School Talk, Spring 2017 by Mounds View Public Schools

School Talk SPRING 2017

ALSO INSIDE:

• Spring testing season explained • New non-resident enrollment remains closed • Start times decision coming this spring

Keeping pace with space As enrollment rises, what’s the impact on facilities?

Facilities: findings & I

n response to increasing enrollment, last fall the School Board established a 39-member facilities task force to provide feedback on Mounds View Public Schools facilities this spring. What did the community group discover and, ultimately, recommend?

Rising enrollment & stressed capacity For several years, sustained enrollment growth has been putting pressure on school capacities across the District. To determine if growth will continue, the task force reviewed a 2016 demographic and enrollment study conducted by former state demographer Hazel Reinhardt. In addition, the group examined a comprehensive capacity study for each school in the District. “We’re clearly at a tipping point,” says New Brighton resident and task force member Heidi Danielson. “As enrollment grows, our aging facilities will have a difficult time keeping up without some significant space additions.” Findings: Facing a new reality of significant and consistent enrollment growth, all schools need increased capacity to accommodate approximately more than 1,600 students within seven years. Feedback: Updating and adding flexible spaces to all sites is the best approach to allow the District to effectively and efficiently address enrollment and capacity issues into the future. Student Enrollment

12,686 projected

11,066 9,652

highest in 15 years

2010

2016

On the cover:

Freshman Ameera Arshad navigates a crowded Mounds View High School hallway.

2023

Editors Rachel Gutierrez Colin Sokolowski

Designer Susan Abbott

Photographers Rachel Gutierrez Greg Helgeson Lifetouch

Aging facilities

Built more than 50 years ago, are today’s school buildings adequately prepared for tomorrow’s needs? On the outside, tired iron and brick characterize many schools, while rapidly aging mechanical and HVAC systems have required extensive ongoing maintenance. The task force discovered that over the last 11 years, the District has invested an average of $3.4 million annually on facility maintenance. Despite these efforts, buildings continue to show their age through common wear and tear. “Investing in our infrastructure is not exciting, but it is necessary and responsible to maintain our facilities,” says Superintendent Chris Lennox. Findings: Despite ongoing maintenance efforts, the increased use of buildings and the 15-year gap since the last major upgrade have led to increased strain and needs. Feedback: As future space additions are considered, corresponding infrastructure updates are required.

Instructional program Mounds View’s instructional model is based on creating flexible, personalized instructional groups. Yet, undersized and inflexible classroom spaces throughout the District create challenges. For 21st century learning, technology must also keep pace. Today, the District maintains more than 10,000 student-use laptops, desktops, Chromebooks and tablets. Within five years, 70,000 daily connections are anticipated as students continue to bring their own devices. “Classroom spaces should support and enable our personalized instructional model, but they often do not,” says Angie Peschel, director of curriculum. “Cramped and outdated classrooms limit Superintendent our teachers’ ability to serve the needs of Chris Lennox our students.” 2017 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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Findings: Mounds View has created some usable and flexible learning spaces where possible, but all buildings require refinements to fully support the instructional model. Feedback: The District is committed to post-secondary success for all students, the principles of STEAM and preparing students for real-world experiences. This commitment requires creative and collaborative spaces supported by progressive technology.

feedback “

We’re clearly at a tipping point. – Heidi Danielson, New Brighton resident and facilities task force member

”

Community & co-curricular spaces School connectedness is a key to student success, As enrollment continues to rise, Irondale High School’s “four corners” hallway and it requires flexible facilities that accommodate intersection is increasingly congested with student traffic during passing times. a variety of ways for students and staff to connect inside and outside the classroom. The task force reviewed studies that have shown usage of indoor Safety & security and outdoor facilities by school and community groups When it comes to school safety measures, districts like has increased, and the demand for gyms during evenings Mounds View realize their work is never done. Here, school and weekends regularly exceeds capacity. Routinely, high security is managed through a combination of controlled schools have to hold practices and contests at other sites access, staff supervision, communication, visitor management including middle schools and elementary schools because of systems and collaboration with law enforcement. In recent limited space and availability. The District’s award-winning years, the District has hired a safety consulting firm to arts groups often perform to standing-room-only audiences perform audits on the schools’ safety measures. These included because school performance spaces are inadequate for concerts analyses of vulnerable points of access and security. The task or events. force reviewed these risk management reports. “As a real estate agent, I know families buy homes here “School buildings are safer and more secure than they because of the school district, and activities are a big part were a decade ago,” says Aaron Tsai, Shoreview resident and of that,” says Jim Diffley, Shoreview resident and task force task force member. “But experts believe we can reshape some member. “Our community supports our athletic teams and facilities to make entrances safer and more welcoming as well. arts groups, and our facilities should support them too.” That’s advice worth taking.” Findings: Despite efforts, the District lags behind other high-performing and community-supported school districts that have undertaken their own facilities initiatives resulting in convenient, multi-functional facilities. Feedback: Residents deserve to have District facilities that are comparable to other high-performing school districts. Mounds View’s facilities should reflect the public’s pride in the students and school communities.

Findings: Despite recent security studies and enhancements, there’s still room for improvement. Feedback: As any District-wide facilities improvements are contemplated, further safety and security enhancements must be considered in the scope of future work.

View the entire facilities task force report online at www.moundsviewschools.org/facilities

SPRING 2017

School Talk

eeting monthly since September, a group of residents and parents, supported by staff and administration, compared current facility and program needs to the realities of a growing student body. Reviewing data, reports and studies, the task force reported its findings to the School Board and administration in March.

The facilities task force

agrees...

Carolynne Ladd teaches social studies in one of Mounds View High School’s 43 classrooms that were identified as deficient in total square footage.

Rising enrollment will continue

Improving infrastructure

• An enrollment increase of 1,620 students is expected within seven years. That would bring total K-12 enrollment to 12,686, compared to today’s 11,066 total. This increase will be experienced initially in the elementary schools.

• All schools need renovated, upgraded or replaced HVAC units and some replacements of chiller units.

• In Arden Hills, the Rice Creek Commons development (TCAAP) will not result in the need to build a new elementary school. (See “Next steps,” page 5.)

• Aging and inefficient lighting needs improvement in all schools.

• If enrollment numbers do not materialize as quickly as expected, open enrollment can be reopened to nonresident families to serve as a responsible means of managing student enrollment.

