SLP District News - June 3, 2026

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Read Time: 1 min Congratulations Class of 2026! Once an Oriole, always an Oriole. We wish you the best in your next journey! Watch the Ceremony   Get ready for the 2026-2027 year! Yes, we're already starting to think about the 2026-2027 school year, and we have all of the resources ready for you to start preparing now! Our School Year Essentials page has everything you need, from school supply lists to immunization information, transportation, meals, communications and so much more. We want you and your family to be prepared heading into summer, so be sure to check out this page before you hit summer break! 🌴 School Year Essentials   Reminder: SLP phone system changing over the summer ☎️ Over the summer, our district will be transitioning to a new phone system in an effort to improve communication services across all schools and district offices. The transition is scheduled to take place on June 15, 2026. As part of this upgrade, district and school phone numbers will be updated. While some phone numbers may remain the same, it is possible that numbers you frequently use to contact schools, offices, or staff members could change. During the transition period, families may experience brief interruptions in phone service or delays while the new system is being implemented. We are working carefully to minimize disruptions and ensure that communication remains available throughout the process. Email communication and district websites will continue to be available during the transition if you need assistance or are unable to reach a school office by phone. All numbers start with 952-928, except Lenox and Adult Options, which begin with 952-848. View new phone numbers   Learn about the referendum at an upcoming community engagement session Join us early Thursday morning to learn about the upcoming one-question on the ballot for St. Louis Park Public Schools! The next session is tomorrow, June 4, at 7:30 a.m. in the Park Spanish Immersion Elementary Media Center. Members of the public will listen to a presentation explaining the one question, learn about its potential impact to the schools and how much it might cost taxpayers in St. Louis Park. Come to listen and ask questions – everyone is encouraged to attend. A recording of the presentation will be made available on the website. If you can't make Thursday's session, the following remaining events will also be held in person:  Wednesday, June 10 – 12-1 p.m. at Lenox Community Center Thursday, June 18 – 8-9 a.m. at St. Louis Park Middle School Performing Arts Center Learn more about the referendum, including additional information, the proposal and the estimated tax impact on our website. Learn about the 2026 Referendum   Join us for a Juneteenth event series We’re partnering to celebrate Juneteenth from movies, music, storytelling and roller skating! All events are free and open to the public.  Family movie night – June 15, 6-7:30 p.m. Black Storytellers Alliance – June 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Summer concert series kick-off: SoulFlower Rollerskating (Rollin' @ the ROC) – June 18, 5:30-8 p.m. Juneteenth family movie night Celebrate Juneteenth with a family-friendly movie night featuring Disney and Pixar’s Soul. This heartfelt and uplifting film explores purpose, passion, and the beauty of everyday life through music and storytelling. Families are invited to gather in the Little Theater at Lenox Community Center on Monday, June 15 from 6-7:30 p.m. Registration required; free snacks while supplies last.    Summer food program open to families During the summer, some of St. Louis Park Public School sites are open for breakfast and lunch for students to come and receive a meal for free. Please refer to this information and available dates for receiving food.   Health Education Leadership Council presents to 6th grade students on the effects of vaping St. Louis Park High School seniors on the Health Education Leadership Council (HELC) had the chance to present to over 340 middle school students on vaping – why students vape, vape chemicals, how brands target youth and what students can do to get help.  We’re proud of our students for taking the initiative in partnering with the myHealth Teen Clinic team to make this presentation come to life! View school calendar Instagram Facebook SLP Schools Website

