here - Mounds View Public Schools

School Talk
FALL 2015
Connected
Kids
Why student connectedness
is a key to success.
ALSO INSIDE: SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION • ANNUAL REPORT • OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
Connected Kids
Why after-school time is a key to academic success.
p.m., and the high school
Idayt’s 2:05
has just ended. But for many
students, the best part of the day is
just beginning.
Seniors Grant Delaune and Etisha
Punia are racing off to cross country
practice at Mounds View High School,
but not before a few stops along the
way. Grant checks in with his student
council advisor for a quick meeting.
Etisha chats about the day with her
friends near her locker, before meeting
with her favorite math teacher for some
extra help.
Both consider this time a golden
opportunity for connecting.
“That time period between school
getting out and activities starting —
I really like it,” says Etisha. “We have
plenty of time to get things done.”
That’s by design. Both Irondale High
School and Mounds View delay the
start of activities up to an hour to allow
students time to connect with teachers.
And once activities begin, student
connections soar.
On the cover:
Mounds View seniors
Julia Anderson,
Michael DeGroot
and Jericho Von
Brugger enjoy the
Homecoming football
game.
Photo credit:
Stephen Ward,
David Bank Studio
“If I wasn’t as involved
after school, I wouldn’t
know as many of my
teachers or other
students as well.”
– Etisha Punia, Mounds View senior
“If I wasn’t as involved after
school, I wouldn’t know as many
of my teachers or other students as
well — especially students from other
grade levels,”says Etisha.
Grant agrees.
“When I was an underclassman, I
remember feeling super cool whenever
a senior would say hi to me in the hall,”
he says. “Now that I’m the senior, I
always try to do the same to freshmen.
It’s cool listening to their music and
hearing about their day. Activities are a
great way to get to know students you
wouldn’t normally know.”
Editors
Rachel Gutierrez
Colin Sokolowski
Designer
Susan Abbott
Photographers
Rachel Gutierrez
Greg Helgeson
Lifetouch
Stephen Ward
Superintendent
Dan Hoverman
2015 School Board
Bob Helgeson
Amy Jones
Greg Madsen
Marre Jo Sager
Jon Tynjala
Jonathan Weinhagen
Sandra Westerman
School Talk is published by Mounds View Public Schools, Independent School District 621.
Send correspondence to School Talk editor, 350 Highway 96 West, Shoreview, MN 55126,
e-mail [email protected] or call 651-621-6012.
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xiriir, taleefanka 651-724-7482.
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Student connectedness
They may not realize it, but what
Grant and Etisha are building in those
moments after school is just as critical
to their development as their classroom
experiences. It’s called student
connectedness. And studies show it’s
an essential component to the overall
health and well-being of students.
“Students who feel connected
to school...report high levels
of emotional well-being.”
Journal of School Health
“Students who are connected
are less likely to have emotional
problems, suffer from eating
disorders or experience suicidal
thoughts.”
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC)
“Increased student connection
to school promotes motivation,
classroom engagement and
improved school attendance.”
Educational Leadership magazine
“There’s been a consistent theme
throughout our work, and it’s student
connectedness,” says School Board
member Greg Madsen. “Connectedness
affects the emotional health of students.
It promotes academic achievement. It
even supports co-curricular success.”
As evidence of its support, the School
Board recently committed to an annual
$800,000 investment to support
high school co-curriculars, paying for
transportation, uniforms, officials and
some essential equipment.
School’s out, but students remain
Strategies for success
So what else has the District done to
promote student connectedness?
• Every school has a specific priority goal
related to connectedness.
• Every school works with every student
to provide meaningful goal setting and
mentoring.
• Elementary schools offer a variety of afterschool activities and family fun nights.
• Student interests have prompted new
after-school activities added to middle
schools.
• Middle schools offer an activity bus at
4:15 p.m.
• High schools run after-school buses
at 3:30 and again at 5 p.m.
• Sliding-scale fees, needs-based
scholarships and family caps encourage
participation in co-curriculars at all
school levels.
