Knightly News, Fall/Winter 2022

Vichai Saefong, Principal

Lee Vang, Associate Principal Families with last name A - J

Kathryn Bennett, Associate Principal Families with last name Su - Z & SPED

Lindsey Oakley, Administrative Intern Families with last name K - St

Chris Fink, Activities Director

We are thrilled to bring the Knightly News newsletter back this year! In this publication, you will find various updates, awards, achievements, upcoming events, and an opportunity to learn more about the administrative team. Students provided content in this publication directly, so look at what your peers are celebrating around you.

With so many things happening around our building, we apologize in advance for inadvertently missing content. If there is anything that you would like included in our next edition, please get in touch with Principal Saefong.

Content provided by:

Jen Tinerella

Editors: Matthew van Bruggen Colin Sokolowski Megan McKeen

Vichai Saefong

Chris Fink

Sue Weber

Irondale Students & Staff

DECEMBER

December 5-9

DECA Week of Giving

December 14

Knight Time

December 23-January 2, 2023

No School

JANUARY 2023

January 6

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, 7 p.m.

January 11

Knight Time

January 17

CLEP Exam (Registered Students)

January 26-27

No School

FEBRUARY 2023

February 1

Knight Time

February 15

Knight Time

February 23

Communication Night, 4:30 p m

December 7

Knight Time

December 15

Senior to Senior Concert, 12:30 p m Communication Night

December 8

Asian New Year Celebration, 6 p.m.

December 19 Choir Concert, 7 p m

January 7

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, 12 p.m.

January 12 Westside Choir Festival, 7 p m

January 24 MSHSL One-Act Play, 7 p m

January 30

Westside Band Festival, 7 p.m.

January 10

8th Grade Information Night, 5:30 p.m.

January 16 No School

January 25 End of Semester 1

January 31

Orchestra Concert, 7 p.m.

February 6

SEC Music Festival (Offsite)

February 18

Winter Music of the Knight

February 23-26

One-Act Showcase

February 8

Knight Time

February 20 No School

February 28

Orchestra Concert, 7 p m

Get to Know 'Em

MEET JEFFREY MARTENSON

Jeffrey Martenson is the Dean of Students with Support Services

What is your favorite memory from your own high school experience?

My favorite memory was being the last place seed in section basketball playoffs and beating the #1 seed at the buzzer (I was on the bench for most of this experience)!

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?

My wife and I are still waiting to take our honeymoon. We dream of an extended vacation in Italy and Greece. It looks beautiful, and my wife is part Italian.

What is your favorite go-to snack?

Salsa verde and tortilla chips (when my wife isn't home to monitor me - Jalapeño Kettle Chips)!

What is your favorite thing about Irondale High School?

The easy answer is the kids, but I imagine that is most people's answer The staff's commitment to "joy" is part of their day It is easy to come to work when the people you interact with are dedicated to being positive

MEET JACLYN LARSON

Jaclyn Larson is the Dean of Students with the last names Per-St.

What is your favorite memory from your own high school experience?

I am very social, so my favorite, or long-lasting, memories are from the relationships I built with my peers, teachers, and Mr. Savage, our Assistant Principal. He cultivated a school climate where students felt heard and represented I try to do the same for my students

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why? India My father-in-law was born and raised in India His upbringing shaped his entire life I would love to see and experience firsthand the joy he shares when telling the stories of his childhood Also, Indian food is my favorite

What is your favorite go-to snack?

Lay potato chips and Top the Tater

What is your favorite thing about Irondale High School?

The people! Everyone from the moment you enter the building, staff, students, and admin are greeting you, checking in, laughing, and enjoying one another. The climate of Irondale is unbeatable!

Get to Know 'Em

MEET KEVIN GAHONA

Gahona is the Equity Specialist and an Irondale alumnus

What is your favorite memory from your own high school experience?

My favorite memory in high school was connecting with my peers during school and playing soccer after school

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?

If I could go to one place, I would pick the Galapagos Islands because it exotic and there is so much to do over there. I have seen pictures and videos of what you could do, and I find it interesting.

What is your favorite go to snack?

