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

11- Parent-Teacher Conferences 4:00-7:00

12- MCJROTC Toys for Tots all day

16- Hyland Ski Resort Field Trip 9:00-2:45

18- MCJROTC Ski training/Winter Festival

18- Band & Orchestra Winter Concert 7:00-9:00

19- MCJROTC Toys for Tots all day

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

January

5- Students return to school

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

When: December 11, 2025

Time: 4:00-7:00

Conferences are open-house style. Please come with your student's schedule to avoid waiting in line. Transportation is provided. Contact Jamie Hoffman at jamie.hoffman@spps.org.

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

Expand your generosity and support Como Park Senior High School during Minnesota's giving holiday. We have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for and because of your donations and community and school involvement, we were able to provide amazing experiences for our students. Please donate so we can continue our efforts. Thank you!

https://www.givemn.org/organization/Comoparkhighschoolboosterclub

Do you know families that are undecided about which high school to send their student? Look no further than Como Park Senior High School! Come and talk with our admin and staff members at the School Choice Fair!

• 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

Aeris Briggs was selected to represent the 25-26 Saint Paul Public Schools Indian Education Program Female Student Ambassador. The Saint Paul Public Schools Indian Education Program has been in existence since 1973 and provides supplemental support to students who identify as American Indian within the school district. She will represent the school district at powwows and community events.

We were able to invite a Star Tribune reporter and photographer to join us on our Landmark Center field trip to learn more about 3DE in SPPS. Click the link to see the article with our very own sophomores Marcel Bolden and Teyla Matlock interviewed and Mr. Salonek's Freshmen Focus students' photo at the beginning of the article!

https://www.startribune.com/st-paul-schools-team-up-with-nonprofit-to-give-students-real-world-challenges/601525687?utm_source=gift

Medical Club and HOSA-Future Health Professionals want to thank everyone for a successful fall blood drive! Thank you to the admins, teachers, staff, and students that worked hard to make this happen, and thank you especially to those that were able to donate blood-you are truly LIFESAVERS! Our next blood drive is February 13th. You can ALREADY sign up! See Dr. NB anytime for hard-copy permission slips if you will be 16 OR click on the direct link below.

https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Como%20Park%20HS

On Nov. 21st, students in the music department performed at Murray Middle School and Hamline Elementary, where they got the chance to show the work they are doing in band, orchestra and choir, as well as promoting CPHS!

Don't forget about our Band and Orchestra Winter Concert coming up on December 18th from 7:00-9:00!

It's called a 99! All MCJROTC Drill teams gather on Saturday to practice and break bread together. "PT" before it all starts- wakes them all up. OOH RAH!

Cadets from the MCJROTC-10 class took a break from their studies in class the capture this image of our first snow fall of the year. Thrilled to chill! OOH RAH. (⛄)

Español, Hmoob, Soomaali, ကညီ

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