Mustang Messenger April 4/1 - Speech Showcase (6:00 pm) 4/2 - Region 5AA Solo/ Ensemble Contest (Centennial High School) 4/4 - Choir Concert (7:00 pm) 4/5 - MCA Math Test (juniors) (Hours 1,3,5) Social Media Presentation (6:00 pm) Communication Night (6:30-8:30 pm) 4/6 - MCA Math Test (juniors) (Hours 2,4,6) 4/7 - Blood Drive (8:30-1:30 pm) Cultural Celebration (4:00-6:00 pm) 4/8 - NO SCHOOL (teacher workday) 4/12 - Service Academy Night (6:30 pm) 4/15 - Swing Dance Music by MV Jazz Band (7:00-10:00 pm) 4/16 - Mustang Night Out Dance (8:00-11:00 pm) 4/17 - Music at MV: Loring String Quartet (2:00-4:00 pm) 4/19 - NO SCHOOL – Grade 12 ACT TEST DAY - Grade 11 PRACTICE ACT - Grade 10 Grade 9 Activity (TBD) 4/21 - Best of Site Orchestra Recital (7:00 pm) April 28-30 - “Game of Tiaras” (7:00 pm - 1:00 pm on Saturday) May 3 - Vocal Ensemble (7:00 pm)
April 2016
"Building an inclusive community of responsible, respectful and resourceful citizens who value learning."
MVHS - HOME OF THE MUSTANGS!
From the Principal…. Spring break has come and gone and as we traverse these last couple of months of school, we look for each and every student to finish strong, both in and out of the classroom. As the weather heats up, so does the testing season. April brings us the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments as well as the district-wide ACT administration. These assessments provide students, families, and our staff with important data and we believe our students are ready to demonstrate high levels of achievement. Our initial Re-F.L.E.C.T. days were an overwhelming success. Having heard from staff, parents, and most importantly our students, we very much believe that this particular initiative will have very positive effects on student learning and student well-being. We had not planned to hold any further Re-F.L.E.C.T. days until the beginning of the 2016-17 school year, but due to the positive feedback, we may look to infuse another Re-F.L.E.C.T. day or two into our schedule before June. In closing, I would also like to put in a little “plug” for our spring drama production, “Game of Tiaras”. Please feel free to take in one or more of these productions, which will run April 28-30 in the Mounds View High School auditorium. Have a wonderful and blessed month of April! Respectfully,
Dr. Jeffery P. Ridlehoover Principal
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Get to Know ‘Em Meet Jessica Espy I am Jessica Espy and teach Honors Physical Science and ARCC Chemistry. This is my first year teaching at Mounds View and I have loved every minute of it. This is my fourth year teaching high school science and before then I spent two years teaching university and community college courses in Indiana. As an elementary age student, my interest for science was inspired by my Aunt who was working through her chemistry PhD program and now works for the Los Alamos National Lab. In college, at Michigan State University, I tutored students through their math and science courses and realized I had a passion for teaching that I could not walk away from. After graduating with a Bachelors in chemistry and human physiology, I achieved a Masters in analytical chemistry from Purdue University. I am a relatively new Minnesotan since my family moved here in the summer of 2014 from Indiana. I’ve been blessed to share my life with my amazing and nerdy (just like me) husband, our two boys, and two cats. I love my boys, Harry (nearly 3) and Graham (9 months), who are super energetic and keep me in shape without needing a gym membership. On a weekend, you will likely find me playing outside with my boys, playing board and card games, or making something crafty. In my classroom, students will know me to take a moment every Monday to motivate each other for the week. If you ever need a little encouragement, stop by my room for the Motivating Monday Motion. This year has honestly been the best year yet of my teaching career and I look forward to many more years of students, friendships and memories at Mounds View High School.
