School Talk, Fall 2014 by Mounds View Public Schools

School Talk FALL 2014

A warm welcome

New kindergarten centers put students (and parents) at ease.

ALSO INSIDE: SNOW DAYS • CONCERT SERIES • ANNUAL REPORT

Ready? Set. The District’s new all-day kindergarten

were ready. Teachers K wereindergartners ready. Kindergarten centers were ready. And parents? Maybe not so ready. Despite the typical first-day-ofschool jitters and some teary-eyed parents at the morning bus stops, the District’s new all-day kindergarten program opened seemingly without a hitch in early September. After more than a year of planning, Pike Lake Education Center in New Brighton welcomed some 500 students from the Bel Air, Pinewood, Sunnyside and Valentine Hills Elementary School attendance areas, while about 300 students from Island Lake and Turtle Lake Elementary School joined kindergarten centers at Snail Lake Education Center in Shoreview. “I thought it would be inconvenient,” admits Emily Johnson, parent of Bel Air kindergartner Mia. “For our family it means different On the cover: Ready for school, kindergartner Mariah Dahlquist joined the Island Lake Kindergarten Center at Snail Lake Education Center this fall.

schools, different buses, different pickup times than her older brother. . . But it actually has not been inconvenient. We feel comfortable with the bus service, she can get a free breakfast at school if she’d like and she can go to Y-Care at her home school after dismissal.”

“ I can tell the District has taken great care to help kids transition. It’s been a great experience.” — Emily Johnson, Bel Air kindergarten parent Just as importantly, Mia enjoys her school at Pike Lake Education Center. “She loves it. She loves her teacher. I can tell the District has taken great care to help kids transition into a new building, from the way the day is structured to the communication we’ve received . . . It’s been a great experience,” Johnson says. Editors Rachel Gutierrez Colin Sokolowski

Designer Susan Abbott

Photographers Rachel Gutierrez Greg Helgeson

Superintendent Dan Hoverman

2014 School Board Bob Helgeson Amy Jones Greg Madsen Marre Jo Sager Jon Tynjala Jonathan Weinhagen Sandra Westerman

School Talk is published by Mounds View Public Schools, Independent School District 621. Send correspondence to School Talk editor, 350 Highway 96 West, Shoreview, MN 55126, e-mail rachel.gutierrez@moundsviewschools.org or call 651-621-6012. To learn more about District programs and events featured in this issue of School Talk in Spanish or Hmong, please call Angel Toro (Spanish) at 651-724-2854 or Mee Yang (Hmong) at 651-724-0396. Like us:

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www.moundsviewschools.org

At Snail Lake Education Center, Island Lake parent Nikki Ylkanen says the District put her at ease long before the school year started. “We had opportunities to check out the school a handful of times in the summer,” she says. “My son’s teacher even e-mailed us a few times before school started, telling us what we could expect.” Her son, Braylon, says he sometimes sees the Island Lake principal at his kindergarten center, and they exchange high-fives. But Ylkanen is also pleased that the building has an on-site Island Lake teacher Jenny Heyer introduces students to beginning and ending sounds using SMART Board interactive technology. “We’re so thankful we have this full-time opportunity,” says Island Lake kindergarten parent Nikki Ylkanen.

...Grow!

program has students ready for learning, growing and fun. kindergarten program administrator to take care of the day-to-day operations. “For our students, it’s like they have their own mini school,” she says. “And next year they get to transition into the bigger school.” For years, Mounds View provided a half-day kindergarten program and a fee-based option for an extended day experience. Now, 93 percent of all kindergarten families take advantage of the no-fee, full-day program. Mounds View’s program offers families the advantages of a challenging, responsive and fun school experience, with a common-core curriculum based on a comprehensive set of grade-level expectations for student achievement. All students receive individualized attention and growth goals customized to their unique achievements and focused on early readiness standards. Sunnyside teacher Julia Hennen helps students Jai Lloyd and Richard Ogunjinmi practice writing alphabet letters.

Program administrator Lindsey Boumgarden welcomes students at Pike Lake Education Center. “We had a lot of opportunities to visit in the summer,” says Bel Air parent Emily Johnson. “That was helpful. The signage is awesome. We love the colors of the halls. The building so prominently states the school’s mission.”

For Mia’s mom, the Bel Air Kindergarten Center delivers all of these advantages, especially the “fun” and “challenging” aspects. “The first couple of weeks, Mia was a little tired at the end of the day, but I see that she’s been having fun and really

learning all day long,” says Johnson. “She was ready for a bigger challenge.” And Mounds View was ready for Mia.

Kindergarten: At a Glance • 492 students at Pike Lake Education Center. – 11 are half-day students (2 percent). • 298 students at Snail Lake Education Center. – 14 are half-day students (5 percent). • Class sizes of 23-26 students. • Full-day program at no fee. • No fee, door-to-door transportation. • On site, fee-based before- and after-school care. • All students eligible for complimentary breakfast on site.

FALL 2014

School Talk

A CLOSER LOOK

Winter weather: the cold, hard facts Threshold for closings What could trigger school closings this year? Schools could be cancelled if... • The District’s neighborhoods experience sustained wind chills of 40 to 45 degrees below zero during the hours between morning bus pick ups and afternoon bus drop offs. • Buses won’t start or run dependably. • Local road conditions in the neighborhoods are dangerous or impassable. Because metro districts (even neighboring districts) can experience differing weather and road conditions, do not be surprised if there is inconsistency among school district closures throughout the metro this year.

2-hour late starts After last year’s record-setting winter, many wonder how Mounds View Public Schools will respond to snowy and cold conditions this season.

One-source forecasting This year, Mounds View has joined a group of neighboring school districts in deciding it will rely solely on forecasts provided by the National Weather Service – Twin Cities, which is the official government authority on weather forecasting and weather warnings for the state of Minnesota. The National Weather Service offers hourly weather forecasts, searchable by time and region. Forecasts are updated every two hours and are made with confidence lasting 24 hours. Visit www.weather.gov and enter a zip code in the upper left hand corner. Then scroll towards the bottom of the page and click on the graph on the right hand side labeled “Hourly Weather Graph.” 4

School Talk

FALL 2014

For some time, many districts across the metro have used 2-hour late starts. Until now, Mounds View couldn’t implement this approach because of mid-day transportation needs related to half-day kindergarten. Now that the District has launched all-day kindergarten, Mounds View’s transportation has more flexibility, and the District can use 2-hour late starts as an option. Here’s how it will work: • Buses will pick up students 2 hours later than their typical bus stop schedule. • Schools will start 2 hours later than their typical schedule. • Class periods will be shortened throughout the day. • Schools will dismiss at their regular dismissal times. • Buses will drop off students at their regular drop-off times. Although 2-hour late starts aren’t convenient for families, this option

could help avoid the use of school cancellations which could ultimately allow the District to avoid a greater inconvenience of make-up days added back to the calendar.

