Issuu

School Talk

Cybersecurity and schools

Protecting prime targets

Cybersecurity and Protecting personal data

Cyberattacks represent an ever-present concern for K-12 school districts, including Mounds View Public Schools.

Across the U.S., public school districts are among the most frequently targeted sectors. According to the Center for Internet Security (CIS), schools are part of the nation’s critical infrastructure sectors under increasing threat.

“Schools are being asked to fight a battle they’re not equipped to win,” says John Perry, the District’s director of technology. “Every day we’re facing off against well-resourced cyber criminal organizations. The imbalance of power feels unsustainable. So our goal is to keep winning the battle by protecting data to the best of our ability and to have a contingency plan for the worst-case scenario.”

What is a cyberattack?

In public schools, ransomware attacks are among the most common. A ransomware attack on a public school occurs when cybercriminals infiltrate the school’s computer systems, encrypt critical data and demand a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key to restore access. Until the situation is resolved, school districts can become debilitated:

• Confidential student, staff and parent information might be exposed.

• Online classes, assignments or digital learning tools can become inaccessible.

• Payroll systems, communication platforms and scheduling tools are often rendered unusable.

School Talk is published by

Mounds View Public Schools, Independent School District 621.

On the cover:

Sixth-grader Lily Ide studies on her schoolissued Chromebook laptop in the commons of Chippewa Middle School.

In Mounds View Public Schools, threat detection is a neverending effort, led by the District’s cybersecurity program manager Doug Erickson. In this school year alone, more than 97 Terabytes of data have been analyzed, including user, device and network activity like computer logins, network access attempts and much more. Hundreds of security findings were generated from this data and investigated by the District’s security team.

Send correspondence to School Talk editor, 4570 Victoria St. N., Shoreview, MN 55126 or email schooltalk@mvpschools.org

Para asistencia en traducciones ó ayuda como intérprete, por favor llama 651-724-2854.

Editors

Megan McKeen Colin Sokolowski

Designer

Susan Abbott

Photographers

J.J. Killins

Jolesch Enterprises

Lifetouch

Superintendent

Chris Lennox

“ We’re not just protecting data; we’re protecting the future of our students,” says Erickson. “K-12 schools are under constant attack from highly skilled adversaries who see our data as a valuable prize. We’re working tirelessly to safeguard our systems, knowing the stakes couldn’t be higher.”

2025 School Board

Shauna Bock

Alissa Daire Nelson

Heidi Danielson

Jim DeMay

Diane Glasheen

Yolanda Magee

Jonathan Weinhagen

Megan McKeen nancyjophotography.smugmug.com

Yog xa tau kev pab thiab hais ua lus Hmoob thov hu rau 651-724-0396.

Haddi aad ubaahantahay faahfaahin dheerad ah ama turjumaad, fadlan kala 651-262-4577.

“Schools are being asked to fight a battle they’re not equipped to win.”

— John Perry Director of Technology

and schools

The increasing frequency and severity of these threats underscore the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures within school districts to protect sensitive data and ensure the continuity of educational services.

Ongoing security audits

In early 2024, Mounds View partnered with information security company FRSecure to conduct a series of ongoing information security audits, based on national standards. Based on the initial audit, the District is committed to implementing a series of measures to strengthen its current cybersecurity efforts including the development of an enhanced cybersecurity awareness program that provides ongoing awareness and training to staff.

In addition to protecting data privacy, the District is using security audits to ensure the personal safety of students and staff. Top considerations for improvements include:

• Increase security camera coverage.

• Strengthen the visitor management process for entering schools.

• Consider a public address system upgrade that includes digital display signage in classrooms.

• Adopt “next-generation” door entry fob controllers and readers.

“The good news is that we’re not alone,” says Perry. “Vital partnerships help us strengthen our cybersecurity posture like our active participation in information sharing consortiums. It’s a key part of the national cybersecurity framework that enables us to stay ahead of threats and better protect staff and student data.”

Threat detection is a never-ending effort.

Besides ransomware attacks, other cyberattacks on school districts include:

• Trojan Horse: Malicious software disguised as a legitimate file, program or link. Once downloaded or executed by an unsuspecting user, such as a staff member or student, the Trojan enables unauthorized access to the school’s computer systems where attackers may use this access to steal sensitive data like student records or payroll information.

