School Talk, summer 2021

School Talk

SUMMER 2021

Making a splash

Schools celebrate construction completion

Also inside: Commencement 2021 • Student honors

Construction: A

fter years of research, planning, design and construction, all of the District’s schools have added muchneeded space to better serve students.

The finished result?

All of the projects were completed on time, on budget and on target for addressing the four main recommendations determined by the Facilities Task Force four years ago.

• 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.

Add space

• Teachers should not operate from carts unless it is instructionally appropriate.

To provide capacity and to support rising enrollment:

Enhance safety and security

• Cafeteria spaces should be expanded.

• Gymnasium spaces should be flexed.

• Arts and performance spaces should be improved and modernized.

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

• Family engagement spaces should be improved and modernized.

Create 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.

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

• 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.

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

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

• Secured entrances at all times.

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

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

• Aging and inefficient lighting needs improvement in all schools.

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

TIMELINE: February 2016 School Board asks for comprehensive facilities study

March 2017 Facilities task force recommends adding space

November 2017 On the cover:

Irondale junior Mezi Koke practices the butterfly stroke in the new Irondale High School pool located at Edgewood Middle School.

Editors

Superintendent

Megan McKeen Colin Sokolowski

Designer Susan Abbott

Photographers Greg Helgeson J.J. Killins Lifetouch Megan McKeen

Chris Lennox

2021 School Board Shauna Bock Heidi Danielson Jim DeMay Diane Glasheen Marre Jo Sager Jonathan Weinhagen Sandra Westerman

School Talk is published by Mounds View Public Schools, Independent School District 621.

Send correspondence to School Talk editor, 4570 Victoria St. N., Shoreview, MN 55126, e-mail megan.mckeen@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 Basima Mohamed, taleefanka 651-724-7482.

Like us:

Watch us:

Follow us:

Visit us:

www.moundsviewschools.org

Voters approve $165 million bond proposal

December 2017 First phase of school design process begins

April 2019 District-wide ground-breaking celebration

July 2021 All projects officially completed

On time & on budget If a picture is worth a thousand words, then it seems appropriate to devote most of this issue to celebrating the new spaces with a pictorial feature.

Here’s a guide to viewing photos from each school’s completed construction project.

School Page

School Page

Pike Lake Education Center.......... 4

Middle Schools:

Elementary Schools:

You’re invited to a

uction r t s Con Completion tion! a r b ele

Chippewa.............................. 11

Bel Air....................................... 5

Edgewood.............................. 12

Island Lake............................... 6

Highview................................ 13 High Schools:

Sunnyside................................. 8

Irondale................................. 14-15

Turtle Lake................................ 9

Mounds View......................... 16-17

C

Pinewood.................................. 7

Valentine Hills........................... 10

Videos and photo albums are at moundsviewschools.org/facilities. * Snail Lake Education Center Prior to the 2016 facilities study, the District used existing budgets to update Snail Lake Education Center as it transitioned into a home for early childhood and kindergarten programs.

Thursday, September 23 5 – 8 p.m.

BY THE NUMBERS

0 Lost-time injuries

buildings 12 School impacted

Total months 36 of construction

Simultaneous open houses with tours at every site.

134,665

New square 214,760 feet added Total $164.8M project cost

Existing square feet renovated

See back cover for school addresses.

SUMMER 2021

School Talk

3

Construction: Pike Lake Education Center

Projects • Two-classroom addition Timeline Spring 2019 to summer 2019

4

School Talk

SUMMER 2021

Bel Air Elementary School

Projects

Timeline

• Two-story classroom addition and special education suite

Spring 2019 to summer 2020

• Expanded cafeteria and kitchen • Improved band/orchestra space • Dedicated bus area with assigned bus parking stalls • Office addition, front entry expansion and renovation

SUMMER 2021

School Talk

5

Construction: Island Lake Elementary School Projects • Three-classroom addition • Renovated and expanded special education classrooms • Renovated and improved classrooms in and around the learning media center • Expanded front lobby and secured entry Timeline Spring 2019 to fall 2019

6

School Talk

SUMMER 2021

Pinewood Elementary School

Projects • Two-classroom addition and flexible learning spaces • Improved parent drop-off and bus loop Timeline Spring 2020 to fall 2020

SUMMER 2021

School Talk

7

Construction: Sunnyside Elementary School

Projects • Five-classroom addition and flexible learning spaces • Expanded cafeteria and kitchen • Improved band/orchestra space Timeline Spring 2020 to fall 2020

8

School Talk

SUMMER 2021

Turtle Lake Elementary School

Projects • Eight-classroom addition • Expanded cafeteria and kitchen • Improved parent drop-off Timeline Spring 2019 to early 2020

SUMMER 2021

School Talk

9

Construction: Valentine Hills Elementary School Projects

Timeline

• Two-story classroom addition and special education suite

Spring 2020 to spring 2021

• Three remodeled classrooms • Expanded cafeteria and kitchen

10

School Talk

SUMMER 2021

Chippewa Middle School Projects • Renovated commons area and flexible gathering space • New secured front entry into the main office • Expanded and renovated main office • New exterior entrance and side paneling Timeline Spring 2020 to fall 2020

SUMMER 2021

School Talk

11

Construction: Edgewood Middle School

Projects • Six-classroom addition • Two new flexible learning areas • One new science lab and two renovated science classrooms • Expanded cafeteria and kitchen • Additional gym/multi-purpose space • Improved performance space • New pool • New community lobby and entrance to activities space • Separated parent drop-off and bus loop Timeline Spring 2019 to fall 2020

12

School Talk

SUMMER 2021

Highview Middle School Projects • Improved orchestra space • Secured front entry into the main office • Improved parent drop-off and bus loop Timeline Summer 2018

SUMMER 2021

School Talk

13

Construction: Irondale High School

Projects • Seven-classroom addition • Renovated commons area and flex learning spaces • Two relocated and renovated classrooms • Renovated hallway intersections • New 650-seat auditorium • Improved fitness/wellness space in repurposed pool location • Renovated front entrance and main offices Timeline Spring 2019 to spring 2021

14

School Talk

SUMMER 2021

SUMMER 2021

School Talk

15

Construction: Mounds View High School

Projects • 13-classroom addition • Renovated commons area and flex learning spaces • Expanded several undersized classrooms • Expanded kitchen • Additional four-station gymnasium space • Improved fitness space • Additional parking • Improved parent drop-off Timeline Spring 2019 to spring 2021

16

School Talk

SUMMER 2021

SUMMER 2021

School Talk

17

Construction: A community collaboration Hundreds of staff members, parents, students, residents and alumni contributed input and insight into the District’s construction efforts. We thank them all for their time and generosity in improving our schools.

Facilities Task Force Evaluated the state of facilities (2016-17) and recommended expansions and improvements.

Mark Anderson Shauna Bock Bill Booth Carrie Bowler Ron Broberg Karl Brown Dennis Cheesebrow Rumna Chowdhury Heidi Danielson Scott Davis Jim Diffley Bruce Erickson Brian Flanagan Diane Glasheen Penny Howard Edeth James Ruth Kauls Poornima Kavathekar J.J. Killans Lars Leafblad Chris Lennox

Bjorn Lundgren Bob Madison Scott McQueen Jan Merrell Shannon Mildenberger Jen Mohlenhoff Carole Nielsen Chris Paquette Angie Peschel Lindsey Samec Andy Schmidt Mike Schwartz Udai Singh Colin Sokolowski Jennifer Swensen Aaron Tsai Stacey Vanderport John Ward David White Bev Zelinski

Researched and selected flexible classroom furniture to meet students’ learning needs.

