MVHS Mustang Messenger - August/September 2015

Mustang Messenger

August/September 2015

August/September August 27 Student ID Photos & Schedule Pickup (short break from 4-4:30 pm) September 1 9th Grade Parent Meeting (6:00 pm) September 8 First Day of School for 9th Grade, New Students & Mustang Mentors ONLY (classes begin at 7:25 am) September 9 All Grades Report to School September 17 Picture Make-up Day

"Building an inclusive community of responsible, respectful and resourceful citizens who value learning."

Welcome to the 2015 -2016 School Year!

From the Principal….

I hope this summer has been a wonderful one for you and your family and that your children have been able to “recharge their batteries” and enjoy the multitude of great opportunities that Minnesota summers provide.

The staff here at MVHS has been hard at work as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of your children to what is sure to be an amazing school year. Many positive changes are in the works, including this new communication medium!

As always, thank you for your continued support of Mounds View High School and if there is ever anything that I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

September 18 Conversation with the Principal September 21 Senior Parent Meeting (6-6:30 pm) Open House (6:30-8:00 pm) Communication Night (8-9:00 pm) September 22 9th Grade Respect Retreat September 23 9th Grade Respect Retreat September 25 Homecoming Game vs.

Stillwater - (7:00 pm) September 26 Homecoming Dance (8-11:00 pm)

Introducing the Mustang Messenger In an effort to continuously improve in the area of school-to-home communication, we are introducing our monthly newsletter, the Mustang Messenger. The purpose of this newsletter is to provide families with the most up to date information, as well as highlight the amazing accomplishments of our students and staff.

As you peruse your electronic copy of The Mustang Messenger, you will see pages dedicated to the following: Student Services Topics (From the Deans Desk) Student Recognition (Mustang Pride) Staff/Student Biographies (Get to Know ‘Em) College Corner Activity/Athletic Happenings Health Office News We hope you will find this publication informative, interesting, and fun as we share information and highlight the great work of our students and staff. If you have any suggestions for the newsletter, please let us know.

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Road Construction The Minnesota Department of Transportation has informed us that there was a delay in the construction/replacement of the County Road F/10th St. NW/Lake Valentine Road Bridge that goes over I-35W. This delay will significantly impact traffic patterns to and from MVHS through early November 2015. Plans for re-routing school buses are already in place, but for those that access MVHS via the New Brighton area, alternate routes will be necessary. Please access the link below for a more detailed explanation of the construction project. http://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/crfoveri35wnewbrighton/

Student Drop-Off/Pick-Up Reconfiguration - Delayed In an effort to increase student/pedestrian safety in our parking lot and to create a better and more efficient traffic pattern, school administrators and building and grounds staff solicited feedback from students and families. The feedback was used to craft a plan for the reconfiguration of the student drop-off/pick-up area. The proposed project was scheduled to be completed prior to the beginning of this school year. Taking into consideration all the bridge work and construction going on in the area as well as the timeline for finishing the project, a decision has been made to postpone the reconfiguration until next summer. The new configuration includes the removal of the “circle� portion of the parking lot and the inclusion of curbs and a wider, better placed sidewalk. The image below shows the new configuration overlaid over the previous configuration.

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Over the summer, we have transformed our library into a state-of-the-art Information and Learning Center.

This transformation includes the addition of flexible furniture/learning spaces, the addition of new technology, and the construction of a full-service, studentoperated coffee bar. This space will serve our students well for years to come and closely resembles the spaces one might find on a university campus.

Student/Staff Meeting Space “The Corral�

Collaborative Student Meeting Area

Student Learning Space/Collaboration Tables

Laser Engraver Printer 3D Printer

Student Seating/Study Area

Interactive Whiteboard

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Get to Know ‘Em Meet Stephanie Bruggers Stephanie Bruggers is new to Mounds View High School and is excited to be a Mustang.

Stephanie has spent the past three years as the 9th grade Associate Principal at Wayzata High School. Prior to her time in Wayzata, she was both a Social Studies teacher and Instructional Coach with Osseo Area Schools.

