Como Park Senior High Newsletter

Prefer a language other than English? You can open the newsletter link and click the button on the top to have it translated into many different languages. Please know that the translation function may be inaccurate or incomplete. If you have any questions, please call us at 651-293-8800.

ကညီ, Soomaali, Hmoob, and Español

November

12- End of Quarter 1

13- No School (Staff Development)

18- Q Quest Field Trip

19- AP/CIS/PSEO Night 6:30

20- K'Nyaw Night 4:30-7:00

20- Talent Show 1:45-3:00

21- MN Chorale and Como Side by Side Concert 1:30-3:00

24- Red Cross Blood Drive 8:00-2:00

26-27- No School (Thanksgiving Break)

December

4- Winter Masquerade 7:00-10:00

7- Senior Parent Meeting 6:00

9- Winter Choir Concert 6:00-8:00

Please check out our upcoming athletic events: https://www.gobound.com/mn/schools/stpaulcomopark

Even though school meals are free for all students, it is still very important that ALL families complete an Application for Educational Benefits. Applications help schools receive critcal federal and state funding that supports students, families, and educational programs.

Based on eligibility determined through the application, students and families may qualify for additional benefits and discounts.

Benefits for Schools and Students

• Federal and State funding for academic support, services, and educational programs
• Test Fee Waivers like ACT and SAT
• Activity and Athletic fee discounts
• Scholarship opportunities
• Tutoring and after-school programs
• Discounts from participating community organizations

Please fill out the application so we can better support our students at Como Park. Thank you.

Apply for Educational Benefits Online through SchoolCafe

There is a lot of unnecessary hallway traffic and students need to stay in their classrooms during instructional time. Too many students in the halls may lead to unsafe situations.

Admin, Behavior Interventionist Specialists, School Support Liaisons, and other staff are tirelessly monitoring hallways to make sure students are in their classes.

Staff also conduct random hall sweeps to minimize the amount of students wandering in the halls during class time. If students are caught in a hall sweep, measures are taken such as confiscating the student's phone for the remainder of the day, or a phone call home.

Bathroom breaks should be limited during class times. Passes to other staff should only be used in emergency situations or if the two staff involved are aware and in agreement.

How can parents help?

-Encourage your student to remain in the classroom during the entire period. This ensures students are safe and learning.

-Talk to your student about ways to remain in class if their assignment is completed. Can they work on assignments from other classes? Or reading quietly, drawing, journaling or doing a word search?

-Monitor your student's daily attendance through Campus and contact the student's teacher if patterns of absence are present during class.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE MATTERS

English ,Español, Hmoob, Soomaali, ကညီ

Link to the "How to Steps"

https://scribehow.com/o/aluGUX9EREihrDYRObRytQ/viewer/Process_Absence_Requests_in_Infinite_Campus__pXdx8LdcSeWwHAyds7g2yQ

Personal Electronic Device Policy

Wait...Did Someone Say Taco Bar?

Join us at Cozy's Pub on November 6th to help support our student athletes. It's a good time for a great cause. You don't want to miss it!

We are looking for feedback to improve staff interactions with parents and the community. Please comment on this one statement: Describe a time when you felt welcomed by our school. https://forms.gle/iG7ibwVTyvDbfBsf6

Thank you!

Children's Dental Services is a service that will see students in school to receive a variety of dental services: including exams, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, fillings, crowns, primary tooth extraction, silver diamine fluoride and others as need during regular school hours. They can see students who are uninsured and either help families sign up for insurance or offer a reduced cost to income-eligible families. Forms should be going home in the next week.

Your student can get a flu shot at our HealthStart Clinic located inside Como Park Senior High School!

There has been a dramatic rise in measles cases across the United States, primarily in unvaccinated individuals. Cases are on the rise across Minnesota and Wisconsin, and SPPS Health and Wellness would like to remind families to stay up-to-date on immunizations that protect against a number of serious diseases, including measles.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily by coughing, talking or being in the same room with someone who has measles. Symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes followed by a rash.

