Dr. Carlondrea Hines

Winter Break Building Closures

There is no school during Winter Break which starts Monday, December 23, 2024 and ends after Friday January 3, 2025. Students first day back is on Monday, January 6, 2024.


During these two weeks, building access will be limited. Please check with your building principal or site leader for information on your building's access.


  • The District Office (6300 Walker Street) doors will be locked, and the Enrollment Center will close during break. Any staff member who makes appointments and meetings at the District Office will need to ensure their appointee can enter the front door (Door 1) or the staff door (Door 22).

Complete the Strategic Plan Survey

St. Louis Park Public Schools is in the middle of a strategic plan cycle. A strategic plan is a comprehensive framework that outlines an organization’s long-term vision, mission, and goals, serving as a roadmap to guide decision-making and resource allocation.


Important factors include: 

  • Identifying key priorities
  • Establishing measurable objectives
  • Defining actionable steps to achieve desired outcomes


The strategic plan is developed collaboratively with input from key community stakeholders including students, staff, parents and community members. The feedback gathered is used to align efforts across the district to address challenges and leverage opportunities. By setting a clear direction, it helps our schools stay focused, adapt to changing circumstances, and ensure sustained growth and success over time.


In each SLP Communicator, the district will include an update about the strategic planning process. You can contribute to the process by taking the survey and participating in the upcoming community engagement session on Monday, January 27 from 5-7 p.m. 

Find out more


Take the survey


How Talent Development Prepares Students for High-Impact Learning

Talent Development is available for all students K-5, providing the opportunity for growth in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM). These STEAM opportunities set students up for advanced success in middle school programs such as Advisory, Keystone, and Extended Learning.


The opportunities to further develop academic achievement in elementary and middle school prepare students for the many high-impact learning opportunities at the high school. By the time they graduate, every student in the class of 2027 will have engaged in at least one high-impact experience.


Read our story about how this shift to culturally relevant and rigorous pathways is an equitable shift for all students.

Read more

National Day of Racial Healing in St. Louis Park

This program is an opportunity for children, teens, neighbors, and community members to learn about each other’s diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and lived experiences. All are invited to participate in the community conversation facilitated by high school students in St. Louis Park. 


The program is free for all ages. Soup and light refreshments provided. 


Please register in advance at bit.ly/SLPDRH2024.

View Past Articles

Check the online calendar for upcoming events!


We invite you to check out the online calendar, sorted by school building, to see all the great upcoming events!


From conferences, to band and choir concerts, to celebrations, you can count on the calendar as your one stop shop.

View the calendar

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

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


www.slpschools.org

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