Mr. Thompson is a Star! Mr. Thompson receives surprise award from Ms. Briggs Staff and Students at Como Park Elementary thought they were going to get a pep talk from the new Superintendent of St. Paul Public Schools at an all-school assembly on September 18, 2006. Instead, they heard a surprise announcement from Kelly Briggs, acting assistant secretary for planning, evaluation and policy development in the U.S. Department of Education. Ms. Briggs announced that Como Park Elementary ELL Teacher, Mr. Mark Thompson, was the recipient of a federal teaching award. Mr. Thompson was named an "American Star of Teaching". He was one of 51 teachers to receive this award and was selected from over 4,000 nominees nationwide. There is one award presented in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Mr. Thompson's drive and dedication to teaching is no secret to his colleagues and students. He was nominated for this award by Jan St. Martin, a volunteer at Como Senator Coleman, Mr. Thompson, Dr. Carstarphen Park Elementary. He has published a Hmong-English Picture Dictionary for use by Hmong students and staff that work with the Hmong community. He tutors Hmong students outside of the school day and helps the families of the Hmong community connect with resources needed for their success. Other guests at the surprise ceremony included Superintendent Dr. Carstarphen, Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman, Area A Superintendent Dr. Luz Maria Serrano, and ELL Director Valeria Silva. Read the Pioneer Press Article here. Read the Star Tribune Article here. Learn more about Mr. Thompson's Hmong Dictionary here.