Spring Lake Park High School
SLPHS families,
Our Homecoming activities and school spirit were awesome last week. We ended the week with the Homecoming Pep Fest and football game and both were spirited and fun. I want to recognize our student council and Pep Fest emcee’s Ben Anderson and Teddy Wackman for the best Pep Fest we have had since I have been here, except the part where I got a pie in the face! The student leadership and ownership of the experiences were amazing and I appreciate all they put into the festivities.
It’s a short week for our students. Please remember there is no school for students tomorrow, Thursday, October 3 or Friday, October 4. Our staff will be engaging in professional learning, learning design and conference preparation. We expect student back here on Monday, October 7.
Late last week, we had our first pulse check of the year. I appreciate the families who took time to provide feedback and insights. We have started to dig into the comments and consider and reflect what was shared. Some very high level themes include - appreciation for the amount of communication, praise for the wide variety of course offerings, comments and questions about student progress reporting, and concerns about carline logistics. We’ll be spending more time with these and other topics and appreciate your responses.
Parent teacher conferences are fast approaching on Tuesday, October 15, 3-7 p.m. and Wednesday, October 16, 7:30-10 a.m. Sign up for conference times with their student’s teachers using the link and information provided below in the Need to Know section. We hope to see many families at conferences.
Finally, October is College Knowledge Month in Minnesota. Throughout the month of October, all the Minnesota State Colleagues and University system schools waive admission application fees. We also offer a variety of experiences and resources for all grade levels of students and families throughout this month. See more information below.
We look forward to seeing students back at school on Monday. Thank you for your support and partnership. One school, one community #SLPPantherProud!
Matthew Boucher
Principal
October is College Knowledge Month
Spring Lake Park High School is celebrating College Knowledge Month. Each October, this statewide effort supports students in applying to college. The goal is exploration and support.
The events aren’t just for seniors. There are opportunities for high school students at all grade levels to learn more about postsecondary options. Check out the calendar to see events happening this month. This event calendar is LIVE and will be updated as new events are confirmed.
Upcoming events:
- October 7 - Hamline University Rep visit, 10 a.m., B138
- October 8 - Minnesota North College Rep visit, 10 a.m., B138
- October 9 –
- St. Catherine University Rep visit, 10 a.m., B138
- Upward Bound Information Session, 10 a.m. B138 (9-11th graders welcome)
- 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
A day in 3rd grade: Competency-based learning in action
Third graders enthusiastically welcomed a video crew into their classrooms to follow along in their learning for one day last May. As we start a new school year, short video stories from that day provide tangible examples of competency-based learning in action. From collaboration to math to science to digital literacy, a series of brief videos provide a peek into student learning across a day.
As a reminder, Spring Lake Park Schools has defined academic and career and life competencies. Academic competencies are aligned to different subject areas (Math, English Language Arts, etc.) and to Minnesota state standards for those areas. Career and life competencies are skills and mindsets needed for success in school and beyond. Last year was the first year elementary learning was entirely competency based. So, what does it look and sound like during a day in third grade? Take a look (and listen) to a day in third grade.
Catch the "After Hours Big Band" Show Tonight!
Tonight is the night to catch the live performance of "After Hours Big Band" at the Fine Arts Center, 7 p.m. Student tickets are only $5! This is a great way to introduce your children to a live musical performance, right here in our Panther community.
"After Hours Big Band" is led by one of our SLP dads! Our audience loved their holiday show last year and now we welcome them back to kick off season three. You will be sure to recognize favorites from Disney, The Beatles and more. Once again, Reed Grimm of American Idol and Shoeless Revolution will be joining the band. Get your tickets here and avoid the long lines at the box office.
