School Talk Fall 2017

School Talk

“ We moved here for the schools.”

FALL 2017

How schools add value to the community

The value of living in ike many twentysomething newlyweds, Jon and Amy

Jensen have faced plenty of daunting decisions lately.

Job offers to consider. Wedding plans to sort out. But there was one recent decision that wasn’t difficult at all.

Where to buy a home.

“We were not going to live in this metro area and not choose Mounds View Public Schools,” says Amy. The Jensens, both Mounds View High School alumni, were determined to purchase their first home in the District where they grew up and went to school. The Shoreview couple, expecting their first child in November, want the same for their future family.

“We chose our house so our kids can someday go to school here,” says Amy. Real estate agents hear stories like the Jensens’ all the time.

“Mounds View Public Schools is what we call a destination district,” says New Brighton-based real estate agent Jeanne Frischman. “A big reason for that is the quality and reputation of this school district. Alumni often return to live here later in life because they’ve experienced the value of Mounds View Public Schools, and they want the same for their children.”

Jason Schmidt agrees. The Shoreview-based real estate agent says his clients often will only consider a home that’s within Mounds View’s attendance area. And now that new non-resident enrollment has been closed throughout the District, real estate agents are seeing an even higher demand for homes here.

“Open enrollment has been closed for years, so a house in Mounds View Public Schools is a highly coveted house,”

Editors

he says. “I think residents here understand the positive impact these schools have on their property values. The schools here really make selling homes easier.”

Perfect profile The Jensens are hardly unique in choosing to live here. In fact, their profile is a perfect example of the factors that are fueling the trend of rising resident enrollment in the District.

• Resident birth rates in the District are at their highest point in 15 years.

• Existing single-family houses are yielding more students than before.

• Housing turnover will likely increase in the next five years. Historically, this turnover produces homes with younger families and school-age children.

Superintendent

Rachel Gutierrez Colin Sokolowski

Designer Susan Abbott

Photographers Rachel Gutierrez Greg Helgeson Lifetouch

Chris Lennox

2017 School Board Bob Helgeson Amy Jones Greg Madsen Marre Jo Sager Jon Tynjala Jonathan Weinhagen Sandra Westerman

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fo

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 rachel.gutierrez@moundsviewschools.org or call 651-621-6012.

oved he m e

re

Jason and Dawn Schuette moved here for the schools. Their daughter Olivia is an eighth-grader at Chippewa Middle School, and their son Duncan attends fourth grade at Island Lake Elementary School.

mighty influence on neighborhood choice, home values.”

W

On the cover:

“ School quality has a

ls

L

he schoo

a destination district All of this contributes to the District’s past, current and projected resident enrollment growth — a trend that’s expected to yield 1,600 more resident students within the next seven years.

As the resident enrollment growth continues, residents routinely express satisfaction in their home school district. A 2016 resident survey found 95 percent of residents believe the community receives a good value from its schools. What about the quality of education?

It’s “excellent” or “good,” say 97 percent of residents. And 93 percent of residents say they are proud of our schools and would recommend them to friends.

Or family.

That’s one reason Jason and Dawn Schuette decided to relocate their family of four from the Washington, D.C. area to live in Shoreview.

Dawn wanted to live near her sister and near great schools. Her new neighborhood offered both.

“We were so far away on the East Coast, but we zeroed in pretty quickly on Mounds View Public Schools,” she says. “Even so, it’s hard to find houses here because the school district is in such demand, and the prices reflect that value.”

Like the Jensens, the Schuettes are satisfied with their decision, and they appreciate the value of living in this destination district.

“I don’t think we would’ve moved anywhere else.”

“ Residents here

understand the positive impact these schools have on their property values.”

New homeowners Jon and Amy Jensen get a little help as they prepare their nursery for the first child they’re expecting in November. “We chose our house so our kids can someday go to school here,” says Amy.

“ Our community receives a good value from its schools.”

95%

“ The quality of education is ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good.’ ”

93%

97%

“ I am proud of our schools and would recommend them to friends.”

– Jason Schmidt

Shoreview-based real estate agent

Source: Resident survey, 2016

FALL 2017

School Talk

3

Mounds View Vote on

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

O

n Election Day, November 7,

voters will consider the School Board’s request to add room at all schools throughout the District in response to rising enrollment, aging facilities and stressed capacity.

If approved, funds from the bond would be used to create more than 40 additional and larger classrooms, improve infrastructure, provide additional flexible learning spaces and enhance safety — based on recommendations made by a community facilities task force.

Without the support a bond would provide, overcrowding will continue, and the District might need to use space solutions like portables or trailers to accommodate enrollment growth.

As enrollment has risen to its highest level in 16 years, what has the District been doing to respond to this growth?

Mounds View Public Schools has...

• Conducted regular enrollment and housing studies with the help of a demographer over the last 15 years.

• Closed enrollment to new non‑residents. (Non-resident enrollment comprises only 9 percent of total enrollment.)

