Columbia Heights Public Schools
CHPS Update | December 12, 2024
CHHS Celebrates Successful Run of "Shrek the Musical"
Congratulations to the cast and crew on a great performance weekend!
CHHS's Hiedi Lee Published in SNO
Columbia Heights High School Senior, Hiedi Lee, wrote a piece for the CHHS student school newspaper, the Heights Herald, which has been published on "Best of SNO". SNO is School Newspapers Online, which is the largest student journalism publication service in the country. Lee's feature story is titled "Scholastic Journalists Deserve Consideration Equal to Professionals".
CHPS Employee of the Year Nominations | 2024-2025
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
CHHS Student Financial Aid Night Rescheduled
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!
Attend Today and Achieve Great Heights!
Every Moment Matters - Why Regular School Attendance is Important.
Students who are frequently absent from school have lower grades and standardized test scores, and are more likely to drop out of high school. Those who do not graduate high school are more likely to have difficulty obtaining a job, have lower-quality health, and are more likely to have involvement in the criminal justice system.
MYTHS ABOUT CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM:
- Myth: Absences are only a problem if they are unexcused.
- Fact: Missing school affects student learning, no matter the reason for the absence.
- Myth: Sporadic absences aren't a problem.
- Fact: Important information is taught every day in school, so students may miss learning essential information at any time.
- Myth: Attendance only matters in older grades.
- Fact: Missing out on learning foundational information in Younges grades can have a compounding negative effect on learning in future years.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
- Schedule appointments before or after school, or on days when school is not in session.
- Schedule vacations during the summer or during other breaks in school.
- Develop regular family habits to get your child to school on time.
Reminders about Student Health Guidelines
With winter illness on the rise, here are some reminders of the health policies/guidelines we have in place to prevent the spread of illness and keep our students healthy.
When to keep your children home from school:
- Fever over 100 degrees F or higher
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Rash of unknown origin that has not been assessed by a provider
- Drainage from the eye(s) that is yellow/green in color
- A positive Covid, Strep throat, or Influenza test result
- Uncontrolled cough/respiratory symptoms
When your student may return to school:
- When they have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
- When they have been free from vomiting/diarrhea without medication for 24 hours
Please keep your children home when they present with the symptoms listed above and call their school's attendance line each day they are absent. When calling the attendance line, please:
- Say and spell your child’s name and state what classroom/grade they are in, the reason they are staying home, and your phone number.
- If they have tested positive for an illness (for example: Influenza, Covid, Strep Throat, Chicken pox, Measles, etc.)
- Has Influenza-Like-Illness (ILI): a fever of 100.0 degrees F or greater and a sore throat or cough
- Has Measles symptoms = Rash AND Fever AND one of these: Cough OR runny nose OR discharge from eyes
If your child has not yet gotten the Influenza vaccine or Covid booster, please call their provider to discuss. These vaccines are not required by the State of Minnesota, but these immunizations help to reduce the spread and severity of illness in our schools and community. Thank you so much for your cooperation in keeping your student healthy! If you have any health or attendance related questions, please call your school’s health office or the District Nurse and we will assist you.
Keturah Spriggs, RN, PHN, LSN - District Nurse for CHPS
Email spriggsk@colheights.k12.mn.us or Call (763) 528-4580
Cold Weather Information
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:
- 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.
- Wash hands - teach and encourage children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, washing for at least 20 seconds.
- 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.
- Eat well and stay hydrated
- Get enough rest
- 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.
Information About CHPS PreK 4 Registration for 2025-26
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
Clases Para Padres - 2025 (Clases en español)
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
Hylander Activities Update
CHHS One Act Auditions- Will take place on December 16 and 17 from 3:15-4:15 pm in the PAC. Audition packets can be picked up in the Activities Office or Room 288.
Girls Flag Football is coming to Columbia Academy! - In partnership with the Minnesota Vikings, Columbia Academy is excited to start a Girls Flag Football program at CA this year!
- There will be an interest meeting about flag football on Tuesday, December 17th in the CA Gym from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Come to learn about flag football!
- Snacks provided!
- Open to all CA girls interested in flag football!
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
CHPS Has Openings in Adventure Club and Mini Adventures
Adventure Club - Kindergarten-Grade 5
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 - 36 Months-5 Years Old
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
CH Recreation and Library Offerings
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.
City of Columbia Heights Recreation Opportunities!
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
CHPS is Hiring! Join the Hylander Team!
There are full-time and part-time positions open on the CHPS Employment Website!
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!
Translation of Newsletters
Did You Know?
You can translate this newsletter, change the text size or view in high-contrast mode! Look for the Accessibility icon and click to view all your options!
¿Sabías?
¡Puedes traducir este boletín, cambiar el tamaño del texto o verlo en modo de alto contraste! Busque el icono de Accesibilidad y haga clic para ver todas sus opciones.
Ma ogeyd?
Waxaad turjumi kartaa warsidahaan, waxaad bedeli kartaa cabbirka qoraalka ama waxaad ku arki kartaa qaab isbarbar dhig sarreeya! Raadi astaanta Helitaanka oo guji si aad u aragto dhammaan xulashooyinkaaga!
هل كنت تعلم؟
يمكنك ترجمة هذه الرسالة الإخبارية أو تغيير حجم النص أو عرضها في وضع التباين العالي! ابحث عن رمز إمكانية الوصول وانقر لعرض جميع خياراتك!
Beektuu Laata?
Barruu oduu kana hiikuu, guddina barruu jijjiiruu ykn haala walfaallaa olaanaatiin ilaaluu dandeessa! Mallattoo Accessibility jedhu barbaadaatii filannoo keessan hunda ilaaluuf cuqaasaa!
Koj puas paub?
Koj tuaj yeem txhais cov ntawv xov xwm no, hloov cov ntawv loj lossis saib hauv hom sib txawv! Saib rau Accessibility icon thiab nyem rau saib tag nrho koj cov kev xaiv
About Us
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