School Talk
SUMMER 2016
“This school district is second to none.” — Retiring Superintendent Dan Hoverman ALSO INSIDE: BOARD NAMES CHRIS LENNOX NEW SUPERINTENDENT • START TIMES REVIEW
Honoring Dan Hoverman A
t a March School Board meeting, Dan Hoverman announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2015-16 school year, after 41 years at Mounds View and nine years as Superintendent. “This has been a very special place to work, and I am so grateful for the incredible people that I have had the opportunity to work with over the years,” said Hoverman. “This school district is second to none, and I am so thankful to everyone who has played a role in making that possible for our students.”
“Great schools make for great communities, and Dan’s efforts have strengthened both.” — Sandy Martin, mayor of Shoreview
Under his leadership, Hoverman has championed a variety of efforts to enhance the personalization of public school education through innovation and data-driven decisionmaking. As Superintendent, he launched a comprehensive effort aimed at post-secondary success for all students, including an Equity Promise which states that all students will be prepared for success after high school regardless of race, class or disability. Part of this initiative is Mounds View’s award-winning, first-of-its-kind Early College program that allows students in the academic middle the opportunity to earn an associate degree on campus for free. Hoverman also spearheaded an effort that enables all District juniors to take the ACT exam onsite, free of charge. The District also has
On the cover:
Dan Hoverman spoke to more than 800 graduating seniors at commencement ceremonies in June.
Editors Rachel Gutierrez Colin Sokolowski
Designer Susan Abbott
Photographers Rachel Gutierrez Greg Helgeson Lifetouch
Hoverman shares a laugh with Joann Knuth, education consultant and former Irondale parent.
provided every middle and high school student with an online Personal Learning Plan. This spring, more than 300 community members attended an open house honoring Hoverman. To express its gratitude for his impact on the school community, the School Board adopted a resolution conferring upon Hoverman the permanent title of Superintendent Emeritus. In addition, the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation created the Hoverman Family Scholarship, securing more than $25,000 in contributions. These funds, aligned with the District’s Equity Promise Scholarship Program, will provide scholarships annually to graduating seniors. (See page 6.)
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. Like us:
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“Dan’s legacy is one of quiet, tireless and effective leadership. He will be truly missed.” — Jon Tynjala, School Board Vice Chair and Irondale parent
“Teachers value stability, innovation, advocacy and collaboration. Superintendent Hoverman has been an unwavering example of all those attributes as the leader of our schools. His impact will be present in the work we do for many years to come, and we are grateful for that.” — Stacey Vanderport, Mounds View Education Association president
Mounds View Education Association members honored Hoverman at the open house. L-R: Stacey Vanderport, current president; Barb Kettering, past president; Sharon Kjellberg, past president; and Lee Porath, past president.
“Superintendent Hoverman’s dedication to education is what has allowed me to earn my Associate of Arts degree while in high school! I could not be more grateful for all of the opportunities he has made possible for me.” — Brooke Volkert, Irondale student, Class of 2016
The Poepard family wishes the Superintendent well: Ryan, Mounds View dean; Arwen, Island Lake special education teacher; and Sarah and Anna, Turtle Lake students.
“Great leadership requires hard work, vision, intelligence, kindness and persistence. The momentum of Dan’s skilled direction will propel the district and its students into a bright future.” — Stephen Yoch, Mounds View Schools Education Foundation Trustee and Mounds View parent
“From environmental learning and energy efficiency, to early college and post-secondary planning for all students, Dan has brought innovate leadership to our schools that will stand the test of time.” — Brian Strub, New Brighton City Council and Bel Air parent
Staff members chat with Hoverman at the open house. L-R: Melissa Lang; Turtle Lake teacher; Ryan Lang, Pike Lake Kindergarten Center principal; Mary Roden, assistant director of assessment; and Lindsey Boumgarden, Valentine Hills principal.
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A CLOSER LOOK
Successful succession planning Chris Lennox named new Superintendent Calling him “the best choice” at the April 12 School Board meeting, the School Board appointed Chris Lennox as the next superintendent of Mounds View Public Schools. Lennox has been serving as the District’s assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction since July 2015. He came to Mounds View 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 for four years and as the high school principal for five years. Prior to joining Stillwater, he 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.
“Not only did the School Board make the right choice, they made the best choice.” — Dan Hoverman, Superintendent Emeritus “The most important function of a school board is to hire a superintendent, and succession planning has been a part of our work for some time now,” said Amy Jones, Board Chair. “When we hired Chris last year, we positioned the District with a unique opportunity to see how he would perform on a daily basis leading our schools by working alongside Superintendent Hoverman. Watching Chris perform this school year it became clear that he has the characteristics necessary to find success as our next leader.” The Board developed a series of criteria required of the next superintendent. Among the desired characteristics: • A visionary leader who is able to incorporate continuous improvement into the school and community culture. • Experience with and an understanding of operating under a Policy Governance model. • Ability to create a culture of respect that supports diversity and a healthy and safe learning environment for all students and staff. • A collaborative consensus builder who delegates and involves others in shared leadership. 4
School Talk
SUMMER 2016
Chris Lennox (center) with School Board members Jonathan Weinhagen and Greg Madsen.
• Ability to create and nurture valuable school and community partnerships with all stakeholders in the community. “Chris not only matches these characteristics, but he also has experience leading a metro school district of a similar size, with similar demographics, and one that has two high schools,” said Board member Jonathan Weinhagen. “He also has a unique understanding of the processes, procedures and culture of Mounds View Public Schools. We’re very fortunate to be in this position where we feel confident that our best choice for superintendent is already with us.” In response, Lennox said he’s honored and ready to begin. “I’m humbled and thrilled to be chosen for this opportunity,” said Lennox. “Mounds View is an exceptional district, and I’m fortunate to be here.”
Get to know him As Chris Lennox assumes the role of Superintendent, he’s anxious to introduce himself to the community and listen to concerns, questions and perspectives. Watch future issues of School Talk, and visit www.moundsviewschools.org for upcoming opportunities to meet him. To contact Lennox, call 651-621-6002 or email christopher.lennox@moundsviewschools.org.
Getting to know you
‘Izzy’ events promote intentional cross-cultural interaction It is a weeknight in March. School is out for the afternoon but there is still a buzz of student voices throughout Edgewood Middle School. Edgewood’s principal, Penny Howard, says that it is not uncommon to find students in the library, hallways and classrooms before and after school. With a number of co-curricular offerings to choose from, most students find a program, club or sport that brings them to school early or keeps them there late. She says these co-curricular connections are important and have an impact on how students feel about their school, and their overall success. Seventh-grader Ignatius Ejofor is among the group of students still at school on this particular March afternoon. Ignatius participates in the school band and the STRIPES program. He is also on the basketball, track, soccer and floor hockey teams. When Principal Howard says connectedness impacts students’ overall success, she points to students like Ignatius. “Not only is Ignatius involved in sports and enrichment programs, he is also an academic excellence and honor roll student. He is a shining example of a connected kid who boasts academic success.”
was determined to bring that model to Edgewood. An organization based on human-centered values, Marnita’s Table brings people together for a meal and intentional crosscultural interaction. With the goal of breaking down barriers and making everyone feel comfortable to participate, these events are known to help facilitate important conversations about education and other topics. “If we invite everyone to the table and expand our stakeholder reach, we’ll be better equipped for success,” says Xavier. “Both the school and the community will benefit.”