• Created kindergarten centers to relieve space in elementary schools.

• Convened a community facilities task force to make recommendations.

• Proposed a bond to create more space at all schools.

“When you add our rising resident enrollment with our aging facilities, it creates stressed capacities across the District,” says Board member Bob Helgeson. “Our facilities proposal is fueled by these facts. Now it’s time to let voters decide.”

4 FACILITIES FACTS



ow it’s time “N to let voters decide.”

– Bob Helgeson

School Board member

This is the first time in 18 years Mounds View Public Schools is asking residents to consider a bond proposal.

The 25-year bond would cost $164.8 million. It would represent a monthly tax increase of less than $17 a month for owners of a median-valued home in the District. Residents can calculate their specific increase using a tax calculator at www.moundsviewschools.org/facilities.

www.moundsviewschools.org/facilities

200 community groups host 20,000 events in

District buildings every year.

Most schools are occupied beyond 100 percent capacity.



The average age of buildings is 57 years old.



The most recent additions occurred about 15 years ago.



4

School Talk

FALL 2017

Prepared and paid for by Mounds View Public Schools (Independent School District 621), 4570 Victoria St. N., Shoreview, MN 55126. This publication is not circulated on behalf of any candidate or ballot question.

(or before) November 7 Residents of Mounds View Public Schools can vote before November 7 in a number of ways.

Vote early in person at the Shoreview Library

New Brighton residents

Any resident of Mounds View Public Schools can vote in person at the Ramsey County Library in Shoreview, 4560 Victoria Street North.

Hours of voting: Tuesday, October 31...................... 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Wednesday, November 1................ 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Thursday, November 2................... 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday, November 3........................ 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Saturday, November 4.................... 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Monday, November 6..................... 9 a.m. – 3. p.m.

New Brighton voters are already voting in person at New Brighton City Hall, 803 Old Highway 8, NW. Hours of voting: Monday through Friday................... 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 4.................... 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Monday, November 6..................... 8 a.m. – 5 p.m

Mail in or return an absentee ballot All voters can vote by absentee ballot before November 7. An application is available at www.moundsviewschools.org/facilities.

Residents can also vote on Election Day, November 7.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Precinct

