Dr. Bill Sommers announced his end-of-school-year retirement plans on January 27. Rather than affect a transition at the end of the school year, Sommers will focus on the Learning Alternatives Community School for the remainder of the school year, while assistant principal Jane Stevenson begins duties at principal, enabling her to make decision affecting the upcoming school year. Greetings Panther Parents & Community It is a sincere honor to follow in the footsteps of my longtime mentor and colleague, Dr. Bill Sommers. I first came to know Bill when he was leading professional development, and I was a teacher in Minneapolis. Little did I know at thetime that I would be so privileged to work with and learn from Bill throughout my  career as a teacher and school principal. I know that Bill leaves big shoes to fill, and itwill be a challenge to live in the shadow of a true master learner and leader.

Jane Stevenson 763-786-5571 jsteve@district16.org

One of the values that Bill has modeled throughout his career is that of being a life-long learner. I will aspire to carry on that value every day, continuing my own learning and inspiring continued learning for our students, staff, and parents. Preparing students to thrive in a diverse and changing world will mean that “learning to learn” will be an essential skill for every student. I look forward to carrying on the work of Dr. Sommers and the staff of Spring Lake Park High School, and working in partnership with both parents and community members as we pursue becoming a world class learning community.

Spring Lake Park High School serves approximately 1,350 students in grades 9-12 from Blaine, Spring Lake Park, Fridley, and other surrounding communities.

 

At SLPHS we are on a journey to prepare all students to reach their full potential by challenging them to perform, discover, and excel academically and beyond the classroom. We also challenge ourselves as adults to provide the opportunities and support necessary for our students’ post-secondary success.

 

Our ninth grade students are supported through a core team structure which facilitates a smooth transition for our students as they transition from middle school. In addition, ninth grade and new student are supported through our Panther Mentor program, providing a sense of support and connection throughout the school year.

 

Academic opportunities are numerous at Spring Lake Park High School. Our students enjoy a number of academic choices including regular and honors level course work in the core academic areas, Advanced Placement (A.P.) courses in art history, mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, and world language. Students may also participate in the College in the Schools program in German.

 

In addition, students are able to pursue learning in a number of elective areas including art, business, environmental science, family and consumer science, health, industrial technology, instrumental and vocal music, opportunities in emergency health care, service learning, and work based learning. For students needing additional academic support in the core academic areas, intervention courses are available in reading, math and writing.

 

As a learner-centered school, we provide on-going professional development for our faculty through study and work in professional learning communities, collaboration with continuous improvement coaches, and participation in workshops. We value continuous learning for all members of our school community, staff and students alike.