By Eric Erickson
Transition to second semester
Como students and staff were back in school for three weeks after winter break to wrap up the first semester of the 2024-2025 academic year, which finished Friday, Jan. 24.
After students completed exams and culminating projects, teachers transitioned from evaluating demonstrations of learning to preparing for new courses in a fresh grading period.
For full-year courses, the content will continue toward year-end standards. For semester-long courses, there are frequently new combinations of teachers and students that accompany schedule changes.
Marine Corps JROTC
Como’s cadets hosted their annual Devil Dog Drill Competition on Dec. 14. Eight JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) schools from across the Midwest made their way to St. Paul, participating in a dozen events throughout the day.
Cadet Sergeant Nally See, a junior at Como, earned the Best Unit Leader Award.
In another December tradition, Como’s cadets conducted their Toys 4 Tots Drive, sorting and packing thousands of toys at the Mall of America for those in need.
3DE Case Study with APi group
Ninth-grade students will continue their 3DE (three-dimensional education) programming through their Freshmen Focus classes.
As reported in the October 2024 Bugle (page 7), conducting case studies with partnering businesses and organizations form the foundation of the 3DE experience.
In December, Como hosted the APi Construction Group in the school auditorium for the culminating event of this year’s third case study where the students presented their solutions to a real-world business challenge,
“The event went really well,” said Como’s 3DE coordinator Le’Shon Archie, adding that APi Group leaders noted how impressed they were with the ninth-grade students.
The student group with the winning presentation for the Case 9.3 APi Challenge was Azariah Freeman, Amethyst Gibson, Vivienne Dankert and Anna Peltier.
College Knowledge Night
Como’s seniors enter second semester navigating two worlds, their familiar one in high school but also their life after high school. For most, that includes college planning.
Although most college-bound seniors have completed their applications, choosing among schools that have accepted them and making sense of the financial obligations can be challenging.
Como’s Career Pathway Center Coordinator Aisha Mohamed and Get Ready Coordinator Mai Chue Ozcan will facilitate “College Knowledge Night” for seniors and their families from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
Presentations will focus on financial aid and scholarships. Individual advising support will be available.
Eric Erickson is a social studies teacher at Como Park Senior High School and a Bugle freelance writer.
Photo cutline: Como’s Marine Corps JROTC hosted eight schools for their annual drill competition in the Como gym on December 14. Photo courtesy of Sgt. Major James C. Kirkland.