Polling Place Name

Address

City

Zip Code

ARDEN HILLS P-1

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE WAY

3382 LEXINGTON AVE N

ARDEN HILLS

55112

ARDEN HILLS P-2

VALENTINE HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

1770 COUNTY ROAD E2 W

ARDEN HILLS

55112

ARDEN HILLS P-3

RAMSEY COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS

1425 PAUL KIRKWOLD DR

ARDEN HILLS

55112

BLAINE W-1 P-9

BLAINE CITY HALL

10801 TOWN SQUARE DR NE

BLAINE

55449

MOUNDS VIEW P-1

MOUNDS VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER

5394 EDGEWOOD DR

MOUNDS VIEW

55112

MOUNDS VIEW P-2

MOUNDS VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER

5394 EDGEWOOD DR

MOUNDS VIEW

55112

MOUNDS VIEW P-3

MOUNDS VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER

5394 EDGEWOOD DR

MOUNDS VIEW

55112

MOUNDS VIEW P-4

MOUNDS VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER

5394 EDGEWOOD DR

MOUNDS VIEW

55112

NEW BRIGHTON P-1

NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER

400 10TH ST NW

NEW BRIGHTON

55112

NEW BRIGHTON P-3

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH

835 2ND AVE NW

NEW BRIGHTON

55112

NEW BRIGHTON P-4

SALEM COVENANT CHURCH

2655 5TH ST NW

NEW BRIGHTON

55112

NEW BRIGHTON P-5

CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH

1900 7TH ST NW

NEW BRIGHTON

55112

NEW BRIGHTON P-6

NEW BRIGHTON CHRISTIAN CHURCH

1500 29TH AVE NW

NEW BRIGHTON

55112

NEW BRIGHTON P-7

GRACEPOINT CHURCH

2351 RICE CREEK RD

NEW BRIGHTON

55112

NEW BRIGHTON P-8

SUNNY SQUARE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER

2200 SUNNYSIDE TER

NEW BRIGHTON

55112

NORTH OAKS P-1

NORTH OAKS CITY HALL

100 VILLAGE CENTER DR STE 230

NORTH OAKS

55127

NORTH OAKS P-2

PRESBYTERIAN HOMES/WAVERLY GARDENS

5919 CENTERVILLE RD

NORTH OAKS

55127

ROSEVILLE P-01

CENTENNIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

1524 COUNTY ROAD C2 W

ROSEVILLE

55113

ROSEVILLE P-02

ROSEVILLE COVENANT CHURCH

2865 HAMLINE AVE N

ROSEVILLE

55113

SPRING LAKE PARK P-1R

SPRING LAKE PARK CITY HALL

1301 81ST AVE NE

SPRING LAKE PARK

55432

SHOREVIEW P-2

SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH

3920 VICTORIA ST N

SHOREVIEW

55126

SHOREVIEW P-3

SHOREVIEW CITY HALL

4600 VICTORIA ST N

SHOREVIEW

55126

SHOREVIEW P-4

SHOREVIEW COMMUNITY CENTER

4580 VICTORIA ST N

SHOREVIEW

55126

SHOREVIEW P-5

INCARNATION LUTHERAN CHURCH

4880 HODGSON RD

SHOREVIEW

55126 55126

SHOREVIEW P-6

LAKE JOHANNA FIRE DEPARTMENT STATION NO.3

5545 LEXINGTON AVE N

SHOREVIEW

VADNAIS HEIGHTS P-1

VADNAIS HEIGHTS COMMONS

665 COUNTY ROAD F E

VADNAIS HEIGHTS

55127

WHITE BEAR TWP P-1

OTTER LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

1401 COUNTY ROAD H2 E

WHITE BEAR TWP

55110

More information: Ramsey County Elections and Voting https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/elections-voting

FALL 2017

School Talk

5

SCHOOL BOARD 2017 School Board

Enrollment reaches 16-year high Enrollment at Mounds View Public Schools is at its highest level in 16 years. As of early October, 11,190 students have enrolled in the District. That’s an increase of 124 students from last October 1 reporting. Despite the increased enrollment, all core class sizes meet School Board approved ranges.

Non-resident enrollment remains closed

Front row: Amy Jones, Jon Tynjala and Marre Jo Sager.

Back row: Jonathan Weinhagen, Greg Madsen, Sandra Westerman and Bob Helgeson.

Mounds View’s enrollment growth is related to an increase in resident students, not non-residents. Non-resident enrollment currently comprises only 9 percent of total enrollment and is concentrated in the secondary schools. As these older students age and graduate, the overall percent of non-resident enrollment will naturally decline. Years ago, the Board closed enrollment to new non-resident students in many schools. Today, enrollment is closed in all schools to new non-resident students and will likely remain closed for the foreseeable future.

2016 open enrollment comparison of neighboring districts

School Board election

Fridley

36%

St. Anthony/New Brighton

29%

Columbia Heights

25%

Roseville

19%

• Shauna Bock, Mounds View

Centennial

19%

• Jennifer Daniels, New Brighton

Spring Lake Park

17%

On November 7, voters will elect three residents to serve four-year terms on the School Board. The following residents have filed affidavits of candidacy.

• Diane Glasheen, New Brighton • Sheila Lee, Roseville • Brendan O’Meara, Arden Hills • Marre Jo Sager, New Brighton 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 fouryear term, members may run for re-election to successive terms. For more information on the responsibilities of the School Board, visit https://www.moundsviewschools.org/board.

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School Talk

FALL 2017

Mounds View

11% (9% in 2017)

White Bear Lake

8%

Source = Minnesota Department of Education, 2016

Proposed property taxes Ramsey County will mail 2018 proposed property tax statements in mid-November. Mounds View Public Schools will discuss the budget and final property tax levy for 2018 at a focused forum before its regularly scheduled 7 p.m. Board meeting on December 12, 2017, at the District Center, 4570 Victoria Street N., Shoreview, when it will certify final property taxes.

For more information, please visit the Budgets and Finance page at www.moundsviewschools.org. The proposed taxes for 2018 are projected at $44,052,763 which is a decrease of $729,064 or 1.63 percent less than final taxes payable 2017. The proposed taxes for 2018 may change if there is a successful vote on a bond question that will be on the ballot for November 7, 2017.

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 www.moundsviewschoolsef.org.

Rock the School House will showcase Mounds View District alumni On November 11, the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation will host its 6th annual Rock the School House fundraiser. This year’s event will showcase some of the District’s most interesting and successful alumni. Peter Mogck and Matt Frakes, Mounds View High School class of 2004, are the founders of Minneapolis based Paddle North. Both will be in attendance to share their story and auction one of their specially crafted paddle boards. Be sure to visit www.moundsviewschoolsef.org to learn how Peter and Matt attribute much of their success to the curiosity, creativity and ingenuity cultivated during their time at Mounds View High School.

Visit the events page at www.moundsviewschoolsef.org to learn more about Rock the School House.

Thank you, Rock the School House Sponsors: Platinum

Bronze

Johnson Controls

Bremer Bank

Gold

Building Restoration Corporation

American Transportation

Cap Carpet Carmichael Decorating

Silver

Center for Diagnostic Imaging

Comcast

Centennial Flooring

Kraus Anderson Mounds View Education Association Northeast Bank RBC Wealth Management North Oaks

Edina Realty: Jim Diffley & Shelley St. Marie Diffley Gerten & Van Valkenburg, PA Montgomery Orthodontics

Remax Results: John Peck

Twin Cities Orthopedics

Rob Roe Law, LLC

US Bank

Silver Lake Dental University of Northwestern

Mark Arnold joins the MVSEF Board of Trustees

Foundation names new board president

Mark Arnold is the Chief Operating Officer for CDI (Center for Diagnostic Imaging), one of the largest diagnostic imaging providers in the country. Mark graduated from Mounds View High School in 1992, where he participated in baseball, band, mock trial and other activities. He holds a bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University in New York City, and a master of business administration from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

He and his wife, Megha, have a daughter who attends Chippewa Middle School.