“If we invite everyone to the table and expand our stakeholder reach, we’ll be better equipped for success. Both the school and the community will benefit.” — Xavier Reed, Integration and equity specialist
The first school-hosted “Izzy” in the District drew a crowd of more than 130 community members including business owners, former and current families, and community and Breaking down barriers church groups. Attendees gathered around tables to share Integration and equity specialist Xavier Reed sees how dinner and participate in organized conversation-starting connectedness impacts student success and wants to extend activities. the sense of connectedness beyond the school walls. He According to Tai Celestine-Lloyd, the Edgewood event was enlisted Ignatius, along with other students and staff, to help a success. Tai, who has three students at schools throughout organize and host “We are all Edgewood” in March. the District, said “Many times you see everyone sitting around After experiencing Intentional Social Interaction events and keeping to themselves at events.” Here, “the organized (ISI — pronounced “izzy”) at Marnita’s Table, Xavier activities brought everyone together.” She said that the games and activities helped people start conversations and connect in a way that they may not have otherwise connected. According to Tai, all schools could benefit from events like this. “Turns out when you bring people together for good food, conversations naturally begin,” says Penny Howard. “It was fun to see our students facilitating conversations and helping to ensure everyone felt comfortable and engaged.” “Izzy” events are a costeffective human-centered way to bring together a community of varied cultures and productively plan and problem-solve. Students Nick Nelson, Jonahvan Okoro, Michael Villota-Ospina, Bryce Baker, Ignatius Ejiofor, Enis Avdiu and Kelechi Nwosu were among the 25 students Edgewood and other schools throughout the and staff members who helped plan and host the event. District will also host similar events in 2016-2017. SUMMER 2016
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EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Donors contribute $25,000 to Hoverman Family Scholarship The Mounds View Schools Education Foundation is pleased to report that in just over six weeks nearly 200 donors made contributions totalling $25,000 in support of the Hoverman Family Scholarship — created in recognition of Dan Hoverman’s retirement after 41 years of service to the Mounds View School District. These funds, aligned with the District’s Equity Promise Scholarship Program, will provide scholarships annually to graduating seniors.
Tim & Heather Meyer
Janet Smith
Colin & Shannon Mildenberger
Colin & Kelly Sokolowski
Gail Miller
Nancy Sorenson
Grace Mitchell
Mary Ellen Sparrow
Drew Mons & Megan Powers
Jason & Jen Sprain
Leo & Antoinette Monster
Mark & Cynthia Stange
Thanks to those who contributed to this effort and helped us achieve our goal in providing a lasting tribute to Dan’s exceptional work on behalf of the students in our schools.
Alan & Janet Montgomery
Dave & Marsha Stimpson
Mounds View Schools Early Childhood Education Staff
Sue Stoner
Tom & Cathy Moynihan
Brian & Lisa Strub
Donna Nelson
Bruce & Mary Swenson
Lynn Nelson
Eric Tell
Paula Neuman
Larry & LaVon Tell
Carole Nielsen
Meredith Tharaldson
Sandy Oleson
Roger Thompson
Jim & Jill Ostlund
David & Muffy Tiede
Angie Peschel
Marsha Tofte
Pat St. Peter
Beverly Tri
Allan & Jan Petersen
Jon & Susie Tynjala
Bridget Peterson
Stacey Vanderport
Diana Phillippi
Wendy Voss
Laurie Pletscher
Joanne Waddington
Terry Quigley
Cheryl Wallin
Richard & Lorna Rademacher
Colleen Wambach
Erik & Janelle Rasmussen
Susan Wandell
Marcia Reed
John & Michele Ward
Rob Reetz
Jonathan & Nicki Weinhagen
Jeff & Karin Ridlehoover
Sandra & Dan Westerman
Patti Ries
David & Nancy Whitney
Jim Rosenow & Mindy Handberg
Dawn Wiegand
Kristi Abbott American Student Transportation of Mounds View
Jim Diffley & Shelley St. Marie Diffley
Blake & Joy Huffman
Jessica & Todd Durand
Joelle Imholte
Rosemary Hunt
Daryl & Sharon Durheim
Marsha Andrusko
Innovational Concepts, Inc.
Sheila Eller
Anonymous (8)
Terry Jansen
RoAnne Elliott
Margaret Baker
Sharon Johnson
Bri Erickson
Alicia & Joe Baraga
Vicki Johnson
Patricia Erlandson
Sarah Bardal
Matt & Holly Ernst
Darin Johnson & Stephanie Schwarz-Johnson
Joanne Bell
Nathan Flansburg
Jeff & Amy Jones
Jeanne Bengston
M. J. Flathmann
Anne Keirstead
Pete & Wendy Benson
Joe & Denise Fleming
Sharon Kjellberg
Gin Besser
Mike Fredrikson
Dan & Joann Knuth
Ann Bettenburg
Bob Freed & Miriam Zachary
Cindy Kucera
Sonia Bjorgen
Cindy Fyle
Joel and Nicole Kunza
Caleb Bjorklund
Scott Gengler
Kerrin Lahr
Bollum Family
Sally Gibson
Kathy Lampi
Lindsey Boumgarden
Lori Grivna
Ryan Lang
Karl & Heather Brown
Alex & Rachel Gutierrez
Jenifer Larson
Stephanie Bruggers
Howard Haas
David Law
Doug Bullinger
Ash & Ann Haase
Barbara Leary
Priscilla Campbell
Harvey & Nancy Hansen
Jeffrey Lee
Elizabeth Catterall
Elaine Hanson
Deborah Lehman
Benjamin Chiri
Nancy Haugen
David Leiser
Carol Cihlar
Jon & Deanna Heath
Chris Lennox
David Clough
Rupp, Anderson, Squires & Waldspurger, P.A.
Nancy Hedman
Amanda Little
John & Nancy Conlin
Karen & Phil Saari
Robert & Joanne Helgeson
Jennifer Lodin
Continental Research
Beth Sabby
Greg & Susan Herder
Jennifer Loeck
Cox Insurance Associates
Frank & Marre Jo Sager
William & Judith Hill
Janet Loegering
Dennis & Debra Crampton
Wayne & Becky Sather
Ruth Hoffman
Greg & Ellie Madsen
Barry & Heidi Danielson
Kevin & Sally Schroeder
Molly Hollihan
Linda Madsen
Kirsten & Glen Dawson
John Schultz
Michael Holmgren
Jeff Martin
Jim DeMay & Channing Riggs
Rollie & Murt Seltz
Dan & Jean Hoverman
Sandy Martin
Jerry & Beth Dhennin
Katie Sentz
Penny Howard
Memory of E & E Andersons
Jeff & Lisa Sjobeck
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School Talk
SUMMER 2016
Richard Rosivach Rodney Rowe
Andra Storla
Julie Wikelius Jan Witthuhn Shane Wood Stephen & Andrea Yoch Rebecca Young Gretchen Zahn Gretchen Zalewski
SCHOOL BOARD Board to review start times
2016 School Board
At the May 17 School Board meeting, the Board reported it plans to review the District’s start times policy. Goals for the process include: • Reviews and public discussion to begin in fall 2016. • A formal decision no later than February 2017. • Implementation for fall 2017. • A commitment to establishing new start times that range from approximately 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. “When we reviewed this issue in 2014, we agreed with the medical evidence and research that later Front row: Amy Jones, Jon Tynjala and Marre Jo Sager. Back row: Jonathan high school start times would better align with teens’ Weinhagen, Greg Madsen, Sandra Westerman and Bob Helgeson. unique sleep needs,” said Board chair Amy Jones. “At the time, there were many interrelated issues • A recent review of current and future transportation that presented significant challenges — especially the capabilities has been completed. Mounds View has issue of facility constraints related to after-school activities. negotiated a new transportation contract in which the We’ve had a continuing interest in this issue, and our District is partnering with multiple providers to provide administration has continued to examine this.” more flexibility.