• Phishing: Hackers send deceptive emails, messages or links that appear to come from trusted sources, such as administrators, vendors or government agencies. The goal is to trick staff, teachers or students into revealing sensitive information like login credentials, financial details or personal data.

• Data breach: Hackers gain unauthorized access to sensitive student, staff or parent data and leak it online. This often results in identity theft and legal consequences.

What does cybersecurity mean in Mounds View Public Schools?

5 laws we’re following to protect personal data

1. FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): requires public school districts to protect the privacy of students’ educational records by restricting access to personally identifiable information without parental or eligible student consent.

Cyberstats

8,000 devices connected to the wireless network every day.

9,300 emails flagged as Phishing over the past three months.

Thwarted more than 60,000 attempts by unauthorized users to access Mounds View Public Schools’ systems in 30 days alone.

Blocked more than 7,500 connections in one week alone to known malicious website domains.

Deployed more than 16,000 patches in January across managed devices to ensure that the community is protected against the latest vulnerabilities.

2. COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act): places restrictions on software companies about the information they are able to collect about children under 13.

3. CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act): CIPA mandates that we take measures to filter internet access to protect students. We are also required to certify that we are in compliance with CIPA in order to receive E-Rate funding.

4. Minnesota Student Data Privacy Act: This act places additional restrictions on how schools and their technology providers can collect, use, and share student data.

5. Minnesota Cybersecurity Incident Reporting Law: This law requires schools to report qualifying cybersecurity incidents to the state within 72 hours.

5 ways we’re keeping data safe

1. Industry standard frameworks: The District aligns its information security program with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework. This framework is a widely recognized and respected set of guidelines for building a strong cybersecurity program.

2. Multi-factor authentication: Multi-factor authentication is required for all staff members accessing sensitive data.

3. Regular security assessments: The District conducts regular security assessments to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

4. Centralized logging and security event management: The District employs security software and systems that provide automated threat detection, security log analysis and incident response.

5. Data backup and recovery: Critical data is regularly backed up and stored within air-gapped backup systems. This enables the District to recover data following a system failure or cyberattack.

A CLOSER LOOK

Public engagement informs new cell phone policy

During the last legislative session, the Minnesota Legislature directed all school districts to adopt a cell phone policy by March 15, 2025. In response, the School Board asked the community to provide feedback regarding student use of cell phones in schools. About 3,000 respondents completed a survey, and two community conversations attracted about 200 attendees.

“This important issue was a perfect opportunity for the Board to use public engagement to inform our decisionmaking process,” says Board member Heidi Danielson. “We practice policy governance, so this is the true work of the Board. We gather feedback, we approve a policy and the administration implements it.”

Cell phone advisory committee

This feedback was shared with a cell phone advisory committee made up of parents, students and staff. The group met three times last fall, and identified themes found in the responses and provided recommendations to the School Board at its December meeting.

In early March, the Board approved a policy effective March 15 that reflects the group’s recommendations:

Elementary schools:

• Elementary students should not access or use cell phones during school hours. For purposes of this policy, school hours are defined as the published start and end times for each school or program that determines the formal school day.

Secondary (middle and high schools):

• Secondary school students should not access or use cell phones during scheduled academic class time or during activities/assemblies when instruction or information is being delivered.

• Secondary students may access and use cell phones during non-academic or unscheduled time during school hours.

“We sought to understand the opportunities and challenges that cell phone use brings to our learning environments,” said Saleh Adem, a cell phone advisory committee member and District parent. “It was inspiring to see how seriously everyone approached this issue.”

Watch a brief video about the cell phone policy engagement process.

District parents Darnell Baker, Sally Gruman and Mona Elabbady discuss recommendations for cell phone use during a cell phone advisory committee meeting.

Before the class bell rings, students like Mounds View High School senior Grace Bury store their cell phones in an assigned pouch in the cell phone caddy.

Award-winning adult programming

The Community Education department casts a wide umbrella in Mounds View Public Schools. They offer programming for youth activities, family events, English language learner classes, GED preparation and Early Childhood. In 2023, Community Education set out to amplify its programming catered towards older adults aged 50+. According to the Minnesota Community Education Association, adults in this age group are a growing demographic and tend to have some common characteristics: they are often in a transition period with changing routines, while also shifting focus from their adult children and careers to thinking about how to spend their newfound free time. Keeping older adults engaged in community programming motivates them to focus on their health, stay active, maintain social relationships and interactions and continue with community involvement. Keeping these characteristics at top of mind, staff created programming with the following goals in mind.

