Mustang Messenger December/January December 14 ReFLECT Day December 15 Jazz Band Concert (7:00 pm) December 19 Choir & Orchestra Concert (6:30 pm or 8:30 pm) December 22-January 2 Winter Break January 3 Grade 11 Meets with Deans (during science classes) January 11 ReFLECT Day January 12 Shakespeare Festival (7:00 pm) January 13 Shakespeare Festival (7:00 pm) January 14 Shakespeare Festival (1:00 pm or 7:00 pm) January 16 NO SCHOOL January 21 Music at Mounds View “Marcoux Corner” (7:00 pm) January 24 Semester Finals - Hours 1,2,3
December 2016
"Building an inclusive community of responsible, respectful and resourceful citizens who value learning."
MVHS - HOME OF THE MUSTANGS!
From the Principal…. Hello Mustang Families, As you know, the past weeks have been one of sadness and heartache. The loss of Stephanie Carlson and Bridget Giere, two vibrant young ladies with much of their lives still left to be lived, will leave a hole in our hearts forever. Yet, over the past several days, I have been reminded that from the depths of despair, great promise, hope and kindness are often found. The manner in which our students, families, staff, and greater school community have come together has been the most amazingly overwhelming demonstration of humanity I have witnessed in my professional career. I wish that I could personally thank everyone (I have certainly tried), but please accept this message as my personal word of thanks for all the support that has been granted to the students and staff at Mounds View High School. As we proceed through the coming days, weeks, and months, I would ask that we continue to support Sammy Redden as she recovers from her injuries sustained in the accident. Sammy is a wonderful young lady and we are hoping and praying for Sammy to rejoin her Mustang classmates as soon as she is well enough to return. In closing, our world has been transformed over the past week, and while we will never forget Stephanie and Bridget, we will soon return much of our focus to the work of teaching and learning. Until then, we will continue to support one another and I once again thank you all for the outpouring of love and support.
January 25 Semester Finals - Hours 4,5,6 January 26 & 27 NO SCHOOL January 30 1st Day of Semester 2 January 31 SEC Preview Band, Choir & Orchestra Concert (7:00 pm)
Respectfully,
Dr. Jeffery P. Ridlehoover Principal
PAGE 2
Get to Know ‘Em Meet Jonathan Thompson My name is Jon Thomson, and I work within the Special Education Department here at Mounds View High School. I have taught in the district for 6 years prior to coming to Mounds View. While I am new to being a teacher here, I am not new to the building as I graduated as a Mustang by being part of the Class of ‘99. After high school, I received an undergraduate degree in the area of Youth Ministry from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul. After some time I realized teaching was a pretty sweet gig, so I went back to school at Bethel University and received my Masters in the field of Special Education. Beyond teaching, I have a wife Emily, who also works as a teacher in the district, along with three kids all under the age of four! Olivia, Sam, and Lu are pretty much amazing... but I am sure every parent is supposed to say that. When we are not changing a diaper or dealing with a tantrum you can usually find us up at the cabin, at dance class, or swimming at any open pool in the Twin Cities. There are days that I do find some time for myself and I typically will head to the golf course, hop on a jet ski, start a campfire, or watch a football game.
Meet Elise Valley
My name is Elise Valley. I am an Art Teacher at Mounds View High School (Intro to Art & ARCC Art Appreciation) and Highview Middle School (7th & 8th Grade Art). Since graduating from Bethel University with a B.S. in Visual Arts Education in 2009, I have been teaching in some faculty or another. I began working as a Lead Preschool Teacher in the North Metro within a school I taught at all through college, then I worked as an Asst. Teacher and Math Interventionist at Obama Elementary in St. Paul. These experiences were followed by a five year position at Legacy Christian Academy in Andover as their Art Teacher, and finally, have found a home in the Mounds View School District. I’m a proud Mounds View graduate myself, from the class of ‘05 and have just bought my first home in the Shoreview community. I love being back and I even get to teach alongside an amazing faculty, some of who I was fortunate enough to have when I was a student here. I love biking in the summers and regularly take part in the various races and tours offered throughout the cities. I’m an avid reader and narrowly chose teaching Art over Literature as my course of study in college. I love live music and taking in a soccer match when there’s down time. In the summer, I’m usually camping around California (Yosemite, Tahoe, etc.) or beach-bumming in Portsmouth, New Hampshire with my family.