The facilities task force

recommends... Adding space • All schools should be designed for 85 – 90 percent utilization. • The District should maintain size targets for all core classroom spaces. • 21st century shared-learning spaces such as flex labs and Makerspaces should be created to support STEAM programming and personalized learning.

• All additions and renovations should be implemented using sustainable design and practices.

Creating flexible classroom spaces • In addition to existing traditional classrooms, all schools should create flexible instruction spaces that allow teachers to increase student engagement and personalization. • Additions should include spaces for non-academic club/ activity purposes to maximize use before, during and after the school day. • All schools should establish flexible space for collaborative staff work. • Teachers should not operate from carts, unless it is instructionally appropriate.

Enhancing safety and security • All schools need multiple strategies and resources to address safety and security for effectiveness and cost efficiency.

– Gymnasium spaces should be flexed.

– Improved exterior and property lighting including crosswalks, handicapped accessibility features, additional security cameras and redesigned drop-off and pick-up areas that separate cars and buses.

– Arts and performance spaces should be improved and modernized.

– Additional internal building signage for community member use and ease of navigation.

– Athletic and co-curricular spaces should be improved and modernized.

– Greater ability to direct visitors to only those areas within the building that are considered appropriate and necessary.

• To provide capacity and to support rising enrollment... – Cafeteria spaces should be expanded.

– Family engagement spaces should be improved and modernized. 4

• In all schools, aging technology infrastructure requires upgrading or replacement to support rising student enrollment and increased bandwidth usage.

School Talk

SPRING 2017

– Secured entrances at all times.

Next steps? School Board action

After the facilities task force presented its findings and feedback at the March 14 School Board meeting, the Board agreed to consider future steps, which could include proposing a bond referendum to address facilities needs. “The issues raised by the work of the facilities task force will not end with this report,” says Amy Jones, Board chair. “These buildings belong to the community, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they’re meeting the needs of our students, staff, families and residents.”

Early ed. stays at Pike Lake and Snail Lake

• The District is experiencing enrollment growth across all schools — not simply in the future development area of Rice Creek Commons. Adding capacity throughout the District is needed. • By itself, the development will not result in enough sustained elementary enrollment to warrant the construction of a new elementary school. • To efficiently occupy a new elementary school built for the development, Mounds View Public Schools would have to impose District-wide boundary changes which would impact thousands of families with attendance area shifts.

TCAAP Map TCAAP map in Arden Hills County Road I W

FEDERALLY OWNED PROPERTY leased to the Minnesota National Guard

County Road H

35W

RICE CREEK COMMONS

S. U. Hi

Ben Franklin Dr

Hamline Ave N

No new school for Rice Creek Commons 0 y1 wa gh

District officials have been working closely with Arden Hills and Ramsey County to determine the scope and speed of the Rice Creek Commons development. The development is focused on a small percentage of the open property, located in the southwest corner. Because of the location of development, residents will attend Pinewood or Sunnyside Elementary Schools, Edgewood Middle School and Irondale High School. These are the elementary schools, the middle school and the high school with the lowest enrollments in the District. The number of housing units, the housing mix and the pace of development remains difficult to predict. However, based on the current 2020 master plan, a rapid development could result in 350 more elementary school students.

Lexington Avenue

Old Highway 8

In the decade since Pike Lake and Snail Lake were repurposed from elementary schools into education centers, the District’s schools have been right sized. Today, the education centers are 100 percent occupied accommodating kindergarten centers, pre-K programming and administrative offices. Returning these two sites to traditional elementary schools would force boundary changes for all elementary schools impacting 5,000 students throughout the District. In addition, reopening the two sites as elementary schools would not alleviate the need to serve the growing number of pre-K and kindergarten students currently housed at Pike Lake and Snail Lake. With demand for early childhood programming increasing over the last 10 years Districtwide, Mounds View needs additional capacity to serve early childhood students and their families. Relocating the District office staff from Snail Lake to the old Ramsey County Library in Shoreview this summer makes room for expansion of early childhood four-year-old programs and will relieve many capacity challenges.

For several reasons, there are no plans to build a new elementary school to serve future residents of the development.

Paul Kirkwold Dr

County Road 96

Community feedback In the coming months, the community will be invited to provide feedback related to rising enrollment and facilities issues across the District.

SPRING 2017

School Talk

SCHOOL BOARD 2017 School Board

Audit report praised

In November, representatives from the audit firm Malloy, Montague, Karnowski, Radosevich & Co., P.A. reviewed the 2015-2016 audited financial statements and supplemental reports. During the presentation to the Board, representatives commended the District for its excellence in financial reporting and issued the highest level of audit reporting an auditor can give an organization. The audit report is available on the Budgets & Finance page at www.moundsviewschools.org.

Start times decision coming this spring Front row: Amy Jones, Jon Tynjala and Marre Jo Sager. Back row: Jonathan Weinhagen, Greg Madsen, Sandra Westerman and Bob Helgeson.

New non-resident enrollment closed through 2019 To meet timelines for the next cycle of non-resident enrollment applications, the District announced it will continue to be closed for non-resident enrollment options. There are multiple indicators that suggest that the District will continue to see growth in resident enrollments for several years. For that reason, the Board closed new nonresident enrollment options for two years rather than one. New non-resident enrollment will be closed for 2017-18 and 2018-19.

Legislative priorities approved In January, Board members discussed their legislative priorities for the 2017 session with the District’s local legislators. The top three priorities include: • Increase the basic formula allowance by at least 2.5 percent per year. • Allow locally-elected school boards to renew an existing operating levy referendum if they choose. • Expand the Northwest Regional Partnership to include educators from all parts of the state. A full range of additional priorities is available on the Legislation webpage at www.moundsviewschools.org.

School Talk

SPRING 2017

In January, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to establishing later high school start times and indicated it will make a decision later this spring. Implementation of the new start times will go into effect in the fall of 2018 — not the fall of 2017 as previously expected. After receiving public feedback on three options, the Board revisited its criteria and asked administration to work with a transportation consultant to determine if additional options may be possible. Consultant Tom Watson indicated another option may be possible if the Board were comfortable making some adjustments to the existing parameters. The Board agreed to support flexibility with the following parameters if another option can be created. • Some elementary schools and middle schools might have slightly different start times within their levels. • For efficiency, the entire fleet of different-sized buses might be used more creatively, depending on neighborhood densities or traffic patterns. This spring, the District will continue to work with the consultant and bring updates to future School Board meetings. Communication and information about start times will continue to be shared with families through e-newsletters, at School Board meetings and updated at www.moundsviewschools.org/starttimes.