Wednesday, Jun 03 2026

SLP District News - May 27, 2026

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Read Time: 2 min Supporting big ideas: David Davis and the power of foundation grants David Davis believes music belongs to everyone. As a music teacher at St. Louis Park Public Schools, David Davis has built his career around breaking barriers and expanding access to learning opportunities for students. His innovative teaching, student-centered approach, and commitment to equity are part of what makes him the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. But some of his most impactful ideas may not have happened without support from the Park Public Schools & Community Foundation. Discover his story online, and give to St. Louis Park Public Schools to continue supporting incredible stories like these. Read the full story Give to SLP   Recognizing Eid al-Adha Today, we recognize Eid al-Adha, an important holiday celebrated by many Muslim families in our community and around the world. To all who are celebrating, we wish you a joyful and meaningful Eid filled with time with loved ones, reflection, generosity, and connection. We are grateful for the many traditions, perspectives, and experiences that make our school community stronger and more vibrant. Eid Mubarak to our students, families, staff, and community members celebrating today.   Learn about the referendum at an upcoming community engagement session The fourth session is Monday, June 1, at 4 p.m. in the Susan Lindgren Elementary Media Center. Members of the public will listen to a presentation explaining the one question, learn about its potential impact to the schools and how much it might cost taxpayers in St. Louis Park. Come to listen and ask questions – everyone is encouraged to attend. A recording of the presentation will be made available on the website. If you can't make Monday's session, the following events will also be held in person:  Thursday, June 4 – 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Park Spanish Immersion Media Center Wednesday, June 10 – 12-1 p.m. at Lenox Community Center Thursday, June 18 – 8-9 a.m. at St. Louis Park Middle School Performing Arts Center Learn more about the referendum, including additional information, the proposal and the estimated tax impact on our website. Learn about the 2026 Referendum   Free summer meals for kids There are multiple ways to receive free meals during the summer when students aren't in school. Some of St. Louis Park Public School sites are open for breakfast and lunch for students to come and receive a meal for free. Please visit our website for more information. Families can also access the Free Meals for Kids app which will show you directions to the nearest site serving free meals in June, July and August. It's an easy way to find consistent meals for all summer long! Visit their website for more information.   St. Louis Park High School seniors earn more than $200,000 in scholarships During the annual Dollars for Scholars event, 111 St. Louis Park High School students earned more than $200,000 in scholarships to support their future educational journeys. We are deeply grateful to the generous donors who continue to invest in our students and help create life-changing opportunities through additional financial support for higher education. Their care and commitment to our school community make a lasting impact on the lives of our seniors. A special thank you goes to Brian’s Fund – Random Acts of Kindness – for contributing more than $2,600 to support middle and high school teachers serving students with special needs, as well as students with special needs themselves. This incredible gift reflects the compassion and generosity that make our community so special. Congratulations to all of our scholarship recipients!   Middle school band students shine in spring concerts Our middle school band students delivered two fantastic performances during last week’s spring concerts! We are incredibly proud of the perseverance, dedication, and growth students demonstrated as they prepared for these performances throughout the year. Families who would like to watch the performances can view the concert recordings below: Beginning Band/Band 6 Spring Concert Jazz Band/Band7/Band8 Spring Concert   Fifth grade students showcase innovative ideas for a better world Our fifth grade students are truly shining as they share innovative ideas and creative solutions for a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. Throughout May, families, staff, and community members had the opportunity to learn from students through individual presentations that highlight their passion, empathy, and commitment to making a difference. We are so proud of the leadership, heart, and brilliance our students showcased throughout this inspiring event! View school calendar Instagram Facebook SLP Schools Website

Wednesday, May 27 2026

SLP District News - May 20, 2026

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 Read Time: 2 min Learn about the referendum at an upcoming community engagement session The third session is tomorrow, May 21, at 6 p.m. in the Peter Hobart Elementary Cafeteria. Members of the public will listen to a presentation explaining the one question, learn about its potential impact to the schools and how much it might cost taxpayers in St. Louis Park. Come to listen and ask questions – everyone is encouraged to attend. A recording of the presentation will be made available on the website. If you can't make tomorrow's session, the following events will also be held in person:  Monday, June 1 – 4-5 p.m. at Susan Lindgren Elementary Media Center Thursday, June 4 – 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Park Spanish Immersion Media Center Wednesday, June 10 – 12-1 p.m. at Lenox Community Center Thursday, June 18 – 8-9 a.m. at St. Louis Park Middle School Performing Arts Center Learn more about the referendum, including additional information, the proposal and the estimated tax impact on our website. Learn About the 2026 Referendum   MASBO's Rising Star is Scott Peterson Congratulations to Scott Peterson, Accountant, of St. Louis Park Public Schools on being named a Rising Star by the Minnesota Association of School Business Officials (MASBO)! This award celebrates Scott’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving students and families through school finance. The Rising Star Award recognizes the efforts and accomplishments of a professional with a minimum of 2-7 years of experience who have contributed to their district.   SLP Bird Feeder donates $10,000 to local emergency program St. Louis Park High School students who are a part of the Bird Feeder recently donated $10,000 to the St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) rent assistance program. Thank you so much for giving back to the community – we are very proud!   SLP phone system changing over the summer Over the summer, our district will be transitioning to a new phone system in an effort to improve communication services across all schools and district offices. The transition is scheduled to take place on June 15, 2026. As part of this upgrade, district and school phone numbers will be updated. While some phone numbers may remain the same, it is possible that numbers you frequently use to contact schools, offices, or staff members could change. During the transition period, families may experience brief interruptions in phone service or delays while the new system is being implemented. We are working carefully to minimize disruptions and ensure that communication remains available throughout the process. Email communication and district websites will continue to be available during the transition if you need assistance or are unable to reach a school office by phone. View more information   Summer swim lessons with SLP Community Education Make a splash this summer with swim lessons for all ages and skill levels! Whether your child is just getting comfortable in the water or ready to build confidence and stronger swimming skills, we’ve got a class for them. Spots are still available in our summer swim lesson sessions! Convenient daytime and evening classes offered Fun, safe, and engaging instruction for every swimmer Don’t miss the chance to build water safety skills and create summer memories in the pool! For more information and the full class schedule, click here!    Celebrating our speech language pathologists Speech-language-hearing pathologists and audiologists provide life-changing treatment and services for many of our St. Louis Park Public Schools students, and we are thankful for their care and dedication. Share your feedback! We invite you to participate in our Family Climate Survey. Your input is incredibly important and helps us better understand your experiences, strengthen our community, and improve how we support our students and families. The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete, and all responses will remain confidential. Your voice matters, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us. Take the survey View school calendar Instagram Facebook SLP Schools Website