The Mounds View Schools Education Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Yoch as board president. Steve has served on the board for more than four years as treasurer, vice president and now president. He is passionate about enhancing opportunities for all students throughout the District. Steve grew up in the area and went to Snail Lake Elementary School.

He and his wife Andrea have two sons who attended Mounds View High School. Steve is a partner at Felhaber Larson and a historical fiction writer in his free time.

FALL 2017

School Talk

7

MAKING THE GRADE Mounds View Public Schools uses a number of assessments to measure student performance and progress. Whether the results come from state-mandated testing, District measurement systems, or national rankings, Mounds View continues to hold a place among the highest-performing school districts in the state and in the nation.

3

Close achievement gaps for all student groups.

To address achievement gaps, Mounds View Public Schools believes schools must first address the gaps that exist in the aspirations students have for their future, the opportunities available to them and the expectations every family has for their school.

• Aspirations gap – We support the hopes and ambitions of all students.

The District’s Equity Promise ensures that programs and services are in place to ensure that race, class, gender and disability are not predictors of students’ success. The Equity Promise serves as the framework for the World’s Best Workforce strategic plan which focuses on five goals for continued student improvement.

1. All students meet school readiness goals.

2. All third-grade students achieve grade-level literacy.

3. Close achievement gaps for all student groups.

4. All students graduate from high school.

5. All students attain college and career readiness.

STUDENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRESS INDICATORS

1

All students meet school-readiness goals.

The District is in its fourth year of providing a comprehensive all-day kindergarten literacy and numeracy program. Students’ Primary Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) median performance has increased in both math and reading by two points since 2014.

2

All third-grade students achieve grade-level literacy.

Student performance of the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment for Reading provides an annual check of third grade literacy progress. At Mounds View, 64.7 percent of students are proficient, meet or exceed the standards (Minnesota = 56.5 percent). This exam is indicative of students who are on track with their development of literacy skills. The median performance at each District grade level on NWEA MAP test for reading is between 1-3 grade levels above the national norms. District scores have consistently surpassed the MAP national norm for reading (158) and mathematics (159). The District reading median score for kindergarten in 2016-17 was 166 and mathematics was 170.

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School Talk

FALL 2017

• Expectations gap – We meet the expectations of all students and their families as they pursue college and career readiness.

• Opportunity gap – We provide all students with access to rigorous coursework that prepares them for opportunities of their choice after high school.

These are measured through student support before and during the course, student participation and student success in earning college credit.

Class of 2016 – Summary of opportunities for rigorous course work

90% 87% 63% of the students in the Class of 2016 participated in college credit earning courses.

earned college credits

earned one semester or more of college credit (12 or more credits)

$3.5 million

in tuition savings Over to students and families (based on $250 per credit).

See the 2016 summaries for the Early College program for each high school here: Irondale www.moundsviewschools.org/irondaleearlycollege Mounds View www.moundsviewschools.org/moundsviewearlycollege

4

All students graduate from high school.

Students graduating from Mounds View Public Schools will be prepared to pursue higher education or to enter the workforce. The rigorous course offerings prepare students for their next step in life. While many students choose careers that require additional education, those

Mounds View’s Equity Promise:

MLK mural at Irondale High School

“Ensuring all students are prepared for post-secondary success regardless of race, class or disability.”

5

All students attain college and career readiness.

Thanks to a grant from the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation, Mounds View Public Schools was the first school district in the state to make sure every high school junior had a free opportunity to take the ACT on-site during the school day. This free on-site administration began in 2011 and ensures equal opportunity and access to the test.

who elect to join the workforce directly out of high school are more likely to find greater opportunities and higher earnings with a high school diploma which is one of the foundations for success.

Progress on Graduation Rates

Class of 2014

Class of 2015

Class of 2016

ALL Students

96.9

97.7

97.2

White Students

98.3

98.0

97.7

Students of Color

97.2

97.8

98.0

Students receiving FRP lunch

93.9

95.1

93.2

Students receiving EL services

96.3

92.0

96.0

Students receiving SE services

93.5

95.7

92.3

Highest ACT score earned by 8 Mounds View students

To date, an average of 98 percent of students participate in the exam, and Mounds View Public Schools students continue to exceed both the national and state test score average.

Graduating Class ACT scores Class of

District

Minnesota

Nation

2012

23.4

22.8

21.1

2013

23.5

23.0

20.9

2014

23.5

22.9

21.1

2015

23.5

22.7

21.0

2016

23.2

21.1

20.8

2017

23.5

21.5

21.0

Mounds View High School students Gayathri Dileepan, Justin Duffy, Aaron Norlinger, Jeffrey Hu, Michael Pak, Madeline Pape, Ravindra Singh and David Zheng received a composite score of 36 during the 2016-2017 ACT administration, the highest score that can be achieved on the ACT exam.