Doritos Flamas are the best chips Never get tired of them, but if I want something sweet I would want some brownies

What is your favorite thing about Irondale High School?

So far my favorite part of Irondale has to be the community It is nice to be back after four years

MEET KATE BENNETT

Kate Bennett is an Associate Principal.

What is your favorite memory from your own high school experience? Winning the state championship for volleyball two times

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?

Fiji so I can stay in one of those rooms that sits over the water and scuba dive whenever I want

What is your favorite go to snack? Reese's peanut butter cups

What is your favorite thing about Irondale High School? Being a part of a collaborative and supportive community both inside and outside of the school

Kevin

MEET ANDRE BARNES

Andre Barnes is a Social Studies Teacher

What is your favorite memory from your own high school experience?

My favorite memory definitively stems from what pushed me toward teaching in the first place Back in 2009, during my own sophomore experience, I was pretty uninterested in school To me, it had become an academic purgatory, a daily speed bump keeping me from my friends! Over the course of that year though I found myself incredibly frustrated with the quality of instruction I was receiving from my geography teacher. It has gotten so bad that I challenged him out right to teach the class for him. My opportunity came much sooner than I expected during our Civil War unit. I related the division of the Union & Confederacy to the East Coast vs. West Coast beef of the late 1990s. After this new and exciting experience of helping my classmates better understand the content, I was hooked I found what I was good at! Teaching seemed like the career for me, that kickstarted my journey toward a life of molding young minds!

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why? Sheeeeeeeeeesh, probably Japan! It's always been a place of great mystery to me As a true Weeb, what else would you expect?

What is your favorite go to snack?

Mozzarella sticks

What is your favorite thing about Irondale High School?

The friendly and supportive staff! I slowly continue to feel more a part of our Knight community and I hope to be here teaching for many years to come! There's no other place I'd rather serve our youth. IRON SHARPENS IRON!

MEET GREG VON RUDEN

What is your favorite memory from your own high school experience?

Athletics and friendships

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?

Backpacking through Europe

What is your favorite go to snack? Peanut butter and jelly

What is your favorite thing about Irondale High School? Community/Team.

Greg Von Ruden is a Student Success Coach & Boys Basketball Assistant Coach

MEET LUCAS SALOTTI

Lucas Salotti is a Multilingual teacher

What is your favorite memory from your own high school experience?

My favorite memory from my own high school experience is the knowledge I acquired in my language classes – Portuguese, Spanish and English I have always loved world languages! That was definitely the start of a long journey of discovering the magic and power of being able to communicate in more than one language. Nowadays, I want to provide that experience to all of my students

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that

be and why?

If I could go anywhere in the world, I would choose Italy My great-grandparents migrated from Italy to Brazil in the beginning of the 1900s My great-grandfather had a long life and I got to grow up with him However, I was never able to have real and deep conversations about his past due to my age - I was 7 when he passed away The little I know about his life I learned from my grandparents and parents. Therefore, I would love to visit his hometown (the province of Massa-Carrara) and learn more about its history Also, Italy is a beautifully built country, full of historical details, and has great food and people

What is your favorite go to snack?

My favorite go to snack is Cheez-it These crackers are perfect to combine with anything, anytime of the day They go well with breakfast food, with salad or sandwich for lunch, and with burger or steak for dinner

What is your favorite thing about Irondale High School?

My favorite thing about Irondale High School is the building culture Students, teachers and staff members are committed to success The collective efforts in order to create a space for students to thrive as well as to provide individualized and extra support for them are noticeable. I also love the fact that every individual is honored and every singularity is appreciated at Irondale High School Last but not least, I have been very happy for the connections I have made (with staff members and students) and grateful for being part of this amazing team!

Laura Zugschwert is a Language Arts teacher

What is your favorite memory from your own high

MEET LAURA ZUGSCHWERT

school experience?

My favorite memory from high school was participating in our annual Snow Week at Burnsville High School We had a week-long competition in February where we created a team and competed in academic challenges during the day and athletic challenges, such as dodgeball and boot hockey, at night It definitely brought our student body closer together and created a fun atmosphere in an uneventful part of the year

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would that be and why?