• Measles can be very dangerous, especially for babies and young children.

• About one out of four people who get measles will be hospitalized. The majority of hospitalizations are for children.

• One out of every 1,000 people with measles will develop brain swelling due to infection (encephalitis), which may lead to brain damage.

• Between one to three people out of 1,000 with measles will die, even with the best care.

• Unvaccinated individuals who have been exposed to measles may need to quarantine for up to 21 days.

• The best protection for you and your family against measles is the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

The MMR vaccine is a required school immunization and is extremely effective at protecting against measles. Children routinely receive two doses of MMR vaccine. Families with students who do not have two doses of this vaccine due to a non-medical exemption on file or who are covered under the McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act are recommended to consult with their healthcare provider and complete this series.

For more information and up-to-date information about measles cases in the United States, visit https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html or the Minnesota Department of Health at https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/measles/index.html.

We strongly recommend that you have your child vaccinated as soon as possible. Please contact your health care provider with questions or your student may visit our Health Start Clinic, located at Como Park Senior High School.

Did you know your SPPS student has a virtual public library card? With Library Go, all Saint Paul Public School students automatically get a public library card when they enroll in school. It’s ready to use today! Students can check out books and other physical materials at any SPPL location, download e-books and e-audiobooks through Libby, and access all of SPPL's digital resources. SPPL is a fine free library, and with Library Go, there is no financial risk to your family.

Each student is assigned a barcode number connected to their student ID. This number works just like a library card! To get started, your student can log into their account on SPPL's website: sppl.org

Barcode: 22091600 + 6-digit SPPS student ID

Password: Student's birthday (MMDDYYYY) - for example January 1, 2015 = 01012015

Not sure what to look for? Try some of these top resources! Find them on SPPL’s website.

· Bookflix: Animated picture books in English and Spanish. Great for Elementary schoolers!

· Libby: Your one-stop shop for e-books and e-audiobooks for kids and teens.

· HelpNow (virtual homework help): Get immediate help with a variety of subjects! Log in a get connected with a live tutor 24/7/365 (tutors are humans, not AI or chatbots). Offered in English and Spanish.

· CultureGrams: Information about cultures and countries around the world. Perfect for learning about your community or next travel destination!

· PebbleGo Next: Facts, information, videos, and more about animals, Indigenous cultures, famous people, and science topics. Excellent for curious kids who love learning about the world around them.

Questions? You can learn more by visiting the Library Go help page at sppl.org/LibraryGo or contacting any Saint Paul Public Library.

Volunteers are needed for the Winter Athletics Dinner on November 23rd. Please sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4AA9AD2DA4FA7-67020432-winter

The Square store is open, and orders can be ready for pickup very quickly! Quantities are limited. https://como-merch.square.site/

November 16th-November 20th Tryouts 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Please have your physical on file and registration complete by 11/14/2026

Also make sure to have water bottle and basketball shoes.

Coach Londa contact info:

Londa214@gmail.com

Student Council is starting our annual food drive again. This year we are partnering with Open Hands Midway Food Shelf, a non-profit organization located in the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul. Open Hands provides free emergency food and toiletry items, fresh produce, and weekly community meals. If you would like to assist your student in making donations, please send them with any items listed in the flyer. Otherwise, families and community members can make donations to be collected in the office. Last day to donate will be Thursday, November 19th as we will be sending the donations over on Friday, November 20th!"

Medical Club and HOSA-Future Healthcare Professionals are hosting a

Community American Red Cross Blood Drive

When: Tuesday, November 24th from 8-2pm

Where: Como Park Sr. Main Gym

Who: Anyone 16 years and older can donate as long as they fulfill the height/weight requirements

(What are those requirements? See HOSA-FHP students when they table in lunch with the height/weight chart, see the ARC website, or come to Dr. NB's room 1216 to see chart on outside of door to see if you can donate!)

