Como Park Senior High Newsletter
January 25, 2024
Upcoming Dates
January
25- End of Quarter 2
26- No School (Grading Day)
February
5- Parent Advisory Council Meeting 6:00 PM (virtual)
7- Financial Aid Night 4:30-7:00 PM
12- NAAPID (National African American Parent Involvement Day) 9:30 AM- 11:15 AM
16- Winter Semi-Formal Dance 7:00-10:00 PM
19- No School (President's Day)
20- Family/Community Mural Painting Event 3:15-7:30
22- Family/Community Mural Painting Event 3:15-7:30
Please check out our athletic events coming up: https://sppscomoparkhighschool.rschoolteams.com/
Yellow buses are back! We would like to thank everyone for their patience during the transition back to yellow buses. We have 15 new routes that are regularly arriving on time in the morning and the afternoon. We made the adjustment to bring families picking up in the afternoon through the parking lot and out to Grotto and Maryland. Please remember to drive slowly at all times and watch for pedestrians. If you have any questions about bussing, please contact the office, 651-293-8800.
PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING
When: Monday February 5th
Time: 6:00 PM
Where: Virtual through Google Meet...
Google Meet joining info
https://meet.google.com/dvs-niob-jzh
Or dial: +1 252-517-9232 PIN: 360 357 248#
We would like to hear from you!! Please email me with suggestions, topics, concerns, or questions to be discussed at the next PAC meeting...jamie.hoffman@spps.org.
Do you speak more than one language? It is time to be recognized and earn up to 20 FREE semester college credits per language!
What? A Bilingual Seals assessment is a language proficiency test. The test includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Earn your Minnesota Bilingual Seal or Certificate with a qualifying score!
Where? Como Park High School
When? April 30, May 1 & 2, 2024 (calendar link)
Curious? Have a look at a sample test HERE.
Register today! Registration ends January 31, 2024.
Would you like to become part of Como Park's History and help paint a wall mural reflecting Como students and community? Please use QR code to sign up for a half hour slot or more on dates provided. It is $5 per person for a half hour or pay what you can to help raise funds for our annual Family Fun Night in May. Here is a picture of what you'll be painting on a wall approximately 8ft by 27ft. Photo includes the faces of Como as well as community attractions like Como Lake, Conny's Creamy Cone, Como Conservatory, and things like the new MN State flag and "Community" translated in languages represented by our students. Drawing created by our very own art teacher, Ms. Veszi. Just bring yourself! Paints and supplies are provided.
2023-2024 ACCESS Test for English Learners
State and federal laws require that all English Learner (EL) students are assessed annually to measure their proficiency and progress in reading, writing, listening and speaking in English.
Minnesota uses the ACCESS for ELLs (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State) test as its annual assessment. EL students who receive special education services and who meet certain guidelines may take the WIDA Alternate ACCESS test instead. These tests are used to see if students are meeting the WIDA English Language Development Standards and determine if a student is ready to exit from SPPS’s EL program.
All SPPS EL students in grades K-12 will be administered the ACCESS for ELLs or WIDA Alternate ACCESS tests between January 29 - March 22, 2024.
If you have questions about your student’s participation, please reach out to Jamie Hoffman at jamie.hoffman@spps.org.
For more information on English language proficiency assessments and the MDE Parent/Guardian Participation Guide and Refusal form, please go to:
ACCESS Family Test Information website: spps.org/Page/46590
MDE Family Testing Information website: education.mn.gov/MDE/fam/tests/
Please reach out to Jamie Hoffman at jamie.hoffman@spps.org or 651-744-5529 if you have any questions.
January 26th is this Friday! We are all looking forward to the upcoming Booster Club fundraiser! There are still tickets available online and at the doors at the event.
Event Highlights
Unlimited Beer
Taco Bar
50/50 Board
Exciting Raffle Prizes
Warners’ Stellian Gift Card
Mr. Handy Ma’am Gift Card
Clara Haycraft Photography 1-hours Session ($350 value)
Minnesota Wild Merch
Signed Baseball from Hall of Fame Tony Oliva
Gwen Kosiak Photography 30 min Session ($250 value)
CSA Season from Naima’s Farm
Signed Soccer ball from Minnesota United
Gift Basket from Petite Salon
Como Park High School Spirit Wear
MORE TO COME
Talk about a “win-win,” now your daily cup of inspiration can help support a great cause! Order sustainably farmed, fair-trade Velasquez Family Coffee delivered right to your door and 29% of the purchase price will go to support Como Park HS Booster Club!