PAGE 3
Senior Spotlight Baian Abu-Atieh What is your favorite food? Potatoes & French Fries What is your favorite show on TV? The Blacklist What is your favorite movie? The Giver What is your favorite book? Can’t decide What is your favorite school lunch? Pasta Day What is your favorite MVHS class? Expressions
Marina Fahim What is your favorite food? Red Robin Hamburgers
Who is your favorite MVHS teacher? Mrs. Nesset
Jiasheng (Jason) Li
What is your favorite show on TV? Friends
What is your favorite food? Steak
What is your favorite movie? The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay
What is your favorite show on TV? Anything on the Discovery Channel
What is your favorite book? The Book Thief
What is your favorite movie? Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
What is your favorite school lunch? Classic Popcorn Chicken
What is your favorite book? Murder on the Orient Express
What is your favorite MVHS class? Spanish V
What is your favorite school lunch? Pasta Day
Who is your favorite MVHS teacher? Mrs. Bias
What is your favorite MVHS class? Physics Who is your favorite MVHS teacher? Mr. Cartwright
PAGE 4
Athletics & Activities Happenings Athletics/Activities Schedules
Schedules are available online at gomvmustangs.com and /or suburbaneast.org under member schools, select Mounds View. Schedule changes are posted as they become available.
Signings: Congratulations to the following students who signed National Letters of Intent: Ryan Nickel (12) – Augustana University – Baseball Jackie Gaworski (12) – University of Nebraska, Omaha – Diving Natalie Nowatzke (12) – Winona State University – Cross Country Running
Fall Musical The Fall Musical – “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” was a hit! Great job to all the cast and crew.
Fall Sports Teams Thank you to all the teams and individuals who
represented their Fall sports teams at the November School Board meeting: Boys Cross Country, Girls Swim and Dive, Boys Soccer, Morgan Dahl (9) who represented Girls CC and Allie Kopiecki (12) for Tennis.
Top Skiers Minneapolis Star Tribune noted Nordic Skier, Mark
Ousdigian (12) and Alpine Skier, Kaarl Damberg (10) as top skiers to watch this season. Go guys!
Kaarl Damberg
Mark Ousdigian
PAGE 5
Athletics & Activities Happenings Girl’s Swim & Dive
Congratulations to our girls swim and dive team on their participation in the state tournament at the U of M Aquatic Center.
Left to right in picture: Libby Fleming (12), Zoe Rylander (9) Alli Misialek (9), Madie Petry (12), Dalanie Oliver (11), Hannah Aitkin (11), Chella LaMere (11) Not pictured, Jackie Gaworski (12)
PAGE 6
Athletics & Activities Happenings Holiday Tournaments Check out your favorite winter sport at one of the Holiday Tournaments:
Boys Basketball will be playing at Bethel University starting December 27 Girls Basketball will be playing at Hill-Murray starting December 28 Boys Hockey will be playing in the Schwan Cup at the Super Rink starting December 29 Girls Hockey will be playing in the Kaposia Classic in SSP at the Doug Woog Arena starting December 29 Please visit our website for more information and complete game/tournament schedules gomvmustangs.com
Thank You Thank you to all the schools that supported the Mounds View High School students, athletes, administration and
staff. Centennial High School students wore green to their recent pepfest in support of Mounds View and the Wayzata girl’s hockey team used their hockey sticks to spell out “MV” on the ice. St. Francis girl’s basketball wore blue T-shirts to honor Stephanie, Bridget and Sammy.
Centennial
Wayzata
PAGE 7
From the Deans Desk Mark Nelson A-Co (2017/2018) A-Co (2019/2020) 651--621-7133
mark.nelson@moundsviewschools.org
Kendra Eckman Cp-G (2017/2018) Cp-Hd (2019/2020) 651--621-7130
kendra.eckman@moundsviewschools.org
Caleb Bjorklund H-La (2017/2018) He-Lo (2019/2020) 651-621-7129
caleb.bjorklund@moundsviewschools.org
Brian Peloquin Lb-Ng (2017/2018) Lp-P (2019/2020) 651-621-7127
brian.peloquin@moundsviewschools.org
Ryan Poepard Nh-So (2017/2018) Q-St (2019/2020) 651-621-7126 ryan.poepard@moundsviewschools.org
Andra Storla Sp-Z (2017/2018) Su-Z (2019/2020) 651-621-7131
andra.storla@moundsviewschools.org
Antonia Vanyo Dean of Support Services 651-621-7128
antonia.vanyo@moundsviewschools.org
Pictured left to right: Brian Peloquin, Mark Nelson, Ryan Poepard, Toni Vanyo, Kendra Eckman, Andra Storla, Caleb Bjorklund
End of Semester
As we enter the home stretch of the first semester, students are reminded to finish strong. Meet with teachers to prepare for finals and use the tutoring that is available in the Paddock after school Mondays through Thursdays. First semester ends on January 25.
