Mustang Messenger, Fall/Winter 2022

Rob Reetz,

Gretchen Zahn, Associate Principal

Ben Chiri, Associate Principal

Matthew Scardigli, Administrative Intern

About the Mustang Messenger

We are thrilled to bring the Mustang Messenger 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 Mr. Scardigli in the Main Office.

Content provided by:

Lori Diekoff

Robert Reetz

Matthew Scardigli Cindy McCallum Mounds View Staff and Students

Editors: Matthew van Bruggen Colin Sokolowski Megan McKeen

December 5-9

December 7

December

JANUARY 2023

January

January

December 12 Band Concert, 7 p.m.

December 19 Holiday Choir & Orchestra Concert, 7 p m

January 11 ReFLECT Day

January 16 No School

January 26-27 No School

January 31 Chamber Recital

In each issue of the Mustang Messenger, we will further introduce our administrative team, sharing about them as leaders, as well as their role in supporting students, families and staff.

ROB REETZ, PRINCIPAL

Principal Reetz has served secondary schools in the Mounds View district for the past 15 years. In July 2022, he was tapped to lead Mounds View High School after having served in the role of principal for seven years

Reetz served the Edgewood and Chippewa communities as principal from 2014-2021. His ascension to the principalship included multiple years of leading teacher learning as district Professional Learning Specialist. Prior to his time at central office, Reetz served staff and families as an Instructional Strategies Facilitator and special education teacher at Irondale High School

Reetz holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from University of Minnesota – Duluth, a master’s degree in special education from Augsburg College and an education specialist degree in leadership, policy and administration from University of St. Thomas. He lives in Mendota Heights with his wife Liz and their two daughters Grace (13) and Mae (11).

In his role as Principal, Reetz is most passionate about serving others, improving the student experience, and building capacity among staff to lead and learn in ways that support each and every student. Reetz wants every Mustang learner to answer yes to three key questions: 1. 2. 3

Do I belong here?

Can I do this? Is this meaningful?

Continued from previous page...

Mounds View offers one of the most rigorous high school experiences in the state 97% of students in the graduating class of 2021 participated in college credit-earning courses. This means every scholar has or will experience learning that stretches and humbles them, which is why it is important that students find meaning in their learning, believe in their ability to demonstrate it, and experience a school that both sees and accepts each student for who they are as a person and learner. Reetz is working with staff to adopt a high-care, high-accountability culture. Over the next two years, he will usher in a shared language for instruction that grounds teaching and learning in five key areas:

1. 2 3 4. 5.

Inclusive classroom environment and culture

Establishing a clear purpose for learning

Increasing student engagement

Making evidence-based curricular and pedagogical choices Providing an effective assessment of and for student learning

In addition, Reetz has partnered with teacher leaders to establish core values that will bring the school together as “One HERD.” Those values include:

H - Health & Well-Being

E - Engagement R - Relationships D - Diversity & Inclusion

The vision Principal Reetz has established will serve to maintain and grow Mound View’s tradition of excellence. He is relentless about school improvement and views student and parent voice and partnership as critical Don’t hesitate to contact him should you have any questions, or feel compelled to offer feedback He can be reached at 651-621-7103 or robert reetz@mvpschools org

From the Dean's Desk

MEET YOUR DEANS

Email them using firstname.lastname@mvpschools.org

Kasim Shahzad

Last Name A-Cha 651-621-7133

Kendra Eckman

Last Name Chb-Ga 651-621-7130

Megan Childs

Last Name Gb-Ka 651-621-7132

Ellen Elmquist

Last Name Kb-Mil 651-621-7129

Jeff Nowak

Last Name Mim-Ra 651-621-7127

Ryan Poepard

Last Name Rb-Tal 651-621-7126

Sarah Hatalla

Last Name Tam-Z 651-621-7131

Rebecca Ramacher (Becky)