Make-up days? This year’s school calendar allows for two cancellation days without make-up days required. If Mounds View cancels school a total of three days, the School Board has identified a make-up day on Friday, June 5. However, now that Mounds View has the ability to use 2-hour late starts, it’s not as likely that calendar adjustments will be necessary.

Notifications How will families hear about school cancellations? Just as before, families should always assume schools are open and in session, unless they hear differently. If schools will be using a 2-hour late start or cancelling altogether, the District will notify parents no later than approximately 5:30 a.m. on the day of the late start or cancellation, using the following tools: • Text messages • Voicemail messages • E-mail messages • Facebook and Twitter • 651-621-SNOW hotline recordings • District and school website postings The District will also notify local media outlets, but cannot guarantee if or how the media will report the information we provide them. Cancelling school is a tremendously difficult and complicated decision for any school district to make, and it’s a decision that impacts thousands of families in very different ways. Be assured that these decisions are always made with the safety of students in mind.

SCHOOL BOARD Enrollment rises, class sizes hold steady

2014 – 15 School Board

The District’s fall enrollment of 10,518 is an increase of 282 students from last fall’s October 1 reporting. Despite the increase, average class sizes remain the same as the last several years, thanks to voter-approved levy funding. All core class sizes meet School Board approved ranges. Depending on the grade level, students receive small group instruction every day in math and reading with group sizes of five to 15 students.

Start times maintained

Front row: Amy Jones, Jon Tynjala, Marre Jo Sager. Back row: Jonathan Weinhagen, Greg Madsen, Sandra Westerman, Bob Helgeson.

Investing in students More dollars go to classroom instruction and support than to any other area. This year, the District is investing 77 cents of every general fund dollar in classroom instruction and support.

Student instruction and support: 77¢

Board policy requires a regular review of school start times. During the October 21 School Board meeting, the Board discussed the research that has been conducted and the criteria that have been developed to inform a conclusion. Criteria included the medical evidence of health benefits to teens, the importance of student achievement and connectedness, the impact of start times on families and the community and the financial impact to the District. Through its discussion, the Board concluded it would not take action to alter the existing school start times. “It’s like squeezing a balloon,” says Board chair Jon Tynjala. “Every change we make in one place affects something else.” To view the Board’s full discussion or to read a detailed summary, visit www.moundsviewschools.org.

Proposed property taxes

Sites and buildings: 7¢ Transportation: 6¢ District & school administration: 4¢ District support services: 3¢ Fixed costs: 3¢ Source: General Fund, Mounds View Public Schools, 2014-2015.

Ramsey County mailed truth in taxation notices in mid-November. Mounds View Public Schools will discuss the budget and the final property tax levy for 2015 at a focused forum scheduled before its regularly scheduled 7 p.m. Board meeting on December 9, 2014, at Snail Lake Education Center, 350 Highway 96 W, Shoreview, when it will certify final property taxes. For more information, please visit the Budgets and Finance page at www.moundsviewschools.org. The proposed taxes for 2015 total $43,185,872, which is an increase of $1,690,370 or 4 percent more than final taxes payable 2014. The two main areas of increase are referendum funding and lease levy for instructional space, which both are directly influenced by increased student enrollment.

FALL 2014

School Talk

MAKING THE GRADE Mounds View uses a number of tests and assessments to measure student performance and progress. Whether the results come from statemandated testing, District measurement systems, or national rankings, Mounds View Public Schools continues to hold a place among the highestperforming districts in the state and in the nation.

Top in the nation for ACT Year after year, Mounds View Public Schools students exceed both the national and the state average on ACT exams. For the ninth consecutive year, Mounds View Public Schools students earned an average ACT score that beats both the Minnesota average and the national average. In 2012, thanks to a grant from the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation, Mounds View Public Schools was the first school district in the state to give every high school junior the opportunity to take the ACT for free during the school day. Offering the ACT for free during the school day boosted ACT participation from 69 percent to 97 percent.

Top 10 for National Merit Mounds View Public Schools ranked among the top 10 districts in the state for the most National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. In total, seven Mounds View High School students and four Irondale High School students were named semifinalists. Pictured with Irondale principal from left to right (back row) Josiah Walker, George Fisk, (front row) Emily Wong and Marianna Quanbeck.

Graduating Class of 2014 ACT scores Mounds View Public Schools

23.5

National average:

Minnesota average

22.9

* The District’s composite score includes students from other District schools such as the Area Learning Center and REACH Academy.

District students perform above nation Results from the NWEA Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) highlight the District’s success in math and reading with District students on average performing one to three grade levels above national norms. MAP tests are aligned with Minnesota state standards and serve as early indicators of how students will perform on MCA tests (used to meet federal requirements of No Child Left Behind) and ACT (used to meet state requirements for College and Career Readiness) tests. The District also uses MAP tests to measure student academic growth and develop plans for continued improvement. Results from Minnesota’s Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) tests also show that District students out perform their peers in the state when it comes to the percent of students proficient in reading, math and science. 6

School Talk

FALL 2014

Pictured with Mounds View Principal Jeff Ridlehoover (from left to right): Aaron Adams, Ryan Yoch, Samantha Baschky, Mark Sheldon, Ouyang Xu, Jonathan Wang and Varun Mangalick.

Top 10 Minnesota school districts Minneapolis 21 Wayzata 20 Edina 16 Eden Prairie

Eagan-Rosemount-Apple Valley

Rochester 14 Minnetonka 13 South Washington County

Mounds View

Hopkins 8

National Merit Scholarship program Recognition by the National Merit Scholarship program is one of the highest honors a student can receive for outstanding academic achievement.

5 GOALS OF FOCUS

While continuous improvements have always been a focus, new legislation has prompted Mounds View Public Schools, and every school district in Minnesota, to increase student performance by identifying five key goals. The World’s Best Workforce Bill was passed in 2013 to ensure every school district in the state is making strides to increase student performance. All Minnesota districts must develop a plan and must report annually on the strategies and initiatives being used to address the five identified goals. Districts must also report on the progress being made to increase student performance.