If I could go anywhere in the world, I'd love to visit Germany and Austria My stepdad was born in Berlin and I'd love to see where he grew up and where he traveled to when he was younger I also am interested in visiting historical sites from World War II

What is your favorite go to snack?

My favorite go-to snack is cheese, jam, and chocolate

What is your favorite thing about Irondale High School?

My favorite thing about Irondale is how welcoming everyone has been. I just recently moved here from Chicago and was nervous about the adjustment, but the staff, admin, and students have made me feel so accepted and known here already!

The KNIGHT TO KNOW program is a staff-nominated program that recognizes students from within the classroom or other school community activities. Recipients of the KNIGHT TO KNOW award are recognized for having demonstrated significant growth or embodying the skills of the 4 values of IRON

FALL KNIGHT TO KNOW RECIPIENTS

SEAN HINNENKAMP

10th Grade

Nominated by: Mr. Bosneag

Value: Belonging

Nomination:

Each and every morning, you can find Sean holding the door for other students and greeting them with a "good morning". To me, this really embodies all 4 components of IRON, but if I had to pick 1, it would be belonging.

MJ KOLLER-LEHMAN

10th Grade

Nominated by: Mr. Coyle Value: Belonging Nomination:

MJ is easily one of the most positive, thoughtful students I've ever met. He has made so many positive connections in our building --- he said that if he has the chance to make someone's day better, he will take it.

MAX FRANKSON

11th Grade

Nominated by: Ms. Swanson Value: Joy Nomination:

Max is very upbeat and positive. He comes to school every day ready to learn new things. He loves to learn things about other people as well. He never fails to put a smile on others faces every single day! Max is such a fun person to be around everyday!

FALL KNIGHT TO KNOW RECIPIENTS

ANNIKA FABIAN

12th Grade

Nominated by: Ms. Markas

Value: Partnership

Nomination:

Annika is our Office Assistant during 3rd hour in Student Services. She is detail oriented, always willing to help out with anything and spreads cheer among the entire office.

ANESA AVDIU

11th Grade

Nominated by: Mr. Burtness Value: Belonging

Nomination:

Anesa treats students and staff with care and respect. She is a wonderful example of what it means to be an Irondale Knight.

KLARA MINK

10th Grade

Nominated by: Ms. Clemson

Value: Partnership

Nomination:

I have Klara in College Seminar, and I have been so impressed by her partnership with others in that class. I've seen her emotionally support a peer who was struggling with being overwhelmed. I've seen her academically support a peer with their US History work even though Klara's in APUSH. Klara definitely embodies our Irondale core value of partnership.

FALL KNIGHT TO KNOW RECIPIENTS

ISAIAH JENNINGS-RANDLE

11th Grade

Nominated by: Dr. Sande

Value: Partnership

Nomination:

Isaiah is a master collaborator in Chemistry class. He always wants to work in partnership with his peers. He draws everyone into the conversation to ensure that everyone is learning and having fun at the same time. Isaiah is a pleasure to talk to and have in the classroom.

JACKSON LANG

12th Grade

Nominated by: Mr. DeMars

Value: Joy

Nomination:

Jackson is the consummate good teammate. He is accepting of all, keeps a smile on his face, is willing to help out wherever needed and always gives his best effort.

He is a joy to have in class.

ANIS TAKI

9th Grade

Nominated by: Mr Rosivach

Value: Joy

Nomination:

Anis arrives for first hour every day full of energy. He is always positive and brings his joy to others in class. He is helpful, kind and lifts up his classmates.

FALL KNIGHT TO KNOW RECIPIENTS

DANIEL NUNEZ SANTILLAN

10th Grade

Nominated by: Mr. Salotti

Value: Engagement

Nomination:

Daniel is in my ELL 3 class and has had an incredible academic progress throughout this year As the definition of the word ‘engagement’, this student is dedicated to his goals as well as to his school activities He is an example of resilience and success when it comes to language skills improvement. Thirteen months after moving from Mexico to the United States, Daniel immediately immersed himself in the culture and language of the country by trying his best to communicate with teachers and classmates. As an effort to practice and better his second language, the student had no fear of others’ judgement and kept focused on his goals: communication and proficiency. The desire for thriving and acquiring knowledge leads his daily motivation. Daniel is a natural role model to other students and a great friend too – he even finds time to assist his classmates by clarifying instructions and/or translating directions from English to Spanish I can unequivocally say that Irondale High School staff members are proud to work with students like him

ZOEY TENENBAUM

11th Grade

Nominated by: Mr. Rosivach Value: Engagement Nomination:

Zoey enages in order to learn, every day - not just pass a test or do well on an assignment to really learn and grow. She works hard but isn't selfish with her learning, she'll help classmates and contribute to dicussions and groups.