• The first day of school for sixth- and
ninth-graders offers them the entire
school building focused on them.
• The ninth-grade respect retreat has
become a popular tradition.
• High schools have launched campaigns
promoting the responsible use of social
media.
Strategies to improve student connectedness
may look somewhat different in every
school, but staff throughout the District
share the same goal: Making frequent,
personal and positive contacts with every
student.
“We know that kids who feel more
connected do better in school and in life
beyond our walls,” says Superintendent Dan
Hoverman. “If our students feel connected,
we’re confident their experience here will be
positive and successful.”
Students study in the paddock after school at Mounds View High School. “When
school gets out, it’s hardly a ghost town here,” says activities director Bob Madison.
“It feels almost as busy as the school day. And that’s just the way we want it.”
Do students feel connected?
Students at Irondale High School and Mounds View High School
recently took a student connectedness survey. Results reveal...
“Besides a teacher, at least one
other adult in school welcomes
me, cares about me and
encourages me to succeed.”
“I feel
supported
by my
teacher.”
84%
90%
“I feel
respected
by my fellow
students.”
“I care about
my school.”
85%
85%
“I am involved
in at least one
club, sport,
musical group or
school-sponsored
activity.”
“I feel good
about who I am
as a person.”
90%
Compared to high school
students across the state:
85%
“Adults in school
care about me.”
“I feel good
about myself.”
75%
68%
– Minnesota Student Survey,
Minnesota Center for Health Statistics, 2013
FALL 2015 School Talk
3
MAKING THE GRADE
Mounds View 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
Public Schools continues to hold a place
among the highest-performing districts in the
state and in the nation.
Top in the nation for ACT
Year after year, Mounds View Public Schools students
exceed both the national and the state average on
ACT exams. For the ninth consecutive year, Mounds
View Public Schools students earned an average ACT
score (23.5) that surpasses both the Minnesota average
(22.7) and the national average (21.0). Thanks to
a grant from the Mounds View Schools Education
Foundation, Mounds View Public Schools was the first
school district in the state to give every high school
junior the opportunity to take the ACT on site for
free during the school day beginning in 2011. In 2015,
98 percent of the junior class participated in the free
on-site administration of the test.
Top 10 school district
Mounds View Public Schools
ranked among the top 10
districts in the state for the
most 2016 National Merit
Scholarship semifinalists. In
total, eight Mounds View
High School students and two
Irondale High School students
were named semifinalists.
Steven Truong and Angela Vu
(pictured with Irondale Principal
Eric Nelson).
Emily Ruan, Hassan Lubega, Persis Ke, Brandon Duffy and Alex Jiang
(in the front row). William Newhouse, Sam Rush and Daniel Min (with
Mounds View Principal Jeff Ridlehoover).
Mounds View High School seniors Brandon Duffy, William
Newhouse, Emily Ruan and Persis Ke achieved a score
of 36 on the ACT test, the highest score that can be
achieved. Only 58 students in Minnesota’s class of 2015
earned a score of 36.
Top 10 School Districts
in Minnesota
National Merit
Scholarship program
Wayzata
26
Edina
19
Eden Prairie15
Eagan-RosemountApple Valley15
Graduating Class of 2015 ACT scores
Mounds View Public Schools
23.5
Minnesota average
22.7
National average
21.0
*The District’s composite score also includes students from other District
schools such as the Area Learning Center and REACH Academy.
South Washington County
12
Mounds View10
Minneapolis
10
Rochester
8
Minnetonka
8
St. Paul7
4
School Talk FALL 2015
District seniors are among
about 16,000 semifinalists
named as part of the annual
academic competition.
The students, who were
selected based on scores
on a PSAT qualifying test,
will compete for more than
7,000 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.
District students perform above the state and the nation
District students on average perform one to three grade levels above national
norms in reading and math as measured by the NWEA Measure of Academic
Progress (MAP). MAP tests are aligned with Minnesota state standards and serve
as early indicators of how students will perform on MCA tests (used to meet
federal requirements of No Child Left Behind). The District also uses MAP tests to
measure student academic growth and develop plans for continued improvement.
