Columbia Heights Public Schools

CHPS District Offices Closed:

• Tuesday, December 24
• Wednesday, December 25
• Tuesday, December 31
• Wednesday, January 1

No School for Students and Teachers:

• Monday, December 23 through Sunday, January 5

Mini Adventures and Adventure Club Closed:

• Monday, December 23 through Wednesday, January 1

We will see you all back in-person on Monday, January 6th! For the most up-to-date calendar information, please check out the CHPS website at colheights.k12.mn.us.

At 12:18 p.m., on December 19, 2024, a male called 911 with a message that “there is going to be a shooting at Columbia Heights High School” and then the caller hung up. The Columbia Heights High School (CHHS), in collaboration with the Columbia Heights (CH) Police Department, was put into a secure perimeter so classes could continue with their instruction, and the outside of the facility was secured. The District Office, Family Center and Highland Elementary were also put on secured perimeters because of their proximity to CHHS. The CH Police Department was on site at CHHS almost immediately. The suspect was taken into custody by CH Police. The suspect is not a CHHS student and the call did not originate from CHPS school grounds. The CH Police Department has an active investigation on this incident and there is no ongoing threat at CHHS. All further information on this incident will come from the CH Police Department. All school functions resumed as normal at 1:30 p.m..

The safety and security of our students and staff are always our primary concern. Thank you for your support of Columbia Heights Public Schools.

Clarification: The suspect was never on school grounds.

CHPS is currently accepting nominations for the 2024-2025 Employee of the Year! Nominations will be accepted through 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 17th.

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrates a strong work ethic
• Serves as a positive role model for students and staff
• Extends oneself beyond the basics by displaying initiative and creativity
• Contributes significantly to improving the work site or school district
• Demonstrates courage or exemplary performance in an emergency situation or under unusual difficulties
• Demonstrates Hylander Pride by displaying constant care for students and the community

Eligibility Requirements for Nominators

• Anyone may nominate an employee for Employee of the Year (student, parent, CHPS staff, community member, etc...)
• Self-Nominations are not accepted
• Unlimited nominations per nominator are accepted

Eligibility Requirements for Nominees

• Current employee of CHPS when nomination is submitted and the Employee of the Year announcement is made
• Has worked at least three full years in the district (no FTE requirement)
• Has not been named Employee of the Year before by CHPS

Keep an eye on your mailboxes over winter break for the CHPS Winter/Spring Community Connections Catalog! Our Community Education offerings for January-May are now open for registration on the Community Education Website!

• Adult Enrichment classes such as: Senior classes, gardening/planting classes, cooking classes, yoga, many "Parent & Me" offerings, and Clases Para Padres!
• Youth Enrichment classes such as: Driver's Education, ENCORE, Adventure Club and Swimming Lessons.
• Early Childhood Classes such as: ECFE offerings, Mini Adventures, PreK 3 and PreK 4 and Early Childhood Screening information.

Leueen y Orlando enseñarán sobre como aprender juntos a educar a nuestros hijos. Aprenderemos nuevas herramientas para que nuestros hijos puedan triunfar en sus estudios y en su vida personal. Aprenderán técnicas para administrar su tiempo y sus finanzas. Aprenderán a identificar y comprender la importancia de las reglas, las obligaciones, los privilegios y cómo mantenerse activo. Aprenderán a leer las etiquetas de los productos para tomar mejores decisiones y tener un estilo de vida saludable. En estas seis sesiones hablaremos sobre la vida en el hogar, la escuela y como navegar en la comunidad. Incluiremos en estas clases, la seguridad en la comunidad y la vida cotidiana. Se requiere la participación en las seis clases, recibirán folletos en cada una de las clase y certificado de participación. Sin niños por favor. Las clases serán en español.

Las clases serán los lunes. Tendremos seis clases los lunes en enero y febrero, y luego una celebración de graduación, el día miércoles 5 de marzo. La inscripción cuesta $30 por las seis clases y la graduación.

Llame al 763-528-4517 si no puede inscribirse en línea

It is a common misconception that cold weather causes illness. While illnesses occur more often in the colder months, this is due to the spread of viruses, not the temperature outside. Spending more time indoors in the winter months means spending more time with germs and bacteria being cycled through the building’s air system. Playing outside in the winter allows time for the body to breathe in fresh air, which can help lower the risk of illness.

