Spring Lake Park High School
January 27, 2021 Newsletter
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A Message from Principal Boucher
SLPHS Families,
We’ve been actively planning toward bringing students in the Modified Campus (hybrid) model back to the high school. We have now solidified our plans to return those students who chose the Modified Campus (hybrid) back beginning February 16 (B day). Students who have chosen Extended Flexible Learning (distance) will continue in distance learning. Earlier, you received a message with the details. We’ll update you again next week on this transition.
Last week, Spring Lake Park students in preschool through 6th grade transitioned back to learning at school. That transition has gone really well, and we are excited to get our high school students back to learning at school.
In a typical school year, this is the time of year when we look ahead and students in grades 8-11 make course selections for the next year. This year we are pushing that process a little bit later – beginning in late February. We will be providing a longer window for students and families to study course options and get support from counselors and others in making their selections for next year. We’ll have more information in the coming weeks.
One way SLP has been coming together is through Panthers for a Purpose, a focus of the Panther Foundation to support the Weekend Food Pack program that provides food to students who need it over weekends and breaks. If you are able, I encourage you to participate in any or all of the upcoming challenges. Challenge #2 is all about showing and sharing your Panther spirit and it’s February 1-14. (See more info in the newsletter.). Plan to tune in to the virtual giving event to support this worthy cause on Saturday, February 27.
Finally, this week is Paraprofessional Appreciation week in Minnesota. This group of educators plays a pivotal role in many student’s lives and learning. The paraprofessionals at the high school are invaluable members of our staff and have been vital to the success of our learning this year. We are grateful for the contributions and commitment of these colleagues this week and every week.
Thank you!
One School, one community, #SLPPantherProud!
Matthew Boucher
Principal
Change to times and locations for free meal pick-up
Starting Tuesday, February 2, the times and community distribution locations for Spring Lake Park Schools' free meal pick-up will change. We will still continue to provide a bagged breakfast and lunch option to all children ages 1-18 at no cost.
We will continue to distribute free meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays at locations throughout the community. On Tuesdays, families will receive two-days’ worth of meals. On Thursdays, families will receive three-days’ worth of meals.
Students and families should visit the website for updated information and to find the interactive map of the distribution locations.
Input requested: Learning options for 2021-2022
During this very unusual school year, we've had the opportunity to learn in several different models. As a result, some students and families have discovered that online learning works well for them. Others have found a mixture of learning at school and at home helpful to their learning and their lives. Others discovered a preference for "live" learning and still others have preferred learning to be available "on-demand" and when it fits with their schedules.
As Spring Lake Park Schools designs learning options for the 2021-2022 school year, we'd like to hear from you about what you've valued and would like to see continued in some way. Please provide your input in a very brief survey (http://bit.ly/3iVk9Ft), by Monday, February 1.
Thank you for sharing your insight and helping us continue to provide options to meet your learner's and your family's needs.
Challenge #2 - Show Us Your Panther Pride, February 1-12
For the Panthers for a Purpose Challenge #2, The Panther Foundation wants you to show your Panther Pride by SLP gear or red, blue and white school colors, February 1-12.
Can you do 10 days or more of SLP Panther Pride Wear (branded gear, blue, red, etc.)? Send us your photos of all 10 days and you will be entered in a Panther Store $25 gift card drawing! Submit photos to PantherFoundation@district16.org.
Don't forget to purchase a Swag Bag for $20 by Friday, February 5. The Swag Bag will be sure to kick up your event party with sweet & savory treats, selfie props and more. Your purchase will pre-register your household for the event and enter you into drawings with prizes totaling more than $550.
Learn more about the Panthers for a Purpose virtual event, which helps keep the pantry stocked, children fed and ready to learn!
Register for free Sallie Mae webinar: You’ve been Accepted to College, Now What?
Sallie Mae is offering some free student webinars one can register for a free to learn more. The first webinar “You’ve been accepted to college, now what?” will help you understand critical points with making your college decision, including:
- Additional research about campus and community options
- Factors for choosing a college
- How to complete the financial aid process
- Comparing financial aid offers
- What to do if you need more money
- Finding scholarships
- Your to do list once you make your college decision
Register for the Thursday, January 28 session at 7 p.m. here.