Mounds View Public Schools is committed to high student achievement through a comprehensive approach that integrates the key components of learning. “Assessing and evaluating student performance and program effectiveness is an ongoing and frequent process we’ve found essential in assuring continuous growth,” says Mary Roden, assistant director of assessment and evaluation. “Offering all students an opportunity for high student achievement and post-secondary success is the ultimate goal. Achieving test scores and results that continuously rank our schools and students among the highest-ranking districts in the state and nation is icing on the cake.”

ll students meet A school readiness goals.

“Providing a strong foundation for school success helps to prevent achievement gaps before they start,” says Superintendent Dan Hoverman. “Mounds View Public Schools recognizes the importance of providing all children equal access to quality education.” In an ongoing effort to make sure all students meet school readiness goals, the District has aligned the early childhood programming and kindergarten offerings to allow for a continuum of services.

The five goals of focus for Mounds View Public Schools include the following.

Close the achievement gap for all students.

Mounds View Public Schools measures students’ progress and analyzes the results — looking closely at the percentages of students exceeding proficiency, meeting proficiency or meeting partial proficiency on standards measured by the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment. These results are analyzed to identify any achievement gaps and ensure that schools are upholding the District’s Educational Equity Promise.

Current District achievement gap 2013 MATH

2014 MATH

2013 RDG

2014 RDG

Difference in achievement of Students of Color compared to white students

12.7 points

10.3 points

13.3 points

13.8 points

Difference in achievement of Students receiving Free/Reduced Price Lunch compared to those not receiving Free/Reduced Price Lunch

18.8 points

18.3 points

23.2 points

23.6 points

Difference in achievement of Students receiving English Learner Services compared to those not receiving English Learner Services

32.5 points

27.3 points

44.5 points

49.5 points

Difference in achievement of Students receiving Special Education Services compared to those not receiving Special Education Services

24.8 points

29.7 points

25.3 points

28.8 points

Minnesota Goal: To reduce the achievement gap in half by 2017. 100%

84.0% 80%

This summer, Deegan Lallas and Ella Churcher participated in the District’s K-Camp program which gives children an opportunity to practice skills like riding the bus, learning classroom routines and expectations and working on kindergarten readiness skills like handwriting, numeracy and literacy. This program offers a preschool experience for students who may not have otherwise had any classroom experience prior to kindergarten.

30 point gap

60% 40%

53.6%

20% 0%

How is achievement gap calculated? The achievement gap is calculated by finding the difference in performance of one group of students to another group of students. In this example, the student performance of group 2 (yellow bar) is subtracted from the student performance of group 1 (green bar). 84.0% – 54.0% = 30 point gap.

Schools are addressing the gaps that exist by addressing the aspirations student have for their future, the opportunities available to them and the expectations every family has for their school. To do this, Mounds View Public Schools is working to: • Increase student engagement through culturally and linguistically responsive classrooms. • Increase opportunities for rigorous course work for the academic middle with support for students to succeed. • Develop Professional Learning Communities to focus on the strategies that impact achievement for all students. FALL 2014

School Talk

MAKING THE GRADE

ll third grade students achieve A grade-level literacy.

Reading well by third grade is one of many developmental milestones in a child’s educational experience. The District’s Reading Well by Third Grade program is a systematic approach to provide every student with scientificbased literacy instruction, assessment and to support professional learning for staff across the District. The goal is that all students are able to read at or above grade level by the end of third grade. This plan supports the District’s Equity Promise and ensures that all students have a solid foundation of literacy skills and are college and career ready when graduating. Student performance on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment for Reading provides an annual check of third grade literacy progress. Students who are proficient on this exam are indicative of students who are on track with their development of literacy skills. Percent of third grade students proficient on the MCA Reading assessment Mounds View Schools

State of Minnesota

Spring 2014

69.3

58.2

Spring 2013

63.2

57.4

For more information about the Reading Well By Third Grade program, please visit www.moundsviewschools.org/curriculum.

Mounds View Public Schools

ll students graduate A from high school.

Students graduating from Mounds View Public Schools will be prepared to pursue higher education or to enter the workforce. To make this goal a reality, Mounds View Public Schools offers: • personalized post-secondary plans for all students in grades six through 12, • well-defined activities that support students’ transitions between sites, • equity coordinators, deans and staff who monitor at-risk students and provide academic interventions as needed, and • multiple and focused ways to support students with credit recovery.

• Programs and services will be in place at all schools to ensure that race, 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, socioeconomic status and disability. • The school that a student attends will not be a predictor of his/her school success.

School Talk

FALL 2014

Mounds View Public Schools measures the percent of students who graduate in exactly four years as an indicator of progress for on-time graduation. Percent of senior class graduating in four years Class of 2013

88.5

Class of 2012

89.2

Class of 2011

88.8

Graduation percentages include students from Irondale High School, Mounds View High School, Area Learning Center and REACH Academy.

All students attain college and career readiness.

As part of the District’s Equity Promise, schools work to ensure that programs and services are in place to provide all students with supports and opportunities that will prepare them for post-secondary success. The goal of college and career readiness for all students requires a strategy focused on student achievement. This focus includes:

• Explore, PLAN and ACT assessments are administered to all students to help guide four-year goal-setting plans. • Personalized post-secondary plans are created for all students in grades six through 12. • Increase the number of students who are successfully accessing and engaging in rigorous course work.

• Foundational courses in grades seven through 10 prepare students for rigorous course offerings aimed to ensure students are college and career ready. • A K-12 focus on developing Habits of Mind in students helps contribute to developing students’ competency as a learner.

First year free exam

Graduating class ACT results 2011

2012

2013

2014

Number of students taking exam

612

821

792

819

Percentage of class

69%

97%

Average District score

25.3

23.4

23.5

Average State score

22.9

22.3

23.0

22.9

Average Nation score

21.1

20.9

21.1

›— More students tested beating state ›— Still and national averages

A Closer Look: Number of students with ACT composite score: 25-36

348

315

308

386

21-24

178

220

207

186

17-20

146

164

139

17 or lower

180

112

108

students scoring 25-36 ›— More than ever before

focus on preparation shows ›— Continued fewer students scoring 17 or below

Participation and success of students in rigorous course offerings

More information For more information, visit the “Curriculum” web page and select “District and School Test Scores” at www.moundsviewschools.org.