New developments
Jones noted several new developments have helped inform the Board’s perspective about the feasibility of altering start times. “We now believe there are some operational approaches we can take that would allow us to work through some barriers — especially if facility improvements can be made in the upcoming years to address our growing enrollment,” said Jones. • An enrollment and housing study has confirmed the District is experiencing a new trend of increasing enrollment that is expected to continue for some time. • As a result of increasing enrollment, a District-wide facilities study will help determine the District’s current capacities and future needs. • The District also continues to examine the different kinds of instructional spaces that could best serve students in the future.
Time to adjust Giving families time to adjust to upcoming changes is a goal of the Board. “This is an extremely complicated issue with many variables that will affect all of our families and our 11,000 students. This requires time,” said Jones. “Beginning our reviews and public discussions this fall will allow us the time necessary to fully understand how an adjustment would affect all of our communities — students, working parents, staff and community groups.”
Current school start times Tier 1: High Schools .......................... 7:25 a.m. – 2:05 p.m. Tier 2: Middle Schools ...................... 8:05 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Tier 3: Bel Air, Island Lake, Sunnyside, Turtle Lake ......... 8:45 a.m. – 3:25 p.m. Tier 4: Pinewood and Valentine Hills ........................ 9:25 a.m. – 4:05 p.m. SUMMER 2016
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AROUND THE DISTRICT
Public Health Award recognizes garden project Mounds View Public Schools was one of three organizations to receive the Ramsey County Public Health Award in 2016. The annual award recognized the exceptional contributions the District’s Everybody’s Garden project has made to improve the health of individuals, families and the community. The District’s community service coordinator, Greg Herder, received the award at an April 5 meeting of the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners. Everybody’s Garden is a District-wide initiative that integrates food insecurity education and community service with student-managed school gardens that help stock the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf with healthy organic produce. Last year, in the first full year of operation, the 11 District gardens produced 1.2 tons of fresh, organic vegetables for the Food Shelf.
Students Kingston Pham and Ibrahim Jaber helped build a bee motel near Edgewood’s community garden. Students from Edgewood’s STAND (Students Taking A New Direction) group visited Sunnyside Elementary School in May to work with thirdand fifth-graders to prepare the school’s garden beds for planting.
Ana Koepke (with help from classmate Sofia Thompson) planted tomato plants in the Kindergarten Center’s community garden at Snail Lake Education Center.
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. 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.
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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.
Save the date The Mounds View Schools Education Foundation will host this year’s Rock the School House event on Saturday, November 12 at 6 p.m. at Vadnais Heights Commons. Tickets will go on sale in September. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact mindy.handberg@moundsviewschools.org. If you would like to volunteer for this event, contact mvsef@moundsviewschoolsef.org.
District Operational Plan Each year, the School Board approves a series of goals and related activities on which the Superintendent and Cabinet will focus their work. This is known as the District Operational Plan (DOP). Priority goals for 2016-17 include: • Provide development for new administrative team leaders by setting expectations around partnership, professional culture and a commitment to the Equity Promise. • Enhance STEAM programming within the District by focusing on facilities, programming and curriculum, training and technology. • Review current school start times at all levels and develop options as appropriate based on the findings of the review. • Determine buildings’ capacities to absorb more students and yet maintain optimum opportunities for a healthy learning climate for 21st century learning. To view the entire DOP, please visit www.moundsviewschools.org.
Plan your stay at Laurentian Environmental Center Planning a family reunion or group event? Consider Laurentian Environmental Center (LEC) in Britt, Minn. The Center can accommodate small and large groups year-round with 160 beds, five large classroom buildings, a lodge and a dining facility that seats 175. LEC offers access to hundreds of acres of wilderness with trout streams and diverse wildlife habitat. The environmental center’s property includes access to a 100-acre pristine lake and hiking/ski trails that connect with the Big Aspen hiking and ski trails. LEC maintains a 12-station Challenge Course, a 32-foot outdoor climbing wall, a dogsled yard and trails, an archery range, canoes and rowboats, a sauna, an outdoor campfire theater and a large playing field. The on-site dining facility serves healthy, homecooked meals from menus developed by a dietician. Call 1-888-749-1288 or visit www.laurentiancenter.org for more information.
Irondale grads head back to elementary school Irondale High School seniors headed back to their elementary schools in celebration of graduation this year. Bel Air, Pinewood (pictured below) and Sunnside Elementary schools all received a visit from Irondale seniors.
Bel Air Elementary School students lined the hallways in May to collect high fives from the Irondale graduating class, and celebrate the postsecondary plans of students who took the same elementary path that they are taking.
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AROUND THE DISTRICT Physics Fairs Hundreds of high school students participated in Physics Fairs this spring. Parents, community members and support from the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation have helped grow the program to include a display of students’ engineering work and also introduce students to studies and careers related to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). The 19th annual Mounds View High School Physics Fair included hundreds of students and welcomed hundreds of attendees. Visit www.moundsviewschools.org/moundsview for a video recap of the Mounds View High School Physics Fair.
The Wizard of Oz at Pinewood
For the second year, third- through fifth-graders of the Pinewood Elementary School Performing Arts Club transported hundreds of parents, students and community members to another place and time with their colorful presentation of the 1930s classic,The Wizard of Oz. The performance included strobe lights, smoke, fire barrels, a real-time melting witch and a seven-foot-tall animated portrait of Oz.
A cast and crew of 76 students brought the magic of Oz to life, directed by District field technician Matthew Anderson, fourth grade teachers Jenika Boersma and Angie Coldren, and the school’s PTA president Jen Parlin.
Irondale High School’s 13th annual Physics Fair took place in conjunction with the eighth annual STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) career fair. Students and parents had an opportunity to meet with representatives from several local companies, government agencies and universities that involve STEM careers. Pictured are students Ryan Olson, Greta Schumann, Luke Williams and Ronnie Nova. More photos are available at www.moundsviewschools.org/irondale.
The Piano Guys Highview Middle School and Irondale High School violinists had the opportunity to experience life on the road as professional musicians this spring. Students in grades seven to 12 packed up their instruments and headed to the Northrop Auditorium where they gathered for an afternoon sound check and on-stage performance of The Piano Guys.
Back Row: Irondale seniors Angela Vu, Danielle Franke, sophomores Ping Ping He, Ryan Nguyen, Emily Manning, juniors Matthew Gunderson and Jimmy Sorenson. Front Row: seventh-graders William Lin, Giaochau Nguyen and high school junior Courtney Swanson.
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Familiar faces named to new places Irondale
Pinewood
Scott live in southwest Minneapolis with their three children, Gabriella (10), Trek (9) and Tegan (6).