Meet Brian Peloquin My name is Brian Peloquin and I am a Dean working with students whose last name begins with Lb-Ng. This is my 4th year as a Dean at Mounds View. I spent my first eight years teaching math at Irondale. Our district is the only school district my family has ever known. My wife, Breanna, teaches Phy. Ed. & Health at Edgewood Middle School and before that she taught Health at Mounds View High School. I have twin 3rd grade sons who are at Sunnyside and a six year old daughter who is in Kindergarten at Pike Lake Kindergarten Center. I attended college at Winona State University, which is where I met my wife during freshmen year! I’ve received my masters degree in Educational Leadership and my K-12 Administration License from St. Mary’s University. In my free time, I enjoy coaching baseball for my boys, fishing and outdoor adventures with my family.
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Senior Spotlight Mara Balzer What is your favorite food? Pizza & Wings What is your favorite TV show? Grey’s Anatomy What is your favorite movie? Divergent What is your favorite book? None What is your favorite school lunch? Popcorn Chicken What is your favorite MVHS class? Anatomy & Physiology
Nicholas Pahl What is your favorite food? Donuts What is your favorite TV show? Breaking Bad What is your favorite movie? The Dark Knight Rises What is your favorite book? The Meme Machine What is your favorite school lunch? Pasta Bar What is your favorite MVHS class? Wealth Building Who is your favorite MVHS teacher? Mr. Hairrell
Who is your favorite MVHS teacher? Mr. Washenberger
Katherine Trahan What is your favorite food? Popcorn What is your favorite TV show? I don’t watch TV What is your favorite movie? The Lorax What is your favorite book? The Book Thief What is your favorite school lunch? I haven’t eaten school lunch since 9th grade What is your favorite MVHS class? Philosophy Who is your favorite MVHS teacher? Mrs. Nesset & Mr. Phelps
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Athletics & Activities Happenings 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.
Science Olympiad Science Olympiad took 1st place at the State Competition held at Bethel on March 5th! Way to go Team!
Basketball
Basketball player, Nate Albers (12) was selected to All-Metro second team by the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Tripl “A” Award Winners
Congratulations to this year’s Triple “A” Award Winners, Carter Rholl (12) and Becky Volkert (12)! The Triple “A” Award honors high school seniors who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the fine arts.
Athena Award Winner
The St. Paul Area Athena Award Winner for 2016 is Sydney Brodt! The program honors outstanding female high school seniors for their athletic accomplishments.
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Athletics & Activities Happenings (cont.) Spring Sports
Spring sports are in full swing with boys and girls lacrosse starting on April 4th! First home contests are: Boys Tennis – April 6 Girls & Boys Track - April 9 Baseball – April 11 Softball - April 11 Girls Lacrosse - April 14 Boys Lacrosse – April 18
Health Office News April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month Did you know? Distracted driving is a contributing factor in 1 of 4 car crashes in Minnesota. Not surprisingly, the most common distraction for teens is electronic devices, but adjusting the radio, grooming, and eating or drinking take teens’ eyes off the road and hands off the wheel as well. For many teens, talking on their cell or texting are almost automatic impulses, so how do we help set the stage for safer driving? Take the opportunity this month to talk to your teen about distraction-free driving. Remind them that it is illegal in MN for drivers under the age of 18 to use their cell phones (even when stopped at a traffic light). Set a good example when driving and keep your own focus on the road. Although it may not always feel like it, the example set by parents is a powerful one! For more information from the National Safety Council about National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, click here. Or click here to take an Attentive Driver Pledge and let’s work together to keep our roads safe!