EDUCATION FOUNDATION The Mounds View Schools Education Foundation (MVSEF) works in partnership with Mounds View Public Schools leadership to identify programs that require funding to advance District priorities and innovations that can reach students throughout the entire District. For more more information on the Foundation, please visit www.moundsviewschoolsef.org.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Mounds View graduate to speak at Foundation luncheon Ritesh Gupta, a 1994 graduate of Mounds View High School, has been announced as the keynote speaker for the sixth annual Partnering for Education Luncheon in April. Gupta is an award-winning filmmaker, journalist and executive producer in the creative world of television, film and advertising. His recent work includes films and content for some of the biggest brands in the world such as Budweiser, Toyota, Ritz, Subway as well as some of the biggest content providers on the planet like ESPN, VICE, the NFL and MTV. Gupta started his career as a sportscaster working for the CBS affiliate in Tallahassee before moving on to New York City to work as a producer and journalist for MTV’s news and documentaries department. During that span, he covered some of the biggest stories in the world including the 2004 presidential election, the battle to fight the AIDS epidemic on the African Continent and documenting the death and destruction of a tsunami in Southeast Asia. Those duties led him to work directly with a wide range of

notable figures including Beyonce, Bono and Bill Clinton. Gupta credits his interest in journalism to his time at Mounds View High School. At Mounds View, he was influenced by his involvement with The Viewer, Mounds View High School’s student newspaper. Bernie Troje, The Viewer advisor at the time, provided guidance that Gupta appreciates to this day. He is also grateful for the encouragement he received from teacher Julie Rowles — in both her acting and speech classes — to pursue his passion in the creative field. Gupta’s

story reflects an exceptional career that began right here in our community, in Mounds View Public Schools. He will share his story and reflect on the education he received on April 28 at the Partnering for Education Luncheon. Gupta sits on Florida State University’s Alumni Association National Board of Directors. In his role, he is the Membership & Marketing committee chair helping to advocate for his university’s 300,000 alumni around the world. In addition, he also specializes in spearheading opportunities in networking to help new graduates achieve their career goals. Shelley Diffley, MVSEF Trustee and high school classmate of Gupta’s, was quick to offer her praises as a fellow classmate. “Ritesh was always a charismatic and engaging individual. He exuded enthusiasm wherever he was. In fact, if I were to assign him a moniker it would be ‘Mr. School Spirit.’ He was highly respected, and he challenged conventional thinking which I believe helped him pursue and achieve a very successful career.”

Interested in promoting your local business?

Saturday, November 11, 2017 6 – 11 p.m. • Vadnais Heights Commons

If your business would like to increase visibility within the local community while also showing support for the Foundation, please contact Michael Kauls at michael.kauls@thrivent.com or visit the events page at www.moundsviewschoolsef.org. Michael Kauls is a Foundation Board Member and former Mounds View High School teacher, who serves as chairman of the MVSEF Event Sponsorship Committee.

SPRING 2017

School Talk

A CLOSER LOOK

Answers to the tests Spring is the season when Minnesota schools administer a number of tests. Mounds View Public Schools believes families deserve clarity about spring exams. Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about testing.

Which grade levels participate in spring testing?

 Students in grades K-8 participate in the Northwest

Evaluation Association’s Measure of Academic Progress (NWEA MAP) assessment in reading and mathematics.

 Students in grades 3-8, 10 and 11 take the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA-III) in reading, mathematics and science (grades 5, 8 and 10).

 All Mounds View Public Schools students take the ACT exam as 11th-graders.

What do tests measure? MCA-III and NWEA MAP tests are frequently administered in the spring; however, there are important differences between these tests. Like all Minnesota public school districts, Mounds View is required by the state to administer MCA-III exams. MCA-III exams measure a student’s proficiency on the state standards. In addition, Mounds View administers NWEA tests to all grade K-8 students one time a year. NWEA MAP tests measure individual student growth, and they assist teachers in targeting instruction to meet the needs of students.

When are tests administered? High-achieving districts like Mounds View regularly use data to respond to the needs of their students. Tests and assessments are used to measure student performance and progress throughout the year. These assessments are essential to monitoring student progress, tracking growth, achieving long-term academic goals and being prepared for postsecondary opportunities. Throughout the year:

 Teachers use formative assessments throughout the school year to ensure all students are learning and growing in academic areas.

Annually:

 High school juniors

take the ACT exam in April. Mounds View Public Schools was the first district in the state to offer this nationally recognized college entrance exam to all 11th-graders during the school day at no cost.

 NWEA MAP assessment is administered to all K-8

students each spring. Sometimes a student may take the NWEA MAP additional times throughout the year as teachers monitor the student’s progress.

Spring:

 Students take standardized tests each year as part of

federal and state statutes. The timeframe in which MCA-III state-mandated tests must be administered is March through May. Students in grades 3-8 and in grades 10 and 11 take the MCA-III assessment.

To better understand a specific school’s spring testing schedule, please contact the school’s principal.

How are test results used? Teachers view tests as a way to honor students’ work and highlight the learning and growth that has occurred over a period of time. While testing is not the only tool used to monitor proficiency and growth, it is an important tool used to:

 Monitor student growth patterns exhibited across time.  Identify individual student’s current level of skills and academic strengths and areas for growth.

 Assist teachers in targeting instruction for each student.  Help determine student placement in District programs. More information Mounds View Public Schools is playing an active role in working with the state to redesign and reduce the statetesting requirements. If you have any questions about this work or about a test at your school, please contact the school principal or Mary Roden, assistant director of assessment, at mary.roden@moundsviewschools.org, 651-621-6042. Please visit www.moundsviewschools.org/assessments for more information.

School Talk

SPRING 2017

AROUND THE DISTRICT Assistant Superintendent named Jeff Ridlehoover has accepted the position of Assistant Superintendent of Instruction for Mounds View Public Schools, effective July 1. This position has been unfilled since Chris Lennox began his role as Superintendent last July. As Assistant Superintendent, he will be working on a variety of District-level projects. Ridlehoover served as principal of Mounds View High School for the past four years, and he was named 2017 Principal of the Year by the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals.

