Westwood Intermediate/Middle School
Westwood Families,
Happy Valentine’s Day. Today, we focused on the actions of “be kind.” Kindness may seem like such a simple thing, but it isn’t always easy and can be scary and even messy. And, it is the right thing to do.
To listen, think, and say and do the right thing when people are unkind is really hard. I often see students stand up for each other at Westwood. When someone says something unkind, a friend will often say “that is not ok.” I have seen students reach out to help others navigate a tough dialogue between peers. We have a long way to go in this area, and even as an adult, I find this work difficult. Stopping to think about these skills and practice is helpful.
Kindness can be really easy, too. It’s sharing an unexpected compliment with someone. It’s saying, “Thank you,” “Are you OK?” It’s letting people know that they are noticed, valued, and important. It’s going a little bit (or a lot) out of your way to make someone’s day better. Kindness is caring and understanding. I often see examples of this at Westwood, as well. I see kids making room for students at lunch so they have someone to eat with. Kids are saying thank you to our kitchen staff. I even hear friends tell each other “I love you.”
Thanks for working with your kids on kindness. Practicing kindness makes a difference in our community.
This is a short week. There is no school Thursday, February 15 or Friday, February 16 as staff engage in professional learning, communication, and assessment and reporting. There is also no school on Monday, February 19 in observance of President’s Day. We’ll see everyone back at school next Tuesday, February 20.
Have a wonderful long weekend,
Tom Larson
Principal
Learning . . . to Do
Have you ever taken a test and then promptly forgotten everything about the topic? Studying to get through a test or grade is not uncommon, and while it is reality sometimes, it doesn’t often lead to learning a student is able to apply in life. At the secondary level, competency-based learning is an approach that aims to deliver the grade AND the skills students can authentically apply to real situations.
We’re taking a competency-based approach to learning in grades K-6 throughout Spring Lake Park Schools to help students build strong foundations in reading, math and other areas. At grades 7-12, a few teachers and courses are slowly making a transition to a competency-based approach. As with any change, there are questions. What is this exactly? Why? How is progress tracked? What about grades? (Spoiler: Grades are here to stay.)
Read the full story.
Teacher's Union requests SLPTU Teacher of the Year nominations
Do you know an educator who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference? The Spring Lake Park Teachers' Union (SLPTU) is requesting nominations for SLPTU Teacher of Year by Tuesday, February 28. Each year, the union selects an elementary and secondary teacher from their membership to celebrate as teacher of year. See the nomination form for criteria and to nominate.
Panther Store Sale
Panthers for a Purpose Panther Store Sale going on now – February 23! Get your gear for the Spirit Days next week for 20% off with online code P4PSpiritWeek. Visit our website for special hours for in-store shopping. Check out the Deals section! Grab the $6 adult t-shirts before they are gone.
The Panthers for a Purpose Week of Giving is next week, February 18-24
Dress up in Panther Colors for spirit days and send photos to PantherFoundation@district16.org to be entered in prize drawing. Kick off Dine-to-Donate on Friday, February 16 with Jersey Mike's in Blaine. The online Silent Auction will open for bidding on Wednesday, February 21 at 3 p.m. although you can browse all the items now and even mark your favorites if you are registered for the Silent Auction or have purchased a party ticket. A limited number of party tickets are still available, purchase yours today. Find everything you need to know on the Panthers for a Purpose page.
We’ve got the knowledge!
Showing up to school every day has been proven to keep children healthier, help to develop life skills and independence, and promote community. Each month, we will be sharing a reason why it is important for your child to be in school, including tips for how to promote attendance.
Going to school helps teach kids how to take care of themselves physically, emotionally, and mentally. Spring Lake Park Schools provides access to a variety of supports and programs that help kids stay healthy – from physical education, nutrition and wellness, counseling and social services, family and community engagement, and health services.
"The nurse(s) at each of our schools are always available to help whether it's a student or a staff member! It is important for kids to attend school and we are happy to help kids figure out if they are well enough to be in school. We are here to help with anything as small as a papercut or splinter, to things as big as managing a chronic health condition or an anaphylactic allergic reaction!" - Tammy Eidem, healthcare specialist at Northpoint Elementary
