Spring Lake Park High School
April 21, 2021 Newsletter
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A Message from Principal Boucher
Spring Lake Park High School Families:
Today was a fairly typical day of learning at the high school. After yesterday’s verdict was delivered in the trial of Derek Chauvin, we were prepared for students to come to school today expressing a wide range of emotions and responses. We had additional support in place for students who needed it.
I observed students talking with each other about the trial verdict and discussing their thoughts and feelings. Even when conflicting viewpoints were expressed, they showed respect and made space for each. Thank you for encouraging respectful dialogue and interactions at home and supporting us in the work we do to help our students value each other and the unique perspectives and experiences they each bring to our learning community.
As always, if your student needs additional support in the coming days, or you have questions or concerns, please reach out. We work to create a welcoming environment for all and that takes all of us working together.
Here are a few updates and clarifications for this week:
- Registration for 2021-2022: The first steps in registration for next year are complete. Students made their initial selections by last Friday, April 16 in Infinite Campus. We’ll be working through everyone’s preferences now and into May. In mid- to late-May, families will receive a confirmation of selections and be able to make any adjustments as needed. Thank you for the support you provided your child in making their choices for next school year.
- Clarifications on Monday’s student-lead walkout: After speaking with a few parents this week, I want to clarify a couple of things about Monday’s student-led walkout. The walkout was a statewide effort led by students – not staff – that some of our students chose to participate in. No staff members were involved in the walkout beyond providing supervision with a focus on safety. While flyers students posted included our high school logo, this was not a school sanctioned or sponsored activity.
- Graduation and Senior Family Communications: Families of seniors should have received a first update on graduation and other Class of 2021 activities and events yesterday. Please check your email and watch for update every few weeks as we prepare to recognize and celebrate our graduating seniors.
Finally, we continue to experience new cases of COVID-19 at our school. It is clear that transmission is happening primarily in activities outside of school. Please continue to follow and encourage the practice of mask wearing, physical distancing and hand washing. Every new case impacts the learning for many. We need your help to keep kids learning at school.
Thank you again for your ongoing support and contributing to us being…One school, One community, #SLPPantherProud!
Matthew Boucher
Principal
Covid-19 vaccination opportunities for students 16+ this week
Anoka County is partnering with the City of Columbia Heights to host two Pfizer clinics this week at the Columbia Heights Fire Station. Because it is Pfizer, all students 16 and over are eligible. Students under 18 will need the scheduling consent (in the below link) signed by a parent or guardian, a signed note, a verbal consent (on the phone with the vaccinator) or a parent/guardian present in order to be vaccinated. There are limited vaccinations and you must be pre-registered. Find additional details in this Time to Vaccinate document.
Vaccination dates, times and clinic links to sign up:
Thursday, April 22, 2021
Time: 1-7 p.m.
Sign up Link: https://acappt.co.anoka.mn.us//reg/4514296070
Friday, April 23, 2021
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sing up Link: https://acappt.co.anoka.mn.us//reg/1472953604
To help prepare for the Pfizer vaccine, check out this fact sheet for recipients and caregivers.
Minnesota State Fair Grounds COVID-19 Vaccination Opportunity for those in certain zip codes
In addition to the Columbia Heights Fire Station opportunity this week, students ages 16+ who live in certain zip codes can make an appointment at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds now through June 9, 2021. Find the list of zips codes and additional registration information.
Sign up for the Panther Foundation Golf Fundraiser to Support SLP Athletics and Activities
The Golf Event is back! Join us for the 8th Annual Panther Golf Fundraiser on Monday, June 28 at 11 a.m. at Victory Links Golf Course at the National Sports Center. The proceeds from this event support projects, activities, programs and facility improvements that continue to make our athletics and activities world-class. Grab your clubs and join us at the links for a great cause. Register for the Golf Fundraiser.
Purchase Tickets for upcoming theater event - "Spamalot"
Live theater is back in Spring Lake Park Schools. Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. Featuring cows, killer rabbits, and French people. The outrageous, uproarious, and gloriously entertaining story of King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake will delight audiences as they search for the Holy Grail and “always look on the bright side of life.” Opening weekend is this weekend, April 23-24. We are pleased to offer two matinee performances at a discounted ticket price, perfect for families! Tickets are limited to purchase at the Box Office Now.
