Como Park Senior High Newsletter
November 17, 2023
Upcoming Dates
November
20- AVID 11 College Visit to Augsburg
23- No School (Thanksgiving Break)
24- No School (Thanksgiving Break)
29- Picture Retakes
29- AVID 10 College Visit to Mankato
December
4- Parent Advisory Council (PAC) 6:00 PM
25-Jan. 5- No School (Winter Break)
January
8- Students Return to School
Please check out our athletic events coming up: https://sppscomoparkhighschool.rschoolteams.com/
CPSHS Attendance Expectations
Attendance is taken within the first 10 minutes of class.
Any student that comes to class after the bell is marked TARDY.
Any student who comes to class after 30 minutes is marked ABSENT.
Teachers will add to the notes if a student is marked absent but came to class.
Do you know how to check your student's attendance or grades?
Go to spps.org/families. You will see links to login to both Campus and Schoology. You can check your student's attendance in Campus and grades/assignments in Schoology. Parents/guardians can also look up their own username or reset their password if necessary. If you have questions or need help, please contact Jamie Hoffman at jamie.hoffman@spps.org.
PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, December 4, 2023
Is there something you want to address with our admin team? Do you have questions about your student's academics? Are you looking for more information about Como? Please contact Jamie Hoffman at jamie.hoffman@spps.org with any ideas, suggestions, or concerns you would like discussed at our next meeting.
SPPS Safety Protocols and What They Mean
On the Same Page. Everyone.
A uniform, planned, and practiced response to any incident is the foundation of a safe school. The benefits of SRP (Standard Response Protocol) become quickly apparent. By standardizing the vocabulary, all stakeholders can understand the response and status of the event.
For students, this provides continuity of expectations and actions throughout their educational career. For teachers, this becomes a simpler process to train and drill. For communities, it leverages the growing adoption of the protocols from residents of all ages. For first responders, the common vocabulary and protocols establish a greater predictability that persists through the duration of an incident.
People easily understand the practices and can reinforce the protocol. Additionally, this protocol enables rapid response determination when an unforeseen event occurs.
Hold is followed by the Directive: "In Your Room or Area" and is the protocol used when hallways need to be kept clear of occupants.
Secure is followed by the Directive: "Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors" and is the protocol used to safeguard people within the building.
Lockdown is followed by "Locks, Lights, Out of Sight" and is the protocol used to secure individual rooms and keep occupants quiet and in place.
Evacuate and may be followed by a location, and is used to move people from one location to a different location in or out of the building.
Shelter State the Hazard and Safety Strategy for group and self protection.
For more information, visit iloveyouguys.com.
Did you fill out the Application for Educational Benefits?
Students will receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day under Minnesota's Free School Meals program. However, it is critical that all families complete an Application for Educational Benefits each school year.
Application for Educational Benefits determine how much funding your child's school receive for educational programs, supports and technology. Additionally, eligible families and students can qualify for these benefits.
Dear parents,
School pictures are ready!
To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's school ID number.
All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card.
More about the SmileSafe program here.
Not happy with the picture? Picture retakes are November 29th.
Register Early for Costa Rica Trip in Summer 2025!
Dear families,
We were so overwhelmed with the positive response our 2024 Barcelona and Madrid trip received, that we would like to make our following year’s trip more accessible through longer payment plans (the further out we plan, the smaller the monthly payments!). We will be traveling to Costa Rica in Summer 2025, and your student is invited!
When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of tomorrow, and we would love to have your student join us on this adventure.
Save your spot by registering here: www.eftours.com/2695442ND
There are limited spots on this trip, save your spot by registering now!
Thanks,
Leah Deiman
leah.deiman@spps.org
CPSHS Parent Feedback Form
Como families, we need your help!
Como staff wants to make sure we are addressing the concerns and issues that are important to students and families. If you have not done so already, please complete this short form and let us know what you would like to see communicated at staff professional development trainings. Thank you!
Celebrating Community by Contributing to a Mural at Como Park!
Do you want to collaborate on a project with your student and other families in our Como community? Do you want to be a part of Como's history?
Order your 2023-24 yearbook today!
The cost is $50.00
Yearbook code is: 14933024
COMO PARK HIGH SCHOOL BOOSTER CLUB
Give to the Max
Give to the Max may be officially over, but we will continue to accept donations through the end of November. Thank you to everyone who has graciously donated! The funds will be used to support Como Park students’ clubs, activities and sports throughout the year! Go Cougars!
If you haven’t donated, it’s not too late!
1) Go to this link: https://www.givemn.org/organization/Comoparkhighschoolboosterclub, OR
2) Visit GiveMN.org, click on the Donate button, and search for Como Park Booster Club
Thank you!
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).
Seniors! Wallin Scholarship Opens Nov 1 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.
CONTACT US
Attention juniors and any senior who did not take the ACT last year at Como:
ACT.org Information for Examinees
MyACT Quick Start Guide for Students
NDSU Creates Free Tuition Program After Expressing Concern Over Minnesota’s
Interested in going to NDSU after high school? Click here for more information on their free tuition program.