FALL 2017

School Talk

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MAKING THE GRADE Among the best in the state and nation

Most Challenging High Schools

Irondale High School and Mounds View High School were both named among the Top 10 best high schools in Minnesota, once again placing them among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report (Best High School rankings). The magazine recognized the schools for exceeding expectations when it comes to student performance on reading and math tests, and for preparing students for college.

1. Math and Science Academy 2. Orono 3. Mahtomedi 4. Edina 5. Mankato West 6. Mounds View 7. Minnetonka 8. Eastview 9. Irondale 10. Eagan

Once again, Irondale High School and Mounds View High School have been ranked among the Top 10 most challenging public high schools in Minnesota. With both Irondale and Mounds View on the 2017 list, Mounds View Public Schools is the only multi-high school district in the state with all of its high schools to rank in the Top 10. The Washington Post’s “America’s Most Challenging High Schools” is an annual ranking of how successfully schools challenge their students.

1. St. Croix Preparatory Academy 2. Minnetonka 3. Southwest 4. Mounds View 5. Edina 6. St. Louis Park 7. Orono 8. Robbinsdale Armstrong 9. Eastview 10. Irondale

Best for music education For the fifth consecutive year, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) recognized Mounds View Public Schools with the Best Communities for Music Education designation. In 2016-2017, more than 3,550 students in grades 4-12 chose to participate in band, choir and orchestra. Mounds View was one of only seven Minnesota school districts to receive the designation for 2017.

Representatives from Schmitt Music visited Highview Middle School recently to congratulate teachers from throughout the District for once again earning the Best Communities for Music Education award.

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School Talk

FALL 2017

Top 5 District for National Merit District seniors are among about 16,000 semifinalists named as part of the annual academic National Merit Scholarship competition. The 15 Mounds View High School seniors and one Irondale High School senior were selected based on scores earned on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). They will compete for more than 7,500 scholarships worth more than $32 million, to be awarded this spring. The nationwide pool of semifinalists represents less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors and includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. About 1.6 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Irondale High School 2018 National Merit Scholar Semifinalist Kaitlyn Dobbins (pictured with Amy Janecek, Irondale

principal) was named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist.

The following were named Commended students for placing in the top 50,000 scorers: Sophia Alvarez, Sarah Chock, Alyssa Gahr, Samuel Hertzel, Chloe Lipinski, Ryan Nguyen, Rosalie Ruetz and Samuel Walker. Sophia Alvarez was named National Hispanic Scholar in the Commended category.

Top 5 school districts in Minnesota Wayzata

24

Eden Prairie

20

Minnetonka

18

Mounds View

16

Edina

16

Mounds View High School 2018 National Merit Scholar Semifinalists Back row from left: Ben Chen, Felix Zhang, Alex Li, Ravidra Singh, Jason Min, James Hong, Justin Duffy, Andrew Seong, Yuha Yoo; front row from left: Simon Tran, Aaron Norlinger, Madeline Pape, Emily Su, Kaitlin Manning; not in the group picture: Jeffrey Hu (right).

The following were named Commended students for placing in the top 50,000 scorers: Nandini Avula, Anders Bandt, Isabella Chaffee, Akhil Chandra, Nathan Chau, Derek Chen, Gayathri Dileepan, Brian Foran, Collin Frink, Daniel Frink, Cody Lachinski, Tyrus Martin, Matthew McNamara, Jacob Nelson, Fatima Rahman, Katherine Sheldon, Michael Simms, Morgan Termaat, Daniel Zamow and Derek Zhu.

FALL 2017

School Talk

11

BACK TO SCHOOL Warm welcome

Thousands of students were welcomed to Mounds View Public Schools in September. More than 840 of those students were kindergartners just beginning their Mounds View Public Schools careers.

At Snail Lake Education Center in Shoreview, the kindergarten center now welcomes early childhood programs in place of the District’s central administrative offices (which moved into the old Ramsey County Library in Shoreview).

This program expansion means that early childhood offerings are now available at the Early Childhood Education Center and Pike Lake Education Center in New Brighton as well as at Snail Lake. This fall, more than 800 children and 300 parents were welcomed into programs at all three centers.

To learn more about Early Childhood Education, visit www.moundsviewschools.org/earlychildhood.

Daphne Siitari and Ethan Quarberg were among the 153 Turtle Lake kindergarten students to start in September.

New faces Juniors and seniors who serve as peer mentors welcomed 439 freshmen at Irondale High School this year while junior and senior Mustang Mentors welcomed 472 Mounds View High

During freshmen only day, Principal Stephanie Bruggers and Superintendent Chris Lennox took a turn in the photo backdrop that Mustang Mentors set up for ninth-graders.

