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)

April 11, 2024

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Principal's Message

Dear Middle School Families,

We are entering MCA testing season for the 2023-2024 School Year. All students will take the MCA Reading Test during hours 1-3 on Tuesday, April 16th. All students will take the MCA Math Test during hours 1-3 on Thursday, April 25. All 8th Grade students will take the MCA Science test on Wednesday, May 1.

On testing days, please encourage your student to get a good, full night of sleep the night before, get to school on time, and eat breakfast in the morning (either at home or at school or both!) Please also encourage your student to try their best and to not rush through the test to just finish it.

Thank you for your continued support of your student here at SLPMS!

In partnership,

Melissa Kalinowski

Upcoming Dates

Apr. 16 - MCA Reading Test

Apr. 17 & 18 - Conferences - 5-8pm

Apr. 19 - Conferences 8-4pm and JumpStart for current 5th graders

Apr. 24 - Site Council - 6:30pm

Apr. 25 - MCA Math Test

May 1 - MCA Science Test (8th Grade Only)

May 2-9 - 8th Grade REM Field Trip (Days and Times will vary based on student I&S class)

May 9 - Rally Night for Incoming 6th Grade (current 5th Grade) Students and Families - 6:30pm

May 10 - Coffee with the Principals - 9:15am

Interdisciplinary Team Websites

Check these websites to see updates on what your student is learning in each course and important calendar events like tests and project due dates.

Middle School FAQs

Dear MS Caregivers,

If you are new(ish) to the Middle School or have general questions, please be aware that we have a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page on the MS website. Click here to access this informational page. Please give us a call, too, if you have questions that are beyond the scope of this page. Thank you!

MCA Testing Information

Dear Families of our SLPMS students,

On Tuesday, April 16th and on Thursday, April 25th during Periods 1-3 (9:05-11:30am), the entire student body will be taking the yearly MCA (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment) reading and math tests, respectively.

We are encouraging every student to take these tests for the following reasons:

Students get to show what they know as a reader, mathematician, and thinker with regard to the state standards at their respective grade levels
Schools, teachers, and caregivers can gain valuable information about how well a student is progressing academically.
Teachers and school leaders receive information about areas of strength and gaps in our current curriculum, which then informs how educators plan lessons in math, reading, and science.
Any student who opts out of these tests is scored as “not proficient/did not meet standards” at a state level.

We are discouraging any students from opting out of the tests. If you choose to opt your student out, please keep them home in the morning and drop them off at 11:25am on that Tuesday and Thursday. We are asking this because we would like the whole building participating in and focused on showing our learning with minimal distractions. Please support us in this endeavor.

If you are interested in volunteering during MCA testing, please sign up here.

Tuesday, April 16th: Shifts 8:45-10:15am and 10:00-11:30am.
14 for each shift with the opportunity to take double shifts
Thursday, April 25th: Shifts 8:45-10:15am and 10:00-11:30am.
14 for each shift with the opportunity to take double shifts

8th Grade Job Opportunity

Attention 8th graders, if you are 14 years old and looking for summer employment, the St. Louis Park Rec Center is hiring at the Aquatic Center! Please scan the QR code on the flyer to complete an application. If you have additional questions, please contact Officer Gronski at pgronski@stlouisparkmn.gov

8th Grade REM Learning Ex

Sra. Fuster’s, Ms. Wyffels’s, and Mr. Breitenbucher's 8th grade I&S classes will be going to the REM5 virtual reality laboratory in May for a learning experience for their Africa interdisciplinary unit. The students will have the opportunity to "explore" Africa and the refugee camp that they will be learning about in their I&S and science class. This learning experience has been made possible through a grant from the Park Public Schools and Community Foundation.

The dates of the field trip are May 2-9, and the time is 9:15am-1:15pm. Each of the classes will go to REM5 for their own two hour and 20 minute-ish time slot.

Permission slips and waivers were sent home this week. The signed form and waiver need to be returned to your student’s I&S teacher by Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Students must have both a field trip permission slip and REM5 waiver form.

Please contact your student's I&S teacher with any questions you may have.

Talent Show Auditions

Hi Middle School Parents! The talent show this year will happen during the day on May 31. Why tell you now? Because try-outs will be after school Mon, April 15 and Tues, April 16 and during 5th hour April 16th. Help your middle schooler show off their skills! Help them get their act together.

Spring Sports Start March 25th

Registration is open for all 6-8th graders and practice starts after school on Monday, March 25th for Spring Sports. Sports offered at the middle school are Boys Tennis, Boys and Girls Track & Field and Girls Lacrosse. Registration and information can be found on the Middle School Athletics page on the Middle School website. If you have any questions please email Derek Wennerberg - wennerberg.derek@slpschools.org

Swim Lessons

Mean Girls Jr Cast and Crew Information

Mean Girls Cast and Crew

Here is your rehearsal schedule

Cast- contact Zumberge and Schmerler with conflicts and questions

Crew- contact Ms. Small with questions

Lil Zumberge - co-director, zumberge.lillian@slpschools.org

Jen Schmerler - co-director, schmerler.jennifer@slpschools.org

Katie Small - Technical Director, small.katie@slpschools.org

Jessica Edelheit - producer, edelheit.jessica@slpschools.org

Chris Larson - musical director, larson.christopher@slpschools.org

Washington DC Trip Information

for Current 6th Graders

Due to inclement weather, the informational meeting for the June, 2025 Washington, D.C. trip has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 16th, 2024.

