August 12, 2024

Minnesota law requires that all students get vaccinated against certain diseases or have a legal exemption on file to enroll in school. Students entering 12th grade for the 2024-2025 school year are required to have documentation of immunizations received or a legal exemption for the booster dose of the meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccine. 

Students will not be able to attend school if they are not up-to-date with vaccines or do not have a legal exemption on file. 

MDH Immunization Requirements: English | Spanish | Somali 

MDH Immunization & Legal Exemption Forms: English | Spanish | Somali

Immunization records and legal exemptions can be mailed or faxed to:

• SLPHS, 6425 W 33rd Street, St. Louis Park, MN 55426
• Fax: 952-928-6113
• Email: Larson.Leslie@slpschools.org

There is also an immunization record drop box located inside the main entrance of the District Offices where records can be securely delivered throughout the summer. 

Central Clinic

No cost vaccines are available to students at the Central Clinic. The clinic opened on August 6th. If your student has vaccines due in the fall it is not too early to get their vaccines now. 

Central Community Center

6300 Walker Street, St. Louis Park 

Hours: 1-4:30, Tuesday and Thursday (walk-in; no appointments)

Central Clinic Flyers: English | Spanish | Somali

9th Grade Orientation

9th grade orientation is Thursday, August 29th, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. We will kick off the event in the auditorium. After the gathering, students will meet with their Park Connections teacher and receive their schedules, chromebooks, student IDs, and other pertinent information. Students will have a chance to find their classes and common locations in a Scavenger Hunt, as well as attend an Activity Fair. The fair will give students time to mingle, ask questions, and indicate interest in various clubs and activities. 

Bus information for 9th grade orientation is located here. This will include times and bus stop locations for orientation only. Return buses home will be departing the high school at 11:40 a.m. If your student will be riding the Minneapolis route, please complete the Minneapolis route RSVP form here by August 27th so that our driver can plan accordingly. All families are also welcome to drop-off/pick-up their students at the parent drop-off location along the curb on W 33rd St.

9th Grade Orientation for Parents/Caregivers

Parents/caregivers are invited to a 9th grade orientation session on Thursday, August 29th, at 4:30 to 5:30pm. in the high school auditorium. Attendees will hear from key support staff, and learn about the 9th grade academic program.

10-12th Grade New Student Orientation

See flier for information.

*Students who are unable to attend Orientation will receive all school-issued equipment during the first week of school.

Thursday, August 29th from 12pm to 3:30pm: We will be offering an open house time for 10th-12th grade students to come into the building and meet with their teachers to get ready for the new school year. This meeting could involve any of the following:

• Check-In: Connect with classroom teachers for the 24-25 school year.
• Communication: Confirm student and family contact information and review opportunities for school-to home connections
• During this time, the Main Office will also be open for students who have been assigned and paid for their Park Permit to pick up their permit. 
• Pick up your student ID.

St. Louis Park High School will like to welcome families to join us for Family Engagement Night on September 26th, from 5:30-7:30 pm.

The purpose of Family Engagement Night is to:

1. Inform: Provide parents with detailed information about their child’s classes, including the syllabus, instructional methods, and expectations.
2. Engage: Show parents how they can support and engage with their child’s education.
3. Facilitate Communication: Establish a clear line of communication between teachers and parents to enhance student success.
4. Build Community: Foster a sense of community and partnership between the school and families.

Overall, it aims to equip parents with the knowledge and tools they need to support their child's learning and development throughout the school year.

Students will be able to view schedules through Powerschool on Tuesday, August 27th at 4:00 pm (view schedules through Powerschool, not Schoology). Please know that classes will be balanced over the last week of August so students should check for their most up-to-date schedule on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Schedule change requests will be very minimal and must be made prior to Tuesday, September 10, 2024.

All schedule change requests can be made through the Schedule Change Request link can be found on the login page of Public Portal. Please remember that schedules will only be adjusted for the following reasons: 

1. A wrong class appears
2. A level adjustment needs to occur
3. A graduation requirement needs to be fulfilled

Schedule changes cannot be made for teacher choice or class time preference.

