Compiled by Janet Wight
Great River School
Submitted by Communication Coordinator Aja Parham
Located on Energy Park Drive, Great River School is a public charter Montessori school serving students in grades one through 12.
It offers an International Baccalaureate program for 11th and 12th grade students.
At Great River students engage in thoughtful discussion, collaborative problem-solving and independent inquiry, connecting ideas across disciplines while building the skills of critical thinking, reflection and global awareness.
Great River prides itself on its Key Experiences, a part of the curriculum where students go on overnight excursions to gain independence, enjoy camaraderie and have the opportunity to reflect while being immersed in nature.
In September, seventh to 12th grade students had the opportunity to canoe on Lake Namekagon, visit Minnesota colleges, tour the Driftless Area in southwestern Wisconsin and spend time at the Philadelphia Community Farm in Osceola, Wisconsin.
In October, fourth to sixth grade students went to YMCA Camp Widjiwagan in Ely. Activities included hiking, cooking in the outdoors, learning about nature and soaking in the sun.
Great River’s Harvest Fest, held on Oct. 11, included stone soup, caramel apples, fresh apple cider made on site, family activities, a gear/clothing swap, music and more.
Murray Middle School
Submitted by Principal Jamin McKenzie and Stefanie Folkema
Murray science students attended Belwin Outdoor Science in Afton. Belwin is part of the St. Paul Public Schools’ science curriculum.
According to the Belwin website, its mission is “to connect children to nature through engaging outdoor science experiences.”
A recent fundraiser using the APEX company is now complete. Proceeds will be used to directly support students, teachers and classrooms. Murray also held a fundraiser on Oct. 20 at the Roseville Portillo’s restaurant.
St. Anthony Park Elementary School
Submitted by Principal Phillip Hutcheson.
St. Anthony Park Elementary is off to a great start this school year.
Returning and new students alike were inspired to follow the “Wolfpack Way,” the school’s guide to being a positive community member, during assemblies held in early September.
The kindergarten classes traveled to Dodge Nature Center’s Shepard Farm in September. The students had the opportunity to pet and feed chickens among other fun activities.
Third grade students put together campaigns, including posters and videos, to choose the name for the class wolf mascot. Nico was the winning entry, which garnered lots of smiles.
The fall festival, which took place on Oct. 10, is a major fundraiser for the school. It included a pumpkin run, haunted house and bake sale along with games, face painting and crafts.
Chelsea Heights Elementary
Submitted by Principal Guillermo Maldonado Perez.
Chelsea Heights Elementary is continuing its commitment to diversity and inclusion by bringing back the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Family Support Group for the second consecutive year.
As part of a broader district-wide movement toward equity and belonging, the school is seeing strong engagement from families and staff alike.
The support group, led by PTO Vice President Roxy Hoda, a parent of a third grader, provides a welcoming space for BIPOC families to connect, share experiences and build community. These families are a vital part of Chelsea Heights, and the school is working to ensure their voices are heard and valued.
To promote accessibility, the PTO provides dinner and child care during meetings, allowing families to fully participate. This support reflects the school’s belief that inclusion must be intentional and actively supported.
Hoda also helps the broader school community learn about the group’s purpose and the insights it offers, fostering greater understanding and unity.
Twin Cities German Immersion School
Submitted by Communications Manager Paige Yurczyk
Twin Cities German Immersion School celebrated its 20th anniversary in September!
Members of the school community and others celebrated this milestone with a carnival on Sept. 20. The event featured bouncy houses, a dunk tank, a DJ, games, food trucks and treats.
School officials also provided tours of the building while the city of St. Paul issued a proclamation designating Sept. 20 as Twin Cities German Immersion School 20th Anniversary Day.
Janet Wight lives in the Como neighborhood and is a regular freelance writer for the Bugle.
