Year of the Panther

The 2025-2026 school year is officially underway at Spring Lake Park Schools! Each student's day began either with sunshine or a few heavy sprinkles - depending on start time - but not enough to dampen the spirit of Panther Pride at each building's car and bus drop-offs.

It’s a new year, but it’s the same journey: to design a personalized learning experience to engage, inspire and develop life-long skills for students. There are so many things that make us Panther Proud - ready to see it in action? Check out the start of the year video:

Spring Lake Park Schools welcomed students in kindergarten through 9th grade to their first day on September 2. Returning students in grades 10-12 will join them September 3.

The youngest learners are getting acquainted with school routines for the first time. Many kindergarteners had the opportunity to participate in a free Kinder Camp experience over three half days in mid-August. After meeting teachers and learning about what to expect each day, these students could start the year with ease.

At Spring Lake Park High School, incoming 9th graders and other new students spent their first day getting oriented to the high school building and school expectations. Panther Mentors are a group of trained volunteer SLP high schoolers who spend the day getting to know these new students and welcoming them to the SLPHS Panther experience. Through icebreaker activities and tours, students have the chance to make connections with their classmates before the halls are filled with all students and classes officially begin.

The beginning of the year is focused on creating a sense of belonging in the Panther community. There’s a lot of time spent getting to know classmates, staff members and building relationships across all grade levels.

There is plenty of energy, smiles, waves and hugs as students, staff and families embark on this journey together. View it all captured in the first day photo album and get ready for an amazing year ahead!