In an effort to increase communication with our students and families, we send a weekly email on Sunday evenings or Monday mornings highlighting upcoming school events. This information will also be shared with students in Schoology and in Crew on Mondays. Events are listed in chronological order.

Monday is survey day in Crew: This week we have the same TWO surveys as last week. Use the QR codes shared in Crew or the links below. Do you have a survey to give? Email megan.hall@spps.org.

1. Use the read-a-thon survey to earn incentives for your reading minutes.

2. Important! Take the course interest survey to tell OWL staff what courses you want to take next year.

OWL Crew Parliament: meets Wednesday during Crew in Megan and Akira's science classroom, 3215.

No Flipside this Thursday, March 19: Humboldt has conferences so there are no flipside classes or buses.

Stem Day: Thursday, March 19

No School: Friday, March 20

Regional History Day @ Harding High School: Saturday, March 28

Spring Break: April 4-12

State History Day at Minneapolis Convention Center: Sunday, April 19

Spring Musical Cinderella: April 22-24 at 7PM in OWL Auditorium

Prom at the SOKOL Hall: Saturday, April 25. Middle School 5-7PM, High School 7:30-10PM

Better World Week: April 27-May 1. A week of service events at OWL

Student-Led Conferences: April 29 and 30. Times will be set up with Crew leaders early in April.

NEW! AVID Elective applications are open for the 2026-2027 school year! AVID (Acceleration Via Individual Determination) Elective courses, for students in grades 7-12, provide students with a supportive academic community focused on getting organized, honing academic skills, and exploring college and career opportunities. If you want to get into an AVID Elective course, you need to select AVID during registration AND apply at this link. Families can attend a virtual information session on May 12 6:30-7:15 PM at this link. AVID applications are due May 15.

NEW! Middle School Spring Sports Registration is open: You can register your student for middle school sports online. Spring sports include: Girls Badminton and Girls and Boys Track & Field. Our season runs from March 30 - May 30. Practices are Monday-Thursdays. There will be no practices and/or games on non-school days.

Game schedules can be found at StPaulCity.org. There is also an app you can download. It is called Activity Scheduler. When you choose your school, please choose Humboldt, not Humboldt Middle. You will have access to all HS and MS schedules.

To register online, click THIS LINK. Scroll down towards the bottom of the page and choose the link "St. Paul Humboldt Middle School Spring Athletic Registration 26.

All student must have a sports physical to participate. A sports physical is valid for three years.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at Barbara.Lawrence@spps.org or call/text at (651) 744-5600.

School Service Spotlight: Thank you, August Cheney, for always taking the initiative to keep the kitchen classroom clean and tidy!

AVID Schoolwide: Do you have tests coming up? Try making one-pagers to help learn the material.

Read-a-Thon: The Read-a-Thon is ON! Be sure to bring something to read (or Success Maker) to Crew every Wednesday in March and April. The three Crews with the most reading minutes will win ice cream parties. Prizes and certificates will also be awarded for students who reach 200-minute, 500-minute, and 1000-minute reading milestones; the top two readers in each grade; and student who read books with civic engagement themes. Read-a-thon surveys are open; students should submit their minutes every week in March and April.

Flipside Survey: Flipside is an afterschool program that is offered free of charge after school. We believe that more students would be interested and participate in the program if students provided more information about what programs they would like to see in the afterschool program. Click HERE to take this survey so that we can improve the program and invite students who want to join and attend classes. Thank you for taking this short survey.

Purple Press Student Newspaper: CLICK HERE to read the latest issue of the newspaper.

High School Athletics Newsletter: Click HERE to find out about what is happening in OWL/Humboldt sports.

OWL Family Directory Sign Up: As a citywide magnet school with families living all around St. Paul and beyond, the OWL Family Directory is a great way to connect with the OWL community. It includes contact information that you choose to share. You have the choice to opt into the directory; therefore, your information will not be included if you do not provide it to us.

We had our first sign up in December, but in case you missed joining, we are having another opportunity to join. If you would like to have your family’s contact information included or updated in the directory, please click on this link to complete THIS FORM. Deadline is Friday, April 3.

NOTE: You do NOT need to complete this form if your information is already included from fall. Current directory was emailed out on Tuesday 3/3. If any of your information has changed, please complete the form.

Your information will remain in the directory each year until your student graduates unless you request to be removed by contacting Tammy in the OWL office at tammy.plaman@spps.org

If you have any questions, please contact parent volunteer Anna Gorton: awgorton@gmail.com

This month in Crew: March Crew lessons focus on integrity and the read-a-thon. OWL Crew Parliament members who attend meetings will be ready to lead one integrity lesson every Tuesday.

PSEO Night Video Recording: If you are in grades 9-11 and you missed the virtual meeting about Post-Secondary Enrollment Options for next year, HERE is a link to the recording. Questions contact Jolene: Jolene.yang@spps.org

Seeking Volunteers to Provide OWL/Humboldt Students a Safe Transportation to and from School: We are looking for volunteers who would be able to provide consistent, safe transportation to and from school for OWL/Humboldt students. Please fill out this form if you are able to volunteer: Provide Safe Transportation Sign-up We currently have a need for students who live in the West Side. If you are able to help, please fill out the form or contact Laura at laura.orris@spps.org.