Questions Questions about testing and assessment? Contact Mary Roden, assistant director of assessment and evaluation, at 651-621-6042 or mary.roden@moundsviewschools.org.

Student Participation

College Credit Attainment

Enrolled in Anoka Ramsey Community College Courses

2012-2013: 207 students 2013-2014: 832 students 2014-2015: 1,576 students (est.)

In 2013-14, 946 students earned college credit through ARCC classes

Enrolled in Advanced Placement Courses

2012-2013: 1,120 students 2013-2014: 1,523 students 2014-2015: 1,764 students (est.)

In 2013-14, students scored 3 or higher on 1,771 out of 2,583 AP Exams, earning college credit in most postsecondary institutions. (69%)

FALL 2014

School Talk

EDUCATION FOUNDATION Annual Giving Campaign off to a strong start

The Mounds View Schools Education Foundation works in partnership with Mounds View Public Schools leadership to identify programs that require funding to advance District priorities and innovations that can reach students throughout the entire District.

Distinguished alumnus speaks at Foundation event The Mounds View Schools Education Foundation (MVSEF) Board of Trustees, District leadership and special guests enjoyed an evening of cocktails and conversation at the Shoreview Community Center in late September. The highlight of the evening included Rob McClanahan, Mounds View High School alumnus and former Olympic hockey player, speaking to the group about his experiences both on and off the ice. He offered highlights of his remarkable career as a member of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” hockey team as well as a player with the NHL. Rob attributed much of his success to his parents’ emphasis on academics and the value they placed on public education. The evening was a testament to the important role Mounds View Public Schools shares in shaping the lives of remarkable individuals like Rob McClanahan.

UPCOMING EVENT:

Partnering for Education Lunch The fourth annual Partnering for Education event brings together more than 175 parents and business and community leaders to hear about new District programs and key education initiatives. The 2015 event will take place in February. Watch the website www.moundsviewschoolsef.org for details.

School Talk

FALL 2014

It has been an important year for the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation and its efforts to increase philanthropic support from the community. In late 2013, the Foundation announced the creation of an annual giving program. This program has offered Mounds View Public Schools families and community leaders the opportunity to make an annual commitment to the Foundation and, most importantly, make a difference in the lives of students throughout the District. “The Annual Giving Campaign is essential to providing sustained support to the Foundation,” said committee chair Stephen Yoch. “Contributors to the Annual Giving Campaign further the Foundation’s mission to provide the District with the tools it needs to ensure the best possible experience for every student.” The committee includes Stephen Yoch (chair), Jonathan Weinhagen and Kirsten Dawson.

How can you help? As you review your year-end giving to local organizations, please consider supporting the MVSEF. Your gift will have a meaningful impact on all Mounds View Public Schools students. For more information visit www.moundsviewschoolsef.org or contact Heather Meyer at (651) 621-7495.

Rita Guzzetta joins the MVSEF Board of Trustees Rita Guzzetta was recently appointed to the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation. Guzzetta is a Senior Quality Director at Medtronic and has extensive non-profit experience with a variety of organizations. She brings a valuable perspective to the MVSEF as both a skilled public speaker and a strong advocate for the value of public education. Guzzetta and her husband Dan reside in Mounds View and have two daughters who attend Irondale High School.

BACK TO SCHOOL Volunteers help District students and schools get back to school District staff welcomed thousands of students to Mounds View Public Schools in September. Thanks to donations from District families and staff, area business and faith partners, community members and volunteers, the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf distributed school supplies to 831 children during its annual Good Neighbor Back to School Project. Students received everything from pencils to backpacks. The Pike Lake Kindergarten Center media center was up and running by the start of the school year thanks to student volunteers from the District’s high schools including ninth-grade Irondale student Rosalie Ruetz.

NEW PRINCIPALS Eric Nelson joins Irondale High School During the first few weeks of school, Eric Nelson spent time in the hallways, classrooms and the lunchroom getting to know Irondale students. Ninth-grader Clarissa Van Dale was one of many students that Nelson met with while visiting classrooms this fall.

Pinewood Elementary School welcomes Allie Stortie Students and staff got to know Pinewood’s new principal this summer when she met with student groups on the playground and got to know the school’s staff and community during summer events, school open houses and more. Get to know both new principals by watching two brief introduction videos posted at www.moundsviewschools.org or on school websites www.moundsviewschools.org/irondale and www.moundsviewschools.org/pinewood.

STAY CONNECTED IN 2014-2015 Video message offers important updates

In September, Superintendent Dan Hoverman welcomed students and their families back to school with a two-minute video message. For important information about the 2014-2015 school year and to see what’s new this year, watch the video at www.moundsviewschools.org.

New website District and school websites were updated to provide a more streamlined user interface, offer consistency to users navigating various District sites and to upgrade the content management system used by teachers and staff. Despite the many changes made, the site remains accessible by visiting the same location: www.moundsviewschools.org. In the coming months, Mounds View Public Schools will also launch an app for parents and community members seeking an easier way to navigate the District and school sites from a mobile device.

Sports apps New this fall, families can now track co-curricular activities on mobile devices using the Irondale Knights and Mounds View Mustangs athletics and activities apps. Search Go Mustangs in the app store to find the Mounds View High School Athletics and Activities App. Irondale’s app can be accessed by searching Go Irondale in the app store. Take a virtual tour of the Athletics and Activites Apps by visiting the District YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/MoundsViewSchools or via www.moundsviewschools.org.

FALL 2014

School Talk

AROUND THE DISTRICT District-owned environmental center hosts visitors of all ages Much of the Mounds View Public Schools community recognizes Laurentian Environmental Center as a learning facility up north geared toward District students. What many don’t know is that the center also plays host to youth sporting, music and faith groups as well as adult and senior groups. Laurentian also hosts special events. Groups often rent the facility for employee retreats, family reunions and more. This summer, more than 30 seniors attended Senior Camp at Laurentian where they participated in craft activities, navigated the outdoors and enjoyed time by Arrowhead Lake with their peers. Miss this year’s camp? Senior Camp happens annually in the fall. Watch the website for details. In the meantime, consider Laurentian for your own gathering or attend an upcoming planned Laurentian event.

Homecoming tradition sends Mustangs back to elementary school For Mounds View, homecoming isn’t just about keeping alumni connected to their alma mater; it is an opportunity to connect with future Mounds View High School Mustangs. In what’s become an annual tradition, Mounds View High School students headed back to elementary school on the day of homecoming to host a pep rally at Island Lake Elementary School.