Motivated voters to approve the bond request.

18

School Talk

Pike Lake Education Center

Sunnyside Elementary School

Kristy De Los Reyes Rendell Hansen Lisa Hatlestad Natasha Johnson Ryan Lang Susan Lee Judy Marchiafava Sara Morelli Jessica Rauschke Susan Stoner Kristin Weber

Nate Blinn Casey Bushard Karen Degan Nathan Flansburg Deanna Henry Kathryn Johnson Megan Maury Candy McHale Jenna Pomraning Amanda Robertson Lisa Taylor Jodi Vanderbilt Andy Wait Derek Whitcomb

Kent Doncavage Dawn Fernstrom Jean Gjovik Will Humke Jean Modjeski Tony Paetznick Tina Poore Dawn Ralston Andy Schmidt Susan Scott Lindsey Stachon Dawn Wiegand

Neighbors United

Jeff Ridlehoover Shannon Roney Molly Schned Mike Schwartz Jill Smith Jillian Tomsche Stacey Vanderport Molly Welk Gretchen Zahn

Created the spaces.

Bel Air Elementary School

Furniture design committee Paul Aplikowski Lisa Colbert Jen Cunningham Todd Durand Tyler Ertl Lauren Hadden Lindsey Minten Carole Nielsen Angie Peschel

School design committees

Wachen Anderson Katie Barrett Wiik Asha Baskaran Caroline Beckman Shauna Bock Heather Brown Julie Busby Heidi Danielson Jim DeMay Jim Diffley Lindsey Fabian Lucy Flaherty Jeanne Frischman Kara Galvin Diane Glasheen Heidi Gonzalez Nancy Gregory Deanna Henry Shelly Hutchcroft Mary Jacob Mark Jansen Ruth Kauls Scott Kauls Poornima Kavathekar

SUMMER 2021

J.J. Killins Dawn Kirk Chris Knopf Eric Knutson Lars Leafblad Josh Madison Stephanie Malone Jan Merrell Jen Mohlenhoff Lina Nazareth Allison Ratwik Shelley Rhein Bryan Schmidt Lisa Schmidt Amy Seehusen Susan Seyfarth Udai Singh Lindsay Stachon Erin Stalsberg Eric Tell Aaron Tsai Michelle Wood Liz Zupfer

Island Lake Elementary School Elizabeth Catterall Todd Durand Poornima Kavathekar Emily Koch Erica Marshall Anne Nelson Emily Reed Brenda Roloff StaceyJo Volna Debbie Zamow

Pinewood Elementary School Megan Brodeur Gail Erickson Stefanie Glad Becca Johnson Lindsey Minten Catherine O’Connell Andrew Skinner Dan Struck Taylor Toellner

Turtle Lake Elementary School Debbie Breen Renee Carlson Jim Diffley Robin Dolbow Sarah Duffy Jim Fleischer Melissa Haugen Marta Hilfer-Marentette Darin Johnson Lynn Middleton-Koller Tracy Pluim Emily Scanlon Erin Stalsberg

Valentine Hills Elementary School Connie Aiken Aldo Cantellano Dana Kappes Eric Knutson Mary Lawrence Karilyn Miller Jen Moren Lindsey Samec Greta Schramm Kate Zobro-Daniels Joan Wolf

Chippewa Middle School Mega Arnold Lynne Arnold-Walker April Berthiaume Jim Diffley Patty Dillner Jon Fleischer Tiffany Hegberg

Residents

Thank you!

Molly Hollihan Celina LaBlanche Elizabeth Missaghi Rob Reetz Katie Robertson Kaylin Rudolph Colin Sokolowski Taylor Swanson Scott Vetter Office design Lynne Arnold-Walker Patty Dillner Tiffany Hegberg Molly Hollihan Celina LaBlanche Taylor Swanson Commons April Berthiaume Molly Hollihan Rob Reetz Kaylin Rudolph Taylor Swanson Scott Vetter Boyd Weiger

Edgewood Middle School Aimee Causey Liz Cummings Mark Gustafson Julie Hartinger Penny Howard Shannon Mildenberger Eric Nelson

Breanna Peloquin Andy Peterson Xavier Reed Jillian Tomsche Chris Van House Jessica Vigoren Pool design Karl Brown Rory Coplan Chris Fink Jim Galvin Penny Howard Scott Koke Lisa McCallum Eric Nelson Jim Olson Chris Paquette Matt Pehl Breanna Peloquin Jeff Ridlehoover John Ward

Highview Middle School Jim Bartsch Kim Boyd Sam Carew Ben Chiri Sheila Eller Bruce Erickson Sharon Hicok Mike Lundberg Andy Schmidt

On Election Day 2017, voters in Mounds View Public Schools approved the $165 million facilities bond request. Please know how grateful we are to have our community’s support to better serve the growing needs of our students and our community.

Irondale High School Mark Ahlers Kevin Bourassa Chelsey Branham Andrea Butler Heidi Danielson Jason Etten Chris Fink Jeanne Frischman Amy Janecek Shannon McLean Andrew Mons Heather Murphy-Lethert Heidi Shah Bill St. Martin Gary Swanson Auditorium design Josh Barnd Karl Brown Bruce Cameron Jason Etten Chris Fink John Krejchik Janet Paone Bill Sucha Ann Whiting John Woskoff

Mounds View High School Theresa Anderson Terri Bergstrom Stephanie Bruggers

Jenna Claflin Lori Diekoff Jessica Durand Jim Galvin Scott Kauls Ingrid Kleinjan Dave Leiser Aaron Moberg Kaitie O’Bryan Jeff Ridlehoover Mike Schwartz Tina Tanner Paul Vijums John Ward Aaron Willford

Special thanks to...

Gymnasium design Ashlie Anzel Tom Bruggers Karl Brown Ross Fleming Jim Galvin Scott Kauls Dave Leiser Aaron Moberg Aaron Redman Jeff Ridlehoover Rob Roe Michael Schwartz Diane Shaw Dan Skog Jeff Swenson Paul Vijums John Ward Scott Ylkanen

Chris Paquette, Todd Hansen and the entire District maintenance team Mike Schwartz, District construction liaison Carole Nielsen, executive director of business services Dan Hoverman, Superintendent Emeritus Chris Lennox, Superintendent

School principals Kristi Abbott Stephanie Bruggers Todd Durand Sheila Eller Nathan Flansburg Molly Hollihan Penny Howard Amy Janecek Darin Johnson Carol Kampa Ryan Lang Rob Reetz Lindsey Samec Andrew Skinner Cori Thompson Dawn Wiegand

School Board members Shauna Bock Heidi Danielson Jim DeMay Diane Glasheen Bob Helgeson Amy Jones Greg Madsen Marre Jo Sager Jon Tynjala Jonathan Weinhagen Sandra Westerman

Video volunteers Spoke about the importance of expanded spaces.