Results from Minnesota’s Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) tests also show that
District students out-perform their peers in the state when it comes to the percent
of students proficient in reading, math and science. In 2015, the percent of students
proficient on the MCA math and MCA reading exams increased.
5 GOALS
OF FOCUS
Mounds View Public Schools is
committed to high student achievement
through a comprehensive approach
that integrates the key components of
learning. The Legislature passed the
World’s Best Workforce Bill in 2013
requiring all Minnesota schools to
develop a plan for increasing student
performance that includes five goals
of focus. Mounds View’s World’s Best
Workforce strategic plan for 2015-2016
will continue to focus on meeting the
five key components described in the
2014-2015 plan. The District’s Equity
Promise provides the framework to make
great strides in all these components.
Mounds View Public Schools
Educational Equity Promise
• Programs and services will be in
place at all schools to ensure that
race, class and disability will not
predict students’ success in
Mounds View Public Schools.
• Student academic performance will
not fall into patterns identifiable
by factors such as race, ethnicity,
English language proficiency, socioeconomic status and disability.
• The school that a student attends
will not be the predictor of his/her
school success.
More information
For more information, visit
the “Curriculum” web page at
www.moundsviewschools.org.
Questions
Questions about testing and
assessment? Contact Mary Roden,
assistant director of assessment
and evaluation, at 651-621-6042 or
[email protected].
1
All students meet school readiness goals.
2
very student is able to read at or above
E
grade level by the end of third grade.
Participation in high-quality early learning programs will provide children from
all backgrounds with a strong start and a foundation for school success. Early
learning programs help prevent achievement gaps before they start, and invests
from an early age in children as our most critical resource. An ongoing focus on
early childhood programs will include a closer look at expansion opportunities
for ages four to kindergarten.
The District is in its second year of providing a comprehensive all-day
kindergarten literacy and numeracy program. Students’ Primary Measures of
Academic Progress median performance increased for both math (+3 points)
and reading (+4 points) in 2014-2015, revealing the impact of all-day
kindergarten instruction.
Scientifically-based literacy instruction, assessment and professional development
is provided across the District to ensure that all students have a solid foundation
of literacy skills in third grade. Students’ performance on the Minnesota
Comprehensive Assessment for Reading provides an annual check of third-grade
literacy progress. Students who are proficient (meet or exceed the standards) on
this exam are indicative of students who are on track with their development of
literacy skills.
At all sites, support for the implementation of literacy standards and high
quality instruction are provided through the use of a Literacy Coaches and
Instructional Strategies Facilitators. Alignment of standards, prioritizing of
benchmarks and regular
Percent of third-grade students proficient
assessments for instructional
on the MCA Reading assessment
planning is ongoing. Support
for all students, including
Mounds View
State of MN
appropriate intervention
Spring 2015
65.8
58.7
services, are provided as needed
to ensure all students read
Spring 2014
69.3
58.2
fluently on grade level by the
Spring 2013
63.2
57.4
end of third grade.
FALL 2015 School Talk
5
MAKING THE GRADE
3
Close achievement gaps for all students.
Mounds View Public Schools measures students’ progress
and analyzes the results — looking closely at the percentage
of students exceeding proficiency, meeting proficiency or
meeting partial proficiency on standards measured by the
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments. These results are
analyzed to identify any achievement gaps and ensure that
schools are upholding the District’s Equity Promise.
In alignment with the Achievement and Integration plan
to address achievement gaps, schools are first addressing the
gaps that exist in the aspirations student have for their future,
the opportunities available to them and the expectations every
school has for its students. The District and its schools are
working toward a goal of reducing the achievement gap to
half of what it is now by spring 2017. To do this, schools are
focused on:
• Increasing student engagement through culturally and
linguistically responsive classrooms and through work
with equity coordinators.
• Increasing opportunities for rigorous course work for the
academic middle with support for students to succeed.
• Professional Learning Communities focused on the
strategies that impact achievement for all students.