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
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From the Deans Desk Mark Nelson A-Co (Grades 9-11) A-Da (Grade 12) 651--621-7133
mark.nelson@moundsviewschools.org
Kendra Eckman Cp-G (Grades 9-11) Db-Ho (Grade 12) 651--621-7130
kendra.eckman@moundsviewschools.org
Caleb Bjorklund H-La (Grades 9-11) Hp-Le (Grade 12) 651-621-7129
caleb.bjorklund@moundsviewschools.org
Brian Peloquin Lb-Ng (Grades 9-11) Lf-Os(Grade 12) 651-621-7127
brian.peloquin@moundsviewschools.org
Ryan Poepard Nh-So (Grades 9-11) Ot-So(Grade 12) 651-621-7126 ryan.poepard@moundsviewschools.org
Andra Storla Sp-Z (Grades 9-12) 651-621-7131
andra.storla@moundsviewschools.org
Antonia Vanyo Dean of Support Services 651-621-7128
antonia.vanyo@moundsviewschools.org
Pictured left to right: Brian Peloquin, Mark Nelson, Ryan Poepard, Toni Vanyo, Kendra Eckman, Andra Storla, Caleb Bjorklund
ACT Testing Day - April 19
This is the 6th year that the ACT test will be administered to all juniors during the school day! 9th Grade - All 9th grade students will spend a portion of their day on campus and a portion of their day off-site. Their first activity will include a presentation in the auditorium. Authors of the book titled, “Top 20 Teens: Discovering the Best-Kept Thinking, Learning and Communicating Secrets of Successful Teenagers”, will present to students. After the presentation, 9th grade students will visit one of three off-site tours. Tour locations are still to be determined, but may include such sites as the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, the University of St. Thomas, or the Xcel Energy Training Site in Hugo. Students will be excused at 12:20 PM. No lunch provided. Students may wish to bring a snack. 10th Grade - All sophomores will take a full-length practice ACT. Students will be excused at 12:20 PM. No lunch provided. Students may wish to bring a snack. 11th Grade - All juniors will take the ACT test, including the writing portion. Students will be excused at 12:20 PM. Students may wish to bring a snack. Juniors will have the option to purchase a bag lunch (available after testing). 12th Grade – NO SCHOOL for seniors!
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From the Deans Desk (cont.) MCA Testing
MCA Math (11th grade only) - April 5-7, testing will take place in computer labs and in classrooms. Students will be notified of their testing location. MCA Reading (10th grade only) - April 11-15, testing will take place during the students’ English hour. MCA Science (biology students only) - April 25-29, testing will take place during the students’ biology hour.
Student Wellness Speaker Series
This year’s mental health and wellness guest speaker series was a big success. Five speakers, between the months of November and March, shared messages of support to students for navigating the demands of high school and the challenges of being a teenager. Insight was offered for caring for one’s own physical and mental well being. Approximately 300 students attended each of the optional presentations. We look forward to offering students similar themed sessions again next year!
College Corner Summer Opportunities
Summer is a great time to widen your horizons and get involved in activities of interest, as well as in activities that can enhance your high school resume. There are many programs in Minnesota that are excellent. The MN Office of Higher Education lists a variety of programs in Minnesota. There are also numerous programs at colleges and universities throughout the United States. Check out the PostSecondary Services webpage for a list of programs. Some programs are listed by individual institution, while others are categorized by area of interest. Scott Wiens Dean Post-Secondary Services 651-621-7143
scott.wiens@moundsviewschools.org
Minnesota Private College Week
Two-Year College Application Day
On April 20, several community and technical colleges will be on site to assist students who have completed an application or who are looking for further options. Interested students should see their dean or sign up to attend on Naviance.
During the week of June 20-24 you can tour any of the 17 private colleges in our state. Sessions are held 9-11:45 AM or 1:454:30 PM. These sessions are intended for current sophomore and junior students. To register and get further information go to: http://www.mnprivatecolleges.org/mpcw
Service Academy Night
On April 12, Betty McCollum will host a service academy night at Mounds View High School. Representatives from all academies will be present. This event will be held in the Auditorium beginning at 6:30 PM.