Family Weekend – Presidents Day weekend Laurentian’s upcoming Family Weekend will host families interested in enjoying the outdoors. Family Weekend attendees will spend February 14-16 lodging in a cabin on Arrowhead Lake and enjoying homestyle meals and weather-dependent and interest-driven activities for all ages and experience levels. A rate of only $150 per person includes lodging, meals and a weekend full of activities which may include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, geocaching, ice fishing, scavenger hunts, sauna, campfires, storytelling and more. To register, contact Barb Montero at 651-621-7400. Space is limited. Registration closes on February 1. Register before January 5 to receive a special prize pack upon arrival. Refer a new family and both families will receive a $25 gift voucher to spend in the Laurentian gift shop upon arrival.

Take a virtual tour Scan this code or visit www.laurentiancenter.org to take a video tour of Laurentian Environmental Center. Follow Laurentian on Facebook. To book a trip, please visit www.laurentiancenter.org, email info@laurentiancenter.org or call 1-888-749-1288. 12

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FALL 2014

Elementary school students, including future Mustangs Liam Kelley and Kendrick Dietsch, were invited to join in singing the school song. They also enjoyed a performance from the high school dance team, and they heard from high school student representatives about the importance of academics. Mounds View High School student athletes talked to Island Lake students about cooperation, assertion, responsibility and selfcontrol – social skills that Island Lake Elementary School students focus on throughout the school year as part of a school-wide C.A.R.E.S. program.

Operation Graduation Irondale High School students who are part of the school’s Asian Club attended Northwest Suburban Integration School District’s (NWSISD) Operation Graduation College and Career Conference at North Hennepin Community College this fall.

FOCUS

on your future

Mounds View Public Schools It’s personal

Every secondary student has a personal learning plan developed by staff who know their students personally.

It’s challenging

The top three reasons why families choose Mounds View Public Schools are “Quality Teachers,” “Academic Excellence” and “Academic Opportunities” that can’t be found elsewhere.

It’s safe

94 percent of families say schools are safe and respectful.

It’s popular

Year after year, 80 percent of resident students choose to attend Mounds View Public Schools.

Kindergarten Round-Up: Irondale Asian Club Students at NWSISD’s 2014 Operation Graduation College Career Conference on September 26 (from left to right): Sidney Thao, GaoHli Moua, Mina Vang, Cataleena Xiong, Pamela Vang, Suchia Yang, Alice Her and Alycia Yang.

Island Lake

at Snail Lake

February 5

6 – 7:30 p.m.

Turtle Lake

at Snail Lake

February 12

6 – 7:30 p.m.

Sunnyside

at Pike Lake

February 10

4:30 – 5:45 p.m.

Valentine Hills

at Pike Lake

February 10

6 – 7:15 p.m.

Bel Air

at Pike Lake

February 11

4:30 – 5:45 p.m.

Pinewood

at Pike Lake

February 11

6 – 7:15 p.m.

2015 Enrollment Information Nights:

Irondale’s Asian Club also visited Hamline University in September. Pictured from left to right: (front row) YuPheng Vang, Nghia Cu, Ms. Yang, Kameiko Vue, Cheemeng Xiong, Ashley Lor, (back row) Kou Hang, Jon Winters, Truong Cu and Hoseng Lor.

Chippewa Middle School

January 13

6:30 p.m.

Edgewood Middle School

January 6

7 – 8 p.m.

Highview Middle School

January 13

6 – 7:30 p.m.

Irondale High School

January 8

5 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Mounds View High School January 8 A – L between 5:30 and 7 p.m. M – Z between 7 and 8:30 p.m.

FALL 2014

School Talk

AROUND THE DISTRICT A Playground for Everyone

Chalkboard Capers is a variety show presented annually by the teachers of the Mounds View Education Association. The goal is to raise money for student scholarships given to graduating seniors from Irondale High School, Mounds View High School, REACH Academy, Area Learning Center and Adult Basic Education. Each scholarship is for $621. The number of scholarships awarded depends on the financial success of the show. The 2015 show is slated for April 8-11.

After three years of planning, countless parent and community volunteer hours and fundraising efforts that raised more than $215,000, Turtle Lake Elementary School opened A Playground for Everyone in August. The inclusive playground was designed as a place where children and their caregivers can play side-by-side regardless of mobility, social or cognitive challenges. Organizers thanked the leadership team, Turtle Lake parents, the District, donors, the Shoreview community and the more than 70 volunteers who dedicated time in July to finalize the project in time for the August opening.

PHOTO CREDIT: J.J. Killins Photography

Chalkboard Capers

Donations Your donations makes our show a success. If you wish to make a financial contribution or children’s prize donation to Chalkboard Capers, please send your check to or drop your donation off at: Mounds View Education Association Attn: Chalkboard Capers 900 Long Lake Road, Suite 110 New Brighton, MN 55112 Receipts of donation can be obtained at the Mounds View Education Association office. If you would like to arrange for someone to pick up your prize or donation, please email us at chalkboardcapers@moundsviewschools.org.

Top (not in swing): Emily Johnson, Emily Else, Kate Demeny, Ava Ernst and Erica Ganske. Bottom (in swing): Sarah Johnson, Isabella Passaro and Reese Demeny.

Highview students ‘Get Into the Game’ Highview Middle School celebrated National School Lunch Week in October by encouraging students to find a balance between healthy eating and physical activities.

Contact If you have any questions please email us at chalkboardcapers@moundsviewschools.org.

FOLLOW US Learn more about District schools and programs by tuning in to the Mounds View Schools YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/MoundsViewSchools. Subscribe to the channel to get the latest video news.

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Nutrition Services staff encouraged healthy lunch choices and wore sportsthemed attire to encourage students to “Get Into the Game” and be active.

Professional choral ensemble coaches Irondale singers A year-long residency with a professional choral ensemble has offered Irondale choir students fresh perspective on working as a group through a series of master class sessions this school year. Cantus, a professional male choral ensemble, began working with students earlier this year to identify areas of improvement, help students further develop vocal skills and expand the group’s choral repertoire. A public performance, slated for April, will highlight Irondale’s work with Cantus.

Musical Theater Camp Musical Theater Camp, hosted by the District’s community education department, welcomed students in grades four to 12 for a three-week program last summer. Homeward Bound Theater Company directed 16 students in a musical performance of “Alice @ Wonderland.”