10th Grade
Deans met with all 10th grade students on December 13 to discuss the results of the PreACT test students took in October. The goal of this meeting was for students to understand their individual student score report and how this information can help them prepare for the ACT test they will take during their Junior year.
11th Grade
All juniors will take the ACT test at MVHS in April 2017. Many students find that the extra down time they have over winter break is an ideal time to focus on preparing for the ACT. Students can access a free ACT preparation tool through their Naviance account. User name: Student’s MV gmail address Password: Student’s MVHS ID number
12th Grade
The vast majority of our seniors have applied to one or more colleges. Any student who needs help with their post secondary planning, should make an appointment with their Dean.
PAGE 8
College Corner Post-Secondary Services Website
Check out the Post-Secondary Services Website! The Website is full of resources - from college planning, to financial aid, to job opportunities. Check out the Website by visiting http://www.moundsviewschools.org/mvhspostsecondaryservices.
Scholarship Information
Michael Werner Coordinator of Post-Secondary Services 651-621-7143
In an effort to encourage post-secondary access and success for all students, Mounds View Public Schools continues to send out monthly Scholarship Newsletters. In these Scholarship Newsletters, students and families will find a list and links to local and national scholarships. As you will notice, many of these are sponsored by businesses, organizations, or other entities. Though the sponsorship of scholarships may appear as advertising, many businesses and organizations want to help students and families defray the cost of a post-secondary education. Please forward any scholarship information, postings, or suggestions to Michael Werner at michael.werner@moundsviewschools.org.
michael.werner@moundsviewschools.org
Upcoming Scholarship Deadlines Learner’s Scholarship - December 15, 2016 (1 Award - $1,000) https://coursehorse.com/scholarship Creative Arts Scholarship - December 15, 2016 (1 Award - $1,000) https://irinadorkosite.wordpress.com/creative-arts-scholarship/ Prompt Scholarship Essay Contest - December 15, 2016 (Multiple Awards - $10,000) https://prompt.com/scholarship/ Social Media Management Scholarship - December 15, 2016 (1 Award - $1,000) https://www.agorapulse.com/social-media-management-scholarship Foot Locker Scholar Athletes - December 16, 2016 (20 Awards - $1,000) https://footlockerscholarathletes.com/ CSI Executive Search STEM Scholarship - December 16, 2016 (1 Award - $1,000) http://www.csi-executivesearch.com/csi-executive-search-stem-scholarship/ Hooked to Books Scholarship - December 20, 2016 (1 Award - $1,000) https://www.hookedtobooks.com/scholarship/
PAGE 9 PAGE 9
College Corner (cont.)
Upcoming Scholarship Deadlines (cont.) Profile in Courage Essay Contest - January 4, 2017 (Multiple Awards - $20,000) https://www.jfklibrary.org/Education/Profile-in-Courage-Essay-Contest/Contest-Information-and-Topic-Guidelines. aspx GE - Reagan Foundation Scholarship - January 5, 2017 (Multiple Awards - $10,000) https://www.reaganfoundation.org/education/scholarship-programs/ge-reagan-foundation-scholarship-program/ Dell Scholars Program - January 15, 2017 (Multiple Awards - $20,000) https://www.dellscholars.org/ Kiwanis Educational Foundation Scholarship - January 20, 2017 (Multiple Awards - $865.00) http://www.moundsviewschools.org/Page/2973
Financial Aid
Many resources are available for students and families seeking financial aid and assistance when planning for post-secondary education. Students attending a college or university next academic year should complete the Federal Application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA application and additional financial aid resources can be found at fafsa.ed.gov. Minnesota’s Office of Higher Education has a number of resources available for students and families. The Office of Higher Education offers everything from step-by-step guides to the financial aid process to student loan information and Minnesota colleges and universities cost of attendance profiles. Printed Office of Higher Education resources are available in Student Services. These resources are also available at the following web address: http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/. Additionally, students and families are invited to a FAFSA Assistance night on January 11 from 6:30 - 8 PM in the Irondale High School Computer Lab. A FAFSA Assistance Night was held at Mounds View High School in November. Bethel University Financial Aid Office personnel will be on hand to assist parents and students complete their FAFSA. Anyone in need of FAFSA assistance should bring their 2015 tax documents, username/passwords from previous FAFSA submissions, student social security numbers, and any other pertinent financial documentation (IRA, investment, or retirement account information) with them to the event. Seniors who plan to attend a college/university next year but have not yet completed a FAFSA are encouraged to attend. If you have questions, contact michael.werner@moundsviewschools.org.