1. Visit vfamilycoffee.com/collections/fundraiser
2. Choose from a variety of roasts and flavors—whole bean or ground—to fill your cart.
3. At checkout, select Como Park HS Booster Club from the fundraiser pulldown menu, then enter your payment information.
You’ll enjoy delicious Honduran coffee delivered right to your door and get an extra-warm feeling with every sip knowing 29% of the purchase price goes toComo Park HS Booster Club!
Make a one-time purchase or start a subscription—you’ll get great coffee delivered every month while providing ongoing support for Como Park HS Booster Club!!
Class of 2024 families- here is the link to submit senior photos
https://forms.gle/KK7Hkuswvi1WXo3D6
Deadline for submission is 1/26/24
Would you like to meet our Superintendent, Dr. Joe Gothard? Would you like to learn more about Black History and see our student-led assembly? Come to Como on February 12th from 9:30-11:15 and help celebrate National African American Parent Involvement Day!
Attention Juniors and your families! Please see the attached flier for a wonderful paid internship opportunity with GenesysWorks!
GenesysWorks cont...
Apply now for Summer Jobs, through Right Track!! Available for ages 14-21!
Scan the QR Code in the attached poster and/or see Mr. Zamacona, in room #1603, if you have any questions
Updates from the Counseling Department and the Career Pathway Center (CPC)
The CPC is Open! The Career Pathway Center (CPC) at Como is open Monday-Thursday from 9:00am-4:00pm in room 1304 (across from the Counselor’s Office). Students can email Ms. Aisha (amohamed.ach@spps.org), check out the Career Pathway Center website, drop into the CPC, or sign up for an appointment for information on student career opportunities, college planning, and scholarships and check out the Como Park page under “Student” and then “Career Pathway Center”. Also look through the student newsletter (Como CPC Update)!
Get Ready: Postsecondary Support for 10th-12th Grade For juniors, and seniors seeking postsecondary support, please contact Get Ready Pathways Coordinator Mai Chue Moua (mmoua.getr@spps.org) and Ka Siab Yang (kyang@getready.k12.mn.us).
NACAC's Spring 2024 National College Fairs start in January! Register now for the opportunity for you and your students to connect with hundreds of colleges and universities all in one place, as well as take advantage of our free College MatchMaking™ program that matches students with the schools that meet their criteria. 2024 Schedule and Registration Information
In-Person National College Fairs
NACAC is offering 22 in-person National College Fairs this spring, with hundreds of colleges and universities from across the globe already signed up to exhibit. Have students interested in studying STEM or the performing and visual arts? NACAC will be offering special areas focused on STEM and performing and visual arts at our college fairs in greater Los Angeles, New Jersey, Houston, and Boston.
Virtual College Fairs
NACAC Virtual College Fairs are a great opportunity to connect with colleges and universities from the comfort of your own home. Have a quick video chat with a rep, drop-in on a virtual presentation, send a question through the chat — make a connection your way.
FAFSA is finally OPEN! The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is being postponed and will open December 1st and is for students planning to attend college next year. Check out the Paying for College page on the CPC website to learn more about how to complete the FAFSA. Make an appointment with Ms. Aisha if you need support starting your FAFSA - there will be workshops before and after school available to families and students (email to schedule a time). Check out the 2024-25 FAFSA FAQ YouTube Series to answer questions about the changes.
Email Ms. Aisha (amohamed.ach@spps.org) or sign up for an appointment if you have any questions with the FAFSA application process.
Juniors! ACT Prep All juniors will take a FREE ACT in March -- start preparing today! There are resources available on the act.org website and free prep material in the Career Pathway Center!
Seniors! Wallin Scholarship Due February 1st The Wallin Scholarship program offers $4,000/year ($16,000 over four years!), targeted advising, and paid internship opportunities. CLICK HERE to check out a 1-min video, review eligibility requirements, and to APPLY starting November 1! Contact Ms. Aisha (amohamed.ach@spps.org) with any questions.
COMO SCHOLARSHIP! Travelers EDGE Program: $12,500 (if attending a four-year college) $6,250 (if attending a two-year college). Travelers EDGE® – Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment – is an innovative educational opportunity developed by Travelers. The program provides college students with financial, academic, professional development and mentoring support while preparing students for a career at Travelers or the insurance and financial services industry.
