Activities director highlights stable participation, new boys volleyball and recent grants

The Columbia Heights Public Schools board heard an informational presentation March 11 from Director Henderson on student activities and athletics, which showed relatively stable participation and a number of recent team and individual honors.

Henderson said the district continues to emphasize community, competitiveness, culture and wellness across activities and athletics. Winter participation numbers were “relatively stable,” she said, and the district has been running youth outreach—such as introductory wrestling sessions hosted by high school coaches—for long-term participation growth.

Henderson highlighted several recognitions: the school’s Shrek musical received 11 honors; coaches won section and state coach-of-the-year awards; four high-school students qualified for the Brain Bee at the University of Minnesota; and the dance and speech teams earned regional honors. She also announced that the activities office received a SHIP grant to upgrade the weight room and credited PE teacher Megan Nelson for work on the application. Henderson said the department is also working on a 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant application due next week.

Board members asked about the district’s new boys volleyball program. Henderson said boys volleyball will begin Monday and that the police department helped secure funding for the inaugural season. Enrollment for boys volleyball already looks strong, she said, and summer camps and intramural opportunities will be open to grades 6–12. Regarding middle-school interest in playing at the high-school level, Henderson said seventh- and eighth-graders can “play up” if they meet the level and recommended contacting Scott Opat at the middle school for specifics.

The presentation was informational only; no board action was taken.