Student-led innovation seminars Secondary schools throughout the District have designed (or are developing) dedicated areas of the school that encourage innovation through hands-on learning. These spaces are known as “Makerspaces” and include tools to engage students in hands-on learning using graphic design programs, 3D printers and engravers, and much more. At Mounds View High School, students have taken the Makerspace movement beyond the classroom. With help from the school’s library media specialist, Becky Stouten, students are using dedicated space in the media center to develop and lead seminars for their classmates. Student seminars are led during free periods or before or after school. Seminars range from sewing, card-making, cookie decorating, drones and robotics. Supplies like sewing machines and materials are often donated by parents and community members. The first students to letter in innovation are Lily Willier-O’Connor, Josiah Wiest, Emma Waguespack, Meghan McGowan and Sophia Hickel (not pictured). To qualify for a letter, students must spend 20 hours or more volunteering for the innovation program, host three or more Makerspace seminars or participate in other innovation performances throughout the year.

New principal named Stephanie Bruggers has been named the new Principal of Mounds View High School, effective July 1. Bruggers has served as an Associate Principal for the past five years — two years at Mounds View and three years at Wayzata High School. Previously, she worked at Osseo Area Schools for 13 years, serving as an instructional coach and a social studies teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social science from the College of St. Benedict, a master’s degree in education from St. Mary’s University and an educational specialist degree from the University of St. Thomas. Bruggers and her husband Tom have three sons — Joey (14), Michael (10) and Sam (10).

Thank you.

Origami cranes are regarded as symbols of hope and healing during challenging times. Mounds View students have created and displayed dozens of these and other handmade and heartfelt memorials in the school’s hallways.

In the wake of the tragic car accident last fall, we have been overwhelmed by our community’s countless gestures of generous support. Too many to list, all of these acts of kindness have deeply touched our students, staff and families. Through your compassion, you all have redefined for us what community truly means. Our high school thanks you for your care and concern during these difficult days.

SPRING 2017

School Talk

AROUND THE DISTRICT

r244 Costume fun

Kindergarten students and staff at Pike Lake Education Center celebrated Halloween with crafts, games and a costume party. Pictured: Nathan Aguilar and paraprofessional Kathy Chinander.

Fall tradition

Seasonal

First-grade students, staff and even some parents enjoyed an all-school costume party at Turtle Lake. Pictured: Blaize Wells and his mom Nichole Wells.

Island Lake kindergartners Avan Ollendick and Kaitlyn Nerland celebrated the fall season in costume. Students and staff at Snail Lake Education Center paraded the hallways.

Nearly 700 students participated in Pinewood Elementary School’s annual fall parade in Mounds View. This year’s parade highlighted the school’s 60th anniversary and brought together a community of schools and families.

A record number of high school students marched in the 201617 school year parade. Irondale students used the parade as an opportunity to connect with Pinewood students and share their interest in band.

School Talk

SPRING 2017

celebratıons Operation Joy yields 4,000 gifts

The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf collected more than 4,000 gifts this holiday season during its annual Operation Joy Campaign, which benefits Mounds View Public Schools families. Thanks to more than 80 community volunteers and donations from area churches, schools, businesses, clubs, individuals and Toys for Tots, 843 children (ages birth to 12th-grade) received gifts this year. Qualifying families who registered with the Food Shelf were invited to the Operation Joy Toy Shop in December to pick out gifts for each of their children as well as food for the holidays. During the holiday season, District schools helped to raise nearly 9,000 pounds of food, just under $13,000, and 500 assorted toys and gifts for the food shelf.

Spreading holiday cheer The student council at Turtle Lake Elementary School raised more than $4,000 during their November “Thanksgiving For All” project. The money collected provided hundreds of area families in need with turkeys and complete Thanksgiving meals via the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf.

Turtle Lake’s student council is made up of 28 fourth- and fifth-grade representatives.

Mounds View High School PREP (Practical Readiness Education Program) students volunteered as bell ringers for the Salvation Army. This is the ninth year the PREP program has been part of the Salvation Army’s holiday campaign. Volunteer opportunities, along with weekly PREP community participation, allow students an opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom into the community environment. Pictured: Alex Han, Heather Harmon and Stella Snapko.

Community support helps Bel Air celebrate Thanksgiving For the second year, the New Brighton Eagles and New Brighton Lions Club hosted a winter clothing drive to benefit students at the Pike Lake Education Center, Bel Air Elementary School and Highview Middle School. In addition to delivering warm-weather gear the week of Thanksgiving, the Eagles and Lions Clubs also presented Bel Air Elementary School with a check for $2,000 to support ongoing school initiatives. Lions Club New Brighton president Tarii Klose and New Brighton Mayor Valerie Johnson (pictured with Bel Air community liaison Mark Suggs) delivered the donations to Bel Air in November.

SPRING 2017

School Talk

AROUND THE DISTRICT Island Lake author visit Students at Island Lake Elementary School spent time with award-winning author Grace Lin in January to learn more about how to write, illustrate and publish books.

LEGO League Junior New this year, kindergarten students were given an opportunity to participate in LEGO League Junior. More than 60 students from the two District kindergarten centers participated in the program. Weekly meetings used LEGOs to introduce students to engineering, computer coding, research and teamwork skills.

In anticipation of Grace Lin’s visit, second-graders read Grace Lin’s The Year of the Dog and Bringing in the New Year. The books inspired conversations about holiday traditions and the Chinese New Year. Students especially enjoyed learning about the Dragon Parade. This learning inspired students to create a 15-foot dragon mural to brighten the hallway and wish everyone good luck and happiness in the coming year.

Practicing strategies that support success Area Learning Center (ALC) students were introduced to a new 80-minute class this year that focuses on the District’s 12 Habits of Mind. The class, known as 3Plus, is an activity-based class framed around the application of Habits of Mind using real-life situations. Off-site field trips, college campus tours, career fairs and speaker events encourage students to learn and practice the strategies that best support success.

Habits of Mind The 12 Habits of Mind include persisting, managing impulsivity, listening with understanding, thinking flexibly, striving for accuracy, questioning and problem posing, applying past knowledge to new situations, thinking and communicating with clarity, creating/imagining/ innovating, engagement, teamwork, and continuous learning. These habits are encouraged in elementary school and continue to be a focus throughout high school.