Wednesday, May 20 2026

SLP District News - May 13, 2026

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Read Time: 2 min Attend an upcoming Referendum Community Engagement Session The first session is tomorrow from 5-6 p.m. in the St. Louis Park High School Cafeteria. Members of the public will listen to a presentation explaining the one question, learn about its potential impact to the schools and how much it might cost taxpayers in St. Louis Park. Come to listen and ask questions – everyone is encouraged to attend. A recording of the presentation will be made available on the website. The following events will be held in person:  Thursday, May 14 – 5-6 p.m. at St. Louis Park High School Cafeteria Monday, May 18 – 7-8 p.m. at Aquila Elementary Cafeteria Thursday, May 21 – 6-7 p.m. at Peter Hobart Elementary Cafeteria Monday, June 1 – 4-5 p.m. at Susan Lindgren Elementary Cafeteria Thursday, June 4 – 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Park Spanish Immersion Media Center Wednesday, June 10 – 12-1 p.m. at Lenox Community Center Thursday, June 18 – 8-9 a.m. at St. Louis Park Middle School Performing Arts Center Learn more about the referendum, including additional information, the proposal and the estimated tax impact on our website. Learn About the 2026 Referendum   Questions from the Community We are on our last edition of answering key questions that came through the most recent Superintendent Q&A. Many of the questions were related to district administration and staffing. The previous articles focused on: What are the staffing changes? What are the district's class sizes and enrollment trends? What is the long-term vision for digital instruction? How do you take community input to make decisions? What is a class size "target" and what does it mean in practice? When can a full cell phone ban be put in place? What investments are being made to support teachers and prevent burnout? How much time are students spending on screens at school? We understand that many families have concerns about technology use in schools, including the amount of screen time students experience during the day. Families often ask about the impact of screens on attention, focus, sleep, social interaction, and overall well-being. SLP Schools is working to balance the educational benefits of technology with the importance of hands-on learning, discussion, movement, and offline activities. Elementary students in grades 3–5 spend about 45 minutes a day on Chromebooks during school, while secondary students spend about 1.5 hours a day. This increase at the secondary level reflects the greater use of online assignments, research, collaboration tools, and digital learning platforms in middle and high school classrooms. Screen time data is currently tracked through Chromebooks to help schools better understand overall technology use and make informed decisions about instructional practices. However, iPad use for grades K-2 are not included in this tracking, and personal student devices are not monitored. The data reflects general usage trends rather than tracking specific students. The district continues to monitor technology use and will be creating a technology committee made up of students, staff, and caregivers for next school year. This group will provide feedback and insights around district technology use. Watch Superintendent Q&A   Three SLP students selected as 4-Year Wallin Scholars Our students are reaching new heights. Three St. Louis Park High School seniors were selected from among thousands of applicants across the Twin Cities to receive a 4-Year Wallin Scholarship. This highly competitive award recognizes students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to their communities, and it covers four years of college tuition, significantly easing the financial burden of higher education. For our students, this scholarship opens doors to their future. “It has created opportunities for me to pursue my path in engineering,” one student said.  Read the full story on our website. Read more about our students   Educator and staff appreciation week was a hit! There was so much to celebrate last week when it came to our staff – both Teacher and Nurse Appreciation Week – and our schools showed up to support them. Folding all staff into the mix, each school site, in collaboration with their PTO or community group, provided lots of yummy food, snacks and hang out time just for them. It was so great seeing staff come together to celebrate one another.    Empower(Her) student athlete event promoted confidence and self-empowerment SLP female student athletes made their way to the high school gym a few weekends ago to focus on health and wellness — while building connections and supporting one another along the way. Together, our athletes explored some of the most pressing issues facing young female athletes today, including burnout and mental health, self-empowerment, physical health and diet culture, and body image.   Free wellness event on May 30 Join us on Saturday, May 30 at St. Louis Park Middle School for a wisdom panel, workshop, activities, and community connection centered around wellness. Explore creative expression, healing practices and reflection. This event is free and open to St. Louis Park community and friends. Register for the event Share your feedback! We invite you to participate in our Family Climate Survey. Your input is incredibly important and helps us better understand your experiences, strengthen our community, and improve how we support our students and families. The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete, and all responses will remain confidential. Your voice matters, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us. Take the survey View school calendar Instagram Facebook SLP Schools Website

