Westwood Intermediate/Middle School

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Next week is homecoming for Spring Lake Park Schools. Westwood will have a spirit week with the following dress up days:

• Tuesday, September 22 - Comfy/Cozy Day
• Wednesday, September 23 -Jersey/Hat Day
• Thursday, September 24 - Fire vs. Ice Day (5th and 7th grade wear RED, 6th and 8th grade wear BLUE)
• Friday, September 25 - SLP Spirit Day!

Join us for the Homecoming football game against Cambridge-Isanti on Friday, September 25 at 7 p.m. at Panther Stadium

• Ticket Prices for Students are $6.00 per student and are digital only. Buy Homecoming football tickets.
• All school rules extend to our high school events. For example, running around, throwing objects, using profanity, and physical contact with others will not be permitted. Violators of school rules will have their supervising adult contacted and be asked to leave.
• Backpacks, bags, skateboards, balls, etc. are not permitted
• Entrance gates do not open until 45 minutes prior to the start of the contest.

Staff will be sending home curriculum information for families on September 30. This will be an online slideshow with the units of study, team schedules, and other information for families. The PTO will also kick off the fall fundraiser with information for families in the slideshow.

October conference office hours dates and times are set – October 13, 4-7 p.m. and October 14, 8-11 a.m. and 12-3 p.m. Watch for more information in upcoming newsletters.

As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, September 21.

Have a great long weekend,

Tom Larson

Principal

tlarso@district16.org

763-600-5300

This year, every K–6 classroom will use a new strategy called Sit & Watch. This brief routine gives students a chance to pause, observe and prepare to join an activity. Students may use Sit & Watch in two situations:

• Joining an activity: If a student arrives after an activity has started, they may sit quietly for a minute or two and watch their classmates. This helps them understand what is happening and what is expected before joining the group.
• After a challenging moment: If a student needs a break from a challenging moment, Sit & Watch gives them a brief, calm opportunity to pause and get ready to rejoin the group. The goal is to help students regain self-control and return to learning as quickly as possible.

Students are learning how Sit & Watch works now and practicing the routine, so they know what to expect. Sit & Watch is not meant to shame or isolate students. It is a calm, predictable routine that helps students pause and observe before successfully rejoining their classmates while maintaining a positive learning environment.

Once again this year, we will be doing occasional, informal pulse checks to gain insights about your experience with our school. Watch for the first text/email from Possip, our partner, tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. Respond in your language of choice. You can share praise, needs, questions or ideas. Please choose to leave your name rather than stay anonymous to help us follow up if needed.

Early next week, we will be looking at the results. We'll share trending topics, respond directly to needs, questions and concerns, and share shout outs and feedback with our staff. Thanks - in advance - for taking a few moments to share your experiences.

Each year, we ask students and families to review student behavior and attendance expectations. After reviewing together, we ask families to acknowledge they have done so. This process helps set the tone for students as they begin the year and clarifies for students how we all expect them to conduct themselves each day at school. If you have any questions about these expectations, reach out to your school principal.

If you haven't done so already, please take five minutes to log into Campus Parent Portal and review these expectations with your student.

1. Log in to Campus with your district username and password.
2. Select your student in the upper right corner.
3. On the main menu click on DOCUMENT.
4. Locate the Parent Documents section.
5. Click on the 2026-2027 Behavior and Attendance Agreement.
6. Review the document with your student.
7. Sign and submit.
8. Repeat these steps if you have more than one student in the district.

Does your 5th grader love to sing—or would they like to give it a try? 5th Grade Choir is open to everyone! No previous singing experience is needed. Choir rehearsals will begin the week of September 29 and will take place once a week for 35 minutes during the school day.

What can students look forward to?

• Building vocal and music skills in a healthy, positive, and community-driven environment
• Making connections and experiencing the joy of singing with others
• Building a foundation for lifelong singing
• Performing in a special home concert on Thursday, December 17, at the Spring Lake Park High School Fine Arts Center

