School Talk, Fall 2016

School Talk FALL 2016

Meet Superintendent

Chris Lennox How is his priority work stacking up?

ALSO INSIDE: ENROLLMENT REACHES 15-YEAR HIGH • FACILITIES STUDY BEGINS

A chat with new Superintendent What’s at the top of his ‘To Do’ list?

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or the first time in nearly a decade, Mounds View has a new superintendent. When Chris Lennox took the reins in July, he landed the top job in a district with a history of consistent Top 10 achievement in the state. And he’s intent on keeping it that way. Here’s a brief chat with Lennox and a look ahead to his most pressing goals.

that really cares about its schools and its students. That shows when you have a board of elected residents that holds high expectations and supports its schools at every turn. This is a “big-picture” board that’s dedicated to policy governance and letting its administrators run the day-to-day operations. This doesn’t happen everywhere. Mounds View is really fortunate.

So, what’s it like to run a $170 million organization, employing 1,600 people who serve 11,000 students across seven cities?

Well, when you put it that way! It is a big job. But I do have help! The team here is incredibly talented and dedicated to our mission. I’m talking about teachers at all levels who know all of their students personally. Principals who are visible and thoughtful school leaders. District administrators who tirelessly support our schools and operations. And hundreds of support staff who support our students and maintain our schools. It’s a big machine, and it works because of the people.

That’s a big reason I chose to come here. This is a district full of caring employees who are proud to be a part of this work.

I’m thrilled to be a part of it.

You’ve worked in several other districts. What is it about Mounds View that feels different to you?

There’s a sincere dedication to our Equity Promise here, where everyone feels compelled to ensure a student’s race, class, gender or disability will not predict their success. That comes from the top, and I can say that Mounds View’s School Board is simply the best. Functional leadership is not an accident, and it shouldn’t be taken for granted. This is a community On the cover:

Chris Lennox visits Sunnyside Kindergarten Center students (L-R:) Henry Yarbrough, Aaliah Salgado, Samma AbouGalal and Griffin Horsch.

Editors Rachel Gutierrez Colin Sokolowski

Designer Susan Abbott

Photographers Rachel Gutierrez Greg Helgeson Lifetouch

What’s on the top of your “To Do” list?

Our board approves a series of goals every year that the Cabinet and I focus our work on, with some special priority goals. We are always focused on our Equity Promise, but this year we’re also looking at enrollment, facilities, start times and STEAM. That’s not to say that other goals aren’t important.

It’s just that those five are really big-ticket items that demand considerable attention.

Superintendent Chris Lennox

2016 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.

Para asistencia en traducciones ó ayuda como intérprete, por favor comuníquese con Angel Toro al 651-724-2854. Yog xa tau kev pab thiab hais ua lus Hmoob thov hu rau Mee Yang ntawm 651-724-0396. Haddi aad ubaahantahay faahfaahin dheerad ah ama turjumaad, fadlan kala soo xiriir, taleefanka 651-724-7482.

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Let’s start with enrollment.

The numbers keep going up.

It’s very clear that our new normal is growth. Today, Mounds View is the 10th largest district in the state, and with 11,066 students, we’re the largest we’ve been in 15 years. Every indication is that we’ll be growing steadily for years to come. So we’re going to have to do as good of a job managing these years of increases as we did during the declining enrollment years. To start, we had to close open enrollment to all new families, which has upset some area nonresidents who had hoped they could join us in future years. But for the foreseeable

Chris Lennox future, we’ll remain closed so we can pay close attention to serving our current resident and future resident students in the best way possible. But no matter how large we grow, I should be clear that class sizes continue to remain the same.

Our board makes an annual commitment to staffing for class size ranges so that classes are as effective and manageable and personalized as possible.

Are facilities ready to support the growth?

We need to determine that. We have a 39-person task force looking at facilities, but all the early signs say we’re not where we’ll need to be. We’re projected to have about 1,400 more students in the next 10 years. Even after moving our kindergartens out of elementary schools, those buildings are at 100 percent utilization. These schools were built more than 50 years ago, not for the 21st century. Additional, flexible learning space at all schools would help support student achievement and student connectedness. When the task force finishes its work this winter, we’ll have a more clear idea of what facilities work could be required for the future.

Start times are being reviewed.

What changes do you anticipate?

We’ve listened to our community and believe we can make adjustments to better align our high school start times with the unique sleep needs of teens. But any change we make has an impact on elementary and middle schools. Our admin team will create options based on the Board’s considerations and feedback received by the community. Then we’ll present them to the Board, who will ultimately make a decision to take action. We know that there’s no option that will make everyone happy, but I do think we can find a way to address the high school start times. And when our students and families go through the high school years, they’ll all eventually reap the benefits of having a healthier start time during those teenage years.

What kind of STEAM enhancements can we expect?

STEAM has been an increasingly important part of our schools for some time now. This year, we’re going to focus on how facilities, curriculum, training and technology can better support students. We’re already making great progress.

