SLP Experience - Winter 2021

XPERIENCE

SPRINGLAKE LAKEPARK PARK SCHOOLS SPRING SCHOOLS

WINTER 2021 DEEPER LEARNING AS SCHOOL MEETS LIFE The high school years are a countdown toward students making their own way in the world, and finding fulfillment

“WHY AM I LEARNING THIS?” Students are finding purpose in learning that connects to real life

FALL ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES

The fall was a busy time for athletics and activities to ramp back up, with the winter season now well underway

SO MANY REASONS TO BE

FEATURE STORIES

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Get frequent updates by following our Spring Lake Park Schools accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr social media channels! Here’s just a few highlights to show what the community has been engaging with recently.

On International Peace Day, colorful pinwheels covered a field outside Centerview Elementary with drawings that the students made. The installation project was filled with illustrations of what brings them harmony and joy.

DEEPER LEARNING AS “WHY AM I LEARNING SCHOOL MEETS LIFE THIS?”

FALL ATHLETICS AND ACTIVITIES

Chelsea Ofori, sophomore, is designing a keychain for a customer. The customer, her class partner, has given her a tough set of specs – a combination dog, hockey puck, hockey stick. By the end of the week, she’ll hold the design she creates on the computer in her hands, fresh from the 3D printer and present it to her customer.

Creating great experiences. Connecting students with caring adults. Teaching life lessons. These are what make the foundation of each athletic and activity team and club offered at Spring Lake Park High School.

At Spring Lake Park High School, students like Chelsea are learning through real-world application. They are making machines to test the concepts of physics. They are creating infographics to teach other students about research concepts aligned to English Language Arts. They are exploring engineering design and technology to earn college credits.

These learning experiences are about more than ticking off graduation requirements. The chance to apply often abstract concepts to real life situations leads to deeper learning. It also helps students test out potential college and career paths.

Digital citizenship just got real for middle school students – in a good way. Through a school project, they explored the world of technology and their place in it. They asked, “Who am I online? What is a digital footprint? How will what I do online impact me now and in the future?”

Down the road, some elementary students are learning about economics as they run their own businesses. Some are discovering a love of reading while getting connected to their local library. Others are finding their spark by trying out everything from karate to cooking.

What’s happening in the classroom is being connected to real life. Through experiences that make learning more relevant for each learner in terms of who they are, how they learn, and where they want to go, students are answering the question, “Why am I learning this?” When students find a “why” in what they are learning, learning means something. It matters.

High schoolers José and Rolen finished an online Trade’s Hub program to earn job interviews and prep for career readiness.

They followed an online curriculum with educator Patty Jansen to learn from industry experts in trades and manufacturing.

With 14 girls’ sports, 14 boys’ sports and 40 student-based interest clubs and co-curricular activities, there are abundant opportunities for each student to find connection, belonging and purpose.

A powerful way to say thanks for Veterans Day! Northpoint students marched with signs by Edgewood Senior Center to see residents and to honor those who served.

This fall, senior Kaitlyn Finnegan ran at the state cross country meet, the bowling team won the state tournament, FCCLA finished top in the nation and theater was back on stage in front of eager audiences.

https://flic.kr/s/ aHsmXbgzx1

There are many more highlights from this fall. Everywhere Panthers went, they made us proud!

During Homecoming Week, which included themed spirit days and the SLPHS pep rally, students and staff all across the district were full of Panther Pride!

READ THESE STORIES

https://flic.kr/s/ aHsmWU6dgc

WINTER 2021 EDITION SCAN THIS QR CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE OR DEVICE CAMERA, OR VISIT THE WEBSITE:

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SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE COMMUNITY COMMUNITY ED FAMILY PROGRAMS

INDOOR WALKING CLUB FOR ADULTS

SPRINGLAKEPARKSCHOOLS.ORG/CE

SPRINGLAKEPARKSCHOOLS.ORG/CE

Now is the time to sign up for upcoming community education programs and register for your next activity. There’s something for all ages youth to adult, everything from arts and fitness to STEM building and horse-drawn sleigh rides! To browse what’s available, visit the website or program page at: https://bit.ly/3oGcAGf

Join us Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. this winter for a fun and relaxing way to exercise indoors – free of charge and free from the elements! There are designated paths through Spring Lake Park High School. After a 30-40 minute walk, stay to enjoy friendly company and refreshments. Walk-ins welcome; on-site registration available. To view dates, times and to register in advance, visit the website or program page at: https://bit.ly/3oGcAGf

PARTNER WITH US We are always looking for members of our community who are interested in teaching a community ed class, visiting classrooms to share what they do as their career, ideas for community service projects and more. If you’re interested in being a partner, contact Colleen Pederson at cpeder@district16.org or 763-600-5051.