Stephanie is looking forward to taking on new and different administrative responsibilities.

She has a great passion around Equity work. “I love the Equity Promise here in Mounds View and look forward to ensuring ALL students find success.” In addition, Stephanie is also looking forward to working with the teaching staff and being in their classrooms. “The best part of the day is when I get to be in a class with kids and share in their experience(s).

Stephanie is married to a Physical Education teacher in the AnokaHennepin district. They have three sons, Joey (12), Michael (8) and Sam (8). “Most of our time is spent running to activities for our boys, which we really enjoy.” In the event there is spare time, Stephanie enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Meet Lori Diekoff

Lori Diekoff is the building secretary for Mounds View High School. She has been in the district since 2004 and is a 12-month employee. While the summer months are quiet at Mounds View, Lori is busy wrapping up the year with diplomas and report cards, setting up new teachers and staff, preparing back to school packets and settling obligations. She is responsible for creating the daily e-news, supporting administration, being a resource for families, students, and staff and planning graduation. You will also see Lori at events and selling tickets for Mustang football and basketball.

Lori grew up in southern Minnesota as a Waseca Bluejay and graduated from Mankato State University. Her husband, Paul, graduated from Mounds View in 1983. They live in the community and are raising Mustangs of their own: Helen (2011), Hallie (2018) and Paulie (2021).

Meet Matt Goldsmith

As one of the first faces many people see coming in the front doors of Mounds View, Matt welcomes people as a 15-year staff member, a father of MV graduates, and a graduate of the class of 1987. Matt married his fellow MV classmate, Julie Stevenson, and raised their sons Ian (2009), Nick (2011) and Pete (2017) as Mustangs. Matt’s other role at the school is defensive line coach for our successful varsity football team. In his free time, he enjoys his cabin in Northern Wisconsin and time spent on Lake Vermilion.

Meet Toni Vanyo

Toni Vanyo is new to Mounds View Schools and is elated to be part of the Mustang community and dean family. Toni has spent the last three years as a Special Education Supervisor for Osseo Area Schools. Prior to her time in Osseo, Toni was a Special Education teacher and Special Education Coordinator for St. Paul Public Schools.

Toni is excited to take on the challenge of learning her new role as Special Education Dean.

She is passionate about her belief that "all students can learn" and is looking forward to ensuring that students on IEP's are as successful as their peers. Toni has spent the past 9 months contracted as the Special Education Director for the Minnesota Department of Corrections and is thrilled to collaborate with students and staff in decreasing the school to prison pipeline through Mounds View's Equity Promise.

In the event that Toni is not teaching piano (her 2nd career) or her high school sweetheart is not working (Jail Sergeant for the Washington County Sheriffs Office) you will find them golfing or traveling to New York City.

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Athletics & Activities Happenings FALL SPORTS REGISTRATION IS UNDERWAY! A FEW REMINDERS: • An updated sports physical is needed every 3 years in order to register.

• All registrations are done online through the parent SchoolView account.

Instructions can be found on our website gomvmustangs.com under the registration tab.

MUSTANG VARSITY FOOTBALL

We have three (3) games before school begins. Mark these dates on your calendar: Saturday (8/22) at MVHS, Friday (8/28) at East Ridge and Thursday (9/3) at MVHS. Kickoff is at 7:00 PM. Bring all your friends and your loud Mustang Spirit.

FALL MUSICAL “FOOTLOOSE”

Calling all Performers! Auditions for “Footloose” at Mounds View High School are Wednesday (8/26) and Thursday (8/27) from 12-6 PM. Callbacks are Friday (8/28) from 12-4 PM - plan to attend callbacks, if needed. Rehearsals begin Monday (8/31) for the whole cast. Crew and Costuming rehearsals begin on Tuesday (9/8). Information about the audition process and the audition sign up is available at http://gomvmustangs.com/theatre.

If you have any questions, email EmaKate.Brohman@moundsviewschools.org. Can’t wait to see you in August!

ATHLETICS/ACTIVITIES SCHEDULES

Schedules are available online at gomvmustangs.com and /or suburbaneast.org under member schools, select Mounds View. Schedule changes are posted as they become available.