Pick up permission slips from the Get Ready Office in room 2614.
Credit Recovery
The application for quarter 2 after school credit recovery will be open from 11/20 to 11/30. This is a great opportunity for students to recover credits that they did not pass during quarter 1 this year. Students will need to be signed in to their SPPS Google account to submit the application which will be posted on Schoology, or they can talk to their counselor before the deadline.
Course requests may be fulfilled either at the home school through Extended Day Learning (EDL), Evening High School (EHS), or the Credit Recovery Network (CRN). The program in which a student is placed is dependent upon course offerings at their home school through EDL and/or the student’s grade for EHS. Depending on the type of courses needed, students may be enrolled in more than one program.
Did you know?
The official designation of November as National Native American Heritage Month was signed into law in 1990. The celebration is sometimes referred to as American Indian Heritage Month.
Native American Heritage Month is observed in November to call attention to the culture, traditions, and achievements of the nation’s original inhabitants and of their descendants.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Please welcome our new choir teacher, Mr. Huy Tran
Howdy! My name is Huy Tran. I teach choirs of all levels (beginning, intermediate, and advanced) as well as beginning piano. My favorite part about working at Como Park is the relationships that I am building with my students. I most recently taught at Montevideo Public Schools. I completed my student teaching practicums at Morris Area Schools and Willmar Senior High School. I am in my 2nd year of teaching, having graduated from the University of Minnesota Morris in May of 2022. I am originally from Blaine, Minnesota, though I've lived in various parts of Minnesota. I enjoy spending my free time with my partner and our 2 pets (1 cat, 1 dog). I am an avid Vikings fan, as well as an MMA fan (mixed martial arts). I also love learning about astronomy!
I'm looking forward to a productive, energizing, and exciting year here at Como! I can be contacted via email: huy.tran@spps.org, or via phone at 651-293-8820 (extension 41436), or by phone/text at 612-548-1485.
Please welcome our new art teacher, Ms. Courtney Vészi
My name is Courtney Vészi. I've been teaching Art for over 19 years from Kindergarten to College. I worked in St Louis, MO for 12 years, Budapest, Hungary for 2 years, and have been in Minnesota for 6. I worked at Washington Technology Magnet School for 4 years and am now in my dream job teaching Ceramics and Drawing at Como Park HS!
I'm an avid art-maker completing murals all around the Midwest in public spaces, schools, and private homes. And I've created art ranging from stained glass making, glass blowing, ceramics, drawing and painting, to light boxes. I also enjoy being outside with my son going on hikes, paddling around the many lakes of Minnesota on my paddle board, and reading (at least) a book a week.
I feel grateful to be working at Como Park HS. The admin and staff are so supportive and it's evident they care deeply about our students. High school and college are my favorite groups to work with and my students so far this year have brought joy, creativity, and amazing conversations to my classroom.
Great Things Happening at Como
Congratulations to all the JROTC cadets at the North Branch Viking Drill Competition on Friday 11/3/2023. First of many SY23-24 Drill Comps for CPSHS MCJROTC! Our cadets were awesome. Great job cadets. A team effort! Placed in every event and the #1 Knockout cadet too. Ooh Rah.
The CPSHS Staff, Local Community and the MCJROTC Cadets partnered with the Saint Paul Police Department to show thankfulness by conducting a Food Drive to feed those in need. Last week the cadets collected bags and bags loaded with non-perishable items for the needy. We thank all of you who participated for your sacrifice. Semper fi!
Marine Corps Reserve Association Outstanding Unit "Eagle Globe and Anchor Award" (MCRA)
#1 Como Park MCJROTC!!! Four MCJROTC outstanding high schools, one from each region, were awarded this prestigious honor. The MCRA Award is judged by Cadet participation in a variety of events including Inspections, local and national Competitions, Citizenship, Scholastic Achievement, Scholarships, and Extracurricular Event. It is very difficult to achieve. It is presented to the most outstanding MCJROTC unit in each region. Cadets who are members of a MCRA unit during the award period are authorized to wear the MCRA Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon. Como Park's MCJROTC celebrates its 28th year at Como Park High School, and this is the first time it has achieved this highest honor! It was awarded to all cadets past and present at the 248th Celebration of the birth of our Corps at Herbies on the Park in Saint Paul Minnesota on 10 November 2023. Semper fidelis - Always Faithful.
Como Park High School JROTC Cadet Anthony Landaverde Guillen was awarded the highest award for achievement in the Marine Corps JROTC for the Northwest Region of the United States during Friday's MCJROTC Marine Corps Birthday Ball Celebration.
The Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement is awarded to only one Marine Corps JROTC cadet each year in the Northwest Region.