We’ve been remodeling middle school spaces into some really wonderful creative and flexible makerspaces. And we’re beginning the process of aligning the middle and high school curriculum with the elementary school curriculum to create more robust STEAM activities and opportunities. STEAM is here to stay, and if you look around today’s workforce, it’s the right place for us to be.

Chris Lennox greets Chippewa students Maggie McKenzie (6th grade) and Austin Gin (7th grade).

What’s next in fulfilling The Equity Promise?

That’s one of those goals that will never end. And it shouldn’t.

But in the coming year, we’re super-charging our development efforts for administrators. We have a number of new admin team leaders this year, so we’re grounding them in the “Mounds View way,” specifically setting expectations around partnerships, professional culture and our commitment to the Equity Promise. One of the books we’re reading is How the Mighty Fall. We’re using it as a resource to learn how to avoid decline and what Jim Collins calls “the hubris born of success.”

Superintendent Emeritus Dan Hoverman called you not just the right choice, but the best choice the Board could have made. What does that mean to you?

It’s a tremendous honor and vote of confidence. Dan was an incredible mentor, and he continues to be. He’s led the District in such a strategic way forward that my goal is to keep us moving in that same direction.

Finally, why Mounds View?

When you’re an assistant superintendent like I’ve been, districts are often talking to you about your interest in their top job. So it’s fair to say, I’ve been approached a number of times about opportunities I could have explored. But this is where I want to be. There’s a culture here that’s really healthy.

It’s very cooperative and very supportive. It’s the right fit, and I’m proud to be a part of this team.

FALL 2016

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The Lennox file

Contact: 651-621-6002 schools.org

iew christopher.lennox@moundsv Snail Lake Education Center 350 Highway 96 West Shoreview, MN 55126

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FALL 2016

Wa tch Chris L himself a pep ennox give prepares f or talk as he his new role. www.mo unds v s uperintende iewsch ools.org/ nt

Name: Christopher Lennox (call him Chris)

Background: • Has 21 years education administration experience.

• Has been with Mounds View Public Schools since July 2015, serving as the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction.

• Came to Mounds View from Bloomington Public Schools where he was assistant superintendent for three years.

• Previously served Stillwater Public Schools as assistant superintendent of learning and instruction for four years and as the high school principal for five years.

• Was with South St. Paul Public Schools for eight years in various capacities, including junior high principal as well as dean of students, assistant principal and eventually principal of the high school.

• Started his career as a teacher at Brooklyn Center High School, where he also coached the math team and baseball.

Education: • A University of Minnesota alumnus, with a degree in math education.

• Has a master’s degree from University of St. Thomas in educational administration.

• Holds administrative licensures from Saint Mary’s University.

Personal: • Age 50.

• Three children: Cassie, graduate of University of Wisconsin – River Falls; Tony, attending University of St. Thomas; Josh, attending University of Minnesota.

• Grew up in Fridley/Columbia Heights.

• Graduated from Spring Lake Park High School.

Interests: • Music • Theatre • Minnesota sports teams • Travel

FALL 2016

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

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Close achievement gaps for all student groups.

To address achievement gaps, Mounds View Public Schools believes schools must first address the gaps that exist in the aspirations student have for their future, the opportunities available to them and the expectations every family has for their school.

Aspirations gap – The District and its schools support the hopes and ambitions of all students.

The District’s Equity Promise ensures that programs and services are in place to ensure that race, class and disability are not predictors of students’ success. The Equity Promise serves as the framework for the World’s Best Workforce strategic plan which focuses on five goals for continued student improvement.

GOALS 1 All students meet school readiness goals.

2 All third grade students achieve grade level literacy.

3 Close achievement gaps for all student groups.

4 All students graduate from high school.

5 All students attain college and career readiness.

PROGRESS INDICATORS

1

All students meet school readiness goals.

The District is in its third year of providing a comprehensive all-day kindergarten literacy and numeracy program. Students’ Primary Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) median performance increased in both math and reading by five points (since 2014) in both subjects.

2

All third grade students achieve grade level literacy.

Student performance of the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment for Reading provides an annual check of third grade literacy progress. At Mounds View, 67.3 percent of students are proficient (meet or exceed the standards) on this exam which is indicative of students who are on track with their development of literacy skills. The median performance at each District grade level on NWEA MAP tests for reading is between 1-3 grade levels above the national norms.

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• Nearly 95 percent of students surveyed said they felt their school supported their ambitions.

“ It is important to me that I am prepared to do anything I choose after high school.”

– 96.8 percent of District students

• More than 93 percent of surveyed students said they felt connected to one teacher, one other adult in school and one student.

Expectations gap – The District and its schools meet the expectations of all students and their families as they pursue college and career readiness.

• Nearly 100 percent of students/families participated in discussions with school staff in regards to goalsetting (elementary) or designing school course plans and setting social, emotional and academic goals appropriate to the plan (secondary).

“ My teachers believe I am capable of doing challenging work with success.”

