Westwood Intermediate/Middle School
April 6, 2022 - Newsletter
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Westwood Families,
This morning on my way in to work with the flurries furiously flying there were a few moments that I was wishing I could stay home and finish a novel that I am reading. Part of this could be because It’s National Library Week – during library month.
See if you know the opening lines of some of my favorite books:
“There is no lake, at Camp Green Lake.”
“In the light of the moon, a little egg lay on a leaf.”
“Where’s Papa going with that ax?”
“Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.”
“When he was nearly thirteen my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow.”
Mrs. VanLoh our media specialist works each day to bring great books to our students and get them excited about reading. If your student would like to access her Schoology group page click here, Access Code:96F6-QRC3-88MDB.
Today, April 6, is national paraprofessional appreciation day, and we want to recognize the extraordinary effort and contributions paras make at Westwood. Paraprofessionals are an integral part of making the classroom and school run better. They provide additional support to our students, are trusted adults in the building to help students process, provide movement breaks to students, supervise recess, and assist with our special education students. Paras help us personalize learning in helping provide what students need to be successful. Our paraprofessionals remain a solid partnership in the lives of students and make us all better together.
Please remember there is no school on Friday, April 15. Mark your calendar and make sure you have a plan for that day. A great day to spend a few minutes reading one of your favorites or even better reading a picture book to your middle schooler. They will love it.
Have a great week,
Tom Larson
Principal
Learner Profiles: Learning the learner
What does Maya know about herself at age six? She likes to eat tacos. She wants to be a ballerina. Her favorite color is blue. By the end of kindergarten as she’s turning seven? She might know that she doesn’t like working in groups. She prefers a wobble chair (to help with concentration). She’s interested in animals and (it’s likely) she still likes tacos.
A learner profile documents this kind of information – a student’s strengths, interests and needs as a learner as well as who they are as a person. It grows as they do during their time at Spring Lake Park Schools and supports them to become powerful, independent and curious learners.
In kindergarten, the profile primarily helps teachers to know a student and design engaging experiences for them. As they grow, students take more ownership. By graduation, the goal is for each student to know their strengths, interests and needs so well they can navigate anything.
12 by 12: 12 college credits by 12th grade
By the time Senior Dian Castro graduates from Spring Lake Park High School, she will have earned 43 college credits. She’s on track to go to college to study engineering. Junior Hunter Mlinarcik is also earning college credits with his sights set on pursuing a career in the trades.
Dian and Hunter plan to take two different paths after graduation. Both are realizing an important goal at Spring Lake Park Schools by earning 12 (or more) college credits by the end of 12th grade. It’s a goal known to Panthers as 12 by 12.
Over the past seven years, Spring Lake Park Schools has made it a priority to provide high school students with various opportunities and paths to earn college credits while in high school. Students will need at least some college level work for whatever comes next, whether they choose a 2-year or 4-year college degree or technical training and career.
Winter highlights: Panther athletics and activities
With six winter girls’ sports, six winter boys’ sports and 44 student-based interest clubs and co-curricular activities at Spring Lake Park High School, there were abundant opportunities this winter for students to find connection, belonging and purpose beyond the classroom. These opportunities allow students to participate and pursue excellence in their areas of interest.
This winter, athletes in several sports were state-bound. Boys swimming had one of their best seasons ever – placing 9th at the state meet. The math team finished the regular season second in the section and 14th overall in the state.
From the figure skating rink to the basketball court to knowledge bowl and one act play competitions, we shared our excellence and panther pride wherever we went. It was a world-class winter.
Check out all the athletics and activities highlights and view the photo album.
It's time to register for summer programs!
Make it a full summer at SLP with programs for grades K-12. From athletic camps with SLP coaches, to field trips and other community experiences to enrichment programming, child care options and more, we’ll keep your student learning, growing and having fun. View program highlights below and find a full list of youth summer programs here.
- Tennis Camp (grades K-12)
- Football Mini-Camp (grades 9-12)
- Youth Track Camps (grades 1-9)
- Girls Lacrosse Camp (grades 8-12)
- Boys Lacrosse Camp (grades 7-12)
- Drawing Art Workshop - Cooking and Baking with Young Rembrandts (grades K-5)
- Summer Archery Camp with AKA (grades 4-9)
- Elementary Engineering with Tech Academy (grades 3-6)
- Discovery Days (ages 3-5)
- Summer Trek (Learning Ventures) grades 1-7
Family Program:
Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tour: Are you looking for the perfect way to kick off Father's Day weekend? Take a trip down the majestic St. Croix River on paddlewheel boat while learning about the unique history of the area and taking in the natural beauty! After the river excursion stick around to explore the many shops, restaurants, and other attractions Taylors Falls has to offer. This is a perfect day trip for the whole family. Takes place on June 9, 2022.
Tickets available for SLPHS spring musical "Oklahoma!"
Come support our SLPHS theater students in an upcoming production of "Oklahoma!" at the SLPHS Fine Arts Center. Purchase your tickets online or for a $1 more at the door.
About the show
In a Western territory just after the turn of the 20th century, a high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys provides a colorful background for Curly, a charming cowboy, and Laurey, a feisty farm girl, to play out their love story. Their romantic journey, as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road, contrasts with the comic exploits of brazen Ado Annie and hapless Will Parker in a musical adventure embracing hope, determination and the promise of a new land.
"It's going to be a pretty phenomenal show - a unique and thought-provoking take on this old chestnut." - Kevin Dutcher, SLPHS theater director
Performances:
- Friday, April 22, 7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 23, 2 p.m.
- Friday, April 29, 7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 30, 7 p.m.
- Sunday, May 1, 2 p.m.
SLP Curling Club
SLP Curling Club members finished their season with the high school tournament at the Four Seasons Curling Club! This season, new and veteran curlers in grades 6-12 enjoyed a full seasons of skill building and matches and bonspiels (tournaments) after an abbreviated season last year. We congratulate nine of our curlers who earned their high school letter in curling. The team is looking forward to regrouping next season and welcoming new curlers to this lifelong sport!
Tip of the day
Ms. Rosengren and a handful of 6th grade students start English class each day with "tips for the day!" They pick a topic, research it, and share their knowledge to enlighten our classes!
Save the Date! The Lock-In is BACK!
Inflatables, obstacle courses, dance, bingo, open gym, photobooth, movies/popcorn and more! Please watch for more details in the next few weeks!
Friday, April 22, 2022
- Grades 7/8 - 2:30-4:30 p.m.
- Grades 5/6 - 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Next PTO Meetings
Westwood Intermediate & Middle School’s PTO Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. in person!
Each month, we are committed to bringing you the most authentic and up-to-date understanding and insight regarding the daily school life of our students, teachers and staff at Westwood! If you are unable to attend in person, we will have a virtual option for attendance as well! Meeting details will be coming soon!
Upcoming Meeting Dates:
- May 23 - 9:30 a.m. Zoom and in-person
- March 28-April 8 - MTAS Testing Window
- April 5-6 - APPL Testing
- Friday, April 15 - No school
- Wednesday, April 20 - MCA Reading (5-8)
- Wednesday, April 27 - MCA Math (5-8)
- Wednesday, May 4 - MCA Science (5 & 8 only)
In case you missed important information from last week's newsletter, check out the topics below and click to learn more.
- Optional Washington D.C. field trip for 7th grade students - learn more here and email Ms. Visser with any questions
- Case closed for sixth graders: Goldilocks v. The Bears -
- SLP Experience - A look into life at Spring Lake Park - spring edition
- COVID-19 Hub
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