Westwood Intermediate/Middle School
October 5, 2022 - Newsletter
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October 5, 2022 - NEWSLETTER
Westwood Families,
We had a great end to our homecoming week. The seventh and eighth graders had a pep fest. The winners for the door decorating contest went to Peña Cruz – grade 5, Rodriguez – grade 6, Carothers – grades 7 and 8.
I hope that you were able to view the curriculum presentations put together by your child’s team. Next week at our PTO meeting, we will take time to learn more about Schoology. If you might benefit from learning some tricks and tips to navigate Schoology and stay up-to-date on what your child is learning, I hope you will join us. The PTO meeting is at Westwood on Monday, October 10, 6 p.m.
Conferences are coming
We are offering a variety of options for families to connect with teachers – in-person and online. Please find something that works with your schedule. We really value this time to connect with families on student learning.
Grades 7 and 8 Conferences:
- Tuesday, October 18 – 4-7:30 p.m., drop-in, in-person, no sign up necessary
- Wednesday, October 19 – 8-11 a.m., drop-in, in-person, no sign up necessary
- Wednesday, October 19 – 12-3 p.m., online via WebEx, sign up here
- Thursday, October 27 – 4:30-7:30 p.m., online via WebEx, sign up here
Grades 5 and 6 Conferences:
- Tuesday, October 18 – 4-7:30 p.m., in-person, sign up for homeroom, no sign up necessary for specialists (art, music, PE, band, academic supports)
- Wednesday, October 19 – 8-11 a.m. – in-person, sign up necessary for homeroom, no sign up necessary for specialists (art, music, PE, band, academic supports)
- Wednesday, October 19 – 12-3 p.m., online via WebEx, sign up necessary
- Thursday, October 27 – 4:30-7:30 p.m., online via WebEx, sign up necessary
Webex Links for all staff - Click here
Reminders and updates from our PTO
The PTO has been busy the start of the school year. A few important reminders to our families:
- Last call for fundraiser orders! Online orders are due today! If you forgot your envelope/orders today, it can still be turned in until Thursday morning. This is our one-time effort to sponsor all events such as lock-in, 8th grade celebration, mileage club, staff appreciation and more throughout the year.
- Only a few days left to get Westwood apparel! Be ready for the next spirit day. Place your order online by Friday, October 7.
We hope to see you next Monday at the PTO meeting.
Have a great week,
Tom Larson
Principal
Band Apparel Sale - Ends October 9
A perfect gift! The SLP Band department is doing a Band Apparel Sale online through Letterman Sports. Select from Soft Cotton or Performance T-shirts, Long Sleeves and Sweatshirts. A perfect gift for the holidays! Items can be shipped to your home, or you can pick them up at Letterman Sports. Click here to order your apparel:
WESTWOOD YEARBOOKS
Building the future - in our parking lot
A house is rising in the parking lot of Spring Lake Park High School. More than 40 students in the new Construction Trades course are spending a few hours a day on the real-world, hands-on learning experience. Next spring, a completed one-level, two-bedroom home will be moved into our community.
High school teacher Scott Wicklund is leading the year-long project. He will be helped by many experts in the field through on-site work, tours and learning at local businesses. The goal is to expose students to the different trade options and have some fun while also helping them find a potential career path after graduation.
The Construction Trades course is part of the Technology, Engineering and Design Pathway. It will also include elements from our other two pathways at Spring Lake Park High School. Read more online.
"Bringing Yourself" by Tamara Pickens
We all contribute to our community and learning environment. Hear from teacher Tamara Pickens about the importance of "bringing yourself" as a student and educator in a 5th grade classroom.
SLP Expectations
Students in Mrs. Golanowski and Mrs. Olson’s 6th grade AIM classes have been working on personal goal setting for the year. Part of this task included using the SLP Expectations to identify areas of success and areas for improvement and students used this information to set personal goals. These posters reflect their personal “mantras” they are using as inspiration to keep working towards their goals throughout the year.