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School Talk

FALL 2017

School freshmen. At both high schools, the first day of school is dedicated to ninth-graders only. Student mentors give school tours, talk to freshmen about school sports and activities and help ninth-graders feel comfortable in their new school.

At Mounds View, it wasn’t just students getting off to a new start, Stephanie Bruggers started her new role as principal this school year after spending the past two years in the associate principal role at Mounds View. Learn more about Stephanie Bruggers by watching a brief introduction video at www.moundsviewschools.org/moundsview.

Greg Martin joined Mounds View High School as an associate principal.

Maria Roberts was named an associate principal at Irondale High School.

Staying connected in 2017-18 Websites aim to help users easily find information about the District and its schools, at any time, from any device.

Websites are mobile responsive to allow viewers to search District sites from desktop and laptop computers, tablets and smartphones.

Find the District at www.moundsviewschools.org.

Schools are at www.moundsviewschools.org/SCHOOLNAME Other resources that parents and community members can tap for information include electronic newsletters, the District app, school and District social media feeds and more. Watch for improvements to the athletics and activities pages in 2017-2018 as well.

Electronic newsletters District families are automatically subscribed to school and District e-newsletters.

Community members who want to receive email updates can subscribe to the newsletters of their choice by visiting www.moundsviewschools.org/ enews. All school newsletters now include links to school, District and community e-flyers detailing enrichments opportunities and community event information.

Video feeds Look for the “Mounds Views” icon at www.moundsviewschools.org to watch brief news stories featuring teachers, schools and programs throughout the District. As always, the District and each school website also offers a YouTube video feed highlighting school activities and programs.

Call Mounds View Public Schools Looking for a specific school or department contact?

Visit www.moundsviewschools.org/staffdirectory for a list of school and department directories.

Smartphone updates and notifications Smartphone and tablet users can subscribe to school calendars and news notifications by downloading the free District app.

Available in the App Store and on Google Play, the Mounds View Public Schools app offers easy access to school contacts and calendars, lunch menus and more.

Social media Every school in the District has a Twitter and Facebook page to connect with the community. “Like” and follow Mounds View Public Schools and specific school pages on Facebook and Twitter for timely news.

Translation assistance To learn more about District programs and events featured in this issue of School Talk in Spanish, Hmong or Somali, please call Angel Toro (Spanish) at 651-724-0396, Mee Yang (Hmong) at 651-724-0396 or Ali Ali (Somali) at 651-724-7482.

Haddii aad dooneysid faahfaahin dheeraad ah oo ku saabsan barnaamijyada lugu soo qoro School Talk, ee ka baxa Iskuulada Moundsview, fadlan la soo xiriis Ali Ali: 651-724-7482.

Para aprender mas sobre los programas del Distrito Escolar y de los eventos en esta edicion de School Talk, llame a Angel Toro al 651-724-0396.

Yog xa paub ntau tshaj nov txog peb lub District cov program thiab kev sib sau ua ke ntawm peb cov tsev kawm ntawv thiab niam txiv nrog rau me nyuam kawm ntawv uas muaj nyob rau hauv tsab ntawv School Talk no, thov hu rau Mee Yang ntawm 651-724-0396.

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AROUND THE DISTRICT High school trip to Germany

Work-based learning

Mounds View High School students Robert Hairston, Mason Marx and Matthew Schnell joined Irondale High School students Mikey Harelson and Nakyah Ivy (pictured from left to right with two students from another school group) and German teacher Jill Hallenberger on a tour of Germany, Austria and Switzerland in July.

Irondale junior Morgan Ouellette officially became an employee of Presbyterian Homes at Johanna Shores this September. The District’s work-based learning program has opened the door for Morgan and fellow Mounds View High School student Ellen Maguire to get real-world job experience in the culinary department at Presbyterian Homes. Morgan and Ellen are among many students from Mounds View High School and Irondale High School who benefit from work-based learning opportunities during the school day. The program is designed to partner students with a job coach and a work-based learning coordinator to build work skills in preparation for employment after high school. Presbyterian Homes has been a valuable community partner for the District, providing work-based learning opportunities for high school students for more than 15 years.

Ellen Maguire and Morgan Ouellette

Robert, Matthew, Nakyah and their teacher, Ms. Hallenberger, spent five days with families in Einhausen, Germany, in connection with the Shoreview Einhausen Sister City Association (SESCA) organization. The self-funded trip is offered every other year to students with at least two years of German study.

National Anthem Day Chippewa Middle School joined in a celebration of the 203rd anniversary of the National Anthem on September 14.

Thousands of schools across the United States commemorated the day that Francis Scott Key wrote the Star-Spangled Banner by participating in a nation-wide school sing-a-long.

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Students from Chippewa’s choir and orchestra led the National Anthem while military personnel, firefighters, local mayors, council members, School Board members, parents, students and staff sang along.

