Westwood Intermediate/Middle School
Hello Westwood Schools families,
We are enjoying Homecoming week with spirit days. Tomorrow is Fire vs. Ice Day (5th and 7th grade wear RED, 6th and 8th grade wear BLUE). Friday, we’ll all show our Panther school spirit with school colors.
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. Purchase Homecoming football game tickets.
- All school rules are extended to events at our high school events. For example, running around, throwing objects, using profanity, and physical contact with others will not be permitted. Anyone who violates the rules will have their supervising adult contacted and be asked to leave.
- Backpacks, bags, skateboards, balls, etc. are not permitted.
- Entrance Gates open 45 minutes prior to the start of the contest.
During pick up times at the end of each school day, please do not park and wait for students along the Special Education pick up zone in the front of the school. The zone has a yellow line on the sidewalk - see the image shared below for a visual.
Thanks to all who provided insights in last week’s pulse check. We were really glad to see that 95% of those who responded are happy with their Westwood experience. Some themes we heard included:
- Praise for caring, engaged teachers and staff who help students feel supported, known, and successful
- Appreciation for strong communication from teachers and staff that keeps families informed and connected
- Gratitude for a welcoming start and smooth transitions that have helped students feel comfortable and excited about Westwood
We also heard concerns about lunch schedules leaving students with too little time to eat, particularly after waiting in the lunch line. All grade 5 and 6 students have a 20-minute lunch period and 15 minute recess. Classes typically go outside for an additional recess during the day. The lunch lines are getting smoother now with cafeteria routines improving. We will continue to monitor this.
There were also some questions about class structures and sizes, academic challenge and whether back-to-school events to be scheduled at different times across district schools so families with children at multiple schools can fully participate.
We share your praise and kudos with our staff and are taking a closer look at your questions and feedback. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and thoughts with us.
Go Panthers,
Tom Larson
Principal
763-600-5300
Stay Connected with Career & College Pathways
Our Career & College Pathways connect students with real-world learning and opportunities to help prepare them for life after high school. Our three pathways — Business and Entrepreneurship; Technology, Engineering and Design; and Health and Human Services — give students opportunities to explore careers, build skills and connect what they are learning in the classroom to the world beyond school.
Do you work in a career within one of these pathways? Do you know someone who does? We’re always looking to connect with people in these areas who may have ideas, expertise, industry experience or connections to share.
Join us for the upcoming Advisory Meeting & Classroom Visits on October 27: We're hosting industry partners for an Advisory Meeting & Classroom Visits on Tuesday, October 27, 7:15-9 a.m. at Spring Lake Park High School. This informal morning is an opportunity to hear what our teachers are doing, share ideas and best practices from your industry or area of expertise, and visit classrooms in the programs that interest you.
Stay in the know: Sign up for our monthly Community & Industry Partner Newsletter to hear about student stories, program highlights and upcoming opportunities to get involved in Career and College Pathways.
Interested in receiving the monthly newsletter, attending the October 27 meeting, or simply learning more? Contact Eric Van Brocklin, Lead for Community Partnerships & Career Advising, at evanbr@district16.org.
Show Us What Peace Looks Like: 2026 Peace Poster Contest
Westwood students are invited to participate in the 2026 International Lions Club Peace Poster Contest, sponsored locally by the Spring Lake Park Lions Club. This year’s theme is “Harmony in Humanity.” Students are encouraged to use their creativity to create an original piece of artwork showing what “Harmony in Humanity” means to them.
Contest Details:
- Open to students who will be 11, 12, or 13 years old on November 15, 2026
- Poster paper is available from a Westwood Middle School art teacher
- Artwork must be original and created by the student
- AI-generated artwork is not permitted
- No lettering, numbers, signatures, or initials may appear on the front of the poster
- Completed posters are due to the student’s art teacher by November 3, 2026
Prizes:
- 1st Place: $200
- 2nd Place: $100
- 3rd Place: $50
- All other participants: $5 gift card
The top winning poster will advance to the next level of the Lions Club competition. Learn more about the Lions International Peace Poster Contest official rules.
5th Grade Singers—There’s Still Time to Join!
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
Principal Larson Jumps Into the Fun!
Principal Larson joined students at recess today and showed that Panther spirit includes having a little fun, too! He jumped right into the action, literally! Moments like these are a great reminder that building relationships can happen anywhere, even on the playground. Thank you, Principal Larson, for sharing some laughs, making memories, and connecting with our students.
New Course Connects Students to the World of Technology
What’s happening when you tell a robot to move from Point A to Point B?
Students in Spring Lake Park High School's new Machine & Technology Essentials class are finding out. While working in Scratch, a beginner's coding software, students are learning how to give a machine instructions to help the robot make its way through a maze. Coding is just one small piece of what students will learn in the new, trimester-long elective for grades 9-12.
This hands-on course introduces students to coding, mechatronics, cybersecurity and networking, helping them see how software, machines and technology work together. Along the way, students build technical skills, collaborate on projects and explore potential careers in the technology field.
The class is designed to meet students where they are, whether they come in with technical experience or are trying these skills for the first time. At the heart of course, students are getting the opportunity to try, explore and develop curiosity.
Read the full story to see how this new course is connecting students to the world of technology.
Step Into "Our Town" This Fall
Step into Grover’s Corners this fall as Spring Lake Park High School presents Thornton Wilder’s beloved classic "Our Town." Through humor, heart and poignant moments, the play celebrates the everyday experiences of family, love, marriage and community. Performed in the round with minimal sets and props, this timeless story comes to life up close and personal.
Director Kevin Dutcher is thrilled to bring this beloved classic back to the SLP stage for the first time in 12 years. “Come sit a spell with us in Grovers Corners and warm your heart and soul.” Purchase Our Town tickets
Performance Dates:
- Friday, October 23 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 24 at 1 p.m.
- Thursday, October 30 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 31 at 12 p.m.
Fuel Up” for Panthers
We’re keeping the Panther Pride going at Hy-Vee’s Fast N’ Fresh! Two fuel pumps are dedicated to representing Spring Lake Park Schools, and every time you fill your tank at these special pumps, 2¢ from every gallon goes back to support our schools. Next time you’re in the area, swing by, fuel up and help drive our schools forward!