Technology Device Loan Agreement & Acceptable Use Form (Grades 6-12; within PowerSchool Public Portal)

WHAT: Technology Device Loan Agreement & Acceptable Use Form

WHO: Families with students in Grades 6-12 who receive a new device from the school district for the 2024-25 school year.

WHEN: Before the start of school or at back to school information/orientation events

ACTION: Complete the Technology Loan Agreement and the Policy 524 Form on Powerschool.

Students who received a device in the 2023-24 school year and kept them over the summer of 2024 will not need to re-sign this agreement. Incoming 6th graders at the middle school and incoming 9th graders at the high school will need to sign the agreement.

Park Connections advisory teachers will be reviewing the Student & Family Handbook during the first week(s) of school. The handbook will be available in August on the SLP High School website. Students are encouraged to review the handbook with their Families and will be required to sign an acknowledgement form.

Lifetouch will take school pictures for Grades 9-11 on September 6th in the small gym during their English class. You can purchase pictures online at mylifetouch.com and enter code: EVTXT9G4M. If you choose not to purchase a photo package, you should still have your picture taken in order to receive your student identification badge and to be included in the yearbook. If you are unable to get your picture taken, there will be make-up pictures on October 10th. 

The Echowan staff is dedicated to ensuring every student’s name is listed in the yearbook in a way that honors and affirms their identity. 

When you order pictures:

• Please use your student’s preferred name.
• Fill out the SLP Name/Gender Change Request Form if a change on the student’s profile is needed.
• Students with name changes should inform the photographer at the time of their photo – this is to ensure that LifeTouch has their correct name.

Seniors:

• Submit your photos.
• The Echowan staff will regularly communicate to seniors and families about the senior photo deadline via our Instagram account (@slpechowan), the 6425 News, and school messenger. 

Seniors will be submitting their own photos, from either a senior photo shoot or a recent picture that they select of themselves. If you have your photos now, use the link above. The picture does not have to be professional, but it should be school appropriate. Once school starts, you can go to hs.slpschools.org/students/echowan and where you can find links to submit seniors photos or to purchase a yearbook and/or baby ads. 

Reminder - your school picture will appear in the yearbook. Please dress accordingly.

If your student doesn’t have a school picture:

• Their name will be listed on the class portrait page as “not pictured”.

The creation of our yearbook is a long process that starts before the beginning of the school year. There are several hard deadlines between our staff and Josten’s printer throughout the year. The class portrait pages are typically one of our first packages with a hard deadline to the printer. Because of that, we ask that any name changes be made by December 31st to make sure preferred names are listed in the yearbook. 

If a name change is needed at any time after LifeTouch photos have occurred, please reach out to the Echowan advisors Kelsey Hanson (hanson.kelsey@slpschools.org) and Tony Vandeneide (vandeneide.anthony@slpschools.org).

On March 17, 2023, Governor Walz signed the MN Free School Meals bill into law. The MN Free School Meals Program is a permanent program that provides state reimbursement to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program so that students can have one breakfast and one lunch at no cost at school. The Free School Meals Program began on July 1, 2023.

Even though one daily lunch and breakfast will be offered free to students through this new funding, completing the Application for Educational Benefits may qualify your family for other discounts such as: 

• Reduced district activity Fees
• Reduced Testing Fees
• Reduced Field Trips
• Transportation 
• Reduced Internet Fees 
• School Funding

WHAT: Student Meal Accounts

WHO: Families with students in Grades K-12

WHEN: Prior to your child needing funds to make a purchase for ala carte items

ACTION: Add funds to your child’s meal account (please allow up to 30 minutes for the funds to arrive in your student’s account).

PowerSchool Parent (change Parent to Public) Portal provides a link called SmartSchoolK12 Food Service to each student’s EduTrak meal account where families can view student meal accounts and make payments online.

The School Nutrition Department cannot accept cash or checks, so online payment is the only way to add money to student meal accounts.

Student Lunch PINS

Where can I find my student's PIN?

Your student’s PIN number is available in the PowerSchool Public Portal. While the standard school meals are free to students beginning this school year, students will still need to enter their PIN number.

