Hmong College Prep Academy (HCPA)
Submitted by Anna Her, Creative Content Coordinator
In January, students from the Hmong American Peace Academy (HAPA) in Milwaukee traveled to Como Park to compete in the Hmong Cup Basketball Games on the HCPA campus. After several strong performances the HCPA boys’ varsity team secured the win, ensuring that the Hmong Cup remained in St. Paul.
Athletes on both teams exhibited great effort and sportsmanship throughout this exciting competition.
Chelsea Heights Elementary School
Submitted by Principal, Guillermo Maldonado Pérez
The January Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meeting focused on race and racism with suggestions for how to engage children about these complex and challenging topics.
- Mychael Rambo, a Twin Cities-based community organizer, actor and educator, was the guest speaker for this important subject. The meeting provided guidance, reassurance and practical tips for approaching these topics in age-appropriate and meaningful ways.
PTO meetings at Chelsea Heights provide an opportunity for families to come together, share perspectives and learn from one another in a welcoming environment.
Murray Middle School
Submitted by Principal Jamin McKenzie and Parent Involvement Coordinator Stefanie Folkema
A spaghetti fundraiser in support of the Murray music program will be held on April 2 from 5 – 7 p.m.in the school gymnasium. The dinner menu will feature spaghetti, salad, bread and dessert. During the dinner, attendees will be entertained by students performing solo or ensemble musical pieces.
This “pay as you can” event has a suggested donation of $10 per person, $30 per family or $50 (or more) for those who would like to “pay it forward.” Proceeds will be used to purchase music and supplies and to defray transportation costs and registration fees for band/and orchestra honor programs.
Performances of the spring musical, “Cinderella: Youth Edition,” will be held on March 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. and March 15 at 2 p.m. at the school.
Twin Cities German Immersion School (TCGIS)
Submitted by Paige Yurczyk, communications and community outreach manager
Athletic milestones
TCGIS is celebrating 10 years of athletics this school year, which now includes nine interscholastic sports with the addition of dance team last fall.
The boys and girls cross-country teams each took second place at the Minnesota State Junior High Championships in late October. Several of the harriers competed in frigid temperatures and raced through a snowstorm at the USA Track and Field Junior Olympic National Cross Country Championships in Shelbyville, Indiana, in early December.
TCGIS is the only middle school in the state to offer a full indoor track and field season, providing young athletes the opportunity to compete using facilities at the University of Minnesota and Bethel University.
2025 was the second year for the athletic program’s leaf raking fundraiser, which was made possible through the generous support of the neighboring community.
An athletics booster group has now been established thanks to the leadership of several parents.
Math medalist
Congratulations to eighth grader Julian Panzer, who medaled at the Minnesota Junior High Math Meet.
Janet Wight is a regular freelance writer for the Bugle and lives in the Como neighborhood.