Stephanie Bruggers Ellisha Dunnigan Molly Hollihan Will Humke Carol Kampa Julia McGough Lindsey Minten Madeline Perszyk Dan Perucco Lindsey Samec

Design partners at Wold Architects

Bri Sislo-Schutta Andrew Skinner Jason Spencer-Lima Taylor Swanson Cori Thompson Richmond Tweh Ethan Von Grey Andy Wait Dawn Wiegand Joan Wolf

Paul Aplikowski Tyler Ertl Douglas Kahl Sean Kelly Nick Marcucci Scott McQueen Jill Smith Misica Tang Jacob Windschitl

SUMMER 2021

Construction partners at Kraus Anderson John Huenink Anthony Leon Khalid Maye Esteban Perez Mike Phillips Michael Stenbeck Alex Titterud Gary Zifko

School Talk

19

A CLOSER LOOK

Fall 2021: Returning to daily, in-person classes and activities

In the meantime...

N

ow that the most challenging school year in memory has concluded, what can we expect for fall 2021?

In April, the District announced plans to return to daily, in-person classes and activities for all students and all schools in fall 2021.

“This decision was made based on the best information available at this time,” said Superintendent Chris Lennox. “And we ask everyone to remain vigilant in complying with health and safety guidelines at all times to ensure an uninterrupted school year in 2021-22.”

Specific fall guidelines remain unclear. In May, the state announced that its Safe Learning Plan was in effect for all public schools until the last day of the 2020-21 school year. That means all public schools in the state concluded the school year observing the Safe Learning Plan’s mask requirements in schools and on buses. But the state is not requiring masks for school occupants in fall.

The following reflects current intentions for fall 2021 considering the best information available at this time — subject to change as future guidance may change.

A look ahead: 2021-22 Vaccinations not required Although most staff and many students will be fully vaccinated, at this time COVID-19 vaccinations are not required nor included as a part of School Immunization Law in Minnesota.

Distance learning discontinued Mounds View Public Schools will provide in-person learning only.

Exceptions will include the e-ALC, hybrid and online classes offered by the high schools that were in place before the pandemic.

Mask mandate ended The Minnesota Department of Education required public schools to adhere to its Safe Learning Plan until the last day of instruction for 2020-21. As such, starting on June 11 masks are no longer

20

School Talk

required for school building occupants. However, a federal guideline requires masks for those riding a school bus.

Distancing requirements unclear As always, school districts will be expected to implement all public health guidance as required by the state. At this time, schools are waiting to learn more about what those expectations will be for the fall.

Free meals for all students All students can receive free meals next school year thanks to an extension of a federal meals program through the 2021-22 school year.

No applications are necessary. Meals include breakfast and lunch.

SUMMER 2021

This summer, all schools are following these requirements and recommenda­tions from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

Requirements • The CDC requires face coverings for those on buses.

• MDH requires schools to report positive cases.

Recommendations • The MDH and CDC strongly recommended that all people present in school buildings wear a face covering, even if vaccinated.

• Physical distancing and cohorting will continue to the extent possible.

• Routine cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces will continue.

• Hand hygiene practices and routines will continue.

• Health screenings at home will continue.

• Isolating individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will continue.

• Contact tracing and notifying individuals who have been exposed will continue.

SCHOOL BOARD 2021-22 school calendar

2021 School Board

In April, the Board approved a recently revised 2021-22 school year calendar. The calendar was updated with a modified start date of Wednesday, September 8, due to the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashana. The previous start date was Tuesday, September 7. Visit the calendars page at moundsviewschools.org/calendars to see the current calendar and the next two school year calendars.

Diane Glasheen, Heidi Danielson, Jonathan Weinhagen, Sandra Westerman, Marre Jo Sager, Shauna Bock and Jim DeMay.

Operational Plan Each year, the School Board approves a series of goals and related activities on which the Superintendent and Cabinet will focus their work.

This is known as the District Operational Plan (DOP). Priority goals for 2021-22 include: • Centralize the District’s “Welcome and Enrollment Services.”

• Align and strengthen career and college advising services in middle and high schools.

• Provide a successful return to school with effective implementation of the learning model, structures and student supports.

• Continue to enhance and expand student access to new flexible furniture and technology.

• Design and implement a 1:1 technology plan for middle school and high school instruction.

• Centralize, align and strengthen the District’s system of student support and intervention.

• Complete contract negotiations with all employee groups while aligning expenditures and revenue, keeping class sizes within Boardapproved ranges, limiting legacy costs and balancing the need to attract and retain the best employees.

School Board election notice This November, voters will elect three residents to serve four-year terms on the School Board. The School Board is made up of seven citizens elected at-large by voters in the District every two years to serve four-year overlapping terms. At the end of a four-year term, members may run for reelection to successive terms.

Voting takes place at general elections in November and terms begin the first Monday in January thereafter. The period for filing affidavits of candidacy for the office of School Board member begins July 27 and closes at 5 p.m. on August 10. Affidavits of candidacy may be obtained from and filed in the Ramsey County Elections Office, 90 West Plato Blvd., Suite 160, St. Paul, MN 55164. The election will be November 2, 2021.

Budget approved In June, the Board approved the 2021-22 District budget.

Complete details can be found on the Budgets and Finance page at moundsviewschools.org. The adopted budget will maintain stable class sizes and current programming, and it will allow the District to continue its commitment to the Pre K–14 plan for all students.

SUMMER 2021

School Talk

21

MOUNDS VIEW SCHOOLS E D U C A T I O N

F O U N D A T I O N

HOW WILL

ROCK 2021?

Tune into the fundraiser that suits YOU

IN

-P

ER

SO

N

A

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Rewind and attend the event in person.

WHAT

WHEN Saturday, September 11, 2021 WHERE North Oaks Golf Club TICKETS Available online at mvsef.org/rtsh $90 per person INCLUDED Online auction and live auction Passed appetizers and stations Woodfire pizza and totcho bar Interactive activities Valet parking EXTRAS We've Got the Spirits Ring Toss, presented by Edina Realty, Jim and Shelley Diffley, will be available for purchase at an additional cost.

22

School Talk

SUMMER 2021

T

-H

O

M

The Foundation is excited to announce a series of events for you to show your support in fun and meaningful ways, benefitting the students of Mounds View Public Schools. mvsef.org/rtsh

E IN

-P

ER

SO

N

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8

Sit back and tune into a program at home.

Easy listening over an intimate luncheon.

WHAT Rock the School House At-Home Virtual Viewing Party WHEN Saturday, September 11, 2021 WHERE Your home TICKETS Available online at mvsef.org/rtsh Starting at $20 per household INCLUDED Online and premier auction Rockin' Celebration Guide Online program EXTRAS Tickets that include at-home event kits are also available for purchase.

WHAT Light Rock Luncheon WHEN Friday, October 8, 2021 WHERE Irondale High School TICKETS Available online at mvsef.org/LRL $50 per person INCLUDED Gourmet catered lunch Program with District leadership Tour of new facility

BACK TO SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN CENTERS Pike Lake Education Center

EARLY CONFERENCES AND OPEN HOUSE September 2 Scheduled with teachers individually (information coming soon)

Snail Lake Education Center KINDERGARTEN EARLY CONNECTION AND OPEN HOUSE September 2...................8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

(Details and sign-up information coming soon)

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Bel Air

Chippewa

MEET YOUR TEACHER OPEN HOUSE September 1 First grade................................4:30 – 6 p.m.

Last names A-M.......................5 – 6 p.m.

Last names N-Z........................6 – 7 p.m.

Island Lake MEET YOUR TEACHER September 1 Grades 1-2..............................3 – 5 p.m.

Grades 3-5..............................4 – 6 p.m.

