Spring Lake Park High School
January 13, 2021 Newsletter
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A Message from Principal Boucher
SLPHS Families,
While it feels like we just came back from winter break, we are nearly halfway through the month of January. Winter sports have begun, and classes have resumed, and staff are glad to see students, even if only through pixels for now. Quick reminder that Monday, January 18 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and there will be no school/classes for students next Monday.
We continue to monitor COVID-19 case rates in Anoka County, and we’re encouraged to see the numbers declining. Thresholds defined in the state’s Safe Learning Plan must guide our move to a less restrictive learning model, and we are hopeful we can make a transition in February. We will update you next week on how things are looking.
As we continue in distance learning, I am encouraged by the creativity and engagement I see from staff and students when I visit classrooms. Staff continue to incorporate new resources and experiences to support student learning in this format, while students (and families) embrace the challenges of learning while at home. Thank you, to all!
These are unique times, and we understand some students have taken jobs or have other obligations that may conflict, at times, with their classroom obligations. While we operate from a place of compassion, we cannot always make accommodations for unique circumstances. If a student has a conflict with their learning obligations, it is critical to communicate early with instructors to determine what, if any, allowances can be made based on the circumstances. Communication is essential for all of us to succeed in this learning model.
Last week, we provided space and time to process together the events at the U.S. Capitol. These conversations were not about aligning beliefs but emphasized that regardless of beliefs, how we treat each other matters. Each day, we work hard to make our high school a place where each person is treated with respect and kindness and where each student is valued and belongs. In divisive times, we take our work seriously to help prepare our children to live in a diverse society – where we can disagree without disrespecting or hurting each other.
We have a couple more months of winter to endure or enjoy. As a native Minnesotan, I do both. We are excited for the youngest Panther learners to return to their classrooms in the coming week(s) and look forward to a return to modified campus (hybrid) schedule for our high school learners as soon as permissible. Until then I hope you find a way to enjoy these winter days.
One school, one community, #SLPPantherProud!
Matthew Boucher
Principal
Transition to Managed Apple IDs starts this week
This week, we are beginning the process of establishing Managed Apple ID’s for all students grades 9-12. These IDs provide students with 200 gigabytes of online storage with Apple, automatic backup of their iPad to iCloud through Apple and access to download iBooks through Self Service. The Managed Apple ID will use each student’s MyPanthers email address and the password students already use for Schoology, Google, and more.
For most students, this will be a seamless, almost invisible process. However, if students have used their MyPanthers email address to set up a personal Apple ID, they will receive a notification from Apple instructing them to choose a new email address for their personal Apple ID. If students in grades 10-12 have used a personal Apple ID to access the App Store on their school-issued iPad, they may need to make some updates. Find more information about Managed Apple IDs on the website.
We will provide more information on the benefits and use of Managed Apple IDs as we complete the transition. If students and families have questions or need help, they can reach out to the technology team at techsupport@district16.org.
The AVID College Prep Elective is accepting applications for the 21-22 school year
AVID is a three-trimester elective course for grade 9-12 students who know they want to go to college, are enrolled in rigorous courses, and want a competitive edge regarding post-secondary success.
The classes are based on best practices in learning and can help build your skills in Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading and include college-bound experiences such as school-sponsored campus visits, guest speakers, post-secondary program and scholarship research, and community outreach/service learning.
Enrollment is dependent on the successful completion of an application and an interview process with AVID site team members.
Click here for the Digital Application. The application must be completed by February 28, 2021.
For any questions, please contact Mr. DeLong, Mr. Hopkins or Mr. Villareal.
Panther Peer Tutor Program
The first ever Panther Peer Tutor program is set to launch by the end of the month to help SLP students get through what may be one of the more challenging school years of their career. Tutors can sign up here, and all ages are encouraged to apply to be a tutor. If your child is needing help, tutee sign up will begin in about a week.
Class of 2022 Juniors
The junior class of 2022 is moving into the first stages of a strong focus on what they plan to do post-high school. The counseling office will have many upcoming events (open to both students and their parents) that will help answer questions about this topic. Keep an eye out for the full list of virtual events during the Wednesday lunch hour. Links will be provided in weekly newsletter, on Schoology and on the Career & College planning website.
Preview of upcoming events:
- ACT Test Prep: January 20, 1 p.m.
- How to build a list of colleges I am applying to: January 27, 1 p.m.
- Applying to College and Scholarships: February 3, 1 p.m.
- 4th Annual College Kick-Off Event: February 25, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
For Sophomores and Juniors
Stay tuned for help with registration! Your counseling office will provide you with virtual sessions to learn everything you need to know about classes and how you can earn free college credit in high school. These sessions will also be open to parents and recorded for later viewing.
First sessions begin January 20, full lineup coming soon.
Seniors Mulrooney, Erdahl recognized for academics, arts and athletics
Congratulations to Seniors Megan Mulrooney and Sean Erdahl for being nominated for the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Academics, Arts and Athletics Triple “A” award!
The MSHSL Triple "A" Award honors high school seniors who have a 3.0 or higher GPA and participate in both athletic and fine arts activities.
Read more about Megan and Sean's award and about their time at Spring Lake Park High School here.
Challenge #1 - Collection 'Pennies for Packs' & Community Food Drive
Now that you've marked your calendar for the Panther for a Purpose - Virtual Giving Event to Benefit the Panther Pantry on February 27, 2021, it's time to get involved and participate in Panther Challenges! Panther Challenges are designed to bring the community together leading up to the event.
Panther Challenge #1 has begun with the 'Pennies for Packs' and Community Food Drive challenge. Gather some food and spare change and be ready for the collection days on January 26 and January 27. Collection sites include the front office at each school and the District Services Center (DSC).
We want to see photos and videos of your collection efforts. Please submit photos and/or videos to pantherfoundation@district16.org. Photos submitted will be entered for a prize drawing including Panther Branded gear and a $25 gift card to the Panther Store!
Learn more about event and future challenges on the Panthers for a Purpose event page.
Visit the website to view full details and sign up or call Community Education at 763-600-5050.
National Flag Football MN Begins This Spring
Youth Virtual Magic Tricks Class
Join Girl Scouts for Free
2021 Baseball & T-Ball Registration
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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