District Achievement Gap Trend for Math and Reading
2013
MATH
2014
MATH
2015
MATH
2013
RDG
2014
RDG
2015
RDG
Difference in achievement of students of color
compared to white students.
12.7
10.3
10.2
13.3
13.8
13.0
Difference in achievement of students receiving
free/reduced lunch prices compared to those not
receiving free/reduced lunch.
18.8
18.3
18.1
23.2
23.6
23.7
Difference in achievement of students receiving
English Learner Services compared to those not
receiving English Learner Services.
32.5
27.3
29.1
44.5
49.5
50.3
Difference of achievement of students receiving
Special Education Services compared to those
not receiving Special Education Services.
24.8
29.7
36.1
25.3
28.8
38.2
4
A
ll students graduate
from high school.
Mounds View Public Schools measures
the percent of students who graduate
in exactly four years plus the percent
of students who continue according to
their Personalized Plan, as an indicator
of progress for on-time graduation.
District strategies for
increasing graduation rates
to 100 percent:
• Personalized Post-Secondary plans
for all sixth-12th-grade students.
• Well-defined activities that support
students’ transitions between sites.
6
School Talk FALL 2015
• Equity Coordinator,
equity staff and
school deans monitor
at-risk students to
provide academic
interventions as
needed.
• Provide multiple
and focused ways to
support students with
credit recovery.
*It is important to note that
in 2015 for many of these
comparison subgroups,
the number of students
proficient increased for
both groups. This resulted
in the gap remaining much
the same, even though
there was an increase in
the number of students
reaching proficient levels.
Class of
2012
Class of
2013
Class of
2014
ALL
96.1
96.4
96.9
White Students
96.8
97.2
98.3
Students of Color
93.9
90.4
97.2
Students
receiving free or
reduced-price lunch
93.0
92.2
93.9
Students receiving
English Language
Services
97.4
96.4
96.3
Students receiving
Special Education
Services
90.7
93.8
93.5
5
All students attain college and career readiness.
As part of the Equity Promise,
schools work to ensure that programs
and services are in place to provide
all students with supports and
opportunities that will prepare them
for post-secondary success. Predictors
of success are used to guide personal
learning plans and focus on individual
goals for student achievement.
Administration of the Explore,
PLAN and ACT tests helps guide
four-year goal-setting plans and aids
in the development of post-secondary
plans for students in grades six to 12.
Foundational course offerings in grades
seven to 10 and an ongoing focus
on developing the Habits of Mind
help ensure students are college and
career ready.
The ACT helps to assess college
and career readiness. All Mounds View
Public Schools juniors are offered
the ACT at no charge during the
school day.
In addition to the ACT, the District
measures the participation and success
of students in rigorous course offering
including: concurrent enrollment at
Anoka Ramsey Community College
(ARCC) Advanced Placement (AP)
and College in the Schools (CIS)
courses.
Students enrolled in
college-level courses 2014-2015
Graduating Class ACT Results
Class of
2011
Class of
2012
Class of
2013
Class of
2014
Class of
2015
Number of students
taking exam
612
861
792
819
824
% of class
69%
97%
97%
97%
98%
Average District Score
25.3
23.4
23.5
23.5
23.5
Average State Score
22.9
22.3
23.0
22.9
22.7
Average Nation Score
21.1
21.1
20.9
21.1
21.0
A Closer Look: Number of students with ACT Composite Score:
25-36
348
315
308
386
366
21-24
178
220
207
186
203
17-20
68
146
164
139
138
lower than 17
18
180
112
108
117
The Class of 2012 was the first class to participate in the free ACT Junior Administration.
2014-15 Student Concurrent Enrollment in College Courses
Mounds View High School
1600
1400
1400
1200
1200
• 66% of students at
Mounds View High School
200
*Note that ninth-grade students have fewer options
to participate, as most courses begin at grade 10.
800
800
600
• 79% of the students enrolled
in these courses earned the
college credit.
