The “Cougar Forum” will serve as a multi-purpose classroom and event space in the newly constructed academic wing at Como Park Senior High School.
Construction continues at Como
Construction of Como’s new academic wing continued during Labor Day weekend before the first day of school on Sept. 4. The Wenck Engineering and Construction Co. worked feverishly to get the new classrooms ready for learning. Construction on other parts of the building, which are closed off to teachers and students, will continue throughout the academic year.
The new addition is stunning with its airy design, natural light, high-tech science labs and unique features such as the Cougar Forum (see photo). “Both the new spaces and the renovated spaces are absolutely beautiful,” said Como Principal Stacy Theien-Collins. “It is what our students deserve.”
AOF has busy summer
Como Academy of Finance (AOF) students were busy over the summer. Sixty AOF students had professional internships, an accomplishment made possible by students’ initiative, and the AOF program’s relationships with a variety of local businesses and organizations. Seven students were placed with The BrandLab for marketing positions. Seventeen students worked 120 hours with Optum using business information technology skills to gather data, address challenges, and present possible solutions to meet Optum’s needs as a health-service company.
Students train at Genesys
Four students completed training with Genesys Works and will continue to work at Genesys Works placement sites throughout the school year. Twenty students were placed at job sites around the Twin Cities for the summer through Right Track. Seven others were gainfully employed through the Ramsey County Workforce Solutions. Two students were paid by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis to collaborate and develop a professional student manual. Three AOF students held positions at the Hiway Federal Credit Union.
Link Crew welcomes freshmen
Como Park High School’s “Link Crew” is composed of 60 juniors and seniors who volunteer to be positive leaders and mentors for freshmen. The Link Crew welcomed Como’s incoming class of 2022 by hosting a morning orientation session on Aug. 30. The Link Crew Leaders prepared for the event with training that focused on community and fellowship, leading up to the implementation of fun, inclusion activities. The event provided the new students with a chance to get comfortable and make connections before classes began Sept. 4. The faculty advisors for Como’s Link Crew are Ms. Alisson Hartzell and Ms. Shelly Storelee.
Murray, Como team up
An innovative collaboration is occurring this year between Ms. Gbolo’s culinary arts classes at Como and Mr. Chase’s science classes at Murray Middle School. Murray students planted vegetables last spring and have continued to be harvesting the gardens. Students at Como will be using the produce in the culinary labs as they prepare healthy meals.
Team building
The freshmen class is scheduled to spend the Sept. 26 school day outside on the Como turf field in team-building activities. The purpose is to develop strong relationships and build community through restorative practices as the ninth-graders begin their high school journey. Como alumni, parents, and community members are invited to join for all or part of the day. Adult role models and mentors provide the support and encouragement that students need to be successful in and beyond the school walls. Those interested in helping may contact Andrew Ryan at drc.schools@gmail.com.
Homecoming will be played . . . at home!
Homecoming at Como is set for Saturday, Sept. 29. For the first time in Como’s nearly 40-year history, the Como Cougars homecoming football game will be played ― at HOME! The new turf field will be the site for the Cougars’ 1 p.m. Homecoming game vs. Minneapolis South. Food trucks will provide fans a variety of options to enjoy as they cheer on the Cougars. The annual parade will start from school at 10:15 a.m. and proceed north on Grotto Street and southeast on Wheelock Parkway back to Como Lake and school. A picnic and activities near the field will follow beginning at 11 a.m.