Please see the information below to help prepare for the first day of school: 

• The orange banner will appear and the PIN is located at the top right. Please share the updated information with your student. 
• If your student is unaware of their PIN number, each site will have a list of PIN numbers for students. 
• If your site and grade levels use student meal cards, these cards will be printed and distributed for students.
• Students at sites and grade levels that do not use student meal cards will be able to type their PIN number to process meal selections and ala carte options and additional purchases.



The safety of our school community is a top priority, as we continue to work towards ensuring each student receives healthy, nutritious meals. If you have any questions, please contact us at 952-928-6146 or email schoolnutrition@slpschools.org.

Incoming 9th graders and new students (10th,11th and 12th graders): If you would like a locker please fill out this 2024-2025 Locker Opt-in Form by going to the link below, or by scanning the QR code. This locker will stay with you as you transition throughout your high school career. 

Locker Request Form

Attendance is one of the first indicators of academic success. Research shows that class attendance is closely related to positive performance in coursework. Students are expected to be in class every hour, on time, every school day. Students must remain in the class for the entire hour or they will be marked as Partial Absence - Unexcused (PU) or Tardy Unexcused (TU). Missing less than 10 minutes of class is considered a Tardy Unexcused absence (TU); more than 10 minutes of class is considered a Partial Absence Unexcused (PU) - this includes students who leave class with or without a pass and are gone for an extended period or who do not return to class.

Morning Arrival

Students are expected to be in class on time, every hour, every school day. School is in session from 8:25 am to 3:15 pm. Students with a first period class will be expected to report on time and be in class by 8:25 am. Any student that reports to school after 8:25 am will be marked as Tardy Unexcused (TU - less than 10 minutes late to their first class) or Partial Unexcused (PU - more than 10 minutes late to their first class). Any student that reports to school after 8:25 am must enter the building through Door 1 and check-in at the Main Office in order to receive a late pass to class. 

*Students that have a Study Hall/OLL Release or PSEO Release at the start of their school day will need to check-in at the Main Office (enter through Door 1) and have their Powerschool schedule and Student ID available before reporting to their assigned space at the appropriate bell.

Reporting Absences

For the 2024-25 school year, if your student will be absent from school for any reason, please submit the Attendance Reporting Form as soon as the absence is known (or at least within 24 hours). Please be prepared to report the student’s information (name, grade, student ID) and any relevant information about the absence. All absences are marked as Absent Unexcused (AU) until the form is completed. Students cannot excuse themselves. 

Reasons for Excused Absences

An excused absence includes but is not limited to the following categories:

Parent-excused absences

• Religious holidays
• Illness/medical related absences (parents should provide documentation from medical offices for any appointments)
• Pre-approved college visits (not to exceed three per year)
• Family emergencies (approved by school administration)
• Court appearances (must have court subpoena or letter from lawyer or parent/guardian)
• Vacation with family (5 days or more should be pre-approved by an administrator)

School-excused absences

• Out of school suspension or dismissal
• School related absences-i.e. sports, field trips, counseling office visits

Missing the bus, oversleeping, car problems, getting a ride to school, running late, studying for tests and caring for siblings are not considered excused absences. Parents/guardians should still communicate the absence to the school, though the attendance will be marked as Absent Unexcused (AU).

Parking passes will go on sale on Friday, August 16, at 8:00 am. The process for securing a parking pass includes the following:

• Complete the Google Form to register for a Parking Pass (linked below). SLPHS Parking Passes are on a first come first serve basis due to limited spaces.
• On August 23 by 3pm, students will be notified that they have been assigned a parking pass for the entire 2024-25 school year. At that time, payments can be made online with the link that will be provided in a confirmation email.
• Price of Parking Pass is $100 for the entire school year. Once payment has been submitted, please print a receipt and have your student bring it to the Main Office to pick up their parking pass. 
• Students will need to have all obligations cleared up and present a valid driver’s license when picking up their pass. If payment is not submitted and pass is not picked up by Friday, September 6th, the spot will be forfeited to the next student on the list. Cars without passes are subject to being booted.
• Please note: a parking permit can be revoked anytime by an Administrator if student conduct does not follow the SLPHS Student Handbook.

