SLP Schools Online: Grades 7-8
January 26, 2022 Newsletter
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SLP Online 7/8 Families,
Great news! Absences for both students and staff are improving over the last few days. We’re hopeful this is the beginning of a longer-term trend. Thanks to the great work of many, we’ve kept learning going strong during this latest surge. We are grateful for teamwork and the commitment to the health, safety and learning of our children.
This time of the year is when we often communicate about winter conferences and parent/teacher communication opportunities. As a reminder, at Westwood, we have shifted from parent/teacher conferences happening twice per year, to office hours that happen once a month. It’s important that you have an update on your child’s learning progress and a chance to connect with your child’s teacher on a consistent basis.
Our next opportunity for office hours is February 10, 3:30-5 p.m. If you would like to connect with a teacher during this time, please reach out and they will schedule a time to meet with you in person, on the phone or via WebEx.
Looking ahead, please make a note that there is no school February 17-21. These are staff workdays and the President’s Day holiday.
Finally, it’s time to get your tickets for the Saturday, February 26, Panther Party at 7 p.m., featuring “Good for Gary.” For $75, you get a ticket to the party and you make a donation to the Panther Foundation. Learn more and get tickets on the Panthers for a Purpose event page. It’s going to be an evening full of fun and a great way to support Spring Lake Park students!
Have a great week!
Tyler Nelson
Associate Principal
Westwood Intermediate and Middle School
Families of 8th grade students: High school registration
Our SLP Online 8th graders will meet with Mr. Luecke and a high school counselor on Thursday, February 3 at 9 a.m. to begin their high school orientation. Mr. Luecke will be reaching out specifically to our online 8th graders with the link to his WebEx and to remind them of this date and time.
Over the next few weeks, there are multiple options that provide flexibility for students and families to explore and choose courses and learn more about what's available at the high school.
Option 1: For families who plan to attend the in-person High School Kick Off event on Wednesday, February 9, 6 p.m.
The February 9 in-person event is an open-house event where students and families can participate in presentations on a variety of topics, talk to high school staff, browse the athletics and activities fair and register for their courses if they are ready to do so. Students are asked to bring their iPads to review registration materials in real-time and add courses to Campus as they are interacting with staff.
There will be several presentations available at multiple times to help families learn more about the opportunities available at the high school. Presentations will cover:
A general overview of the high school experience with high school principal Boucher. The presentation takes place from 6-6:25 p.m.
Ways to earn college credits, specifically, opportunities to earn 12 college credits by the end of 12th grade (12x12) and the supports available to students to achieve this goal. The presentation takes place at 6:30, 7, 7:30 or 8 p.m.
Career exploration through our Career and College Pathways courses that support career exploration and academic achievement in three pathways – Business and Entrepreneurship; Health and Human Services; and, Technology, Engineering and Design. The presentation takes place at 6:30, 7, 7:30 or 8 p.m.
Spanish Immersion, with information specific for families whose students have been in Spanish immersion throughout their SLP career. The presentation takes place at 6:30, 7, 7:30 or 8 p.m.
Q & A session hosted by high school counselors to answer any course-related questions. Q &A sessions take place at 6:30, 7, 7:30 or 8 p.m.
Opportunities to get involved, through clubs, activities and athletics. More than 85 percent of high school students participate in at least one athletic or co-curricular activity during their high school years. The opportunity fair will will be open in the cafeteria throughout the evening.
There will also be AVID, Special Education and English Language Learners presentations during this event.
Prior to the event, we encourage families to view the high school registration page to view registration materials, including an online interactive course catalog, and talk together about course planning and prepare for this transition.
Option 2: For families who do not choose to attend the Feb. 9 event
If your family would rather not attend the February 9 in-person event because you are already familiar with the high school process, are not comfortable attending an in-person event or because this date doesn't work for you - we have you covered.
Recorded presentations on key topics, registration materials and the interactive course catalog are all available on the high school registration page.
Option 3: Families may also choose to schedule 30 minutes with their high school counselor
Starting February 10 through March, high school counselors will be available for families to schedule a 30-minute time slot to chat with a counselor in-person or via WebEx about the high school experience. A registration link to sign-up will be available soon.
With each option, we hope to provide students and families with the best experience for your situation as we work to make the transition to high school smooth.
If you have questions throughout this transition, we invite you to reach out to the high school at 763-600-5100.
- Wednesday, February 9 — In-person 8th grade High School Kickoff and Registration event.
- Thursday, February 17 - Monday, February 21 - no school. These are staff workdays and the President’s Day holiday.
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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