Ralph Reeder Food Shelf can help families who are in need of school supplies. The Good Neighbor Back-toSchool project takes place in August.

Last year, the annual program provided school supplies to over 900 low-income students throughout the District. For more information. call 651-621-6280.

School supply donations are needed. Make a donation at www.ralphreederfoodshelf.org or visit the upcoming events webpage in early August to view an updated list of the most-needed items, drop-off locations and hours.

OPEN HOUSE August 30..................2 – 7 p.m.

MEET YOUR TEACHER August 30................................4 – 7 p.m.

IN THE MIDDLE DAY September 8 (for students in grade 6)

Edgewood WELCOME BACK COMMUNITY NIGHT AND PICNIC September 2..............4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Highview

Pinewood FIRST GRADE WELCOME NIGHT August 31..................4 – 6 p.m.

Need help with school supplies?

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT September 1............................4 – 6 p.m.

Sunnyside MEET YOUR TEACHER September 2 First grade families...................3:30 – 5 p.m.

Grades 2-5..............................5 – 6:30 p.m.

Turtle Lake MEET YOUR TEACHER September 1 New families............................3:45 – 4:15 p.m.

Last names A-M.......................4:15 – 5:15 p.m.

Last names N-Z........................5:15 – 6:15 p.m.

Valentine Hills

BACK-TO-SCHOOL DAY AND MEET YOUR TEACHER September 1..............2 – 7 p.m.

IN THE MIDDLE DAY September 8 (for students in grade 6)

HIGH SCHOOLS Area Learning Center BACK TO SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE September 1..............3 – 7 p.m.

Mounds View OPEN HOUSE (OPTIONAL) August 26..................3 – 7 p.m.

Parent meetings will be held in a virtual format. Details coming soon.

Irondale

MEET YOUR TEACHER September 1 New families............................3:30 – 4:15 p.m.

Last names A-M.......................4:15 – 5:15 p.m.

Last names N-Z.........................5:15 – 6:15 p.m.

**All events are subject to change. Parents will be notified if changes are required.

WELCOME BACK KNIGHTS August 26..................12 – 6 p.m.

More information and school supply lists will be posted at www.moundsviewschools.org / backtoschool and on each school’s website.

SUMMER 2021

School Talk

23

ARRIVALS, DEPARTURES & MOVES Assistant Superintendent

Business services

Jeff Ridlehoover has been named the

Bernice Humnick

superintendent of the Sartell-St. Stephen School District. Jeff served Mounds View Public Schools as assistant superintendent for the past four years. Prior to that, he was the principal of Mounds View High School for four years and was named the 2017 Principal of the Year by the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals.

replaces Brady Hoffman as executive director of business services. Bernice has 20 years of experience in K-12 public schools finance leadership. Most recently, she has served as the director of business services for St. Francis Public Schools.

Highview principal

School management

Nathan Flansburg has accepted the role of

associate superintendent at Wayzata Public Schools. Nathan has served Mounds View Public Schools for 24 years across six schools as a teacher and administrator — most recently as principal of Highview Middle School.

Lindsey Samec will succeed Nathan Flansburg as principal of Highview Middle School. Lindsey has been with the District in teaching and administrator roles for more than a decade. For the past five years, she has served as principal of Valentine Hills Elementary School.

Darin Johnson has joined

the District’s executive team as executive director of school management.

Darin joins the District Center after serving Turtle Lake Elementary School as principal for the last 11 years and as assistant principal for three years. For 10 years, he taught at Snail Lake Elementary School and Island Lake Elementary School. In his new role, he will serve as a partner and advisor to principals and program leads in the planning, organization and day-to-day operation of all schools.

The search for a new Turtle Lake principal is taking place this summer.

Valentine Hills principal Melisa Rivera will succeed Lindsey Samec

as principal of Valentine Hills Elementary School. She is an experienced elementary school principal and instructional equity leader with more than 20 years of experience serving St. Paul Public Schools as a principal, assistant principal and curriculum coordinator.

Mound s View L

PUB

24

School Talk

SUMMER 2021

IC S CHO O

LS

AROUND THE DISTRICT Spring performances

Virtual art shows

The show must go on! To see videos of in-person and virtual orchestra, band and choir performances from around the District, visit moundsviewschools.org/schooltalkplus.

Since schools weren’t able to host in-person art shows this year, elementary art teachers created a virtual art show for each school. Watch the full show at moundsviewschools.org/schooltalkplus

Turtle Lake orchestra students perform their spring concert virtually.

Irondale Colorguard featured in Halftime Magazine The Irondale winter colorguard team made the most out of its shortened season by performing in international virtual events. The virtual nature of the season allowed the groups to use unique lighting opportunities that would not otherwise be available during a regular season.

Colorguard’s program, titled Isolation, was highlighted in a special feature by Halftime Magazine, which focused on ensembles using creative techniques and technology in their winter programs. Watch the feature at moundsviewschools.org/schooltalkplus.

Irondale food drive serves Brooklyn Center The Irondale High School National Honor Society and KnightKrawler Robotics team worked together to host a food drive to help those affected by the unrest in response to the police shooting of Daunte Wright in April. The food drive gathered 1,300 pounds of food and household items for the Community Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP), a food shelf in Brooklyn Center.

From left to right: Dahsol Lee (staff), Leyla Isse (senior), Megan Ellingson (senior), Alyssa Yff (staff), Alexander Pichner (junior), Wyatt Brahman (senior), Bodey Cartier (junior), Logan Ault (junior), Owen Lau (junior) and Sibley Boyum (junior).

SUMMER 2021

School Talk

25

AROUND THE DISTRICT Earth Day clean-up Students in the Students for Climate Awareness group at Mounds View High School partnered with University of Minnesota students and other climate activists to organize an Earth Day clean-up at two parks in Minneapolis. “Especially with COVID, it’s been hard to find events to take part in,” said sophomore Emily Fatkhiyev. “We thought that this was a great outdoor event, we could practice social distancing and pick up trash and do something good that is going to be helpful for the climate.”

Family donates 900 books to honor their daughter Pike Lake Education Center hosted the dedication of a generous donation of library books in memory of Chris and Amanda Duffy’s daughter, Reese, who passed away shortly after her birth.

This year, Reese would have been in kindergarten at Pike Lake.

Since Reese is not here to make her own impact on the Pike Lake community, Chris and Amanda wanted to make an impact for her.

They raised more than $6,000 to donate 900 books to the school library, focusing on books whose authors and protagonists represent the diverse school community.

This donation in Reese’s memory will positively influence thousands of students for many years to come.

The Duffy family poses with a few of the books they donated to the Pike Lake library in honor of their daughter, Reese.

Irondale performs High School Musical in new auditorium Irondale Drama presented its spring musical, Disney’s High School Musical in May. Students performed the musical to a socially distanced audience, marking the inaugural performance in Irondale’s new 650-seat performing arts auditorium.

Hennepin Theater Trust was also in attendance, and awarded the drama team with the Outstanding Overall Production award. For more awards from the Hennepin Theater Trust’s Spotlight Education program, visit moundsviewschools.org/schooltalkplus.

26

School Talk

SUMMER 2021

District teachers publish their second book

Nagasaki “Sister City” photo exchange To mark the 65th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between St. Paul and Nagasaki, Irondale High School students exchanged a series of photos with high school students in Japan.