1000
1000
• 56% of students at
Irondale High School
• 61% of students in grades 9*-12
Irondale High School
600
400
400
0
200
ARCC
AP
CIS
Enrollments
813
1503
101
Students
669
772
73
0
ARCC
AP
CIS
Enrollments
987
1280
59
Students
622
759
42
The enrollment number represents duplicated counts of students,
as students may enroll in multiple ARCC, AP and CIS courses.
FALL 2015 School Talk
7
SCHOOL BOARD
2015 School Board
Enrollment continues to rise
As of early September, 10,894 students have
enrolled in Mounds View Public Schools. This
year’s enrollment is an increase of 383 students
from last October 1 reporting. Despite the
increase, buildings are operating with efficiency
near capacity levels, and average class sizes remain
the same as the last several years thanks to voterapproved levy funding. All core class sizes meet
School Board approved ranges. Depending on
the grade level, students receive small group
instruction every day in math and reading with
groups sizes of five to 15 students.
Front row: Amy Jones, Jon Tynjala, Marre Jo Sager. Back row: Jonathan
Weinhagen, Greg Madsen, Sandra Westerman, Bob Helgeson.
Moody’s upgrades bond rating
Investing in students
Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded Mounds View
School District’s bond rating to Aa2 from Aa3. The Aa2
rating reflects the District’s large tax base, a recent trend
of growing enrollment, healthy financial position and
modest debt burdens.
More dollars go to classroom instruction and support than to
any other area. This year, the District is investing 76 cents of
every general fund dollar in classroom instruction and support.
Proposed property taxes
Ramsey County will mail 2016 proposed property tax
statements in mid-November. Mounds View Public
Schools will discuss the budget and final property tax
levy for 2016 at a focused forum scheduled before its
regularly scheduled 7 p.m. Board meeting on December
8, 2015, at Snail Lake Education Center, 350 Highway
96 W, 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 2016 total $44,125,435, which is
an increase of $939,563 or 2% more than final taxes
payable 2015. The main area of increase is referendum
funding which is directly influenced by increased
student enrollment.
Student instruction
and support: 76¢
Sites and buildings: 7¢
Transportation: 7¢
District & school administration: 4¢
District support services: 3¢
Fixed costs: 3¢
Source: General Fund, Mounds View Public Schools, 2015-2016
8
School Talk FALL 2015
EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Mounds View Schools Education Foundation (MVSEF)
works in partnership with Mounds View Public Schools
leadership to identify programs that require funding to
advance District priorities and innovations that can reach
students throughout the entire District. Dave and Marsha
Stimpson have helped to make many Foundation initiatives
a reality.
Spotlight on the Stimpsons
Ask Dave or Marsha Stimpson about their family’s history
with Mounds View Public Schools and they will tell you that
it started with the experiences Dave had as a student.
Dave is part of the 1966 Mounds View High School
graduating class. The Stimpsons are also proud parents
of two Mounds View alumni — their son Jeremy (1996) and
daughter Kaitlin (2002).
Marsha, although not an alumna, has her own unique
connection to Mounds View Public Schools. She began
working in the District as a paraprofessional in 1990 and
concluded her career as a health specialist at Sunnyside
Elementary School this past February. Marsha takes great
pride in her work within the schools and also values the
education their children received from the Mounds View
school system.
In 1989, Dave was appointed to the Board of the 621
Foundation, now known as the Mounds View Schools
Education Foundation. He quickly took on a leadership role
and championed what affectionately became known as the
621 Family Fun Run. This event, one of the first fun runs in
the Mounds View Public Schools community, was an annual
event that ran for a decade and raised thousands of dollars
for the District.
Dave Stimpson presenting a scholarship to Brooke Olson at the
Local Awards Ceremony at Mounds View High School.
his experience with the District, Dave said, “I realized
how difficult it was to keep the budget cuts out of the
classroom. I felt our District’s primary goal was to make
sure that our students received the best classroom
education possible and that every educational touch
point — be it the arts, languages, sciences or math — mattered. To this day, I believe that is what makes the
Mounds View School District a great district.”
