Lighthouse School Newsletter
Lighthouse families,
I have had a lot of fun in classrooms over the last week joining morning meetings and community building circles. Students are having fun connecting with greetings, activities, sharing their opinions – like whether or not pineapple belongs on pizza, and sharing their values and things that are important to them. Through these experiences students are getting to know each other even more and building a stronger learning community.
We’re looking forward to taking the next steps with competency-based learning this school year. Last year, we took a competency-based approach to language arts, arts, and career and life competencies. This year, we’re adding science and social studies. Students will be showing evidence of their learning through the multidisciplinary units and co-created inquiries. We’ll continue to share more information as we go. Please also watch for classroom communications and examples from your student’s experience.
As we did last year, we’ll be reaching out to take an occasional pulse check on your current experience with our school. You can expect occasional texts/emails from Possip. This is the organization we’re partnering with to conduct our pulse checks. Each round, there will be a couple of quick questions. You can choose to share your name or remain anonymous. Sharing your name does help us follow up if needed. We’ll be kicking off pulse checks next Thursday, September 26.
Reminders and Updates:
- Homecoming: Next week, the week of September 23, is Homecoming for Spring Lake Park High School. We all get in the school spirit with spirit days. This is always a fun week of community building! Here are our theme days:
- Monday: Pajama Day
- Tuesday: Dress to Impress Day
- Wednesday: College Cheer Day
- Thursday: Holiday Day (dress like your favorite holiday)
- Friday: Panther Spirit Day
- Measures of Academic Progress: Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) is a tool to check in on student learning progress. This is an assessment tool that helps us understand student growth over time in reading and math. Our intent is that this isn’t a stressful activity but is one input for us to use to personalize learning for each student. Students in grades 4-10 will take the reading assessment and grades 3 -10 will take the math assessment next week. Our students concurrently enrolled at the high school will take the assessments with us at Lighthouse.
Thank you for everything you are doing to support attendance and your student’s readiness to learn each day.
Have a great week!
With Gratitude,
Lisa Cisewski
Coordinator of Lighthouse School
Spring Lake Park Schools
Mark your calendar: Caregiver Learning Events
This school year, Spring Lake Park Schools will offer events to help equip caregivers to support their children around social-emotional-behavioral and mental health well-being. We hope you can join us.
We ask that families RSVP for each event so we can prep for the discussion and have enough snacks/beverages for the group. Childcare will be available.
Events:
- (Spanish speaking event) Balancing Acts: Navigating the Spectrum of Relationships presented by Esperanza United - October 23, 6-7 p.m. in the Den at Westwood Intermediate and Middle School. This presentation examines 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.
- Healthy Relationships presented by Noah Shepard with Alexandra House - February 25, 6-7 p.m. in the Den at Westwood Intermediate and Middle School. Learn tips and tools for healthy relationships including red/green flags, boundaries, and consent. RSVP for this event.
If you have questions, contact Social Worker Abbey Pierce.
Grades 3-6 Art Projects
Students in grades 3-6 had their first art lesson last week. They are learning the elements of drawing and focused on the element of line in this activity. Beginning with tracing a line around their hand and arm and then adding additional lines and design elements culminated with the bulletin board display "Reach for the Stars."
This week they are continuing their work with lines by creating "zentangles."
- Our first meeting is tonight, September 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Lighthouse. All parents are welcome to attend virtually or in person - come discover what's going on at Lighthouse!
- Also, as a reminder, the PTO has set up a Facebook group for Lighthouse parents, please use the included QR code or link to register!
Opportunities in Emergency Care wins top honors at international competition
The Opportunities in Emergency Care program at Spring Lake Park High School, part of the school's unique career and college pathways, had two teams place first at the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Houston, Texas. There were more than 12,000 competitors at the event from all over the world.
Four graduates in the Class of 2024 earned the top honors before setting off for their college careers and next steps in health care. Learn more about the competition, the program, and how these students are leaving high school prepared for what comes next. See the full story.
Upcoming non-school day enrichment camps
- Messiest Science Experiments Ever! (grades K-6) - October 3 and 4, 9 a.m. – noon - Join us for a thrilling blend of learning and fun where young scientists will dive into fascinating theories while getting delightfully messy.
- Golf Squad on Campus (grades 1-6) - October 16-18, 1-3 p.m. - When school is out during fall break, beat boredom and stay active! This program will bring Golf Professionals to our campus to teach the fundamentals of the game of golf as well as valuable life lessons.
Westwood after-school enrichment offering
- First LEGO League (Grades 5-8) - The First Lego League class is an innovative and hands-on learning experience that introduces students in grades 5-8 to the exciting world of robotics, engineering, and critical thinking. Starts October 10.
Panther Pride Sweepstakes is starting soon – enter for a chance to win
The Panther Pride Sweepstakes starts on Sunday, September 22. The Panther Foundation is posting a new question on the sweepstakes page each day. Each day, families and staff members can submit their entries. The more days you enter the more changes you have to win.
Students who win earn a $500 cash prize for their school and will choose where to direct the funds from several pre-determined projects. The winning student will also win a $50 Panther Store Gift Card. The winners will be randomly drawn on Thursday, September 26. Good luck, Panthers!
Panther Store Homecoming Sale and Special Edition Shirt
Ready to sport some new gear this homecoming season? We've got you covered! Save 15% online September 18-28 with code 24Homecoming
Additionally, the store will be selling special edition shirts for $5. These are adult sizes only and limited quantity while supplies last. Shirts are available online starting today or check out in-store shopping options here.
Tickets available for SLPHS fall play "Puffs (for Young Wizards)"
Spring Lake Park High School presents the fall play “Puffs (for Young Wizards),” a hilarious take on life at a wizard school from the perspective of the lesser-known students. Performances are on October 25, October 26 (both at 7 p.m.), November 1 (7 p.m.), and November 2 (2 p.m.). Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office.
The director, inspired by his love for the Harry Potter series, selected this fast-paced, comedic play to give audiences a unique, laughter-filled theater experience. Wands are optional but be ready to laugh!