Despite the challenges of a global pandemic and an unpredictable school year, students came together to celebrate their community through the use of photography. Students from digital photography classes at Irondale exchanged photos with students from Nagasaki Higashi High School in Japan, as well as Japanese language students at Harding High School in St. Paul.

To see more photo submissions, visit moundsviewschools.org/ schooltalkplus.

Two Snail Lake Kindergarten teachers, Vicki Johnson and Kelly Walseth, recently published their second book. A May Basket for Frannie is centered around the tradition of May baskets. The idea came from their time teaching at Sunnyside Elementary School when they began the tradition of having students create and deliver May baskets to the community. This spring, Snail Lake students continued the tradition to deliver May baskets to the surrounding community. The books can be found at https://poppysprints.godaddysites.com/.

Photo credit: Yoshida Ayane, Nagasaki Higashi High School

Photo credit: Jahde Ortiz Serrano (junior)

Students make unique art with local artist Area Learning Center students had the opportunity to learn about art from a local artist in May. Through a partnership with Art to Change the World, local artist Scorpio visited students to talk about his art and help them make their own. Art to Change the World works with artists like Scorpio to empower young people to appreciate and create their own art by increasing accessibility to the subject.

Genesis Duran (senior) and Lydia Ackerley (junior) work with local artist Scorpio to create their own artwork.

Highview student starts podcast Highview Middle School seventh grader Stella Taylor wanted to find a unique way to make her classmates feel more connected to their teachers during distance learning. She decided to start a podcast called “Hawk Talk,” where she interviewed Highview staff members about their own middle school experiences. “I love listening to podcasts so I thought it might be fun to interview teachers about some of their experiences in middle school. Who doesn’t love hearing an embarrassing story from middle school? It is helpful for kids to remember that their teachers have been through the same things they have,” said Stella. So far, she’s recorded 10 episodes and has plans to continue this summer and next school year. Episodes of the podcast are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other platforms. Search “Hawk Talk with Stella Taylor” to find the show.

SUMMER 2021

School Talk

27

LESS:

AROUND THE DISTRICT

focus on E FOR TEENS

Mental Health Student interns hired to create Chill Zones

High school students host mental health walks This spring, Irondale and Mounds View students hosted a series of mental health walks in the community, with the intention to raise awareness, support those struggling with mental illness and end the stigma around seeking help.

Thanks to a partnership with Allina Health’s “Change to Chill” program, four Irondale and Mounds View students were hired as summer interns to create relaxation spaces, or “Chill Zones,” at each school. The program focuses on increasing resources for student mental health and includes training for school staff, funding for a “Chill Zone” and a paid summer internship opportunity for two students at each school.

Mounds View High School students hosted a series of walks at various parks in the community and held virtual trivia nights and other events.

District, high schools receive mental health distinction In its continuing efforts to acknowledge the importance of student mental health, Mounds View Public Schools was recently named a Minnesota Kognito Champion district from the Minnesota Department of Health and Department of Education. This designation means that District and school staff have completed extensive simulations and training around mental health and suicide prevention. The Area Learning Center and Mounds View High School were also given this distinction.

28

School Talk

SUMMER 2021

Irondale High School students walked a loop around the school and gathered outside to connect, enjoy some snacks and spin a prize wheel.

A Closer Look: Class of 2020 open houses In an effort to belatedly celebrate the class of 2020, students were invited back to Irondale and Mounds View in June for open house events. They were able to tour the newly finished spaces, enjoy some of their favorite snacks from the school cafés and reconnect with their classmates.

Alumni update Lara Dallman-Weiss (pictured below),

a 2007 Mounds View graduate, qualified to represent the United States sailing team at the Tokyo Olympics this summer. Lara and her sailing partner, sailing as Team Perfect Vision, were one of three American teams competing for one spot in the Olympics when they qualified at the 470 World Championship Regatta in Vilamoura.

While at Mounds View, she lettered in track, dance, basketball and cross country, and participated in Mustang Mentors.

Statistically one of the best rebounding guards in the country during the 201920 season, 2017 Irondale High School graduate Sean Sutherlin is transferring to the University of Minnesota to play for the Gophers. He previously played for the University of New Hampshire.

He averaged 23.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game as an Irondale senior in 2017.

Brandon Lee (above, right) has found success in both acting and Tae Kwon Do since graduating from Mounds View in 2016. Since moving to Los Angeles, he’s landed parts in an HBO show as well as the upcoming Marvel

film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. At Mounds View, he was a long jumper and sprinter on the track team and a wide receiver on the football team. He received multiple Tae Kwon Do titles and also made Team USA, which was headed to the world meet, before he retired to focus on acting.

SUMMER 2021

School Talk

29

WITH HONORS Edgewood teacher selected for elite professional development series Edgewood Middle School history teacher Zoe Kourajian was one of only 120 teachers selected for a National History Day professional development program.

This series focuses on giving educators skills to teach key strategies for researching, supporting and presenting historical arguments. For several months, Zoe worked with her peers around the country to build knowledge for teaching history with online Library of Congress resources.

Zoe Kourajian

Among the best in the nation Irondale and Mounds View High School have again been ranked among the best high schools in the country, according to a new ranking by U.S. News and World Report.

This year’s list ranks more than 17,800 public high schools throughout the country, with Irondale and Mounds View being listed in the top 10 percent. The methodology used for this year’s ranking focused on six factors: college readiness, reading and math proficiency, reading and math performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth and graduation rates.

Aspirations in Computing award Six Mounds View students were honored during the 2021 Aspirations in Computing award ceremony in April. The award honors young women at the high school level for their computing-related achievements and interests.

Gwendolyn Brandt (sophomore), Certificate of Distinction; Maggie Cai (senior), State Honorable Mention; Jennie Cheng (senior), Certificate of Distinction; Jacqueline Lee (sophomore), Rising Star; Claire Stellmack (junior), State Honorable Mention; Leigha Wood (sophomore), Certificate of Distinction.

Jennie Cheng

Jacqueline Lee

Gwendolyn Brandt

Maggie Cai

Claire Stellmack

Leigha Wood

Best communities for music

Mounds View music honors

For the ninth year in a row, Mounds View Public Schools has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation.

The annual award recognizes commitment and support to music education and the benefits it offers students.

Aayush Raheja (senior) won first place in the National Federation of Music Club’s Junior Composer’s Competition with his composition titled Let There Be Rain. After winning at both the state and regional level, he will now advance to compete at the national level.

30

School Talk

SUMMER 2021

Aayush Raheja

Sreya Subramanian

Sreya Subramanian (freshman, flute) auditioned for and was accepted into the Minnesota Band Directors Association 9-10 State Honor Band.

Mounds View competes in Math Bowl The Mounds View High School Math League placed fifth overall at the state competition in March. Sophomore Linden Lee placed first in his individual competition at the state meet as well as in the Math Bowl, a live competition with eliminations after each round until one student is left. See the full list of winners at moundsviewschools.org/schooltalkplus.

Mounds View poet wins limerick contest Of 2,000 submissions from all over the country, Mounds View High School senior Madeline Edgar was featured in the Star Tribune’s limerick contest in April. The contest asked for poem submissions with the theme of a light at the end of a pandemic tunnel. Madeline submitted this poem after she wrote it for her creative writing class.

Minnesotans must now wear a mask An apparently difficult task For in retail hell Employees must yell “Is ‘no nose’ just too much to ask?”