It is recommended that children get at least 60 minutes of daily exercise, which can include playing outside. As long as children are dressed appropriately, it is safe and beneficial for their health and well-being to be outside.

Some tips to help prevent and manage childhood illnesses during the winter:

1. Dress appropriately - it is important to ensure your child is wearing enough clothing when playing outside in the winter time. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, then insulating layers, then finish with a weather resistant outer shell/coat. Children should also wear a hat and gloves.
2. Wash hands - teach and encourage children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, washing for at least 20 seconds.
3. Get vaccinated - the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ages six months and older get the yearly flu and Covid-19 vaccine.
4. Eat well and stay hydrated
5. Get enough rest
6. Stay home when sick to prevent spreading germs.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Keturah Spriggs, District Nurse for Columbia Heights Public Schools at spriggsk@colheights.k12.mn.us or at 763-528-4580.

Columbia Heights High School's Financial Aid Night has officially been rescheduled for Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

This event is only for CHHS Seniors!

The event had to be pushed back for a second year in a row due to rollout delays of the new, 25-26 FAFSA and MN Dream Act forms.

Please reach out to Ms. Trnjanin or to Mr. Prellwitz if you have any questions!

Registration for CHPS PreK 4 for next school year (2025-2026) will begin on Monday, January 6. For many years the PreK 4 program has used Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten state funding to provide this program for free to all students. The Minnesota Department of Education has a new requirement for next year that students must qualify for the free Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten spots in the program and that the program will be fee-based for non-qualifying students.

Qualifications include:

• Qualifies for free or reduced-priced meals.
• Qualifies using state general financial eligibility requirements listed in MN State Statute.
• Is an English language learner.
• Is an American Indian.
• Has experienced homelessness in the last 24 months.
• Is identified through health and developmental screening with a potential risk factor that may influence learning.
• Is in foster care, kinship care, or is in need of child protection services.
• Has a parent who is a migrant or seasonal agricultural laborer.
• Has a parent who is incarcerated.
• Is defined as at risk by the school district.

Families will indicate if their student meets one of the qualifications when they fill out enrollment material or if they will be enrolling through the fee-based registration. The fee amount will be finalized by the end of January pending Board of Education approval.

For any questions, please contact the CHPS Placement Center at SaavedraL@colheights.k12.mn.us or call 763-528-4426

Sports Physical for all Athletics
Every athlete participating in school-year sports must have a physical on file with the Activities Office. Student Athletes cannot register for the upcoming season without a sports physical on file. Sports physicals are valid for three years. 24-25 Sports Physical Form

Winter Activities registration is open- You can still register for Knowledge Bowl, Science Bowl, Strength Training, Boys Swim & Dive, CHHS Girls Basketball, Wrestling, and CA Boys Basketball.

Community Opportunities:

Columbia Heights Park & Rec Fall programs are live and ready for registration! REGISTRATION can be found at columbiaheightsmn.recdesk.com

More information can be found at the CHPS Activities Website or contact the Activities Office at 763-528-4511

Adventure Club programming facilitates a variety of activities to promote learning beyond the classroom including arts & crafts, guided group time, themed activities, dramatic play, cooking, games, outdoor play, science and more!

Hours, Dates, Locations & Fees:

2:20-6:00 p.m. on Regular School Days | 6:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. on Non-School Days

Programming is available for Highland, NPSfI and Valley View students. Open most school vacations and non-school days.

• Registration Fee: $25
• After School: $22.50
• Non-School Day: $50.50
• Drop-In: $26

Learn more about Adventure Club Here, or call 763-528-4517.

Mini Adventures is a four-star Parent Aware child care program for children 36 months to 5 years old. In Mini Adventures, your child will participate in a variety of activities including mathematics, guided group time, literacy, dramatic play, music, games, outdoor play, arts & crafts, movement and more! Early Childhood Screening is required for all participants. Independent toileeting is required for children before participating.

Hours, Dates, Location & Fees:

6:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m., weekdays, year-round at the CHPS Family Center.

• 5 Day Fee: $323
• 4 Day Fee: $273
• 3 Day Fee: $215
• 2 Day Fee: $152
• 1 Day Fee: $77

Learn more about Mini Adventures Here, or call 763-528-4517

There are many wonderful activities for students through our CH Rec Dept and Library!

