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.

December

22-Jan. 2- No School (Winter Break)

January

5- Students return to school

6- CIS Field Trip to U of MN

10- 3rd Annual Robotics Fundraiser 1:00-5:00 Urban Growler Brewing Co.

14- 9.3 3DE Culminating Event

19- No School (MLK Jr.)

22- Ice Fishing Field Trip @ Como Lake

22- Como Park Showcase 5:00-7:00

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 do you know if your child will be ready for the next grade? https://forms.gle/dwEygn2FodiQEmY96

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

Como Park Senior High School Graduation

Wednesday June 3rd

Roy Wilkins Auditorium

6:00 PM

Dear Como Park Senior High School Families and Guardians,

As we continue to see, hear and experience fear, harm and actions that are impacting our students, families and colleagues in multiple ways, the staff at Como Park Senior High School want you to know that you are valued and are an essential member of our community. We are dedicated to supporting and uplifting every member of our community, fostering a place where unity and belonging are paramount.

The Mental Health Team and Administration at Como Park Senior High School want you to know that we are here for you. We are dedicated and committed to creating a space of welcoming, belonging, and dignity. Schools remain one of the safest places for young people to be during the day.

If your teenager is experiencing increased fear, worries, sadness or feelings of compromised safety, please reach out to our team for support. The following staff are available to support your child(ren) and families in this difficult time:

Ms. Christy McCoy, School Social Worker all grades; christy.mccoy@spps.org

Mr. Patrick Cunningham, School Social Worker grade 9; patrickcunningham@spps.org

Ms. Lucia Rowe, School Social Worker grade 10; lucia.rowe@spps.org

Ms. Jenna Booher, School Social Worker grades 11 and 12; jenna.booher@spps.org

Ms. Lynda Tayor, School Social Worker; lynda.taylor@spps.org

Ms. Holly Moser, School Counselor last names A-Fr; holly.moser@spps.org

Mr. Shuepheng Lee, School Counselor last names Fu-Ma; shuepheng.lee@spps.org

Ms. Farah Abuqalbeen, School Counselor Mc-Reh; farah.abuqalbeen@spps.org

Ms. Choua Vang, School Counselor last names Rei-Z; choua.vang@spps.org

Mr. David Scheller, School Psychologist, david.scheller@spps.org

Please know there are also district-level resources available for our families, and policies in place to protect our students and families. Please read the linked following document in multiple languages for more information.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12kwGdB8JjBQmN-77_hbqGP0O_95Lfn_Y/view?usp=sharing

In partnership, Como Park Administration and Mental Health Team

SUPPORT AND RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

Español, Hmoob, Soomaali, ကညီ

Your Adventure Awaits—Don’t Miss Out!

We’d love for you to be part of this incredible journey! But here’s something important: tour prices will increase on January 1st. Enrolling now means:

• Locking in the current lower price before the increase
• More time to pay, making monthly payments easier
• Utilize the holidays to help pay off your tour balance!

The holidays are the perfect time to make this happen—share your fundraising page with family and friends and let them help you give yourself the ultimate gift: travel and adventure. Instead of physical presents, invite loved ones to contribute toward your dream trip!

Don’t wait—prices go up soon, and spots are filling fast. Enroll today!

Spain 2026: www.eftours.com/2786073EZ

The Alps and the Mediterranean Coast 2027: www.eftours.com/2945484TC

• ACT.org Free Test Prep
• Free ACT Preparation Resources
• Preparing for the ACT test
• ACT Game Time

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

Saturdays Devil Dog Drill Competition. Finding a way again to host an eight-team evolution at Como Park's High School this Saturday went admirably. Our cadet's placed very well in all eight drill events. Congratulations! Multiple cadet elves behind the scenes also kept all things running smoothly. A Shout out to Ms. Mathieu there all-day in support of the cadets too. Terrific sportsmanship and good old strong competitiveness amongst all schools. Ooh Rah

The cadets spent the day shredding Hyland Hills Ski Resort today at our annual MCJROTC Winter Skills Training. Getting (61) cadets taught the basics in downhill skiing was a prerequisite for our follow-on Winter Cadet Leadership Camp (WCLC) to Colorado's Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort. Those cadets fortunate enough to attend the upcoming MCJROTC WCLC in March 2026 will experience the legendary Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort near Keystone, Colorado which offers the longest ski and snowboard season in the state of Colorado. A-Basin's terrain spans over 1,400 acres, serving up a mix of groomed runs, moguls, cornices, and glades. It also features a lift-served vertical drop of 2,270 feet and is served by nine lifts, with easy access to more than145 trails. Very cool - 😎 ! ! !

Dayton's Bluff Recreation Center Winter Holiday Party Community Service. Grateful to Juniors December Moe, Klay Paw, and Joshua Klett for getting R' Done! Happy Holidays. Errrrrrrr - 🎅

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foJU8cW2A7Y&list=RDfoJU8cW2A7Y&start_radio=1

Winter Fest! Como Park Cadets gather every year just prior to our holiday break to celebrate the annual Winter Festival which is always led and orchestrated by the Junior leadership. Comradery and Spirit. Always a real hoot - 🤠 which includes sports, karaoke, skits, white elephant gift exchange, and of course the feast. Chow is always potluck and includes quite the international cuisine from around the world. Great job Juniors! Ooh Rah.

Como Park cadets again in support of the community at the North Dale Recreation Centers magical evening of holiday vibes event. This holiday festival is for all families to take holiday cheer photos with Santa Clause and enjoy some free entertainment, games and activities. Thank you very much, JROTC, for volunteering. Sophomore leadership made it happen! Ooh Rah.

HOSA club was visited by Maria McKoy who came to speak about the practices behind Indigenous Medicine.

CTE Field Trip to Regions Hospital Simulation Lab

Students donated money and the staff with the most earnings got to be pied in the face. Our top winners were: Mr. Willis, Mr. Vue, Mr. Yang, Mr. Hiers, Profe Carroll, Mr. Minus, and Mr. Erickson (highest earner:) Check out the pics: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yzUC8iN16TgCt8HfJi2S5lEIA5Oz6rSK?usp=sharing

Our 2 top groups for the 10.3 Wells Fargo case travelled to Washington Tech for our first annual 3DE inter-school competition. They presented their suggestions for improvements to the Wells Fargo app for older customers, showcasing their understanding of cultural agility and community awareness. Unfortunately, Washington Tech came away with the big win. The runner up was Mr. Youle's group (Teyani Miller, Nayomi Gates, Alasia Washington and Jaiden Yang) which makes them Como's winner for this case! Mr. Cervantes' group (Ari Ortiz, Selena Fraizer and Bryanna Coleman) came in 4th.They did an amazing job representing Como!

Como Choir Caroling!

The Como Choir went out and about to spread joy and cheer around the neighborhood on Wednesday, December 17th! They had a great time singing for our community!

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