Lighthouse School Newsletter
Lighthouse families,
We had a fun Homecoming Week last week! Our Lighthouse Panther Sweepstakes winner was Mahdi Sabur. Mahdi will get to choose how to spend the $500 for our school from a list of ideas and projects generated by our staff. Thank you to everyone who joined in on the Homecoming fun and helped make the week so enjoyable!
Our students are also finding new ways to share their voice this year through the Lighthouse Weekly. This student-created newspaper highlights what is happening around Lighthouse from a student perspective. It has been fun to read their stories and see their personalities come through.
Mr. Mac is leading the Lighthouse Weekly process and helping students learn about journalistic integrity, writing for an audience, gathering information, and creating content that is respectful, appropriate, and meaningful. It’s a great example of students having a real audience and a real purpose for their work.
We’re looking forward to connecting with families and sharing more about your child’s learning, growth, and goals. Facilitators will have both in-person and WebEx options available. Please sign up to meet with your child’s advisor as well as any other facilitator your child works with. Sign-up links and additional information can be found on the Lighthouse School conference page on the website. Go to the Ligthouse School conference page to sign up for conferences.
In this week’s school newsletter, you’ll also find some background information about the Permanent School Fund ballot question that all Minnesota voters will see this fall. The proposed constitutional amendment would change how money from the Permanent School Fund is distributed to school districts. If approved, it would increase the funding distributed to public school districts, including our schools, without increasing individual income or property taxes. The change would take effect July 1, 2027. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read through the information and learn more about the question before you vote.
Please remember that next week is a short week. There is no school on Thursday, October 8 or Friday, October 9 as our staff engages in professional learning and preparation for conferences.
As always, we appreciate the partnership we have with our Lighthouse families. There are lots of exciting things happening, and we’re looking forward to sharing more with you throughout the year!
Make it a great week!
Lisa Cisewski
Coordinator of Lighthouse School
Spring Lake Park Schools
Need to report an absence?
- Call your school's attendance line, 763-600-5209 OR
- Report an absence through Campus Parent Portal
- Log in to Campus Parent Portal
- On the main menu (on the left), click on MORE
- Click on ABSENT REQUEST
- Check the box by your student’s name.
- Complete the form.
- Select the Absent Type and Start Date and End Date and the number of days your student will be absent.
- Enter Comments to inform the school office of any details.
- Click SUBMIT
Get required immunizations before October 31
Immunizations must be up to date by October 31, or students must, by law, be excluded from school and all school-sponsored activities. Staff members in the health office are reaching out to notify students and families of missing vaccines and/or exemption forms.
Families may sign up for any school required vaccines at the SLP hosted Immunization Clinic on October 26 from 2:30-6:30 p.m. at the District Services Center. This event is open to all students. It is free for those who qualify and insurance is also accepted. Register for the Student Vaccination Event.
Vaccines include:
- Covid-19
- Influenza
- Hib
- Meningococcal
- DTaP
- Tdap
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- MMR
- Polio
- Varicella
Kindergarten Visit Days
If you or someone you know – friends, family, neighbor – have a child entering kindergarten for the 2027-2028 school year, please help spread the word about upcoming Kindergarten Visit Days! RSVP for the Kindergarten Visit Day.
During this visit:
- Get a first look at school
- Take a guided tour with the principal
- Enjoy a snack in the cafeteria
- Meet and play with other future kindergarteners
- Connect with other families
- Ask questions and learn what to expect next year
Choose a visit:
- Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 9:30-10:15 a.m.
- Woodcrest Spanish Immersion
- Wednesday, October 28, 2027, 10-10:45 a.m.
- Centerview Elementary
- Northpoint Elementary
- Park Terrace Elementary
Grade 5/6 Auditions for "The Ice Queen"
Westwood Intermediate/Lighthouse 5th and 6th graders are invited to audition for this year’s musical, The Ice Queen, by Kevin Dutcher! Join a group of students as they journey to a magical world, help two feuding kingdoms find peace and enjoy plenty of humor and catchy songs along the way.
Auditions:
5th grade: Tuesday, October 27, after school–5:15 p.m.
6th grade: Wednesday, October 28, after school–5:15 p.m.
Meet in the Westwood cafeteria. Parent pickup is at 5:15 p.m.
Auditions are open to students interested in acting or tech.
Next steps after auditions:
- Callbacks: Friday, October 30, after school–5:15 p.m.
- Cast list: Monday, November 2
- Rehearsals begin: Tuesday, November 3, 3:20–5:10 p.m.
- Performances: December 3 and 4 at 7 p.m.
Want to audition? Pick up an audition form from the office or choir room, have a parent/guardian complete it, and bring it with you to your audition.
Activity fee: $75 for actors; $50 for tech. Fees are only due after students are cast.
Whether you love to act, sing, dance, work behind the scenes or simply perform, we’d love to see you at auditions!
Upcoming parent group meetings - New groups forming
In addition to school-based Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs), there are several districtwide family engagement groups that meet regularly throughout the year and are facilitated by school staff and parents/guardians in partnership. Each group has its own unique goals and structure; however, all share the common purpose of building a sense of trust and community while partnering in support of Spring Lake Park Schools students.
Somali/African Immigrant Parent Group - Initial Planning Meeting (New group)
Tuesday, October 6, 5-6:30 p.m. at the Spring Lake Park District Services Center, 1415 81st Avenue NE, Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
This group is designed for Somali/African Immigrant families to have opportunities to learn about one another’s cultures and lived experiences. The group will work to foster authentic relationships and dialogue and bridge connections among home, school, and community to support learning. The group is open to all.