Please go to the CH Recreation website or call their office at 763-706-3730.

Click Here for the Columbia Heights Library Website.

Boys’ Basketball: Northern Twin Cities Basketball League for Grades 2-6

• Join the Northern Twin Cities Boys' Basketball League! Teams for 2nd-6th grade. Registrations are open now. Your child will play in a recreational basketball league where the focus is on teamwork, skill-building, and fun. They play against SLP, Blaine, Fridley, DaVinci, Coon Rapids, Anoka, etc. varying between Saturdays and Sundays Jan-March. Practices are twice a week on weeknights at the Hylander Center. $60, uniforms included.
• Register here: http://columbiaheightsmn.recdesk.com

Holiday Toy Theater: December 19th from 5-8pm at Murzyn Hal. 530 Mill St. NE

• 3rd graders and up can enjoy creating their very own Toy Theater show using cardboard, glue, craft supplies, to create puppets, a stage, props, and create an exciting storyline. Adults/guardians are welcome to join the class with their child for a fun and creative holiday-themed night together. Treats, cider, and cocoa provided. $25 per child (adults free).
• Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/HolidayTH

Dance Classes at Murzyn Hall

• Dance With Me: Adult/Child Dance, 2-3 years old with an adult
• Come along on a dance adventure with your child as we learn fun dances and play games. This creative movement dance class is all about fun, music, movement, dancing together, and building confidence. Choose a 4-week or 6-week session.
• Session I: Every-other Saturday Jan 18, Feb 1, 15, Mar 1 from 10-10:30am. $32 per child. REGISTER here: https://tinyurl.com/CHDancewithme
• Session II: Every-other Saturday Jan 25, Feb 8, 22, Mar 8, 22, Apr 5 from 10-10:30am. $48 per child. REGISTER here: https://tinyurl.com/CHDancewMe2

Dance: Creative Movement

• 4-5 year olds will explore movement and fun dance games in a balanced mix of structured learning time and creative movement through games and play. 6-7 year olds will focus on fundamentals and techniques of jazz and ballet style dancing and games. Dancers will strengthen skills through more structured class time than the 4-5 year old group.
• 4-5 year old Session I: Saturdays, Jan 18-Feb 22 10:45am-11:30am….$36. REGISTER here: https://tinyurl.com/CMWinter1
• 6-7 year old Session I: Saturdays, Jan 18-Feb 22 11:45am-12:30pm…..$36. REGISTER here: https://tinyurl.com/CMW6-7

Musical Theatre Dance 9-15 years old

• Join this rip-roaring exploration into dance in musicals that shape the industry! Our first day will cover the basics of what makes Musical Theatre Dance unique in both style and performance. Then, they will learn choreography from many popular musicals such as, Newsies, Beetlejuice, Hamilton, and more!
• Every-other Saturday: Jan 25, Feb 8, 22, Mar 8, 22, Apr 5 1:15-2:45pm….$36. REGISTER here: https://tinyurl.com/ymxfkh7f

Saturday Ice-Skating Lessons Start on January 4th!

• Beginners Level 1 for 5-9 years old and Beginners Level II for 6-12 years old. Get registered now to get your spot in these ice-skating lessons. Register at https://columbiaheightsmn.recdesk.com. The warming house will also be open for open-skate on Saturdays from 10am-1:30pm Jan 4-Feb 22 (Closed Feb 1), weather-permitting

Recreation has many more class offerings to try this winter season, including exciting youth and family trips, improv theater, virtual gaming classes, Martial Arts, Adult exercise, Active Agers activities and more. See our Brochure here: https://tinyurl.com/CHNewsletterRec

Are you looking for a job in education or within a school district? Check out the CHPS job site to find the right fit for you!

Visit the site here!

Did You Know?

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Creating worlds of opportunity for each and every learner.

All Belong, All Succeed

• Email: News@colheights.k12.mn.us
• Website: https://www.colheights.k12.mn.us/
• Location: 1440 49th Avenue Northeast, Columbia Heights
• Phone: 763-528-4500
• Instagram: @chpsisd13
• Facebook: facebook.com/chpsisd13