– 95 percent of District students

Opportunity gap – The District and its schools provide all students with access to rigorous coursework that prepares them for opportunities.

• 84 percent of this year’s graduating high school class is accessing rigorous coursework and 80 percent are earning college credit.

“ It is important to my teachers that I am prepared to do anything I choose after high school.”

– 91.5 percent of District students * The 2016 student survey measuring aspirations, expectations and opportunity included approximately 4,300 students in grades 5-12.

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Best High Schools

All students graduate from high school.

Students graduating from Mounds View Public Schools will be prepared to pursue higher education or to enter the workforce. The rigorous course offering will prepare students. While many students choose careers that require additional education, those who elect to join the workforce directly out of high school are more likely to find greater opportunities and higher earnings with a high school diploma which is one of the foundations for success.

Class of 2013

Class of 2014

Class of 2015

ALL Students

96.4

96.9

97.7

White Students

97.2

98.3

98.0

Students of Color

90.4

97.2

97.8

Students receiving FRP lunch

92.2

93.9

95.1

Students receiving EL services

96.4

96.3

92.0

Students receiving SE services

93.8

93.5

95.7

Progress on Graduation Rates

Irondale High School and Mounds View High School were both named among the best high schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report (Best High Schools rankings) for exceeding expectations when it comes to student performance on reading and math tests, and for preparing students for college. The magazine analyzed academic and enrollment data from more than 28,560 public high schools and then placed selected schools into gold, silver, bronze, or honorable mention categories. Irondale and Mounds View were among the top 15 Minnesota high schools and ranked in the silver category.

In Minnesota, 172 schools made this year’s U.S. News rankings.

The Washington Post ranked Irondale and Mounds View in the top 10 on its annual list of Most Challenging High Schools in Minnesota.

America’s Most Challenging High Schools ranks schools through an index formula that’s a simple ratio: the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Advanced International Certificate of Education tests given at a school each year, divided by the number of seniors who graduated that year.

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All students attain college and career readiness.

Thanks to a grant from the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation, Mounds View Public Schools was the first school district in the state to make sure every high school junior had a free opportunity to take the ACT on-site during the school day. This free on-site administration began in 2011 and ensures equal opportunity and access to the test.

District recognized for music education

To date, an average of 98 percent of students participate in the exam and Mounds View Public Schools students continue to exceed both the national and state test score average.

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) recognized the District for its outstanding commitment to music education with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) designation. Mounds View Public Schools was one of only six school districts in Minnesota, and 476 school districts in the country, to be selected to receive the award for demonstrating exceptional efforts toward maintaining music education as part of the core curriculum. This is the fourth consecutive year that the District has been recognized with this award.

Graduating Class of 2016 ACT scores Year

District

Minnesota

Nation

2012

23.4

22.8

21.1

2013

23.5

23.0

20.9

2014

23.5

22.9

21.1

2015

23.5

22.7

21.0

2016

23.2

21.1

20.8

FALL 2016

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BACK TO SCHOOL Thousands of students were welcomed to Mounds View Public Schools in September. More than 900 students went back to school with supplies thanks to donations from District families, staff, area businesses and faith partners, community members and volunteers. The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf distributed school supplies to students in grades kindergarten to 12 during its annual Good Neighbor Back to School Project.

Contact us Looking for a specific school or department contact? Visit www.moundsviewschools.org/contact for a list of school and department directories.

Translation assistance To learn more about District programs and events featured in this issue of School Talk in Spanish, Hmong or Somali, please call Angel Toro (Spanish) at 651-724-0396, Mee Yang (Hmong) at 651-724-0396 or Ali Ali (Somali) at 651-724-7482.

The school year started in August with back-to-school events and open houses.

Mounds View High School’s student council welcomed teachers back with a bagel and coffee breakfast in August.

Pike Lake Education Center in New Brighton welcomed 505 students to Bel Air, Pinewood, Sunnyside and Valentine Hills Kindergarten Centers.

Snail Lake Education Center welcome 332 students to Island Lake and Turtle Lake Kindergarten Centers.

Haddii aad dooneysid faahfaahin dheeraad ah oo ku saabsan barnaamijyada lugu soo qoro School Talk, ee ka baxa Iskuulada Moundsview, fadlan la soo xiriis Ali Ali: 651-724-7482.

Para aprender mas sobre los programas del Distrito Escolar y de los eventos en esta edicion de School Talk, llame a Angel Toro al 651-724-0396.

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.

The first week of school for Logan Bradway and his Bel Air kindergarten classmates included memorizing lunch pin numbers and eating with new friends.

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School Talk

Island Lake kindergarten teacher Jenny Heyer helped students Aimee Schulz, Hadley Benson and Aivey Johansson get to know their classroom and each other during the first weeks of school.

FALL 2016

Watch a video recap of the first week of school by visiting www.moundsviewschools.org.

