January 20, 2022 | Volume 2 • Issue 21
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A Message from Superintendent Osei |
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Growing up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago in the 80’s and 90’s, I became a huge fan of Chicago sports teams. As a child I fell in love with the Bears, White Sox and Bulls and in the 90’s there was a lot to celebrate when the Bulls won six NBA championships. During that time, Phil Jackson was the coach of the Bulls and one of his quotes that sticks with me to this day is that, “the strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each individual member is the team.”
During my time in St. Louis Park Public Schools, I have experienced a level of support and togetherness that is unmatched. The manner in which staff, parents/guardians and community members have come together to support one another and our students during this pandemic is commendable. One of the strengths of our school district is our collective approach. I have observed countless examples of parents/guardians and community members volunteering their time, donating resources, and engaging in the learning environment to support students and staff.
Thank you for your continued engagement and effort to support our students and staff. I am humbled and honored to serve as the superintendent of St. Louis Park Public Schools and grateful to have the opportunity to team with each of you to meet the needs of each of our learners.
With much appreciation,
Astein
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Information Regarding School Board Vacancy |
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On Tuesday, January 4, 2022, then-School Board Chair Mary Tomback accepted the resignation of Board Member Laura McClendon, a member of the Board since January 2020.
State statute requires the Board to fill the vacancy, but the process by which it does so is within its sole discretion. The Board has chosen a process that will allow for any interested and eligible person to apply for the open seat. Board Chair Anne Casey hopes that many people will research the role and consider applying, stating, “We encourage all members of the St. Louis Park community to consider applying to serve on the school board. Please don't hesitate to reach out to board members if you have questions or would like to know more about the role and responsibilities of the board."
Click here to access a PDF that contains the full appointment process.
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COVID Tests Available for Students and Staff |
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Rapid-result COVID antigen tests are now available at sites for both staff and students. Tests can be requested at the front office of a student’s school or staff’s primary work location.
Students that are not enrolled in St. Louis Park Public schools such as siblings, relatives, children of staff, will need to request a test from their school/school district or leverage other testing resources. Relatives of staff will also need to leverage local testing resources. More information on community testing options are listed below. Please contact Flower Krutina, krutina.flower@slpschools.org, with questions.
NEW: Order Free At Home Tests Online
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them. Go online to www.covidtests.gov and fill out a short form to order your tests today.
Additional Local Testing Options
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Upcoming Vaccine Event for Ages 5+ |
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In partnership with Hennepin County, St. Louis Park Public Schools will be hosting a Pfizer vaccination event for people ages 5 and up. Boosters will be available to individuals ages 12+ whose second vaccine dose was administered five months prior. If you are receiving a second dose or booster dose, please bring proof of vaccination. Event details:
- Dates: Saturday, February 5, 2022
- Time: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Location: Aquila Elementary School
- The vaccine is free and no insurance is required
- Individuals receiving a vaccine will receive a $50 Visa gift card (while supplies last)
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Reminder: No School for E-12 Students on Jan. 28 & Feb. 4 |
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As a reminder, there is no school for K-12 students on either Friday, January 28 (grading day for staff) or Friday, February 4 (staff professional development day). Early learning preschool and ECSE students also have no school on Jan. 28 and Feb. 4. There will be no ECFE classes on Feb. 4. Kids Place childcare will be open on both days. |
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January 20 is Incoming 6th Grade Information Night |
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St. Louis Park Middle School will host a Virtual Incoming 6th Grade Information Night at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 20. Current fifth grade families should have already received communication via email and phone blast with further details about this event.
Families will be welcomed by school and district leaders, receive details about the online course registration process, and have the chance to participate in breakout rooms with school leaders and academic department chairs to learn more about St. Louis Park Middle School.
As you prepare to join us on Thursday, it will be helpful if you plan to use a device that will allow you to use Zoom. To access the event on Thursday evening go online to slpenrollment.com/grade6-welcome-lobby/ and enter the "Welcome and Registration Overview Virtual Room."
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Free Virtual Financial Aid Events for High School Families |
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Kicking off the New Year, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Minnesota Department of Education, ECMC's The College Place Minnesota, and Minnesota Goes to College are launching a series of financial aid webinars for Minnesota students and families as they prepare for the college-going process. All sessions will have simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. Participants who attend 4 out of 5 sessions will be eligible to win a $500 scholarship.
The series, which runs February 8th through March 1st, will focus on a variety of topics, including general financial aid information, details on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Minnesota Dream Act for undocumented students, and other ways to pay for college.
February 8, 2022, 7 p.m. — Financial Aid Overview
February 15, 2022, 7 p.m. — Complete the FAFSA
February 17, 2022, 7 p.m. — Complete the MN Dream Act
February 22, 2022, 7 p.m. — Understanding Your Offer Letter
March 1, 2022, 7 p.m. — Scholarship Search
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Middle School Theatre Program to Present "Back to the 80s" January 27-30 |
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The St. Louis Park Middle School Theatre Program will present "Back to the 80s: A Risky, Goonie, Breakfast Tale of Totally Tubular Time Travel" in four showings on January 27-30 at the Middle School Performing Arts Center.
Performances are January 27-29 at 7 p.m. and January 30 at 1 p.m. Audience members are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance due to limited seating. Click here to purchase tickets. Tickets are $5 for students and $8 for adults.
Hold on to your hoverboards, we're taking a trip Back to the 80s! When modern teen Mary Fitzfry gets sent back in time by an eccentric professor, she finds herself in the middle of a totally tubular cavalcade of 80s pop culture.
Students with main cast roles will alternate performances. Blue cast will perform Thursday and Saturday, while Green cast will perform Friday and Sunday.
Main Blue Cast Members: Maddie Grecco-Rosen, Katie Healy, Allie Foster, Owen Hollinger and Jojo Williams Hyatt
Main Green Cast Members: Kateri Trebnick, Nina Casey-Fix, Naomi Butler, Shep Cox and Gwyneth DeVillers
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Explore Adult Education Classes |
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Stay Home When You Are Sick! |
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