May 11, 2022 | Volume 2 • Issue 35
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A Message from Superintendent Osei |
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Last night at the School Board study session, teacher leaders shared Curriculum and Program Review recommendations in the areas of Science, Language Arts and Literacy, and Multilingual education. I have a great deal of appreciation for the work of these teacher leaders and the investment they have made to enhance the academic experience for all students. These teams have spent countless hours over the past two years researching best practices, engaging local and national content experts, and understanding the needs of students and educators in the district.
If you would like to learn more about the recommendations in the areas of Science, Language Arts and Literacy, and Multilingual education, please click here to view the School Board presentation.
Over the past couple of months, I have engaged in conversations with students, staff, and families about the future of Honors, International Baccalaureate (IB), and Advanced Placement (AP) programming in the district. Most of the conversations I have had regarding these topics have centered around concerns about the elimination of these programs. Please know that as we move into the future, St. Louis Park Public Schools will not only continue to offer Honors, IB, and AP opportunities for students, but we will be expanding opportunities for students by adding additional IB, AP, and concurrent college enrollment courses.
While we will continue to offer these rigorous course options for students, we will be updating the manner in which we offer Honors for students in 6th-9th grade starting in the 2023-24 school year. We will be switching to a model currently being used in multiple neighboring districts where the Honors experience is embedded in core content grade level courses. This model will give us more flexibility with balancing class sizes and it will ensure that all students have access to foundational experiences that will prepare them to excel in IB, AP, and concurrent college enrollment courses.
With this change, students will still be able to select Honors during the registration process and will have an honors designation on their transcript. We will be preparing for this change next school year and providing professional development to ensure that staff are prepared to enrich and support the needs of our students in this model. Additionally, we will spend time next year preparing students with the information and support they need to take advantage of the opportunities that will be available to them.
Again, I would like to thank all of our teacher leaders who have developed these recommendations and have invested in the process to improve learning experiences and increase academic rigor for students. I continue to be thankful to work in a district that strives to see, inspire, and empower each learner to live their brilliance in an environment that centers student voice and experience to create racially equitable learning that energizes and enhances the spirit of our community.
With much appreciation,
Astein
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Building for Sustainable Excellence
Special Election Update
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Director of Business Services Patricia Magnuson, Director of Communications & Community Relations Sara Thompson and Construction Manager Tom Bravo gave the School Board an update on special election details, building project details with NEW floor plans and architectural renderings, and public meeting information. Click here to view the presentation on the District's YouTube channel. Click here to view the slide deck from the presentation. Click here for an updated flyer regarding the Special Election.
Community Meeting Information
St. Louis Park Public Schools will host a series of informational meetings related to the August 9 Special Election.
- Wednesday, May 18 | 6:00 p.m. | St. Louis Park High School - Room C350
- Thursday, May 26 | 7:30 p.m. | St. Louis Park High School - Room C350
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Monday, June 6 | 7:00 p.m. | Virtual via Zoom | Zoom Link
Stay Informed - Visit the Special Election Website
Stakeholders can access all of the latest information related to the August 9 Special Election by visiting the district website at bit.ly/Aug9SLP. Email any questions you have regarding the Special Election to communications@slpschools.org.
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Middle School Theater Program to Present Lion King Jr. |
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The Middle School Theater Program will present Lion King Jr., May 12-14 in the school's new Performing Arts Space. See dates and showtimes below.
Lion King Jr. tells the story of the epic adventures of a curious cub named Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destiny as king. Along the way, the young lion encounters a colorful cast of characters including spunky lioness Nala, charismatic meerkat Timon, and loveable warthog Pumbaa. To claim his rightful place on the throne and save his beloved Pridelands, Simba must find his inner strength and confront his wicked Uncle Scar.
Dates & Showtimes
- Thursday, May 12 | 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, May 13 | 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 14 | 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
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Park Virtual Now Enrolling Students |
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Students and families interested in pursuing a virtual learning experience for the 2022-23 school year can now enroll in St. Louis Park's new Park Virtual program.
Park Virtual will provide a rigorous academic experience that is aligned to state standards while flexible to meet the unique needs of every student and family situation.
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Summer Learning Academy and Summer Learning & Play Opportunities Available for K-5 Families |
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St. Louis Park Public Schools and St. Louis Park Community Education is excited to announce a number of summer program opportunities for families with K-5 students.
The K-5 Summer Learning Academy provides enrichment in the areas of literacy, math, wellness, global & social justice, and arts. This year's Summer Learning Academy will take place from June 20 through August 4 at Peter Hobart Elementary School.
St. Louis Park Community Education is also excited to announce more than 40 afternoon fee-based camps as part of its Summer Learning & Play program. There is something for every kid including STEM camps, arts camps, sports camps, and more!
Use the following links to download more information in one of three languages:
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May 11 is National School Nurse Day! |
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