St. Louis Park High School Students and Families,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! As we prepare to open our doors on September 5, 2024, I am filled with excitement and optimism for the year ahead. Whether you are returning to our halls or joining us for the first time, I warmly welcome each of you.

This year, our focus is on building a community rooted in JOY. We believe that joy is a transformative force, capable of shaping our learning experiences and strengthening our community. There is no greater liberation than joy. It empowers every student to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment where they feel supported, valued, seen, and heard. Joy embodies equity and inclusion, fosters restoration, and honors the multiple identities we each hold. At SLPHS, joy is at the heart of everything we do.

I look forward to seeing the amazing things we will achieve as a community.

Welcome back, St. Louis Park High School!



Take care, be well, and GO PARK!!

LaNisha Paddock

Principal

Date: September 4, 2024

Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Location: St. Louis Park High School

Students in grades 9-12, along with their families, are invited to join us for an informal Back to School Meet and Greet. This event is a great opportunity to:

• Meet and Greet teachers
• Pick up Chromebooks
• Pick up Student IDs
• Collect parking permits
• Obtain a paper copy of the study hall/PSEO release form

Additional Activities:

• 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Activities Fair
• 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: 9th Grade Parent/Caregiver Orientation (9th graders are encouraged to attend; new students in grades 10-12 are also welcome)

We look forward to seeing you there!

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: hanson.angela@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

Park Connections advisory teachers will be reviewing the Student & Family Handbook during the first week(s) of school. The handbook is available now 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 during the first week of school.

As we head into a new school year, we remind parents and caregivers of the importance of monitoring their student's social media activity. Social media can greatly influence students' well-being, relationships, and academic performance. By staying engaged and aware of their online interactions, you can help guide them toward positive and responsible use, ensuring a safer and more supportive digital environment.

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.

2024-2025 Schedule Change Request Form

August 19th - September 11th

● The Schedule Change Request Form will begin to be reviewed the week of August 19th.

● See reasons on the form for schedule changes.

● This form will remain open until Tuesday, September 10th, 3pm.

September 12th - September 27th:

● Exit a class for Study Hall.

• Students may still exit a class for a Study Hall, provided they carry a minimum course load of 5-6 classes.
• No grade will appear on the transcript.
• The Class Drop Form must be completed and returned to the Grade Level School Counselor with all required signatures (student, teacher, parent/guardian)

● Course Level Change

• If a student begins a course and needs to change to a more appropriate level, there is a 4-week window to do so at the start of each semester.
• The Course Level Change Form must be completed and returned to the Grade Level School Counselor.

September 28th - December 12th

● All course drops will result in a ‘W’ (Withdrawal) being entered on the student’s

transcript.

● A ‘W’ does not impact GPA, but will be seen by college admissions.

● Students cannot go below 5 classes per semester.

December 13th - January 23rd

● Any course drops will be recorded as an ‘F’ on the transcript.

● Students cannot go below 5 classes per semester.

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).

Minnesota Free School Meals Program

The Minnesota Free School Meals program provides state reimbursement to schools that participate in the National School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program. Our schools already offer healthy meals each day. All in-person students can get one breakfast and one lunch Free of charge while at school - no application is required.

What is Not Included in the Minnesota Free School Meals Program?

Single item purchases. Some examples include:

A second carton of Milk

Snack Items

Second Entree’

A Second Breakfast or a Second Lunch

Ala carte Items

For your student to purchase these items you will want to open an account through Wordware/Edutrak or PowerSchool and deposit funds into your student’s meal account.

Apply for Educational Benefits Application

It is important for families to complete the Application for Educational Benefits (AKA Free and Reduced Price Meal Benefits Application), Applications Educational Benefits determine how much funding your child’s school receives for educational programs and supports. Additionally, families can qualify for other benefits, such as:

• Advanced Placement (AP) Tests for potential college course credit
• College Application Fees
• Internet Access
• Sports & Activities Fees
• Transportation

The application for Educational Benefits can be filled out in some different ways, including online through your Wordware/Edutrak account, The Parent/Student PowerSchool account, or by completing a paper application.

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).

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.

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

Athletics Back-to-School Information - PDF

Fall, Winter, Spring Offerings

To participate you will need a current physical on file as well as be fully registered. Registration is online at www.gopark.org. If you do not have internet access, or need to pay by cash or check, please stop in the Athletic Office to register.

HOME HS ATHLETIC EVENTS

For all home High School athletic events where admission is charged:

• Any child in 8th grade or below must be accompanied by a paying adult who is responsible for them, their behavior and their whereabouts at the event. The student must be in the bleachers unless with the accompanying adult.  
• No bags, backpacks or outside food/drink will be allowed in at home football games and there will be no reentry.  
• All tickets must be purchased electronically, either in advance, or at the event. There will be no cash options available. No refunds.
• For football, entry will stop at the end of the third quarter.

Please purchase your tickets here: https://gopark.hometownticketing.com/embed/all

****For The 2024 Homecoming Football Game****

Friday, September 20th - 7pm

• Tickets will ONLY be sold online, no tickets will be sold at the game.
• Online ticket sales will end at 3pm on Thursday, September 19th.
• Any child in 8th grade or below must be accompanied by a paying adult who is responsible for them, their behavior and their whereabouts at the event. The student must be in the bleachers unless with the accompanying adult.  
• No bags, backpacks or outside food/drink will be allowed in at home football games and there will be no reentry.  
• Entry will stop at the end of the second quarter.

Please purchase your Homecoming football game tickets here.

Contact: Andy Ewald. ewald.andrew@slpschools.org 952-928-6118

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.

VISION 4.0 COMMUNITY COMMITTEE

There is another opportunity for the youth and their parents to be involved with the city! Every 10 years, the City of St. Louis Park reviews and updates the strategic priorities that staff and elected officials use to guide planning and decision-making over the next decade. In 2024, elected officials, city staff and community members will revisit the community vision process for Vision 4.0.Applications to apply for the Vision 4.0 Community Committee close on Sept. 2.  

Find out more

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