Wednesday, May 13 2026

Join us Thursday to Learn about the Referendum

Let's Learn about Boilers Did you know? The boilers in SLP Schools heat the buildings and pools. Outside of boilers for homes and schools, there are also boilers used in food processing, paper manufacturing, chemical plants, and hospitals. Scientists researched the impacts of boiler sound waves that fell around 20 hertz. The studies showed people felt discomfort, unsettled - like there was paranormal activity. Spooky! Boiler explosions were once a major danger before modern safety standards and pressure controls existed. Learn more about boilers   Join us for a Community Engagement Session We are inviting members of the St. Louis Park community to learn more about the Referendum. At an upcoming Referendum Community Engagement Session, members of the public will listen to a presentation explaining the one question, learn about its potential impact to the schools and how much it might cost taxpayers in St. Louis Park.  This is a great opportunity to listen and ask questions. We encourage anyone to attend! A recording of the presentation will be made available on the website. The following events will be held in person:  Thursday, May 14 at St. Louis Park High School Cafeteria (5-6 p.m.) Monday, May 18 at Aquila Elementary Cafeteria (7-8 p.m.) Thursday, May 21 at Peter Hobart Elementary Cafeteria (6-7 p.m.)  Monday, June 1 at Susan Lindgren Elementary Cafeteria (4-5 p.m.) Thursday, June 4 at Park Spanish Immersion Media Center (7:30-8:30 a.m.) Wednesday, June 10 at Lenox Community Center (12-1 p.m.) Thursday, June 18 at St. Louis Park Middle School Performing Arts Center (8-9 a.m.)   What's on the ballot? On August 11, 2026, St. Louis Park Public Schools will ask voters to consider one question on the ballot: Shall the issuance of the general obligation school building bonds, revocation of the existing capital project levy authorization, and the new capital project levy authorization proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 283 (St. Louis Park Public Schools), Minnesota be approved? If approved, the plan would: Replace aging boilers and related systems at St. Louis Park Middle School and St. Louis Park High School Provide ongoing funding for technology, safety, and facility needs through a capital projects levy