Sign up to Donate Blood at our Como Park Sr. HS Blood Drive!

Do students need a permission slip? ONLY 16 year old students need a permission slip signed by an adult/guardian. Medical Club will have those at some lunches but students can always pick them up in my room. They also have the permission slip on the ARC website.

What if you have had low hemoglobin in the past? Don't worry, they can always check it there non-invasively (no finger pokes and send you away if you are too low!)

Is there a cool giveaway or gift cards involved this time? During our blood drive they are giving away Wheel of Fortune x ARC mugs to donors and putting them in a drawing for a trip to Los Angelos for 2 days to see the taping of Wheel of Fortune 🙂

What do I need the day of? - A good breakfast/lunch, be well-hydrated, and bring a photo ID and a phone or electronic device to check in with.

Last year we collected over 50 pints in our 3 drives and I know we can do even better. Donations also resulted in $1000 of college scholarship money for our most active HOSA-FHP seniors! (Every 25 pints of blood collected, they will donate $500 to our chapter for college scholarships for our seniors.) There is a critical blood shortage for many blood types right now. Thanks for considering donating!

Any questions? Ask a Medical Club/HOSA-FHP student, email Dr. NB at heather.norton-bower@spps.org, or see Dr. NB in room 1216!

Get Your Yearbook Now for $55! The Price Will Go Up!

https://ybpay.lifetouch.com

12th grade students should look for their Direct Admissions Survey in their Saint Paul Public School’s email. The email will be from @state.mn.us. For more information about Direct Admissions, visit the Direct Admissions Student Center Website.

1. Look through the colleges listed in the survey to see which ones you are interested in.

2. Select the colleges you will be applying to by selecting them from the schools in the survey.

3. Complete the college applications for the schools you selected and want to attend. Please note that there is no charge to request information or to apply for the colleges on this list! You do not need to reapply if you have already applied to any of the colleges on this list. You must complete all of the admissions steps required by the college, by the dates listed on their website, in order to secure your spot.

4. After applying for the colleges you select, make sure to add the application in Xello and request your transcript in Xello to be sent to the college.

If you have any questions about the Direct Admissions form, please contact your child's school counselor.

When: Monday December 7th

Time: 6:00 PM

Where: Como Park Auditorium

Who: Senior students and their families

All are welcome at K'nyaw Night! Free Food and Free Entry

November 20th

4:30-7:00

ကညီ

Friday December 4th

7:00-10:00

$10

Supporting Como Park High School will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms. Give students what they need most right now.

https://www.donorschoose.org/schools/minnesota/saint-paul-public-schools/como-park-senior-high-school/76094

SAVE THE DATES!

Show dates are:

Friday and Saturday December 11th and 12th at 7pm

Sunday December 13th at 12pm

*Pay what you can or a suggested donation of $5 per adult!

It is a fun wacky take on a holiday classic!

Would you like to support our Unified Program (Special Olympics inclusive education and sports intiative)? Buy a t-shirt that says Everyone Belongs Here.

Please Venmo our Special Education Lead, Heather O'Leary, and put Unified, student name, and size in subject line. T-shirts will be delivered to Como Park. The deadline to order is November 28th. Thank you!

XS , S , M , L , XL - $15

2XL - $17

3XL - $18

4XL - $19

5XL - $20

COLLEGE KNOWLEDGE MONTH: FREE APPLICATIONS!!!

During college knowledge month, there are free application opportunities at Minnesota Colleges and Universities for seniors applying to college/university. Here is a list of schools that will be free during this month:

HERE IS A COMPLETE LIST OF FREE APPLICATIONS FOR THIS MONTH AND ALL YEAR

FAFSA IS OPEN!

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for seniors and current college students planning to attend college next school year. Students can make an appointment with Phia if they need support starting or completing their FAFSA. Parents/Guardians will also need to complete the contributor section for their student to receive student aid.