School Talk

SPRING 2017

Mercedes Wiler and her classmates visited the Science Museum to engage in hands-on learning.

Snail Lake kindergarten students Kyle Norell, Logan Mckee, Axel Erickson, Tony Gu and Evan Luke participated in an exhibition in January to show judges what they had created.

Students experiment with oobleck Island Lake second-graders got messy in MaryAnn Bergantine science class during lessons about solids vs. liquids. In preparation for the school’s science fair, students experimented with oobleck, a non-newtonian fluid which is nontoxic and safe to handle.

Pictured: Andrew Dittberner, Whitney Sotanski, Carter Thompson and Ella Grant-O’Meara.

Students explore ‘The Omnivore’s Dilemma’

Grant to help fund math and science initiatives Turtle Lake Elementary School and Valentine Hills Elementary School both received grant awards from Exxon Mobile to be used toward math and science.

Valentine Hills principal Lindsey Boumgarden and students Axel Stephens and Vanida Bird accepted a $500 check from Exxon area manager Julia Zohlmann.

Chippewa Middle School eighth-grade English language arts students read the nonfiction book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, the young readers edition, by Michael Pollan. The book inspired students to take a closer look at the four basic food chains and how food is produced in America. As a culminating activity, students were asked to think critically about Pollan’s perspectives concerning food chains in the United States. They used their finding to create interdisciplinary research-based STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) presentations to answer questions inspired by the book. Students used coding, video games, cookbooks, cooking shows, talk shows, skits, board games, and more, to illustrate how everyday food choices have political, environmental, economical, cultural and nutritional impacts.

Turtle Lake principal Darin Johnson and students Dimay Thukhotsong and Olivia Matthies received the $500 check to be used for math and science programs.

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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SPRING 2017

School Talk

AROUND THE DISTRICT

Mark your calendars! Chalkboard Capers

Chalkboard Capers is a variety show presented annually by the staff of the Mounds View Education Association. The goal is to raise money for student scholarships given to graduating seniors from Irondale High School, Mounds View High School, REACH Academy, Area Learning Center and Adult Basic Education. Each scholarship is for $621. The number of scholarships awarded depends on the financial success of the show. The 2017 show is slated for April 5-8. • Wednesday, April 5, 5:15 p.m. • Thursday, April 6, 6:30 p.m. • Friday, April 7, 6:30 p.m. • Saturday, April 8, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Donations If you wish to make a financial contribution or children’s prize donation to Chalkboard Capers, please send your check to or drop your donation off at: Mounds View Education Association Attn: Chalkboard Capers 900 Long Lake Road, Suite 110 New Brighton, MN 55112 Visit www.moundsviewschools.org/chalkboardcapers to order tickets. If you have any questions please email chalkboardcapers@moundsviewschools.org.

ComedySportz FUNdraiser Join Irondale High School’s KnightKrawler Robotics Team for their fourth annual ComedySportz FUNdraiser and Bake Sale on April 1 at 7 p.m. in the Irondale High School Auditorium. A ComedySportz match features two teams of improvisational comedy “actletes” competing for laughs and points, with a referee keeping things moving and calling fouls. ComedySportz is great for all ages. The audience of a typical ComedySportz match contains everyone from kids to college students to parents to grandparents. Advance tickets are $10 or $12 at the door the evening of the event. To purchase advance tickets, please contact Shannon Mildenberger at shannonlynn88@msn.com. 14

School Talk

SPRING 2017

Pinewood students ‘Press Start’ Elementary school students will perform Press Start, a children’s musical based on Super Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog and others, at Pinewood Elementary School April 20 – April 22 6:30 p.m. nightly with a matinee performance on April 22 at 2:30 p.m. Seats are firstcome, first-served. At-will donations appreciated. Call the school at 651-621-7500 for more information.

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. 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.

WITH HONORS National Aspirations in Computing Award

SkillsUSA

Mounds View junior Rachel Deno was elected as a SkillsUSA MN Secondary State Officer. She will serve throughout the 2016-2017 school year and will represent Minnesota at the National Leadership and Champions Conference in Kentucky this summer.

Mounds View High School senior Maddie Wang was awarded the National Aspirations in Computing Award and will be honored at the Fifth Annual Minnesota Aspirations in Computing Awards dinner in April. The National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) recognized Maddie with the Computing Award for her interest and achievements in computing, her leadership ability and her academic performance. Maddie is one of only two students in Minnesota to win the 2017 National Aspirations in Computing Award. With the award, NCWIT will pay for Maddie to attend the National Awards conference at the Bank of America headquarters in Charlotte, SC. Maddie will also be offered a paid internship in the computing industry this summer. Maddie’s teacher, Kaitie O’Bryan, will also be recognized at the April Awards Dinner with the Educator Honorable Mention Award for her ongoing support of Mounds View High School students and her continued passion to grow technology education. Kaitie teaches math and computer science at Mounds View High School.

Teacher of the Week Turtle Lake Elementary School third-grade teacher K.C. Morris was recognized as Teacher of the Week by KS95 Radio. A KS95 representative surprised Mrs. Morris with the Teacher of the Week engraved plaque this fall.

Teacher of the Year candidates

Heidi Shah, health and physical education teacher at Irondale High School

Taylor Toellner, first-grade teacher at Pinewood Elementary School

Mounds View Public Schools teachers Heidi Shah and Taylor Toellner have been identified by Education Minnesota as teachers “who motivate and inspire students for a lifetime.” Education Minnesota, the state’s teachers union, announced Irondale teacher Heidi Shah and Pinewood teacher Taylor Toellner as candidates for the 2017 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award.

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.

SPRING 2017

School Talk

WITH HONORS Mounds View robotics teams compete at the State Tournament All four of Mounds View High School’s FTC Robotics teams qualified for the state Tournament in January: EPIC, Height Differential, The Ponytail Posse and Titanium Allies. EPIC finished number one in their division. Height Differential won awards for their 3D printing, PSA video and the first place Inspire award. The Ponytail Posse won awards for their engineering notebook and Compass video. Height Differential and The Ponytail Posse advanced to Super Regionals where they will compete against 70 other teams from 11 states March 30 – April 1.

