October 14, 2020 | Volume 1 • Issue 8
School Board Approves Updates to Safe Learning Plan
The School Board for St. Louis Park Public Schools unanimously approved changes to the District’s Safe Learning Plan, as presented by Superintendent Astein Osei at its Monday, October 12 meeting. The changes involve the Middle School and High School transitioning from distance learning to hybrid learning as outlined below. 

Tentative Timeline for Middle School Transition from Distance Learning to Hybrid Learning
The Middle School will implement a phased approach to bringing students back into the school. This will allow learners to become familiar with new protocols and procedures, the new learning model and the currently under construction and newly renovated spaces. The transition to hybrid learning will take place:

  • Oct. 22-23: Grade 6 Transition Days
  • Oct. 26-27 & 29-30: Grade 6 Hybrid Classes
  • Nov. 2-3: No School
  • Nov. 5-6: Grade 6 & Grade 7 Hybrid Classes
  • Nov. 9-10 & 12-13: Grades 6/7/8 Hybrid Classes

A complete guide detailing schedules, safety precautions, logistics, etc. will be distributed to students and families in advance of the Grade 6 Transition Days.

Tentative Timeline for High School Transition from Distance Learning to Hybrid Learning
The High School will also implement a phased approach to bringing students back into the school, based on percentages of students, dividing students into four cohorts (see below). This phased-in approach largely allows students to become familiar with new protocols and procedures and will ensure the safety of all students and staff at St. Louis Park High School.

Mondays
Cohort A-1 | Grades 9-12 | Last names A-E attend classes in person

Tuesdays
Cohort A-2 | Grades 9-12 | Last names F-K attend classes in person

Wednesdays
Student Feedback Day (tutoring, catch-up, appointments, etc.)

Thursdays
Cohort B-1 | Grades 9-12 | Last Names L-Q attend classes in person

Friday
Cohort B-2 | Grades 9-12 | Last Names R-Z attend classes in person

The transition to hybrid learning will take place:

  • Oct. 26-30: 25% capacity (Grades 9-12); Hybrid Learning
  • Nov. 2-3: No School
  • Nov. 4-6: Distance Learning
  • Nov. 9-13: 25% capacity (Grades 9-12); Hybrid Learning
  • Nov. 16-20: 50% capacity (Grades 9-12); Hybrid Learning

A complete guide detailing schedules, safety precautions, logistics, etc. will be distributed to students and families the week of October 19.
Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools have had to rethink how they do parent/guardian-teacher conferences. Information is below on how each school will handle conferences this fall.

Elementary School Information
Elementary schools will be holding Virtual Family Conferences beginning in early November. Schools will be sending out scheduling information to families in an upcoming e-newsletter.

Middle School Information
The Middle School will be holding conferences on November 11-12 using a student-led format with the student's Advisory teacher. Conferences will be 25-minute sessions with families having the option to choose an in-person or virtual format. More information will be sent to families in an upcoming edition of the Oriole Times e-newsletter.

High School Information
The High School will be holding conferences on November 4-5. Conferences will be 5-10 minute sessions with each of the student's teachers. If additional time is needed for conferences, please communicate with specific teachers. Family specific links will be sent via email next week and additional information will be in an upcoming edition of the 6425 News e-newsletter.
All Schools to Participate in Students Voting Program
St. Louis Park Public Schools will be participating in the Students Voting program this fall. Students in grades 2-12 will participate in this statewide mock election program. This program will be implemented in place of Kids Voting USA in St. Louis Park this year.

This year, for the first time, the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State and the YMCA Center for Youth Voice are working together to help students statewide discover the importance of elections and the power of their voice – and their vote – in our democracy.

Students Voting gives teachers at all grade levels the tools and resources to expose their students to a comprehensive voting experience whether it's online or in person that includes learning about candidates and issues, voter registration and casting a ballot on or before Election day.
Elementary Family Handbook Now Available
A new Elementary Family Handbook has been published and is now available on each of the four elementary school websites under both the Parent Resources tab and the Find it Fast section.

The handbook includes important contact information, quick facts about each school, and important school board policies that impact students and families.

Near the end of the publication is the Consent for Release of Student Information form, as well as information regarding Peachjar and how weather related school closings will be communicated.

Click here to be directed to a website where you can download the Elementary Family Handbook.
Free Meals for Students Extended Through June 30, 2021
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending flexibilities to allow free meals to continue to be available to all children throughout the entire 2020-2021 school year. This unprecedented move by the USDA allows St. Louis Park Public Schools to provide access to free and nutritious food to our families during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As we move in and out of educational delivery models, St. Louis Park Public Schools will continue to update families and staff on how free meals can be obtained through the SLP Communicator e-newsletter, the district and school websites, and our social media channels.
Reminder: No School on November 2-3
As a reminder, there is no school Monday, November 2 and Tuesday, November 3. November 2 is a professional development day for elementary teachers and staff and a grading day for secondary teachers and staff. The School Board also decided last Spring that there would be no school on Election Day (November 3) with the safety of our students and staff in mind.
Spread the Word: 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!
October 12-16 is National School Lunch Week
October 12-16 is National School Lunch Week. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) serves nearly 30 million children every school day. President John F. Kennedy created National School Lunch Week (NSLW) in 1962 to promote the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has inside and outside of the classroom. The COVID-19 pandemic has without a doubt shown just how incredibly important school meals are for students and their families.




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