NEW FACES Andrew Skinner got off to a great start with students like fourthgrader Breana Hamann (pictured) by passing out ice cream during the first week of school. Andrew has been with Mounds View Public Schools for many years. This is his first year serving as principal of Pinewood Elementary School.

Learn more about Andrew Skinner by watching a brief introduction video at www.moundsviewschools.org/pinewood.

High School freshmen transitioned to Irondale this year with help from their new principal, Amy Janecek, and Superintendent Chris Lennox. On September 5, Amy and a team of student mentors welcomed ninthgraders to Irondale for a freshman-only start to the school year.

Learn more about Amy Janacek by watching a brief introduction video at www.moundsviewschools.org/irondale.

Warm welcome for more than 900 freshmen Mustang Mentors Mounds View Mentors welcomed 465 freshmen to the 2016-2017 school year. During the freshmen only first day of school, more than 175 student mentors gave tours of the school, talked about what to expect in high school and worked to make all ninth-graders feel welcome and at home in their new school.

Irondale Mentors Freshmen were welcomed to Irondale by 135 juniors and seniors who serve as Peer Mentors. Mentors helped nearly 445 ninth-graders navigate the school. The first day of school was dedicated to helping make the transition to high school a positive experience for all ninth-graders.

To learn more about how Mounds View helps make the transition to high school a smooth and positive experience, watch a brief video at www.moundsviewschools.org/moundsview.

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BACK TO SCHOOL Stay connected in 2016-17 Continued improvements to school and District websites aim to help users easily find information at any time, from any device. Websites are now mobile responsive to allow viewers to search District sites from desktop and laptop computers, tablets and smartphones. Other resources that parents and community members can tap for information include electronic newsletters, the District app, school and District social media feeds, and more.

Electronic newsletters District families are automatically subscribed to school and District e-newsletters. Community members who want to receive e-mail updates can subscribe to the newsletters of their choice by visiting www.moundsviewschools.org/enews.

All school newsletters now include links to school, District and community e-flyers detailing enrichments opportunities and community event information.

Video feeds

New this year, look for the “Mounds Views” icon at www.moundsviewschools.org/videos to watch brief news stories featuring teachers, schools and programs throughout the District. As always, the District and each school website also offers a YouTube video feed highlighting school activities and programs.

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

Smartphone updates and notifications Smartphone and tablet users can subscribe to school calendars and news notifications by downloading the free District app. Available in the App Store and on Google play, the Mounds View Public Schools app offers easy access to school contacts, School lunch menus and more. and District contacts

Attendance lines

Calendars

Lunch menus

Teacher websites ParentVUE

Bus status

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New parent portal replaces SchoolView A new parent/student portal has been launched for the 2016-2017 school year to replace SchoolView. The new portal, called ParentVUE, gives parents secure, electronic access to their student’s records. Teachers and staff in all of our schools will use this system to provide families with more consistent and reliable communications about their child’s progress than we’ve been able to offer before.

New and returning users can visit www.moundsviewschools.org/ParentVUE.

Facilities study This fall, a 39-member task force is conducting a comprehensive facilities study to determine the current state of facilities and their capacity to serve future enrollment growth. Comprised of parents and staff, the task force is studying a variety of issues including the age, condition and capacities of each building. At the September meeting, the task force considered a series of insight statements regarding enrollment and capacity issues, which included the following: · Sustained enrollment growth is putting pressure on school site capacities across the District — specifically at the elementary school level. · Snail Lake Education Center and Pike Lake Education Center will remain open and dedicated to a growing number of pre-K and kindergarten students, while District offices are moving to the old Ramsey County Library in 2017. · The development of Rice Creek Commons (RCC) by itself, will not result in enough students to warrant the construction of an elementary school specifically for this development.

To review the task force’s feedback, visit www.moundsviewschools.org/facilities.

SCHOOL BOARD Start times engagement continues This fall, the School Board has launched a community engagement process to hear feedback on school start times.

In September, the Board shared a set of parameters that will guide its decision-making process as it considers how to specifically adjust start times for all schools beginning in 2017-18. In October, 3,878 people shared and considered nearly 8,000 thoughts through an online engagement tool.

Enrollment reaches 15-year high Enrollment at Mounds View Public Schools is at its highest level in 15 years. As of October, 11,066 students have enrolled in the District. That’s an increase of 172 students from last October 1 reporting. Resident enrollment is projected to continue to increase 18 – 29 percent in the next 10 years, with a large share of the projected increase occurring in the second five years. Despite the increased enrollment, all core class sizes meet School Board approved ranges.

Elementary schools

Bel Air Island Lake Pinewood Sunnyside Turtle Lake Valentine Hills

836 907 648 681 1,154 787

Middle schools

Chippewa Edgewood Highview

1,064 698 815

High schools

Irondale Mounds View

1,675 1,801

The public engagement revealed...

• Widespread support for later high school start times was expressed by all groups: parents, students, staff and community members.

• This support far surpassed any other theme expressed, including a desire to not change start times.

• The greatest concerns and questions were related to the impact on students and families, with specific concerns about before- and after-school activities.