The Foundation appreciates Dave and Marsha’s past
service as well as their on-going financial investment as
supporters of the Foundation’s annual giving program
and as attendees of MVSEF’s fundraising events.
Their commitment can serve as an example to other
alumni, parents and community members who value
the importance of giving back and supporting the
exceptional educational experience offered by Mounds
View Public Schools.
Visit www.moundsviewschoolsef.org
for more information and to consider making an
investment in classroom enhancements for Mounds
View Public Schools students through the Annual
Giving Campaign.
Dave’s service was not just limited to the Foundation. He
served on the School Board from 1999 to 2004 during
a difficult economic climate. When asked to reflect on
FALL 2015 School Talk
9
BACK TO SCHOOL
New faces
In September, 800 kindergarten students began their first year as part of
the Mounds View Public Schools team. Assistant Superintendent Chris
Lennox also joined the District.
Ryan Lang (pictured below) cured students of the first-day jitters
at the kindergarten centers at Pike Lake by sharing with them that it
was also his first day. Lang, who has been a teacher with Mounds View
Public Schools since 2012, joined Pike Lake in July as the kindergarten
center program administrator. Valentine Hills Elementary School
welcomed Lindsey Boumgarden as principal in September while
Nathan Flansburg joined Sunnyside Elementary as principal. Rob Reetz
became principal at Chippewa Middle School.
Chris Lennox was busy getting to know students,
staff and schools in September. Maddie Zukowski’s
kindergarten class got a surprise visit when he joined
their class for story time.
Get to know new principals by
watching introduction videos at
www.moundsviewschools.org.
District high schools welcomed 931 freshmen this fall.
Student mentors at both schools helped ninth-graders
make a smooth transition to high school with a freshmenonly day filled with various orientation activities
including team-building activities and school tours.
Mounds View Mentors helped lead a Respect Retreat that
challenged students to respect themselves and others, and to
contribute to the school’s positive learning environment.
10
School Talk FALL 2015
At Irondale, Allison Willner and Catherine Niedermann were among the
140 juniors and seniors who serve as Peer Mentors. They helped ninthgraders navigate the school during the first week and helped to make
the transition to high school a positive experience.
Stay connected in 2015-2016
Video message to families
Website improvements
In September, students and their families were welcomed to the
2015-2016 school year with a one-minute video message from
Superintendent Dan Hoverman. For some insights into the
school year, watch the video at www.moundsviewschools.org.
District and school websites will soon be mobile
responsive and easier to navigate. Look for continued
improvements to the District and school websites in
2015-2016.
Social media
You can also follow the District and its schools on
,
and
.
All schools throughout the District have a playlist on
the District’s YouTube Channel. Links are available
in the footer at www.moundsviewschools.org.
Find school-specific social media links and feeds by
visiting school websites.
Updates on the go with the new District app
Staying in touch with the
District and its schools
has never been easier.
Download and customize
the free mobile app to
add specific calendar
events to your device,
follow high school
sports, subscribe to
notifications, check
lunch menus, contact
schools and more.
School
and District
contacts
Attendance lines
Calendars
Lunch menus
Teacher
websites
SchoolView
Tip text
tips
Coming soon!
Transportation
tracker
FALL 2015 School Talk
11
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Outdoor classroom
In partnership with Ramsey County, the Mounds View
Schools Education Foundation, Cummins Foundation and
McGough Construction, Mounds View Public Schools is
helping to develop an outdoor classroom on land that was
once occupied by the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant
(TCAAP). Development of the project, on the property now
Irondale and Mounds View High School students used the learning
lab and outdoor classroom this fall to measure various atmospheric
conditions like temperature and humidity.
Orchestra students
perform at Target Field
Fifth- and sixth-graders who participated in the summer
orchestra program joined Irondale and Mounds View
High School orchestra students for a Twins game
performance in September. Baseball fans who attended
the September 15 game were greeted at the plaza at
Target Field with a live performance.
School Talk 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.
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.
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.
Irondale students
Rana Lamprecht and
Emily Davis were among
the student performers.
