THE LENS

Issue #77

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February 22-March 1

Greetings Gordon Parks High School Community

We're just about to begin our Quarter 3 FLEX Friday project cycle, and have many exciting learning experiences lined up for students. Read the below newsletter for important updates, and even project registration.

We are currently in a Winter Weather Advisory, with in-person school programs cancelled for the remainder of this week. Wednesday 2/22 & 2/23 are e-learning days, and Friday 2/24 is a snow day.

Stay safe and warm, and see you next week!

SNOW EMERGENCY PARKING HELP

The City of Saint Paul is opening eight ramps for free parking during this winter storm. Beginning Wednesday at 5 p.m., residents may enter and park their vehicles until Saturday morning at no cost at these city-owned ramps. All ramps listed below are linked to Google Map driving directions.

Smith Ramp (145 Smith Street)

Kellogg Underground Ramp (129 Kellogg Boulevard)

Lawson Ramp (10 West 6th Street)

Lowertown Ramp (316 Jackson Street)

7A Ramp (13 West Exchange Street)

Robert Street Ramp (95 East 7th Street)

Block 19 Ramp (145 East 7th Street)

World Trade Center Ramp (477 Cedar Street)
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Black History Month 2023 Theme: Black Resistance

The 2023 theme of Black History Month is Black Resistance (2022's theme was Black Health & Wellness). Join Gordon Parks High School in celebrating Black History Month 2023. Our student leadership team organized weekly announcements, quizzes and trivia throughout February.

Dejnag Photos from the GPHS "Intro to Photography" Class

HEADS UP FOR THE GPHS COLLEGE & RESOURCE FAIR

The GPHS College and Resource Fair is February 28, 2023. Our social worker Shelly Fountain brings in dozens of local colleges and career organizations right to GPHS so that students can make connections and prepare for their future. Mark your calendars for 2/28/23

"Intro to Photography" Photos

EARN ELECTIVE CREDITS VIA WORK EXPERIENCE

Students!

Do you need elective credits? Do you have a part-time job?

Did you know you can earn 2 credits per quarter for working after school?


To take advantage of the work experience program, the first step is to check with your counselor to see if you still need electives. If so, he will direct you to Mr. Iwen, the Work Experience Coordinator who can get you set up with the paperwork and information you need for work experience credit.


This is a great way to earn credit for something you might already be doing!


If you are interested in work opportunities or need help searching and applying for jobs talk to Mr. Iwen in room 1109.

QUARTER THREE PROJECTS (3/3, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31)

FRIENDLY MATH

In this project we will learn personal finance, consumer math, and Algebra 1.

Credit Area: Algebra 1

Teacher: Anupma Sharma

POETRY IN MOTION

Karla Nweje, a professional dancer and writer and a teaching artist from COMPAS, will lead this project focusing on movement and dance based on self expression and poetry.

Credit Areas: English & Phy Ed

Teacher: Jamie Hagg

ART IN MATHEMATICS

Students will integrate math concepts and visual art concepts. We will learn how to use a grid, dot paper and measurement tools to create original designs using mathematical concepts, understand negative and positive space, use and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students will need to bring an iPad for each PBL session.

Credit: Geometry, Intermediate Algebra or Visual Art

Teachers: Ms. Nichols & Mr. Zangs

CHEMISTRY EXPERIMENTS

Earn chemistry credits through participation in a weekly chemistry experiment. Write ups of lab reports is a requirement. Five types of chemical reactions will be covered.

Credit Areas: Chemistry

Teacher: Ms. Joly

INTERNATIONAL CUISINE

Students will study and prepare foods from various regions of the world. Students will be able to describe how climate, geography, and culture have influenced the food customs. Students will be able to name natives foods from the selected countries and use recipes to prepare these foods.

Credit Areas: CTE, Human Geography, World History

Teacher: Ms. Stone & Ms. Cavanaugh

LAW & ORDER

For the Law & Order project, we will focus on legal topics of interest to teens (and the general public) such as criminal law and procedure, the First Amendment, Constitutional law, the court system, and practical law (juvenile, consumer, employment, cyber).

Credit Areas: U.S. Government, U.S. History, Elective

Teacher: Ted Johnson

PROTEST SONGS

This project will explore the "protest song", songs that aim to send social messages, raise awareness about an issue and bring about change. Protest songs have had as their subjects war, racism, poverty, sexism, environmental/social justice, human rights, police brutality, etc. We will spend our time listening to the music and engaging with the lyrics.

Credit US History or Human Geography

Teacher: Tom Davies

FEMALE PHY ED

For female students with more than 1 Phy Ed credit remaining.

Credit Areas: P.E.

Teacher: Mike Bednar

PROFESSIONAL PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

Want to learn the art of making great portrait photographs? Well then join four professional photographers from the Star Tribune (Liz Flores, Jerry Holt, Alex Kormann, Carlos Gonzalez) who will teach you photography, and introduce you to a life of art.

Credit Area: Art or ELA

Teachers: Paul Creager, Liz Flores, Robin Hickman, Deb Pasteur, Alex Kormann, Carlos Gonzalez

ANIMAL ANATOMY

This project will be exploring the anatomy of animals by creating noodle skeletons and doing a variety of dissections. This is for students who need Biology or Science credit.

Credit: Biology or Science

Teacher: Ms. Warner

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"Diesel Heart" a Play at the MN History Theatre about Melvin Carter Jr.

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Field trip on March 16th to experience "Diesel Heart" by Melvin Carter Jr. at the History Theatre

Gordon Parks High School's "Senior Cohort" will go on a field trip March 16th to experience "Diesel Heart." Learn more about the play here.
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Dejnag Photos from Intro to Photography

HATS, SCARVES & GLOVES KNITTED WITH ♥ , & FREE FOR STUDENTS

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TALK TO YOUR COUNSELORS TO CLAIM TARGET GIFT CARDS FROM Q2 Cycle 3

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Please click the "One IMPORTANT REMINDER: Click the link below to do your annual update of your info for this school year.

SOCIAL WORKER INFO

I recognize that we are still experiencing challenging times with the pandemic, racism, and economic uncertainty. As we stand together through these times, let us think about the African proverb, It Takes a Village, We are the village. An entire community of people. I can't wait to connect with you and find out what your goals are. As we start the year, please remember that I'm here to support you, you can be successful, and we are having a fantastic year!