Bobby Tanner played the door mouse while Marie Akins performed as White Rabbit and Anna Lau was Alice for an end-of-camp public performance of Alice @ Wonderland” this summer.

Well-known musical performer visits Chippewa Chippewa Middle School choir students explored the career of a professional singer and songwriter through the experiences of Tiffany Houghton this fall. The Los Angeles-based performer known for her new single “Love Like That” visited Chippewa in October to talk to choir students and share her experiences as a professional singer.

District band directors performed in Thanksgiving Day Parade On Thanksgiving Day, middle school band directors Andy Schmidt and Nathan Blinn performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. As alumni of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, they were invited to be part of a special Madison Scouts performing musical unit introducing Santa Claus during the parade. More than 65 million television and in-person viewers see the parade annually.

Pictured: Diane Hershey’s Chippewa Middle School choir group with Tiffany Houghton (center).

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School Talk

AROUND THE DISTRICT Students spend summer as Cummins Power Generation interns A long-term partnership between Mounds View Public Schools and Cummins Power Generation’s Community Involvement Team has provided District students and schools a number of ongoing opportunities to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in recent years. Employees from Cummins have served as volunteers at school events like Physics Fairs and career panels and welcomed student groups for onsite plant tours and hands-on LEGO engine replica builds. This summer, for the first time ever, Cummins offered a high school internship program to five college-bound Mounds View Public Schools students. Mounds View High School graduates Jay Goebel, Ben Kaiser and Kelsey Murphy participated in the program along with Irondale High School graduates Oivia Kinney (Health, Safety and Environment Project Management Intern) and Andrew Sweeney (Manufacturing Engineering Intern). The program provided students hands-on experience working with engineering teams and offered real-world work experience in the health, safety and environmental department of Cummins’ manufacturing Ben Kaiser served as an Acoustic Techical environment. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CUMMINS POWER GENERATION INC.

Jay Goebel interned as an Acoustical Technical Support Engineer.

Support Intern over the summer. He worked with the Test Data Acquisition and Control System data logger as part of his internship.

Kelsey Murphy (pictured with her manger Gretchen Templin) worked as a Health, Safety and Environment Project Management Intern.

School gardens to stock the food shelf with organic produce

Sunnyside staff members Roberta Locke, Carol Haug, Jenna Pomraning, Susan Johnson, Jodi Vanderbilt, Greg Ulrich, Jennifer Evers and Kristen Stanoch helped build the gardens onsite at their school.

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District elementary and middle schools welcomed the outdoor addition of organic garden beds this school year. Thanks to a State Health Incentives Program grant, each elementary and middle school in the District received four 4x8x2 garden plots to be maintained by the schools and their students. This District-wide organic garden project aims to provide an outdoor forum for curricular connections and community building. All produce from the gardens will support the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf which serves the Mounds View Public Schools community.

Translation assistance To learn more about District programs and events featured in this issue of School Talk in Spanish or Hmong, please call Angel Toro (Spanish) at 651-724-2854 or Mee Yang (Hmong) at 651-724-0396. Yog xa paub ntau tshaj nov txog peb lub District cov program thiab kev sib sau ua ke ntawm peb cov tsev kawm ntawv thiab niam txiv nrog rau me nyuam kawm ntawv uas muaj nyob rau hauv tsab ntawv School Talk no, thov hu rau Mee Yang ntawm 651-724-0396. Para aprender mas sobre los programas del Distrito Escolar y de los eventos en esta edicion de School Talk, llame a Angel Toro al 651-724-2854.

Students spend summer in Mexico

Spanish teachers Tina Tanner and Katie Womack led Irondale and Mounds View High School students on a four-week tour of Mexico this summer. Students attended classes during the week at the Universidad International and participated in tours in and around Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Early Childhood Family Education A community celebration welcomed families, community members and District staff to explore Mounds View Public Schools’ Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Program on October 25. The free event included a sing-along musical performance for parents and young children and offered food and fun to celebrate ECFE Week. Governor Dayton proclaimed the Week of October 20-25 ECFE Week in Minnesota. In recognition of the 40 years since the program’s inception in Minnesota, Mounds View’s ECFE staff hosted several birthday-themed parent-child activities and included the Superintendent in a preschool classroom story time. The Superintendent also spoke during a parent education class about the importance of early education.

New to Mounds View Public Schools? If you have recently moved into the District and have preschool students who may one day enroll in Mounds View Public Schools, it’s important that you contact the Early Childhood staff to have your family information entered into the District’s data system.This will ensure that you are notified of important dates and information regarding early childhood screenings, parent information nights and the kindergarten enrollment process. Please contact the District’s Early Childhood Department at 651-621-7420 or at susan.stoner@moundsviewschools.org. Please include the following information: • Parent full legal name(s) • Address/City/Zip • The full legal name and birth date of each child • Contact home or cell phone number

Early Childhood Screening

An excursion to the Parque Ecológico Chapultepec, an ecological park located in the heart of Cuernavaca, was one of many attractions the students visited during their time in Mexico. Pictured from left to right (back row): Casey Nygaard, Kendra Nelson, Sydney McGraw, (front row) Elizabeth Axberg, Becca Donley, Julie Donnelly, Hannah Rauch, Käthe Trahan, Sophie Gaschott, Ivan Osorio (who goes to school in Mexico) and Michaela Morse.

Rapid learning and growth takes place in the early years of your child’s life — from birth to the start of kindergarten. Early Childhood Screening is a free, quick and simple check of how your child is doing. It is best to have your child screened between ages three-and-a-half and four. Screening identifies possible learning or health concerns so that your child can get the needed help before starting school. Early Childhood Screening is required for entrance into kindergarten and is offered throughout the year. Call 651-621-7420 to make your child’s early childhood screening appointment today.

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School Talk

AROUND THE DISTRICT National Association of State Foresters visit Edgewood

Fourth-graders serve as K-Center buddies

Edgewood’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) team hosted more than 150 visitors from the National Association of State Foresters in September for a tour of the school’s outdoor classroom and School Forest.

Kindergartners Claire Oquist, Aaron Scott, Quinn Lee, and Jaidan Johnson with their Pinewood buddy, Jaylen Collins.

Spenser Brown (pictured with Technology & Community Education Director Karl Brown, Board member Jonathan Weinhagen and Superintendent Dan Hoverman) spoke to the group about his involvement in establishing the School Forest and outdoor classroom at Edgewood Middle School. Spenser, who is currently an Irondale freshman, was part of the student School Forest planning team when he attended Edgewood Middle School.