Tuesday, May 12 2026

SLP District News - May 6, 2026

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Read Time: 4 min Attend an upcoming Referendum Community Engagement Session The first session is Thursday, May 14 from 5-6 p.m. in the St. Louis Park High School Cafeteria. Members of the public will listen to a presentation explaining the one question, learn about its potential impact to the schools and how much it might cost taxpayers in St. Louis Park. Come to listen and ask questions – everyone is encouraged to attend. A recording of the presentation will be made available on the website. The following events will be held in person:  Thursday, May 14 – 5-6 p.m. at St. Louis Park High School Cafeteria Monday, May 18 – 7-8 p.m. at Aquila Elementary Cafeteria Thursday, May 21 – 6-7 p.m. at Peter Hobart Elementary Cafeteria Monday, June 1 – 4-5 p.m. at Susan Lindgren Elementary Cafeteria Thursday, June 4 – 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Park Spanish Immersion Media Center Wednesday, June 10 – 12-1 p.m. at Lenox Community Center Thursday, June 18 – 8-9 a.m. at St. Louis Park Middle School Performing Arts Center Learn more about the referendum, including additional information, the proposal and the estimated tax impact on our website. Learn About the 2026 Referendum   Questions from the Community We'll be answering key questions that came through the most recent Superintendent Q&A for three more weeks. Many of the questions were related to district administration and staffing. Click on the following article links for more information on these questions: What are the staffing changes? What are the district's class sizes and enrollment trends? What is the long-term vision for digital instruction? How do you take community input to make decisions? What is a class size "target" and what does it mean in practice? When can a full cell phone ban be put in place? What investments are being made to support teachers and prevent burnout? Burnout prevention requires intentional, ongoing investment in working conditions and well-being. Aligned to our district strategic priorities, we are making several key investments to support teachers: 1. Collaborative Support and Professional Community We are strengthening opportunities for teachers to collaborate, plan together, and learn from one another. This includes grade level team meetings, data reviews, and learning walks. Strong peer networks are one of the most effective ways to reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction. 2. Professional Learning and Instructional Support We continue to invest in professional development aligned to our instructional vision, giving teachers the tools, clarity, and confidence to meet student needs. Next year, the calendar includes more time for professional development to support and equip teachers for success. We are also analyzing our data to determine how our structures are working. We are working towards sunsetting structures, resources, and practices that are not yielding high academic results for our students.  3. Strong School Leadership and Culture We are committed to staff voice and recognition of the incredible work happening in our schools. Principals are providing more instructional leadership, and we are providing more opportunities for staff feedback in surveys and processes to ensure staff voice is included in decisions. Supporting teachers is essential to supporting students. By investing in collaboration, professional growth, and a strong, responsive culture, we are working to create the conditions where educators feel valued, supported, and able to thrive in their work. Watch Superintendent Q&A   Show your park pride! Order the new StORIOLE shirt The student-led clothing store, the StORIOLE, is back with their new Park Pride shirt for $15! Be sure to secure your shirt before they sell out. Order your shirt David Davis is the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Congratulations David Davis, Music Teacher at Park Spanish Immersion who is the recipient of the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award! We are so proud of your leadership and authenticity, and look forward to seeing you continue to see, inspire and empower each student! SLP PTO’s receive the City of St. Louis Park's Human Rights Award On Monday night, St. Louis Park Public Schools’ elementary PTO’s received the City of St. Louis Park’s Human Rights Award, given as a recognition of the group’s response during Operation Metro Surge. “During Operation Metro Surge, the St. Louis Park schools’ PTO’s demonstrated extraordinary leadership and compassion. You stepped up to support students and families, especially immigrant families who were afraid to go out in public, including attending school. You organized mutual aid, ride shares, supervision, and countless other supports. Your actions became a living definition of community,” shared Pat Coleman, the Community Engagement Coordinator for the City of St. Louis Park. Way to go! SLPHS senior Amelia Beach receives the 2026 Athena Award Congratulations to St. Louis Park High School senior Amelia Beach​​ for being named the 2026 Athena Award recipient. This prestigious award honors outstanding female senior athletes from Minneapolis and surrounding areas for their excellence in sports, leadership, and community involvement. Amelia’s sports are flag football, lacrosse, soccer, and track and field. Congrats Amelia!   