• Reduce social isolation by creating regular, engaging gatherings.

• Enhance quality of life with meals and entertainment.

• Strengthen community ties by involving local schools, organizations and businesses.

• Address common barriers to participation such as cost, accessibility and social discomfort by creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Since expanding adult offerings in 2023, the program has grown by 50%.

Outstanding Senior Programming Award

Community Education has been awarded for its outstanding senior programming with a 2024 Regional Project Award from the Minnesota Community Education Association (MCEA). The award recognizes the District’s Community Senior Lunches, a program launched in 2023 in partnership with the City of New Brighton. Designed to foster social connections and improve the well-being of adults aged 50+, these lunches provide a welcoming space for older adults to gather and enjoy a meal. The monthly lunches feature catering from local businesses, live entertainment, bingo and educational speakers. The program has quickly become a popular option for adults looking to stay connected and engaged, with an average of more than 100 attendees at each event.

More opportunities for connection Community Education offers many opportunities for older adults to connect with their community.

• Adult day trips: These trips are all-inclusive, with entry fees, transportation and meals included for a hassle-free experience.These trips span the region, and have included visits to the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Minnesota Twins games, museums and more.

• Enrichment classes: Adults can register for a variety of enrichment opportunities such as walking clubs, gardening, painting, Mah Jongg, yoga and more.

• Information sessions: Adults can attend free informational sessions on important topics such as Medicare, retirement planning and financial wellness. These sessions equip seniors with valuable knowledge to help them make informed decisions about their future in a casual environment.

• Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels is a community service that delivers nutritious meals to seniors’ homes with the help of volunteers. It is a wonderful way for individuals to stay connected to their communities, remain healthy and live independently for as long as possible, as well as those with a short term need for meals after a hospitalization/surgery. Learn more at mvpschools. org/mealsonwheels.

Visit mvpschools.org/adults to explore adult programs that are currently available.

“Our programs offer an ideal entry point for older adults who may feel unsure about joining traditional events and providing a familiar, safe and comfortable space to connect.”

— Karl Brown, executive director of Community Education

SCHOOL BOARD

Officer elections

Every year at its first meeting in January, the School Board holds an organizational meeting to elect officers, make committee assignments and settle other routine business. This year the Board elected Diane Glasheen as chair, Heidi Danielson as vice chair, Alissa Daire Nelson as clerk and Shauna Bock as treasurer.

Cell phone policy

In December, representatives from the cell phone advisory committee shared an overview of the community engagement process, development of the advisory committee, District survey results and other information gathered. At its meeting in March, the Board approved a policy effective March 15 that reflects the group’s recommendations:

Elementary schools:

Secondary (middle and high schools):

• Secondary school students should not access or use cell phones during scheduled academic class time or during activities/assemblies when instruction or information is being delivered.

• Secondary students may access and use cell phones during non-academic or unscheduled time during school hours.

See story on page 5.

2025 School Board

Levy increase: less than 1%

The Board approved a resolution to certify the 2025 property tax levy. The final certification will be forwarded to Ramsey County for processing of the final property tax statement. The property tax revenue will be available to the District for the 2025-26 school year. The total levy amount is $64,286,578.62 which is an increase of $597,972.42, or less than 1% over the final taxes payable 2024. For more information, visit mvpschools.org/finance.

Audit report

In November, a representative from the audit firm Malloy, Montague, Karnowski, Radosevich & Co., P.A. reviewed the 2023-24 audited financial statements and supplemental reports. During the presentation to the Board, the representative noted that the audit was clean and there were no findings to report. The audit report is available at mvpschools.org/finance.

Non-resident enrollment options 2025-26

Each year, in compliance with state statute, the District reviews student enrollment along with building capacity and decides whether it has the ability to open to nonresident enrollment or if it must continue to limit enrollment to families living outside the District boundaries. This year, the District will have limited capacity at the kindergarten centers and/or elementary schools to offer enrollment to nonresident students at specific grade levels for the 2025-26 school year. The Board passed a resolution opening enrollment to nonresidents on a limited basis in grades K-5 for the 2025-26 school year. The application and more information can be found at mvpschools.org/enroll.

