Westwood Intermediate/Middle School
May 5, 2021 - Newsletter
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Westwood families,
“When one teaches, two learn.” ~ Robert Heinlein
This week, we honor our staff as a part of school staff appreciation week. The PTO has been working with our parents and community to help say thank you to the staff who work with students each day to support the development of academic, social and life skills. I have been privileged to hear from many of our parents who have sent emails to honor and thank the staff who work with their child. Thank you.
Join us for “The Jungle Book”
A great example of the ways in which our teachers and staff engage students is coming up this weekend. Laura Pena Kennedy provided the opportunity for students to find their passion in the theater by writing and directing a one-act play based on the book by Rudyard Kipling - “El libro de la selva” (The Jungle Book). Come and enjoy this whimsical outdoor presentation of Mowgli's adventures of family, friendship and self-identity. Bring a blanket or chair and join us on the South Lawn of the Westwood campus!
- Friday, May 7, 7 p.m.
- Saturday, May 8, 2 p.m.
COVID-19 testing for students
While COVID-19 numbers have been declining, testing continues to be an important part of how we’re keeping our community safe. See information in the newsletter about COVID-19 testing for students. If you want your grade 6-8 student to get tested at school, they can pick up a kit in the health office this Friday, May 7 and return it Monday, May 10.
We continue our focus on health and safety in these final weeks of the school year. We’re grateful for the ongoing partnership between home and school.
MCA testing reminders
We continue with Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) for all Westwood grade levels next week.
At-School Learners Testing:
- Grades 7 and 8: May 11 – MCA Math Test
- Grades 5 and 6: May 12 and 13 – MCA Math Test
Extended Flexible Learning Testing (located at Westwood):
- Grades 5 and 6: May 12 - Math MCA. Drop off at 8:35 a.m. and pick up at 11:45 a.m.
- Grade 7 and 8: May 12 - Math MCA. Drop off at 7:35 a.m. and pick up at 11 a.m.
Sincerely,
Tom Larson
Principal
#SLPPantherProud during this Staff Appreciation Week
It's staff appreciation week at Spring Lake Park Schools and across the country. We couldn't be more proud of our school staff and the work they do each day to value, inspire and create a sense of belonging for our students. In a year of learning through a pandemic, they've adapted, collaborated, communicated and built relationships as never before. Read more about the accomplishments of this year and watch this 1-minute tribute to our Panther team:
COVID-19 testing available for students grades 6-12
Sada Ganske named KS95 Teacher of the Week
The plaque arrived yesterday just in time for #NationalTeachersDay 🌟 Ryan, Staci, and Kayle from KS95 popped into a Westwood science teacher's class to share the news: Sada Ganske had won KS95 Teacher of the Week! Students and families nominated Sada for recognizing student accomplishments, writing informative weekly family updates, making each child feel known and seen through Extended Flexible Learning, inviting guest scientists to present to the class each unit, and maintaining a positive outlook. All of that and more makes us #SLPPantherProud of our teachers!
The next Westwood PTO Meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 24 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.
We are looking forward to working with all of our parents and families this year to support the staff and students at Westwood.
Visit the PTO Facebook page: Westwood Intermediate and Middle School PTO
- Click here to receive email notifications about Westwood PTO.
Bike Helmet Fitting & Sale
The Spring Lake Park, Blaine and Mounds View (SBM) Fire Department is hosting a Bike Helmet Fitting & Sale on Saturday, May 22 from 9 a.m.-noon at the SBM Fire Station.
Bike helmets will be sold for $10 each. Various colors and sizes are available for the whole family. Bring your helmets from home to have them adjusted for free. Check out the flyer to learn more.
Register for Summer 2021 Camps and Clinics
Club Spotlight of the Week:
Youth Track Club
For students entering grades 1-9 for the 2021-2022 school year. Come to as many practices as you can – work on your speed and conditioning for other sports as well! Event training includes: sprints, jumps, throws, hurdles and relays. Program Features:
- Break into age groups to allow for more age-appropriate instruction and coaching.
- 2-3 in-house track meets on normal practice nights.
- Info will be given about optional youth meets through USA Track and Field MN in either Woodbury or St. Louis Park during the summer
Taught by Panther Varsity Track Coach Jason Liston. Sign up for Youth Track Club.
Middle School Concert Band
Girls Basketball Camp
Swimming Club - Drills
Summer Youth Programs available through SLP Parks & Recreation
The Spring Lake Park - Parks & Recreation Department has tons of fun youth summer programs available to students this summer. Learn more about the Summer 2021 Youth Programs through the city of Spring Lake Park - Parks and Recreation.
In case you missed important information from last week's newsletter, check out the topics below and click to learn more.
Special SLPHS staff shout out:
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