Student Support Services Dean 651-621-7128

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

Meet Ms. Hendrickson

Hello, my name is Madison Hendrickson and I am the new Career & College Coordinator at Mounds View High School! I grew up right in this community, going to St. Anthony Village High School and graduating from Bethel University I love working with high school students and my experience has evolved as I have worked in different high schools in the area, all with the mission to help students be the best version of themselves and support them in achieving their goals When I'm not at work, you can find me coaching girls and boys swim and dive at St. Anthony Village High School, attending one of my family member's sporting events, or going for a long run. I am so excited as we work to refresh and revamp our Career & College Center, striving to provide more opportunities and assistance for students as they discover different career pathways, search for colleges, learn how to apply for scholarships and financial aid, and have valuable experiences with career and college professionals Our goal is to reach out to as many students as we can, advocating for them as they reach for their post-secondary dreams and aspirations.

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 Admissions Policies and Tests

Choosing a College - 2022-2023 College Programs & Profiles

Career Pathways

The Career & 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 Ms. Hendrickson External Resources:

Trades Hub Naviance

Career Force Earn and Learn

Post-Secondary Planning

Michael 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 2023-24. 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 excellent resource for students and families seeking information about post-secondary plans.

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

Sophia Huang

Ian Buerge Henry Cahoon Mounika Gadela

Tara Martin Mateo Nacusi

Lucia Nitti Samuel Notch

Leigha Wood Jack Ohmann Shaurya Sehgal Skylar Weirens

Bria Farmer

Gillian Anderson

Gwendolyn Brandt

Anlei Chen

Taylor Isabel Linden Lee Class of '22

Iris Ren Aurora Wang

Emily Zhao Henry Wang Justin Wang Colette Whalen

Claire Li Steven Zhou

Achievements & Awards

YOUTH IN MUSIC HALL OF FAME

Congratulations to Band Director Mr. Sucha for being inducted into the Youth in Music Hall of Fame during the Marching Band State Championships at US Bank Stadium this fall

Mr. Sucha was selected to receive this award for his many years of dedication, innovation and promotion of the band, marching band, color guard and drumline activities in the upper midwest. With his decades of support and commitment to students and their success, not only in music endeavors but in their personal growth as well, made Mr. Sucha a well deserved recipient of this life long achievement award.

He joins Mr Swanson (Student Services), as the second person from Mounds View Public Schools to be inducted into the YIM Hall of Fame.

From YIM Hall of Fame: "Bill Sucha marched his first parade as a fifth-grader playing alto saxophone. Since then, he has either performed with, taught or adjudicated marching bands, drum and bugle corps and color guards for 51 years and counting. In 2023, he will perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with the Band Directors Marching Band made up of directors from all over the United States."

For more information on this well-deserved recognition, click here

Athletics & Activities

MEET THE ACTIVITIES STAFF

James Galvin Activities Director

Bo Lovdahl Assistant Activities Director

Cindy McCallum Activities Secretary

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

The Lady Stangs went 11-17 this season and made it to the section semifinals, losing a tough match to Stillwater. The Mounds View Mustangs had glimpses of success and faced many hurdles with injuries, different lineups, and many more obstacles. Nonetheless, the team fought through those challenges and had a fantastic season The team connected very well, improving on many different team skills and individual skills The volleyball team was proud to receive the Gold academic award, which was recognized by the state Every player that was eligible for an academic award received one Junior setter/outside Audrey Kocon earned the honors of being named MNVBCA All-State, as well as SEC All-Conference. Kocon also reached her 1000th kill this year, leading the team in kills with 325 kills, breaking a school record. Kocon also earned offensive and defensive player of the year and the Mounds view volleyball varsity team MVP Senior outside hitter Tia Saxton earned SEC All-Conference honorable mention Through her toughness and resilience, Saxton received the Hard Hat Award, which means that she followed the 21 expectations of a teammate the best Saxton also was named the most inspirational player. Sophomore outside hitter Emma Nordeen received SEC All-Conference honorable mention.