PAGE 10
Empowering Families Common sense strategies that busy parents can immediately apply Your family advocate! Carla Anton, MA Mounds View High School Based Therapist Adolescents & Family Therapy carla@nyfs.org
Parent Tool of the Month: Creating a respectful relationship As the new year approaches, we as parents can reflect on new beginnings and how we can improve our relationships with our children. Extensive research shows that we cannot influence children until we create a connection with them. Therefore, sometimes we have to stop dealing with the misbehavior and first heal the relationship.
Connection Before Correction
(Positive Discipline) Create closeness and trust instead of distance and hostility. Connection creates a sense of safety and openness. Punishment, lecturing, nagging, scolding, blaming or shaming create fight, flight or freeze reactions. Connection is not about giving teens whatever they want. Effective connections are made when both you and your teen feel belonging and significance in the relationship. Once you have created a connection with your child, the child is then open to respectful correction. Children do better when they feel better, make sure the message of love gets through: listen and validate feelings. When we make a conscious effort to make a connection, we instantly feel better and are more apt to be more loving and effective. Often this is enough for misbehavior to stop and it helps build resiliency, communication and self-esteem. Find solutions to the problem together: “I love you and I have faith that we can find a respectful solutions together”. “You are more important to me than your grades. What do your grades mean to you?”. Making connections before corrections: • Listen, really listen and validate your child’s feelings. Attempt to build a mutual understanding by talking about what his/her issues are. • Once you understand their issues, discuss the reasoning that you have so he/she can come to understand why you hold these values. • Ask curiosity questions and explore solutions. The teen will form his/her own values, but it is important that the teen also see the other ideas that exists and the reason behind them. • HUGS. Yes, your teen still craves them.
PAGE 11
Empowering Families (cont.) Parents Helping Parents Problem Solve (Parent Consultation Group) The Parent Consultation Group helps parents discover parenting solutions and strategies that enhance their teen’s self-discipline, responsibility, cooperation and problem solving skills. Problem-solving is a way of identifying solutions when working through issues. The facilitator will help the parent toward looking more at solutions than at the problem by understanding the four goals of misbehavior. Once the misbehavior is understood the parents help each other figure out strategies for working toward a solution. This process provides a fun and effective way for parents to get specific help with real problems. Parents will learn what wonderful consultants they can be to each other. During the parents helping parents problem solving steps a volunteer presents a real problem. The group then suggests the child’s possible motivation (or ‘Mistaken Goal’) and brainstorms suggested approaches. The volunteer then chooses the approach that fits him or her, and practices it through the week. Parents report back and make adjustments, as needed, for another week, up to four weeks. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: • Learn why teens misbehave and how to respectfully encourage change in ways that eliminate most behavior prob- lems. • Learn from the participant’s own experience and solve real life problems. • Learn (and practice) how to effectively “get into your teen’s world.” • Build tools and resources to parent effectively for today’s world. For more information and to join the Parent Consultation Group, contact Carla Anton at carla@nyfs.org
Music at Mounds View Series Marcoux Corner Featuring David Phelps (Mounds View Choir Director) Saturday, January 21, 2017 7 PM Tickets $15.00 (adults), $10.00 (students & senior citizens) CLICK HERE to purchase tickets 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. It is, at the same time, beautiful and full of so much energy you can’t help but tap your toe and grin from ear to ear. That is what separates Marcoux Corner from everyone else on the scene today, toe-tapping FUN!
PAGE 12
Roadside Memorial A roadside memorial was constructied on Highway 96 honoring Bridget Giere and Stephanie Carlson. About 250+ students attended a memorial gathering on December 5. School officials, in cooperation with Ramsey County, provided a safe and dedicated opportunity for those who wished to place memorials in memory of Bridget and Stephanie, near the site of the accident. Please read the following important letter from the Minnesota Department of Transportation regarding the memorial.