Please let us know if you are coming using this RSVP form. Dinner will be provided.
- Contact: Nadifo Ali (Somali) email: nali3@district16.org
African American Parent Group - Initial Planning Meeting (New group)
Tuesday, October 13, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Westwood Intermediate and Middle School - Den, 711 91st Avenue NE, Blaine, MN 55434
This group is designed for African American/Black-identifying families to have opportunities to learn about one another’s cultures and lived experiences. This group will work to foster authentic relationships and dialogue and bridge connections among home, school, and community to support learning. The group is open to all.
- Please let us know if you are coming using this RSVP form. Dinner will be provided.
- Contact: Diondre Green and Dorothy Williams (African American) email: dgreen@district16.org
Grupo de habla Hispana de SLP
¡Te invitamos al grupo de padres y personal hispanohablantes de Spring Lake Park! Un espacio para crear comunidad, compartir ideas, resolver dudas y apoyarnos durante el año escolar. ¡Todas las familias son bienvendias! Familias con estudiantes de Pre-K a 12 grado Nos reunimos 2 veces al mes, en persona o en línea, con horarios de mañana y tarde. En reuniones presenciales ofrecemos cena y cuidado de niños.
- ¡Comunícate con nosotros para conocer nuestras próximas actividades at hispanohablante@district16.org or 763-600-5618.
Native American Parent Group
Wednesday, October 7, 5-6:30 p.m. at Woodcrest Spanish Immersion, 880 Osborne Road NE, Fridley, MN 55432. Dinner is provided.
Any family in the district who self-identifies as Native American is welcome to take part in this group which builds community while advising school staff on how best to serve Native students throughout the district. Committee meetings also include opportunities for families to explore important aspects of Native cultures, traditions and histories.
- Contact: Autumn Person (White Earth Ojibwe) email: APerso@District16.org
October is College Knowledge Month
College Knowledge Month has officially kicked off! There are a variety of events students are encouraged to attend as they explore their options after high school.
- Thursday, October 1:
- Made in the North Career Fair, National Sports Center. See Mr. Van Broklin to sign up
- Rep visit: Lake Superior College, 10 a.m., B138
- College Essay Help, 10 a.m., C204
- Friday, October 2:
- NCAA Info Session, 10 a.m., B138
- PSEO and Earning College Credit in High School, 10 a.m., B136
- Monday, October 5:
- NACAC National College Fair Field Trip, 9-11:30 a.m. (full event)
- College Possible Presentation with Q&A (for Class of 2028). 10 a.m., B138
- Tuesday, October 6:
- Finding your Fit - The College Search Process, 10 a.m., B138
- College Essay Help, 10 a.m., C130
- NACAC College Fair at the Minneapolis Convention Center, attend on your own
- MN Goes to College Virtual Session - Applying to College, 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 7:
- Rep Visit: University of Northwestern St. Paul, 10 a.m., B138
- 2-year or Career - Finding your fit after high school, 10 a.m., B136
- Monday, October 12: Financial Aid 101, 10 a.m., B138
- Tuesday, October 13:
- Finding your Fit - The College Search Process, 10 a.m., B138
- College Essay Help, 10 a.m., C130
- MN Goes to College Virtual Session - Understand Financial Aid, 7 p.m.
- Monday, October 19:
- Rep Visit: Macalester College, 10 a.m., B138
- 2-year or Career - Finding your fit after high school, 10 a.m., B136
- Tuesday, October 20:
- Rep Visit: North Center University, 10 a.m., B138
- College Essay Help, 10 a.m., C130
- MN Goes to College Virtual Sessions - FAFSA 101, 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 21:
- Rep Visit: St. Thomas University, 10 a.m., B138
- UMN Morris Field Trip, See Ms. Blaido to sign up
- Thursday, October 22:
- College Application Help, 10 a.m., B138
- College Essay Help, 10 a.m., C204
- Friday, October 23: College Fair, Panther Gym, 9-10 a.m.
- Monday, October 26:
- Explore Careers - Pathways Flex, 10.m. (Join Pathways panel of teachers to learn about classes with a career focus)
- Rep Visit: St. Olaf College, 10 a.m., B138
- Tuesday, October 27:
- College Essay Help, 10 a.m., C130
- Financial Aid 101, 10 a.m., B136
- College Possible Presentation with Q&A (for Class of 2028). 10 a.m., B138
- MN Goes to College Virtual Sessions - Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application 101, 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 28:
- 2-year or Career - Finding your fit after high school, 10 a.m., B136
- PSEO and Earning College Credit in High School, 10 a.m., B138
- Thursday, October 29:
- Rep Visit: Drake University, 10 a.m., B138
- College Essay Help, 10 a.m., C204
- Transportation Career Day, Able parking lot, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Friday, October 30:
- Rep Visit: University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, 10 a.m., B138
- NCAA Info Sessions, 10 a.m., B136
Events may be added or changed throughout the month. Check out the full calendar of College Knowledge eventsto see all the opportunities happening in October.
Statewide School Funding on the Ballot This Fall; No New Taxes
Minnesota voters will decide this fall whether to change how money from the state’s Permanent School Fund is distributed to public schools. If approved, the change would provide additional funding to public school districts, including Spring Lake Park Schools. It would not increase taxes.
The proposed amendment would change how the annual distribution from the fund is calculated. If the amendment passes, Spring Lake Park Schools is expected to receive about $33 more per student, or approximately $200,000. Leaving the question blank has the same effect as voting No. Learn more about the Permanent School Fund ballot question.
