Westwood Intermediate/Middle School
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April 26, 2023 - NEWSLETTER
Westwood Families,
This Friday, April 28, is National Superhero Day. This is a day to honor all the real heroes in our lives, but it’s also a day for students and staff to have fun by dressing up as their favorite superhero—real, comic/movie, or create your own (hello, Math Man and Super Science Teacher!) or wear a superhero-related T-shirt/socks, etc.
We have our own superhero who works at Westwood. Chad Schmidt is our liaison officer. He works for the Blaine Police Department and works in partnership with us at school. Each day, he works to build community in our school by greeting kids, talking with our students, and keeping our school safe.
Our fun student “lock in” event is in the final planning stages for this Friday. We are very excited for the event. See below for details from our PTO.
We’re mid-way through the trimester. It’s a great time to check in with your student on how things are going and what is needed to finish this school year strong. Teachers will be calling home for students who are currently in need of support in completing academic work.
Reminder that next week is a 4-day week. There is no school on Friday, May 5. This is a staff professional learning and communication day.
Have a great week,
Tom Larson
Principal
Final Sales for WESTWOOD YEARBOOKS!
Online Yearbook sales end May 15 or when sold out. Orders may be placed online or scan the QR code. Questions may be directed to Kristine Powell at kpowel@district16.org.
Lost & Found donation!
Westwood's lost and found table in the cafeteria has grown in the past few months. We have a large number of sweatshirts, jackets, hats, lunch boxes, water bottles, etc. that are still waiting to be claimed. Please remind your student to look for their missing items as soon as possible.
Fostering a natural interest in technology
Students like junior Anthony Philavanh are exploring careers that align to their hobbies and interests through pathways classes at Spring Lake Park High School. Through the Technology, Engineering and Design (TED) pathway, Anthony has explored a growing interest in computer science. He noticed early on that he gravitated toward anything related to technology – both in the classroom and at home.
“As a little kid, I was always watching YouTube videos and playing games – basically learning how the internet works,” says Anthony. “It’s equal parts complicated and intriguing. That’s why computer science just seemed like a good fit for me.”
Read the full story about Anthony's journey in computer science.
Live on 65: Enjoy Copper Street Brass and That 70’s Show
The “Live on 65” performance series will blow the roof off its first season with Copper Street Brass’ “That 70’s Show” on Monday, May 15 at Spring Lake Park High School.
"That 70's Show" cleverly features music from the 1770s, 1870s and 1970s from classical and opera, jazz and folk, to rock and disco. Enjoy the show on Monday, May 15, 7 p.m. at the Spring Lake Park High School Fine Arts Center. Thanks to generous sponsorship from the Spring Lake Park Lion's Club, tickets are priced at $12 for adults and $5 for students/children. You can purchase tickets online.
Copper Street Brass is an evolution of the brass quintet. The Minneapolis-based sextet features two trumpets, trombone, tuba, French horn and percussion with several members doubling on keyboard, percussion, guitars and electric instruments. Just before they left on tour, we caught up with Tim Bradley, artistic director, to learn more.
Make and Take Gift Event for Kids!
DIY Spring Surprise - May 11, Grades 2-12
During this Do It Yourself (DIY) spring surprise craft event, kids will create a handmade gift for someone special in their life, with the help of Laura Dickinson of Sweet Ditty Creative Crafting. The craft event will take approximately an hour and a half. Staff and high school student volunteers will be on hand to assist with the project so adults can relax and enjoy refreshments and music while they wait for their child to return with a wrapped handmade gift. Just $10/per child!
Final weekend to see "Matilda"
This weekend is the final opportunity to watch our talented high school theater students perform the musical, "Matilda." Full of laughs, life lessons and catchy tunes, this show is one the whole family won't want to miss! Save 20% off your online ticket purchase for each performance with coupon code: C-MatildaS23
Check out the article "Supernatural, super laughs collide in Spring Lake Park spring musical 'Matilda'" by ABC Newspapers to take a deeper dive into the show and hear from the director and students about what makes this show special.
Performances:
- Friday, April 28 - 7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 29 - 7 p.m.
- Sunday, April 30 - 2 p.m.