In November, the Board will review a set of options presented by the administration. In December, the Board is hosting a public forum to hear feedback from the community regarding the options. The forum will be held on Thursday, December 1, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Highview Middle School, 2300 7th Street NW, New Brighton.

A formal decision by the School Board is expected no later than February 2017 to allow families time to adjust for the next school year. To learn more about the start times review this fall, visit www.moundsviewschools.org/starttimes.

2016 School Board

Proposed property taxes Ramsey County will mail 2017 proposed property tax statements in mid-November. Mounds View Public Schools will discuss the budget and final property tax levy for 2017 at a focused forum before its regularly scheduled 7 p.m. Board meeting on December 13, 2016, at Snail Lake Education Center, 350 Highway 96 West, 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 2017 total $44,790,263, which is an increase of $664,827 or 1.5 percent more than final taxes payable 2016. The main area of increase is referendum funding which is directly influenced by increased student enrollment.

Front row: Amy Jones, Jon Tynjala and Marre Jo Sager.

Back row: Jonathan Weinhagen, Greg Madsen, Sandra Westerman and Bob Helgeson.

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EDUCATION FOUNDATION 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.

For more more information on the Foundation, please visit www.moundsviewschoolsef.org The Mounds View Schools Education Foundation is pleased to recognize the most recent Board of Trustee appointments.

Heidi Danielson

Joanne Messerly

Heidi and her husband are long-time residents of Mounds View Public Schools.

They have three children, one of whom is an Irondale High School graduate, while the other two currently attend Edgewood Middle School and Irondale High School.

Heidi has served in a variety of volunteer and leadership roles within the schools, including roles at Pinewood Elementary School, Sunnyside Elementary School, and currently at Edgewood Middle School. Heidi is currently on staff at the Pike Lake Education Center supporting the Early Childhood and Family Education program.

Joanne, and her husband Chris, are both Mounds View High School graduates, as are all of their children. Joanne was very involved in the schools her children attended, including serving for a year as PTA president and co-chair of the senior all-night party.

She is a graduate of Bowdoin College and managed a home business for 25 years. She is currently the owner of Best Day Ever! Weddings + Events.

Mike Kauls Mike is a financial consultant at Thrivent Financial. Prior to his career transition, he taught at Mounds View High School, his alma mater, for 10 years in the social studies department. Notably his father, Ziggy Kauls, was also a teacher (and coach) at Mounds View High School. Mike graduated from Gustavus Adolphus with a bachelor degree in organizational management and received a master’s degree in education from the University of St. Thomas. He and his wife, Katy, live in Shoreview with their daughter Hattie.

Chris Lennox Chris began his tenure as Superintendent of Mounds View Public Schools in July 2016.

He joined the District in July 2015 as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. He came to Mounds View Public Schools from Bloomington Public Schools where he was Assistant Superintendent for three years. Lennox previously served Stillwater Public Schools as Assistant Superintendent of Learning and Instruction and as the high school principal. Chris will serve as an ex-officio member of the Foundation’s board.

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Dave Stimpson Dave and his family possess unique connections to Mounds View Public Schools.

Dave and his two children are Mounds View High School graduates. Dave’s wife Marsha, a recent Mounds View Public Schools retiree, began her career in 1990 and concluded her work in early 2016. Dave’s service to the District included multiple terms on the Mounds View School Board as well as the 621 Foundation, now known as the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation.

MVSEF’s Annual Giving Program Continues to Grow The MVSEF’s annual giving program continues to grow at a remarkable pace. Over the last fiscal year, the number of contributors to the Foundation nearly doubled — demonstrating our community’s commitment to our efforts to enhance learning opportunities for students in all our schools. We thank all those who have supported the Foundation. For more information on making an investment in the MVSEF visit www.moundsviewschoolsef.org.

AROUND THE DISTRICT

FOCUS

on your future

Music

Mounds View Public Schools

at

Mounds View

Kindergarten Round-Up: Island Lake

at Snail Lake

February 15

5:30 – 7 p.m.

Turtle Lake

at Snail Lake

February 16

5:30 – 7 p.m.

Sunnyside

at Pike Lake

February 7

4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Valentine Hills

at Pike Lake

February 8

6 – 7 p.m.

Bel Air

at Pike Lake

February 8

4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Pinewood

at Pike Lake

February 7

6 – 7 p.m.

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 our exciting third season!

Performances take place in the Mounds View High School Auditorium, located at 1900 Lake Valentine Rd, Arden Hills, MN 55112.

Saturday, January 21, 2017 • 7 p.m.

2017 Middle School Information Nights: Chippewa Middle School

January 10

6:30 p.m.

Edgewood Middle School

January 31

4:30 – 6 p.m.

Highview Middle School

January 31

6:30 p.m.

MARCOUX CORNER This four piece A Cappella group combines over 20 years of voice lessons and vocal study at one of the country’s most prestigious colleges for vocal performance, Concordia College in Moorhead. The sound they produce when they join in harmony will make you rethink your attitude about music.