Summer fencing camp

Students ages seven to 11 from throughout the District learned the basics of fencing from master fencing instructor Bruce Eyton. The week-long camp was offered through the District’s community education summer camp program for the first time last summer. The focus was on honor, respect and manners, and it gave students an opportunity to learn martial arts fencing while participating in fencing games. For more information about community education programs, visit www.moundsviewschools.org/communityed.

Mindfulness in Education Highview Middle School arts and humanities teacher Tim Iverson was asked to present at the Mindfulness in Education Network conference at Tufts University in Boston last summer. He hosted a workshop entitled “Seeing, sensing, remembering — bringing mindfulness to the classroom” for teachers across the country in June. Iverson is also a board member for the Mindfulness in Education Network, which creates an annual conference for educators.

Students build Little Free Library

In Elizabeth Hoff ’s Sunnyside Elementary School third-grade classroom last school year, students learned about the first Little Free Library, a tiny community library that was built in 2009 by Todd Bol in Hudson, Wis. Bol built the community library as a tribute to his mother, a teacher and book lover. There are now more than 50,000 Little Free Libraries across the country. Hoff ’s class decided that one very special Little Free Library should reside at Sunnyside Elementary School.

The result was a Little Free Library, built to look like a little schoolhouse, complete with a bell tower. Irondale High School students built the library and students Simileen Kaur, Emma Wukawitz and Gabe Hart helped paint the library alongside principal Nathan Flansburg and PTA member Phaedra Wilson. The Sunnyside PTA supported the project financially, reimbursing Irondale Tech Ed for materials. The library is located just outside the front of Sunnyside Elementary School.

Pictured from left to right: Simileen Kaur, Sunnyside teacher Elizabeth Hoff, Emma Wukawitz, Irondale teacher Mark Ahlers and principal Nathan Flansburg.

Elizabeth Hoff and her students designed the library. A field trip to meet with Mark Ahler and his Technical Education class at Irondale High School last fall brought those design ideas to life.

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AROUND THE DISTRICT Orchestra students perform at Target Field Mounds View Public Schools orchestra students led the National Anthem at the Minnesota Twins vs. San Diego Padres game on September 12. Fifth- and sixth-grade students who participated in the summer orchestra program were positioned on center field and projected on the Twins scoreboard to perform the Anthem. They were then invited to stay for the game along with parents, family and friends of the District.

The Twins project included 200 orchestra students coordinated

by Sarah Duffy and Connie Aiken. For more orchestra event photos throughout the year, or to share your own Highview orchestra photos from public events throughout the year, visit www.moundsviewschools.org/highvieworchestraphotos.

Donations help nearly 800 students Thanks to donations from District families and staff, area business and faith partners, community members and volunteers, the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf distributed school supplies to 785 students in grades K-12 during its annual Good Neighbor Back to School Project. Students received everything from pencils to backpacks. Supplies are still available for those needing help.

Free Farmers’ Market Tuesdays The Food Shelf hosted Free Farmers’ Market Tuesdays over the summer.

More than 30,000 pounds of fresh produce was distributed to more than 1,600 community members including families and senior citizens who are on a fixed income. The Farmers Market events were made possible thanks to 50 volunteers, church and school community garden donations, Second Harvest Heartland, Kowalski’s, Trader Joe’s and The Food Group.

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The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf is a Community Education Program of Mounds View Public Schools and is available to any low-income individual or family living within the school district. Food assistance and other services including county and medical application help and referrals to other resources and services are available during the week by appointment.

Thanksgiving bags are available in November and an Operation Joy campaign makes gifts available to children ages birth to grade 12 in December. For information on receiving help or volunteering/ helping, call 651-621-7451 or visit www.ralphreederfoodshelf.org.

Give your house cleaning

more meaning

by donating an unused instrument

Every year in every school, dozens of students who participate in band and orchestra cannot afford to rent or buy their instrument. Our schools have a limited number of instruments for students to use for the cost of a small annual maintenance fee. But as our programs grow, so does the need.

A donated instrument will find a home with a student in our band and orchestra programs.

We’re looking for brass, woodwinds and string instruments (especially smaller-sized violins and violas) in any condition.

District-wide annual asbestos notification Mounds View Public Schools has continued to respond to asbestos in buildings in a cautious and proactive manner. Building administration will continue with its ongoing asbestos operations and maintenance program, including periodic surveillance inspections, which are conducted on a semi-annual basis. Also required as part of AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act-EPA) are re-inspections, which are conducted by accredited inspectors every three years since the implementation of the District’s Management Plan. The building administration’s ongoing efforts related to the management and control of asbestos containing materials are focused on providing a safe environment for our building occupants and employees. If you have any questions, would like to review the management plan, or are interested in recent response actions completed at the buildings, please contact Chris Paquette at 651-621-6090.

Thank you to those of you who have already donated. Since the first call for donations was made last spring, 70 instruments have been donated. An average of more than 3,550 students in grades 4-12 participate in music programs District-wide annually. Your donations directly impact those students and are appreciated by schools and students in our community. Thank you!

