Centerview Newsletter
Hello Centerview families!
Welcome back from a beautiful fall break filled with fantastic weather!
Before the break, our staff took time to reflect on our first five weeks of learning and prepare for family-teacher conferences. It was a great opportunity to pause, celebrate our students’ strengths and interests, and consider their individual needs. The time has allowed us to be intentional in designing learning experiences that support our career, life, and academic competencies.
Two-thirds of our conferences are complete and Thursday evening is just around the corner. We want to emphasize that ongoing communication between home and school is essential as we move forward together. If our two dedicated evenings and one conference day didn’t align with your schedule, please reach out to your child’s teacher or the office. We would love to find a time that works for you to connect, share, and continue building a strong partnership in support of your child.
We are now halfway through our first trimester. We have five full weeks of learning ahead of us! We look forward to building on the momentum we’ve created, continuing to grow together, and making the most of the learning opportunities ahead.
We look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow night for conferences!
Sign up for parent teacher conferences.
Take care,
Mike
Early Childhood Event for Ages 0-5: Fall Family Carnival
Know of a friend or neighbor with children ages 0-5 who are not yet part of our SLP Early Childhood community? Send them an invite to join this fun event and check out programs:
- Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Time and Location: 10 a.m.–Noon at Centerview Elementary
- Cost: Free event, no registration required
Who: All are welcome!
Current Early Childhood students/families are invited to attend
Not yet part of our SLP Early Childhood community? Come join the fun + check out what programs might suit your children ages 0-5!
Parent learning and feedback session: State and district standardized tests
The Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Advisory Council (CIAAC) invites parents and caregivers to learn about state and district reading and math tests and share their feedback. These tests help measure student progress. At this session, you’ll learn how the tests have changed over time, including recent changes under Minnesota’s READ Act. We’ll also discuss how tests vary by grade level and how schools use the results. This includes Spanish immersion programming across grade levels and schools. You’ll have a chance to ask questions, learn how these tests compare with the assessments students take in class, and share your thoughts.
- Date: Thursday, November 12
- Time: 5:30–7 p.m.
- Location: District Services Center
Reserve your seats for the Parent Learning and Feedback session. Please register so we can plan for seating, small-group discussions and refreshments.
Technology with Purpose: Supporting Learning in a Digital World
Technology has changed a lot since our schools began providing a device to each student in 2012. The tools available to students and how we use them continue to change, so we’re taking a fresh look at how digital tools support learning in our schools.
The goal is simple: Make sure technology has a clear purpose, supports student learning, protects student privacy and safety, and helps students develop necessary digital skills and healthy habits.
“We hear from parents, teachers and community and industry partners that technology is necessary, and it’s important for children to develop healthy digital habits alongside the skills they need for the future,” says Melissa Olson, Director of Learning Design and Student Engagement. “But it’s also concerning. People are thinking about the pace of change, challenging digital habits and the overall role of technology in children’s lives.”
Spring Lake Park Schools is taking a closer look at how we use digital tools through project work connected to the district’s annual Operational Plan.
“We’re looking at what teachers need now to make the best use of digital tools – from devices to apps – as they focus on designing more engaging student work and learning experiences,” says Melissa. “Purposeful use is the focus to enhance learning and support the development of those digital skills and habits.”
The work acknowledges that sometimes technology is the best tool for the job. Other times, a conversation, hands-on activity, book or another approach may better support a learning goal. Often, a mix is best. Read the full Technology with Purpose story.
"Our Town" opens this weekend
The small town of Grover's Corners will come to life in a minimalist theater-in-the-round setting during Spring Lake Park High School Theater's fall production of "Our Town" October 23-24 and October 30-31. The play follows the simple daily lives of the Webb and Gibbs families as they love, marry, and eventually, die.
“I believe the audience will enjoy the seating in the round. To most audience members, it will be a new experience to watch theater. It allows the audience to see perspectives that they normally don’t have the ability to see. The audience becomes fully immersed in the scene, feeling like they’re an actor there themselves.” - Evelyn Stusynski, junior
Live on 65: We3 + 1, November 16
Join us for the first Live on 65 performance of the season! A celebrated Arizona trio known for their captivating blend of jazz, swing, blues, and timeless classics, "We3 + 1" is coming to the Fine Arts Center on Monday, November 16 at 7 p.m.
Since their debut performance in 2016 at The Nash, "We3 + 1" has wowed audiences with sold-out performances across the Valley and beyond, including appearances in Paris, France. Featuring powerhouse vocalist Renee Grant Patrick, acclaimed violinist Suzanne Lansford, and renowned pianist Nicole Pesce, "We3 + 1" brings unforgettable energy, elegance, and musical artistry to every performance. Buy tickets for "We3 + 1"
Panther Foundation Sweepstakes winner
Our Centerview Panther Sweepstakes winner was Brynlee! Brynlee got a $50 gift card to the Panther Store and 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 so much for participating in the 2026 Panther Foundation Trivia Sweepstakes. There were 101 families who participated and provided 702 answers to the four questions.
Questions and Answers:
- Question 1: How many students engaged in Spring Lake Park Schools' Career & College Pathways programming in 2025-26? 1,100 Students
- Question 2: Last year the Panther Foundation's Panthers for a Purpose Event raised $145,000 during the Week of Giving. How much was raised specifically for the Fund A Dream, supporting Career & College Pathways? $36,000
- Question 3: 835 K-4 Students identified PLAY as their spark in their learning.
- Question 4: What toppings are on Parker's favorite pizza? The people have spoken! Pepperoni is Parker the Panther's clear favorite. Cheese came in second, followed by pineapple and sausage. And, of course, a few Panther fans got creative with their answers with – Bengals; Garage pizza; Gazelle, extra cheese, and the tears of rival mascots; Cheeseburger chicken ranch