2017 High School Information Nights:

Sunday, February 19, 2017 • 2 p.m.

Irondale High School February 2 M – Z 5:30 p.m.

A – L 7 p.m.

THE NOT READY FOR NAPTIME PLAYERS

Mounds View High School February 16 A – L 5:30 – 7 p.m.

M – Z 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Two-time GRAMMY Nominated Justin Roberts is truly one of the “all-stars” of the indie family music scene. Along with his band, The Not Ready for Naptime Players, he’s travelled the globe, from Hong Kong to New York, and Miami to Seattle.

Chalkboard Capers Chalkboard Capers, a variety show presented annually by the staff of the Mounds View Education Association, is slated for April 5-8, 2017. 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.

Visit www.moundsviewschools.org/ chalkboardcapers to order tickets.

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AROUND THE DISTRICT

Student mentors A new mentoring program is bringing Edgewood Middle School students back to Pinewood and Sunnyside Elementary schools to work with third, fourth and fifth-grade students.

National School Lunch Week District students celebrated National School Lunch Week October 10-14.

Decorations, special menus and a “Show Your Spirit” theme got students excited about eating healthy school lunches packed with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and milk.

Turtle Lake first-graders Prabhat Khatiwoda, Niko Gutierrez, Finn Anderson and Ethan Canas showed their enthusiasm for lunch, and proudly displayed their school spirit by wearing Turtle Lake t-shirts.

For the first session of the program, Sunnyside students visited Edgewood to participate in group challenges and activities alongside their seventh-grade partner. For the remainder of the year, Edgewood students will visit Pinewood and Sunnyside to spend time in elementary school classrooms.

Pictured: Sunnyside students Faith Fozao and Ethan Kedrowski with Edgewood Mentor Eric Martinez Hernandez.

Theatre Camp Students in grades four to nine participated in a four-week theatre camp this summer that was hosted by the District’s Community Education department in a partnership with Homeward Bound Theatre Company.

The musical “The Adventures of Dr. Dolittle” was performed by 17 students from throughout Mounds View Public Schools.

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National Anthem Day Chippewa Middle School joined in a celebration of the 202nd anniversary of the National Anthem on September 14. Thousands of schools across the United States commemo­ rated the day that Francis Scott Key wrote the Star-Spangled Banner by participating in a nation-wide school sing-a-long.

Students from Chippewa’s orchestra and choir led the National Anthem while military personnel, local mayors and council members, School Board members, parents, students and staff sang along.

Students were also encouraged to come up with their own costumes. Haylee Slotness (Mounds View High School) played Dr. Dolittle. Stella Collins (Highview Middle School) was Polynesia. Sophie Fisher (Pinewood Elementary School) played the role of Jip the Dog. Shelby Olson (Highview Middle School) and Gina Song (Chippewa Middle School) were Pushme and Pullme. Heidi Janke (Bel Air Elementary School) was Che‑Che the Monkey.

Free Farmers’ Market Tuesdays

Having trouble making ends meet?

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. Food assistance and other services including county and medical application help and referrals to other resources and services are available at the Pike Lake Education Center in New Brighton. Call 651-621-7451 to make an appointment.

The Food Shelf hosted Free Farmers’ Market Tuesdays over the summer. More than 29,500 pounds of fresh produce was distributed to more than 1,600 community members including families and senior citizens who are on a fixed income. The Farmers’ Market events were made possible thanks to 40 volunteers, church and school community garden donations, and Second Harvest Heartland. Volunteer Cyndy Luk is pictured.

Community literacy event To promote literacy and library use throughout the District and county, Ramsey County Library and Turtle Lake Elementary School partnered to present a community literacy event at Turtle Lake in October.

Participants celebrated the latest collaboration between local author David LaRochelle and local illustrator Mike Wohnoutka, This is NOT a Cat! Elementary-aged students and their families listened to the creative process behind the book, created their own version of the book and snacked on cat cookies. The program was funded with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Need help with holiday food and toys for your children?

Thanksgiving bags with all the fixings are available to families in need during the month of November. To set up an appointment please call the food shelf at 651-621-7451.

Operation Joy, an annual holiday toy and gift program, will be taking face-to-face registration on Nov. 9, 16 and 30 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. or during any daytime food shelf appointment from November 1 – December 2. Families who are visiting the food shelf for the first time are asked to bring picture identification, a current piece of dated mail and some form of identification for their children (medical card, social security card, student identification). All toy registrations must be in by December 2.

Looking for ways to help?

Make a monetary donation to the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf to help replenish shelves or bring a new/unwrapped gift, toy or gift card for ages birth to 18 by December 16 to help a child in need during the holiday season. For every dollar donated the food shelf can purchase up to $8 worth of food. Online donations can be made at www.ralphreederfoodshelf.org or by mailing a check to Ralph Reeder Food Shelf at 2101 14th Street NW, New Brighton, MN 55112.