TUR T L LE
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AKE
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Amy Janecek was named Irondale High School principal, succeeding Eric Nelson. Amy is an enthusiastic educator with a broad-based background in ensuring students are prepared for post-secondary success. Over the past two decades, she has held a variety of positions with Minneapolis Public Schools including middle school principal, curriculum leader, social studies teacher and a coach. Most recently, Amy served as principal of Ramsey Middle School in Minneapolis. She previously was the associate principal of Wayzata High School for two years. Prior to this, she served as the middle grade lead in the Office of College and Career Readiness for Minneapolis Public Schools. In addition, Amy has experience as an Advanced Placement incentive program grant coordinator, helping to increase participation in accelerated coursework for underrepresented students in Minneapolis Public Schools. She also was a coordinator of open small learning communities and an educational consultant. Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in social studies education and psychology from St. Olaf College, and she earned her master’s degree in education and her principal’s licensure from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Amy and her husband
ISL AND
Snail Lake Education Center
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Kristi Abbott became the new building principal at Snail Lake Education Center in June. Prior to becoming principal of the Island Lake and Turtle Lake kindergarten centers, she served as the associate principal at Turtle Lake Elementary School. She previously spent 23 years in the North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale School District where she was a building and district leader, teacher, and instructional coach. Kristi holds a bachelor of arts in elementary education from the College of St. Scholastica and a master of arts from Saint Mary’s University, where she also completed her K-12 principal licensure program. Kristi lives in Vadnais Heights with her husband. She loves to spend time with her sons and step daughter (ages 20, 22, and 24).
Andrew Skinner succeeded Allie Storti as principal of Pinewood Elementary School. Andrew brings 12 years of Mounds View Public Schools experience to Pinewood. His most recent role in the District was serving as dean of students at Edgewood Middle School. For two years, he served in the associate principal role at Turtle Lake Elementary School. He previously spent seven years teaching English at Edgewood Middle School. Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree in English from University of St. Thomas and earned a master’s degree in teaching, communication arts and literature from Bethel University. He earned his principal licensure from Hamline University. Andrew’s father, Dick, served as principal of Bel Air Elementary School and Turtle Lake Elementary School before his retirement in 2010. Andrew lives in St. Paul with his wife Erica and his two children, Gwen (4) and Ray (1).
Visit www.moundsviewschools.org to get to know new principals by watching introduction videos.
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AROUND THE DISTRICT Early Childhood programs Nearly 250 students enrolled in the District’s 18 pre-kindergarten classes this year, including Caleigh Sather (pictured). Early childhood programs continue throughout the summer. Find more information at www.moundsviewschools.org/earlychildhood. New to the neighborhood? We want to add your name to the school census to ensure that you receive future information from Mounds View Public Schools including District news, Early Childhood Family Education information, Early Childhood screening information, kindergarten information and more. Call us at 651-621-7420. Early Childhood Screening Children ages 3.5 to 5 years old should attend an Early Childhood Screening. The screening is a quick and simple check of your child’s growth and development. At the one-hour screening, a licensed school nurse will check your child’s hearing, vision, health history, immunizations and development. Screening can detect possible health or learning concerns, so that children can get help before they start kindergarten. Call the appointment desk at 651-621-7420 to schedule your child’s free screening appointment today.
Stay connected The easiest way to access Mounds View Public Schools from your smartphone or tablet. Download the new free app for customizable, mobile-friendly access to a wealth of information.
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Jackie Robinson Literacy Program Members of the Minnesota Twins diversity program visited Bel Air Elementary School in March. Students learned about Jackie Robinson and the role he played in breaking through the color line as the first major league African-American baseball player. Twins staff read to the students and challenged them to a game of Jackie Robinson trivia where prizes were awarded. At the end of the assembly the Twins donated 250 free tickets to an upcoming game.
FOLLOW US 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.
School and District contacts
Food shelf wins Community Partnership Award In April, the City of New Brighton recognized the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf with the 2015 Community Partnership Award. The Food Shelf received the award for helping to create strong community spirit and neighborhood stabilization. Lisa Baker, who has served as the program supervisor of the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf for 18 years and has seen use of the Food Shelf quadruple while serving in this role, accepted the award. Approximately 560 families seek assistance each month for an estimated 34,000 pounds of food and other basic needs including hygiene and baby items.
Volunteers needed Volunteers are needed weekdays at Pike Lake Education Center in New Brighton to prepare and deliver meals for the Meals on Wheels Program. If you or someone you know is in need of Meals on Wheels, or you would like to volunteer, please call 651-621-7431 or e-mail jeanne.szurek@moundsviewschools.org for more information.
Need help with school supplies? The Good Neighbor Back to School Project takes place this August at the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf. Last year, this annual program provided school supplies to 925 low income students throughout Mounds View Public Schools. Families needing assistance should contact the food shelf in early August for more information at 651-621-7451. School supply donations can be dropped off Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Pike Lake Education Center, 2101 NW 14th St. New Brighton, Door 13, Room 22. School supply donations should be received by Friday, August 19. Most needed items include new larger sized backpacks, spiral notebooks and pocket folders. Cash donations are also appreciation, checks can be made out to the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf. All donations are tax deductible.
Need help with food? Are you struggling to make ends meet and need some extra help? Food Shelf services and programs are available to low income families and individuals living in the Mounds View Public School District. For more information call the appointment line at 651-621-7451.
Locally grown produce at no cost A free farmer’s market will be held at Pike Lake Education Center on July 12 and 26 and August 9 and 23 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 651-621-7451.
Save the Date
Free Youth Heart Screen Saturday, September 17
Mounds View High School all Mounds View & ♥ For Irondale High School area students ages 14-18. & non-medical ♥ Medical volunteers are needed. will open ♥ Registration in August. For more information visit www.playforpatrick.org
Play with Heart Play for Patrick
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AROUND THE DISTRICT Turtle Lake students head outdoors An outdoor classroom/amphitheater was a welcome addition at Turtle Lake Elementary School this year. Volunteers and PTA funds made the outdoor space a reality. Students began using the outdoor classroom soon after its completion in May.
Secondary students host elementary Robotics Sampler Chippewa Middle School and Mounds View High School students encouraged elementary school students to explore robotics programs this spring. Students who are part of Mounds View’s Ponytail Posse First LEGO League Robotics Team and Chippewa’s FLL Screaming LEGO People Robotics Team partnered to host a three-week LEGO League Sampler class for third-graders.
In 2016-2017 teachers will bring students to the outdoor space during read-aloud time, for classroom presentations and group work, and during science to enhance environmental learning opportunities.
Virtual field trips take students around the world Sunnyside Elementary School was one of only 100 Minnesota schools to receive a visit from Google this spring. In March, virtual reality and Google Cardboard took students on field trips to places they might not otherwise be able to go including an ocean safari and Chichen Itza.
Mounds View High School students Nancy Koshy and Sabriyah Taher (left) and Chippewa student Riley Stern (right) went back to their elementary school to work with students like third-graders Kamil Kukla and Drew Roloff. Third-graders worked on research and presentation skills while learning about the engineering process and how to build simple machines.
Visit www.moundsviewschools.org/islandlake to learn more and watch a video.