Culture Project
5th graders have been working on a Culture Project. Students created display boards featuring their cultural traditions, foods, beliefs and values and then they presented to the class.
What are living things made of?
In Sada Ganske's 7th grade class, students used microscopes to look at a variety of plant, animal, bacteria, and other cells this week as they attempted to answer the question, "What are living things made of?"
Panther Foundation Sweepstakes Winners
Congratulations to Daniel and Allie. Daniel and Allie are our Panther Sweepstakes winners for Westwood Schools! A Panther Foundation representative visited Daniel and Allie to present the big Panther Foundation check and snap a photo. The $1000 will be used support our Physical Education Department, Afterschool Programs, and Panther Time Art Supplies. Both Daniel and Allie also won a $50 Panther Store Gift Certificate and 6 tickets to the Homecoming Game!
Grades 7-8: register for high school athletics
Students in grades 7-8 can try out for high school athletics offered as 7-12 programs. Registration for Minnesota State High School League athletics is open for the winter. Visit the registration page to register today. Registration will remain open for the first few weeks of the season. There are many great opportunities for students to get involved.
Here's what is available for grades 7-8:
- Adapted Floor Hockey (co-op with Centennial)
- Boys Swim & Dive
- Dance, co-ed
- Gymnastics (co-op with St. Anthony)
- Nordic Ski, co-ed
To learn more about grades 7-8 play-up guidelines, start dates, physicals and insurance, and reduced athletic fees, please refer to the email that went to families of students in grades 7-12.
There are also many great activities for Westwood students to get involved in. Check out the activities page to learn more.
Adult Program: Saturday Movie Classics
Join us at the SLPHS Fine Arts Center on select Saturdays each month for a free matinee movie experience! Each month will feature a different classic film from the era of the 30s-40s. Doors open at 10:45 a.m., movie starts at 11 a.m.
- October 29: Frankenstein (1931)
- November 12: The Maltese Falcon (1941)
- December 3: Swing Time (1936)
This program is intended for an adult audience and is free for people ages 16+. Some film content may not be suitable for younger children. Concessions will be available for purchase. Online registration is required or call 763-600-5050.
Fall program highlights of the week:
- Cooking Club (grades 5-8)
- Westwood Knowledge Bowl (grades 6-8)
- Chunky Yarn Knit Blanket at Invictus Brewery (adult)
- Tai Chi (adult)
Conference Meals
The PTO is excited to bring back Fall Conference Meals to thank and support our teachers. We need your help! The meal will be served October 18. There are opportunities to donate time, food, and/or cash listed in the Sign Up Genius, even if you have travel plans over fall break. Thank you so much for considering! Sign up here.
Last chance for apparel
Only a few days left to get Westwood apparel! Be ready for the next spirit day by getting your order placed by Friday, October 7 online.
Last call for fundraiser orders!
Last call for fundraiser orders! Online orders are due today! If you forgot your envelope/orders today, it can still be turned in until Thursday morning. This is our one time effort to sponsor all events such as lock-in, 8th grade celebration, mileage club, staff appreciation and more throughout the year.
Next PTO Meeting
Our next PTO meeting is Monday, October 10 at 6 p.m. There will be a special presentation about how to use Schoology as part of our meeting.
- October 10 - PTO Meeting, 6:00 p.m., the Den
- October 17-21 - Fall break, no school
- October 18, 19 & 27 - Fall conferences, sign up here
- October 22 - Live on 65 Performance Series - Pianist David Osborne
- October 26 - Picture retake day
- Strengthened Student Supports
- Get your tickets today for the "Live on 65" Performance Series
- Families welcome: Flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine clinics - Families are welcome to stop by the flu shot and COVID-10 vaccine clinics at Spring Lake Park High School on Oct. 11 and Nov. 1, 3:30-6 p.m. No registration is required.
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