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College Corner (cont.) Scholarship Opportunities Century College Scholarships - Deadline: April 1, 2016 Various scholarships for students attending Century in the fall https://centurycollege.awardspring.com/Home/Scholarships Minnesota Clean Air Choice Scholarship - Deadline: April 1, 2016 $1000 Essay contest 1000 word essay on the benefits of biodiesel fuel Application website: http://www.cleanairchoice.org/fuels/scholarship2016.cfm Judy Lindman Memorial Scholarship - Deadline: April 3, 2016 $6000 year/up to two years Forgivable loan program. Upon completion of an associate’s degree, awardees working at a legally regulated child care or school-age care program in MN for one year of full-time employment per award will not be required to pay back the loan. Must meet one of the following criteria: disability or special need; or history of working with children (0-12) from underserved populations; or member of a community of color, migrant, immigrant or refugee community; or be an English as a second language learner http://childcareawaremn.org/sites/default/files/attachments/judy_lindman_memorial_scholars_program_application_2016.pdf Beta Theta Pi Men of Principle Scholarship - Deadline: April 15, 2016 $500 and $1000 Scholarships University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) – male incoming freshmen Winners do not need to join this fraternity Academics, involvement, character considered Scholarship website: http://beta.org/foundation/mp_grant_program 916 Education Foundation Scholarships - Deadline: April 15, 2016 Various amounts for students who have participated in the 916 program http://www.916educationfoundation.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={47FF62BE-1FF9-4DFD-B28D8E7998A8108A Linden Scholarship - Deadline: April 15, 2016 $3000 (4 year school)/$1500 (2 year school) Active volunteer in community with some financial need Scholarship website: http://salvationarmynorth.org/community-pages/linden-scholarship Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Scholarship - Deadline: April 16, 2016 $1000 (2 year college)/$2500 (four year college) Scholarships for Latino(a) students who have performed public-service activities Scholarship Website: http://www.chci.org/scholarships/ Ayn Rand – The Fountainhead Essay Scholarship - Deadline: April 29, 2016 Various prize levels and dollar amounts Essay contest based on the book “The Fountainhead” Scholarship Website: https://www.aynrand.org/students/essay-contests#thefountainhead-1 MN AFL-CIO Scholarship - Deadline: April 30, 2016 $1000 Scholarships for union members and their dependents Must have a B average and attend college in Minnesota http://www.mnaflcio.org/about/scholarships-awards
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College Corner (cont.) Scholarship Opportunities (cont.) Dakota Supply Group Trade Scholarship - Deadline: April 30, 2016 Scholarships for students who plan to pursue a career in a trade or trade related profession Scholarship website: http://dsgfund.com/student_info.htm People Smart Scholarship - Deadline: April 30, 2016 $2500 Scholarship Essay contest on privacy in the 21st century and what it means to the current high school generation Website: http://www.peoplesmart.com/PeopleSmartScholarshipContest EMPOWER Scholarship - Deadline: April 30, 2016 $1500 scholarship For encouraging minority participation in occupations with emphasis on rehabilitation. Essay on how scholarship will help financially and in pursuit of position in the health care field. Volunteer involvement in the community is required. Applicants must have demonstrated interest in the medical or rehabilitation field by having some volunteer involvement related to a health care field. A minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. http://www.allinahealth.org/Courage-Kenny-Rehabilitation-Institute/Programs-and-services/Volunteer-opportunities/EMPOWER-Scholarships Page Education Foundation Scholarship - Deadline: May 1, 2016 $1000-$2000 renewable scholarship Students of color from a MN high school attending a MN college. Must complete 50 hours of community service. Application Website: http://www.page-ed.org/apply MN Athletes in Sports Medicine Scholarship - Deadline: May 2, 2016 $2500 Scholarships Students who plan to pursue a career in sports medicine and involvement in athletics all four years of high school. http://gowbmillers.com/2016/02/01/scholarship-opportunity/
Music at Mounds View Final performance in the 2015-16 Music at Mounds View series:
Loring String Quartet Sunday, April 17 2:00 PM
With players from the US and Ireland, the Loring String Quartet is an international ensemble of the highest quality, serving the musical needs of the greater Twin Cities area. Purchase tickets at the door or online here.
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Blood Drive This year, Mounds View’s Anatomy/Physiology classes are hosting the annual blood drive on April 7. All students 16 and older are encouraged to participate. On average, 36,000 units of blood are needed in the U.S. per day, and since it can’t be manufactured, it can only come from generous donations. High school and college blood drives account for almost 20% of blood donations, and Mounds View is able to partner with the American Red Cross to contribute. Last year we collected 106 units of blood to help people in need and this year our goal is even higher! Students can sign up to participate in Mr. Ogdahl’s room or in the cafeteria during lunches.
