St. Anthony Park Elementary
Submitted by Principal Phillip Hutcheson
This year, students in all grades will have the opportunity to collaborate with an artist-in-residence to unlock their creative potential. Fourth graders created and performed the school’s annual puppet show while fifth graders explored self-expression through spoken word poetry.
In February, students observed Black History Month, learning about the ongoing contributions of Black Americans. The celebration culminated with an assembly highlighting the strong connection between the school and its African American families.
Lunar New Year was also celebrated in February with second graders leading a vibrant parade around the school in observance of this festive holiday.
February also marked the district’s I Love to Read month, which coincided with the school’s read-a-thon fundraiser.
Students read an incredible 300,000 minutes in a two-week period, far surpassing the goal of 200,000 minutes. To celebrate this achievement, Principal Hutcheson and the school mascot, Frost, treated the students to a rollerblading performance.
Murray Middle School
Submitted by Principal Jamin McKenzie and Parent Involvement Coordinator Stefanie Folkema
Eleven Murray musicians traveled to the University of Minnesota-Duluth campus in February to participate in the 59th annual Junior High Honor Band Festival. Students received their music at 9:00 a.m., rehearsed, then performed in a concert at 4:00 p.m. The student musicians had the opportunity to meet their peers from around the state during this challenging experience.
Nick Altringer, one of Murray’s science teachers, was nominated for the prestigious 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award. Altringer was among 128 educators statewide recognized for teaching excellence and dedication to student learning.
Murray Market is a new initiative which provides a dedicated space in the building to organize food resources, household goods, supplies and games. PTO members Nia Anderson, Kerrin Flanagan, Lynnae Erwin and Mandi Rupp, along with staff members, collaborated to establish the market, which has been generously supported by members of the school community.
Chelsea Heights Elementary School
Submitted by Principal Guillermo Maldonado Pérez
Chelsea Heights is celebrating the second year of its artist residency program through ArtStart.
Fourth grade students spent a week learning about Mexican culture alongside local artist Gustavo Boada. They designed and created alebrijes, brightly colored and imaginative sculptures rooted in Mexican folk art.
Meanwhile, kindergarten students created butterfly puppets with artist Julie Boada, whose residency blended creative expression with scientific principles.
The school community is grateful for the generous support of its Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and members of Como Park Lutheran Church, whose continued contributions make these meaningful residencies possible.
In March, students and their families attended the HeArt of The Cities art exhibit at 825 Arts in St. Paul. This exhibit featured a lifetime of work by Broderick Poole, a native of St. Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood, who recently completed a month-long residency at Chelsea Heights. Selected student artwork was also on display, celebrating the creative achievements of the student artists in a professional gallery setting.
Janet Wight lives in the Como neighborhood and is a regular freelance writer for the Bugle.