*Due to limited spaces we will hold a number of permits aside for sale throughout the year. However, once permits are sold out-we will have a wait list.

There is no specific list of school supplies for high school students. Students should come prepared on the first day of class with a notebook, pen, and pencil. If teachers have specific requests, they will let students know within the first week of school what supplies will best support their course.

PowerSchool and Schoology are platforms that allow parents/guardians to view their student’s attendance, grades, class events and assignments online. 

PowerSchool, the St. Louis Park student information system, is the primary source for attendance and grades for accuracy and most updated.

• To create a new Powerschool account (for new families that do not have a previous SLP Powerschool parent account) go HERE.

Schoology, is the St. Louis Park digital classroom environment where course information, resources, information and assignments are posted regularly for students. 

• To access a previously created parent Schoology account, go HERE.
• To create a new Schoology parent account (for new families that do not have a previous SLP Schoology parent account) go HERE.

Parents/Guardians are welcome and encouraged to visit and/or volunteer at SLPHS. If you would like to meet with a teacher during the school day or outside of the school day, please contact the teacher directly to make arrangements. Please note that visitors will be escorted while in the building and must adhere to all school rules and policies. If you need to pick up your child early, please come to the Main Office (Door 1), and we will contact your student.

Your student identification card will be used in multiple ways this year. Students will need to present this ID to check in and out of the building, obtain library and technology materials, and take attendance in designated areas. Students should carry it with them at all times.

Transition to Closed Campus

Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, St. Louis Park High School will transition to a closed campus for all students in grades 9-12. Once students arrive at school, they may not leave at any point during the school day without parent/caregiver permission. This change is part of our ongoing safety-minded school culture, where everyone is empowered to actively contribute to the safety and protection of our school communities.

The change to closed campus means that any student who leaves school without proper clearance may receive disciplinary action. During the school day, the parking lots and most other outdoor areas are considered closed to students, unless accompanied by a staff member.

A Closed Campus is a Safer Campus

St. Louis Park Public Schools in partnership with I love u Guys, is implementing a new Standard Response Protocol at all schools. The decision to close campus is in alignment with district wide measures to increase safety and security for students and staff across all buildings. These practices keep our schools safe, so we can have trusting relationships between adults, students, mental health supports, and community partnerships. Most importantly, it allows us to keep our focus on learning. There are many existing safety practices that include wearing identification badges, checking that doors remain secure, actively partaking in drills, and now, a closed campus for the high school. 

New Cafeteria Space

Additionally, there is more student capacity with the completion of the new cafeteria space. We will continue to run three lunch periods and there will be sufficient space for all students during the lunch hours. We are also working to establish spaces for quiet lunches. 

We are committed to ensuring a positive and secure environment for all students throughout the school day. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we implement these important changes for the 2024-25 school year.

Athletics Back-to-School Information

A great way to get involved at St. Louis Park High School is by joining one of our many clubs! If one does not exist that addresses your particular interests, please do not hesitate to start a new one! Current Clubs at SLPHS If you would like to join a current club please reach out to the advisor listed on the webpage.

Gather a group of friends to answer the following questions:

1. How will your club be different from any of the existing clubs that we currently have at SLPHS? Each of our clubs should serve a unique purpose.
2. What is the goal of your proposed club? Why should SLPHS support your club?
3. Do you have a teacher who will act as a moderator? All clubs at SLPHS require a teacher, counselor, or administrator who is willing to act as an advisor to your club. They may or may not get paid to advise.
4. How will this club support the mission and vision of the SLP school District SLP Strategic Plan

All clubs are subject to approval by the SLP School Board and/or SLPHS Administrative Leadership team. To help ensure that your club meets the basic requirements, please read the following information and complete all appropriate forms. *Clubs will be considered extinct and deleted if there is no club activity for one (1) calendar year. Clubs need to hold a minimum of three (3) meetings/events per semester to remain an active club. If clubs are removed due to inactivity, they must resubmit an application and go through the approval process to be reinstated.  

