St. Louis Park Middle School's Weekly News



Please note: For the most up to date information please click on the Middle School website. (Language Translations available)

February 16, 2023

Our Door Projects have started....

Black Resistance: Building Bridges and Navigating Barriers

8th Grade Westwood Nature Center Field Trip



Last week 8th graders got to learn about winter survival skills at Westwood Nature Center. Our science department has been building a relationship with Westwood to create unique learning experiences for all students. On this trip, students learned some winter survival skills, how to safely build a fire, and were able to boil water to make their own hot chocolate. Students, parents, and staff continually said how much fun this trip was. We are so excited to strengthen our community and continue to use this wonderful resource!

To see pictures from the trip, use this link.

The University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program (UMTYMP, pronounced "um-tee-ump") has been one of the nation's premier accelerated programs for students who are highly talented in mathematics. Students spend up to five years taking UMTYMP courses on the University campus. Students currently in grades 5-7 take the UMTYMP Algebra Qualifying Exam in the spring to qualify for fall enrollment.

Testing dates:

• Round 1 - Saturday February 11th, Saturday February 18th
• Round 2 - Saturday April 22rd, Wednesday April 26th, Saturday April 29th

Interested? More information can be found here: https://cse.umn.edu/mathcep/about-umtymp

A group of students will be going to see 8th grader Vivian Nielsen perform in "Once On This Island" at Stages Theatre on Thursday, March 9th. Students in Keystone Design 8, Musical Theatre Choir, and Theatre Tech Design are all invited to sign up. This is optional, so students who do not choose to attend will attend their regular classes on this day. 

• Cost will be covered
• Students will return in time for lunch, but miss periods 1A, 2A, and 3A
• 8th graders will be prioritized if an overwhelming number of students sign up

Please email lashley.evelyn@slpschools.org if you want to add your qualifying student to the list!

Congratulations to everyone who was cast in our spring musical:

The Little Mermaid Jr! 



Adults of the cast should check their email for our first update. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder and then email edelheit.jessica@slpschools.org

Please make sure you and your student are checking the rehearsal calendar. Rehearsal conflicts should be emailed to schmerler.jennifer@slpschools.org.

Tips & Advice for Incoming Freshman

Coffee with the Principals is Feb 24 at 9:15 am

Performing Arts Center



We will be welcoming some of our Student Leadership Advisory Students to discuss their learning experiences.

Middle School Principal Search Process and Timeline

The St. Louis Park Middle School has had an interim principal, Jason Boll, since the retirement of Principal Les Bork at the end of the 2021-22 school year.  We are now planning a full recruitment effort to attract the next SLP MS Principal.  Below is an outline of upcoming process:

• February 8 - March 10 - Interested stakeholders sign up to participate in the selection process. 
• March 15 - First round interviews with stakeholder groups will take place virtually via Google Meet.
• March 22 - Second round interviews will take place either virtually or in-person.
• March 27-29 - Final round interview with Superintendent. Final selection decisions will consider information collected throughout the full selection process and be made by the Superintendent.  
• April 11 - Superintendent will make an employment recommendation to the Board at the April 11 School Board meeting.

Raising Readers Event on March 1



The St. Louis Park Public Schools Central Early Learning Center is pleased to host a Parent Education evening titled Raising Readers on Wednesday, March 1st from 6:30-7:30. Dana Strahnson, St. Louis Park librarian, will share some tips and strategies for emergent readers. All are welcome. 

Zoom Link: https://slpschools-org.zoom.us/j/83691657114

Central Early Learning Center - 6300 Walker Street, St. Louis Park - Door 3

Public Housing Opportunities in the City of SLP

The St. Louis Park Housing Authority is opening our two, three, four, and five bedroom public housing waiting lists on February 21, 2023 at 10 a.m. and closing March 2, 2023 at 4 p.m. Click here for the public notice with more information. Applications will be accepted online only at https://www.waitlistcheck.com/MN1945. Applicants must meet income and occupancy requirements to apply. For helpful information about properties with affordable rents in St. Louis Park, click here. The announcement is posted on the St. Louis Park Public Housing Program page and the HousingLink website.

Feb. 22 is School Bus Appreciation Day



Governor Walz announced that February 22, 2023 is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! The 35 W bridge will be lit up in “school bus yellow” to commemorate the day and school bus drivers across Minnesota will receive a declaration letter stating the Governor’s appreciation for their good work.

Our partners at Park Adam Transportation have the important job of safely transporting students to and from school each day. Drivers are some of the first people who interact with students each day and their engagement is essential to starting the school day off strong. Please take a moment to share your appreciation with school bus drivers next week!

Middle School Clubs from Youth Enrichment Programs 

Gaming Club 

Wednesdays until March 15th

Sliding Scale Pricing: $20/$30/$40/$50

Register Here: Link 

Newspaper Club 

Tuesdays and Thursdays until June 6th 

Sliding Scale Pricing: $10/$20/$30/$40

Register Here: Link

Art Lab

Wednesdays beginning January 25 through March 29

Sliding Scale Pricing: $10/$20/$30/$40

Register Here: Link

Mr. Jason Boll, Interim Principal

Mr. Cam Muata, Interim Assistant Principal

2025 Texas Avenue South

St. Louis Park, MN 55426

Phone: 952-928-6300

Attendance: 952-928-6394

Fax: 952-928-6383

boll.jason@slpschools.org

muata.cam@slpschools.org

ms.slpschools.org