Westwood Intermediate/Middle School
Hello Westwood Schools families,
I hope each of you enjoyed the fall break. Last week, we had conferences at Westwood. We enjoyed meeting with families to learn more about our students and share how your child is doing. If you did not get a chance to connect with your child’s teacher(s), they will be in contact with you. We will conduct a lockdown drill on Friday, October 23, as part of our ongoing commitment to school safety and emergency preparedness. If you prefer your child does not participate, please reach out to the main office.
The 5th and 6th grade Junior Panther Mentors have been working with their homeroom to create a display in the hallway of all of the ways our 5th and 6th graders show cooperation. Each student wrote a way in which they have been showing cooperation. Here are a few highlights from the display:
- “I show cooperation by listening to others’ ideas.”
- “One way you can show cooperation is by including others.”
- “Helping and giving a smile on your face that will make their day.”
- “Helping others when they need it.”
I see proof of their cooperation each day. It’s fun to see their reflections and know the skills they are developing will serve them throughout their lives.
The PTO kicked off the fall fundraiser. We are excited to partner with the PTO each year to bring the community together and support students. The money raised will go to help fund field trips, support the lock in end-of-year celebration, recognize students on the honor roll, and more. See below for more details.
Have a great week,
Tom Larson
Principal
763-600-5300
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
- What to Expect: Games, arts & crafts activities, food and family fun
- 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.
Yearbooks on Sale Now
Orders may be placed online at Westwood Yearbook Order Here or scan the QR code (see attached). Questions may be directed to Kristine Powell at kpowel@district16.org.
5th Grade Band Registration Is Now Open!
Calling all 5th-grade families! Registration for 5th Grade Band is happening now! Is your student interested in learning to play an instrument and becoming part of the Westwood Band program? Now is the time to sign up! Register today using the link or by scanning the QR code provided. Click Here to Register for 5th Grade Band
We look forward to welcoming our newest musicians to the Westwood Band!
Journey Team Scientists in Action!
Journey Team students put their curiosity and scientific skills to work during the Isopod Lab! Students explored how roly-polies respond to different environments through hands-on investigations, careful observations, and data collection.
Our Pumpkin Patch Grows Through Cooperation
Our Panther Mentors came together to create a special pumpkin patch for our school, celebrating the importance of cooperation! This theme connects directly to our school’s CARES system, reminding us how working together helps our school community grow stronger. Students shared what cooperation means to them by writing their thoughts on individual pumpkins. Each pumpkin represents a unique perspective, and together, they help our pumpkin patch and our Panther pride grow!
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 winners
Our Westwood Panther Sweepstakes winner for grades 5/6 was Maxwell and for grades 7/8 was Jayden! They each got a $50 gift card to the Panther Store and will get to choose how to spend the $1,000 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