Jonathan Weinhagen, Diane Glasheen, Alissa Daire Nelson, Heidi Danielson, Shauna Bock, Yolanda Magee and Jim DeMay.

EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Mounds View Schools Education Foundation works in collaboration with Mounds View Schools District leadership to identify programs that require funding to advance opportunities for students throughout the Mounds View District.

For more information on the Foundation visit mvsef.org

The Mounds View Schools Education Foundation (MVSEF) celebrated its 12th annual Rock The School House on November 9, 2024, at Silverwood Park. The evening was a resounding success with more than 200 families, staff and community leaders in attendance.

Highlights of the event included a Kahoot “pop quiz” hosted by Highview Middle School principal Lindsey Samec. The audience received outstanding scores when asked questions like:

• How much did the Foundation award in scholarships in 2024? More than $140,000!

• How much does the District spend on fifth-grade outdoor-focused field trips? $10,000-15,000 per year!

MVSEF is honored to support scholarships, helping to fund outdoor education, access to musical instruments and welcoming young learners into the District with ageappropriate books throughout their ECFE journey.

There were many silent and live auction goodies that caught people’s attention, as well as live music that featured a dance-off with Jim Diffley, Cameron Voss, Todd Durand of Pike Lake Elementary School and Jonathan and Nicki Weinhagen — complete with costumes!

Other highlights:

• A $5,000 fund-a-need match, sponsored by Grand Tours.

• The ever-popular Spirits Toss game, hosted by Chris and Laura Bale with Country Financial, The Bale Group.

• Live entertainment by Nick Fax & The Metro Gnomes, sponsored by Jim and Shelley Diffley with The Diffley Team at Edina Realty.

The event wouldn’t have been possible without our sponsors: Land O’Lakes, Old National Bank, American Student Transportation, GrandTours, The Diffley Team at Edina Realty, Total Mechanical Services, Sonia KohliEdina Realty, F&M Bank, RBC - The Great Northern Team, Northeast Bank, TCO, Wold Architects, Centennial Flooring, Kraus-Anderson, IWS Contractors, Country Financial - The Bale Group, Daley Electric, Mix Pharmacy, MVEA, Silver Lake Dental, Vibrant Dental and Voss Real Estate.

Through the collective support of attendees, sponsors, auction donors, Foundation Board members, District staff and event volunteers, the event raised $83,000 to elevate our students’ school experience!

Check out some of the event photos at mvsef.org/rtsh, especially those dance-off photos!

Email mvsef@mvpschools.org if you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities in 2025.

UPCOMING EVENTS

District Art Show

Students from across the District will have the opportunity to show off their artwork this spring at the District Art Show. The event showcases art from artists ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade. The Art Show kicks off Tuesday, May 6, at 5:30 p.m. at Irondale High School. Art will be available for viewing in Irondale’s common areas for one week following the opening event.

Chalkboard Capers

Seventh annual PowWow

Join us on Saturday, April 26, for the Mounds View Public Schools seventh annual PowWow to celebrate and honor American Indian students, education and tradition. This free event will include song, dance and more. The grand entry takes place at 1 p.m. at Irondale High School.

Register for summer camps!

Chalkboard Capers is a variety show presented annually by the Mounds View Education Association. District teachers and staff host the show to raise money for student scholarships for graduating seniors from Irondale High School, Mounds View High School, REACH Academy, Area Learning Center and Adult Basic Education.

Dates & Times

April 9 5:15 p.m.

April 10 .......... 6:30 p.m.

April 11 6:30 p.m.

April 12 .......... 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Irondale High School (2425 Long Lake Rd, New Brighton)

Ticket information can be found at mvpschools.org/chalkboardcapers.

Chalkboard CAPERS

Registration for elementary and middle school summer day camps opens March 18 at 9 a.m. Flip through the digital catalog and register at mvpschools.org/communityed

Spring plays

Irondale Puffs

April 24-27

Mounds View

Mean Girls

May 1-4

AROUND THE DISTRICT

National School Lunch Week

The Nutrition Services department celebrated National School Lunch Week by holding student recipe contests at each elementary school. The winners won the opportunity to serve their winning recipe to their classmates at lunch for one day throughout November and December. Middle and high school students could also participate by submitting a photo for the school lunch photo contest.