STAY INFORMED To subscribe to District and school e-newsetters, and receive the latest information on a variety of topics throughout the school year, please visit www.moundsviewschools.org/enews.
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WITH HONORS
Junior Achievement Company of the Year Mounds View High School’s Junior Achievement (JA) Team Leozarb was named the 2016 Upper Midwest Company of the Year for developing an interactive ebook for middle grade students to more effectively learn the Spanish language. Team Rhidian Tech took second place for developing an app to simplify flexible scheduling during Mounds View’s ReFLECT hours. Top teams received post-secondary scholarships sponsored by the Otto Bremer Trust and went on to compete
Rhidian Tech, including (left to right) David Zheng, Amy Helgeson, Sam Lerdahl, Jeman Park and Jacob Weightman, were awarded the FedEx Access Award.
at the National Summit. The Mounds View High School Junior Achievement Company Program teams were two of only 15 teams across the country to be invited to the National Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. in June. Both of the Mounds View competing teams took home awards. Team Rhidian Tech won the FedEx Access Award and Team Leozarb won the E&Y Social Innovation Award.
Leozarb, including (left to right) Madison Wang, Furqan Syed, Shelley Wang, Maha Syed and Nandini Avula, won the EY Social Innovation Award.
Women in Computing Award
Teacher of Excellence
Irondale High School senior Fatumastar Adan was among 30 Minnesota high school girls recognized at the fourth annual Minnesota Aspirations for Women in Computing awards. Students were chosen to receive the prestigious honor based on their interests, accomplishments, and community involvement in computing and technology, as well as for their aspirations in computing and technologyrelated fields. As a senior, Fatumastar Adan enrolled in PSEO at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. She graduated from Irondale in June with her high school diploma as well as her associate’s degree. While in her final year of high school, she worked with the Genesys Works program to intern in the IT department at Target Corporation. Being the youngest of eight children, Fatumastar is always eager to have her voice be heard. In the future she wants to incorporate technology with public health and management to better women’s lives around the world, and help other women’s voices be heard.
Mounds View High School teacher, Theresa Anderson (pictured, left, with Samantha Funk, Program Manager at BestPrep), was honored with a 2016 BestPrep Teacher of Excellence Award for her usage of BestPrep’s programs to educate students about business, career and financial literacy skills. Of the more than 700 educators that BestPrep works with each year, Theresa was chosen to receive the award along with eight other teachers from across Minnesota. SUMMER 2016
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WITH HONORS Irondale robotics team among the top 25 in the world Irondale High School’s FIRST Robotics Team 2052, KnightKrawler, competed with 600 teams from 24 countries at the FIRST Robotics Championship this spring in St. Louis, Mo. KnightKrawler participated in the Carson sub-division where 75 teams from USA, Canada, Brazil, Australia, China and Turkey competed. They placed first in their subdivision allowing them to advance to the Einstein Championship Field. KnightKrawler was the only team of the 24 Minnesota teams attending FIRST Champs to make it to Einstein, finishing as one of the top 25 teams overall. Irondale student Beatrice Gulner with Andrew Diers, 10,000 Lakes Regional robot inspector.
State Geography Bee Chippewa Middle School seventh-grader Kishanth Arumugam Balamurugan placed among the top five students in the state at the Minnesota Geography Bee.
Paul Gronert, Chippewa Middle School band teacher, was named a local winner of the 2016 Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest. An April 17 award ceremony recognized Gronert and the student who nominated him for the award, Ella Wiggenhorn.
National History Bee Chippewa students Kishanth Arumugam Balamurugan, Daniel Kukla, Rishi Raghavapudi, Shardul Rao, Zack Schulte, Aryan Sehgal and Elliot Lee made it to the National History Bee Competition. They competed at the National competition in Chicago in June. 16
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Barnes & Noble Favorite Teacher
SUMMER 2016
All-State Orchestra A record-breaking number of Mounds View High School students were named to the All-State Orchestra this year. Students who were named to the prestigious orchestra include ninth-graders Cameron Kolodjski, Michelle Sung and Mayuko Watson; tenth-graders Collin Frink, Daniel Frink and Andrew Seong; and 11th-graders Yasmeen Awad, Maxwell Gulli, Lisa Huang, Gabriel Lee, Alan Wang and Madison Wang.
National Youth Orchestra selects Mounds View junior Mounds View High School junior Lydia Grimes has been selected for the 2016 National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America. Lydia is among three Minnesota students and only 109 nationwide (ages 16-19) recognized by Carnegie Hall among the finest players in the country following a comprehensive and highly competitive audition process. This summer, the National Youth Orchestra will work with renowned conductors Christoph Eschenbach and Valery Gergiev and will collaborate with pianists Emanuel Ax and Denis Matsuev to host performances in New York, Amsterdam, Montpellier, Copenhagen and Prague.
SkillsUSA Gold Level Chapter of Distinction Mounds View’s SkillsUSA advisor Lynn Nelson was named National Region IV Advisor of the Year 2016 at the SkillsUSA State Conference in April. Her team was recognized as a Gold Level Chapter of Distinction and Mounds View High School students Kevin Ameyaw, Rachel Deno, Emma Hoyhtya, Jason Johnson, Ali Madow and Dante Patnode took first place in various SkillsUSA state competitions. Lynn and her first-placeteam went on to compete at the SkillsUSA National Conference in Louisville, Ky, in June. State President Kevin Ameyaw and State Vice President Jasmine Yang were also at the National Conference and award ceremony. At Nationals, Rachel Deno won first place in Customer Service and Kevin Ameyaw won third place in the American Spirit competition.
Irondale drumline among best in the nation The Irondale drumline finished seventh place out of 59 groups in their class at the Drumline National Championships in April. The 36-member group is the third group in Irondale’s history to place in the top 10 in the country with the 2016 show entitled A Love of Thousands. Find links to video footage at www.moundsviewschools.org/irondale.
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WITH HONORS Financial Literacy Award
School of Excellence
Tim Ackerman, economics teacher at Irondale High School, was honored with BestPrep’s 2016 Larson Financial Literacy Award for usage of BestPrep’s programs to educate students about business, career and financial literacy skills. Ackerman has offered BestPrep’s programs to his students since 2009, specifically utilizing programs that focus on financial literacy for post-secondary success. Through the Financial Matters program, Ackerman has brought business professionals into the classroom to talk with students about taxes, credit, investing and paying for college. He also helps recruit students at Irondale High School for Minnesota Business Venture, where students can spend a week working on a team to create a business, focusing on areas of finance, operations and marketing.
Edgewood Middle School has been named a National Magnet School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools. Edgewood was recognized with the top merit award for student performance in all demographic groups, integration of STEAM into the Edgewood program, innovative instructional strategies, parent involvement and community partnerships.
Mounds View teacher wins Fund for Teachers grant Vadnais Heights Area Community Foundation (VHACF), in partnership with Fund for Teachers (FFT), awarded a FFT grant to Mounds View High School math and computer science teacher Kaitie O’Bryan. She will use this grant to travel to London this summer to take a course on the art of the Islamic pattern, which is created by using elaborate geometric designs. From there, she will travel to Southern Spain to study the Islamic art and architecture from the Spanish Muslim (Moorish) dynasty. Kaitie will be combining the study of math, art, and culture and bringing this back to the classroom.