ELLA MEVISSEN

11th Grade

Nominated by: Mr Rosivach

Value: Engagement

Nomination:

Don't let the knitting needles fool you, Ella is fully engaged! They make insightful connections between class topics and learning outside class and conversations and ideas carry over to lunch and after class. Ella also continues to remain engaged when working independently, asking questions and using feedback effectively to grow. Ella is a Knight to Know.

FALL KNIGHT TO KNOW RECIPIENTS

KASHIA VANG

11th Grade

Nominated by: Anonymous Value: Belonging

Nomination:

Kashia embodies what it means to cultivate belonging for others. I've had the privilege of witnessing Kashia intentionally and genuinely building relationships with his peers multiple times. The most recent example was when he found out a student was new to our school and his comment was "if you need a friend, you could talk to me. I'll be your friend." His thoughtfulness and wisdom is beyond his years.

GABRIELA GAMEZ TIRADO

11th Grade

Nominated by: Ms Carruth Value: Partnership Nomination:

Gaby always comes to class with a smile and ready to learn. She works hard to develop her understanding of history and is keen and willing to partner with me to be successful! Keep it up Gaby!

ATHALIAH GONZALEZ

9th Grade

Nominated by: Ms. Carruth

Value: Engagement

Nomination:

Athaliah is a great asset to our Human Geography class. She asks thoughtful questions and is always willing to share her thinking with others so that we all learn with her! Great first semester Athaliah!

FALL KNIGHT TO KNOW RECIPIENTS

ADNAN ALWAISI

11th Grade

Nominated by: Ms. Carruth

Value: Engagement

Nomination:

Adnan consistently engages with the history we are learning about in a thoughtful and analytical manner. He takes ownership of his learning and is always trying to go the extra mile to deepen his understanding. An outstanding learner!

MEET YOUR DEANS

Email them using firstname.lastname@mvpschools.org

Jon Thomson

Last Name A-Ce 651-621-6829

Renee Markas

Last Name Ch-Ga 651-621-6814

Carrie Cooley

Last Name Ge-J 651-621-6828

Jeoffrey Reed

Last Name K-Me 651-621-6830

Heather Hertel

Last Name Mi-Pen 651-621-6835

Jaclyn Larson

Last Name Per-St 651-621-6833

Mary Ellen Baisley

Last Name Su-Z 651-621-6831

Jeffrey Martenson

Student Support Services Dean 651-621-6832

Hannah Zurn

TOSA, Student Support Services 651-621-6819

MEET COLLEEN O'NEIL

My name is Colleen O’Neil and I am a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC) and a certified prevention professional (CPP) I am grateful for the opportunity to introduce myself and my role here in the Mounds View school district I am part of the Student Support and Engagement team for the district, whose goal is to promote overall wellbeing and reduce the prevalence and severity of mental illness and substance use The ability to work in tandem with mental health only strengthens the support we, as a district, are able to provide to our students

While my past experience includes working in both residential and outpatient substance use treatment facilities, I also have many years working in a school setting As a chemical health specialist, I have the opportunity to help redirect and educate young people where they spend the majority of their time: in the school setting Why provide substance use support? Over 90% of adults who have a substance use diagnosis began their use BEFORE the age of 18 The ability to educate, inform, support and redirect our young people in the school setting can help lower that number and will also help break down the negative stigma associated with substance use so more young people can get the help they need Addiction stigma is real and if we expect our young people to make better decisions, we must educate them in a way that they feel validated, safe and free from judgment. That is why I do what I do.