CLUB APPLICATION

Incoming seniors that are on-track to graduate spring of 2025 will be eligible for guaranteed admissions to approximately fifty-five MN postsecondary institutions. OHE direct admissions provides waived application fees to participating MN colleges and universities with guaranteed admission. In early October, students will receive notification of their qualifying tier with the list of institutions they can apply for at no cost. More information will be provided as we head into the 2024-25 school year. For questions please contact Kara Mueller

mueller.kara@slpschools.org.

End of Summer Opportunities To Get Involved In Our High School Community!

A great way to get to know the St. Louis Park High School community is to volunteer your time through PEAC, our Parent Engagement Advisory Committee. When the school year starts in early September, each week we’ll share new opportunities with you in the 6425 newsletter. 

And good news, here are four ways you can get involved as we prepare for the school year!

1. Aug. 26 and Aug. 28: help teachers and staff set up their rooms - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DA9AA23A2FEC52-50587189-aug
2. Aug. 29: welcome our staff back to school by providing lunch -https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090445A4A62FA31-50513708-slphs
3. Sept. 3: welcome students back to school on their first morning -https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DA9AA23A2FEC52-50569702-day1
4. Donate to our nonprofit 501c3 - If volunteering isn’t an option, we can now accept monetary donations that will help fund our future work to support the St. Louis Park High School — for example, helping to fund field trip requests and showing staff appreciation will be big focuses for us. Venmo PEAC at @SLPHS-PEAC (7282 is last four of the cell).

Remember, we’re always looking for ways to bring your skills and talents to the school so please reach out to share them or learn more about PEAC - send a note to slphsPEAC@gmail.com.

We look forward to partnering with you this upcoming school year! 

PEAC - Parent Engagement Advisory Committee

Roni Falck, Julie Yakes - Co-Chairs

Ben Schein - Treasurer

Jen Beach - Communications

Services are no cost and include:

• Treatment for acute illness and injuries
• Well-child/baby check ups
• Immunizations/vaccines* (for uninsured/Medical Assistance/MNCARE) [*at this time, we are not able to give COVID vaccines]
• Sports & camp physicals
• Sexual health care
• Interpreters can be arranged by calling ahead of time

Walk-In:

• Patients are seen in order of arrival.

Consent:

• Written consent by a parent or guardian required annually. (By Minnesota law, students can give permission for their sexual health services.)
• Consent forms are available at the clinic, in school offices, Central Community

View the consent form

The clinic is staffed by Park Nicollet physicians. For more information regarding clinic services, please call 952-993-1100.

Central Community Center (W 35th St)

6300 Walker Street

Hwy. 7 and Wooddale

St. Louis Park, MN 55416

952-993-1100

Hours

Tuesday 1-4:30 p.m.

Thursday 1-4:30 p.m.

Low-cost dental care available at this location!

Call Children’s Dental Services: 612-746-1530

View the flyer: English | Somali | Spanish

Below is a snapshot of the 2024-25 Testing Calendar. Please note there is more in-depth information regarding the PSAT below, as the registration deadline is September 1, 2024. 

Information regarding AP and IB exam registration will come out in the fall, with the registration deadline being November 1, 2024. This information will be distributed through the 6425 in the fall, as well as through all AP and IB courses.

ATTENTION: CLASS OF 2026-2027

PSAT: Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test

NMSQT: National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

The PSAT/NMSQT measures students’ reading, writing, language, and math knowledge and skills. This test measures reasoning and critical thinking skills. It focuses on what students have learned and what they need to succeed in college and future careers. It is not a memorization test. 

Who Takes it?

The College Board recommends that Juniors take the PSAT/NMSQT to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Sophomores may take the PSAT as practice for the SAT but are not eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

SAVE THE DATES

Registration will open on August 1, 2024 - please watch your email in late July for the registration information.

Register by September 1 (August 15 for those needing to apply for accommodations).

Test Date: October 8, 2024. The PSAT/NMSQT will be administered during the school day at St. Louis Park High School.

Cost: $30

If you’d like to know more about the PSAT exam visit:  PSAT

https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt

Click here for the most up-to-date back-to-school information!