For more information, call 651-621-6787 or e-mail andy.schmidt@moundsviewschools.org

yOung AT heArT

Laurentian Environmental Center, the only environmental center in the state that is owned and operated by a school district, hosted 49 seniors (ages 50+) for Young at Heart Camp last summer. Participants experienced a multi-day adventure filled with hiking, canoeing, nature programs, crafts, service projects, learning new recipes, experiencing live music and so much more.

The program has been hosted at Laurentian for more than 35 years. Typically campers from the Twin Cities and surrounding area register for this camp, which is geared to ages 50 and older.

This year, participants spanned not only from the Twin Cities but also from Georgia, North Carolina and Wisconsin.

Pesticides and Herbicides: Parents’ right to know A Minnesota state law went into effect in the year 2000 that requires schools to inform parents and guardians if they apply certain pesticides on the school property. Specifically, this law requires schools that apply these pesticides to maintain an estimated schedule of pesticide applications and to make the schedule available to parents and guardians for review or copying at each school office. The long-term effects on children from application of such pesticides, or the class of chemicals to which they belong, may not be fully understood. If you would like to be notified prior to pesticide applications made on days other than those specified in the estimated schedule (excluding emergency applications), please contact Chris Paquette at 651-621-6090.

Campers made blue bird coves during their stay at Laurentian Environmental Center.

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS UPDATE

MOUNDS VIEW TOP • Mounds View girls soccer is ranked in the Top 10.

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Mark Downey was named the Craig Anderson Ethics in Coaching Award winner by the Baseball Coaches Association.

Nearly 1,100 high school students District-wide are participating in fall sports this year. In an effort to make activities schedules and coach/advisor information more accessible, high school sports and activities websites are moving to a new platform. Parents can expect continued improvements throughout the year.

Find the Mounds View Mustangs on Twitter @GoMVMustangs

• Mounds View boys cross country is ranked in the Top 10.

Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/MoundsViewHighSchool

• Mounds View volleyball received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award.

For the most up-to-date news, visit the Activities and Athletics website at www.moundsviewschools.org/moundsview.

IRONDALE

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.

Irondale football Irondale’s football team is off to a strong start this year. The homecoming football game welcomed a large crowd of fans and also played host to the school’s 50th Anniversary celebration. To see pictures from the event, visit www.moundsviewschools.org/irondale.

The Marching Knights placed fourth in their Regional Competition. More than 90 students participate in marching band.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Music at

Mounds View

FOCUS on your future Mounds View Public Schools

Kindergarten Round-Up: Island Lake

at Snail Lake February 1

5:30 – 7 p.m.

Turtle Lake

at Snail Lake February 8

5:30 – 7 p.m.

Join us for our exciting fourth season!

Sunnyside

at Pike Lake

February 6

4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Performances take place in the Mounds View High School Auditorium.

Located at 1900 Lake Valentine Road, Arden Hills.

Valentine Hills at Pike Lake

February 7

6 – 7 p.m.

Bel Air

at Pike Lake

February 7

4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Pinewood

at Pike Lake

February 6

6 – 7 p.m.

Friday, November 17, 2017 • 7 p.m.

KAT PERKINS Sunday, January 14, 2018 • 2 p.m.

CLOCKS AND CLOUDS With Mounds View string students Saturday, February 3, 2018 • 7 p.m.

WILD GOOSE CHASE CLOGGERS Sunday, April 15, 2018 • 2 p.m.

OKEE DOKEE BROTHERS Season pass and single-event tickets are available at the door or online at www.moundsviewschools.org/ musicatmoundsview.

2018 Middle School Information Nights: Chippewa Middle School January 16

6 – 8 p.m.

Edgewood Middle School January 30

7 – 8 p.m.

Highview Middle School

6:30 p.m.

January 30

2018 High School Information Nights: In January, 8th-graders will receive registration information in the mail.

February Information Nights will offer families an opportunity to learn more, and to register online (during the event or at home).

Irondale High School

February 1

Activities, Athletics, and Curriculum Fair (varsity gym)

5:30 – 7 p.m.

Principal’s Welcome

5:30 and 7 p.m.

Mounds View February 12 High School

A – L M – Z

5:30 – 7 p.m.

7 – 8:30 p.m.

New to Mounds View Public Schools?

Early Childhood Screening

If you have recently moved into the District and have preschool students who may one day enroll in Mounds View Public Schools, it’s important that you contact the Early Childhood staff to have your family information entered into the District’s data system. Please contact susan.stoner@moundsviewschools.org.

Early Childhood Screening is required for entrance into kindergarten and is offered throughout the year at no charge. It is best to have your child screened between ages 3.5 and 4. Screening identifies possible learning or health concerns so that your child can get the needed help before starting school.

Call 651‑621‑7421 to make your child’s early childhood screening appointment today.

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W O N N OPE School apparel and gear is now available for all schools at www.moundsviewschools.org/schoolspirit

Mounds View PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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

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