Compiled by Janet Wight
Falcon Heights Elementary School
Submitted by Principal Beth Behnke
Falcon Heights Elementary School has been recognized with a Community Coordination award for its support of MATTER, a Minnesota-based non-profit that focuses on projects that improve communities.
For the past five years, members of the school community have participated in the MATTERbox program during the annual Family Service Night, packing healthy snack packs paired with handwritten notes of encouragement. These snacks are distributed to organizations across the Twin Cities. Volunteers at the Falcon Heights school have assembled 1,800 snack packs since 2022.
The school is planning to expand its partnership with MATTER this year to pack hygiene kits as well. Sponsors include the Falcon Heights-Lauderdale Lions, Blaze Credit Union and the Calvary Community Fund.
The 2026 Family Service Night will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Hmong College Prep Academy (HCPA)
Submitted by Anna Her, creative content coordinator
The Hmong College Prep Academy celebrated its annual World Culture Day in late November.
Students showcased music, fashion and performances representing cultures from around the world. Special guests Tou SaiKo Lee and nKoob Tsheej Xyooj energized the crowd with live performances while local Hmong artists GY and Chenning joined students for photos and encouragement.
The event brought together families, staff and community members for a celebration of culture and pride.
Great River School
Submitted by Aja Parham, Âcommunications coordinator
In October, the student union of Black Indigenous and People of Color hosted its first event of the year, celebrating DÃa de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
Students in all grades learned about the meaning and practices of this holiday. They also had the opportunity to participate in the blessings of the ofrenda (alter) and make contributions to the ofrenda that was built around the Hortman Memorial Tree. Staff members provided leadership and support to make this event possible.
Murray Middle School
Submitted by Principal Jamin ÂMcKenzie and Parent Involvement Coordinator Stefanie Folkema
Murray students held a successful food drive and coin collection (Change for Change) prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. Megan Steinhoff, lead coordinator for the WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) program, spearheaded and organized this effort.
Student leaders partnered with the entire school community to generously provide 35 Murray families with complete Thanksgiving meals. Turkeys, produce and non-perishable goods, along with personal care items, were provided.
The meals, care packages and warm wishes were delivered by staff and PTO volunteers despite cold and icy conditions.
Chelsea Heights Elementary School
Submitted by Principal Guillermo Maldonado Pérez
Students built birdhouses in December under the direction of fourth grade teacher Simone Schneider. The young woodworkers combined science, problem-solving and creativity while positively impacting the community.
Students also learned about the importance of local bird species along with identification techniques. This hands-on experience allowed students to build curiosity, confidence and a lifelong appreciation of nature.
In other news, winter concerts were held on Dec. 11 under the guidance of music teacher Molly VanAlst. Students learned about the language of music, a variety of instruments and songs from around the world sung in multiple languages. These experiences helped students grow as musicians and global learners.
Concerts enable families to connect with one another and celebrate student learning. Spring concerts will be held on April 30 at 5 p.m. (grades K-2) and 5:45 p.m. (grades 3-5).
Twin Cities German Immersion School (TCGIS)
Submitted by Paige Yurczyk, communications and community outreach manager
Families are invited to an Openhaus for prospective students on Wednesday, January 28, at 6:30 p.m.
The program will feature a brief presentation from school leaders, guided tours and an opportunity to meet faculty and staff. Refreshments will be served.
Children can enjoy activities while families learn about the TCGIS community, traditions and approach to student support. RSVP at tcgis.org/school-tours. 
Janet Wight lives in the Como neighborhood and is a regular freelance writer for the Bugle.
Photo credits:
• Falcon Heights Elementary School wins community coordination award.
• Hmong College Prep Academy celebrated World Culture Day.
• Great River School celebrated Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
• Murray Middle School students held a food drive and coin collection prior to Thanksgiving holiday.
All photos submitted by the schools.