Virtual Lunch and Learn sessions
Students and parents are invited to join virtual Lunch and Learn sessions on Wednesdays at noon to get information on various high school courses.
Mark your calendars for the following sessions next Wednesday, February 3:
- Weights for Women & Outdoor Education
- Business Classes at SLPHS
- CIS Environmental Science
Can’t make the session time or want to watch recorded sessions from previous weeks? Visit the Career and College Readiness page to find the recordings.
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 and College Readiness page.
Preview of upcoming events:
- Applying to College and Scholarships: February 3, 1 p.m.
- In Applying to College and Scholarships session, students will learn:
- When do you begin the college application process?
- What are the parts of the admissions application?
- Different types of admissions applications, why choose one over the other?
- When do you begin looking for scholarships?
- How do you find and apply to scholarships?
- PSEO and Earning College Credit while in High School: February 10 and 17 at 1 p.m.
- 4th Annual College Kick-Off Event: February 25, 6:30-8 p.m.
Panther Peer Tutor Program has begun!
Students were given the opportunity to sign up for a Panther-Peer tutor for Trimester 2. Students will begin getting partnered with tutors this week and throughout the remainder of the trimester as we are able. If your child is interested in getting academic help from a peer, please have them complete this form.
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 learners' skills in Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading (WICOR) and include college-bound experiences such as school-sponsored campus visits, guest speakers, post-secondary program and scholarship research, and community outreach/service learning.
Further information can be found in this flyer.
Enrollment is dependent on the successful completion of an application and an interview process with AVID site team members.
Digital Applications must be completed by 2/28/2021.
For any questions, please contact the AVID Coordinator at jdelon@district16.org.
SLPHS Junior Accepted into 2021 All-State Tenor/Bass Choir
Vincent Vang, an SLP junior, has been accepted into the 2021 All-State Tenor/Bass Choir. Students from all over the state of Minnesota in high school bands, choirs, and orchestras audition for an All-State spot in March. Judges listen to the students, evaluating them on their overall musicianship and technique. In mid-April, the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) All-State Committee chooses the final rosters considering scores and MMEA’s placement policies. Out of the thousands that apply, only 565 students are selected for the seven All-State groups.
Vincent will participate in a virtual choir, directed by Lee Nelson from Wartburg College, which will include three sessions totaling over 10 hours of singing with other Tenors and Basses from across the state. The culminating event is a virtual concert in the middle of February. Congratulations, Vincent!
Visit the website to view full details and sign up or call Community Education at 763-600-5050.
New Take-Home Craft Activity - DIY Gnome Home
Available for pick-up on Wednesdays, this craft activity will keep your child's mind active and creative! Order your DIY Gnome Home Take-Home Kit here.
Register Now for Spring Flag Football
The National Flag Football MN program is set up in collaboration with SLP's Community Ed. Registration is open now on their website.
Spring Lake Park - Parks & Recreation Winter/Spring 2021 Youth Programs
The Spring Lake Park - Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a variety of activities for your child to get involved in this winter and spring. From co-ed t-ball & softball and art classes to a Red Cross babysitters course and a family snowshoe nature hike, there are tons of fun and enriching programs to check out. Read this flyer for program descriptions and registration information.
Panthers for a Purpose Panther Pride Sale, February 1-12
Our excitement is building for the Panther Foundation's Panthers for a Purpose virtual event on February 27, 2021. Our apparel discounts are building, too! Fill up your closets and drawers with new Panther Gear to be a part of the Panther Challenge #2. Online sale happening February 1-12. Buy More, Save More.
Online Coupon codes:
- $5 Off $50
- $10 Off $75
- $20 Off $100
Visit the Panther Store to order your Panther Gear online. Want to shop in-store? Email PantherStore@district16.org to request a personal shopping appointment.
- Monday, February 8: Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will be performing at 7:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center. Music from the 2020 MN Band Directors’ Commission of Black Composers will be featured. The concert will be live streamed.
- Tuesday, February 9: Jazz One, Jazz Two and Varsity Band (9th grade) will be performing at 7:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center. The concert will be live streamed.
- Monday, February 22: The Parkairs, Concert Chorale, Bel Canto and Varsity Chorus have a concert at 7:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center. The concert will be live streamed.
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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