PANTHER FOUNDATION EVENT SPRINGLAKEPARKSCHOOLS.ORG/PF Save the Date: The Panthers for a Purpose event is Saturday, February 26, 2022, with special events occurring the week leading up to the party including the online silent auction. Last year, the virtual event raised over $100,000 for our schools!

ST

BY THE NUMBERS

40 CLUBS

$2

MILLION

ACTIVITIES

CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN SPRING LAKE PARK SCHOOLS

CURRENTLY OFFERED AT SPRING LAKE PARK HIGH SCHOOL

IN FUNDS AWARDED BY THE PANTHER FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS

“

To our community: The world may be far from “normal,” but it has been great to see our teachers and staff do all they can throughout the first trimester of this year to establish relationships and routines with their students.

Every day, we also are grateful for the partnerships that exist between school and home to provide support and encouragement.

When district leaders like me get into classrooms, we like to ask students two questions. What are you learning? And, why is that important? It’s fun to hear the answers – and these help us know how well we’re doing in connecting students to the “why” of their learning. What are some things we are hearing and seeing?

Elementary students are running their own businesses as they learn about economics. Fifth graders are using design principles to consider “problems” at school, like how to schedule more physical education, and pitching their solutions for potential implementation. Middle schoolers are learning about digital citizenship with real-world context provided by local law enforcement to make this learning relevant.

At our high school, students are plotting a path to graduation – and beyond. We are providing various pathways to help them achieve graduation requirements and also explore potential steps beyond high school. Through learning experiences that connect the concepts and curriculum to application in the real world, our intent is that each student will find where their skills, talents and interests come together.

Often, students find their spark in clubs, activities, or athletics.

We had some great fall highlights – including a return of homecoming traditions and high participation in athletics and in the high school’s 40 clubs – a number that’s actually grown during the pandemic. There are a lot of opportunities to find connection, belonging and gain life skills along the way.

As a community, we have a shared interest in preparing students for successful lives of contribution, purpose and joy. Each student has a unique path to career, college and life success. It’s our privilege to walk alongside them – at every age – and help them discover that path. We couldn’t do that without the support of this community.

Thank you,

Jeff Ronneberg, Ed.D Superintendent, Spring Lake Park Schools

MASON ROLOFF

SLPHS SENIOR

I am proud to be a Panther because I can be a role model to help represent Spring Lake Park Schools to others around me. Another reason I am proud is because I am able to be a leader in the community to help the younger kids so they can also be leaders once they get to the same age.

“

STUDENTS

T S P OT L I G HT

6,200

EN

MILES

UD

6,635

TOTAL DISTANCE THAT OUR SLP SCHOOL BUSES TRAVEL IN A DAY

“ LEARNING THAT MATTERS ”

Mason signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Minnesota to continue his education and play Division I golf.

SCHOOL BOARD Amy Hennen, Chairperson Tony Easter, Vice - Chairperson Amy Wheaton, Clerk Michael Kreun, Direc tor John Stroebel, Direc tor Sarah Bowe, Treasurer Marilynn Forsberg, Parliamentarian

UPDATE The two incumbents running, Marilynn Forsberg and Michael Kreun, have been reelected to the school board. Melody Skelly and Sam Villella join the board as its newest members. Terms begin in January 2022. We thank Amy Wheaton and John Stroebel for their service to the board.

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT 1174

XPERIENCE DISTRICT SERVICES CENTER

WINTER 2021

Independent School District No. 16 1415 81st Ave NE Spring Lake Park, MN 55432

SpringLakeParkSchools.org

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Send photos to communications@district16.org for a chance to be featured!

EXPERIENCE SLP IN 1, 2, 3

ENROLLING NOW FOR 2022-2023

CALLING ALL KINDERGARTENERS

COME WORK WITH US

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SPRINGLAKEPARKSCHOOLS.ORG/KINDER

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Personalized experiences.

Preparation for career, college and life. Modern and flexible learning spaces. Families choose our schools for these reasons and because we are on a journey to help each student discover who they are as learners.

Enrollment is now open for all grades.

We are ready to welcome the Class of 2035! This is the beginning of a personalized learning journey that prepares students for their unique career, college and life path. Explore our full-day, every day programs and Spanish Immersion option. Come out to any of our locations for a visit or enroll now online.

There’s nothing more rewarding than contributing to a child’s learning.

Open roles include paraprofessionals, custodians, nutrition services, child care workers, event supervisors and substitute teachers. We offer a variety of roles and locations where you can make a difference. Competitive benefits and retirement package.