Teacher honored for JA work
Como Park Academy of Finance teacher Kris Sommerville has been honored by Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest as its High School Educator of the Year.
The award recognizes Junior Achievement (JA) educators who have performed outstanding service in making JA’s high school programs available to students. JA programs help students make informed decisions about their future and foster skills that will be useful in the business world.
Sommerville helped incorporate JA into each grade level within Como’s Academy of Finance so that students can build on lessons learned from year to year, said Liz Guimont, senior director of education and programs at Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest.
Thomson Reuters hosts Como faculty at back-to-school kickoff
Principal Theresa Neal collaborated with former Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton to host the Como Park faculty at the Thomson Reuters Corporate office as a kickoff to the start of opening week for staff. Sayles Belton is the vice president of community relations and government affairs at Thomson Reuters and a longtime friend of Neal. The two leaders have engaged in developing a school and business partnership.
Thomson Reuters, a multinational mass media and legal business firm, was formerly West Publishing.
Como staff attended sessions with Thomson Reuters’ senior management about 21st-century work expectations and desired skill sets for future employees. These include collaboration, communication, global awareness, adaptability, cultural competencies and a growth mindset. Financial Literacy was also a key theme and component that the employer covets, dovetailing with Como’s successful and growing Academy of Finance. Como teachers and staff are looking forward to connecting Como students with ongoing opportunities in its partnership with Thomson Reuters, including internships and employment.
Physics fun
Science teacher Donna Norberg performed at the Minnesota State Fair on Sept. 7, STEM Day. Norberg is a member of the University of Minnesota’s Physics Force, an outreach troupe that promotes physics to elementary and middle-school students through its performances. The Physics Force brought the physics fun to three shows throughout the day at the Carousel Park stage.
Robots invade plaza
Como Park Robotics (aka BEASTBot) took part in “Robots Invade the Plaza” at 3M on Aug. 7. The team networked with other teams and employees from 3M, Como’s largest financial sponsor during the STEM-focused summer festival. The team is recruiting new members and mentors for this upcoming season. Contact beastbot2855@gmail.com for more information.
Link Crew guides freshmen at school start
Freshmen Orientation was held the week before school started with Como’s Link Crew, a group of upperclassmen mentors and leaders who help all freshmen become associated with their new school and guide them throughout the school year. Fifty juniors and seniors spent parts of their summer in leadership training and enthusiastically welcomed the class of 2019 with activities to get their Como careers off to a great start.
Homecoming
The annual Como Park Homecoming Parade took place on Saturday, Sept. 19. The parade featured Como’s marching band, sports teams, academic groups, the Marine Corps Junior ROTC and more. Following the parade, parents, neighbors, friends of the community and alumni attended the picnic at the school.
Hundreds of fans cheered on the Como athletic teams in their homecoming games, which included volleyball on Thursday, boys’ and girls’ soccer on Friday, and the football game on Saturday following the parade and picnic. A dance was held at the school Saturday evening.