Keira Rott, Bel Air

Hanes Howard, Island Lake

Mason Sonka, Island Lake

Emma McMahon, Pinewood

Ethan Budinger, Sunnyside

June Steffel, Turtle Lake

Sophia Mauricio, Valentine Hills

Evelyn Volner, Valentine Hills

Exploring girlhood through history

Highview Middle School eighth-graders visited the Minnesota History Center’s “Girlhood: It’s complicated” exhibit in October as part of a field trip that also made a stop at the Minnesota State Capitol. The traveling exhibit, which runs through June, was developed by the National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian Institution. Students learned about categories such as education, health, work, sports and fashion.

Professional development

Mounds View District health and physical education staff attended the annual Minnesota Society of Health, Aquatics and Physical Education (MNSHAPE) conference last fall.

Irondale grows its own talent

First-year Irondale High School teacher Anna Kang has a long history of teaching the English language – just not here. After mastering the English language mostly on her own as a young immigrant, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English and taught English to students in Korea. Then she realized she wanted to teach the language to students in the United States. She started working at Irondale as a multi-language paraprofessional while looking at teacher preparation programs. Kang began the University of Minnesota’s Grow Your Own Teachers program, a companion dual-language immersion education program that offers an alternative path to teaching for those with a bachelor’s degree who are working in schools but don’t have a full teaching license.

Pinewood Elementary School first-grader Emma McMahon gets ready to serve her winning recipe, broccoli alfredo pasta, to her classmates.

Highview Middle School eighth-grader Reece Johnson poses for a photo outside of the Minnesota History Museum’s “Girlhood: It’s complicated” exhibit.

Front: Tom Yang, Heidi Williams, Mary Kuritz, Jeanne Lukens, Michel Stern, Sarah Bovee and Jesse Ostertag. Back: Chad Utley, David Leiser, Joe Persuitti, Ben Gort, Brad Schwartzbauer, Rob Rousseau, Joe Palke and Chet Springborn

AROUND THE DISTRICT

Fall Performances

Mounds View Theater performs a classic

Mounds View High School Theater presented Kate Hamill’s comedic adaptation of Pride & Prejudice for more than 1,150 attendees in November. Audiences laughed, gasped and cried as Jane Austen’s characters came to life on the Mounds View stage.

Irondale Drama performs ‘Spongebob: The Musical’

The Irondale Drama department performed Spongebob: The Musical in November. This was a challenging performance that required the talent of many musicians, actors, costume designers and set designers.

Edgewood Middle School presents ‘Wizard of Oz’

Highview Middle School presents ‘Annie Jr.’

AROUND THE DISTRICT

Debate team featured on KDWB

The Mounds View High School debate team visited KDWB’s Dave Ryan in the Morning Show to debate the hosts on a variety of topics: streaming vs. cable, beach vs. mountains and more. Scan the QR Code below to watch the video.

Using technology to reach families

TalkingPoints, the District-wide texting platform for teachers and families, has seen a 26% increase in usage since last school year. Families can communicate via text message or use an optional app to message with their student’s teacher. Edgewood Middle School social studies teacher Zoe Kourajian also uses it to communicate with families and students who may not speak English as their first language, thanks to its AI-powered translation tools. Teachers are also using tools like Google Translate to partially communicate lessons for students learning English. “It’s empowering,” she said. “The technology is definitely increasing the equity of how we communicate with families.” About 53% of District teaching staff are using the platform, and have sent more than 51,700 messages to families.

Adult Education offers training for high-demand jobs

Two students in the Commercial Drivers License program (CDL) in the District’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) program participated in site tours at American Student Transportation last fall, potentially leading to employment driving buses for the District. ABE partners with local businesses to offer a unique path to employment for adult students. This includes hands-on training at no cost in the areas of transportation, education and healthcare.These types of partnerships offer jobs currently in high demand and offer employment prospects immediately after certification.

Brainstorming with lawmakers

Mounds View High School senior Quincy Shi visited the Minnesota State Capitol to brainstorm with lawmakers in December. As part of the Youth Policy Forum, 85 students from across the state attended to collaborate with lawmakers on a variety of different topics. Quincy will return during the legislative session to help write bills and testify in front of legislators. “Our idea is definitely trying to get civic engagement and education regarding state government and local government into our curriculum,” said Quincy.

