Westwood Intermediate/Middle School
Hello Westwood Schools families,
We are excited to meet all our new students and welcome back returning students to Westwood during our Meet and Greet next Tuesday, August 25. Students can meet their teachers and/or walk their schedules.
You’ll be able to find your teacher (grades 5-6) and your schedule (grades 7-8) – Starting Friday, August 21 after 3 p.m. in Campus Parent Portal. See the instructions for accessing Campus Parent Portal. Students may have accessed preliminary schedules earlier. The schedules available Friday, August 21 in Campus are final schedules.
As we get ready for a new school year, we have taken a closer look at how students use technology at school. We want technology to support learning — not get in the way of it. One area we reviewed is video: what students can watch on school devices and how teachers use video in class. This includes blocking YouTube on all student devices in grades K-8.
I hope you will take a moment to review more information about our approach to video in the Need to Know section of today’s newsletter. We are also happy to answer questions. As the year gets going, you will hear more about how we use technology tools to best support student learning and help students build the technology skills they will need in the future.
The new playground has been installed. It looks great, and most importantly fun! The tennis courts and basketball area also were resurfaced, and we will be doing some striping for pickleball, tennis, and basketball. We can’t wait to see students enjoying these outside areas!
Please let us know if you have questions as the first day approach. We hope you enjoy these last days of summer. We’re excited to see you at Meet and Greet next week!
Tom Larson
Principal
763-600-5300
For 5th grade families: iPad exchange during the first week of school
Our incoming 5th grade students will be receiving new school-issued iPads during the first week of school. Students should bring their current school-issued iPad, case, charger, and cord to school on the first day so they are ready when the exchange takes place. Students will turn in their old devices and pick up a new technology kit that includes an iPad, case, charger and wired headphones.
If any data is needed off the current iPad prior to the exchange, please review the backup instructions. If you need technology help, email the help desk at techsupport@district16.org or give us a call at 763-600-5555.
Health office updates for back to school
- School medications: You are welcome and encouraged to bring in any necessary medications for your student to keep at school during next week's Meet and Greet. Our health office will be available to answer questions during this event. If you would like to drop off medications outside of Meet and Greet, please set up a time with our nurses, Amina Aden 763-600-5304 or Cindy Shoemaker 763-600-5319
- Immunizations and vaccines: Now is the time to make sure your child is up to date on all recommended immunizations. Getting vaccinated is an important tool to keep our students safe and healthy while they are in school. See our website for more immunization information.
- Peanut/nut aware classrooms: Spring Lake Park Schools implements peanut and nut-aware practices to protect students with severe allergies. Avoid sending snacks containing nuts or nut products and to ensure all snacks are pre-packaged for safety checks. Learn more.
- Communicate illnesses: Update the school nurse if your child tests positive for a communicable illness such as flu, RSV (Respiratory Syncitial Virus), or COVID-19. The nurse will provide information on return to school. Keep your child home if they are sick.
- Communication home: Our school nurse will call home in case of serious illness or injury, or if consultation with a parent/guardian is needed. Many times, students can return to class after a brief rest or treatment from the nurse.
Nutrition Services: School meal updates for a new year
- Breakfast and lunch meals: Each student will continue to get one breakfast and one lunch free of charge each day at school. View school lunch menus.
- Purchase of additional food items: During lunch, students have the option to purchase additional food items (second milk, extra entree, bottled water, etc.) if they have funds in their account. You can add funds to a meal account through Campus Parent Portal, or by sending cash or check with your child or directly to your school. If you do not want your student to purchase additional items, please complete this form and email it to foodservice@district16.org.
- Educational Benefits Application: Each year, we ask families to complete an Educational Benefits application. Many families are often surprised they qualify, and you could be eligible for many great benefits that help your student and our schools. Applications have arrived in family mailboxes. You can also learn more and apply online. Please note, if your family has already received an approval letter for the 2026-2027 school year, you do not need to re-apply for educational benefits.
Fall athletics registration is open
There is still time to register for fall athletics! There are a wide range of opportunities for middle and high school students to get involved, stay active and build connections. Registration for select co-curricular activities will open on August 31. Here's what is available:
- Adapted Soccer (co-op with Centennial), grades 7-12
- Cross Country - Co-Ed, grades 7-12
- Fall Dance Team, grades 6-12
- Football, grades 9-12
- Girls Soccer, grades 7-12
- Boys Soccer, grades 8-12
- Girls Swim and Dive, grades 7-12
- Girls Tennis, grades 7-12
- Girls Volleyball, grades 7-12
Bowl with SLP Panthers!
Students in grades 5–12 are invited to join the Spring Lake Park Bowling Club! No experience is necessary - whether students want to learn a new hobby, make friends, improve their skills or compete, everyone is welcome. Students can attend up to two practices for free before deciding to join.
The club practices Mondays and Wednesdays from 4–5:30 p.m. at Lucky Strike Blaine. Bowling equipment is available to use at no cost, and students can join through November 1. Learn more and register to join the SLP Bowling Team.
Now Hiring Paraprofessionals
Join the Spring Lake Park Schools team as a paraprofessional and work with kids to make a difference in our community! Apply online today.
Job details:
- Full-time opportunities on a school schedule
- Hourly rates starting at $20.75-$24.20
- Full benefits (medical, dental, retirement, paid time off)
If you or someone you know – friends, family, neighbor – may be interested, please help spread the word. Share specific openings posted online.