Teacher of the Week KS95 presented early childhood special education teacher Sarah Berg (right) with the Teacher of the Week award. She was recognized at KS95’s 11th annual awards dinner in late May.
Excellent Educator
WCCO honored Bel Air teacher Debbie Raymond with the Excellent Educator award during a surprise visit in April. Watch the video news clip at www.moundsviewschools.org.
Kaitie O’Bryan (center) with Muriel Janneke and Dave Stimpson, members of the VHACF Advisory Board.
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Science Olympiad state champs For the third consecutive year, Chippewa Middle School won the Science Olympiad State Championship this year and went on to compete at the national level. Mounds View High School’s Science Olympiad team competed at the National Science Olympiad competition and placed 10th in the nation.
Student artists win awards
Human Rights Commissions Essay winner Highview seventh-grader Dianna Cagigas was awarded first place in the Leagues of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions 2015-2016 Essay contest. She was asked to read her essay at a May awards dinner and received a cash prize of $400.
Irondale student to serve on Public Safety Commission The City Council of New Brighton approved Irondale High School student George Howard to serve as the student representative member of the New Brighton Public Safety Commission. George will be the first student to serve on a New Brighton City Commission.
Irondale artists were recognized with a number of awards during the school year. Student award winners include Minnesota Scholastic Art Gold Key Award winners Marion Gary, Michelle Meyer, Danika Soberano and Maddie Wang. Greta Schumann won Silver Key recognition. Les Farrington Best 100 Juried Art Competition and $200 Scholarship award winners include Marion Gary, Greta Schumann and Maddie Wang. Danika Soberano won Les Farrington Best recognition and a $50 scholarship. Michelle Meyer, Sarah Wika and Tyler Krohn were Les Farrington Best 100 winners.
National Econ Challenge Award Mounds View High School won second place in the National Econ Challenge Competition. Award winners from left to right are David Zheng, Emily Ruan, Jacob Weightman and Sam Rush.
Michelle Meyer’s colored pencil drawing titled “Disneyland” won a Gold Key Award.
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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS UPDATE
IRONDALE Athena Award winner Irondale High School athlete Emily Brandt was named Athena Award winner for 2016. The St. Paul Area Athena Awards program honors 43 young women annually for their athletic achievements. Emily was selected for her long list of athletic accomplishments in tennis and track.
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Lacrosse scholarships Maya Hernandez and Madeline Hentges will attend Concordia College of St. Paul in the fall. Both Maya and Madeline received scholarships for lacrosse.
Track and field state competitors 1. Lee Waddell placed second in sections and qualified for State for pole vault.
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2. Julia Hayes was part of the state champion 4x400 meter relay and placed third in the state in the 100 and 300 hurdles. 3. Adam Kelner, Branden Boleman, Michael Kruse and Ryan Sully placed second in Sections and Qualified for State in the 4x200 meter relay. 4. Julia Hayes, Liz Axberg, Michelle Meyer and Emily Brandt were named 4x400 Section Champions. They went on to compete at state and were named the state champions in the 4x400 meter relay with a winning time of 3:54:46 which was a new Irondale High School record. 5. Michelle Meyer qualified for state in the long jump and was part of the 4x400 meter state champion relay team.
Irondale Knights on Twitter @GoIrondale facebook.com/IrondaleHighSchool For the most up-to-date news, visit the Activities and Athletics website at www.moundsviewschools.org/irondale.
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Track co-curricular activities on your mobile devices. Search MOUNDS VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS in the app store.
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MOUNDS VIEW Boys’ tennis The boys’ tennis team won the Section Championship. Jake Trondson was named the individual Section Champion. Michael Conlin-Brandenberg and Sam Hohenshell won the Section in doubles.
Track and field Calvin Ceganik won State in pole vault. Julia Fixsen finished second in State in both high jump and pole vault. Mounds View High Calvin Ceganik School’s boys’ track team was named Section True Team Champions.
Julia Fixsen Jake Trondson
The girls’ track team was named Suburban East Conference Champions and Section True Team Champions. They finished second in State True Team Meet and competed at the MSHSL State Meet.
Sam Hohenshell
Girls’ golf Kristen Cash qualified for State, and the girls’ golf team finished 14th in State.
3 × 4 Award Seniors Luke Swenson and Sarah Ingraham were recognized with the 3 × 4 Award for competing in three high school sports for all four years.
Michael ConlinBrandenberg
Fine Arts Students of the Year Matt St. Martin and Katie Booth were named Mounds View High School’s Fine Arts Students of the Year. Luke Swenson
Sarah Ingraham
Matt St. Martin
Katie Booth
For the most up-to-date news, visit the Activities and Athletics website at www.moundsviewschools.org/moundsview.
Athletes of the Year Kristen Cash (hockey and golf) and Alex Plasencia (cross country, hockey and track) were named Mounds View High School’s Student Athletes of the Year. Michael DeGroot (soccer and track) and Rachel Boyer (soccer and track) were named Athletes of the Year.
Find the Mounds View Mustangs on Twitter @GoMVMustangs Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/MoundsViewHighSchool
Track co-curricular activities on your mobile devices. Search MOUNDS VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS in the app store. Kristen Cash
Alex Plasencia
Michael DeGroot
Rachel Boyer
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CLASS OF 2016 Mounds View Public Schools has a goal of preparing all students for opportunities of their choice after high school. Ensuring that all students have an opportunity to pursue postsecondary success involves a promise the District calls the Equity Promise. The Equity Promise aims to disrupt systematic patterns associated with race, socio-economic status, gender and disabilities to provide equal opportunities for success for every Mounds View Public Schools student. This spring, seniors from Irondale High School in New Brighton and Mounds View High School in Arden Hills received Equity Promise Scholarships acknowledging their achievements during high school and supporting their
educational goals post-high school. Funded in part by the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation, this unique award recognizes a broad range of students who have demonstrated success in their high school journey through a variety of ways. Recipients have demonstrated academic growth and sustained participation in activities throughout high school. Some may aspire to be the first in their families to attend a technical college, two-year college or four-year university. All will have overcome challenges, displayed perseverance and exhibited grit along the way. Mounds View Public Schools would like to thank the donors who contribute to Equity Promise Scholarships. These donors and their contributions reinforce the Equity Promise and give deserving students a chance to pursue post-secondary continued education.