Dr. Lee-Ann Stephens receives the U of M Alumni Award of Excellence The University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development awarded Dr. Lee-Ann Stephens with the 2026 Alumni Award of Excellence. Dr. Stephens has served as an educator for over 30 years with kindergarten – 12th grade teaching and leadership experience.  We are incredibly proud of her achievements! Congratulations!   Superintendent Dr. Carlondrea Hines wins 2026 MinnSPRA Champion for Communications Award Superintendent Dr. Carlondrea Hines was honored with the Minnesota School Public Relations Association (MinnSPRA) 2026 Champion for Communications Award. This award highlights the importance of a leader’s role in implementing and advocating for an effective communications program. SLP Accountant Scott Peterson wins MASBO Rising Star Award St. Louis Park Public Schools is proud to announce that Scott Peterson, Accountant, is the recipient of the 2026 Rising Star Award from the Minnesota Association of School Business Officials (MASBO). Scott transformed a disorganized, paper-heavy accounts payable system into an efficient, automated process while mentoring colleagues and fostering accountability and customer service. We look forward to seeing Scott grow in his career!   Minnesota Education Commissioner Willie Jett visits Peter Hobart Elementary Earlier this week, Peter Hobart had the opportunity to host Education Commissioner Willie Jett in their classrooms. Willie took some time to meet with students and read a story to a few classrooms. We’re grateful for his dedication and commitment to showing up for our students!   May is American Indian Month In 2019, Minnesota proclaimed May as American Indian Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the contributions of American Indian people. This includes traditional knowledge, experience, labor, technology, science, philosophy, industry, arts and cultural belief systems that “recognizes Indigenous peoples as protectors and stewards of our natural environment.  Take a moment to celebrate Mni Sota (meaning Minnesota in the Dakota language) and the people and tribes who are indigenous to its land.   SLP Community Education is changing registration systems Starting Saturday, May 9, St. Louis Park Community Education is upgrading their registration system from Eleyo to Arux. This change will make registration, payment, and account management easier for families. User account data, current enrollments, child care/preschool accounts will all transfer automatically.   Celebrate Arbor Day at Carpenter Park! Join your community at Carpenter Park for a day full of nature-filled activities! This is a free event and all ages are welcome! Free cookies Dress like an arborist Chat with an expert Seedling giveaway Obstacle course Art projects Games Tree planting* and more! *Registration is required for tree planting; scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/2026planting.   Share your feedback! We invite you to participate in our Family Climate Survey. Your input is incredibly important and helps us better understand your experiences, strengthen our community, and improve how we support our students and families. The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete, and all responses will remain confidential. Your voice matters, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us. Take the survey View school calendar Instagram Facebook SLP Schools Website

Wednesday, May 06 2026

David Davis is the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year

David Davis is the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year We are excited to announce that David Davis, Music Teacher at Park Spanish Immersion, is the recipient of the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award! Learn more about Señor Davis by reading excerpts from the press release written by Education Minnesota. Davis is the 62nd recipient of the prestigious award and the second from St. Louis Park Public Schools to be named Minnesota Teacher of the Year. An independent selection committee representing Minnesota leaders in education, business and government chooses the Teacher of the Year from individuals who are nominated and who then choose to become a candidate.  “David is, quite literally, a living monument to change in both mindset and practice,” wrote Jess Davis (no relation), the 2019 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, in a letter of recommendation. “He has been open about the ways his perspectives have evolved and uses that growth to build learning spaces where students see themselves as artists, thinkers and collaborators.”   At Park Spanish Immersion Elementary, Davis teaches music to students in kindergarten through fifth grade, designing a curriculum that emphasizes student voice, creativity and cultural responsiveness. His students compose original music, collaborate in bands and connect their learning to their own identities, families and communities.   We are so proud of your leadership and authenticity, and look forward to watching you continue to see, inspire and empower each student! Read the full press release

Monday, May 04 2026

Departure of Executive Director Patricia Magnuson an...