Summer SPARK program highlights of the week
- Youth Track Camp
- Boys Basketball Camp
- Kidcreate Studio (grades 1-6):
- Art Camp – Upcycle/Nature (grades 1-6)
- Family Mississippi Riverboat Cruise
Golf for a world-class purpose!
Join us for the 10th Annual Panther Foundation Panthers for a Purpose Golf Fundraiser at Victory Links on Monday, June 26, 2023. All of the proceeds from this event go to support the Spring Lake Park Schools' world-class Athletics & Activities programs. Be a part of this event and grow the impact we have on these programs and our students' experience. Register today!
April is Poetry Month!
Students in Ms. Rodriguez and Ms. Davé's classes hosted a Poetry Café. Students had the option to create their own poetry, or read a favorite poem. They practiced how to read a poem by paying attention to tone, mood, rhythm, emphasis on punctuation, and pace. The group had so much fun listening to new and old poems. Thanks to all who participated!
Westwood Lock-In this Friday!
WE STILL NEED VOLUNTEERS! Click here.
Westwood Spring Lock-In
Friday, April 28
Middle School - 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Intermediate School - 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Please bring payment in by Thursday, Apr 27.
Staff Appreciation Week!
Staff Appreciation week is coming in May and we would like to take the time to honor and appreciate our staff at Westwood. We are looking to partner with you in this week of spreading gratitude by collecting donations for snacks for staff, as well as raffle items for the staff to win! Please have all donations to the office by Monday, May 1. Click here to sign up.
Mileage Club!
This popular program is offered to 5/6 grade during recess. Students can walk/run around a track and earn toe tokens at specific award levels such as 1 mile, 3, 5, 7, 10,15, 20, 25. There is also a special token for the top runner per team. The top two classes with the most combined miles in each grade will also get a special celebration.
We plan to have volunteers run club from Tuesday, May 2 until Friday, June 2. We will only accept miles from scanned cards at recess time, and only hand out tokens once or twice a week. How many days we can offer for club depends on Volunteers, so please sign up ASAP in our BAND group.
Email us if you are able to be a lead volunteer who can commit to covering one day a week. (only 5 times) or sign up for all shifts that day. Recess times run from approximately 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with a one hour break from 11:15 a.m,-12:15 p.m.
PTO Board 2023-24. Join Us!
- Friday, April 28: Westwood lock-in, (7/8): 2:30-4:30 p.m. and (5/6): 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- April 28-30: SLPHS spring musical - "Matilda"
- Sunday, April 30: SLP Lions Community Breakfast on Sunday, April 30, 8 a.m.-noon, Spring Lake Park High School (door #33).
- Tuesday, May 2: Science MCA (5 & 8 grades only)
- Thursday, May 4: Office hours, 3:30-5 p.m.
- Friday, May 5: No School, staff professional workday
- Tuesday, May 9: 6th Grade Choir Concert at the SLPHS Fine Arts Center
- Wednesday, May 10: Jazz Cafe at Westwood, 7 p.m.
- Thursday, May 11: 5th Grade Choir Concert at the SLPHS Fine Arts Center
- Thursday, May 11: Native American Parent Advisory Committee celebration, 5-6:30 p.m., Woodcrest Spanish Immersion
- Monday, May 15: Live on 65 performance series: Copper Street Brass - FAC, 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 16: MAP Reading, 8th grade only
- Tuesday, May 16: 7th & 8th grade Choir Concert at SLPHS Fine Arts Center, 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 17: Talking to Children about Safety Topics event, 6-7 p.m., the Den at Westwood Intermediate and Middle School
- Thursday, May 18: MAP Math, 8th grade only
- Monday, May 22: PTO Meeting, 9:30 a.m.
- Career Fair forges connections
- Upcoming Anoka County Community Events
- Spring into Wellness! A family fun event - Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Centennial Library. This event will include puppet making, yoga for kids, rock painting and more. Learn more.
- Substance Use - Community Resource event - Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Anoka County Sheriff's Office. This event is an educational gathering focusing on substance abuse and community wellness. Learn more.
- Grace Brandt named the 2023 Athena Award Winner
- Spring brings 'farm to school' meals
- Spanish Immersion learning at Spring Lake Park Schools
- Employment opportunities through school connections
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