Landaverde Guillen was nominated by Senior Marine Instructor Sergeant Major James C. Kirkland, based on the following criteria: An MCJROTC and academic class standing in the top 5%; demonstrating exemplary military leadership; and demonstrating leadership in scholastic activities, community activities, and interscholastic athletic participation.
"For outstanding achievement in the superior performance of his duties while a member of the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps Program, Cadet Landaverde Guillen participated in numerous MCJROTC activities throughout the school year, to include the Color Guard Team, and almost all Close Order Drill Teams, and was a top performer in all of them," Kirkland said.
"Outside of JROTC he has been a leader in school activities and in the community. He was a valued member of both the high school soccer and wrestling team. In his free time, he has worked as a manager for a local fast food restaurant establishment.
His alertness, composure, courage, character and selflessness in a dangerous and stressful situation reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest standards of the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps. He was selected as the 28th Como Park High School MCJROTC Cadet Commanding Officer. We are pleased to award the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement to Cadet Anthony Landaverde Guillen," states the Bronze Cross for Achievement citation.
Sister, Michelle Gallegos and three past Como Park Legion of Valor Awardees presented the award to Landaverde Guillen at the celebration of the birth of our Corps on 10 November 2023. It has been a third year in a row the Como Park Program has been awarded the highest award for achievement in the Marine Corps JROTC for the Northwest Region. Congratulations Como Park MCJROTC!
4 vs.4 Volleyball Match
Students and staff celebrated the end of the quarter by participating in or watching a 4 vs.4 volleyball match. Staff tried their best, but students took the win. Maybe next year! Enjoy some short video clips here.
Como Park Senior High School was chosen for a visit by the Air Force’s 54th Helicopter Squadron from Minot, N.D. The Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopter landed on our baseball fields on Monday, Nov. 13, at approximately 9:50 a.m. It remained at Como for approximately two hours so students could see it up close and ask questions. It was definitely a highlight especially on a Monday morning 😊
AVID 9 students took a field trip to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire on Wednesday, November 15th. Students took a tour of the campus, ate lunch at the student cafeteria, and listened to presentations from admissions staff at the school.
GSA (Genders and Sexualities Alliances) advisor, Mr. Youle-Ellering along with LGBTQ studies teacher, Ms. Smith attended a field trip to Q-Quest with several students. Q-Quest is a youth education, wellness and advocacy festival at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Community Resources for Families
FOOD RESOURCES
- Twin Cities Free Food Events & Resources Facebook Group
- Free Turkeys
- Where To Go for Thanksgiving Meals, Events, Service Opportunities
- Minnesota Food Helpline Call 888-711-1151 for assistance, Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Ramsey County Food Resources
- Interactive Food Locations (food shelves, groceries at low or no-cost, farmer's markets, meals at no-cost)
Customer Contact Center 651-266-8500 (Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm) NEW!! White Bear Lake Food Shelf : Give A Gobble 2023 Thanksgiving Distribution
You must register at https://form.jotform.com/232984684892173 , Distribution dates are Monday, November 20, 1pm-7pm and Tuesday, November 21, 11am- 5pm.
NEW! Union Gospel Mission Thanksgiving Grocery Bag. Register here for a Thanksgiving Grocery Bag. If you require any changes to your ticket reservation or become unable to participate, please email thanksgiving@ugmtc.org.
NEW! Compassion Roseville HEALTH CLINIC, location: 1910 County Road B West, Roseville MN 55113, Services provided at no cost, first come first served, Services: Dental: Fillings, Extractions, Cleanings, Medical Exams: Kids and adults, Vision: Checks and Free Glasses, Social Services, and Physical Therapy
NEW! Merrick Community Services Holiday Share Program registration opens November 6th. Go to Merrick’s link: https://merrickcs.org/holidayshare/
RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN
The Salvation Army Toy Shop 2023 registration will be confirmed by email and people will need that when they go to the Toy Shop. People will be assigned to a Toy Shop and it may not be the one closest to them.
NEW! Registration will be available only online from Wednesday, November 1st – Friday, December 1st, or until 5,000 available spaces are filled. Register at https://saangeltree.org/ by entering the resident’s zip code and then continue with the registration process through TSAMM Angel Tree. Toy Shop Registration questions can be transferred to the Clearinghouse at 651-746-3595, Mon-Fri 9am-4pm excluding Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
Distribution locations:
- Crosswinds Community Church, 9125 Newgate Ave N, Stillwater - December 19-21
- Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 13801 Fairview Dr, Burnsville - December 19-21
- Friendship Academy of the Arts, 3320 E 41st St, Minneapolis December 18-22
If you have any questions please let me know @ Debbie Cricks, Administrative Assistant ll
Twin Cities Social Services, The Salvation Army DHQ, Office: 651-746-3530
www.SalvationArmyNorth.org
Available in Español
Flyer available in Español, Amharic, Hmong, and Karen. Click here for multiple languages.
Somali District Wide Meeting
Resource Fair
Somali Authors
When: November 30, 2023
Where: Washington Technology Magnet Great Hall