Check out this FSA ID Creation Guide to create your account

Check out this FAFSA walk-through to see how to complete your FAFSA!

Please email pyang.ach@spps.org for any questions about the FAFSA.

Free CompTIA classes at St. Paul College!

Mondays and Thursdays November 9-February 1st

3:30-6:30

Register for a paid home energy Right Track internship

Saint Paul College will be hosting a CTE/PSEO Information Session on Wednesday, November 18, from 3:30–5:30 p.m., and I wanted to reach out to see if you have students who may be interested in attending. Parents and family members are also encouraged to attend with their students.

This session is designed to help students and families explore Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities through PSEO. We will cover the PSEO process, eligibility and enrollment, what students can expect as CTE/PSEO students, and how to get started.

Students and families will also learn more about several of our CTE programs, including Welding, Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Technician, Cabinetmaking, Electrical Mechanical Automation Systems, and Pharmacy Technician.

Following the presentation, attendees will participate in a guided tour of our CTE learning spaces and labs, with opportunities to see program equipment and facilities and, when available, connect with faculty to learn more about programs and related career pathways.

Event Details
Date: Wednesday, November 18
Time: 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Location: Saint Paul College
Who: Prospective students, parents, and families

Students and families can register here:
Register for the CTE/PSEO Information Session

Sign up and get certified

It was a beautiful Saturday morning on October 24th when Como Braided Journeys students participated at Asigi'igiwag Wiidookodaadiwag which translates from Ojibwe to Whole Being Workshop. This event was sponsored by the Saint Paul Public Schools Indian Education program and took place at Como fire pits. Students and families learned about traditional fire making, how to clean cedar and make cedar tea.

Providing multiple opportunities this school year for the MCJROTC cadets to get some travel and adventure. A lot of 99 Drill practices every Saturday at CPSHS. The Army Raider Nationals in Fort Knox, Kentucky, North Branch AFJROTC Drill Competition in North Branch, and the Central Campus MCJROTC Drill Competition in Des Moines, Iowa. Cadets always giving 110%. OOH RAH!

All eleven of our cadets completed all five obstacles with success.

The Fort Knox, Kentucky Army JROTC National Raider Challenge is the premier annual championship event for Junior ROTC Raider Teams. Often described as the ultimate adventure sport for high school students, Raider competitions test cadets' physical fitness, mental toughness, teamwork, and leadership through intense outdoor tasks. While local and regional meets occur throughout the school year, the national championship brings together nearly 4,000 cadets from across the country.

Core Competition Events

All teams must compete in five primary, grueling physical events:

1. 5K Team Run: An endurance race through rugged outdoor terrain where the entire team must run and cross the finish line together.

2. One-Rope Bridge: Teams must rapidly construct a rope bridge between two anchors, cross a simulated water hazard or ravine, and fully disassemble the bridge in the fastest time possible.

3. Cross Country Rescue: A demanding tactical evacuation drill where cadets carry heavy rucksacks and transport a simulated casualty on a weighted medical litter (stretcher) across a long, difficult course

4. The Gauntlet: A high-intensity woodland obstacle course designed to test individual agility, strength, and collective problem-solving

5. Physical Team Test / Strength Test: A series of demanding strength-based challenges that involve tasks like sprinting with sandbags, dragging heavy tires, or flipping massive 500-pound obstacles.