Housing Assistance: The Highland Park Elementary School Parent Solidarity Network has partnered with Neighborhood House to provide district-wide housing assistance for SPPS families facing imminent eviction. If you are able to help support the effort, please donate here: Cheddar Up SPPS Fundraiser

Parent patrol: In order to ensure everyone's safety and confidence this coming week, I am asking for your help in making sure all the volunteer positions are manned.

The Parent patrol signup form will be continued until spring break. You can find it HERE-- Password: OWL640

SLAC (Student Library Advisory Council) is looking to produce a magazine that is composed of student-made stories, artwork, poetry, and more, about personal experiences that they or a person they know has had with ICE, immigration, or border patrol. Once produced, this magazine will be freely available for anyone to take in the OWL library.

Students may choose to remain anonymous if they’d prefer, and if they choose to make a story about someone that they know, make sure to ask consent before proceeding. We appreciate any and all submissions!

Submit your stories to:

Kmcnamara001@stpaul.k12.mn.us

agottfried001@stpaul.k12.mn.us

alind003@stpaul.k12.mn.us

Join the Golf Team this spring: OWL has a strong history of student participation in athletics in partnership with Humboldt High School. OWL student athletes have made significant contributions to numerous athletic teams at Humboldt in the past.

My name is Ray Gonsalez, I am the Boys Golf Coach at Humboldt. I am inviting OWL students and parents to consider increasing the number of OWL students that participate on our Boys and Girls Golf Team. We have had a few OWL students participate in golf in the past but not close to the number that have participated in other Fall, Winter, or Spring sports.

I am asking all students interested in joining the Boys and Girls Golf teams at Humboldt High School to contact me for further information regarding the upcoming 2026 Spring Golf Season.

Ray Gonsalez ray.gonsalez@spps.org 651-744-5581

The Assistant Principal HOWL Award Theme for March is Stewardship!

Ms. Ma'lene will be awarding 1 student who has gone above and beyond showing the HOWL of the month.

Examples of Stewardship:

Taking responsibility
Cleaning up after yourself and/or community
Empowerment through involvement
Making time to complete work

Students can enter by taking a picture of themselves doing the HOWL and using this LINK HERE or scan the QR code on the window outside my office and uploading it on the form. Some possible prizes are:

Ice Cream for you and your Crew!
Tickets to special events!
Lunch with 4 of your friends and Ms. Ma’lene!
Sports equipment!
Gift cards!

All entries must be submitted by Mar. 11th to be considered for the Assistant Principal January HOWL Award. The winner will be announced at the March community meeting!!

I'm so excited to present this award and to celebrate your hard work!

Good Luck, Ms. Ma'lene

MCA & MTAS/Alt MCA Testing 2025-2026: Each spring, the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) is provided to students in mathematics (grades 6,7,8 and 11). The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) is provided to students in reading (grades 6-8 and 10) and science (grades 8 and in high school upon completing biology). These tests provide a snapshot of student learning of the Minnesota Academic Standards. The MCA are used to meet federal and state legislative requirements. The Minnesota Department of Education and SPPS can use results to look across student groups, schools and districts to evaluate equitable learning opportunities for all students.

Assessments are designed to provide information about student learning, but there is no single assessment that can provide the full perspective of what a student has learned. These assessments provide one data point that should be considered in the context of additional evidence of student learning.

The spring testing schedule is below. All MCA tests will take place during Periods 1, 2 and possibly 4 if students do not finish.

If you have questions about your student’s participation in statewide assessments, reach out rebecca2.palmer@spps.org , the schools testing coordinator.

For more information on the MCA and MTAS please go to:

· SPPS MCA & MTAS/Alt MCA Family Testing Information website: https://www.spps.org/about/departments/research-evaluation-assessment/test-coordination/mca-family-information

· MDE Family Testing Information website: education.mn.gov/MDE/fam/tests/

Bike Tech 2 is looking for E-Bikes needing repairs **Deadline** March 17: Bike Tech 2 Students will be learning about E-Bike systems, and how to troubleshoot common E-Bike issues. If you have an E-Bike that's experiencing issues such as not holding charge, not turning on, or broken/dead screens, consider dropping your bike off to have a diagnostic done. They also can do common non-electronic bike repairs. Unfortunately, we cannot service Bosch e-bikes at this time. If interested in dropping your bike for repair, please email cristina.montoya@spps.org

DONATIONS NEEDED: Donations are key to making sure OWL bathrooms remain stocked with free period products for students. Please consider donating pads or tampons so that OWL's feminism club can continue distributing them to bathrooms (as of right now there are no pads in stock). Donations can be dropped off in the OWL office.