DECA Forty-one Mounds View students participated in the annual DECA State Career Development Conference. Students receiving state recognition on stage, as well as advancing to the national competition, include: Emily Heuring – Marketing Management Series – 1st Christina Ogard – Principles of Hospitality and Tourism – 1st Jackson Gray and John Reim – Financial Literacy Promotion Project – 2nd Grant Mohlenhoff - Sports and Entertainment Marketing – 4th John Reim - Human Resources Management - 4th Tim Pease, Riley Flanagan, and Samuel Lerdahl - Gold Chapter Awards Program - 5th Amy Helgeson, Ben Bodin, and Emily Heuring - SBE Gold Recertification Click here to view entire press release.
Emily Heuring (12)
Tim Pease (11)
Christina Ogard (10)
Riley Flanagan (11)
Jackson Gray (12)
Samuel Lerdahl (11)
John Reim (12)
Amy Helgeson (10)
Grant Mohlenhoff (12)
Ben Bodin (12)
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Congressional App Challenge Mounds View High School students won first place in the 2015 Congressional App Challenge for MN’s Sixth District. The Congressional App Challenge is an annual challenge hosted by the House of Representatives that is intended to encourage high school students to develop important science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills by learning how to code. Mounds View students were recognized for creating the “Learning Spanish” app.
Maha Syed (9), Furqan Syed (12), Omar Qureshi (11) and Shihab Ahmed (12)
BestPrep Teacher of Excellence Congratulations to Theresa Anderson (Business Teacher) on being recognized as a BestPrep Teacher of Excellence! With over 600 educators participating annually in BestPrep programs, the Teacher of Excellence Award serves to recognize the top 2% of those who go above and beyond in their commitment to educating MN youth. Theresa supports and participates in the eMentors and Classroom Plus programs and has been a presenter at the Technology Integration Workshop. She will receive her award at a luncheon on May 17!
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Band The MN Band Director Association (MBDA) named Mounds View High School musicians (pictured from left to right) Rebecca Li (9), Grace Su (9), Andrew Peterson (10) and Frankie Wang (9) to the 2016 MBDA State Honor Concert Band. Additionally, Andrew Peterson was also named to the State Jazz Band.
Kevin Shen (12), Travis Walbon (11), Kaylee Nielsen (11), Alex Jiang (12) and Rikke Sponheim (12) were named to MN’s All State Band.
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Art Three of Madison Wang’s (11) paintings were selected for the 59th annual Les Farrington’s Best 100 Juried Art Exhibition. Madison won the 2016 Best 100 Junior-Senior Scholarship Award, which is supposed to be the highest honor for the single piece art work submission.
Madison Wang
The Villager
Elegant Apples Self Portrait #2
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Around MVHS Re-F.L.E.C.T.
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Around MVHS Re-F.L.E.C.T.
The “trial runs” for Re-F.L.E.C.T were an overwhelming success. For more information about Re-F.L.E.C.T. visit the high school website.
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Around MVHS Math
3rd Annual STEM Career Fair
Mounds View High School hosted the 3rd Annual STEM Career Fair. The STEM Career Fair had 24 local corporations representing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
Mrs. Higginbotham’s accelerated pre-calc class icosahedron projects. A good example of students persevering, helping others and managing time.
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Around MVHS Bookmark Contest
The 13th Annual Make-A-Bookmark Contest was held in the Information & Learning Center to celebrate February’s “I Love To Read” month. The popularity of adult coloring inspired the theme which was “coloring”. Entrants incorporated one of the following into the theme: “MVHS”, “Mounds View”, “LMC”, or “Mustangs”. All entrants received a prize. This year’s Bookmark Winners: 1st place - Joanna Liu (12) 2nd place - Erin Renshaw (12) 3rd place - Snow Chen Pang (11) Honorable Mention: Katie Karjalahti (12)
1st place - Joanna Liu
2nd place - Erin Renshaw
3rd place - Snow Chen Pang
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Around MVHS 19th Annual Physics Fair
250 physics students demonstrated their projects and physics knowledge to 17 local engineers. They’ve spent six weeks, working in groups of three or four, planning, constructing, and perfecting Rube-Goldberg type chain reactions on 2’ x 4’ plywood sheets. Each group coordinates with the projects that precede and follow them to continue the reaction automatically.
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Around MVHS 19th Annual Physics Fair
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Around MVHS 19th Annual Physics Fair
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Around MVHS 19th Annual Physics Fair