Canaan Abebe (12), Joshua Klett (12), John Yang (11), Sansan Oo (11), Connor Kue (11), Kira Hunter (11), Mason Walrath (10), Paw E. Htoo (9), Paw G. Htoo (9), Tristan Hunter (9), Delilah Vue (9) - Cross decker Cadet - Stillwater High School

Congrats on a successful weekend of growth to our MCJROTC cadets. After Friday's Viking Challenge it was difficult to see there was going to be winning drill season this school year. However, seeing the cadets lift their heads up after the Viking Challenge drill deck, all of them outside afterwards motivating each other as a team to a Raider victory, again showed your resilience & Como heart ❤️ & strength 💪 that helps us look toward a brighter tomorrow even when the day was dark and uncertain. It is the belief that our challenges do not last forever and that we have the courage to try again, (Courage to change the things we can🙏) and learn from our mistakes, and keep moving forward. The following day, Saturday the cadets secured an overall drill competition First Place at Central Campus High School in Des Moines Iowa. A small light in the night or an anchor for our soul, hope reminds us that better days are always possible as-long-as we refuse to let go. Thank you. And Semper Fi,

Tara Thompson, who coordinated the event, and Katie Loth who volunteered to help, arrived to Como with shovels, bags of dirt, gloves, and 261 tulip bulbs. Seniors hesitantly came outside but soon were on their hands and knees digging in dirt and creating lasting memories with their classmates.

It was a beautiful, crisp autumn day and the seniors got to become part of something that will hopefully last for many years. Thank you to the parents who helped make this day special.

Check out these photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12Lj75cF1uBcIVA9_Hii6pKgCZhpSZm9k?usp=sharing

Winter Coats

Saint Paul Eastside Payne Avenue – Salvation Army - Coats for Kids

• Address: Saint Paul Eastside Worship and Service Center, 1019 Payne Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55130

• Phone: (651)776-8169

• Serves: Residents in the area bounded by County Road B on the north; Burlington Northern Railroad tracks and Grove Street on the south and west; English Street and Johnson Parkway on the east

• Intake: Call to check for winter coat availability; walk-in for coats 9 am - 12 noon and 1 pm - 4 pm Monday - Wednesday; 9 am - 12 noon and 2 pm - 4 pm Thursday; 9 am - 12 noon Friday

• Description: Provides a winter coat for children. Supplies may be limited.

Saint Paul West 7th - Salvation Army - Coats for Kids

• Address: Saint Paul Citadel Worship and Service Center, 401 West 7th Street Saint Paul, MN 55102

• Phone: (651)224-4316

• Serves: Residents of Saint Paul

• Intake: Call for an appointment for coats

• Description: Provides a winter coat for children. Supplies may be limited.

Central Directory & Referral Services

• United Way 2-1-1: Call 211 or 651-291-0211 (Text your zip code to 898211). This free, 24/7 service provides real-time tracking for local food shelves, holiday toy drives, meal distributions, and emergency utility assistance across Ramsey County.

• Minnesota Food HelpLine: Call or text 1-888-711-1151 to get direct assistance finding open food pantries and applying for SNAP benefits.

Thanksgiving Day Food

White Bear area food shelf is offering Turkey dinner fixings. Registration opens on Monday, 11/9/2026 to register for a turkey dinner. Pick-ups are happening Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week. More information is available on the website. https://whitebearfoodshelf.org/2026/10/give-a-gobble-2026/

Prepared Meals & Emergency Support

• Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities:

• 435 University Ave E, St. Paul | 651-292-1721

• Services: Provides free daily hot meals, emergency shelter, and special Thanksgiving/Christmas community meals.

• Loaves and Fishes MN:

• Multiple dining sites across St. Paul | 612-377-9810

• Services: Free hot, nutritious to-go and sit-down meals open to anyone in the community with no registration required.

Food Assistance and Food Shelves

Holiday Toy and Gift Assistance

Hmong New Year Celebration

Friday December 4th

5:00-8:00

Washington Technology Magnet

Any students interested in performing during the Hmong New Year Celebration? Complete this request form.

You can become a part of St. Paul Public Schools Parent Advisory Councils. Find the one that is right for you:

• Gender and Sexual Diversity Council
• Hmong Parent Advisory Council
• Karen Parent Advisory Council
• Parents of African American Students Advisory Council
• Special Education Parent Advisory Council

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ogzoF51nU10WZ_rpxdpINfuFC57kPWmt?usp=sharing