Early Childhood Screening 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. Please contact susan.stoner@moundsviewschools.org.

Early Childhood Screening is required for entrance into kindergarten and is offered throughout the year at no charge. It is best to have your child screened between ages 3.5 and 4. Screening identifies possible learning or health concerns so that your child can get the needed help before starting school. Call 651-621-7420 to make your child’s early childhood screening appointment today.

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WITH HONORS Cultivator Grant Mounds View High School teacher Cheryl Braman was awarded the Affinity Plus Foundation grant this fall. The Cultivator Grant recognizes teachers and community educators dedicated to personal finance or financial wellness education.

Marching Knights The Irondale Marching Knights performed at the Youth in Music State Championships held at the US Bank Stadium.The band’s strong performance in the preliminary competitions put them in fifth place out of 24 competing units.

This moved them into the final competition where they finished in fifth place.

Mural honors Island Lake teacher

The cafeteria at Island Lake Elementary School got a new look this fall thanks to Island Lake staff, artist Greg Preslicka, the Island Lake PTA and generous memorials given by the family and friends of Mindy Klauer. The mural content is inspired by former media specialist Mindy Klauer who passed away a year and a half ago from cancer. Mindy embodied so many elements of learning, curiosity and energy — all of which the school would like to inspire in their students. Mindy was calming, gentle and loving, and she wanted to share her love of the outdoors, reading and other hobbies with her students. This mural offers inspiration for the students to get outside, enjoy nature and especially exercise their minds through reading. The concept also represents Mindy’s passion for helping others.

Cheryl, who teaches personal finance and wealth building, will use the $1,000 grant to enable students to examine and use a variety of financial apps and personal finance software. The software will be used to help students track and analyze spending in an effort to avoid debt and build wealth.

District-wide annual asbestos notification

Pesticides and Herbicides: Parents’ right to know

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.

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.

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National Merit Scholars Irondale and Mounds View High School seniors were announced National Merit Semifinalists for 2017 in September. Of the 1.6 million students considered nationally, two Irondale seniors and five Mounds View seniors scored among the top in the nation on the PSAT. The national pool of Semifinalists represents less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors and includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. These students have the opportunity to compete for some 7,500 scholarships worth about $33 million, to be awarded this spring.

Irondale students who scored among the top in the state and the nation and were named National Merit Semifinalists are Matt Barton and Kathryn Grutkoski.

Teaching Excellence Irondale High School social studies teacher Richard Rosivach is one of 43 public school educators to receive the prestigious California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence at the NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Gala in February in Washington, D.C. He was nominated by his peers for his dedication to the profession, community engagement, professional development, attention to diversity and advocacy for fellow educators.

Economic Educator of the Year

National Merit Semifinalists pictured with National Merit Commended Scholars are (from left to right) Matt Barton, Noel Reiling, Timothy Frantz, Kathryn Grutkoski, Brianna Woo, Nicole Burckhardt and Riley O’Neil. Not pictured: Charles Ouellette.

Mounds View students who were named National Merit Semifinalists for scoring among the top in the state and the nation are pictured below left to right with Principal Jeff Ridlehoover (back row) Wangyang Ge, Ethan Gin, Alan Wang, (front row) Amber Zhao and Emma Tsai.

Turtle Lake Elementary School teacher Kellie Friend was selected by the Minnesota Council on Economics Education for the Economic Educator of the Year Award sponsored by 3MGives. She was recognized for her sustained history of commitment and contribution to economic education at EconFest hosted at 3M’s Corporate Headquarters on November 3.

KS95 Teacher of the Week Mounds View science teacher Nancy Johnson was named KS95 Teacher of the Week.

She was nominated by 10th-grader Brooke O’Quinn and recognized at school on September 27 for making students feel successful.

Commended students include William Amendola, Yasmeen Awad, Jacqueline Bertelsen, Kalei Cartwright, Devina Chatterjee, Sajel Dutt, Thomas Egan, Joseph Floeder, Rebecca Gillis, Tyler Hong, Lisa Huang, Carolina Jeddeloh, Reem Khan, Tiffany Li, Connor McDonald, Talia Miller, Kailey Newcome, Braden O'Connor, Mackenna Page, Albert Pan, Niranjan Sankar, Julia Schroeder, Nathan Severtson, Erin Shen, Travis Walbon, Madison Wang, Mitchell Waugh, Daniel Yong and David Zheng.

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS UPDATE

Homecoming connections

For Irondale and Mounds View, homecoming does more than bring alumni back to their

IRONDALE

Future Knights Irondale students headed back to their home elementary schools to connect with students. Bel Air, Pinewood and Sunnyside students in grades three to five all received “future Knights” t-shirts and had an opportunity to meet with current Irondale students.