MUSTANG STADIUM

The turf renovation for Mustang Stadium was completed in time for the first day of fall sports. The result is beautiful and will benefit our students for years to come. Attend a game and check it out!

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From the Deans Desk Mark Nelson A-Co (Grades 9-11) A-Da (Grade 12)

Kendra Eckman Cp-G (Grades 9-11) Db-Ho (Grade 12)

651--621-7133

651--621-7130

mark.nelson@moundsviewschools.org

kendra.eckman@moundsviewschools.org

Caleb Bjorklund H-La (Grades 9-11) Hp-Le (Grade 12)

Brian Peloquin Lb-Ng (Grades 9-11) Lf-Os(Grade 12)

651-621-7129

651-621-7127

caleb.bjorklund@moundsviewschools.org

brian.peloquin@moundsviewschools.org

Ryan Poepard Nh-So (Grades 9-11) Ot-So(Grade 12)

Andra Storla Sp-Z (Grades 9-12)

651-621-7126

651-621-7131

ryan.poepard@moundsviewschools.org

andra.storla@moundsviewschools.org

Antonia Vanyo Dean of Support Services

Scott Wiens Dean of Post-Secondary Services

651-621-7128

651-621-7143

antonia.vanyo@moundsviewschools.org

scott.wiens@moundsviewschools.org

9th Grade Family Meetings

This fall your student’s dean will be requesting that you schedule a time for your family to meet with them. During this meeting you will have the opportunity to discuss how the transition to high school has gone, ask any questions about high school and create a 4-year plan together. These meetings will take place from late September until early February. Please look for more details once school has started.

10th and 11th Grade Early College

It is our school goal to have every student complete at least one college level course during their high school careers. As discussed in your child’s 4-year planning meeting there is an opportunity for your child to earn their Associate’s Degree while attending Mounds View. If attaining this degree is your student’s plan, please make sure they touch base with their Dean regarding this at the beginning of the school year to make sure they are registered for the appropriate classes.

Socio-Emotional Support

The start of the year can be an anxious time for students and families. Please don’t hesitate to utilize the deans as a resource for any support your family needs. Mounds View has a number of resources to support student needs.

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Health Office News Need Health Forms for the 2015-16 School Year? Find them online!

Just click on the Health Services Link located under the Parent Resources tab on the MVHS homepage. On this site you will find information regarding Health Services in Mounds View Schools as well as all of the Health Forms you may need to be prepared for the new school year, including prescription medication authorizations and sports physical forms. Completed forms can be faxed to (651) 621-7105, returned to MVHS, or emailed to Sarah Osterman (Licensed School Nurse - sarah.osterman@moundsviewschools.org).

Plan ahead for a smoother transition back to school. If your student will be taking prescription medication at school daily, or on an as needed or emergency basis, please remember we will need orders signed by the licensed prescriber (doctor, nurse practitioner, etc.) and remember to ask for an extra labeled bottle, inhaler, or other device for school at your next pharmacy visit.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

Teens need immunizations, too. Teens should have received a Tdap booster to protect from Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis and a Meningococcal conjugate vaccine to protect against the most common forms of meningitis at their 11-12 year old check up. HPV vaccination protects against the Human Papilloma Virus and is also offered starting at 11-12 years. The flu season is just around the corner and flu shots are becoming available in area clinics. Call your student’s clinic today to be sure you’re prepared for a healthy school year!

If you would like to plan for your student’s health needs prior to the start of the school year, please contact Sarah Osterman (Licensed School Nurse - sarah.osterman@moundsviewschools.org) with questions or to set up a time to meet.

School ID Photos/Schedule Pickup Pick up your schedule between 10am and 7pm (there is a short break between 4-4:30pm).

You will be directed to complete the following before you pick up your schedule: • Reset your Novell password (changing passwords will require some extra time--

plan accordingly) • Settle outstanding obligations • Pick up Lifetouch photo card • Have your picture taken (this includes seniors for a student ID)--photo

packages are optional • Turn in Health & Emergency Record (blue)** These forms need to be

brought in on August 27 in exchange for your student’s class schedule.