Please Welcome Josiah Nebo, Executive Director of Business Services It is with mixed emotion that we announce Executive Director Patricia Magnuson will be retiring on June 30. She has spent 8 years in the District, with many notable accomplishments, including her leadership of the Finance Advisory Committee, mentorship of school business professionals, and receipt of the MASBO Lifetime Achievement Award. This year, Patricia has been guiding and preparing the district for her departure. She has worked diligently to prepare her team, and she has taken leadership in the 2026 referendum. Though we wish her great joy in retirement, she will be missed.  After a rigorous search, Josiah Nebo will be named as the Executive Director of Business Services for St. Louis Park Public Schools. Josiah joined the District as the Director of Business Services in 2024. Very quickly, he took leadership in the implementation of various business and operational processes and oversaw the district budget, all while maintaining strong financial stewardship. Josiah has a wealth of knowledge and experience from commercial real estate to banking, but most notably, he has previous experience working as an internal auditor for Minneapolis Public Schools. His expertise and attention to detail will continue to serve as an asset to our school community.  Josiah shared eagerness stating, “I am excited about the opportunity to continue serving the district in this expanded leadership role and to build upon the strong financial stewardship that has supported St. Louis Park’s mission and strategic priorities.”  Josiah will begin as the Executive Director of Business Services on July 1, 2026. We look forward to welcoming Josiah in this new capacity. Please congratulate him and welcome him to this new opportunity! 

Thursday, Apr 30 2026

SLP District News - April 29, 2026

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 Read Time: 3 min Attend an upcoming Referendum Community Engagement Session We are inviting members of the St. Louis Park community to learn more about the Referendum. At an upcoming Referendum Community Engagement Session, members of the public will listen to a presentation explaining the one question, learn about its potential impact to the schools and how much it might cost taxpayers in St. Louis Park.  This is a great opportunity to listen and ask questions. We encourage anyone to attend! A recording of the presentation will be made available on the website. The following events will be held in person:  Thursday, May 14 – 5-6 p.m. at St. Louis Park High School Cafeteria Monday, May 18 – 7-8 p.m. at Aquila Elementary Cafeteria Thursday, May 21 – 6-7 p.m. at Peter Hobart Elementary Cafeteria Monday, June 1 – 4-5 p.m. at Susan Lindgren Elementary Cafeteria Thursday, June 4 – 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Park Spanish Immersion Cafeteria Wednesday, June 10 – 12-1 p.m. at Lenox Community Center Thursday, June 18 – 8-9 a.m. at St. Louis Park Middle School Performing Arts Center Additional information, including details about the proposal and estimated tax impact, is available on our website. Learn About the 2026 Referendum   Questions from the Community There is one more month of answering key questions that came through the most recent Superintendent Q&A. Many of the questions were related to district administration and staffing. The previous articles focused on: What are the staffing changes? What are the district's class sizes and enrollment trends? What is the long-term vision for digital instruction? How do you take community input to make decisions? What is a class size "target" and what does it mean in practice? In this edition, we will discuss the potential timeline for a full cell phone ban. When can a full cell phone ban be put in place? SLP Student Handbooks detail information about cell phone and other personal device usage at school. Students in elementary and middle school are expected to keep their phones away all day. For high school, students may use their devices before school, after school, during passing times, and during their assigned lunch period. These policies are intended to minimize disruption to learning, mental health, and behavior.  Learn more on our website under Frequently Asked Questions. Learn more about cell phones Watch Superintendent Q&A Tiffany Harris-Gill selected for competitive SAIL doctoral training program Tiffany Harris-Gill, Director of Student Services for PreK–5, has been selected as one of just eight scholars nationwide for the School Leaders Advancing Implementation across the Lifespan (SAIL) doctoral and Director of Special Education training program. Chosen from a highly competitive pool of hundreds of applicants, Tiffany was recognized for her strong potential to make extraordinary contributions to the field of special education. Through the SAIL program, Tiffany will deepen her expertise in planning and implementing effective instruction, interventions, and services to better support students with disabilities. Congratulations, Tiffany, on this outstanding achievement!   Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4-8 This week, we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week and recognize the lifelong impact our teachers make each and every day. Through their dedication and care, they inspire learning, build relationships, and support every student’s growth. We are so thankful for all that you do for our students! Be sure to thank your teacher on May 6 – National Teacher Appreciation Day!   National Nurses Week is May 6-12 From May 6–12, we celebrate National Nurses Week and recognize the incredible care and dedication of our school nurses. They support student health, respond with compassion, and help ensure every student is ready to learn each day. Thank you to our nurses for the vital role you play in keeping our school community safe, healthy, and supported! Be sure to thank a nurse on May 6 – National School Nurse Day!   Thank your school principal on May 1 🤟🏾 On May 1, we celebrate School Principals’ Day and recognize the leadership, care, and dedication our principals bring to our schools each day. They set the tone for strong learning environments, support students and staff, and help build school communities where everyone can belong and succeed. Thank you to our principals for all you do to support students, families, and staff. Your impact is felt every day. High five your school lunch hero on May 1 ✋🏼 Our incredible School Nutrition staff are super heroes . They keep our students nourished, energized, and ready to learn, while providing a delicious breakfast and lunch to students each day. THANK YOU for being everyday heroes in our schools! 🧡   Honoring Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and we are celebrating the diversity, resilience, and contributions of AAPI communities. We are also honoring the histories and cultures of AAPI communities. This month is an opportunity to learn from one another and grow together as a more inclusive community for all students and their families. Honoring Jewish American Heritage Month May is Jewish American Heritage Month and is a time to recognize and honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans to our communities and our country. We are celebrating the stories, traditions, and voices that contribute to our vibrant and incredible community. We also recognize the impact of generations past and present who continue to strengthen our communities.   May Recognitions: Supporting communication and well-being for all students May is also both Better Speech & Hearing Month and Mental Health Awareness Month – two very important reminders of how communication and well-being are deeply connected. When students are able to express themselves, be understood, and feel heard, it strengthens their confidence, relationships, and overall mental health. We recognize the dedicated professionals who support our students every day, from speech-language pathologists and hearing specialists to counselors and mental health staff. Together, they help create learning environments where students feel supported, connected, and ready to thrive.   Upcoming community events Free second annual shredding event at Lenox Community Center Got papers piling up? We’ve got you covered! Join us for a quick, easy, and secure paper drop-off event on Friday, May 8 from 9-11 a.m. at the Lenox Community Center (Lower Parking Lot) Bring up to 5 paper grocery bags per vehicle Remove paper clips & staples ahead of time No electronics or batteries, please Swing by, clear the clutter, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it! A big THANK YOU to The Webb Group for making this event possible 🤝 Learn how to ride a bike with us! Watch your child light up as they gain the skills and courage to ride on their own! This upbeat, supportive class is perfect for beginners ages 5–12 who are ready to take that exciting first ride. Build balance, coordination, and confidence Cheerful instructors who make learning fun Celebrate those “I did it!” moments together Choose your session: Sunday, May 10 | 2–4 p.m. Saturday, May 16 | 2–4 p.m. The ROC (SLP Rec Center) Pay what you can: $55 / $65 / $75 / $85 Bring a safe, working bike and a well-fitting helmet and get ready to ride!   Share your feedback! We invite you to participate in our Family Climate Survey. Your input is incredibly important and helps us better understand your experiences, strengthen our community, and improve how we support our students and families. The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete, and all responses will remain confidential. Your voice matters, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us. Take the survey View school calendar Instagram Facebook SLP Schools Website