Chippewa mathletes receive top rankings Seven Chippewa Middle School mathletes qualified for the state MATHCOUNTS competition: Emil Baylar (sixth grade), Zack Berchenko (sixth grade), Alice Lee (sixth grade), Aryan Saha (sixth grade), Zhenghao Shao (eighth grade), Austin Wang (sixth grade) and Kevin Yang (sixth grade). Austin Wang won first place and competed at the National MATHCOUNTS competition in early May.

Austin Wang won first place in the state math competition and moved on to compete in the National MATHCOUNTS competition in May.

Mounds View Quiz Bowl The Mounds View High School Econ Challenge team finished in first place in the Quiz Bowl section of the international Northwestern Economics Tournament. The team went on to win the state quiz bowl final and moved on to the national semi-final round of competition. Team members include Cameron Dolbow (junior), Eric Feng (senior), Josh Lange (junior), Matteo Meyer (sophomore) and Margaret Xiao (junior).

Irondale Quiz Bowl Irondale’s Quiz Bowl team qualified for the national championship tournament for the third year in a row. At the tournament in May, the young team put up a strong performance against the toughest competition in the country, finishing the first day of competition at 4-5 before going 4-0 in a consolation bracket. Xander Pichner (junior) and Puna Ekka (sophomore) finished in the top 200 among 1,070 participants.

Quiz Bowl team members practice for the national championship tournament that was held at the end of May. From left to right: JJ Fleischer (sophomore), Liam Parlin (freshman), Xander Pichner (junior), Hana Weegman (freshman), Puna Ekka (sophomore), Astrid Benson (sophomore), Lily Thai (sophomore), Barbara Danku (sophomore) and Mary Jane Ejiofor (freshman).

SUMMER 2021

School Talk

31

WITH HONORS Student-created app wins Junior Achievement competition Mounds View High School students who created NoWayWaste, a company that focuses on reducing food waste, took first place at this year’s Junior Achievement Aspiring Entrepreneur competition. NoWayWaste is an app that aims to reduce food waste by allowing users to track their food purchases, consumption and expiration dates to ensure that less food goes to waste in their homes. In addition to scholarship money for each member, the team will advance to the MN Cup, which is the largest start-up competition in the country. Team members included juniors Joey Tan, Nikhita Chandra and Lydia Hahn.

Mounds View SkillsUSA compete at national level The Mounds View High School SkillsUSA students below earned recognition at the Minnesota SkillsUSA Champions and Leadership Conference, and moved on to compete at the national competition in June. SkillsUSA is a national organization serving high school and college students through the development of leadership, workplace and technical skills to prepare young students for the world of work.

Mounds View DECA students receive state competition honors Twenty-five Mounds View students qualified for the Minnesota state DECA competition in March. Seven students received state competition honors and placed in the top 10 in their event preliminaries.

Lainey Ballinger (freshman) Leah Ban (senior) Willow Haake (senior, ninth place

Lainey Ballinger

Leah Ban

Bhuvi Jain

Arya Tanksale

and tenth place)

Bhuvi Jain

(freshman, ninth place)

Allison Brodin (junior)

Elizabeth Xiao

Sydney Dvorak (senior) Sanjana Pavani (junior)

(freshman, sixth place – not pictured)

Jacqueline Pennington (junior)

Arya Tanksale

Omar Rahman (junior)

(senior, sixth place)

Willow Haake

Riley Stern (junior)

National Spanish Exam awards

Kevin Xiong (junior) Adelyn Yeow (senior)

32

School Talk

Mounds View High school student Emily Fatkhiyev (sophomore) was awarded the 2021 Global Citizen Scholarship by the National Spanish Examination in May. Additionally, these students ranked in the top 15% of the national-level exam and received a Premio de Plata (silver medal): Gavin Chang (junior), Jack Ohmann (sophomore), Anna Wilson (sophomore), Mateo Nacusi (sophomore), Sophia Ohmann (freshman), Shivam Vashishtha (sophomore), Hridaya Ghosh (freshman), Bhuvi Jain (freshman) and Joyce Tsai (freshman).

SUMMER 2021

Special education scholarship Edgewood Middle School psychologist Jennie Sorenson recently received the Minnesota Association of Special Educators (MASE) Stenswick Benson Scholarship. Its purpose is to recognize the legacy of the many leaders within special education through a scholarship award to an individual completing exemplary graduate study in the field of special education. Jennie is currently studying at Hamline University to receive her director license.

Mounds View students named finalists in essay contest Of 30 total recipients, seven Mounds View High School students were named finalists in the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis’ 33rd annual student essay contest. This year’s essay prompt explored the topic of economic inequality and race, and what, if anything, the federal government should do to alleviate persistent economic disparities faced

by African Americans. This year’s Mounds View finalists are Cameron Dolbow (junior), Laura Hansen (freshman), Annabelle Huang (freshman), Anna Kim (freshman), Sophia Ohmann (freshman) and Allison Yu (freshman).

High school music honors All-State band

Did you know?

• Early childhood licensed teachers, evaluators and paraprofessionals served over 400 children and their families ages birth to PreK during the 202021 school year online and in person.

• 520 Early childhood screenings took place online and in person from November 2020 to June 2021.

We are so grateful for your dedication and patience with our program this last school year.

Do you need a little extra help with food for your family?

Call the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf today to schedule a nocontact, curbside food pick-up that includes meat, milk, eggs, cheese, bakery, fresh produce, boxed and canned items, child-friendly snacks and meals, diapers, hygiene and cleaning supplies at no charge to you. Home delivery available for qualified individuals and families. Call 651-6216280 for more information or to set up an appointment.

Joshua Dickinson, Irondale (junior, alto saxophone) Emily Fatkhiyev, Mounds View (sophomore, clarinet)

All-State choir Kaitlyn Davies, Irondale (junior) Ethan Favre, Irondale (junior) Ava O’Rourke, Irondale (sophomore) Matteo Rodriguez, Irondale (junior) Tomas Sepulveda, Irondale (junior) Liam Stone, Irondale (junior)

All-State orchestra Phi Cu, Irondale (sophomore, violin) Mahay Hsiung, Irondale (sophomore, viola) Isabel Newhouse, Mounds View (junior, oboe) Hannah Young, Irondale (freshman, violin)

Free farmer’s market Pick up fresh produce and bakery items this summer, free of charge. For more information, visit ralphreederfoodshelf.org or call 651-621-6280 for a list of dates, times and locations.

SUMMER 2021

School Talk

33

SPORTS UPDATE

IRONDALE AAA Award The Triple “A” award, presented by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), honors students who excel in academics, arts and athletics.

Stella Collins

Luke Walsh

Basketball, soccer

Lacrosse, hockey

Athena Award The Athena Award honors outstanding female high school senior student-athletes.

This year’s recipient, Megan Ellingson, participated in cross country, track and field, hockey and tennis for Irondale. She also participated in National Honor Society, as well as volunteered for Feed My Starving Children, Children’s Hospital and other community organizations. She plans to attend nursing school in the fall.

Drumline and colorguard The winter colorguard and drumline teams made the most out of their shortened seasons by performing in international virtual events.

The virtual nature of the season allowed the groups to utilize unique lighting opportunities that would not otherwise be available during a regular season. The Irondale Colorguard’s program was highlighted in Halftime Magazine (read more on page 25). Irondale drumline’s program, “Everyday Life,” was the fourth most-watched video at FloMarching’s drumline world championships event. Videos of both groups’ programs are available at moundsviewschools.org/schooltalkplus.