Social studies teacher Zoe Kourajian partially communicates a class lesson in Vietnamese to her student Vinh, right, using Google Translate (Photo courtesy of the Star Tribune).

Culture & Heritage Night

Turtle Lake Elementary School hosted its second annual Culture & Heritage Night in January. The event featured more than 20 tables representing students’ diverse heritages and welcomed more than 300 attendees. Attendees shared traditions through native dress, food and engaging activities such as the opportunity to play African drums.

Camp Enterprise nurtures entrepreneurial spirit

Three Mounds View High School DECA members attended Camp Enterprise, an immersive, three-day camp that gives students insight into what it takes to launch a start-up company. Thanishka Shetty, Hanz Kevin Espinas and Fatma Rashed gained practical insights into the entrepreneurial landscape. “The experience of working in teams, solving real-world business problems and interacting with mentors helped me understand my strengths and areas for improvement,” said Hanz.

Free heart screenings

Highview Middle School hosted a free heart screening event in partnership with Play For Patrick, a local nonprofit that aims to raise awareness about youth cardiac health. The organization screened 144 youth ages 14-24, and taught CPR awareness to more than 150 people at the event. Those with abnormal screening results were advised to follow-up with their physicians to seek treatment options.

Kindergarten Signing Day

Future students were invited to a kindergarten information night at Pike Lake Kindergarten Center in January, where families were able to take a tour of the building and meet staff. Students could then participate in a “signing day” ceremony, complete with a giant pencil!

Turtle Lake fourth-grader Evanna Hu attends the school’s second annual Culture & Heritage Night.

AROUND THE DISTRICT

Artwork on display

Twelve high school art students were selected to have their artworks displayed at the Northwestern High School Art Exhibition at North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park. The exhibit features student artwork from more than a dozen area schools.

Irondale students:

Ve Anderson

Aurora Ashford

Athena Bahatan

Landon Grant

Eliza Harris

Daphne Kapplinger

AJ Tong

Ayla Paige

Tristan Pooler

June Reese

Mounds View students:

Anna Honebrink

Gloria Liu

Family Library Night

Pinewood Elementary School hosts Family Library Nights throughout the school year with the goal of fostering a sense of school community and a love of reading. In February, Pinewood hosted Deanna StandingCloud, Red Lake Nation Anishinaabe and District parent, for a guest reading. After a shared feast, families headed to the library to enjoy the book, Nenaboozhoo and Paul Bunyan, read by Deanna in both English and Anishinaabe/Ojibwe. She also told the the origin story of the Big Dipper. Students and their parents were then able to ask questions and borrow books about Native American history and culture.

Engineering accessible seating

When special education teacher Julie Luedke needed seating support for her students with physical challenges, Dr. Tim Berndt knew his Introduction to Engineering students from Irondale and Mounds View high schools would be up to the task. Students Angelo Bravo, Aydin Kendic and Jack Wendland designed and created eight support chairs that usually retail for $400 each. With funding from the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, Berdnt is hoping to make additional chairs, as well as chairs in smaller sizes for elementary school students.

Local author visits Turtle Lake

Turtle Lake Elementary School and the Turtle Lake PTA welcomed local author David LaRochelle for a visit where he shared some stories about his life as an author and illustrator. He recently finished a four-week stint working with thirdgraders as an artist-in-residence, capping off his 39th year of partnership with Turtle Lake. Larochelle is the recipient of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, multiple children’s choice awards and a four-time winner of the Minnesota Book Award.

Tristan Pooler, Irondale High School

Congressional App Challenge

Mounds View High School students Amanitya Ghosh and John Stepnowski, along with two students from Eden Prairie High School, took third place in the Congressional App Challenge, a nationwide STEAM competition for students interested in technology to develop their own app. Amanitya and John developed PalorahAI, an app designed to assist nonprofits succeed using artificial intelligence.

Quiz Bowl

United States Senate Youth Program

Mounds View High School senior Emily Ren was selected as one of only two students in the state to represent Minnesota in the United States Youth Senate Program in Washington, D.C. Each year, the highest-achieving highschool student leaders from each state are selected to serve as delegates to the program through an extremely competitive merit-based selection process held nationwide. In March, she will spend a week in Washington for the opportunity to experience the national government in action. Emily will also receive a $10,000 scholarship. She hopes to study international relations and work for a U.S. Embassy in the future.