District-wide annual asbestos notification Mounds View Public Schools has continued to respond to asbestos in buildings in a cautious and proactive manner. Building administration will continue with its ongoing asbestos operations and maintenance program, including periodic surveillance inspections, which are conducted on a semi-annual basis. Also required as part of AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act-EPA) are re-inspections, which are conducted by accredited inspectors every three years since the implementation of the District’s Management Plan. The building administration’s ongoing efforts related to the management and control of asbestos containing materials are focused on providing a safe environment for our building occupants and employees. If you have any questions, would like to review the management plan, or are interested in recent response actions completed at the buildings, please contact Chris Paquette at 651-621-6090.

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Pinewood Elementary School’s fourth-grade Academic Club of Tutors (ACT) made their first trip to the Pike Lake Kindergarten Center in November where they played games and visited with Laura Jacobson’s kindergarten class. ACT students will visit the Kindergarten Center twice a month throughout the school year to help with reading, math, writing or other projects in an effort to engage the school’s future first-graders with the Pinewood Elementary upperclassmen. Pinewood Elementary School is in the second year of offering ACT, an academic support program for a small group of fourth-graders. The program encourages students to remain happy and focused, to reach high levels of academic growth and proficiency, to feel a positive connection to Pinewood, to attend school on a regular basis, to feel empowered and important in their service to the younger students, and to embrace, understand and implement the 12 Habits of Mind for Post-Secondary Success.

Pesticides and Herbicides: Parents’ right to know A Minnesota state law went into effect in the year 2000 that requires schools to inform parents and guardians if they apply certain pesticides on the school property. Specifically, this law requires schools that apply these pesticides to maintain an estimated schedule of pesticide applications and to make the schedule available to parents and guardians for review or copying at each school office. The long-term effects on children from application of such pesticides, or the class of chemicals to which they belong, may not be fully understood. If you would like to be notified prior to pesticide applications made on days other than those specified in the estimated schedule (excluding emergency applications), please contact Chris Paquette at 651-621-6090.

Having trouble making ends meet? The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf is here to help. The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf is a Community Education Program of Mounds View Public Schools and is available to any low-income individual or family living within the school district. Monthly food assistance includes a minimum of 25 pounds of food per family member including non-perishable foods, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, frozen meats, fresh milk and produce. Food assistance and other services including county application help and referrals to other resources and services are available at the Pike Lake Education Center in New Brighton, Monday through Friday by appointment. Call 651-621-7451 to make an appointment.

Students launch campaign to help school in Africa A visit from inspirational speaker Katie Spotz in October, launched a year-long partnership between the students of Valentine Hills and H2O for Life, a non-profit organization that inspires youth to take action to bring clean water, sanitation and hygiene education to schools in developing countries. During her visit to Valentine Hills, Spotz spoke to students about her experience as the youngest person to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She shared her experiences of her 79-day journey across the Atlantic and also talked about what motivates her, including her passion for raising awareness for clean water initiatives across the globe. During the 2014-15 school year, Valentine Hills students plan to raise $3,300 to fund a rain catchment tank and latrines for Agneaux Primary School in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa. Pictured is Christine Hays’ second grade class, part of the Valentine Hills student body of global citizens.

Need help with holiday toys for your children? Face-to-face registration will take place on November 26 and December 3 and 10 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf located at Pike Lake Education Center (2101 14th St NW, New Brighton). Enter at door 13 on the west side of the building. Operation Joy registration is also open during daytime food shelf appointments through December 10 by calling 651-621-7451. Registrants must bring a picture ID, current piece of mail (proof of residence) and birth certificates, social security cards, or medical ID cards for children.

Looking for ways to help? Donate Bring a new unwrapped gift or toy by December 18 to the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf or make a monetary donation to the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf to help replenish shelves during the busy holiday season.

Volunteer Please visit www.ralphreederfoodshelf.org and click on volunteer or email sue.peake@moundsviewschools.org.

Questions? Call 651-621-7451.

Students get a head start in the corporate world After an eight-week intensive summer training program, 11 Mounds View Public Schools students began working in the corporate world this fall. A partnership with Genesys Works connected District high school students with companies like Medtronic to offer students real-world career experience during the school day. The students spend a portion of most school days as professionals working in the field of technology. The Genesys Works program provides students with experience and skills needed to enroll and succeed in college. During weekly meetings over the course of the school year, they help students explore career interests, build professional and life skills, and provide oneon-one instruction on the college search and application process, financial aid, scholarships and more.

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School Talk

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS UPDATE Activities apps New this fall, families can now track co-curricular activities on mobile devices using the Irondale Knights and Mounds View Mustangs athletics and activities apps. Take a virtual tour of the new apps by visiting the District’s YouTube channel or find direct links to both schools’ video tours at www.moundsviewschools.org.

Search GO IRONDALE in the app store.

Search GO MUSTANGS in the app store.

IRONDALE Tennis Irondale’s Girls Varsity Tennis Team was awarded State Team Academic Honors for the 2014 season. Pictured: Liz Glasser, Hanna Norlinger, Mai-Lyn Nguyen, Katie Manning, Amanda Schoenwald, Andrea Manning, Maria Donato, Oriana Olson, Anna Pate and Abby Ward.

Football

Soccer

Ben Danielson was named Northwest Suburban Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Rachael Norton was named AllState for soccer. She made 17 goals her senior year and 83 goals in her high school career as a four-year varsity player.

For the most up-to-date news, visit the new Activities and Athletics web site at www.moundsviewschools.org/irondale. Find the Irondale Knights on Twitter @GoIrondale

School Talk

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Football

MOUNDS VIEW

In the final year of Suburban East Conference Football, Mounds View High School won the championship. In addition, football coach Jim Galvin was named Coach of the Year and Logan Maccani was named the Defensive Player of the Year. The Mustangs were also Section Champions and State Tournament Qualifiers.

Logan Maccani

Ali Kopiecki

Girls Tennis

Swimming

Mounds View was Suburban East Conference Champions and Section 5AA Champions. Mike Cartwright was Coach of the Year. Ali Kopiecki won the Minnesota State High School League Individual Consolation Champion.

Maya Loewen (200 IM, Breaststroke), McLaren Curphy (100 Back) and Jackie Gaworski (diving) qualified for state in swimming. Team girls team qualified for state in the 200 Medley and the 200 Freestyle Relays.