Register for Summer 2021 Camps and Clinics
Club Spotlight of the Week:
Panther Boys & Girls Summer Tennis
For students entering grades 7-12 for the 2021-2022 school year. Players will be separated by skill level. Each training day will be dedicated to specific aspects of the game, including serve, volley, ground strokes and overheads. Match play will be included each week and also include games. An energetic contemporary music set will be played in the background each day. Sign up for Panther Boys & Girls Summer Tennis here.
Panther Boys' Basketball Skills Academy, Grades 9-12
For students entering grades 9-12 for the 2021-2022 school year. Skills academy attendees will work on individual fundamentals of offensive and defensive basketball on most Mondays and Wednesdays with an emphasis on ball skills. The offensive ball skills that will be drilled include ball handling, dribbling, shooting form, shooting off the pass and the dribble, free throws, one on one moves, post moves, moving without the ball, reading screens, finishing drives and finishing on the fast break. We will be using the Shoot-away Gun and Dr. Dish shooting machines most days and will play 2 on 2 and/or 3 on 3 cutthroat daily. On Thursdays the emphasis will be on team offensive and defensive fundamentals. Weekly contests and 5 on 5 competition will also take place on Thursdays. Sign up for Panther Boys' Basketball Skills Academy, Grades 9-12 here.
Athletes, you're invited to participate in National Signing Day
Are you a student-athlete planning to compete at the collegiate level next year? National Signing Day at Spring Lake Park High School will take place on Wednesday, May 5 and will allow any student-athlete regardless of division to celebrate their accomplishment with the Spring Lake Park Schools' community.
How to participate in National Signing Day
To participate in National Signing Day, the student-athlete and/or coach must notify the athletic office of their intention to participate in the event and must provide the following documentation to the SLPHS athletic office by Friday, April 30, 2021.
- Division I, IAA, II or NAIA - National Letter of Intent from the institution you will be attending in the fall.
- Division III or JUCO (May Signing Date) - a letter from the university or coach certifying you will have a roster spot in the 2021-2022 calendar year as well as proof of admission to the university.
National Signing Day Details for the May 5 Event
- When: Wednesday, May 5 2021, 7:30 a.m.
- Where: Panther Gym at Spring Lake Park High School
- Who: The participating student-athlete and up to six guests per the signing student
Please note, due to COVID-19 restrictions, each participating student-athlete will be limited to six guests. Masks are required.
Questions?
If you have any questions about National Signing Day, please contact the SLPHS Athletic Office at 763-600-5149.
Lunch and Learn: Career Development Program
For the first time ever, Anoka County Work Force Youth Program has partnered with Spring Lake Park High School to provide Career Development opportunities for our students all spring! The schedule is below and links to join each session are provided. The full schedule is available on our website. Students just log in at start time and join! Parents are welcome to attend but sessions are student-focused.
- Next Week - April 28 at 12:30 p.m. – Interview Skills - Presented by Kelly Kleppen. Learn to talk about yourself in a professional way and how to use past non-work experience to sell your transferable skills! Login to the WebEx here.
Decision Day - May 3
Decision day celebrates the post-secondary plans of our 2021 graduating class. We will celebrate May 3 during 4th hour. We’re encouraging students to take a photo with their college/military gear and share where they are headed after high school graduation! We will also have a senior goodie bag for students to take with them. If your child is online or full-time PSEO, they can submit their decision day photo to jblaid@district16.org by May 3, 2021. They may also stop by the high school main office to pick up their goodie bag the week of May 3. Office hours are 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
In case you missed important information from last week's newsletter, check out the topics below and click to learn more.
Resources for families: Responding to current events:
- Student Announcements for the week of April 19, 2021
- Resources to Help Educators, Adults Respond to Racism, Violence and Trauma (MDE)
- Talking to Children about Tragedies & Other News Events (AAP)
- Anti-Racism for Kids: An Age-by-Age Guide for Fighting Hate (Parents)
- Talking to Young Children About Race and Racism (PBS)
- Helping Youth after Community Trauma: Tips for Parents and Educators (NCTSN)
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