Math Art Contest

Highview Middle School eighth-grader Ariana Park was named a winner of the 2024 World Wide Desmos Art Expo for her submission created entirely on a graphing calculator. The Desmos Math Art Contest is open annually to students ages 13-18 to showcase their graphing calculator skills, creativity and love of math. See Ariana’s art graph at desmos.com/art#13.

Edgewood Middle School hosted its annual Quiz Bowl tournament in January. Team A won first place, and Teams B and C tied for ninth place in a field of 28 teams. Eighth-grader Hank O’Hara, pictured below, won first place for individual performance out of 127 students.

Highview Middle School eighth-grader Ariana Park created this piece of art using a graphing calculator.

Visit mvps.me/ PalorahAI to watch Amanitya Ghosh and John Stepnowski’s submission video for the Congressional App Challenge.

WITH HONORS

Veterans of Foreign Wars essay contest

Each fall, the Brooker Edmond VFW Post 724 from New Brighton service organization sponsors writing contests for students at the middle school level (Patriot’s Pen) and the high school level (Voice of Democracy). The topic this year was “My Voice in America’s Democracy.” District winners include:

Mounds View High School

Amy Wu, first place (not pictured)

Highview Middle School

Henley Nutter, first place

Caring Youth Award

Mounds View High School

sophomore Zoe Buzan was awarded the Shoreview Caring Youth Award, awarded to youth in the Shoreview area who participate in organizations that benefit Shoreview and give back to the community. Zoe volunteers for the Silverwood Teen Arts Council and the Tamarack Nature Center.

DECA Emerging Leader award

Mounds View High School seniors Thanishka Shetty and Emily Ren earned the prestigious DECA Emerging Leader Honors. Awardees must show excellence in community engagement, professional responsibility and exemplary leadership while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.2.

Top honors at DECA competition

Ten Irondale High School DECA competitors placed first in their events at the district-wide competition at Spring Lake Park High School in February. DECA competitions are designed for students to showcase their business knowledge and skills in areas like marketing, finance, hospitality and management, allowing them to demonstrate their abilities through simulated real-world business scenarios and case studies, ultimately preparing them for future careers in those fields while developing leadership skills.

More than 40 Mounds View High School students competed at the DECA district-level competition, with the following students earning first place in their categories out of more than 350 competitors.

Samuel Feleke, Apparel and Accessories Marketing

Aishah Javed, Sales Demonstration

Maryam Shahkhan, Human Resources Management

Thanishka Shetty, Innovation Plan and Marketing Communications Series

Amy Wu, Food Marketing

Principal Lindsey Samec, Patriot Pen essay contest winner Henley Nutter, Brooker Edmond VFW Post 724 representative Terry Hoye and associate principal Nathan Johnson.

Thanishka Shetty Emily Ren

Irondale High School DECA competitors advanced to the state competition held in March.

MUSIC HONORS

Wind Ensemble honors

Forty five members of Irondale High School’s Wind Ensemble performed at the 2025 Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Convention in Minneapolis. In order to be invited to this exclusive event, bands had to submit an audition, and only the top ensembles from the pool of applicants were selected to perform at the conference.

SEC Music Festival

Irondale High School hosted the annual Suburban East Conference (SEC) Music Festival in February. Following a concert for the community on the first day, AllConference musicians in the top band, choir and orchestras from each conference school performed for clinicians and other musicians in a daylong music festival.

(not pictured)

Violin: Evan Chu, Konomu Gustafson, Hannah Song, James Isaacson

Viola: Sarah Pederson, Keyleigh Shrom

Cello: Andrew Roloff

Bass: Spencer Olson, Benjamin Chattopadhyay

Mounds View Honors band

Irondale All-Conference musicians

Irondale 9th- and 10th-grade Honors choir

Mounds View Honors choir

Mounds View Honors orchestra

IRONDALE SPORTS UPDATE

New school records

The boys Swim and Dive team broke five school records at the Section 5AA True Team meet in January.

• The 200m medley relay (Henry Botten, Gannon Willmert, Lucas Megahan and Isaac Botten) finished with a time of 1:36.09 compared to the previous record of 1:39.40 set in 1986.

