Spring Lake Park High School
SLPHS families,
We continue to gear up for a new year of learning at Spring Lake Park High School. This week, we are welcoming new staff and preparing for all staff to be back in the building next week. We look forward to seeing many of you at our open house events next Tuesday, August 27 - 3-5 p.m. for grades 10-12 and 5-7 p.m. for grade 9. Students should be prepared for pictures!
As we prepare for the year, you may be seeing and hearing about local school districts limiting student cell phone use during the school day following guidance provided from the 2023 Minnesota Legislature. We've had cell phone guidelines in place in our school. As we start this year, we are taking steps to ensure strong implementation of our guidelines to foster a more positive and uninterrupted learning environment.
For the 2024-2025 school year, personal electronic device use like cell phones and earbuds will not be permitted during instructional time and must be turned off and securely put away in a backpack or in another secured location. High school students can use their cell phones during passing times and lunch breaks. The school is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal devices, we encourage students keep that in mind.
This does not differ greatly from previous expectations, and we believe supporting the full implementation of these practices supports teachers, enhances student engagement in learning experiences and reduces distractions. It also addresses recent research about the impacts of excessive cell phone use on student mental health and well-being (See Surgeon General Advisory).
We also understand cell phones are often used for communication between parents and students. In the case of an emergency or urgent matter, parents and guardians are always welcome to use the school's main phone number (763-600-5100) to relay messages to their student(s). Our office staff promptly deliver any important messages. Remember, high school students also have access to their phones during passing times and lunch.
Teachers will review expectations during the first week of school, including the use of personal devices. If a student is found using a cell phone during instructional time, the phone may be collected by a staff member. You can find a description of our practices in the school handbook on page 14.
If you have any questions regarding guidelines for personal device use, please do not hesitate to contact us. We're also communicating these guidelines directly with students today via Schoology message and student email. We look forward to partnering together – all of us – to make this a highly productive year of learning, growth and development.
Thanks for your support!
Matthew Boucher
Principal
Back to School hub
If you haven't done so already, make sure you check out the Back to School hub to find important information and resources as you prepare for the year and answers to your frequently asked questions to help you stay on top of your back-to-school to do list.
Hub highlights:
- School Supply Lists
- Meet and Greet dates and times
- How to prepare your iPad for the new school year
- How to update your contact information to ensure you receive communication throughout the school year
- and more!
Health office updates for back to school
- School medications: You are welcome and encouraged to bring in any necessary medications for your student to keep at school during next week's Meet and Greet. Our health office will be available to answer questions during this event. If you would like to drop off medications outside of Meet and Greet, please set up a time with our nurse, Mindy Bellomy.
- Immunizations and vaccines: Now is the time to make sure your child is up to date on all recommended immunizations. Getting vaccinated is an important tool to keep our students safe and healthy while they are in school. See our website for more immunization information.
- Peanut/nut aware classrooms: Spring Lake Park Schools continues to implement peanut and nut-aware practices to protect students with severe allergies. Parents are asked to avoid sending snacks containing nuts or nut products and to ensure all snacks are pre-packaged for safety checks. This effort aims to create a safe environment for all students. Learn more on our Health Services webpage.
- Communicate illnesses: Please continue to update the school nurse if your child tests positive for a communicable illness such as flu, RSV (Respiratory Syncitial Virus), or COVID-19. The nurse will provide information on return to school. Please keep your child home if they are sick.
- Communication home: Our school nurse will call home in case of serious illness or injury, or if consultation with a parent/guardian is needed. Many times, students can return to class after a brief rest or treatment from the nurse.
For 9th grade families: iPad replacement at Meet and Greet on August 27
As a reminder, our 9th grade students will be receiving new school-issued iPads. This iPad replacement event will take place during the Spring Lake Park High School 9th grade Meet and Greet on Tuesday, August 27, 5-7 p.m.
To get your student's new iPad, bring the current school-owned iPad, case, charger, and cord to Meet and Greet. If any data is needed off the current iPad prior to the replacement, please review the backup instructions. If you cannot make the Meet and Greet, iPad replacement will be available once school starts.
Get Ready to "Start Your Engines"
The 3rd Annual "Start Your Engines" Big Trucks, Food Trucks & Automobiles event is Saturday, September 14 from 11 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. at Spring Lake Park High School.
This family/community event will feature a variety of exhibits with engines – think big trucks, automobiles, and recreational vehicles. Lunch from the food trucks will be available for purchase. The event is free to attend, and no registration is required - just show up!
Featured Food Trucks:
- Pigs Unlimited
- Turkey King
- 9 Yum Yum
- Eastern Star
Other event features:
- Panther Store Pop-Up Sale
- We are accepting bike donations for Bikes4Kids
- There will be a booth that showcases all of our Community Education fall offerings for youth, families, and adults. Make sure to stop by and sign up!
