News from Como Park High School

Compiled by ERIC ERICKSON, Social Studies Teacher

• The national Advanced Placement (AP) Exam results administered by the College Board were released over the summer and Como students earned hundreds of college credits. AP scores are categorized on a five-point scale for each test taken in a particular subject, with colleges and universities generally awarding credit for scores of 3, 4 or 5. In total, 333 AP Exams taken by Como students earned scores of 3 or higher.

The rigor of AP courses and the effort put forth by students to succeed in them is optimal preparation for future college studies, regardless of test scores. Experience in AP is also favorable to students in college admission decisions, demonstrating a commitment to challenging study in courses of a student’s interests, according to the College Board.

The College Board also revealed its individual student awards which are based on multiple exams across a variety of disciplines being passed at high levels. “AP Scholar” status is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.

Como AP Scholars include: Aiyana Aeikens, Kajsa Andersson, Mark Brenner, Jared Czech, Adina Degaetano, Arturo di Girolamo, Henrie Friesen, Isaac Harker, Mahad Hussein, Jacob Kingson, Georgie Kinsman, Andrei Konieczny, Lizzy Larson, Jackson Lee, Song Lee, Alice Lightfoot, Max Narvaez, Asia Nor, Celia Olson, Duane Pawlitschek, Trenton Phillippi, Bridget Proper, Serena Raths, Rachel Ruskin, Mario Sanchez-Lopez, Phillip Snoxell, Isak Stillwelljardin, Jack Swartz, Jade Walmann, Marie Wulff, and Keleenah Yang.

The AP Scholar with Honor award is granted to students who earn an average score of 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Como AP Scholars with Honor include: Theo Axtell-Adams, Eli Freberg, Eva Hanson, Hannah Lender, Anthony Phelps, Thomas Quinn, Ben Schafer, Antero Sivula, Emma Wallisch, Christian Berger, Stephen Boler, Dylan Brady, Lucas Carmichael-Tanaka, Noah Frese, Eleanor Harker, Mira Kammueller, Jackson Kerr, Joe McCune-Zierath, Jackson Muehlbauer, Vincent Portuese, Gabe Reynolds, Shyann Salverda, Josie Schermerhorn, Claire Spoonheim, Minna Stillwelljardin, Divine Uchegbu, and Elianna Wiersma.

National AP Scholar is a distinction granted to students in the U.S. who earn an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. Como’s National AP Scholars include: Arlo Beckman, Elias Pattison, Hannah Rhee, Nate Stover, and Dominic Wolters.

Grace Commers earned the AP International Diploma, which is awarded to students who have scored 3 or higher on five or more AP Exams in content areas incorporating world languages, world cultures, global perspectives, math and science, and are applying to schools outside of the U.S.

Como’s AP program continues to grow with more students opting to study rigorous courses of their choosing at the college level in over 20 courses taught by College Board certified Como teachers.

• 10 Como French students traveled to Belgium and France with Mademoiselle Patricia Teefy for two weeks of exciting international discovery and cross cultural exchange during the summer break. The trip was made possible in part by students receiving Xperitas Global Scholarships.

Photo right: Como Park High School French students spent two weeks immersed in the language while traveling in Belgium and France and staying with host families. The students also visited many cultural attractions. The group is pictured here in front of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. (Photo provided)

Some of the highlight moments included learning about the European Parliament in Brussels, taking a high-speed train to Paris, exploring museums such as the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, as well as monuments and historical landmarks. Eating Belgian Waffles in Belgium was also a peak experience!

The main component of the travel adventure was the weeklong family stay in the Atlantic coastal city of Nantes. Como students used their French and gained more confidence in the language as they shared daily life with their French hosts, doing everything from cooking a meal, to ocean swimming, to exploring the Medieval castle of Nantes. International friendships were formed while developing an appreciation for other cultures and increasing global awareness.

The Como traveling group members were Raiyne Adams, Dina Thoresen, Chloe Hollister-Lapointe, Willow Hollister-Lapointe, Serena Raths, Stephanie Nguyen, Jade Waldmann, LayLay Zan, Yocelin Martinez, and Mario Sanchez-Lopez.

• Como’s Academy of Finance (AOF) has retained and secured new business partners that will mentor AOF students across all grade levels. The mentors develop relationships with students at school and guide them in simulations and coursework, building toward site visits and internship opportunities at their workplaces.

AOF partners for this 2017-2018 school year include Xcel Energy, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, the St. Paul City Government, Travelers, Thomson Reuters, and the St. Paul Public Schools Finance Department.

• Como Park High School’s “Link Crew” is composed of 60 juniors and seniors that volunteer to be positive leaders and mentors for freshmen. The Link Crew welcomed and hosted Como’s incoming class of 2021 on Aug. 31 for an orientation session. The Link Crew Leaders prepared for the event with two days of training that focused on community and fellowship, leading up to the implementation of inclusive activities that provided the new students with a chance to get comfortable and make connections before classes began. The faculty advisors for Como’s Link Crew are Maria Cocchiarella and Alisson Hartzell.

• Construction of Como’s new turf field inside the existing track began over the summer, along with the addition of classroom space to the west wing of the building. Unfortunately, construction delays, street repairs, and damp conditions have put the field’s completion behind schedule. Originally scheduled for completion by Aug. 18 to host this season’s football and soccer games, the new turf field target completion date is Oct. 11, according to the project managers.

The building improvements at Como are part of the Facilities Master Plan that the St. Paul Public School District is currently implementing. For more information and images of the school design, visit the link www.spps.org/Page/22920.