Spring Lake Park High School
May 5, 2021 Newsletter
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A Message from Principal Boucher
SLPHS Families,
This week is national school staff appreciation week, and I am grateful for each and every SLPHS staff member and the contributions they make to the development of our students.
This week, I had the distinct privilege to honor and celebrate our very own Lori Henry as the only educator nationwide to be awarded the 2021 American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences National Teacher of the Year award! Ms. Henry is an exceptional educator, colleague and person. Read more about her recognition in the newsletter.
We also had the opportunity last Saturday to rededicate our baseball field. After 23 months of irrigation and fieldwork, we hosted our first home baseball game in almost two years. Our building and grounds staff and baseball coaching staff have put in many hours of dedicated work to make the baseball stadium field a beautiful, first-class playing surface. Thank you.
We also continue our celebration of the Class of 2021. Monday was Decision Day, where we recognize the post-secondary plans (college, military, work plans) for each senior that participated. Today, we had a senior signing day event to recognize some of our student-athletes and their college commitments for next year. Our celebrations will continue in the weeks ahead.
Tomorrow, seniors will meet during 6th hour at school. We will cover important information for the graduating class. Our seniors will also receive a Class of 2021 yard/window sign thanks to the Panther Foundation. We hope our senior families will display it with pride.
Finally, see information in the newsletter about COVID-19 testing for students. If you want your student to get tested at school, they can pick up a kit this Friday, May 7 and return it Monday, May 10. Testing is critical to our health and safety efforts as is the ongoing partnership between home and school as we look to end the year strong. Thank you.
Matthew Boucher
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
COVID-19 testing will be available to students in grades 6-12 through school every two weeks through the end of the year. If students/families want their student to get a COVID test through school, students can pick up a testing kit from the school health office on Friday, May 7 and return it to the health office on Monday, May 10. Results are available within 24-48 hours of the test being returned.
Experience free live entertainment for the entire family
Spend a relaxing evening at Lakeside Lions Park enjoying live music from our SLPHS Jazz Ensembles and the After Hours Big Band on Monday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m.
In addition to music, The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Organization will be providing food for purchase, with all proceeds going to benefit veterans and their families.
So grab a lawn chair, gather your family and friends and join us for some good music, good food and good company on a lovely summer night by the lake!
Check out the flyer for more details.
Lori Henry named American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences 2021 Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Lori Henry, Spring Lake Park High School teacher of Family & Consumer Sciences who has been named the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences 2021 Teacher of the Year! The national award recognizes her work to help students develop real-world skills on their path to career and life success.
“I was totally surprised. I had no inkling,” says Lori. “It completely caught me off guard and it’s a huge honor to represent Family and Consumer Sciences.”
Lori will officially receive her award during the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences’ national conference in June. From there, she anticipates being a strong voice for Family and Consumer Sciences and the life skills she teaches that help students prepare for successful careers and lives.
Panther baseball celebrates first home win in newly rededicated stadium
After nearly two years, the SLPHS baseball team was able to host their first home game at their newly rededicated baseball stadium on Saturday, May 1.
There was a dedication ceremony to celebrate the re-opening of the stadium and welcome the players back to their improved, first-class playing field. Four district administrators had the opportunity to throw the first pitch and the SLPHS band played was there to play a few songs. To top it off, both the JV and Variety teams won their games!
Eleven student-athletes commit to play at the collegiate level
Eleven Panther Student-Athletes participated in National Signing Day this morning, Wednesday, May 5, and committed to play their sport at the collegiate level.
During the Signing Day event, coaches introduced each student-athlete and gave insight into the student’s accomplishments, both on and off the field and court. Family, friends and teammates were also in attendance to celebrate and support them as they signed National Letters of Intent.
Congratulations to these student-athletes:
- Liz Bradley- Lander University (Golf)
- Maya Dempsey- Hamline (Soccer)
- Mary Fetter- Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville (Soccer)
- Rayan Hassen- Northern Michigan (Soccer)
- Anna Johnson- Augsburg (Lacrosse)
- Jack Leifker- UW-River Falls (Basketball)
- Max Paaverud- UW- River Falls (Football)
- Emma Potratz- St. Thomas (Track and Field)
- Heather Sager- St. Olaf (Hockey)
- Jack Wellen- Bethel (Golf)
- Grace Zellmer- UW-River Falls (Soccer)
May 12 - National Honor Society Induction at 7 p.m.
May 19 - Cap and Gown distribution 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
May 19 - Awards Ceremony at 7 p.m.
June 10 - Last day of school
June 11 - Graduation
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.
Girls Basketball Camp
For students entering grades 5-9 for the 2021-2022 school year. This fun and energetic camp will focus on skills and fundamentals for all levels. Each day we will work on shooting, passing, dribbling, rebounding, pivoting, footwork, individual moves and team offense and defense. Taught by SLPHS Varsity Coach Randy Eatherton. Sign up for Girls Basketball Camp, grades 5-9.
Swimming Club - Drills
For students entering grades 7-12 for the 2021-2022 school year. Athletes will be able to decide if they would like to participate in conditioning, drills or both. During Tuesday and Thursday drills, athletes will spend the time learning the proper techniques for stroke mechanics, starts and turns for all four strokes. Taught by coaches Greg Kugler and and Bethany Dickert. Sign up for Swimming Club - Drills.
High School Concert Band
For students entering grades 9-12 for the 2021-2022 school year. Students will have four days of individual and small group instrument work and full band rehearsals. Clinicians from St. Thomas University, St. Cloud State University and the University of MN - Twin Cities will work with small sectionals and conduct some full band rehearsals along with SLPHS Band Directors, Nora Tycast and Ross Wolf. At the end of these four days, students will have better technique and rehearsal skills for the school year ahead and perform in a short concert in the SLPHS Fine Arts Center for families. Sign up for High School Concert Band.
Senior meeting and sign distribution is Thursday, May 6 at 2 p.m.
All seniors should attend this meeting (in the Fine Arts Center or via WebEx) to get important end-of-year and graduation information and updates on prom and senior all night party. In addition, thanks for the Panther Foundation, we will be providing each senior with a free yard/window sign at the close of this meeting. Signs will also be available for pick-up after Thursday.
Panther Peer Tutors
Our students are still here to support one another. If your child is struggling in a core class and would like a peer tutor to help, sign up here. We have students in all grades able to help in all subject areas. With 37 days of school to go, now is the time to seek help.
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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