Please do not mail them or drop them off in the office prior to August 27. **Edit the Health & Emergency Record as needed. This information is used for automated phone messages, US mail and daily Enews. Electronic communication is the primary tool used for the delivery of school correspondence.

If you are not able to pick up on Thursday, schedules will be available in Student Services between 10am2pm beginning August 28 until school starts.

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College Corner College Applications Application season is upon us. Most colleges begin accepting applications in early August and notify students at various times.

Scott Wiens Dean Post-Secondary Services 651-621-7143

scott.wiens@moundsviewschools.org

As students apply to colleges, it is important to understand the types of applications that exist. The most common type of application is the rolling admission application. With these applications, students complete an application, send it to the college, and receive an admission decision within four to six weeks. Sometimes these decisions come more quickly. Examples of rolling application institutions would include MnSCU (Minnesota State Colleges and Universities) four-year institutions, many Minnesota private colleges including St. Thomas, Bethel, Hamline, etc. It is important to remember with rolling admissions institutions, housing, scholarship money, and spots can fill.

The second type of application includes a specific application deadline. These deadlines vary and typically range from December 1 until the end of February. Schools with specific application deadlines typically notify students of admissions decisions by the end or March/beginning of April and tend to be more competitive in nature. Examples of schools with deadlines would be the University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin, Carleton, and St. Olaf. It is important to be cognizant of deadlines as students missing them most likely will not be considered.

The final type of application is an early application. Typically, highly selective schools use this type of application.

There are two types of early applications: Early Action and Early Decision. Both types of early applications typically have November deadlines and December notification dates. The difference between the two types is that Early Action (EA) decisions are not binding while Early Decision (ED) decisions are and require that students attend that college. Students applying to Early Decision schools should know that they want to attend that school.

Scrubs, Gloves and Microscopes College Admissions Night On Thursday, September 10, at 6:30 pm in the Mounds View High School auditorium, there will be an evening dedicated to talking about college admissions. Representatives from a variety of institutions will be present. Please come to learn about the application process and about what schools look for when admitting students.

The University of Minnesota offers a great opportunity for high school students interested in careers the health field called “Scrubs, Gloves, and Microscopes�. This program allows students to explore health care professions and to learn from graduate students and professionals in specific health care areas. Interested students can register at the site listed below. Please note that some programs fill quickly. Registration can be completed at the following website: http://www.healthcareers.umn.edu/courses-and-events/ high-school-programs/scrubs-gloves-microscopes

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College Corner (cont.)

College Visits

University of Minnesota - Coffman Union Every year many colleges visit our high school with the intent of meeting students and discussing specifics about their school and programs of study. These meetings are great opportunities for students to ask questions and University of Minnesota get to know more about these colleges. Most colleges from across our state and many from our region visit annually. Additionally, many competitive schools are interested in the caliber of student that we have to offer. Through a student’s Naviance account, college visits are easily accessible. Students signing up to see colleges through Naviance will receive a pass to attend college visits in the Paddock.

Student Planners Administration Jeff Ridlehoover Principal............................................ 651.621.7103 jeff.ridlehoover@moundsviewschools.org Stephanie Bruggers Associate Principal........................... 651.621.7120 stephanie.bruggers@moundsviewschools.org Michael Schwartz Associate Principal........................... 651.621.7124 michael.schwartz@moundsviewschools.org Robert Madison Activities Director.............................. 651.621.7121 robert.madison@moundsviewschools.org

Students will have the opportunity to purchase a student planner at the Mustang Locker Room (school store) on Schedule Pick Up Day (8/27) for $3.00.

Graduation is Monday (6/6/2016) at 7pm at Roy Wilkins Auditorium. The following graduation information will be shared with families throughout the year: • Graduation Announcements • Cap & Gown Orders • Diploma Orders • Graduation Ticket Orders and Seating (plan on 6 tickets per family) • Senior Class Wisdom Retreat • Senior Class Breakfast • All Night Party Committee (parent lead)