Believe or not, the first quarter of the school year is complete. In a review of our attendance data so far, here is some great news to celebrate!
In October, we had 15 classrooms with consistent student attendance, qualifying them for the drawing to win our “traveling attendance trophy” and a chance to choose the school-wide celebration day theme for the month!
Comparing this fall to the first quarter from 2023, we saw a 70% decrease in unexcused absences amongst students at risk for chronic absenteeism
Thank you for your continued partnership and communication, with us working towards a goal of consistent attendance for all students! It is making a difference! We also appreciate your ongoing awareness regarding any outreach made to you by our staff to inquire about unknown student absences. Please know this is a proactive effort in the spirit of partnership to support consistent attendance. Thank you in advance for your attention to any communication from our staff as our goal is to support you and your student.
For Your Ongoing Reference and Information:
When reporting your student’s absence, please know you must report the absence for each day they need to be gone. You can call our main office at 763-293-8820 or submit the absence excuse online. To submit online: SPPS Parent Absence Request Steps
We are here to help! If you have extenuating circumstances or would like help in connecting to resources that support your student’s attendance
Looking ahead to December, classroom counseling lessons will be focusing on bullying prevention. In these lessons, focus will be for students to learn the difference between bullying and conflict, as well as learn and practice ways to stand up for themselves and for others. We spend time thinking about the grown-ups in our life we can report bullying to, the difference between tattling and reporting, and 4th/5th graders will learn about identifying cyberbullying.
Here to talk about it at home:
Ask your student to teach you about what bullying looks like, sounds like, and feels like
Ask your student to show you their “strong, respectful voice” sounds and looks like. (We spend time practicing using a strong (not yelling) voice, respectful words, telling (not asking) someone to stop. We also talk about how our body and words have to match!)
Share a story from your life where you stood up for yourself. Describe how you felt before and after you spoke up or if there was someone you talked to that helped you. Kids often feel nervous or worried to stand up for themselves. If they hear your story about overcoming those worries, it can help them to be brave in a moment when they need it
Ask your student to name “safety grown-up” at home and school they could report bullying or problems to
PreK
In the month of November, our Area of Study was Change in Our World. We have learned about the changes that are happening at this time of the year. This included learning about the changes happening outside, leaves changing colors, how people start wearing warmer clothes, and about animals that may hibernate.
Kindergarten
First Grade
First graders enjoyed a presentation by the University of Minnesota Raptor Center! We learned all about raptors and got to see three different birds: a red-tailed hawk, a merlin falcon, and a great horned owl. We have been learning about the differences between fiction and nonfiction texts, and we read some nonfiction books about raptors, as well.
Second Grade
We have been busy in second grade this month! In math we have been learning about place value. In writing we have been learning about writing our opinion. In reading we have been learning about reading strategies to use when we come to an unknown word and are starting to learn about Seymour Simon books. We had a special presentation this month! The Raptor Center came to our school. We learned some interesting facts about Great Horned Owls and Red Tail Hawks.
Third Grade
Third graders learned about ancient Mexican amate bark paintings. Each student created a design inspired by nature and animals, which they then drew onto a brown grocery bag. After outlining their drawings with a sharpie, they enjoyed painting their designs. Come take a look at our artwork in the 3rd-grade hallway!
Fourth Grade
Our 4th-grade classes recently came together to create a beautiful "Grateful Tree," and it has quickly become a heartwarming centerpiece in our hallway! Each student took time to reflect on what they’re most thankful for and wrote their thoughts on vibrant, fall colorful leaves. From family, friends, and pets to simple joys like books, sports, and sunny days, their words remind us of the many wonderful things in life that bring us happiness. This activity encouraged thoughtful conversations about kindness, thankfulness, and seeing the good in every situation.
Fifth Grade
Fifth graders from Mr. Prescott’s and Mr. Smith’s classes have been working on vocabulary building activities to help with comprehension. Other items they have been learning has been learning how to divide using double digit divisors. Finally, in writing, Mr. Prescott’s class has been working on opinion writing, and Mr. Smith’s class has been working on informative paragraphs. One of the wonderful experiences we had was seeing a red-tailed hawk, a falcon,and a Great Horned Owl from the U of M- Raptor Center.
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
ECSE classes are now in the “Being Healthy In Our World” Area of Study. We are learning about ways to stay healthy (exercise, talking about feelings, covering our mouths when we cough). Our dramatic play area has been transformed into a Doctor’s office so that students can help babies and classroom staff healthy!
At Como, students are not only improving their athletic abilities but also strengthening their emotional intelligence, including motivation, self-regulation, self-awareness, and empathy. Throughout November, students have been engaging in soccer and other team-based activities, focusing on the importance of being a good winner and a good loser. These lessons help students build resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship that extend beyond the gym.
For those interested in joining organized sports and activities, check out the following resources:
*Photo: Teacher Ravi playing pizza duals with student during Extended Day Learning.
Como Park Elementary School
Website: https://www.spps.org/comoel
Location: 780 West Wheelock Parkway, Saint Paul, MN, USA
Phone: 651-293-8820
Twitter: @ComoElementary
Translations of required school-related communications can be made available upon request. Our school can also provide translators. Please contact the office or your student’s teacher if you are in need of these services.