This meeting is open to all current 6th grade families who will have students in the 7th grade during the 2024-25 school year.

NEW DATE: April 16^th, 2024

TIME: 7:30pm

LOCATION: LMC Classroom, St. Louis Park Middle School

CONTACT: Samantha Wyffels at

wyffels.samantha@slpschools.org

Financial assistance, affordable payment plans, and easy-to-use fundraising programs are available.

Extended payment plan also available! Sign up by 06/29/2024 and pay $149 a month until trip balance is paid in full!

READY TO SIGN UP NOW? Our trip ID is 215165

worldstrides.com/register

800-468-5899

Employment Opportunity

Looking for a way to support your community and make a difference in your child's school district? St. Louis Park Middle School has Special Education para professional job opportunities available. Para professionals provide support to students with a wide variety of disabilities. No evenings or weekends. Similar work calendar as your child's school calendar. Summers off, with optional employment opportunities if you should desire to work. If interested, please apply at slpschools.org/employment.

Every Meal Weekend Food Program

Please click here for more information to sign up. If you have questions, please contact Kristen in Student Services: engen.kristen@slpschools.org or 952-928-6389

Washington DC Trip for 7th Graders

Site Council

As reminder, student conferences are next week.

We want to show our support for the staff and provide them with some great food and snacks.

We have plenty of room left to contribute - use the sign up genius link to grab your spot.

We also are happy to accept donations to cover the costs of these meals.

Our Venmo account is @SLPMS-SiteCouncil

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E48ABA92BA4F85-48284532-slpmsteacher

Thank you for your support!!

Our next call is April 24^th @ 630 pm

District Communications

Home Athletic Events Expectations for SLP Schools

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, admission will stop at the end of the third quarter.

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

If you have questions, please reach out to Andy Ewald, Athletic Director, ewald.andrew@slpschools.org 952-928-6118

AIPAC Community Celebration

The American Indian Parent Advisory Committee invites community members to join in celebration on April 20 from 2-6 pm. Please join us for an event filled with games, food, and music! There will be drumming, dancing, food, and games! Sign up at slpschools.org/aipaccc

Download the new Transportation App, My Ride K-12 by May 1, 2024

This spring, St. Louis Park Public Schools will begin using a new transportation app for parents and caregivers to access updated transportation information for their student(s). In the new app, you can access the information as you did in the previous app.

Real-time mapping for school bus arrival for pick-up and afternoon drop-off
Easy access to bus information (bus number, bus stop location, and bus stop time)

The new app, My Ride K-12, is available on the Apple Store and Google Play Store now. You can use your existing log-in information (username and password) from the previous transportation app (Traversa Ride 360) to log into the new app or the website.

Parents and guardians will need to download a new app by May 1 in order to access their student’s transportation information. Learn more about how to set up your account: English | Spanish | Somal.

Kids Place Registration 2024-2025

We’re pleased to announce our school year registration window for Kids Place School Age Care, welcoming participants in grades K-5! Registration window: April 9 - May 3, 2024.

• Click on “Online Registration”

• Sign in or create an account

• Select “Explore All Programs”

• Select Kids Place Childcare

• Choose “Registration”

• Follow the on-screen prompts to complete

St. Louis Park High School Theatre Presents Steel Magnolias

by Robert Harling April 19-21

Steel Magnolias is a dramatic comedy centered around six southern women and their relationships that bloom within the local beauty salon. Set over 2 years in the late 1980s, the play follows Truvy, the sassy and strong salon owner; Annelle, her anxious new assistant with her fair share of secrets; Miss Clairee, widow of the former beloved mayor who has become quite the public figure herself; Ouiser, the town curmudgeon with a warm heart; Shelby, a young woman with health issues who’s ready to take risks to live her life; and M’Lynn, who will protect her daughter at any cost.

Due to construction at the High School, all performances will be held at the Middle School Performing Arts Center, located at 2025 Texas Ave S. Performances are April 19 and 20 at 7:00 pm and January 21 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens, and free with student ID for all SLPHS students. Please purchase tickets at gopark.hometownticketing.com/embed/all.

Kids Place Summer Program - Registration Opens March 1, 2024

We’re excited to host the Kids Place Summer Program for grades K-5 at Aquila Elementary.

Program Highlights:

•Balanced schedule includes structured enrichment activities as well as supervised play time for children to explore their own interests

• Daily academic skills practice

• Focus on building friendships

Visit slpcommunityed.com/kids-place/ for more information

New ParkTV channels for SLP board meetings and other programming

ParkTV is updating its Comcast cable channels to include more high definition (HD) channels, while still maintaining standard definition (SD) viewing options. St. Louis Park Public Schools programming, including concerts, plays, school board meetings and sports, can now be viewed on HD Ch. 859 and SD Ch. 16. View the airing schedule.

Additionally, you can watch school board meetings and other videos on our Youtube channel.

In the Loop SLP Construction Update

View updates from Knutson Construction and St. Louis Park Public Schools about construction projects in the school district. February highlights include project milestones and progress for the High School, Central Community Center, and Data Center.

Fun Fact: The SLP HS Storm Shelter has over 500 tons of concrete used for the structure. That weight is equivalent to 195 Knutson work Trucks!

View the construction updates webpage.

In the Loop: SLP Construction Newsletter