• Thursday, September 17: Lifetouch Picture Day, Picture Day ID: EVT8WGN44
• Monday, September 21: No school; Child Care open
• Tuesday, September 22: Fall Bus Evacuation training (grades 5-8)
• September 22-25: Homecoming Week
• Tuesday, Sept. 22: Comfy/Cozy Day
• Wednesday, Sept. 23: Jersey/Hat Day
• Thursday, Sept. 24: Grade Color Day
• 5th Grade: Wear RED
• 6th Grade: Wear BLUE
• 7th Grade: Wear RED
• 8th Grade: Wear BLUE
• Friday, Sept. 25: SLP Spirit Day!
• Friday, September 25: Homecoming Football Game, Panther Stadium, 7 p.m.
• Monday, September 28: PTO Meeting at 10 a.m., the Den
• Wednesday, September 30: Special Education Advisory Council meeting, 6-7:30 p.m., District Services Center
• Wednesday, October 7: Evacuation Drill

• October 8-9: No school

• Tuesday, October 13: Family Communication & Connections Days: Fall Evening Conferences, 4-7 p.m.

• Wednesday, October 14: Family Communication & Connections Days: Fall Morning Conferences, 8-11 a.m. and 12-3 p.m.

• October 14-16: No school, fall break
• Tuesday, October 20: Fall CogAT (5th grade)
• Wednesday, October 21: Picture Re-take day
• Monday, October 26:
• Student Vaccination Event, District Services Center, 2:30-6:30 p.m. | Register for the Student Vaccination Event
• PTO Meeting at 10 a.m., the Den

Team 8B has been busy building a strong, inclusive community through hands-on, collaborative learning experiences! Through engaging team challenges and interactive group projects, students are strengthening their ability to communicate effectively, respect diverse perspectives, and work together to solve complex problems. These shared experiences are not only deepening students’ academic understanding but also helping them build empathy, confidence, and meaningful connections with one another.

In remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001, students in Ms. Fritze’s class created thank-you cards for local first responders and service members. It was a meaningful way to honor the day while showing gratitude to those who serve and protect our community.

• When: Monday, September 28
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Where: Westwood or Facebook Live

At our first meeting, we’ll get to know one another, learn about this year’s committees and volunteer opportunities, hear a principal report and district updates, and discuss and vote on our annual PTO budget. We hope you’ll join us and find a way to get connected at Westwood this year!

Mark your calendar for our other PTO meetings this year including: October 26, November 23, January 25, February 22, March 29, April 26, and May 24.

The curtain is ready to rise on the 2026-2027 performing arts season at Spring Lake Park Schools! This year’s lineup of Live on 65 performances and student theater productions offers an exciting mix of exceptional entertainment and homegrown talent. Learn more about this season's shows.

• Spring Lake Park High School fall play - Our Town | October 23-24, 30-31 | Buy Our Town tickets
• Live on 65: We3 + 1 | Monday, November 16 | Buy We3 + 1 tickets
• Westwood Intermediate (grades 5-6) play - The Ice Queen | December 3-4 | Buy The Ice Queen tickets
• Live on 65: After Hours Big Band Holiday Concert | Sunday, December 6 | Buy After Hours Big Band tickets
• Spring Lake Park High School One-Act play - slasreveR neveS | January 15-16
• Live on 65: St. Peter Street Stompers - Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Celebration | Tuesday, February 9 | Buy Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Celebration tickets
• Westwood Middle School (grades 7-8) play - Seussical Junior | February 25-27 | Buy Seussical Junior tickets
• Live on 65: ArcoStrum | Sunday, March 21 | Buy ArcoStrum tickets
• Spring Lake Park High School spring musical | To be announced | April 23-24, 30, May 1-2
• Live on 65: The 70’s Show Featuring Jim Witter | Wednesday, April 28 | Buy The 70’s Show tickets

Homecoming is almost here - let’s show our Panther pride! Grab fresh gear for the big week and save 15% through the online Panther Store September 16-26 with code 26Homecoming.

• Thursday, September 17, 7 p.m., Spring Lake Park High School Stadium
• Free Youth Admission for grades K-8 (with a paying adult).
• Join the starting lineup. Be on the field - Be a ball kid!

• Win raffle prizes - youth: Urban Air Free Admission Card and adults: Clive's Roadhouse Gift Card

• Tuesday, September 30, Spring Lake Park High School Panther Stadium. JV game is at 5:30 p.m. and varsity game is at 7 p.m.
• Free admission for youth (grades K-8)
• Voucher for concessions for youth
• Special youth halftime activities!

• Keeping Our Schools Safe, Together
• New School Year, New Beginnings + First Day of School Album
• I wonder . . .video
• Scoreboard Sponsorship Opportunities

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