PAGE 13
Roadside Memorial
PAGE 14
Student Council Student Council was hard at work to raise food and money for the Food Drive in November. Besides collecting food in the mornings, they held a competition to see which class could raise the most money during the week. The class with the highest donation would receive a free breakfast from Taste of Scandinavia. Contributions surpassed those of the past three years. With over $5,000 and 400 pounds of food donated, donations quadrupled from 2015. All donations went to the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf to help provide for families in the Mounds View community over the holidays. Student Council is proud of their work and hopes to receive the same enthusiasm in years to come.
Hallie Diekoff (11), Kailey Newcome (12)
Claire Dalton (9), Quinn McDonagh (12)
Cadyn Jones (10), Rachel Ganske (10), Sophie Vandewerken (12), Greta Delaune (10), Tommy Caughey (10)
PAGE 15
Achievements & Awards Volunteer Service Club
The VOLUNTEER SERVICE CLUB was involved in the process of the Shoreview City Council ordinance restricting the sale of flavored tobacco products to one adult-only tobacco store. Mounds View students were dedicated and engaged in the entire process. They were commended for being thoughtful, professional and most importantly valued and heard.
PAGE 16
Achievements & Awards First Technology Challenge
Congratulations to FTC robotics team Titanium Allies (William Froehle, John PfenningWendt, Simon Tran, Peter Tran, and Laurel Reynolds) who competed last week and won a Think Award for their Engineering Notebook. They were also on the 2nd place Alliance in the robot competition and came in 2nd overall. The team also competed in November and won the Connect Award for their outreach, was in the first place alliance in the robot competition, and came in 2nd overall. The team advanced to the state competition and will compete with the other three Mounds View FTC teams in early February. FTC team Height Differential (Nick Riedel, Akash D’Souza, Grant Altenhofen, and John Helgeson) competed in their 2nd qualifier last week and won a Connect Award for outreach and Promote Award for their PSA video. They were also the winning Alliance captain and came in 2nd overall. A third FTC team, The Ponytail Posse (Sabriyah Taher, Rose Lam, Meghan Froehle, Heeral Narkhede, Amy Helgeson, Amelie Elmquist, Nancy Koshy, and Charlotte Hamilton), competed this weekend and came away with the PTC Design Award for their robot design, the 3D Printing Award for their 3D printing work, and the Promote Award for their PSA video. They also came in 2nd overall.
Just ONE Campaign – COME VOLUNTEER!! Click on the link to view video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wvdeaX1hpI
SkillsUSA
Rachel Deno (11) was elected as a SkillsUSA MN Secondary State Officer. Rachel will serve throughout the 2016-2017 school year and will attend the National Leadership and Champions Conference in Kentucky this summer representing Minnesota.
Administration Jeff Ridlehoover Principal............................................ 651.621.7103 jeff.ridlehoover@moundsviewschools.org Stephanie Bruggers Associate Principal........................... 651.621.7120 stephanie.bruggers@moundsviewschools.org Michael Schwartz Associate Principal........................... 651.621.7124 michael.schwartz@moundsviewschools.org Robert Madison Activities Director.............................. 651.621.7121 robert.madison@moundsviewschools.org
PAGE 17
Around MVHS Thanksgiving Fun in PREP
PAGE 18
Around MVHS Information & Learning Center Mounds View “Makers”
DES
IGN
E K A M
PAGE 19
Around MVHS Information & Learning Center Students creating in the ILC.
E T A E CR
E N I G A IM
PAGE 20
Around MVHS SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA students participated in their 7th annual Shriner’s Hospital for Children Toy Drive. The students collected over 100 toys, 60 pounds of pop tabs and Volunteer Service Club members made polar fleece tie blankets. Students later toured the hospital and clinic. They also had the opportunity to stuff personal hygiene bags, as well as hand out stockings to patients.
PAGE 21
Around MVHS Dear Santa
Mounds View band students getting gifts wrapped for Dear Santa.
PAGE 22
Around MVHS An Abundance of Support & Kindness
The following pages are a snapshot of the overwhelming support that was displayed following the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of Stephanie Carlson and Bridget Giere. “We don’t heal in isolation, but in Community.”
PAGE 23
Around MVHS An Abundance of Support & Kindness
PAGE 24
Around MVHS An Abundance of Support & Kindness
PAGE 25
Around MVHS An Abundance of Support & Kindness
PAGE 26
Around MVHS An Abundance of Support & Kindness
PAGE 27
Around MVHS An Abundance of Support & Kindness