- Planning to attend Augsburg, Metropolitan State, or St. Paul College
- Plan to enroll in a course of study relevant to insurance and financial services
o Accounting, economics, math, business, finance, marketing and more
o 3.0+ GPA
o US Citizen, Permanent Resident or DACA Status
College Knowledge Night!: February 7th from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Como Park Senior High School
Click HERE for more information on College Resources + Events, Student Career Resources, Family Resources, and Paying for College
Also check out the CPC Update sent to all class years weekly!
CONTACT US
Hundreds of colleges and universities from the US and worldwide will be ready and waiting to talk with you at these upcoming NACAC College Fairs.
Don’t miss these free, one-day events for high school students, transfer students, and families. Go to nacacattend.org/fairs to register for each program and to see the list of participating colleges. Then log in on any fair date to attend sessions, chat your questions, download informational resources, and demonstrate interest… all without leaving home. It’s a great way to connect with hundreds of colleges in a short amount of time to learn about majors, scholarships, and more.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Hello, I'm Mr. Randall. I have been teaching high school math for eighteen years, the last nine with SPPS. I was at Johnson for seven and LEAP for one. It's a bit of a flashback for me to be teaching here at Como as I did my student teaching here many many years ago.
In my free time I like to play guitar, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy all the wonderful outdoor activities Minnesota has to offer.
Learn More About Our New Math Curriculum: enVision Mathematics
This school year, all Saint Paul Public Schools have a new math curriculum for 6-8th grade students and the required high school math courses. The curriculum is called Savvas
enVision Mathematics.
The chart below shows the math courses that SPPS students take starting in middle school:
Every student has the opportunity to build their mathematical understanding and demonstrate proficiency through different kinds of activities and lessons. See the resources below for more information about what students are learning in their math classes.
Family Resources
● Integrated Mathematics 2
(starting in school year 2024-25)
● Integrated Mathematics 3
(starting in school year 2025-26)
**Note: Your teachers do not follow the topics in the exact order listed in the resources linked above. Talk to your student or student’s teacher to learn more about which topics they are learning.
The Topic Overview provides a preview of upcoming content with visuals to support understanding.
Think of a topic as a themed heading that focuses on a specific math idea.
Each topic has a focus, so you can talk with your student about the main idea of the lesson and understand the end learning goal.
The resources also offer multiple ways for parents to help their student better understand the concepts being taught.
● Family letter about SuccessMaker
● Spanish - Family letter about SuccessMaker
Students who need additional support may be assigned by their teacher to use an intervention program called SuccessMaker. Students will work on assignments to strengthen their understanding of math concepts from prior grades. SuccessMaker uses tutorials to help students complete the assignments.
Great Things Happening at Como
In MCJROTC News. Although Como Park's JROTC cadets did not secure an overall place at this weekend's Washington Magnet High School Competition, there was noteworthy performance in some areas. Cadet Freshman Joshy "BEAR" Klett beat out 23 other cadets to secure First Place in the Drone Racing Championship! Unit Leader Cadet Freshman Noreah Chatman-Hurley's team secured 2nd place on First Year Color Guard and Cadet Junior Nolan Rognerud's academic team also secured second place overall. OOH RAH!
Broom Ball games on frozen Como Lake with motivated MCJROTC Juniors today. Great cardio. Ooh Rah!
Community Resources for Families
For Español, click here.
Face to Face
Ashley Bauer-Yuen, Community Engagement Coordinator
bauer-yuena@face2face.org or volunteer@face2face.org
Office: 651-772-5591
Mobile: 651-230-1326
Face to Face Health Clinic & Admin Offices
1165 Arcade Street (Arcade near Maryland)
Saint Paul, MN 55106
Safe Zone Drop in Center
130 East 7th Street (on 7th near Roberts, downtown)
Saint Paul, MN 55101
Face to Face services for 11 – 24 year old youth include:
- · Medical health clinic
- · Mental health clinic
- · Community health
- · Youth justice diversion program
- · Employment education
· Safe Zone – Drop in center
- · Clients seen with or without insurance
- · MNSure Navigators on site can help with health care access
- · Mental health clients can receive walk in services
- · Close partnerships with nearby dental and eye health service providers
- · Some languages represented on staff and others available through translation services
Please contact Ashely Bauer-Yuen ( bauer-yuena@face2face.org )
· To tour their spaces
· With more questions about Face to Face services
Flyer available in Español, Amharic, Hmong, and Karen. Click here for multiple languages.