Irondale High School Class of 2016 916 Education Foundation Kayla Ortt
Eggert Family Dentistry Kayla Ortt
Bailiff Memorial Scholarship Katherine Barcenas Adam Hassan Tenzin Lodhen Diaria McCoy Samara Montoya Aldijana Rahic
Enterprise Scholar Joseph Jankowski Claire Jensen
Beisswenger’s Dylan Prince The Caldwell Scholarship of N. Suburban Golden K Kiwanis Sarah Anderson Chalkboard Capers Justin Beeksma Andrew Eichten Danielle Franke Nicole Kern Madeline Lawrence Kyle Mack
Fridley American Legion, Post 303 Miranda Korzenowski Secret Moua Juan Uribe Tellez Brooke Volkert Irondale H.S. Student Council Emily Brandt Irondale Staff Carina Anderson Claire Jensen Jeremy Wilcox Memorial Ryan Schicker Jodi M.K. Memorial Jack Grahek
The Comstock Scholarship of N. Suburban Golden K Kiwanis Emily Brandt
Kirk & Elizabeth Wheeler Foundation Kendra Nelson
DLML Foundation Robert Gabler Emily King Ryan Schicker John Schroeder Bryant Wong
Kopp Family Foundation Julene Hawkins Edwina Massaly Tessa Pichotta
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LifeTouch Wali Mahmood Danika Soberano
New Brighton Fraternal Order of Eagles, Auxilliary No. 3718 Hodan Hachi
Marie Greenwald Memorial Andrea Manning
New Brighton Lions Jayden Alstad Hang Dinh Jonathan Fluth Julia Maras Chor Moua Jenna Nelson Kayla Ortt Angela Vu Sarah Wika
Medtronic Scholar Fatuma Adan Memorial Blood Center Brett Burbank Emma Paulsen Mounds View Community Theater Gwyneth Allen Mounds View Lions – Waste/Witte Aleksandra Bajer Sydnee Ceballos Orianna Olson Mounds View Schools Education Foundation Timothy Axberg Charlie (Christina) Baca Brittany Harren Vanessa Larson Cha Leng Lor Eliajiah Meeks Maimouna Mohammed Shane Morgan Makayla Petkovsek
New Brighton/ Mounds View Rotary Louis Meysembourg Ronald Nova Irondale H.S. Student Council Jack Grahek Tallman Math/Science Laura Miller Tom Mischke Memorial Chase Drill Wallin Scholar Salma Mohamed Lara Sykes
Class of 2016 post-secondary plans: Work/ Apprentice 2.5%
Undecided/ Other 7.2% College 88.4%
Military 1.9%
Rosa Gonzales, Nelson Espinoza and Litzy Cerda-Coronado were among 410 students who made up the Irondale High School 2016 graduating class.
Jack Grahek, one of the senior class presidents, graduated with highest honors and with an AA degree from his participation in the Early College program. Jack will attend University of Wisconsin, Madison, in the fall.
Class of 2016 Highest Honors
Danielle Franke .......................St. Mary’s University Callie Glanton .........................Harvey Mudd College Jack Grahek ............................University of Wisconsin, Madison Madeline Hentges ...................Concordia University, St. Paul Raeann Hill .............................University of Wisconsin, Green Bay Christine Huyett .......................University of Wisconsin, La Crosse Joseph Jankowski ....................Bethel University Claire Jensen...........................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Madeline Lawrence .................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Jayden Alstad ..........................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
David McLernon ......................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Carina Anderson......................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Laura Miller .............................University of St. Thomas
Sarah Anderson ......................Gustavus Adolphus College
Emma Mullen ..........................University of Wisconsin, Madison
Aleksandra Bajer ..................... University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Orianna Olson .........................University of Rochester
Ransom Bergen.......................Westmont College
Michelle O’Rourke ...................University of Minnesota, Morris
Mikael Bernard .......................American University
Emma Simoke.........................Anoka Ramsey Community College
Emily Brandt ...........................University of Wisconsin, Madison
Lara Sykes ..............................University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
Veronica Brandvold .................University of Minnesota, Duluth
Steven Truong ..........................Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Sabrina Chu ............................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Angela Vu ................................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Elyssa Edgeton ........................Vanderbilt University
Allison Willner .........................College of St. Scholastica
Andrew Eichten .......................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Bryant Wong ............................University at Buffalo, SUNY
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CLASS OF 2016 Mounds View High School Class of 2016 Nathaniel Johns Memorial David Eldridge Francis Floeder Olivia Fuerstenberg Danielle Martini Lauren Wikstrom
American Legion Fridley Gaedy Bindoula Grant Delaune Natasha Krizan Pada Xiong Arden Hills Rotary James Hayden
Kopp Family Foundation Jeziel DeJesus-Vega Lyndon Hills Laura Oh
Ashbach Family Foundation Connor Nelson Bailiff Memorial Tyler Fairchild Emad Qamhieh
Joseph F. Kunze William Newhouse Mounds View Alumni Association Katherine Karjalahti
Beisswenger Joanna Liu
Alyssa Stamper and Zoe Randall were among 400 Mounds View High School seniors to celebrate graduation in June. Senior Class Officer Etisha Punia graduated with highest honors and will attend University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, in the fall.
Mustang Club Kevin Ameyaw Jericho Von Brugger New Brighton Lions Club Victor Anderson Nathan Corcoran Samuel Hohenshell Nicole Martin Etisha Punia Annika Westlund Jasmine Yang
Brandon Carlson Memorial James Hahn Benjamin Keillor Seth McDougall Chalkboard Capers Trygve Eggen Chandler Hong Daniel Johnson Elda Mesfin Alicia Ogard Joanna Torres Eagles #3718 Christopher Jenkins Eggert Family Dentistry Rachel Monks
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Mounds View Basketball Association Calli Jo Bordsen William Howlett Jacob Moberg Zoe Randall Mounds View Community Theater Morgan Doble Mounds View Schools Education Foundation Matthew Cooper Alex Jiang Jeffrey LeMay Emily Ruan Furqan Syed Tiffany Tran Nathan Van Beusekom
SUMMER 2016
Don Segner Memorial Gretchen Glewwe Student Council Joseph Caughey
Vadnais Foundation Benjamin Kottke Viewettes Allyson Hakes Wallin Education Partner – Enterprise Scholar Hans Adamsson Wallin Education Partner – Medtronic Scholar Hudson Shih Wallin Education Partner – Wallin Scholar Laura Berglund Michael Brown
Thank You Jessica Grace Malong Jacob Zastrow
More memories here Go online to see more from the Irondale and Mounds View classes of 2016:
• Watch the ceremonies • Browse the photo albums • Read the commencement programs
Class of 2016 Highest Honors Laura Berglund........................Macalester College
Molly McCann .........................Bethel University
Grant Delaune.........................University of California, Los Angeles
William Newhouse ...................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Brandon Duffy .........................Harvard College
Alex Plasencia .........................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Molly Fennig............................Swarthmore College
Etisha Punia ............................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Francis Floeder........................University of St. Thomas
Erick Reim...............................Boston College
Isabella Haak ..........................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Carter Rholl .............................Washington University in St. Louis
Henry Henson .........................St. Olaf College
Katie Riedel ............................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Emily Heuring ..........................University of Southern California
Emily Ruan..............................Stanford University
Eva Hoffman ...........................Stanford University
Samuel Rush ..........................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Brandon Hoglund ....................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Holden Schmidt ......................Washington University in St. Louis
Samuel Hohenshell .................St. Olaf College
Kevin Shen..............................University of California, Los Angeles
Olivia Holstine .........................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Hudson Shih ...........................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Isaac Jauch .............................Valparaiso University
Noah Somberg ........................Brandeis University
Alexander Jiang .......................University of California, Berkeley
Anna Swensen ........................Bethel University
Daniel Johnson .......................Carleton College
Furqan Syed ............................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Persis Ke .................................New York University
Bailey Thompson .....................Bethel University
Jennifer Kelley .........................Saint Joseph’s University
Tiffany Tran ..............................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Yue Ning Li ..............................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Jacob Weightman ....................Macalester College
Joanna Liu ..............................University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Jacob Zastrow .........................University of Wisconsin, Madison
Class of 2016 post-secondary plans: Undecided/Other 3.3% Work/Apprentice 3% Military 1.4%
College 92.4%
Annalee Blake received the Principal’s Award during the 2016 commencement ceremony. The Principal's Award honors the achievements and honor of the student who exemplifies the school’s highest education goals and represents the finest qualities of the graduating class. Annalee graduated with honors.
