Columbia Heights Public Schools
CHPS Update | November 20, 2025
Important Calendar Reminders
- Wednesday, November 26 - No School
- Thursday, November 27 - No School, District Closed, Mini Adventures Closed and Adventure Club Closed
- Friday, November 28 - No School, District Closed, Mini Adventures Closed and Adventure Club Closed
Today is Give to the Max Day in Minnesota!
Today is Give to the Max Day in Minnesota! Columbia Heights Public Schools has our Organization Page active for donations for the schools that have set up donation campaigns!
We would love to raise some funds today to support our students, staff and school buildings, but we can't do it without your help!
Columbia Academy, Early Childhood and Valley View Elementary's PTO have GiveMN pages active this year for donations!
Columbia Academy Give to the Max Day
Thank you for supporting Columbia Academy, serving students in grades six through eight at CHPS, where we immerse our students in a caring community and a challenging curriculum.
We aim to instill in our students a strong sense of self-confidence in their ability to succeed in school and in life through sustained effort. We work to develop the whole child through rigorous academics and an array of opportunities in the arts, as well as through addressing the social and emotional well being of each student.
Help us create college and career-ready graduates!
CHPS Early Childhood Give to the Max Day
This year's fundraiser is to provide an organization system (shelves and bins) for donations of food and clothing for families in our Early Childhood programs and for families who come to our Placement Center. Donate to the CHPS Early Childhood Program today!
Valley View Elementary PTO Give to the Max Day
At Valley View Elementary in Columbia Heights, we believe that a strong community starts with care. Every day, we see the difference that small acts of kindness make—whether it’s a warm meal shared before the holidays or a bag of food that helps a family get through the week.
This Give to the Max Day, our PTO is raising funds to feed our school community. Your support helps two vital programs thrive:
- Our Community Giving Meal – Held before Thanksgiving, this event will bring together students, families, and staff for a shared meal that celebrates gratitude, connection, and belonging.
- Our Valley View Food Pantry – Located right in our front office, the pantry is open to anyone in our school community who could use a little extra help. It’s stocked with food and care items-made possible through donations like yours.
Your gift—no matter the size—helps us make sure every family feels supported and no one goes without. Together, we can keep Valley View strong, caring, and nourished.
Join us and Give to the Max for Valley View Elementary. Let’s feed our school community—body and soul.
Community Giving Dinner - Valley View Elementary
The Valley View Council will be hosting a Holiday Dinner next Wednesday, November 27th, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. This event is open to the entire community, and our goal is to bring families, neighbors, and staff together to celebrate the season through connection and togetherness. The evening will focus on building relationships, sharing time with one another, and strengthening the sense of community that makes Valley View, our district and Columbia Heights so special.
Driver's Education Classes
Monday-Thursday, December 1-16 from 3:15-6:15 p.m. in CHHS Room #105
Students will receive a total of 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. The classroom portion consists of ten, three-hour classes and the behind-the-wheel portion is three, two-hour private lessons (scheduled through Safeway). Pre-registration is required with CH Community Education. Classes offered through Safeway Driving School. For more information, contact Safeway at 651.351.9150 or visit safewaydrivingschool.com. To register over the phone contact the Community Education Office at 763-528-4517.
*Class is currently scheduled to be in person at the Columbia Heights School District, 1440 49th Ave NE.
Payment options: $217 upon registration. Plus $180 given to the instructor during behind-the-wheel lessons ($90 on first lesson, $90 on second).
Parents/guardians will be required to complete Safeway's Account Verification. Safeway will send out an email before class begins that gives detailed information about how to log in to the student's Safeway account to verify and complete contact information and to review and acknowledge the Service Agreement.
The month of November is Native American Heritage Month! CHPS will be recognizing this month by working with the Heights Herald (CHHS Student Newspaper) and one of their Native American students, Kade Hanson, on features about different things offered through the Native American Education Program here at CHPS.
To see the social media posts put together by The Heights Herald and CHPS, follow CHPS on Facebook or Instagram @chpsisd13.
Winter Sports Apparel and Fun Hylander Merch
Purchase your Hylander Winter Sports Apparel! Stores are open for a limited time!
- Girls and Boys Basketball
- Wrestling
- Boys Swim & Dive (opens Nov. 21)
- Dance Team
- Hylander Merch (Cell Phone Cases, Water Bottles, Blankets, and more!)
Community Voice Needed: Help Guide Our District's Approach to AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world our students are preparing to enter. Our district is proactively forming an AI Committee to ensure we integrate AI tools into our schools thoughtfully and safely.
We need the perspectives of our families and neighbors to guide this important process!
The AI Committee will discuss essential topics like guildelines, best practices, and innovative ways to leverage AI. We will cover not just the introduction, but the continued safe and effective use of AI tools for both students and staff. We want to ensure our approach is innovative while keeping our community's values and safety in mind.
We are seeking caregivers, community members, students, and staff to join this important conversation. Your voice will help ensure our students are prepared to use AI thoughtfully and responsibly.
Get Involved:
- What: District AI Committee
- Why: To ensure the effective, safe, and value-aligned integration of AI in our schools.
- First Meeting: The first meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 24th from 4:00-5:00 p.m. in the Community Room.
