Spring Lake Park High School
March 10, 2021 Newsletter
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A Message from Principal Boucher
Spring Lake Park High School families:
The end of the trimester and Spring Break are nearly here. Please remember there is no school for students March 12-March 22. When students return on Tuesday, March 23, we will begin the 3rd trimester. Any family who requested a change to their student’s learning model for the third trimester has received communication with an updated schedule.
When we return from break, students in Modified Campus (hybrid) will transition to five days a week learning at school. Students in Extended Flexible Learning will continue to have four days a week of “live” (synchronous) learning and primarily “on-demand/independent” (asynchronous) learning on Wednesdays.
I have several important updates now for our students and families learning at school each day when we return from break. Please take 3-5 minutes to read carefully – these are details about our schedule you won’t want to miss.
Week 1 - Tuesday, March 23-Friday, March 26
Students will be at school 8:10 a.m.-2:55 p.m. each day. During the first week, the first half hour of each day will be used to reacclimate to the building and create our at-school learning habits and expectations. The rest of the school day will run a normal 6-period schedule.
Weeks 2–12 - Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
- 8:10-8:40 a.m. – SLP Support and Extension time: Students will use this time to receive academic supports and engage in extended learning opportunities. Students who ride the bus may access extension/support opportunities or have a quiet place to work until their first class begins. Students may arrive at the start of their first class if they do not need to access extension/support opportunities.
- 8:45 a.m. – Regular 6-period day begins with 50-minute classes.
- Information about the menu of SLP Support and Extension opportunities will be available after break.
Weeks 2-12— Wednesdays (School starts at 8:10 a.m.)
Wednesday will look a little different this spring as we address a requirement in the state’s Safe Learning Plan to provide additional prep time each week for teachers who are working with students who are learning at home and at school. This important time provides teachers time to plan to effectively meet the needs and interests of students in the same class but learning in varying locations – some in school and some learning from home. On Wednesdays:
- Morning session: Students will engage with three of their courses in extended block periods during the morning. Specific timing is still being finalized.
- Afternoon session: Students will access programming for student supports, possibly clubs and staff will access time for professional learning and planning.
- Students who ride busses will have access to afternoon programming.
- Students who self-transport, have transportation or walk may participate in afternoon programming options or may choose to leave after the morning session.
- Details about lunch and timing will be available after spring break. The first Wednesday schedule will be March 31.
Schedule exceptions – Mark your calendars
- March 30 – ACT test for juniors. Juniors will come to school on March 30 for testing day. Students in 9th, 10th and 12th grade will have an Extended Flexible Learning (distance learning) day.
- March 31 – This is our first Wednesday schedule, and period 1, 2, and 3 courses will have extended blocks in the morning and afternoon programming will be available. In the morning, all students also are invited and encouraged to take part in our first ever, SLP-only virtual Pathways Career Expo in partnership with Anoka County and Metro North Chamber of Commerce. The expo is 9 a.m.-noon. Students can participate online from home or school. It will be treated like a “field trip” where students make up the work that’s missed in the morning.
- Others TBD – As we navigate required assessments and testing as well as other nuances this spring, we may need to make some adjustments to our schedule. We will communicate any changes well ahead of time.
Health, safety and other important updates
- Face masks – required: With so many students returning, it is important to remember that face masks are required at all times indoors when students and staff are not eating. They must cover the mouth AND nose. We will be reinforcing these expectations. See additional tips from our lead nurse in the newsletter.
- Lunches: We will be running six lunches. The cafeteria will be set up with round tables with four seats per table. Designated seating will be marked with a decal with a QR code for students to scan and enter their name and table number to provide self-selected seating charts for the potential need for contact tracing.
- Lockers: Hallway lockers may be provided if requested. Posters with a QR code linked to the request form will be posted throughout the hallways.
There are a lot of details that go into a return to learning for all students at school. We’ve been excited to engage in the planning and we’re even more excited to welcome our students back. We’ll have additional details for families as we return from Spring Break. In the meantime, have a safe, healthy and restful break. We’ll see you Tuesday, March 23.
Matthew Boucher
Principal
Free Meal Services Update
This week, March 8-12, is the final week for free meal distribution to the current eight community sites. On Thursday, March 11, families will receive a 5-day meal pack that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, breakfast items, milk and lunch entrees; pizza slice, hamburger on bun, chicken tenders, corn dog and beef and cheese burrito.
There will be no meal distribution during spring break, March 12-22.
Starting Tuesday, March 23, free meal pick-up will be available at Spring Lake Park High School on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-10 a.m. at door #33. On Tuesdays, families will receive two-days’ worth of meals. On Thursdays, families will receive three-days’ worth of meals.
Centerview Elementary is being added as a second meal pick-up location. Stay tuned for more information regarding the pick-up dates and times.
Questions? Contact Jane Sweney, SLP Nutrition Services Program Assistant at jswene@District16.org or 763-600-5041.
CDC travel recommendations
Importance of safe mask wearing
As students return from spring break Tuesday, March 23, more students at all grade levels will be learning at school five days per week. It is important that all students continue to wear their face mask properly in school buildings to protect others as well as themselves.
Face mask tips from Becca Williams, SLP Lead Health Nurse
- Face masks/coverings should comfortably cover the nose, mouth and chin
- There should be no gaps on the sides of the face mask
- Face masks should stay in place without needing to be adjusted frequently
- As we head into muddy Minnesota spring, it is a good idea to pack an extra face mask
Spring athletics registration is now open
It's time to register for spring athletics. The start dates for the sports offered during the spring season are as follows:
- March 22 - Baseball
- March 29 - Boys and Girls Golf, Softball, Boys Tennis and Track & Field- Co-Ed
- April 5 - Boys and Girls Lacrosse
Register for spring athletics here.
Pathways Career Expo: Find the Path to your Future
All students in grades 9-12 are invited to attend our very first virtual Career Expo on Wednesday, March 31 from 9 a.m.-noon.
Event overview:
- Meet career professionals who can answer your questions about job responsibilities, requirements and skills.
- Learn what education and training is needed after high school for your career.
- Check out job outlook and projected income for selected careers.
Event Schedule on Wednesday, March 31:
1. Overview - Career Exploration & Outlook: 9-9:30 a.m.
2. Business & Entrepreneurship: 9:30-10 a.m.
3. Health Services: 10-10:30 a.m.
4. Human Services: 10:30-11 a.m.
5. Technology, Engineering & Design: 11-11:30 a.m.
6. Trades, Manufacturing & Construction: 11:30-12 p.m.
The registration link will go live on Friday, March 19.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Blaido Counselor for Career and College Readiness jblaid@district16.org or 763-600-5139.
Career and College Planning Hub
Madi Ngene named 2021 Athena Award Winner
Congratulations to senior Madi Ngene for being named the 2021 Athena Award winner!
Recipients of the Athena Award are selected based on excellence in individual sports or for participation and accomplishments in team sports, as well as their school and community achievements.
“Being the Athena winner is a huge honor to me. I wasn’t expecting anything since there are so many talented females in my class. I have always thought it was a big honor since I watched Hannah Schultz win when I was in 8th grade. I want to thank all my teammates, coaches, friends and most importantly my family for always supporting me. I am super blessed and honored to accept this award, thank you.” - Madi Ngene
- March 11 - End of Tri 2
- March 12 - No School, Staff Professional Day
- March 15-19 - No School, Spring Break
- March 22 - No School, Staff Professional Day
- March 23 - First day of Tri 3
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