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.

For ကညီ, Soomaali, Hmoob, and Español, click here.

November

6- End of Quarter 1

7- No School (Staff Development)

14- MCJROTC Birthday Ball Ceremony @ Herbie's on the Park

19- 9th grade 3DE Culminating Event @ Landmark Center

20- AP/CIS/PSEO Night 6:30-7:30

25- Red Cross Blood Drive

27/28- No School (Thanksgiving break)

December

1- Parent Engagement Meeting 6:00-7:30

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

Please check out our upcoming athletic events: https://www.comoparkcougarsathletics.com/

Hello Como families! We would love your feedback on our question of the month: How welcomed do you feel at Como? Describe a time when you felt welcomed by our school.

Como staff wants to make sure we are addressing the concerns and issues that are important to students and families. Please check the boxes of the topics you would like to see communicated at staff professional development trainings.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTXbaaK8p4MiRq5aWLhUda_UUMwjXxkYOyTCheDoawCfO4Gg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111352336796782835865

ကညီ, Soomaali, Hmoob, and Español, click here.

Come celebrate an amazing fall sports season for our Cougar teams with Como staff and community members at the East Side American Legion! A good time for a great cause - supporting our kids! Tickets available from Mr. Erickson, Mr. Fields or Mr. Zweber. Venmo and donations accepted!

Parent Engagement Meetings 25-26

All Parents are Invited

Come learn more about what Como has to offer and provide feedback

We mostly meet the 1st Monday of the month. The Parent Engagement meetings help to provide input regarding school policies and school improvement. Parents are an integral part of developing our Family Engagement Plan, School Compact, and School Continuous Improvement Plan (SCIP). For more information, contact Jamie Hoffman at jamie.hoffman@spps.org. or 651-744-5529.

Our next meeting is:

December 1, 2025

6:00-7:30 PM Room 1208

PLEASE EMAIL SUGGESTIONS, CONCERNS, AND TOPICS OF CONVERSATION FOR OUR NEXT PARENT ENGAGEMENT MEETING at jamie.hoffman@spps.org

The Como Park Girls Basketball Program kicks off their 2025-26 season on November 10th and we can't wait to see all the Student-Athletes fill the gym. Please make sure your athlete has a physical (they expire after 3 years). We will run tryouts November 10th - November 13th from 5:30 PM to 7 PM and November 14th 3:30 PM to 5 PM. Please register with our Athletic Department if you haven't done so. The registration fee is $90 unless you qualify for educational benefits and then it's $40. Let's go Como Cougars!!!

College Application Information:

November 1st deadlines for college applications have passed! Were students almost done and just forgot to submit? Some colleges/universities may have grace periods- please have your student check in with Phia to see if college/universities have application grace periods.

• (University of MN Twin Cities: Any application components that are received by the U of M Twin Cities on or before November 10 will be counted as on time for early action 1

Early Action 2 and Regular deadlines are still coming up!! Seniors should check in with Phia in the CPC or school counselor to prepare for deadlines and completing applications!

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!

Scholarship Opportunities Spotlight:

Wallin Education Partners Wallin Education Partners selects students with high potential and financial need to receive a combination of financial aid and scholar services. This unique program results in over 90% of scholars graduating from college. Not only do you get money for college, but the tools and resources to help you make the most of the experience.

***Can only be used at colleges in MN, WI, IA, ND, SD, or HBCUs

Right Track brings together the City of Saint Paul, the Saint Paul Public Schools, local businesses, and community-based organizations to provide employment opportunities and professional skills training for youth. Mr. Zamacona at Como Park High School supports and encourages students to explore careers through field trips, career speakers, internships, etc.

Como Park cadets participated in the "Safe Routes to School" to help our students/cadets build life long, safe and healthy habits while having fun. All of it led safely by Junior Cadet Corporal Ambrose Taylor-Marino...Happy trails - MCJROTC

Our MCJROTC cadets winning on the road is crucial to the way ahead for our MCJROTC teams and it builds team bonding and confidence, helps in playoff seeding, and is often a necessary component of championship-level performance. The cadets second victory this school year seals the deal for them to be selected to compete at the Midwest regional drill competition. Up next our cadets will host the Devil Dog Drill Competition at CPSHS on 6 December. Congrats!!!

STAND OUT SEASON FOR COMO PARK ATHLETICS

This fall marked one of the most successful seasons in CPHS Athletics history. Across the board we saw an increase in participation numbers as well as many highlights and stories of success. Take a look below to see some of the big moments from this fall season.

Football:

Como and Washington's co-op football team had a strong season this year with many key victories to note. Not only did the team beat Harding/Humboldt at their homecoming game, but also beat Central during their homecoming which was a highlight for many. The Cougars also hosted the first round of sections at home for the first time in years, beating their opponent Columbia Heights, with a nail biting score of 28-27.