Senior Middle Cecelia Bronson received SEC All conference Honorable Mention as well. Freshman Middle Victoria Kurilov Earned the Rookie of the year award Our team had many hardest workers but the two people that stood out to the team were the team's two Liberos Sophomore Avery Jedlinski and Kaydence Keller. Senior right side Aubrey Willford earned the most improved award throughout the entire season

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

The season started with a training camp at White Water regional park To attend, you must reach 300 miles for middle schoolers and freshmen and 350 for sophomores. JV kicked off their first 5k at Anoka and won their race strong. Varsity sat out at Anoka and kicked off their first 5k at the Griak Invitational This invitational is an absurdly large race, with many hills to test us physically and mentally We took a two-week break from racing as we prepared to head to Alexandria for our last regular season race. Varsity, JV, and 9th Grade & Under all had great races!

Varsity placed second just behind Stillwater, JV placed second just behind Edina, and 9th grade and under got the first-place win. Post-season started at Forest Lake for the Suburban East Conference Meet This was one of the best races of our season as a program All seven varsity runners placed in the top 15 for the varsity race JV almost had a perfect score placing 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 Varsity placed first and headed to the state meet The state meet was a challenging course and a frigid race day, but we placed 5th.

Overall it was a rollercoaster of a season where we had to be resilient, considering having such tough losses to teams we knew we could beat, but we also had our highs where our guys had great performances We are so grateful for the opportunity to be in this cross-country program with our coaches and teammates

BOYS SOCCER

This season was far from what we had hoped. We came into the season as the Defending State Champions. We had to battle through some injuries, which set us back, but we ended up finding some success in parts of our schedule But no matter what happened in these games, our team stuck together and never forgot about the great friendship we had

Through thick and thin, we had each other's backs and enjoyed every moment we played with each other Our All Conference players were Bryce Dullum & Aariz Arshad. All Conference honorable mention players were Aidan Petrich and Hysem Hamid. The team MVP was Bryce Dullum, Hysem Hamid was the named best newcomer, and the playmaker award went to Aariz Arshad

Athletics & Activities

FOOTBALL

This season started with the captains thinking we were not going to be much better than last season and it ended up with us placing second in the section and one game away from state. Though we ended the season with a 3-6 record, it was one of the best seasons we have had in a while, showing that MV football is going to be dominant in years to come We finished with a top 5 defense in the state and multiple All-Conference selections on the team At the start of the season, most of us were strangers to each other and at the end we were all a family We cared about each other beyond the football field and will continue to be friends for life. Everyone on the team felt appreciated and knew that we all had a piece in our success this season.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

The Mounds View Girls Cross Country team won the Suburban East Conference Championships, with Linnea Ousdigian (2nd), Taylor Isabel (3rd), Lauren Kath (11th), Wren Anderson (12th) and Laurin Isabel (19th) earning All-Conference awards. Kate Roeber (22nd) also earned All-Conference Honorable Mention. In the JV race, the Mustangs scored a perfect 15 points, with the Mustangs claiming 1st through 8th place individually Girls Cross Country also won the Section 5AAA title, qualifying for the state meet. Linnea Ousdigian won the individual section title in a time of 18:29, followed closely by Taylor Isabel, who placed 2nd with 18:33

At state, the team came away with a 3rd place finish, marking the Mustang’s first time on the podium since 1995. Linnea Ousdigian (10th) and Taylor Isabel (13th) earned All-State honors individually

In addition, both Ousdigian and Isabel broke the former 5K school record of 18:28, with times of 18:06 and 17:55 respectively.

GIRLS SWIM & DIVE

The Mounds View Girls Swim and Dive team had a strong 2022 season, with a record of 5 - 4 for our dual meets this season The team placed third at True Team Sections, Sections, and JV Conference Many athletes placed in the top 8 at JV Conference

Our Section's top eight swimmers and divers include Grace Bury, Ellie Bina, Maddie Boespflug, Maren Durand, Alexis Easley, Kayley McKee, Brynn Mills, Tyler Ostrom, Alana Schmitzer, Hannah Song and Erika Turkington

The athletes who competed at state were Ellie Bina, Alana Schmitzer, Alexis Easley, and Hannah Song in the 200-yard medley relay; they placed 15th Ellie Bina competed at State individually in two events, placing 7th in the 200-yard freestyle and 5th in the 500-yard freestyle We had 5 swimmers ranked in the top 20 in the state this season.