Irondale Hall of Fame Irondale High School inducted the following 2010 Irondale graduates into the school’s Hall of Fame during a Homecoming Hall of Fame ceremony this fall. The 2016 inductees from left to right are Tim Colwell, Jim Gjere and Gina McDonald. Tim went on to play Division I baseball at North Dakota State University and is currently playing in the American Association of Independent Minor League Baseball. Jim Gjere went on to play football at the University of Minnesota. Gina McDonald is a four-year letter winner who went on to graduate from Harvard University.

Cross country Conference winner Elizabeth VanLoon, a seventh-grade Irondale team member, took first place in the conference with a time of 19:38. The girls’ cross country team finished fourth out of 14 schools.

Coach Brent McGrew, Liz Axberg, Maria Doku, Michelle Meyer, Lucia Mesfin, Elizabeth VanLoon, Hannah Teff, Megan Ellingson and coach Nate Dobbins.

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Ashley Janish’s fourth-graders asked Irondale students questions about sports and school work.

Former Bel Air students Katherine Patten, Lucia Mesfin and Marta Crooks (pictured in the back row) answered the elementary students’ questions and passed out t-shirts during their visit to Bel Air in October.

Clay team Class 3A MSHSCTL State Champs Irondale’s Clay Target Trapshooting team won the Class 3A MSHSCTL State Tournament this summer in Alexandria. Varsity team members with the highest Varsity scores were Jack Bina, Adam Bohlman, Jake Brown, Jack Harris and Ryan Sully.

The team went on to compete in the combined AllClass Championship held in Prior Lake. The team for the All-Class combined Championship also consisted of two additional athletes, Jake Spencer and Joey Hatten. Ryan Sully was the winner of the Individual Champion for Class 3A for both the regular season and State Championship in Alexandria. He also received All-State honors.

reach all ages

alma mater. It connects the community and school.

MOUNDS VIEW Future Mustangs

Senior Stable and football captains ate lunch with Island Lake and Turtle Lake Elementary School students during homecoming week. They talked to students about what it means to be a Mustang and invited students and their families to the homecoming game.

Island Lake fifth-graders Emma Bratland and Sheridan Neary showed their support of Mustang teams during homecoming week.

Students were excited to hear from cross country captain Tim Pease (pictured) and other team captains.

Star teams and athletes • Boys’ cross country ranked third in the state and won the Suburban East Conference.

• Girls’ cross country freshman Morgan Dahl won the Suburban East Conference.

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• Girls’ soccer ranked among the Top 10 in the state.

• Boys’ soccer competed at the State Tournament.

• Girls’ tennis ranked among the Top 10 in the state and won the state conference title.

• Girls’ swimming ranked among the Top 10 in the state. Ali Kopiecki won the section championship.

A pepfest at Island Lake Elementary School included a performance by the Mounds View Performance Team and an impromptu dance presentation by the football team.

Mounds View Hall of Fame Mounds View High School inducted the following alumni into the school’s Hall of Fame during a Homecoming Hall of Fame ceremony this fall. Jackie Best (cheerleading coach, 1990 – 2000), Beth Best (swimming, 1990), John Best (football, 1992), Travis Busch (basketball and track, 2005), Jennifer Cafferty (soccer, basketball and golf, 1996), Eric Johnson (football, hockey and track, 1992), Colin Plummer (cross country and track, 2005), Hannah Skildum (basketball and track, 2005), Jeff Taylor (cross country and track, 1985), Tom Watson (community service, 1985 to present), Adam Weber (football, basketball and baseball, 2006), Tim White (gymnastics and track coach, 1986 – 2004).

Coaches Hall of Fame Boys’ track and cross country coach Ross Fleming was elected to the Cross Country State Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

• Mounds View football ranked among the Top 10.

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FAST FACTS

Mounds View

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Mounds View

Mounds View

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO 4112

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

MOUNDS VIEW SERVES

11,066 students in grades K-12.

Mounds View is the

10th largest district in the state.

Mounds View

Mounds View

IC SCHOOLS P U B LWHO I C WE S C ARE H O O L S P U B LEMPLOYEES

34% non-white eligible for free or 29% reduced price lunch

Mound s View L

PUB

IC S CH

OOL

S

Mounds View Public Schools

3rd largest

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Anoka-Hennepin St. Paul Minneapolis Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Osseo South Washington County Rochester Elk River Robbinsdale Mounds View Wayzata Lakeville North St Paul-Maplewood - Oakdale Bloomington Minnetonka St. Cloud Eastern Carver County Burnsville Eden Prairie Duluth

After English, the top three languages spoken by families: 1) Spanish 2) Somali 3) Hmong

Mounds View

P U B OUR L I CCOMMUNITY SCHOOLS

87,153 residents in 7 cities

Arden Hills Mounds View New Brighton North Oaks Roseville Shoreview Vadnais Heights

7 out of 10

resident households have no school-aged children.

is the employer in our attendance area with 1,618 employees.

1. Medtronic 2. Boston Scientific 3. Mounds View Public Schools 4. Wells Fargo 5. Deluxe Corporation

Mounds View

P U B CAPTURE L I C S CRATE HOOLS

8 out of 10

resident students attend our schools.