GORDON PARKS HIGH SCHOOL

• February 16, No School, Presidents' Day
• February 18, Career Fair
• February 23, The Meeting, play goes from 10 to 11. Families are welcome.
• February 23-25, Bilingual Seals Test
• March 2-31, MCA Test, schedule to be determined.
• March 5, Quarter 3 Conferences, 3:30 to 6:00 PM.
• March 5, School Improvement plan meeting and budgeting meeting, 3:30 to 6:00 PM.
• June 1, Graduation, Saint Catherine University, 7:30 PM.

It's been awhile since our last newsletter and there is quite a bit of information here. We are especially excited to announce our Career Fair on Wednesday that will be the largest one we've held at Gordon Parks. I also want to remind students and families that students have until March 4th to make up any classes they didn't pass quarter 2. Please remind your child to complete this work so they can earn the credit. Finally, we are almost at mid-quarter already. We will host conferences on Thursday, March 5th and a light meal will be served. We look forward to seeing you there!

Gordon Parks is hosting a career fair on Wednesday, February 18. There will be 40 vendors here from multiple career pathways. Some examples include construction and trades, medical, automotive, barber, green jobs, etc. Several exhibitors are looking to hire for employment and some are recruiting for post secondary education/training. This is a great opportunity for our students to get more information that will help them plan for the future.

You are invited to join students and staff on Monday, February 23rd to view the play The Meeting. The play will take place in the school gym from 10-11 AM.

If you speak more than 1 language you can use that skill as a ticket to free college credits!

Don't miss out on the Minnesota Bilingual Seals and Certificate program. Here is why you should sign up:

• Save Money & Time: By passing this test, you can earn free college credit at any Minnesota State College or University. That means fewer classes to pay for and take when you get to college!

  
  

• Boost Your Resume: You’ll be officially recognized for your language ability, which looks amazing to future employers and colleges.

  
  

• It’s Convenient: The test happens right here at Gordon Parks High School.

  
  

• Open to all Gordon Parks students that speak languages other than English.: If you know a language like Amharic, Arabic, ASL, French, German, Hmong, Karen, Somali, Spanish, or one of many others, you are eligible.

  
  

Key Details:

• Testing Dates: February 23, 24, & 25, 2026.

  
  

• Location: Gordon Parks High School.

  
  

• Deadline: You must register ASAP.

  
  

How to Sign Up:

• Register Here: tinyurl.com/Seals-2026 (Use your stpaul.k12.mn.us email) or talk to your counselor.

  
  

• Practice First: Check out sample tests at tinyurl.com/Seals-Practice-Avant or tinyurl.com/Seals-Practice-Extempore.

  
  

Don't leave these credits on the table! If you have any questions, talk to your counselor or email Lisa Showers at lisa.showers@spps.org.

It is that time of year again! In school, we are currently taking the ACCESS for ELLs test (English Proficiency Test). Any EL student that would like to take the WIDA Access test, please contact Testing Coordinator Bob Andresen to schedule a time. Please call 651-744-1246 for more information.

If your student has to miss school or is working virtually, they should still be logging in to Schoology and completing work. This will help the school know that you are still engaged and working. Also, students should email their teachers and they can help answer questions.

Attendance Dashboard

Families are now able to track student's attendance at Gordon Parks with our new Attendance Dashboard. This provides you up-to-date attendance information for your student in one place.

• STEP 1: Visit this site: tinyurl.com/397sa2h6

• STEP 2: Click 'Make a Copy'

• STEP 3: Enter your student's ID number

• STEP 4: Review their attendance trends

Everyday the dashboard will update with new data.There is a strong correlation between attendance and graduation at Gordon Parks. Have conversations with your students about achieving their goals of graduation.

Staff will be available at the March 5th conference to meet about the school improvement plan. We need your input. Staff members will be available to meet and review the school improvement plan. We are always looking for input from families.

It is not too soon to begin thinking about the school budget for next school year. At the conferences on March 5th, from 3:30 to 6:00 PM, staff will be available to meet, so that you can share your opinions regarding the school budget, and how family engagement funds are spent.

Learn about the Gordon Parks High School Improvement Plan (SCIP), Family Engagement Plan (FEP), and School Compact with Families are available on the school website.

Please give feedback on your School Improvement Plan during conferences on March 5. Also, on March 5, you will be able to give your suggestions in our budget review.

Translations are available upon request.

ትርጉሞች ሲጠየቁ ይገኛሉ።

tirigumochi sīt’eyek’u yigenyalu.

Kev txhais lus muaj nyob rau ntawm qhov kev thov.

Hiikkaawwan gaaffii irratti ni argamu.

Turjumaada la heli karo marka la codsado

Traducciones disponibles bajo petición.

Website: https://www.spps.org/gordonparks
Location: 1212 University Avenue West, Saint Paul, MN, USA
Phone: 651-744-1212
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GordonParksHS/