• The 200m freestyle relay (Isaac Botten, Henry Botten, Gannon Willmert and Lucas Megahan) with a time of 1:27.44 compared to the previous record of 1:29.46, set in 1998.

• The 400m freestyle relay (Isaac Botten, Henry Botten, Sam Reichert and Lucas Megahan) with a time of 3:14.77 compared to the previous record of 3:18.39, set in 1979.

• Lucas Megahan broke the 100m butterfly record with a time of 49.82, compared to the previous record of 51.34.

• Henry Botten broke the 100m backstroke record with a time of 51.88, compared to the previous record of 52.55.

Wrestling

Sophomore wrestler Arlo Brinkman hit 100 career wins in January.

Nordic skiing

The boys sprint relay team (Erik Olson and Luke O’Rourke) took an eighth-place finish at the 2025 Nordic ski racing state tournament.

Boys basketball

Senior Jake Dedominces hit a 1,000 career points milestone in December.

Pictured left to right: Lucas Megahan, Sam Reichert, Isaac Botten, Henry Botten and Gannon Willmert celebrate after breaking five school records in January.

Jump Ball Jamboree

The Irondale girls basketball team hosted their annual Jump Ball Jamboree in November, a youth camp that invites young girls interested in basketball for a day of lessons, skill practice and connection. “I think it’s a good

opportunity to set a good example for the kids, and let them know that they always have someone to look up to,” said senior Mabel Badejo. Watch a video recap of the event at mvps.me/jumpball

Top GPA in the state

The girls Swim and Dive Sections team had an average GPA of 4.05, which was the highest swimming & diving team GPA in the state.

Follow the Irondale Knights on Instagram @irondale_activities

For the most up-to-date news, visit the Activities and Athletics website at irondaleactivities.org facebook.com/ IrondaleHighSchool

Get your tickets online

Ticket sales for all home athletic contests are now online. Purchases can be made on a smartphone, tablet or computer. Learn more and purchase tickets online or download the Hometown Ticket app here: mvpschools.org/tickets

College commitment

Lulu Semakula committed to continue her academic and athletic journey in diving at the Air Force Academy. Look for a complete list of college commitments in the summer 2025 issue.

SPORTS UPDATE MOUNDS VIEW

Back-to-back state champions!

Wrestling

Senior wrestler Brett Swenson (127 pounds) won his second state championship in wrestling at the Class 3AAA championship in March.

Nordic skiing

At the Nordic skiing state tournament, sophomore Linnea Ousdigian (pictured) took the first place title for the second year in a row, and senior Owen Kalmes was named AllState, finishing 16th overall. Both the boys and girls Nordic ski teams placed second overall at the conference championships in February.

Coaching milestone

Boys basketball head coach Dave Leiser hit 200 career wins as a coach.

Photo courtesy of the Pioneer Press

Photo courtesy of the Shoreview Press.

Dance Team

Viewettes dance team members Maddie Thyren, Luca Galvin and Eleni Van Cleave were selected to represent Class AAA and the school as part of the Minnesota Association of Dance Teams 2025 All-State Team.

Hot Highlights winner

Senior football player Godson RufusOkomhanru won TruStone Financial Credit Union’s Hot Highlights Play of the Week in December and was awarded a $2,500 prize.

Follow the Mounds View Mustangs on Instagram @gomvmustangs

For the most up-to-date news, visit the Activities and Athletics website at mvpschools.org/mvactivities.

College commitments

In November, nine student athletes committed to continue their athletic and academic journeys at the collegiate level.

• Caden Ayshford, lacrosse, Mercyhurst University

• Nate Edelman, baseball, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

• Owen Kalmes, cross country and track & field, South Dakota State University

• Colton Loween, wrestling, Augsburg University (not pictured)

• Liliana Peleska, soccer, University of Minnesota Duluth

• Casey Poppler, cross country and track & field, University of St. Thomas

• Jacob Sampson, football, Winona State University (not pictured)

• Brett Swenson, wrestling, University of Minnesota (not pictured)

• Ethan Swenson, wrestling, Augsburg University (not pictured)

Team Academic Awards

The Minnesota High School Coaches Association has awarded Team Gold Academic Awards to:

Football

Girls Tennis

Girls Cross Country

Get your tickets online

Boys Cross Country

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

Mounds View

Independent School District 621

4570 Victoria St. N

Shoreview, MN 55126