Save the Date - CHHS Theater Presents "Newsies"
In a few short weeks, our high school theater students will be taking you back to 1899 in New York City, into the middle of the newsboys' strike against newspaper publishers.
All shows will take place in the CHHS Performing Arts Center (PAC):
- Thursday, December 4th at 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, December 5th at 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, December 6th at 2:00 p.m.
- Sunday, December 7th at 2:00 p.m.
The show is free for all CHPS staff and students to attend! Tickets for adults are $6 and non-CHPS student tickets are $4, which you can purchase at the door or online.
Hylander Activities Update
Winter Registration- Sports and Strength Training at CA and CHHS, CHHS Activities- Mock Trial, Knowledge Bowl and Science Bowl.
Register now for Strength Training- M-F from 3:30-4:45 p.m. in the Hylander Center. Open to 6th-12th grade students. Students must be registered to participate.
CHHS Yearbooks- Hold on to every amazing moment from your 2025-2026 school year at CHHS! Use this link to order through the Josten's website: https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A03987500
Sports Physical for all Athletics
Every athlete participating in school-year sports must have a physical on file with the Activities Office. Student Athletes cannot register for the upcoming season without a sports physical on file. Sports physicals are valid for three years. 25-26 Sports Physical Form
More information can be found on Instagram @hylandersactivities or contact the Activities Office at 763-528-4511
Boys Swim & Dive
- Students grades 7-12 can participate
- Season starts on November 24th
- Practices are Monday-Friday from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00-11:30 a.m.
- Reach out to Coach Sam with any questions: AlexonS2@colheights.k12.mn.us
Auditions Rescheduled!
One Act Play Audition have been rescheduled!
- When: Tuesday, December 9th and Wednesday, December 10th
- Where: CHHS Room 288
The One Act Play this year is "Mariposa/Butterfly" by Sandra Fenichel and Jose Casas
Pick up audition packets in the Activities Office or in CHHS Room 288. See Ms. Bolles if you have any questions!
Check Out Current Job Postings! Become a Hylander Staff Member Today!
Open positions are for immediate needs and for the 2025-2026 school year
Come and join the Hylander Family! CHPS has many positions open on our website and is hiring throughout the year!
Please join us in working with our students and colleagues this school year!
CH Recreation and Library Offerings
There are many wonderful activities for students through our CH Rec Dept and Library!
Please go to the CH Recreation website or call their office at 763-706-3730.
Click Here for the Columbia Heights Library Website.
Basketball League – Registration open for Boys’ league now
- The Northern Twin Cities Youth Basketball League will focus on instruction, skill development, and organized games with referees. Games will be played on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Games are held at school gyms in Coon Rapids, Blaine, Anoka, and Spring Lake Park. Uniforms included (jersey and shorts). Practices held in the city gym at the Hylander Center (1400 49th Ave NE, Door #42). Dates and times are chosen by the coach. Players are expected to attend practices and games.
- Grades 2-6, $60
- Boys: Late December-early March, register by Nov 24 at columbiaheightsmn.recdesk.com
Holiday Cookie Decorating
- Get into the holiday spirit with our fun and festive cookie decorating class! You’ll receive one dozen delicious cookies to decorate with an assortment of colorful icings, sprinkles, and decorations. Perfect for creating your own holiday masterpieces or gifting to friends and family. Wear your favorite festive apron or holiday-themed outfit to get into the spirit! We will serve hot cocoa, tea, and treats and you’ll leave with a box of beautifully decorated cookies and a whole lot of holiday cheer! Whether you’re flying solo or looking to make it a group outing, this class is open to all—individuals and groups are welcome to join.
- Recommended for 8 years and older; younger children can attend with adult assistance. Anyone 8-12 years old must also have an adult present.
- Thu, Dec 4, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Murzyn Hall, $28 per dozen cookies. Register here
Drop-in Family Indoor Futsal
- Drop-in futsal is best for 3rd grade and up with parent supervision. This is a great opportunity to play futsal/soccer with your kids, or let them play with friends. Get active and have fun on Saturday mornings. No cleats, please. Children must be always accompanied by an adult. If your child comes with friends or in a group, they must have an adult that stays and is responsible for the group.
- Saturdays, Nov 22-Jan 10 (Closed Nov 29, Dec 27) Hylander Center, Door #42; drop in between 9:30-11:30 a.m. $2 per child at the door; cash only, small bills
Yoga + Meditation
- These sessions aim to cater to all levels of practice, combining gentle movements, deep stretching, flexibility, and conscious breathing techniques. RYT 200 Certified yoga instructor, Kelly O’Donnell, guides this mixed-levels yoga class. Experience the calming benefits of yoga as you immerse yourself in a mindful atmosphere and cultivate a deeper connection with your body and breath. Bring your own mat. Block or blanket recommended. Drop-ins available for $10 payable at class (cash/check).
- Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 pm, Edgemoor Room, Murzyn
- Fall II: Tuesdays, Nov 18-Dec 16, 5:30-6:30 p.m., $40. Register here
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About Us
Creating worlds of opportunity for each and every learner.
All Belong, All Succeed
- Email: News@colheights.k12.mn.us
- Website: https://www.colheights.k12.mn.us/
- Location: 1440 49th Avenue Northeast, Columbia Heights
- Phone: 763-528-4500
- Instagram: @chpsisd13
- Facebook: facebook.com/chpsisd13