Edgewood Robotics competes at State Edgewood Middle School’s VEX Robotics Team, the Eagles, qualified for the VEX State Competition at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud after a successful season this year. The team finished sixth of 31 teams in programming and individual skills and fourth in the STEM research projects competition. Team members include: Sixth-graders Cole Lalor, Andrew Heuss, Jordan Bernier, Jacek Johnston, Loyce Agboola, Kenawak Olana, Ella Johnson, Jayden Remore, Orion Sisombath, JJ (Jonathan) Fleischer, Bronte Brunson,Tristen Englund and Barbara Danku; seventh-graders Christian Jensen and Keagan Remore; eighth-graders Susan (Odunola) Adewale, Freddy Barlue and Ejatu Bah. Team mentor Nadina Beethe and members of Irondale’s KnightKrawler Robotics Team served as mentors to the Edgewood Robotics Team.

School Talk

SPRING 2017

KnightKrawler Robotics to compete at the World Championship Irondale High School’s KnightKrawler Robotics Team 2052 will compete at the FIRST World Championships in April in St. Louis, Mo. KnightKrawler was part of the winning alliance at the Lake Superior Regional competition in Duluth in March. The team was also awarded the Gracious Professionalism Award. In addition, team member Emily Davis was honored with the Dean's List Finalist Award and long-time mentor, Nate Cmiel, was awarded the Woodie Flowers Finalist Award.

Irondale to compete at the World Color Guard Championships Irondale’s Winterguard will compete at the WGI Color Guard World Championships in Dayton, Ohio, in early April. It is the 28th season for color guard at Irondale High School.

Irondale drumline plans for the World Championship Irondale’s Winter Drumline will compete against the best drumlines in the nation at the WGI Percussion World Championship in April in Dayton, Ohio. In the drumline’s 28th season, they are on track to take the Scholastic A State Champion title again, for the second year in a row.

Quiz Bowl Teams to compete at Nationals Edgewood’s Quiz Bowl Team placed in the top four at a recent meet of 30 teams, qualifying the team for Nationals. The team will travel to Dallas in May to compete against 120 teams from around the country. Team members include eighth-graders Triana Grigsby and Ammar Ahmed, seventh-graders Molly Schuh and Xander Pichner and sixth-grader McCullen Wilmert. Dan Perucco and Johanna Sturm are Quiz Bowl coaches.

Coach Dan Perucco, Triana Grigsby, Ammar Ahmed, Molly Schuh, McCullen Wilmert, Xander Pichner and coach Johanna Sturm.

Mounds View High School’s Quiz Bowl Team qualified recently for the 2016-17 Minnesota High School Quiz Bowl League and for the National Academic Quiz Tournaments High School National Championships in Atlanta in May. The team members who qualified are William Amendola Bye, Justin Duffy, Joey Floeder and Aryan Sehgal.

Spotlight Award takes Irondale to the Orpheum Irondale High School drama students, and director Janet Paone, accepted the 2017 Outstanding Spotlight Award for an exceptional performance of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The award, presented by the Hennepin Theater Trust, honors high school musicals and students by formally recognizing extraordinary achievements. Irondale’s technical crew received special recognition with the Overall Outstanding Technical Team Award and the Outstanding Tech A/V Board Op Award. The Spotlight Award earned Irondale drama students an opportunity to perform and work backstage during the Spotlight Showcase at the Orpheum Theatre in June. In addition to the Outstanding Spotlight Award, the following students were recognized with individual awards. Leah Danielson as Ursula (Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role), Jake Richardson as Grimsby (Honorable Mention for Performance in a Supporting Role), Grace Whiting as Flotsam and Emily Hensley as Jetsam (Honorable Mention for Performance in a Feature Role), Clarissa Vandale, Sophie Paulsen and Sarah Bodin (Technical Leadership Nomination) and Nicole Clare (Evaluator Shout-Out).

DECA students to compete at State Mounds View Public Schools students represented Irondale High School and Mounds View High School at the 2017 Minnesota DECA State Career Development Conference March 19 – 21 at the Minneapolis Hyatt Regency. Students competed in the areas of sales, promotions, finance, management and entrepreneurship. Mounds View students who competed at the State DECA Conference include: Hufsa Ahmed, Jason Andersen, Fil Gilbert, Jared Herbert, Lauren Jahnke, Nick Kottke, Sancho Lopez, Matt Meloch, Chaz Nelson, Bhumi Patel, Aman Rao, Justin Reiling, Ben Rosenow and Alisa Samadani.

Irondale DECA students who competed at the State Conference this spring are: Sophie Alaverez, Emma Beckman, Andrea Beethe, Sam Bickford, Haily Dabrowski, Conner Dickson, Kaitlyn Dobbins, Molly Doerrer, Tyrese Dooyema, Daniel Duong,Tyler Eskro, Julia Glaser, Ellie Goligowski, Grace Haglund, Darby Hanson, Mary Herstel, Maddie Hormann, Luke Janecek, Ashley Kluz, AlexLilley, Hannah Martin, Marie Meysembourg, Noah Mruz, Duc Nguyen, Zach Pettipiece, Maddie Quest, Anshuman Thakral, Victor Tran, Amy Umanzor, Morgan Welsh, Briana Woo and Daniela Zuniga.

SPRING 2017

School Talk

WITH HONORS Science Olympiad Irondale’s Science Olympiad team took third place in the varsity division of the regional competition in February. In addition to their overall rankings, the team earned medals in seven of the 14 individual events.

Irondale’s Science Olympiad team is coached by parents Belinda Cheung and Kathy Pape.

Mounds View High School’s Science Olympiad teams continue to dominate the competition this year with one varsity and five junior varsity teams. At the Boyceville Invitational in December, three Mounds View teams took the top three spots overall out of 60 teams. At the University of Wisconsin River Falls Invitational in January, Mounds View’s other three teams took sixth, ninth, and 24th place overall out of 64 teams. Mounds View’s varsity team will compete at the Science Olympiad State Competition in March after winning first place at the regional competition in February (pictured). Justin Duffy, Jeffrey Hu, Lucy Chen, Joey Floeder, Mason Huberty, Madeline Pape, Devina Chatterjee, Nathan Chau, Alex Li, Tyler Hong, Daniel Yong, Aarthi Vijayakumar, Amber Zhao and Emma Tsai.