Wednesday, Apr 29 2026

SLP District News - April 22, 2026

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Read Time: 5 min Our community, our strength One of the things I appreciate most about St. Louis Park Public Schools is the strength of our community. Our community stretches beyond the walls of our buildings. It is our partnerships with local foundations, parent organizations, businesses and partners at city hall who all want to ensure that every student has every opportunity to be seen, inspired and empowered.  You have shown up over and over again, and for that, I am grateful. I have seen the ways you have supported our students, educators and their families. Together, we are stronger, more innovative, and better able to create meaningful opportunities for each learner. Last week, our high school welcomed the Regional Career and Technical Education (CTE) Board Meeting, demonstrating our spirit of collaboration. Educators, regional leaders, and local employers came together to share ideas and strengthen pathways that prepare students for their futures. Participants toured several programmatic offerings including the StORIOLE, Certified Nursing Assistant and engineering programs. The most impactful part for me was hearing directly from our student interns, who shared firsthand how partnerships with local organizations are shaping their experiences and opening doors. We have amazing students! In addition to our many business partnerships, I feel incredibly fortunate that our district works alongside the City of St. Louis Park and our local legislative leaders. Our district leaders, members of the school board, and student school board representatives have been sharing our legislative priorities and advocating for St. Louis Park Public Schools. This ongoing partnership allows us to share the importance of our work and the lasting impact it has on our community. We ask that you take action and share your thoughts with our elected officials. Here is a letter you can use. As we look ahead, I also want to draw your attention to the 2026 referendum. On August 11, 2026, St. Louis Park Public Schools will ask you to consider one question on the ballot. It is important that you stay informed and vote. If approved, the plan would: Replace aging boilers and related systems at St. Louis Park Middle School and St. Louis Park High School Provide ongoing funding for technology, safety, and facility needs through a capital projects levy We will be sharing more information in the coming months, and we’ve recently added a tax calculator to our website so residents can better understand the potential impact of the proposal. We encourage you to explore this resource and stay engaged as we continue these important conversations together. Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and belief in our schools. Learn about the 2026 Referendum   Questions from the Community There is one more month of answering key questions that came through the most recent Superintendent Q&A. Many of the questions were related to district administration and staffing. The previous articles focused on: What are the staffing changes? What are the district's class sizes and enrollment trends? What is the long-term vision for digital instruction? How do you take community input to make decisions? We’ve heard questions from families about elementary class sizes and what our class size targets mean in practice. We want to provide clarity and transparency about how class sizes are determined and what you can expect. What is a class size "target" and what does it mean in practice? Class size targets are goals that help guide staffing and planning across the district. At the elementary level, our building-wide average target is approximately 20–25 students per class. It’s important to know that this is an average for the entire building, not a strict cap for every individual classroom. Some classes may be above or below the target depending on grade level, enrollment and other factors. How class sizes vary by grade level As students move through elementary school, class size targets gradually increase. For example, district targets range from kindergarten to fifth grade. This reflects the different academic and developmental needs of students at each level. Learn more about class sizes Watch Superintendent Q&A   Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week! It’s Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we’re celebrating the incredible individuals who give their time and talents to support our schools! Our volunteers make a meaningful difference for students, staff, and teachers across all of our school sites. Over 1,000 approved volunteers are ready to support our district, with 350 active volunteers having already contributed. They’ve logged more than 7,800 hours since the start of the school year! Thank you to each and every one of our volunteers. We are grateful for you today and every day! Sign up for Community Education classes! We’re excited to share that the new Community Education catalog is now live, featuring a wide variety of spring and summer opportunities for learners of all ages. From arts and athletics to enrichment classes, early learning, youth programs, and adult workshops, there is truly something for everyone. Classes fill quickly, so we encourage you to explore the catalog and register early to secure your spot! Review the catalog today.   Kids Place school year registration open through May 1, 2026 Registration is now open for Kids Place where your child can learn, grow, and thrive throughout the school year! Our engaging program offers a balanced mix of enrichment activities, supervised play, academic support, and opportunities to build lasting friendships - all in a safe and nurturing environment students love. Designed for grades K–5, Kids Place provides reliable, high-quality care before and after school. Secure your spot early, as space is limited. Learn more and register today!   St. Louis Park High School Theatre presents: The Ash Girl In this dark and moody adaptation of the classic Cinderella tale, a young woman known only as “Ashgirl” is drawn to the embers of the fire hearth, the only warmth she finds in the home of her cold stepmother. Grieving the disappearance of her father, Ashgirl is consumed by sadness, physically embodied on stage along with the vices that haunt the forest in animal form. The brief happiness she finds in the arms of the prince is threatened by the menacing forces that surround them. Performances of The Ash Girl are on April 23 and 24 at 7:00 pm and April 25 at 2:00 pm. All performances will be held in the High School auditorium, located along the West 33rd Street entrance. SLPHS students get in free with a student ID. Purchase tickets   Celebrating National Kindergarten Day on April 21 Today is Administrative Professionals' Day! Administrative Professionals include our receptionists, office assistants, administrative assistants and other administrative roles throughout the district. We appreciate your commitment to providing the best customer service to our students, families and community members! Your work to ensure each person is seen, valued and inspired does not go unnoticed. Thank you for all that you do! Celebrating National Kindergarten Day on April 21 Kindergarten is a foundational part of a child’s life, and we’re so lucky to have such a strong kindergarten program at St. Louis Park Public Schools! Enrollment for 2026-2027 is open and we encourage your family to start your enrollment application today!  Curious to see what Kindergarten is like? Hear a direct experience from one of our younger learners and get a glimpse into what it’s like!     Join the fun at the Water Safety Festival St. Louis Park Community Education is partnering with the University of Minnesota's Aquatics program to promote this wonderful opportunity! Join us April 26 at 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center to learn more about water safety through a day of free swim clinics, lessons, performances, activities, and games! Sign-up required for some activities. All ages welcome, children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by a guardian. View the pool schedule Aquatic Rules and Policies Learn more about the event   Share your feedback! We invite you to participate in our Family Climate Survey. Your input is incredibly important and helps us better understand your experiences, strengthen our community, and improve how we support our students and families. The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete, and all responses will remain confidential. Your voice matters, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us. Take the survey   Consider making a donation to the Park Public Schools and Community Foundation The Foundation is now accepting grant applications from teachers, staff and administrators for next school year, and they could use your help! Grant applications align with one or more stated Foundation focus areas, with the purpose of facilitating innovative classroom learning: STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) Literacy Global Society Physical-Social-Emotional Well-Being Educational Equity Learn more about the Foundation's work and how you can help their mission with your donations! Support the Foundation View school calendar Instagram Facebook SLP Schools Website

Wednesday, Apr 22 2026