Lacrosse Boys lacrosse ended the season with 10 wins and four losses.

College commitments

Athletes of the Year

In addition to other students committing earlier this spring, Tyler Merrell signed a letter of intent to run cross country at Winona State.

Megan Ellingson

Griffin Bourassa

Cross country, tennis, track, hockey

Football, track, hockey, lacrosse

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

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.

34

School Talk

SUMMER 2021

MOUNDS VIEW

College commitments During College Signing Day in May, Mounds View had more than two dozen senior athletes sign commitments to pursue athletics in college the following year.

AAA Award Athena Award The Athena Award honors outstanding female high school senior student-athletes. This year’s recipient, Abigail Thompson, played hockey, softball and volleyball for Mounds View. She also participated in Mustang Mentors, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and National Honor Society. She plans to study criminal psychology and play hockey at college in the fall.

The Triple “A” award, presented by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), honors students who excel in academics, arts and athletics.

• Laura Arfstrom, Liberty University, hockey • Andrew Boeser, Iowa Central Community College, baseball • Joey Bruggers, Coe College, football and basketball • Mason Dean, Texas A&M University, baseball • Sangai Dukuly, Coe College, track • Ethan Farm, Bethel University, football • Logan Grimm, Carthage College, baseball

Bill Ketola

• Aaron Habisch, Flagler College, lacrosse

Aurora Wierens

• Lucie Henrich, Gustavus Adolphus, soccer

Athletes of the Year

• Cole Hinkel, University of WisconsinEau Claire, baseball

The following seniors have been awarded for their accomplishments in sports for the 2020-21 school year.

• Ben Hollister, University of WisconsinRiver Falls, football • Jude Houle, Centre College, soccer • Ben Howlett, University of WisconsinEau Claire, track • Bill Ketola, Bemidji State University, football • Paige Landis, Bethel University, hockey • Sam Magnuson, University of WisconsinStevens Point, track

Amy Binder

• Matt Miller, University of Wisconsin, track

Bill Ketola

• Mannix Morgan, North Dakota State University, wrestling • Jack Ortloff, St. John’s University, golf • Will Rogers, Arizona State, baseball • Ben Rosin, North Iowa Area Community College, baseball

Senior Will Rogers was named the Pioneer Press’ East Metro Baseball Player of the Year in June.

• Cole Sandahl, Santa Barbara City College, football Sam Magnuson

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.

Abigail Thompson

• Michael Scott, Springfield College, track • Isabella Sissi, University of Northern Illinois, gymnastics

Track cocurricular activities on your mobile devices.

Search MOUNDS VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS in the app store.

• Cole Sorenson, Hamline University, basketball • Waverly Thao, St. Olaf College, volleyball • Aurora Weirens, Cornell University, Nordic ski • Karelyn Welle, University of Sioux Falls, swimming

SUMMER 2021

School Talk

35

CLASS OF 2021 Mounds View Public Schools has a goal of preparing all students for opportunities of their choice after high school.

Ensuring that all students have an opportunity to pursue post-secondary success involves a promise the District calls the Equity Promise. The Equity Promise aims to disrupt systematic patterns associated with race, socio-economic status, gender and disabilities to provide equal opportunities for success for every Mounds View Public Schools student.

This spring, seniors from Irondale High School in New Brighton, Mounds View High School in Arden Hills and the Area Learning Center (ALC) received Equity Promise Scholarships acknowledging their achievements during high

school and supporting their educational goals post-high school. Funded in part by the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation, this unique award recognizes a broad range of students who have demonstrated success in their high school journey through a variety of ways. Recipients have demonstrated academic growth and sustained participation in activities throughout high school. Some may aspire to be the first in their families to attend a technical college, two-year college or four-year university. All have overcome challenges, displayed perseverance and exhibited grit along the way.

Mounds View Public Schools would like to thank the donors who contribute to Equity Promise Scholarships.

These donors and their contributions reinforce the Equity Promise and give deserving students a chance to pursue postsecondary continued education.

Class of 2021 Equity Promise Scholarship recipients Anderson Family Kalid Abdurahman Sabrina Deriche Bailiff Memorial Scholarship Fund Hawwani Benti Tianna Creighton Sabrina Deriche Luqmaan Duale Nurit Gutierrez-Cuate Leyla Isse Katelynn McDermott Eyasue Mengesha Beisswenger Scholarship Fund Simon Alexander Chalkboard Capers Scholarship Abigail Brown Dasha Fruzyna Olivia Gehring Amer Phuly Declan Rodefeld Camille Tinerella DLMC Mara Schicker Eggert Family Dentistry Yasmin Mohamed

Fridley American Legion Post 303 Triana Grigsby Maria Johnson Hoverman Family Scholarship Luqmaan Duale Jodi Maurer-Knudson Memorial Hawwani Benti Jonathan Hogan Memorial Hamza Beder Tianna Creighton Maryruth Darnell Malina Okoro Renee Olds Greta Saylor Clairice Skeate Jason Wang

School Talk

MVCT Fine Arts Scholarship Edward Renshaw

Mounds View Schools Education Foundation Scholarship Claire Springborn

New Brighton Mounds View Rotary Club Griffin Bourassa

Jacqueline Peterson Milena Yishak

New Brighton Eagles Auxiliary Kaisa Stolen

Northeast Metro 916 Foundation Shelby Doroff

New Brighton Lions Club Aisha Mohamed Sumaya Mohamed Matthew Ryan

Shardlow Family Trade School Scholarship Carlos Rodriguez-Ojeda Tallman Math/Science Scholarship Zachary Leight Libbie Seehusen

Kopp Family Foundation Zayna Khandwalla Taryn Tacheny Laura Harris Memorial Scholarship Allison Benson Marie Greenwald Memorial Scholarship Emmie Hinnenkamp

Fridley American Legion Auxiliary Christopher Gottwaldt

36

Mounds View Lions Waste/ Witte Memorial Fund Isaac Bard Shelby Doroff Paris Hang Gracie Klaras Katelynn McDermott Lucas Pask Amira Sufian Jada Wolle

Hawwani Benti and Adaugo Nwosu take a photo after the class of 2021 commencement at the 3M Arena at Mariucci on June 10.

SUMMER 2021

Class of 2021 senior department and activities awards Art Elizabeth Davies

Social Studies Simon Alexander

Marching Band Abby Neumann

Business Education John Stromberg

Spirit of Learning Diana Garcia

Math Team Aashritha Doddi

Family and Consumer Science Jessica Nugent

World Language (ASL) Raina Tenenbaum

Mock Trial Sabrina Deriche

World Language (Chinese) Nujsilis Lee

National Honor Society Oluwateniola Adekunle Awomuti Maryruth Darnell

Language Arts Sabrina Deriche Mathematics Andrew Kim Music (Band) Luke Walsh Music (Choir) Stella Collins Music (Orchestra) Madison Parks Physical Education and Health Andrew Thunborg Science Raina Tenenbaum

World Language (German) Sebastian Waterhouse World Language (Spanish) Aidan Kadid DECA Sergio Perez Parra Drama Alec Cummings Emmie Hinnenkamp Honor Athlete (Boys) Griffin Bourassa

View more photos at www.moundsviewschools.org/ irondalegraduation

Robotics Maria Johnson Speech Taylor Wilcox Student Council Hawwani Benti Aidan Kadid Yearbook Allison Benson Aidan Kadid

