Lighthouse School Newsletter
February 2, 2022
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Hello, Lighthouse Families,
It’s groundhog day! Six more weeks of winter? I am ready for some warmth and sunshine. In Minnesota it’s hard to predict. Let’s hope it’s only six more weeks…
Our week started with two extended learning days. I hope students were able to use the time to take a deeper dive into their inquiry projects. I look forward to hearing about the things they were able to accomplish with their time.
Last week, we had our first official parent-led PTO meeting and it was a success! It was a great time to hear about things going on at Lighthouse, connect with other parents, and discuss opportunities to support the school. We would love to have more parents attend. Our next meeting will be on Thursday, February 24, at 5:30 p.m. You have the option of coming in person or attending online via WebEx. At the next meeting the PTO will be sponsoring a Lighthouse feedback session. It is important to hear parent perspectives on the strengths and opportunities for growth at Lighthouse.
Additional Updates and Reminders:
● University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program: The University of Minnesota offers a mathematics program for very high ability math students in grades 6-12. The University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program (UMTYMP) is accelerated, challenging and moves at a fast pace. UMTYMP is designed for students who have very high scores on standardized math achievement tests and exhibit exceptional math aptitude, high motivation, and independent self-directed learning skills. Students in UMTYMP do not continue the ALEKS math program. If you are interested in exploring this opportunity for your child, please go to the UMTYMP website for detailed information. The website will answer most of the questions you may have and directs you to contact people if you are in need of further information. There is a qualifying exam that students must take to participate. The exam occurs on different dates in February and April. You can choose the date that works best for you. Look to the website for more information, including practice session options. Each test requires students to be pre-registered. Please be aware that families of students participating in UMTYMP are responsible for all fees, transportation to and from the University of Minnesota, and any tutoring needs the students may have while enrolled.
● Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented Parent Workshop Opportunity: MCGT is offering a session called “Steely Core, Warm Hug: Helping Gifted and Talented Youth With Their Problems (or, How to Parent While Considering Therapy),” on Saturday, February 26, 8-11 a.m. via Zoom. The pandemic has increased stress while limiting access to therapists familiar with the unique challenges of gifted and talented youth. Families with gifted children are often left dealing with new and old mental health questions. The purpose of this workshop is to share key learnings from psychologist Mary Wandrei’s years of helping families through acute crises as well as living with chronic mental health concerns.
● Minnesota Student Survey: Lighthouse students in grades 5, 8, 9, and 11 will be participating in the statewide MN student Survey on Tuesday, February 8. Questions on the survey are about many topics relating to young people’s lives. The survey asks about how well school is going, future plans, out-of-school activities, physical and mental health, relationships, and more. Parents have the option of opting out. Please let us know if you have any questions.
● High School Registration: High School Registration is open for concurrently enrolled students. Please reach out to your child’s advisor or me with any questions you may have. I look forward to meeting with 8th grade families next week on Wednesday, February 9 at 5:30 p.m. If you are unable to attend, please let me know and we can set up an alternative time to meet. The high school is hosting an information night for 8th grade families the same night beginning at 6 p.m. for families interested in learning more about courses.
Hope your February is off to a good start!
With Gratitude,
Lisa Cisewski
Lifetouch Yearbook Ordering
- February 8: Minnesota Student Survey for grades 5, 8, 9, 11
- February 8: Knowledge Bowl meet at Northdale Middle School
- February 9, 5:30 p.m.: 8th grade parent information on high school registration
- February 10: Virtual Field Trip with Bell Museum
- February 17-21: No school. These are staff work days and the President’s Day holiday
- April 5 - Extended Learning Day (rescheduled from April 8). Only students in 11th grade will attend April 5 to take the ACT test.
Don't delay - get your tickets today!
You're invited to join together to support the educational experiences of Spring Lake Park Schools with a special focus this year on preparing students for milestone moments. We hope to shine a light on the important milestone beginnings that create confident and comfortable kids who are ready for their next steps.
1. Kinder Camp - Creating comfort and confidence at the beginning of our youngest learners' school experience
2. Westwood Welcome - Students coming together for the first time as they transition from elementary to secondary school
3. Panther Mentors - Ensuring a welcoming, personalized and successful start to a student's high school career as a 9th grader
One way you can help support these important milestone moments is by purchasing a ticket for the Panthers for a Purpose event on February 26 at 7 p.m. at Bunker Hill. The clock is ticking so don't delay! Limited VIP tickets are still available through February 11. General event ticket prices will increase by $20 after February 11 if tickets still remain available.
It's sure a night you won't want to miss so get your tickets and come ready to celebrate and support our amazing SLP community!
Find everything you need to know about this year's Panthers for a Purpose event on the event hub.
Lighthouse School Yearbook Cover Winner!
A big congratulations and thank you to Amaya Ahmed! Her Lighthouse Yearbook Cover Design was chosen by students and staff out of more that 20 student entries. Students were first asked to pick their top five designs and then used Rank Choice Voting to select the final design winner from those. Great job!
Register for spring athletics
Registration for Minnesota State High School League athletics is now open for the spring season for grades 7-12. Visit the registration page to register today.
Here's what's available:
Adapted Softball (co-op with Centennial)
Boys Golf (grades 7-8)
Girls Golf (grades 7-8)
Girls Lacrosse (grades 7-8
Softball (grades 7-8)
Boys Tennis (grades 7-8)
Track and Field (Co-ed) (grades 7-8)
There are also more than 40 student-based interest clubs and activities are currently being offered at Spring Lake Park High School including new clubs such as SLP Green club, Comparative Literature club, Current Affairs club and more. Be sure to check out the wide variety of activities offered and get involved today!
To learn more about grades 7-8 play-up guidelines, start dates, physicals, reduced athletic fees and more, please refer to the email that went to families of students in grades 7-12.
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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