New principal at Valley View Elementary
On July 14, Columbia Heights Public Schools announced the appointment of a new principal for their 2026-2027 school year.
Danielle Ketchum, the incoming principal, “will be responsible for meeting the diverse academic needs over 500 students in PreK through fifth grade,” according to a press release. She will also work with roughly 70 staff members.
“Danielle has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to Valley View Elementary School. She is well known by staff, students, and families,” CHPS Superintendent Zena Stenvik said. “She will bring continuity to the already amazing Valley View team. Among her many strengths are a keen eye for detail, being well-versed in elementary academic standards and data analysis.”
Waterpark temporarily closed
On July 9, Jim Lupient Water Park, 1520 Johnson St. NE, was shut down until further notice. The closure occurred after patrons found broken glass in the pool.
Cleanup requires Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) staff to drain the pool, allow it to dry, deep-clean it, refill it and “chemically calibrate the water.” MPRB staff will provide updates when a reopening day is confirmed.
Congratulations, students
Aidan Harrington, Jack Hewitt-Perry, Thomas Klaesges and Benjamin Mattson, Minneapolis, were named to the University of Wisconsin-Stout Polytechnic Dean’s List for the Spring 2026 semester.
Salma Elashmawi, Jackie Perez and Oumi Sillah, Columbia Heights, Lucinda Garrity, Adna Muse, Sophia Welch were named to the Honor List, along with Danae Kerber and Mya Williams of St. Anthony. Tenzin Choney and Sara Pettis, Minneapolis, were named to the High Honor List.
Jasmine Barco, Princess Davis, Abdishakur Farah, Jihan Ibrahim, Falis Muse, Mohammed
Nur and Denzell Smith, Columbia Heights, were named to the Normandale Community College Spring 2026 Dean’s List. Jason Arriaza, Taliyah Crosby, Clare Hornquist, Abdiaziz Ibrahim, Hani Ismail, Thomas Ruha, Carolyn Vickers, Husna Wali Zada, Fatma Wando, Khadija Wando and Harper Ward, Minneapolis, were named to the same Dean’s List.
Barco, Farah, Chloe Korzeniewski and
Mohamed Mohamed, Columbia Heights, graduated from Normandale Community College.
Daniel Astrid, Taliyah Crosby, Bryant Felipe, Shyanne Jones, Jasmine Purdy Smoter and Harper Ward graduated from Normandale Community College.
Grady O’Malley, St. Anthony, was named to the Spring 2026 Dean’s List at Luther College.
Katelyn Herrmann, Columbia Heights, and Lily Johnson, Minneapolis, earned academic honors at St. Cloud Technical & Community College. The former was named to the Dean’s List; the latter, the President’s List.
Molly Clark, Minneapolis, graduated from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Toby Carr, Minneapolis, graduated from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.