Hmong College Prep Academy (HCPA)
Submitted by Anna Her, creative content coordinator
Prep Academy junior Preston Williams was selected as a Minnesota State High School League Most Valuable Teammate.
This award recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate leadership and integrity while also making a positive impact in their schools. Williams exemplifies these qualities through his commitment, reliability and sportsmanship across multiple sports (basketball, volleyball and soccer).
Murray Middle School
Submitted by Principal Jamin McKenzie and Stefanie Folkema
- The recent Murray winter band and orchestra concert played to a standing room only crowd of family and community members, making it a night to remember for the school’s musicians. A special thank-you to music teacher Denae Olsen for her efforts supporting the Murray band and orchestra students.
- The comparative anatomy class, taught by science teacher Erin Dooley, participated in a field trip to the Como Park Conservatory. The students examined a variety of plants with and without seeds. They also studied different types of wolves and learned how they have adapted to their habitats.
- Mary Crowley’s environmental science students learned about radon from professionals at the Minnesota Department of Health and Ramsey County. They created educational posters to inform the public and then entered them in the radon poster contest, with prizes presented by Marc Katz (MDH) and Rachelle Peleska (Ramsey County).
Twin Cities German Immersion School
Submitted by Paige Yurczyk, communication and community outreach manager
TCGIS, 1031 Como Ave., will host its fourth annual Festival of Cultures on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Diverse cultures will be celebrated through music, dance, food and more.
Enjoy multicultural performances, hands-on activities and delicious cuisine, all showcasing the vibrant traditions of TCGIS families and community members. This event is free and open to the public.
Chelsea Heights Elementary School
Submitted by Principal Guillermo Maldonado Pérez
Chelsea Heights recently hosted 4 Low Pitches, a Twin Cities-based bass clarinet quartet ensemble. These musicians allowed K–5 students the opportunity to learn about the unique dynamics, range and timbre of the bass clarinet.
Using MPR Class Notes resources, music teacher Molly VanAlst prepared the students to actively engage with the music. Concerts like these inspire students to explore their creativity while developing a lifelong appreciation of music.
Coming up: Hibernation Night, organized by PTO parents and volunteers, will be held on Friday, Feb. 6, from 5 until 8 p.m. This popular annual event offers a fun way for the school community to stay active and beat the winter chill.
Janet Wight lives in the Como neighborhood and is a regular freelance writer for the Bugle.