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CLASS OF 2016 Adult Education The Adult Education graduating class included 182 students who received a General Equivalency Degree (GED) and 20 students who received high school diplomas.
Class of 2028
Danny Williams, Ahmed Wazwaz, Jasmyne Marshall, Khampha Keodouangdy, Elba Hernandez, Dulce Garcia-Leal, Elizabeth Dominguez and Dah Dah were among the students who participated in the graduation ceremony on June 9 at the Mounds View Community Center.
Area Learning Center The Area Learning Center class of 2016 included 68 students. Graduates received diplomas at a June 2 ceremony at Bethel University. The following students received scholarships to be used for postsecondary education.
Nearly 500 graduating kindergarten students celebrated with kindergarten commencement ceremonies at the Pike Lake Education Center on June 8 and 9.
Ridwan Muse (Chalkboard Capers), Emma Stenerson (Curtin Memorial Scholarship), Jesse Bush (Destination Education), Jordan Hughes (Cox Memorial Scholarship), and Mariah Sherman (Cox Memorial Scholarship).
REACH On June 7, REACH announced the following students as graduates during a ceremony at REACH Academy.
REACH Academy Skyllar Bilges Klave
REACH Transition Program Preston Cameron, Kevin John Carroll, Tiara Monet Creighton, Tricia Dotte, Michael Davis Gilbertson, Sophia Danielle Goetz, Samantha Herman, Keyana Jean Johnson, Nicholas Peter Maki, Steven L. Noakes, Austin James Pratt, Kaylee Jean Sigsworth, Paul Vo, Shane Jon Wilson, Hanna Anderson, Shana M. Dotte, Marcellous Celeste Lyons, Kah’leb Jeremiah Roberts, and Na’Kiera Lanae Williams. 26
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More than 300 students from the kindergarten centers at Snail Lake Education Center celebrated the completion of kindergarten with ceremonies at Mounds View High School and Island Lake Elementary June 8 and 9. Pictured: Turtle Lake kindergarten student Natalia Hamilton.
2016-17 BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTS KINDERGARTEN CENTERS Open Houses Pike Lake Education Center Pinewood & Valentine Hills families August 31 4 – 5 p.m. Bel Air & Sunnyside families August 31 6 – 7 p.m.
Snail Lake Education Center Island Lake & Turtle Lake families August 30 4 – 6 p.m.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Bel Air
Irondale PICTURE DAY & PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE DAY
August 25 ..........10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
MEET & GREET CONFERENCES
August 31
September 1 ........................ 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
1st grade .............10 – 11 a.m. or 4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
September 28...................... 4:20 – 7:20 p.m.
2nd & 3rd grade...11 – 11:45 a.m. or 5:15 – 6 p.m.
October 6............................. 4:20 – 7:20 p.m.
4th & 5th grade....12 – 12:45 p.m. or 6:15 – 7 p.m. LAURENTIAN CHAPERONE MEETING
August 31 ..............................7 – 7:45 p.m. INDIVIDUAL LEARNING PLAN MEETINGS
September 1 ..........................8 a.m. – 12 p.m. September 8 .........................4 – 8 p.m.
Island Lake MEET YOUR TEACHER
September 1.......... 9 – 10 a.m. 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. EARLY GOAL SETTING MEETINGS
September 15........................4 – 7 p.m. PARENT INFORMATION NIGHTS
1st grade ...... September 27 ........6 – 7 p.m. 2nd grade ..... October 6 ...............5:30 – 6:30 p.m. 3rd grade ...... September 22 ........6 – 7 p.m. 4th grade ...... October 6 ...............6:30 – 7:30 p.m. 5th grade ...... September 22 ........7 – 8 p.m.
SENIOR PARENT MEETING
September 19 ..................5:30 – 8 p.m.
Mounds View SCHEDULE PICKUP
August 25 ..............10 a.m. – 7 p.m. 9TH GRADE PARENT MEETING
August 30 .................... 6 – 7 p.m. BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
September 19 .............. 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Area Learning Center OPEN HOUSE
August 31 ........................ 2 – 7 p.m. Check school websites for more information and to see the 2016-2017 school supply lists.
Sunnyside MEET YOUR TEACHER
September 1....... 9 – 10 a.m. 5 – 6 p.m. GOAL SETTING MEETINGS
September 1 ........................ 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. September 15...................... 4 – 7 p.m.
Turtle Lake MEET YOUR TEACHER NIGHT
August 31 Incoming first grade students ............3:45 p.m. Last names A – L ...............................4:15 p.m. Last names M – Z ..............................5:15 p.m. EARLY GOAL SETTING MEETINGS
September 1 ........................... 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Valentine Hills PARENT INFORMATION/ MEET YOUR TEACHER
August 31
September 19 ..................5 – 5:30 p.m. BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
August 31 ........... 4 – 7 p.m.
PARENT INFORMATION/ MEET YOUR TEACHER
September 1 ..........................10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOLS
Pinewood MEET YOUR TEACHER
MIDDLE SCHOOLS Chippewa
1st grade ................ 1 p.m. or 5 p.m. 2nd grade ............... 1:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. 3rd grade ................ 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. 4th grade ................ 2:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.
August 25
5th grade ................ 3 p.m. or 7 p.m.
OPEN HOUSE .................. 2 – 7 p.m.
Note: the building will be closed between 4 and 5 p.m.
MEET YOUR TEACHER ... 4 – 7 p.m. IN THE MIDDLE DAY for 6th graders only
September 6
Edgewood
Highview HAWK PRIDE CELEBRATION
August 24 .............. 5 – 7 p.m.
ALL SCHOOL ORIENTATION
HAWK PRIDE WELCOME BACK DAY
August 26 .............. 7 – 10 a.m.
August 24 ............................ 1 – 7 p.m.
BACK TO SCHOOL PICNIC AND ALL SCHOOL ORIENTATION
IN THE MIDDLE DAY for 6th graders only and new 7th and 8th grade students to Highview
August 29 ............................ 4 – 7:30 p.m.
September 6
IN THE MIDDLE DAY for 6th graders only
PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT
September 6
September 15 ...................... 6 – 8 p.m.
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A E dS r 3
N O S
Music
Mounds View
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Independent School District 621 350 Highway 96 West Shoreview, MN 55126-1951
TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO 4112
at
Mounds View 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.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
8 p.m.
THE TAMBURITZANS Pittsburgh based Tamburitzans is a 32-member ensemble of young dancers and musicians presenting music from around the world. An international sensation, the group performs a high energy show for the entire family.
Join us for our exciting third season! Season pass and single event tickets are available at the door or online at www.moundsviewschools.org/musicatmoundsview. All performances are held at Mounds View High School, 1900 Lake Valentine Road, Arden Hills.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
2 p.m.
SYMPHONIC WINDS FESTIVAL Minnesota Symphonic Winds, directed by Dr. Timothy Mahr, and the North Dakota State University Wind Symphony, directed by Dr. Warren Olfert.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
7 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.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
2 p.m.
JUSTIN ROBERTS AND THE NOT READY FOR NAPTIME PLAYERS Two-time GRAMMY Nominated 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.