Cross Country

Girls Soccer

Alex Plasencia, Christine Hessini and Rachel Clark qualified for state for cross country.

Julia Anderson and Emily Nash received All-State Honors. Maya Loewen

McLaren Curphy

Jackie Gaworski

Boys Soccer Alex Plasencia

Christine Hessini

Rachel Clark

Julia Anderson

Nolan CarlsonSterverner was named to the All-Metro Team.

Emily Nash

Nolan CarlsonSterverner

For the most up-to-date news, visit the new Activities and Athletics web site at www.moundsviewschools.org/moundsview. Find the Mounds View Mustangs on Twitter @GoMVMustangs

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School Talk

WITH HONORS District makes AP College Board Honor Roll Mounds View Public Schools is one of only 10 school districts across the state of Minnesota to be honored by the College Board recently by being placed on the Annual AP Honor Roll for significant gains in Advanced Placement®(AP) access and student performance. The College Board’s Annual AP Honor Roll recognizes school districts across the country that simultaneously increase access to AP course work while maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of three or higher on AP exams. For details, visit www.moundsviewschools.org.

Sustaining Exemplar Schools for PBIS The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) recognized Bel Air Elementary School, Sunnyside Elementary School, Turtle Lake Elementary School and Valentine Hills Elementary School recently for their successful work using Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS). PBIS a data-driven program that provides districts and schools throughout Minnesota with training and technical support to promote improvements in student behavior, especially for students with challenging social behaviors.

Bel Air, Sunnyside, Turtle Lake and Valentine Hills were among 30 schools across the state to receive “Sustaining Exemplar Schools” recognition and be named leaders in supporting positive behavior, improving school climate and increasing student achievement. Pictured with MDE Commissioner Brenda Cassellius, Nathan Flansburg (Valentine), Darin Johnson (Turtle Lake), Mandy Little (Sunnyside) and Kari Hosmer (Bel Air) received the award at a June 19 PBIS Sustaining Exemplar Recognition Ceremony.

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Mounds View student wins gold at International Biology Olympiad Varun Mangalick, a Mounds View High School senior, was selected from a pool of 10,500 students to compete at the 25th International Biology Olympiad held in Bali, Indonesia, last summer. Mangalick competed as part of Team USA in the world’s competition for top academic achievement in biology, surpassing representatives from 63 nations of the world to bring home a gold medal.

District schools among best for Title I Valentine Hills Elementary School has been named among the top 15 percent of all Title I schools in the state, earning the Minnesota Department of Education’s (MDE) designation of “Reward” schools. “Reward” status is part of the state’s new accountability system that uses a Multiple Measurements Rating (MMR) to evaluate schools’ performance in proficiency, academic growth, achievement gap reduction and meeting targets for graduation rate projections.”Reward” schools represent the highest-performing Title I schools on the four domains in the MMR. MDE plans to share practices from these schools with other schools in an effort to replicate best practices across the state. In addition, the MDE also named Bel Air Elementary School, Pinewood Elementary School and Sunnyside Elementary School as “Celebration Eligible.” This means that student performance on MMR measures placed these schools in the 60th to 85th percentile of top performing schools. MDE selects approximately 10 percent of Title I schools to receive the Celebration school recognition annually. A Title I school is a school that receives supplemental Federal funding based on the percentage of students qualifying for the free or reduced price lunch program. Funding is used to assist in meeting students’ educational goals.

Irondale art teacher wins International Exhibition Irondale High School art teacher Scott Krohn won the top prize at the 22nd International Exhibition of the Colored Pencil Society of America. His “Stone Faced; Self Portrait” was awarded Best of Show. Krohn is pictured setting up a Raku kiln for his Irondale High School art students. This fall, pottery and sculpture class students created Raku pottery under Krohn’s direction.

Google recognizes District technology coordinator Susan Herder, instructional technology coordinator for Mounds View Public Schools, was one of only 35 educators selected by Google™ to attend a two-day intensive Teacher Academy program in California in July. The Google Academy recognizes educators who are doing innovative and exciting things in the classroom with technology. Upon completion of the Google Teacher Academy, Herder was named a Google Certified Teacher and recognized as an expert in innovative instructional strategies.

Satire video named state’s best Mound View’s satire video featuring Superintendent Dan Hoverman switching places for a day with a fourth-grader won the top honor for videos produced by large school districts in the state. This fall, Superintendent for a Day/Student for a Day won the award of excellence in the Electronic Media-Video category from the Minnesota Schools Public Relations Association (MinnSPRA). The video is available at www.moundsviewschools.org. The District’s levy publication 5 Fast Facts for November 5, also won the top honor in MinnSPRA’s Special Purpose Publications category for large districts in the state. Both communications were produced by the District’s public relations department.

Superintendent for a Day

FOLLOW US To subscribe to School Board agendas/meeting summaries or other school e-newsletters, and receive the latest information on a variety of topics throughout the school year, please visit www.moundsviewschools.org/enews.

Every school in the District has a Facebook page to connect with the community. “Like” Mounds View Public Schools and specific school pages on Facebook for timely news.

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School Talk

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO 4112

Independent School District 621 350 Highway 96 West Shoreview, MN 55126-1951

Music at Mounds View is a professional concert series that brings high-caliber, nationally recognized artists into our community for public performances at Mounds View High School.

Join us for the inaugural season! Saturday, January 31, 2015 – 7 p.m.

Friday, February 20, 2015 – 7 p.m.

Clocks and Clouds A Minneapolis-based instrumental trio that combines classical instrumentation with rock aesthetics, Clocks and Clouds has produced multiple recordings and has commanded audiences around the country. www.clocksandcloudsmusic.com

Saakumu Dance Troupe This group presents a highly charged performance of West African Music and Dance, led by percussion virtuoso Bernard Woma. Mr. Woma has performed for international dignitaries including Maya Angelou, Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II, and two US Presidents. www.saakumu.com Sunday, April 19, 2015 – 2 p.m.

Charles Lazarus Ensemble Minnesota Orchestra trumpeter Charles Lazarus is known for his distinctive blend of lounge/exotica and funk-fired jazz. His program American Riffs offers an exciting taste of iconic American music ranging from the roots of Jazz, spirituals, Sousa marches, Broadway, Pops hits, and much more. www.charleslazarus.com

All performances are held at Mounds View High School, 1900 Lake Valentine Road, Arden Hills. For ticket information, visit www.moundsviewschools.org.