Honor Athlete (Girls) Megan Ellingson

ARCC Associate of Arts degree Ashley Aucaquizhpi Allison Benson Jacob Bowman Diana Cagigas Ethan Eyberg Nurit Gutierrez-Cuate Emmie Hinnenkamp Aisha Jama Maria Johnson Emily Miller Lydia Moss Declan Rodefeld Naomi Scarpari Joseph Sinn Lucy Totzke

SUMMER 2021

School Talk

37

CLASS OF 2021 Equity Promise scholarship recipients Beisswenger Family Annika Lindgren Susan Carlson Memorial Kyrie Novotny Doug Christenson Memorial Meghan Justin Carey Crimmins Memorial Jed Liang Sherry Lou Engebretsen Memorial Fund Madeline Jepko Fridley American Legion Auxiliary Sila Yurttas Fridley American Legion Post #303 Ella Wiggenhorn Gulli Family Bill Ketola Hannah Hoiland Memorial Angie Chen Hoverman Family Tyler Xiong

Kopp Family Foundation Mena Feleke Miles Huberty Claudia Seyfarth

Mustang Volleyball Senior Leadership Ainsley Arnold Waverly Thao

Joseph F. Kunze Natalie Nemes

MVCT Fine Arts Lily Bronson

Josh Lavalle Memorial Will Conlin

MVEA Chalkboard Capers Sarah Bakeman Francesca Crego Andrew Devine Zoe Fallgatter Leah Orman Amelia Sparks

Mounds View Alumni Wrestling Association Nuh Misirli Mannix Morgan Mounds View Basketball Association Benjamin Howlett Faith Iwerks Brady Leiser Mounds View High School Mustang Club Leslie Kim Mounds View Schools Education Foundation Bingsheng Guo

Don Segner Memorial Nicole Sammon Marit Mary Swenson Memorial Sruthi Subramanian Vadnais Heights Area Community Partners Leo Cui

Senior Class Officer Ella Jones delivers a graduation message to her classmates.

Thomas Narigon Memorial Paul LePage New Brighton Eagles Auxiliary Benjamin Howlett New Brighton Lions Club Sara Cocchiarella Sydney Jedlenski Tess McVay North Suburban Community Foundation Ava Bennett Savannah Guiang

Teala Matthews walks back to her seat after receiving her diploma.

View more photos at www.moundsviewschools.org/ moundsviewgraduation

Virtual ceremonies In addition to inperson ceremonies, all commencements were also live streamed for viewing at home.

Watch the ceremonies at www.ninenorth.org/ schools/mounds-view/.

38

School Talk

SUMMER 2021

Mounds View senior awards Business and Marketing Jakob Sprague

Fine Arts (Orchestra) Lily Bronson

Career Education Sujika Goetzke

Math Dorothy Li

English Sruthi Subramanian

Phy. Ed. & Health Ricky Thao

Family & Consumer Science Kira Fullerton

Science Noah Jenkins

Fine Arts (Art) Allison Claybaugh

Social Studies Mena Feleke

Fine Arts (Band) Ella Wiggenhorn

Self-Advocacy & Academic Achievement Award Galen Lee

Fine Arts (Choir) Emma Pagel

Activities department awards 3x4 recipients participate in three sports each year of their four high school years.

• James Freimuth, cross country, swim and dive, track • Noah Greer, soccer, Nordic ski, tennis • Samuel Magnuson, cross country, swim and dive, track • Abigail Thompson, volleyball, hockey, softball

Green & White award Green and white medals are presented to a select group of students who exemplify the Mounds View High School mission of building an inclusive community of responsible, respectful and resourceful citizens who value learning.

These students not only maintain high academic standards, but they have also made valuable contributions to the Mounds View High School community through volunteering and/or participation in co-curricular activities.

Outstanding Senior Achievement Lochlan Smith World Language (American Sign Language) Sila Yurttas World Language (Chinese) Matthew Walker World Language (French) Leslie Kim

James Adams Saher Ahsan Aringha Shree Arumugham Emma Davern Sangai Dukuly Kelly Freimuth William Hegele Emma Houston Evan Johnson

World Language (German) Sophia Wendt World Language (Spanish) Shelby Scott

ARCC Associate of Arts degree

Zöe King Andrew Lindgren Kyle Oberreit Emma Pagel Brennen Scheet Peter Schramm Maya Truong Selah Williams

Kishanth Koushik Arumugam Balamurugan Luke Ide Ella Jones

• Matthew Walker, cross country, Nordic ski, tennis • Ethan Elmes, football, hockey, lacrosse • Fine Arts Student of the Year: Gracyn Delaune

Sydney Peng and Sanjana Pattanaik pose for a photo before the processional.

Area Learning Center and Adult Education The Area Learning Center’s in-person graduation ceremony recognized 40 graduating students on June 3. The ceremony was also live streamed for those viewing from home. Watch the ceremony at www.ninenorth.org/schools/mounds-view/.

Kai Nickelson, Aaron Hill and Mohamed Abdullahi celebrate after the ceremony.

Mounds View Public Schools Adult Education students who earned their GED and Adult Diploma in the last year were invited to participate in a virtual graduation ceremony hosted by Mounds View Adult Education. The event recognized and honored 8 high school diploma students, 64 GED students and 25 Career Pathway students (including paraprofessional and IT students).

SUMMER 2021

School Talk

39

ruction t s n ompletio o C C ation n r ! b e l e

Mounds View

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO 4112

C

Independent School District 621 4570 Victoria St. N Shoreview, MN 55126

Thursday, September 23 5 – 8 p.m.

Simultaneous open houses with tours at every site 10 MOUNDS VIEW

LEXINGTON AVE

10

VICTO

NEW BRIGHTON

96 VADNAIS HEIGHTS

OLD H W

10 L AKE VALENTIN E

Highview Middle School

ARDEN HILLS

RD

SHOREVIEW

7TH ST

49

Valentine Hills Elem. School

AVE

IN G

35W ROSEVILLE

51

COUNTY RD E

694 Island Lake Elem. School

RICE ST

RIA

CO RD E2

Bel Air Elem. School

Valentine Hills Elementary School 1770 County Rd E2 W, Arden Hills Chippewa Middle School 5000 Hodgson Road, North Oaks

ST

Mounds View High School

N

Pike Lake Education Center

Turtle Lake Elementary School 1141 Lepak Court, Shoreview

Chippewa Middle School

Y8

RD

Irondale High School

LL

5TH ST

HODGSON RD

35W

SN E

694

LONG LAKE

SILVER LAKE RD 14TH ST

NORTH OAKS

49

RIA S T

QUINCY ST

Pinewood Elem. School

COUNTY RD H Sunnyside Elem. School

Sunnyside Elementary School 2070 County Road H, New Brighton

COUNTY RD I

COUNTY RD I

Edgewood Middle School

Pinewood Elementary School 5500 Quincy Street, Mounds View

Turtle Lake Elem. School

LEPAK CT

VICTO

SLP

White Bear Township

SHOREVIEW

Pike Lake Education Center 2101 14th Street NW, New Brighton Bel Air Elementary School 1800 5th Street NW, New Brighton Island Lake Elementary School 3555 Victoria Street N, Shoreview

Edgewood Middle School 5100 Edgewood Drive N, Mounds View Highview Middle School 2300 7th Street NW, New Brighton Irondale High School 2425 Long Lake Road, New Brighton Mounds View High School 1900 Lake Valentine Road, Arden Hills