Our team received the section gold academic award with an average collective GPA of 3 9 Last year, the team received the Team Academic All American Award ranking 8th in the U S In addition, the team has multiple senior athletes who received the individual Academic All American award.

GIRLS TENNIS

The Girls Tennis team were conference and section champions, and had two individual section champions that went on to state (Katerina Smiricinschi for singles and Amanda Diao/Avery Schifsky for doubles) The team continued to state, losing to 1st seed Minnetonka in the first round, and then winning against our next two opponents (5th seed Maple Grove, and Thief River Falls), capturing 5th place. For the state individual championships, Smiricinschi and Diao/Schifsky both placed within the top 8. The team grew very close throughout the season, with many bonding activities from tie-blankets to carbo loads Overall, it was a very successful season, and we are proud to end on such a high note

MV THEATRE: FALL PLAY

Despite the substantial changes made to our department, we were still able to be proud of our work by finding newfound opportunities One example of such an opportunity came when "Almost, Maine" required a shoe to drop from the center of the stage during a scene. Our auditorium has prop bars that we can attach equipment to, and so we rigged a drop system that allowed us to dump a shoe via a manual pulley system For the majority of the show, however, our crew was not able to build the set due to updates to our theater sound system, which took up the space we would utilize to build set pieces. A positive outcome of this development was that we were able to take time and go through our storage and workshop in order to create a more efficient environment Overall, we are all extremely satisfied with how the play turned out, and are excited for what the future holds --- especially with our new director Mr. V, who has proven himself to be a wonderful addition to the theatre program! --Crew captains Cora Manrodt (12) and Sierra Peacock (12).

I was the student director for this show, and I am incredibly proud of the cast for this production They have all shown immense dedication and pride with this show. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a student director as a Junior. It has been a blast. These scenes would not have been possible without our amazing tech, crew and costuming departments to make the winter-love theme shine through --Cast captain Anja Horsman (11)

MV THEATRE

In the costuming department, we had a blast putting together the outfits, hair and makeup of our incredible cast While this show was quite simple in design, we explored a new style cold winter chic that we had never attempted before. This show had its challenges, such as figuring out how to dress characters in six layers without overheating and how to style blue jeans and flannel 10 different ways As it drew closer to shows, the costumes began to fall into place and the "Almost, Maine" story began to be told

To all of our costumers: Thank you so much for all of the hard work and love that you put into this show. We are so proud and cannot wait to be your captains again in the spring. -- Costuming captains Sarafina Dillon (12) and Isaac Siechen (12)

Come check out MV Theatre's next production, King Lear This show has been completely designed and directed by students! Performances are February 3-4, 10-11, 2023

TAYLOR ISABEL

“Running is pretty important to me. ” Taylor Isabel is full speed ahead in all aspects of her young life In addition to being an elite distance runner, Taylor is also a National Merit semifinalist and co-president of Mounds View’s National Honor Society. Last year, she earned her NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician) certification through a program at Spring Lake Park High School. Next fall, she will attend the University of Minnesota, where she will study Biomedical Engineering

When asked about her high school experience, Taylor immediately credited running as a primary influence. Having contributed on varsity since 7th grade, Taylor worked incredibly hard to improve her speed, running up to 45 miles a week. She currently holds school records in girls cross country and track for the fastest 5K, fastest 1600M and fastest 3200M at Mounds View High School Herrecord-settingrunstookplaceasajuniorwhen,forthefirsttime,sherealizedshemight haveachancetorunforaDivisionIprogram TheUniversityofMinnesotaconfirmedthat assumptionwhentheyextendedaninvitationforhertorunbothCrossCountryandTrack.She recentlysignedherletterofintent,andwillindeedbecomeaGopherinSeptember.When askedwhyshechoseUofMTwinCitiesoverNortheasternandTulaneUniversity,Taylorquickly mentionedherfuturecoach(SarahHopkins).“Sheisawesome.Nomatterhowrunninggoes,I’ll stillbevaluedontheteamandbeabigpartoftheirprogram.”

