Spring Lake Park High School
SLPHS families,
I was inspired by the work our staff did together last Thursday and Friday. They worked collaboratively to design engaging work for students. They aligned common practices around assessment and how they provide feedback and evaluate student work. Our students will benefit from these efforts, and we’re grateful for the focused time to improve practice.
One group I spent time with was our Social Studies department as they were giving and getting feedback on their designs for student work. One of our Human Geography teachers shared and received feedback on how they are framing work and assessments through the lens of a profession or job that relates to or uses the concepts and science of human geography and demography. It was fun to see this in action.
Looking ahead, this week is a full week of school and next week is a short week with parent-teacher conferences on Tuesday, October 15, 3-7 p.m. and Wednesday, October 16, 7:30-10 a.m. Parents can sign up for conference times with their student’s teachers using the link and information provided below in the Upcoming Events section. We hope to see many of you in the coming days at conferences.
Finally, I want to promote our upcoming Find Your Future event on Wednesday, November 13, 4:30-6 p.m. at the high school. This event is designed to provide support and resources to students and families as you consider and plan for what comes after high school. It’s for all grade levels. Find details below. I look forward to connecting with families at this valuable event for future planning.
With the short week next week, there won’t be a Wednesday newsletter. Reach out as needed. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. One school, one community, #SLPPantherProud!
Matthew Boucher,
Principal
Update immunizations by October 31, upcoming flu/COVID vaccine clinic
Students whose immunizations are not up to date by Thursday, October 31 will be excluded from school until their immunizations are current. Minnesota School Immunization Laws currently require all students enrolled in school to be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTap/Td/Tdap), polio, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), Hepatitis B, and varicella (chickenpox). One dose of the meningococcal (MCV) vaccine is due in 7th grade, and a booster dose at age 16.
The only exceptions are:
1. A student has had the chickenpox virus
2. Medical exemption with paperwork from your provider
3. Conscientious exemption with notarized exemption form
If you have a question about what is required for your child, please contact the school's health office 763-600-5104.
SLP is hosting a flu/COVID vaccine clinic on Wednesday, October 23 in the Westwood Intermediate and Middle School cafeteria from 4:30-6:30 p.m. for adults and children. If you are planning to attend this clinic, you can fill out this consent form ahead of time, or forms will be available on-site.
(Spanish speaking event) Balancing Acts: Navigating the Spectrum of Relationships, Oct. 23
As a reminder, the Balancing Acts: Navigating the Spectrum of Relationships event will take place on Wednesday, October 23, 6-7 p.m. in the Den at Westwood Intermediate and Middle School. This presentation will be in Spanish and will examine the spectrum of relationships, highlighting the importance of recognizing teen dating violence, the five types of abuse, and empowering young people to foster healthy connections and seek help. RSVP for this event.
Save the date for the "Find your future: Enrollment, employment, enlistment" event, Nov. 13
High school students - at all grade levels - and their families are invited to explore and find your future at a unique career, college and life planning event on Wednesday, November 13, 4:30-6 p.m. at the high school. Whether your student's path leads to enrollment in post-secondary education, employment in the workforce or enlistment in a military option, resources and experts will be available to share information and answer your questions.
At the event:
- Connect with college representatives
- Meet with industry professionals
- Consult with high school counselors
- Attend a number of optional sessions related to career and college planning such as support for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), creating a strong college application, exploring armed forces enlistment opportunities, and more!
October is College Knowledge Month
There are lots of opportunities for students - at all grade levels - to get involved in College Knowledge events this month. These events are great for students to learn about postsecondary options, get college application help, visit with college reps and more. Encourage your student to get involved!
Upcoming events:
- October 10
- Luther College Rep visit, 10 a.m., B138
- College Possible Information Session, 10 a.m., B138 (11th graders only)
- October 11
- University of Minnesota-Rochester Rep visit, 10 a.m., B138
- Transportation Day event – Students in all grades will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from local industries who hire and train students as well as connect with reps from 2- and 4-year colleges. This event takes place during the school day.
- October 14 - College Application Help Session, 10 a.m., B138 (12th graders only)
- October 15 - University of St. Thomas Rep visit, 10 a.m., B138
- October 21
- Drake University Rep visit, 10 a.m., B138
- College Essay Workshop, 10 a.m., B138 (12th graders only)
- October 22 - National College Fair: Minneapolis Convention Center, 8:30-11 a.m., 10-12th grade only - limited space available
- October 23
- College Essay Workshop, 10 a.m., B138 (12th graders only)
- Junior Class Workshop: The College Search - 10 a.m., B138
Transportation Career Day
This Friday, October 11, students have the opportunity to meet with representatives from local industries who hire and train students as well as connect with reps from 2- and 4-year colleges. There will be multiple simulators for students to try along with large machines to check out. Members of the military branches and reps from MN State Colleges and Universities will be present as well . Students can check it out out during SET and lunches.
What does personalized learning really mean?
Designing the experience of school so kids care to learn is at the heart of Spring Lake Park Schools approach to personalized learning. But what does personalized learning really mean?
While a lot of schools talk about personalized learning more generally, we now have a resource that describes in more detail what the K-12 student journey should look and feel like when we are at our best at Spring Lake Park Schools. While no experience is ever perfect, the K-12 Student Journey provides examples of what we are aiming for in each of our Spring Lake Park schools as we work to create a sense of value and belonging, personalize learning and innovate at each grade level.
At the beginning of a new school year, this information provides the most current take on our approach and aspiration. Check out the full piece online.