A typical day for me often begins in one of our many school settings. I often meet with students on an individual basis, am willing to meet with them in a group setting if deemed appropriate, and I will also support staff by collaborating with them to make sure the student has all they need to be successful in the school setting I can also help parents navigate the challenges that substance use creates within the family structure I am a firm believer that the more support we can provide for both the student and the family, the better the outcome, however, it does not happen overnight It is a process and there can and will be bumps along the way I can help manage and navigate so no one has to do it alone

I look forward to supporting those who are open to it, to helping parents navigate and for providing prevention resources and support to our schools at all levels Given what our young people and families have been up against for the past few years, I am grateful that the district sees the value in providing this type of support

If you have any questions or would like to connect with me, please feel free to contact me directly at 651-829-4708 or at colleen o ’neil@mvpschools org

Career & College Center

Fritz Rock

Career & College Coordinator 651-621-6970 fritz.rock@mvpschools.org

Meet Mr. Rock

My name is Fritz Rock and I am the Career and College Coordinator here at Irondale. I am originally from Miami, FL but moved to Minnesota for high school. I went to Wayzata High School and eventually went on to play D1 football for the University of Illinois An interesting fact about me is that I speak three different languages: Creole, French and English The Career and College Center is a great resource space for students that are considering post-secondary planning as well as career pathways Our goal for our students is to make sure that they all leave our building with a plan after graduation. I am really looking forward to building meaningful relationships with our students to better support them throughout their high school journey.

Preparing for College

Preparing for college begins in middle school and continues all the way to high school graduation Talk with your teachers, dean and family about what courses are best for you, where you might want to attend, and what you want to do as a career. Click the links below for resources:

Free Application Opportunities at Minnesota Colleges & Universities Identify What You Want in a School

Admissions Policies and Tests Choosing a College - 2022-2023 College Programs & Profiles

Career Pathways

The Career and College Center can help you explore your future career interests and pathways. Check out the following resources that might help guide your decisions Need help? Stop by and talk to Mr Rock External Resources:

Trades Hub

Naviance

Career Force

Construction Career Pathways Earn and Learn

Post-Secondary Planning

Werner

Post-Secondary Planning Coordinator 651-621-7143

michael.werner@mvpschools.org

College Applications Remain Open

As seniors continue to determine what is next for them following graduation, college and university applications remain open They are encouraged to complete applications as soon as possible Though many colleges and universities continue to accept applications, many have deadlines of March 1. Application deadlines can be found on admission websites.

FAFSA

The 2023-2024 FAFSA is open Students and families can complete the FAFSA in preparation for postsecondary enrollment for 2023-2024. Students and families hoping to access federal grants, state grants, and loans must complete the FAFSA.

FAFSA information is located here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Minnesota Office of Higher Education

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is an additional, excellent resource for students and families seeking information about post-secondary plans.

Michael

Mounds View Public Schools is committed to preparing all students for opportunities of their choice after high school, whether they choose a college, a trade school, technical college, the military or employment.

The Equity Promise states:

Programs and services will be in place at all schools to ensure that race, gender, class and disability will not predict students’ success in Mounds View Public Schools. Student academic performance will not fall into patterns identifiable by factors such as race, ethnicity, English language proficiency, socio-economic status and disability The school that a student attends will not be the predictor of his/her school success

All graduating seniors who continue on to a certificate, two or four year post-secondary program

The Equity Promise Scholarship Program recognizes a broader range of students who have demonstrated success in high school in a variety of ways, including academic growth, leadership and perseverance both inside and outside of the classroom

The program provides one-time awards for graduating seniors The student application includes essay questions related to leadership, perseverance and growth Applications will be due by January 6, 2023.

For more information or access to the application, follow this link

CULTURAL LIAISONS

Achievements & Awards

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT

Franklin Doncavage, 10th Grade, completed his Eagle Scout project for the Irondale Nordic Ski Program that included signage and trail support for their upcoming season. Well-done and thank you, Franklin!