Runningisn’ttheonlyreasonTaylorwasrecruitedbytheUniversityofMinnesota.Sheisalso academicallyelite InadditiontoearningherNREMTcertification,Taylorhaspassedfour AdvancedPlacementexams(andistakingthreemoreAPclassesasasenior),andearned“A’s” intwoAnoka-RamseyCommunityCollegecourses.Itisthiskindofpreparationthathelpedher achievescoreshighenoughonthePSATtoqualifyasaNationalMeritsemifinalist Whenasked whatamongtheseacademicallyrigorousexperiencesshefoundmostchallenging,Taylor pointedtotheNREMTprogram.“Itchallengedmeinadifferentway.I’vealwaysbeen successfulacademically,butlearningtobeanEMTismorerealworld Itrequireseffective communicationandlifeskills,especiallywhenwhatyou’relearningactuallymattersforsaving someone ’slifeoneday.”

SENIOR STABLE MUSTANG SPIRIT

ISLAND LAKE PEP FEST

MRS. ESPY & MRS. JOHNSON (SCIENCE)

CAMP ENTERPRISE

Three seniors from the business and marketing department earned Arden Hills Rotary scholarships to attend Camp Enterprise in November. More than 70 students from all over Minnesota attended this three-day event for juniors and seniors. Students learned leadership skills, listened to and learned from industry professionals, and made a business and marketing entrepreneurial pitch using ethical and forward-thinking business practices

Kat (Kathryn) Fitch described the environment of Camp Enterprise as welcoming. "Everyone at Camp Enterprise was so friendly and supportive Everyone worked together and helped each other out during team building and the assigned case study It's truly a lifechanging experience that everyone needs to experience "

Ethan Kieran shared that the camp provided him with the chance to learn under some really great entrepreneurs and make plenty of new friends "The speakers were absolutely phenomenal and very eye opening, changing how I think about problemsolving and entrepreneurial thinking. Camp enterprise was not only fun, but a special opportunity and I strongly recommend the program to individuals with an interest and drive in entrepreneurship "

Kate Demeny described the camp as life-changing and truly one of the highlights of her high school career Kate has taken multiple classes in the business and marketing program, and said her knowledge from class, along with her DECA experience, helped her to meet others and find her unique leadership style She came back after the event and has taken on an active role as the Co-VP of Marketing and Branding in our chapter, and has also led leadership activities in class

Food Resources

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

Alumni update

CHARLIE ETUKO '17

Congratulations to Mounds View alumnus Charlie Etuko, who recently accepted a promotion from the Morgan Stanley Minneapolis office to one in Chicago. And most important, he’s several years cancer-free after being diagnosed with leukemia during his senior year at Mounds View. Charlie is one of the first Saint Johns University Eddie Phillips scholars to begin making their mark on the world.

For more on this story: https://www.csbsju.edu/news/eddie-phillips-scholar-2022

MOUNDS VIEW ALUMNUS RETHINKS THE DESIGN OF MOBILITY WALKERS FOR A YOUNGER CLIENTELE

Four University of Minnesota students have come up with a new way for people to move around. They took the wheeled walker that many seniors use and reimagined it for a younger clientele Morgan Kerfeld (MV '17), co-founder and head of operations for Telo, said the team’s redesign of the rollator walker has one key difference. "We decided to flip the frame from living in front of you to behind you, " she said. It has integrated back support that allows for proper posture, but also gives you enough room in front of you so that you can take natural strides and maintain your proper walking posture and habits Kerfeld said having the walker in front generally allows people lean over and put pressure on something that can roll out from under you. For more on this story, click here.