News from Como Park High School

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Como 9th grade orientationBy ERIC ERICKSON

• Photo left: Freshmen Orientation for Como High’s class of 2019 included get-to-know you activities in the school gym on Thur., Sept. 3 with leadership from Como’s Link Crew. The first day of classes was Tue., Sept. 8.

• Principal Theresa Neal collaborated with Sharon Sayles Belton to host the Como Park faculty at the Thomson Reuters corporate office on the morning of Mon., Aug. 31. Sayles Belton is the Vice President of Community Relations and Government Affairs at Thomson Reuters, former Mayor of Minneapolis, and longtime friend of Neal. The two leaders helped arrange a new Como partnership with the multinational mass media and legal business firm that was formerly West Publishing.

Como staff boarded school buses on Mon., Aug. 31 to attend informative sessions with Thomson Reuters’ senior management about 21st century work expectations and desired skill sets for future employees. Consistent themes emphasized were collaboration, communication, global awareness, adaptability, cultural competencies and a growth mindset. Financial Literacy was also a key theme and component that the employer covets, dovetailing with Como’s successful and growing Academy of Finance (AOF). Como teachers and staff identified overlapping and consistent goals that coincide with Thomson Reuters’ and are looking forward to connecting Como students with ongoing opportunities, such as internships and employment, that will be supported by the partnership between Como and Thomson Reuters.

• Como Park Robotics (aka BEASTBot) took part in “Robots Invade the Plaza” at 3M on Friday, August 7. The team networked with other teams and employees from 3M, Como’s largest financial sponsor during the STEM-focused summer festival. The team is recruiting new members and mentors for this upcoming season. Please contact beastbot2855@gmail.com with any questions or interest.

• One of Como’s teachers performed at the State Fair on STEM Day, Thur., Aug. 27. Donna Norberg, a science teacher, is also a member of the University of Minnesota’s Physics Force - an outreach troupe promoting physics to primary audiences of elementary and middle school students. The Physics Force brought the physics fun for three shows throughout the day at the Carousel Park stage.

• Five Como teachers recently spent a week participating in the BestPrep Technology Integration Workshop. Sessions included strategizing tactics and methods to increase student engagement and achievement. As part of the workshop, teachers also spent an afternoon job shadowing professionals at Travelers in downtown St. Paul. Discussions centered on the “soft skills” that students need to be successful after high school.

• Freshmen Orientation was held on Thursday morning, Sept. 3, with Como’s Link Crew! Link Crew consists of upperclassmen mentors and leaders that help all freshmen become associated with their new school and guide them throughout the school year. 50 juniors and seniors spent parts of their summer in leadership training, and enthusiastically welcomed the class of 2019 with activities to get their Como careers off to a great start. (see photo)

• Students and the community will be celebrating Spirit Week and Homecoming beginning Sept. 14. Events include dress up days during the week, along with the “Battle of the Classes,” Homecoming Coronation, and Fall Sports Pep Fest at an assembly. Homecoming games at Como during the week include:

—Volleyball on Thur., Sept. 17 at 7pm vs. Johnson;

—Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer on Fri., Sept. 18, vs. Humboldt (boys at 3:15pm, girls at 5pm); and

—Football on Sat., Sept. 19, vs. Concordia Academy at 2pm. The football game will be played at Griffin Stadium.

• Sat., Sept. 19 will be the annual Homecoming Parade, beginning from the school at 11am. The parade route runs north on Grotto, turning left on Wheelock toward the lake, then left on E. Como Blvd. before heading back into the school grounds. The parade will feature Como’s marching band, sports teams, academic groups, the Cadets from the MCJROTC and more. Parents, neighbors, friends of the community, and alumni are invited to line the parade route and then attend the picnic at school following the parade.

• Sports fans can check schedules for all Como and St. Paul City teams at sports.spps.org.

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