DONATIONS NEEDED: The Closet - We are collecting items for families who are impacted by recent local events:

Non-perishable food items: Flour, Rice, Maseca Corn Flour, Beans

Hygiene products: full size shampoo/conditioner, soaps including dish, laundry detergent, paper towels, toilet paper

Please bring to room 2209 - Rebekah's classroom

Yearbook: Order your copy of this year’s OWL yearbook here!!

If you have any photos that you think would make a great addition to the yearbook, please email the photos to Emily, our lead student editor, at etotushek001@stpaul.k12.mn.us

Join OWL PTO on Facebook: Keep up with what is happening at OWL: https://www.facebook.com/groups/878792348867374

One proven way to live a happy life is to express gratitude. Is there a staff member at OWL that has done something you are grateful for? Shoot them an email! An alternative and way has been made available by filling out this link. (This form requires an email but is sent anonymously.)

Important Reminder about Attendance:

If your child is going to miss school, please call, email owlattendance@spps.org or write a note to explain the reason for the absence. If we do not hear from you, the absence is documented as unexcused. After 3 days of unexcused absences, you will receive a letter from the school reminding you to please communicate with us so the absence(s) may be documented accurately. If your child continues to miss school, unexcused, he/she will be referred to the SAM (School Attendance Matters) Program for intervention.

The following reasons for absence qualify as an excused absence; illness, doctor, dental or therapy appointment (please be sure to obtain a note to give to the school), extreme family emergency or religious holiday not already recognized by our school district. When a student misses 3 or more class periods in one day, this is considered to be a full day of absence. Please call us if you have any questions/concerns.

SUMMER PROGRAMS

The University of St. Thomas School of Engineering STEPS Camp Registration is open!

What is STEPS?

STEPS is a one-day camp designed to inspire girls in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade to explore engineering, though all students in these grades are welcome to participate. Campers will explore the engineering design process, visit UST engineering labs, and explore life on campus. Students will have the opportunity to make new friends and learn from college students and teachers about engineering. Lunch and a morning snack are provided. You can read more about STEPS here.

Who is it for?

For students entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grade for the 2026/2027 school year, so that they will have the opportunity to sign up for STEM electives at their school in the fall.

When is STEPS being offered?

Monday, June 22, 2026: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Tuesday, June 23, 2026: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Wednesday, June 24, 2026: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Thursday, June 25, 2026: 9:00 am-3:30 pm

Friday, June 26, 2026: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Note: There is a $15 non refundable registration fee. Please register for the day that works best for you.

Where is STEPS?

The University of St. Thomas, St. Paul Campus. 2115 Summit Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105

You can register here. Please share this email with other families and spread the word about this low-cost program.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Kelsey Irizarry at CEE@stthomas.edu.

Math Corps at Macalester: Paid positions for high school students in grades 9-11 in June and July. More information HERE

Summer Outward Bound Opportunity: Outward Bound is offering two summer canoeing expeditions on the upper St. Croix River specifically for OWL students at a greatly subsidized cost. The two dates available are July 20-July 25 and August 17 - August 22, 2026. The cost of the 6-day trip is $450, which is a significant discount from a typically 6 day course. Each trip can have an enrollment of 10 students. Please use the following link to state your interest by February 20th: Summer Outward Bound Interest Form.

Summit Education: 2026 Summer Programs

Summit Education organizes virtual summer programs empowering the next generation of leaders in STEM. In 2026, Summit will host the Summit STEM Fellowship (SSF) and Summit Research Scholars (SRS).

Summit STEM Fellowship (SSF): SSF aims to empower the next generation of leaders in STEM. Students explore diverse STEM fields and career pathways, learning from 50+ mentors from Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. The fellowship is a flexible 10 - 15 hour/week commitment, allowing students to participate alongside other summer activities.
Summit Research Scholars (SRS): SRS equips students with the tools to conduct original research. The bootcamp covers essential research methodologies and technical skills, such as research design, literature analysis, Python programming, and data science, culminating in a Research Capstone project. The program emphasizes using research to solve real-world problems.

Applications for Summer 2026 programs are now open! Admissions are rolling, and students are encouraged to apply early to maximize their chances of acceptance. To learn more and apply, please visit www.summiteducation.org

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Food Resources Information from Ramsey County: Click HERE for more information

Give Kids a Smile is a charitable outreach program that provides free dental care to underserved children (typically ages 3-18).

FREE Summer Camp at the U of M: The Science of Breadmaking Info HERE

FREE Summer Camp at the U of M: Food, Agriculture and U Info HERE

OWL Schoolwide Norms

· Respect people, their boundaries and identities, materials, and spaces

· Be kind, caring and friendly, especially when it’s difficult

· Keep an open mind: engage in opportunities and courageous conversation

· Help create safe and brave spaces so that everyone can be their authentic selves and speak their truths

· Actively listen and participate (one mic, one voice), staying engaged and following through on commitments and expectations. We are Crew, not passengers.

OWL Weekly Email

March 16, 2026