Midway Como Frogtown Monitor

Vanessa Jesci caught one of the larger fish. Winters can be frigid in Minnesota, but Karl Erickson, the woodworking program manager at Elpis Enterprises (2161 University Ave.) can find ways to make the cold weather both fun and a learning experience. The Elpis ice fishing program is open to youth from fourth grade and up at area schools. They learn how to identify species, as well as fishing regulations and cold weather conditions. “They are taught heater safety, hook safety and hole safety,” Erickson said. Sixth-graders from Sejong Academy experienced ice fishing on Lake Como on Feb.13, 2023. Vanessa Jesci caught one of the larger fish (above). Police cadets from the St. Paul Police Activities League assisted students at Como Lake.

Winters can be frigid in Minnesota, but Karl Erickson, the woodworking program manager at Elpis Enterprises (2161 University Ave.) can find ways to make the cold weather both fun and a learning … more

By Jan Willms | 3/9/23

Como swimmers celebrate a great night at the Section 4A Meet where six Cougars qualified for the state meet.

Como swimmers return to state meet

Swimmers return to State MeetThe success and depth of the Cougar boys’ swim team was evident in the pool and on the podium at the Section 4A Meet held on Feb. 24. Beyond the individual events, … more

By Eric Erickson, social studies teacher | 3/9/23

Care packages for Street Works

For their January volunteer project, Murray Middle School National Junior Honor Society students heard guest speakers from Street Works, a local organization that works with homeless youth. The … more

2/9/23

A focused effort by the Como girls’ basketball team resulted in a 88-63 victory over Central and extended the program’s conference remarkable winning streak. (Photo by Eric Erickson)

Como girls set St. Paul City record

With another undefeated season in the St. Paul City Conference in the books, the Como girls basketball team earned their ninth consecutive conference championship.The last time the Cougars lost a … more

By Eric Erickson, Social studies teacher | 2/8/23

Inspired

Nine months before Rosa Parks, Claudette Colvin refused to give up her seat on the bus to a White passenger. She was 15. Youth Performance Company (YPC)’s “Inspired by Claudette & … more

By Jill Boogren | 2/8/23

Scholarships available

When St. Paul Rotary celebrated its 100th Anniversary 13 years ago, the Club created an endowed scholarship program to send a St. Paul high school student to college every year with a $20,000 … more

2/8/23

Tips to help kids struggling with social media

Social media is a big part of young people’s lives. It has its benefits, and being able to keep in touch with friends and family remotely was one of the saving graces in the early stages of the … more

1/16/23

Como students from the Marine Corps JROTC serve the community at a Toys for Tots drive in December. (Photo by Sgt. Major James Kirkland)

Cadets sort, distribute toys

Como Park’s Marine Corps JROTC cadets continued their tradition of volunteering for Toys for Tots during the holiday season. Cadets collected, sorted and distributed brand new and unwrapped … more

By Eric Erickson, Social studies teacher | 1/16/23

Artika Tyner reads “Justice Makes a Difference” to preschoolers at the Wilder Child Development Center, which is the home of the new R.A.W. library. (Photo submitted)

New library for preschoolers inspires them to read and lead

Early reading supports learning and growth. It provides a solid foundation for academic achievement by introducing children to new words and concepts while developing critical thinking skills and … more

By Dr. Artika Tyner, dr.artikatyner@gmail.com | 1/16/23

Development update

Project at former school buildingA Merriam Park development project, which hit some delays, is moving ahead. The St. Paul Planning Commission Jan. 6 approved a conditional use permit and variances … more

By Jane McClure | 1/16/23

Como students and staff posed together after competing in a friendly volleyball tournament. (Photo by Diego Guevara)

Athletes earn state honors

State swimmerCougar freshman Aleia Lueck entered the Section 4A girls swimming meet on Nov. 11, 2022 with a goal of setting a personal record in the 50-yard freestyle. When she touched the wall with … more

By Eric Erickson Social studies teacher | 12/12/22

Coins for Children’s cancer drive

Murray’s National Junior Honor Society group held a Coins for Children’s Cancer drive in October. They raised $329.98, so three staff members rose to the challenge and volunteered to have … more

12/12/22

Mike Reynolds (left) and Jessica Kopp stand by the new stoplight at Snelling and Englewood. (Photo submitted)

A LITTLE SAFER FOR ALL

For decades, neighbors have been asking that something be done to make it safer to cross the street at Snelling and Englewood.In October 2022, the city finally installed a stoplight.“I had … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 11/9/22

Como’s award-winning Marine Corps JROTC program. (Photo courtesy James C. Kirkland)

MCJROTC earns national honor again

The Marine Corps JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) at Como has been recognized as a Naval Honor School Program for a seventh time. The award is reserved for the top 20% of all MCJROTC … more

By Eric Erickson Social studies teacher | 11/9/22

Seniors from the Class of 2023 (left) pull a team of juniors across the line in a tug-of-war contest at the Como Homecoming Pep Fest. (Photo by Eric Erickson)

HOMECOMING CELEBRATION

Spirit week and homecoming funComo students celebrated their school spirit during the last week of September with thematic dress up days, a pep fest to end the school day on Friday, and a full slate … more

By Eric Erickson Social studies teacher | 10/12/22

TALKING ABOUT COMMUNITY JOURNALISM

Hamline University School of Business Professor of Practice Jim Scheibel invited Midway Como Frogtown Monitor owner and editor Tesha M. Christensen to speak to his “The City as University: … more

10/12/22

NEW CAREER PATHWAYS CENTER

Volunteers from 3M helped ready the new Career Pathway Center on the Saint Paul College campus on Aug. 31, 2022. The new Saint Paul Public Schools learning space features classrooms, state-of-the-art … more

Submitted | 9/18/22

A second set of bleachers have been constructed at Como Park High School’s turf field. (Photo by Eric Erickson)

‘More normal year’ coming?

After hosting summer school classes for students from across the St. Paul Public School district, Como Park High School welcomed new and returning Cougars into the building at the start of … more

By Eric Erickson Social studies teacher | 9/18/22

SPPS students show gains in all subjects on MCA test

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has released districtwide results for the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) and ACCESS for English Language Learners (ELLs) for the 2021-22 school … more

9/18/22

Deidra Peaslee of Saint Paul College Selected for Aspen Institute’s New Presidents Fellowship

Deidra “Dee Dee” Peaslee, EdD, president at Saint Paul College, is one of 26 leaders selected for the 2022-23 class of the Aspen New Presidents Fellowship. This program supports community … more

9/18/22