School Talk

SPRING 2017

Highview Middle School sent two Science Olympiad teams to the Regional Science Olympiad competition held at the University of Minnesota in January. The teams placed first and sixth overall and earned medals in the following individual events: Food Science (first), Hovercraft (first), Road Scholar (first and third), Scrambler (first), Wind Power (first), Dynamic Planet (third), Ecology (third), Meteorology (third) and Tower Building (third). Science Olympiad at Highview is coached by science teachers Ellen Gurrola and Courtney Baugher, and community volunteer Kathy Pape.

Pictured from left to right: (front row) Michael Acenic-Buyuccan, Pyrenees Gavois, Samuel Kufus, Miles Huberty, Bella Woo, Charlotte Wise, Giaochau Nguyen and Elliott Mihm; (back row) coach Ellen Gurrola, Isabel Newhouse, Grace Farmer, Anthony Willier, Bria Farmer, Andrew White, coach Courtney Baugher and Destiny Beulangh.

In addition to their overall ranking, the varsity team earned first place in 10 of the 14 individual events, and second place in two of the events. Mounds View’s ninth-grade team took top honor in the junior varsity division. Science Olympiad at Mounds View is coached by teachers Dan Butler, Michael Huberty, Thomas Carr (retired), David Barhan and community volunteer Janet Jamison.

Science Bowl

Mounds View High School sent two teams to compete in the Minnesota State Regional Science Bowl held at Macalester College in January. Out of the 37 teams competing, Mounds View ranked eighth and 13th overall. Coaches are math and statistics teacher Michael Huberty and parent Lenie Hermanson.

Scholastic Art Awards for Irondale senior Irondale High School senior Michelle Meyer was awarded three Gold Keys from the Scholastic Art Awards. Michelle Meyer with three drawings that were displayed at the University of Minnesota in February.

Spirit of Community Award

Pictured from left to right (back row) Eric Palmer, Derek Zhu, Mason Huberty, Luke Hermanson, (front row) Abhi Vijayakumar, Diana Zhu, Aarthi Vijayakumar, Michelle Sung and Madeline Pape.

Seven Seals Award recognizes Chippewa teacher Diane Hershey, Chippewa choir teacher, was recognized with the Seven Seals Award in December. The military honored Hershey with the award for her dedication to veterans and the National Anthem Project.

Andrew Kim, an eighth-grader at Highview Middle School, was awarded The Prudential Spirit of Community Certificate of Excellence and the President’s Volunteer Service Award recently. The award was presented by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals to recognize Andrew for his outstanding volunteer service. Certificates of Excellence are granted to the top 10 percent of all award applicants in each state to recognize Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country.

Chippewa Geography Bee Winner Chippewa eighth-grader Kishanth Koushik Arumugam Balamurugan won the Chippewa Geography Bee and advanced to the Minnesota State Competition in March. He competed against sixth-grade winner Justus Zerrath and seventh-grade winner Rohit Iyer. Kishanth placed fifth in state last year at the Minnesota State Geography Bee competition.

Chippewa students headed to the History Bee Regional competition

Pictured: Diane Hershey with Major Belinski, Shoreview Council member Terrence Quigley and Sergeant Elms.

The following students qualified to compete at the Regional History Bee: sixth-graders Tia Saxton, Shatvika Sriram, Cindy Su, Emily Zhao, Nick Schulte and Aurora Wang; seventhgraders Ally Brodin, Omar Rahman, Owen Arndt, Quinn Muller, Rohit Lyer and Connor Pederson; and eighth-graders Kishanth Koushik Arumugam Balamurugan, Shardul Rao and Zack Schulte. They will compete in March to qualify for the National Competition in Atlanta.

SPRING 2017

School Talk

WITH HONORS

MUSICAL HONORS Mounds View Public Schools was one of only six school districts in Minnesota to earn the Best Communities for Music Education designation in 2016. Schmitt Music recognized the District for the designation and honored music teachers throughout Mounds View Public Schools with an award ceremony in February.

Chippewa choir student goes on tour Chippewa Middle School sixth-grade choir student Soren Miller was recently cast in the role of “Bruce” for the United States National Tour of Matilda The Musical. He began touring with the show in February and will tour for five months traveling to 15 different states. He will perform in more than 150 shows including performances at the the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, March 28 – April 2.

Highview among the top orchestras in the state Highview Middle School’s seventhand eighth-grade orchestra students and teacher James Bartsch were awarded the Superior with Distinction title at the annual Middle Level Orchestra Festival in February. The Superior with Distinction award is sponsored by the Minnesota String Orchestra Teachers Association (MNSOTA) and recognizes only eight to 10 orchestra groups statewide annually. 20

School Talk

SPRING 2017

State Honor Band Edgewood Middle School student Chris Gottwaldt (trombone) and Highview Middle School student Camille Tinerella (bass) (pictured with Edgewood band teacher Eric Johnson and Highview band teacher Andy Schmidt) were selected to be part of the state-wide Minnesota Band Director’s Association (MBDA) 2017 State Honor 7-8 Jazz Band. Students were selected by audition from seventh- and eighth-grade students from around the state. Honor Band students played an informal concert at McNally School of Music before performing their formal concert at the Minnesota Music Educator’s Convention in February at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Chippewa band seventh-graders Johnny Yue (bassoon) and Kevin Xiong (bassoon), eighth-graders Leah Orman (French horn) and Shelby Scott (bass clarinet) and Highview eighth-grader Bill Ketola (tuba) were named to the 2017 Minnesota Band Director’s Association State Honor Band. They were selected from hundreds of students throughout the state by audition for membership in the group. The Honor Band will perform in April at Chanhassen High School.

Irondale Orchestra honors Irondale High School ninth-graders Amanda Rogers (cello), Ryan Wood (bass), Murah Hsiung (violin) and Annabelle Hosmer (cello) were named to the Minnesota String & Orchestra Teachers Association Middle Level Honors Orchestra. They performed with the Honor Orchestra at the Minneapolis Convention Center during the Minnesota Music Educators Association Mid-Winter Clinic in February. Rachel Skunes (viola) was named to the All State Orchestra for 2017. She performed with the All State Orchestra at Orchestra Hall during the Minnesota Music Educators Association Mid-Winter Clinic in February.

