Westwood Intermediate/Middle School
April 13, 2022 - Newsletter
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Westwood Families,
We have a short week this week and are using it to gear up for a busy next week. We have many events you should be aware of:
- On Wednesday, April 20 students will take the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) Language Arts test. The MCA’s are aligned to the MN state standards. Students will be taking the test in the morning. The tests typically take 2-3 hours and are not timed. Students can take as long as needed to complete the tests.
- Thursday, April 21 is office hours. Staff are available from 3:30 – 5 p.m. for phone, drop-in and WebEx conferences. Staff will be reaching out to parents, too, during this time. Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you have questions or concerns as we move into the last seven weeks of the school year.
- Friday, April 22 is the grade 7/8 dance/lock in and the grade 5/6 lock in. The cost of the event is $5.00 in advance or $8.00 at the door. The PTO has planned a number of activities for students including an obstacle course, human foosball, boulder dash, soccer fever, DJ, bingo, and a photo boot
- The event for grades 7 and 8 is 2:30-4:30 p.m. Students will need a ride home after the event. There are no activity busses for students to ride.
- The event for grades 5 and 6 is 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Volunteers are needed to make this event successful! Please sign up here https://bit.ly/2022lockin
There is no school on Friday, April 15. Enjoy your long weekend, and we will see you on Monday.
Sincerely,
Tom Larson
Principal
Introducing: Coffee with the Counselors event series
This spring, the SLPHS counseling team is inviting you for coffee. Coffee with the Counselors is for high school and current 8th grade parents and guardians. Join us for coffee and causal conversation with counselors and other experts covering six common topics. All events will take place at 7:30 a.m. at SLPHS.
Please fill out this form to let us know what event(s) you'll be joining us for. Sign up for as many sessions as you would like. Not able to attend but still interested in learning more or connecting with a counselor? Reach out to your student(s) counselor and set up a time to meet in-person or virtually.
April 20: Mental Health and Substance Use
Learn what mental health, substance abuse and financial supports are available for your student at the high school and your family in the community.
April 27: Eating Disorders; Supports and Resources
Learn what substance abuse, eating disorder, dental and medical resources are available for your student at the high school and your family in the community.
May 4: Career Readiness: How to help your student be career ready
There is so much talk about college vs. tech school vs. career. Learn about amazing post high school plans that include little to no college and all of the ways SLPHS provides opportunities for students to explore career options before leaving high school.
May 11: College Readiness: How to help your student be college ready
It is important students are prepared for college while still in high school. Learn how to help your student be college-ready and receive a timeline to help you stay on track with college planning and preparation.
May 18: Credit recovery options at SLPHS
Learn about the opportunities SLPHS provides for students who have fallen behind academically and what we are doing to make ensure every student graduates on time.
May 25: PSEO vs. Concurrent enrollment: What is the right fit for your student?
A guest speaker will go over all the "pros" and "cons" between PESO and Concurrent Enrollment and why your student may want to choose one over the other.
Find your summer SPARK!
There are a wide range of opportunities for students and families to find their SPARK this summer! From athletic camps to STEM programs and outdoor family adventures, we'll keep your student and family learning, growing and having fun. View this week's program highlights below and find a full list of youth summer programs here.
- Volleyball Camp (grades 3-12)
- Boys Basketball Skills Academy (grades 1-12)
- Youth Track Camps (grades 1-9)
- Dance Team Camps (grades 7-12)
- Lego Robotics – Toy Adventures with Stem Builders (grades 1-6)
- STEAMin' Up Summer with Young Rembrandts (grades 1-6)
- Archery at Elm Creek Park (grades 6-8)
- Intro to horse riding (grades 5-12)
- Rock Climbing at Vertical Endeavors (grades 6-8)
- Discovery Days (ages 3-5)
- Summer Trek (Learning Ventures) grades 1-7
Family Program:
Kayaking adventure on the St. Croix (adults and children ages 12+): Join the experts at Wahoo! Adventures for a guided "Herons & History" kayak paddle on the beautiful St. Croix River. Enjoy this scenic, fun, and relaxing guided paddling adventure. No kayaking experience is necessary.
St. Paul Saints Game Family Outing: SLP is going out to the ballgame! Join us on July 17 as we take a trip to CHS field to watch our St. Paul Saints take on the Toledo Mud Hens. Transportation will be provided. Bring your whole family for a day filled with baseball, hotdogs, and fun!
Upcoming Spring Lake Park Lions Community Breakfast
Mark your calendars for the SLP Lions Community Breakfast on Sunday, April 24, 2022 from 8 a.m.-noon at Spring Lake Park High School (door #33).
There will be an all you can eat breakfast as well as:
- Free eye screenings for children six month-six years, face painting, a balloon artist and other activities
- A baked goods sale and big coloring books
- A free wellness fair - A1C and Lipid Panel testing, blood pressure checks and a COVID-19 Shot Clinic
If able, please bring food donations for the food shelf, unwanted cell phones, eyeglasses and hearing aids.
Free community event: How to get your mojo back after COVID-19
5th Grade Women's History Research
Ms. Dave’s 5th grade class conducted research on women’s history. They presented their research to the rest of the team, and to others people in the school.
5th Grade Language Arts Open Mic
Mrs. Bowman’s 5th grade Language Arts students were able to share their creations in an open-mic style setting. Students shared their stories and their peers gave them feedback in the form of a GLOW (something they did well) and a GROW (something they could work on for next time. All students were encouraging and so respectful of each other. It was a great learning experience for all!
Mealworm Observations in Science Class
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
- Friday, April 15 - No school
Friday, April 22, 2022
- Grades 7/8 - 2:30-4:30 p.m.
- Grades 5/6 - 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 20 - MCA Reading (5-8)
- Friday, April 22 - Lock-in
- Wednesday, April 27 - MCA Math (5-8)
- Wednesday, May 4 - MCA Science (5 & 8 only)
Grupo De Padres Hispanohablantes De SLP
"Las reuniones de padres hispanohablantes seran en persona estas fechas 17 de abril, 3 y 17 de mayo y junio 7
In case you missed important information from last week's newsletter, check out the topics below and click to learn more.
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