Boys soccer:

The boys soccer team had a season for the books. The team secured the win in the rivalry game against Humboldt at the Allianz Stadium 3-1, and continued on to beat Mahtomedi in the section finals with a score of 1-0 securing their victory and bringing the team to state for the first time in over a decade. The team defeated New Ulm 3-1 in the quarter finals, Simey in a 4-3 win during overtime in the semis, and ended up placing second at state after the championship game against Blake. Two exceptional players were named all state soccer players, Junior Stephen N’Da, and Junior Pah Chi. In addition to this, four players were chosen for the All Star Tournament Team: Junior Stephen N’Da, Junior Pah Chi, Senior Blessed Htoo, and Senior Gabriel Nandinda.

Como Park High School is surrounded by such a supportive and devoted community. Catch all the pics of our awesome fans at the Boys Soccer State Championship Game here.

Girls Soccer:

One of the greatest highlights of our girls soccer team is the increase in participation numbers. This past year we had 39 athletes on the team, which is an increase from the 28 in 2024, even after graduating 9 seniors. Other notable accomplishments include 7-2 wins over both Johnson and Edison. Selena Frazier had an outstanding season on the team having 3 shutout games against North St. Paul, Harding, and Hmong College Prep Academy. In addition to the leadership of our veterans, we had Alayla Salas with a breakout freshman season, earning herself a hat trick (3 goals scored) at 3 different games against South Minneapolis, Johnson, and Harding

Girls Tennis:

For the first time in Como history a girls singles tennis player represented the school at the state tournament. Ela Cantellano, a junior at Como Park was named section champion after securing four wins. She continued on to play at the state tournament where she made it to the quarterfinals.

Volleyball:

The girls volleyball team at Como had an exceptional season, and advanced to the second round of sections. This was after securing the win and upsetting the #4 seed Harding, after previously losing to them during the regular season.

Girls Swimming and Diving:

Although still in season, the girls swim and dive team at Como park has seen an exceptional growth in athletes on the team in the past few years and continually is growing in numbers. In addition to this, Senior Aleia Lueck is one of the top swimmers in the state with multiple state placements in the backstroke and freestyle events. Aleia is looking to cap off a wonderful senior season and career at Como Park, culminating at the state tournament in a week.

Cross Country:

The cross country team had an exceptional season with the boys team advancing to and winning the state championship, with Charlie Loth as the individual state champion. The girls team also had a great season coming very close to a state qualification with a third place finish at the sectional tournament

SPPL online help: https://sppl.org/resources/homework-help/

SPPL in-person homework help: https://sppl.org/homework/

Service Alert

Due to a lack of funding caused by the federal government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) food benefits will not be issued for November until the shutdown ends. Learn more .

Please contact one of the Como Park High School Social Workers or Counselors, if you need additional assistance in accessing programs. Here is a list of resources to support you and your family.

Get help finding or affording food

• Minnesota Food HelpLine | 888-711-1151 Monday - Friday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

• Ramsey County Navigators | 651-266-8500 (Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) | Interpreters available. Get help navigating Ramsey County services including financial assistance services, social services, employment assistance and property tax.

• United Way: United Way 211 can be reached 24 hours/day for food support questions by dialing 2-1-1 on your phone or by texting your zip code to 898-211.

• Free Meals for Kids App: The Free Meals for Kids app allows you to locate additional free food resources, including days and times they are open. It can be downloaded on both Apple and Android devices and provides distance and directions to the locations.

• Hunger Solutions: Hunger Solutions provides information and advocates for hunger relief across the State. Visit the Hunger Solutions website or call their Minnesota Food Helpline on weekdays during business hours at 1-888-711-1151 to learn more. To find meal sites near you, access the Hunger Solutions search tool to locate free meal sites, as well as food shelves and other food resources near you. Please contact the organization to confirm schedules.

• Findhelp.org: Find free or reduced-cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more.

• Feeding America’s Online Search Tool

• SPPS Nutrition Services Community Food Resources

Guides

Find general food resources and those available in your neighborhood. Guides are available in multiple languages and are updated quarterly. Please call locations before visiting to be sure information is up-to-date.

• Find food and basic supplies near you - English
• Encuentre alimentos y suministros básicos en su área - Español
• Nrhiav tau cov khoom noj thiab khoom siv nyob ze koj - Hmoob
• Hel cuntada iyo kheyraadka Aasaasiga ah ee kuu dhow - Soomaali
• Nyaata fi dhiyeessii murteessoo nannoo kee jiran barbaadi - Oromoo
• Find food and basic supplies near you - Vietnamese