COLLEGIATE SIGNING

Senior Raiah Mandell committed to continue her athletic journey at the college level. She'll be playing volleyball for Minnesota State University Moorhead in the fall

Athletics & Activities MEET THE ACTIVITIES STAFF

Chris Fink Activities Director

Mauricio Assistant Activities Director

RAMS ADAPTED SOCCER

Sue Weber Activities Secretary

RAMS Adapted Soccer had a great season this year. They won matches against local rivals Columbia Heights-St. AnthonyFridley and against AnokaHennepin. They fought hard in both games winning 13-12 and 4-3, respectively.

William

Athletics & Activities

DRAMA DEPARTMENT

Irondale Drama Department was proud to present "The Addams Family The Musical: School Edition" to four packed performances during the first weekend of November.

Almost 100 students were involved in putting the production together from acting to singing to stage and tech crew to the live pit orchestra!

The Hennepin Theatre Trust awarded our production with 27 awards including Outstanding Production, Outstanding Run Crew, and Outstanding Sound Crew.

RSM CORPORATION

Irondale DECA and business and marketing classes partnered with the Junior Achievement educational program to set up a Job Shadow and Industry Perspective Day with RSM Corporation in Minneapolis. RSM is one of the largest consulting and accounting firms in Minnesota and the U S Students networked and shared DECA school initiatives with the RSM executives and learned about various business and marketing career opportunities. Our DECA members also participated in auditing and financial simulations where members had the chance to win prizes and showcase their analytical, presentation, and sales skills partnering with RSM business executives that featured two Irondale DECA Alumni employees

MOCK INTERVIEWS

Irondale Marketing and DECA Members had the opportunity to connect with business and industry executive recruiters by participating in mock job interviews With their cover letters, job applications, and resumes in hand, students engaged in one-onone interviews with volunteer executive recruiters from Versique. Students were able to get valuable business and industry verbal and written feedback on their technique and areas of strength and opportunities for growth

2544 Mounds View Blvd Mounds View, MN 55112 651-621-6280 foodshelf@moundsviewschools.org

RALPH REEDER FOOD SHELF

The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf and Community Resource Center is a Community Education Program of the Mounds View Public School District that was established in 1982. We provide food, basic needs and connections to other services to any school district family as well as all low income, food insecure individuals and families living within the Mounds View Public School District attendance area or Ramsey County St. Anthony. Our service area includes the cities of New Brighton, Mounds View, Shoreview, Arden Hills, North Oaks, Roseville and Ramsey County St Anthony

MINNESOTA FOODSHARE

For 41 years, Minnesota FoodShare has worked to address food insecurity and poverty by engaging communities throughout the state via education and state and federal advocacy efforts Minnesota FoodShare also provides resources to food shelves and food distribution programs across the state through the annual March Campaign.

For more information or to find food help, click here to view their website

update

NAVY BLUE ANGELS

Lieutenant Amanda Lee, an Irondale High School alumna, has been named by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as the first woman pilot for the squadron. LT Amanda Lee will serve as a demonstration pilot for the 2023 air show season

See this excerpt from "Pensacola News Journal":

Hundreds of women have served with the Blue Angels in various capacities over the last 55 years. But Lee, of Mounds View, Minnesota, will be the first woman to fly in formation as a demonstration pilot. She will pilot a F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and perform death-defying maneuvers above crowds of thousands all over the country. Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Tim "Lucky" Kinsella said he's seen his fair share of Blue Angels air shows over the years from inside and outside the cockpit, and during his three-year stint as commander of NAS Pensacola, he worked intimately with the team. However, even after countless dealings with the Blues over the years, he is particularly excited to ng the 2023 air show season.

o see the faces on the young girls in the audience, the young audience," Kinsella said. "Now, there are people in the audience Blue Angel that looks like them for the first time, and that is so it's so meaningful that those young girls can see that and they y can reach for the stars that there's no ceiling that they can't erything is open to them."

n Minnesota, working for UPS while attending the University of Duluth and decided to enlist in the Navy before graduating from ng Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, in 2007

s as an aviation electronics technician led to her selection into o-Admiral Commissioning Program. She was designated a naval l 2016.

the first-ever female fighter pilot on the Blue Angels' jet demonstration squadron, she is not the first female pilot to join the Blue Angels. That distinction goes to U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Katie Ann (Higgins) Cook, who flew the team's C-130 Fat Albert transport plane from 2014 to 2016.