State Honors Choir Irondale students Lyndsay Bleiler, Courtney Roman, TJ Anthony and Emily Hensley were named to the Minnesota ninth- and 10th-grade State Honors Choir. More than 2,400 students audition each year for placement into the Honor Choir program. An estimated 800 students are selected.

Musical ensembles highlight Irondale talent Irondale High School played host to the annual Northwest Suburban Conference (NWSC) Music Festival this year. The Festival provides students an opportunity to pursue excellence in music performance, listen to music with understanding and celebrate the artistic achievements of other student musicians. Each school’s highest-level ensemble performed at the Festival. Student musicians and a guest clinician provided critical and supportive feedback to each group. All-Conference Ensembles for band, choir and orchestra are select ensembles that are formed in the fall and rehearse together for three weeks in preparation for a grand finale concert at the end of the Festival.

BAND Irondale Band Students who were named NWSC All-Conference are TJ (Timothy) Frantz (percussion), Kathryn Grutkoski (horn), Maria Heuring (percussion), Nick Hustings (trumpet), Kevin Ihnen (string bass), Isabelle Lalor (trombone), Tyler Ollanketo (bassoon), Grace Pearson (euphonium), Nick Seel (trombone) and Hannah Sprague (clarinet). CHOIR All-Conference Choir students are Jordan Kantor, Riley Wenisch, Becca Donley, Emily Dobbins, Hannah Wiste and Vanessa Johnson.

ORCHESTRA Irondale’s All-Conference Orchestra ensembles included Lauren Favre (violin), Skylar Fehlen (viola), Kathryn Grutkoski (French horn), Matthew Gunderson (violin), Stewart Hofer (bass), Nick Hustings (trumpet), Ryan Nguyen (violin), Tyler Ollanketo (bassoon), Rachel Skunes (viola), Jimmy Sorenson (violin), Hannah Sprague (clarinet) and Brianna Woo (cello).

SPRING 2017

School Talk

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS UPDATE

IRONDALE Nordic Ski The boys’ and girls’ nordic ski teams both finished with strong seasons. The boys’ team finished third in the conference while the girls’ team finished second. McEwan Rodefeld qualified for the Minnesota State High School League state competition.

Basketball Sean Sutherlin completed his Irondale High School basketball career scoring over 1,000 points. This makes Sean the sixth person in the history of the school to reach this milestone. Sean was also named to the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association All-Star team.

Athletic Signings Jacob Zwieg signed a football scholarship with the University of Minnesota Crookston. Irondale senior Leah Damerow recently signed a volleyball scholarship with Concordia of St. Paul.

Swimming The boys’ swim team finished third in the Section 5AA competition and received the Silver Academic Award. Greg Pehl finished in second place in the 100 fly, which qualified him for state and broke the Irondale High School record. Greg Pehl, Kevin Steiner, Mason Gehring and Daniel Larson will go on to compete at State after taking first place in the 200 Free Relay at Sections.

Triple A winners Alec Burgoyne and Liz Axberg were named the Triple A award winners at Irondale High School. This Minnesota State High School League award recognizes students who have excelled in academics, arts and athletics. Alec has been involved in choir, cross country, nordic ski and lacrosse. Liz has excelled in orchestra, cross country, nordic skiing and track. 22

School Talk

SPRING 2017

Basketball coach honored Jon DeMars, the head basketball coach for Irondale’s boys’ varsity team, was named as one of the four coaches in the state who will coach at the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association All Star Series. 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.

Track co-curricular activities on your mobile devices. Search MOUNDS VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS in the app store.

MOUNDS VIEW

Girls’ swimming and diving The girls’ swim and dive team, pictured below, competed in the state tournament at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center.

Viewettes The Viewettes competed at the state tournament in February.

Left to right: Libby Fleming (12), Zoe Rylander (9), Alli Misialek (9), Madie Petry (12), Dalanie Oliver (11), Hannah Aitkin (11) and Chella LaMere (11). Not pictured: Jackie Gaworski (12).

Wrestling Mounds View High School wrestlers took top spots at the Section finals and qualified for State. Mitch Engebretson won first place at 113 pounds, Nick Dunagan took second place at 120 pounds, Jack Graham was awarded second place at 160 pounds, Rowan Morgan won second place at 182 pounds and Johnny Tereault won first place at 220 pounds.

Boys’ swimming The boys’ swim team competed in the state tournament and was also named True Team champions for 2017. Quinn Doan, Will Goldman, Isaac Pan and Will Quackenbush qualified for State in the 200 free relay. Will Quackenbush also qualified in the 500.

Top skiers The Minneapolis Star Tribune named Mounds View senior Mark Ousdigian and sophomore Kaarl Damberg as top skiers Nordic Skier to watch this season. Mark Ousdigian Mark and Kaarl both competed at the state tournament.

Track co-curricular activities on your mobile devices. Search MOUNDS VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS in the app store. Find the Mounds View Mustangs on Twitter @GoMVMustangs Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/MoundsViewHighSchool For the most up-to-date news, visit the Activities and Athletics website at www.moundsviewschools.org/moundsview.

Alpine Skier Kaarl Damberg

Signings Mounds View High School seniors Ryan Nickel (Augustana University, baseball), Jackie Gaworski (University of Nebraska, Omaha, diving) and Natalie Nowatzke (Winona State University, cross country running) signed Letters of Intent recently. Seniors Yaquub Mohamed (Bemidji State, football), Justin Geisen (University of Minnesota Crookston, football) and Erik Holloman (St. Cloud State University, baseball) signed Letters of Intent in February.

SPRING 2017

School Talk

This spring, give your

house cleaning more meaning

Mounds View PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO 4112

by donating an

unused instrument

to Mounds View Public Schools Every year in every school, dozens of students who participate in band and orchestra cannot afford to rent or buy their instrument. Our schools have a limited number of instruments for students to use for the cost of a small annual maintenance fee. But as our programs grow, so does the need. A donated instrument will find a home with a student in our band and orchestra programs. We’re looking for... • Brass • Woodwinds • String instruments (especially smaller-sized violins and violas) ...in any condition. Even instruments that are in rough shape can be repaired or traded in for a credit for a new instrument. Simply stop into any school office and leave the instrument along with a name and address. Donors will receive a gift acknowledgement form that can be used for a tax deduction. For more information, call 651-621-6787 or e-mail andy.schmidt@moundsviewschools.org.