Compiled by Caroline Weier
Murray Middle School
Submitted by Principal Jamin McKenzie
Honor Band
Five Murray band students performed in the Minnesota Junior Winds Honor Band at Edina High School on Nov. 9.
Nominated by Murray music teacher Denae Olsen and accepted by Minnesota Junior Winds, the Murray students spent the day practicing with students from other Minnesota schools before performing during the afternoon concert.
Murray students on Como Swim Team
Several Murray Middle School students contributed to the Como Park High School girls swim team’s success this season, participating in their St. Paul City Conference Championship on Oct. 25.
Varsity swimmer Alice Van Keerbergen earned All-Conference honors, placing third in the 100-yard freestyle and fourth in the 50-yard freestyle.
Teammates Alana Kennedy, Sadie Kersey and Sylvie McRoberts also had strong finishes in individual events.
Junior varsity swimmers Lucia Barnes, Carter Matlock and Julia Rentmeester delivered notable performances, with Barnes placing eighth in the 100-yard backstroke, Matlock finishing ninth in the 100-yard breaststroke and Rentmeester taking 11th place in the 100-yard freestyle.
At the Section 4A championship preliminaries on Nov. 6, Van Keerbergen qualified for finals and joined Kennedy, Kersey and McRoberts in relay teams, including the 400-yard freestyle relay, which set a new school record.
St. Anthony Park Elementary School
Submitted by Principal Barbara Evangelist and Joel Van Valin, SAPSA Communications
New school mascot!
St. Anthony Park Elementary welcomed a new wolf mascot to their school community during their recognition assembly in November.
The large, friendly canine joined the school patrols during their opening performance for the school, with students watching excitedly.
The soon-to-be named wolf addition is a collaborative effort between the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports team and the school’s parents group.
Name for the new mascot was expected to be unveiled at the school’s December recognition assembly, which was scheduled after the Bugle’s January edition went to press.
Falcon Heights Elementary
Submitted by Principal Beth Behnke and Holly Menninger
Upcoming Service Fair
The Falcon Heights Elementary School Parent Teacher Association and Falcon Families for Equity and Justice are co-hosting their fourth annual Family Service Night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 22.
Students, families, teachers and staff are invited to support community organizations through a number of hands-on volunteer projects, such as making tie blankets for kids transitioning into stable homes or laundry soap cups for families experiencing homelessness.
The event is intended to foster community and engagement among parents, students and teachers, providing students with an opportunity to help the community. Last year, more than 200 participants attended.
Donations are greatly appreciated to offset the cost of supplies for the event. All extra money or supplies will be provided directly to the organizations.
Want to make a donation? Call the Falcon Heights Elementary School main office at 651-646-0021 or send checks to:
FH PTA c/o Falcon Heights Elementary School, 1393 Garden Ave. W., Falcon Heights, MN 55113.
For checks, note in the subject line it is for the 2025 Family Service Night.
Twin Cities German Immersion School
Submitted by Paige Yurczyk, communications and outreach director
Openhaus for prospective families
Prospective families and community members are invited to visit the Twin Cities German Immersion School from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 29 for an “openhaus.”
There will be a 30-minute tour of the school followed by a Q&A with a panel of staff and current students. To RSVP visit tcgis.org/school-tours.
TCGIS enrollment applications
TCGIS enrollment applications for the 2025–26 school year are open from now until Jan. 31, 2025. German language proficiency is not required to enroll.
Research has shown that second language proficiency has a positive effect on first language skill development and that immersion students perform as well as or better than those in a monolingual setting.
TCGIS prepares children for global citizenship and offers opportunities for students to participate in art, drama, music, sports and recess through grade eight.
Learn more at tcgis.org.
Coming: Third annual TCGIS Festival of Cultures!
Community members are invited to celebrate the diverse cultures of TCGIS families from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 at the Twin Cities German Immersion School, 1031 Como Ave.
The multicultural celebration will feature performances, hands-on activities and delicious food showcasing the vibrant traditions of their community. The event is free and open to the public.
Caroline Weier is a journalism student at the University of Minnesota and is an intern for the Bugle.