12
being called Rice Creek Commons,
began last school year when teachers
shared ideas about how the open
space could serve as the backdrop
for learning in the areas of science,
technology, engineering, arts and
math (STEAM).
This summer, volunteers from
Cummins and the Education
Foundation joined Mounds View
Public Schools teachers, deans and
principals to prepare the property for
learning. McGough Construction
donated a trailer to be used as
an on-site learning lab, and Cummins stocked the trailer
with tools and equipment to inspire hands-on lessons in
environmental conservation, math, science and more.
According to Shane Wood (pictured above), science
coach for the District, access to Rice Creek Commons offers
teachers an opportunity to incorporate real-world field work
into their curriculum. “Students will have an opportunity to
get outside the classroom for relevant real-world experiences
with connections to STEAM. Because of the obvious ties to
math and science, the outdoor classroom will first be used to
reinforce learning in those areas. As we expand the program,
other curricular areas may include marketing, social studies,
government and more.”
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.
FALL 2015
School Board election
On November 3, voters will elect four
residents to serve four-year terms on the
School Board. The following residents
have filed affidavits of candidacy.
John Hakes, Shoreview
Bob Helgeson, North Oaks
Amy Jones, Shoreview
Jonathan Weinhagen, Shoreview
Sandra Westerman, Shoreview
The School Board is made up of seven
citizens elected at large by voters in the
District every two years to serve fouryear overlapping terms. At the end of
a four-year term, members may run for
reelection to successive terms.
For more information on polling locations,
absentee ballot applications and more,
visit www.moundsviewschools.org.
Pinewood students motivated by PAWSS
As an extension of the
PBIS (Positive Behavior
Interventions and
Supports) program at
Pinewood Elementary
School, a new program
was launched this year
known as PAWSS (Positive
Attitude with Students
and Staff ). Focused on
community-building,
relationship-building and
Courtney Brocker’s class participated in the first
motivating students to find
PAWSS rally of the year this fall. Students pictured are
their passions and skills,
Logan Dahm, Alexis Pfuhl, Kaley Walker, Ava Reiter,
Sarahi Gonzalez Alvarez, Jory Khan, Daven Taylor, Aaron
the program encourages
Saralampi, Owen Van Ert, Genet Backman, Bayah Dube,
students to serve as an
Fisher Killins, Albert Records, Eliza Frey, Madeline
example of success and to
Madetzke and Madeline Lozowy.
motivate others to do the
same. Activities planned for the school year include a focus on staying “above the
line” of expectations, using fix-it plans for reconciliation and participation in a
PAWSS Camp of school-wide expectations.
Community garden
Pinewood students, parents, neighbors, volunteers and faith groups
worked together throughout the spring, summer and early fall to
create and care for the Pinewood Community Garden. Produce
from the garden goes to community members in need via the
Ralph Reeder Food Shelf. District elementary and middle schools
welcomed the outdoor addition of organic garden beds last school
year thanks to a State Health Incentives Program grant. The Districtwide organic garden project aims to provide an outdoor forum for
curricular connections and community building. All produce from the
gardens will support the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf which serves the
Mounds View Public Schools community.
Edgewood
sixth-grader
Marian Davies,
Pinewood
second-graders
Sarena Vang
and Maria
Morikawa, and
Huchie Vang
helped tend to
the garden at a
recent Family
Library Night at
Pinewood.
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 [email protected].
Early Childhood Screening
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
651-621-7420 to make your child’s early childhood
screening appointment today.
FALL 2015 School Talk
13
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Good Neighbor Project
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 a record number of students serving
925 children in grades K-12 during its annual Good
Neighbor Back to School Project. Students received
everything from pencils to backpacks.
Having trouble making ends meet?
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.
Monthly food assistance
includes a minimum of 25 pounds of food per family member
including non-perishable foods, hygiene items, cleaning supplies,
frozen meats, fresh milk and produce. Food assistance and other
services including county application help and referrals to other
resources and services are available at the Pike Lake Education
Center in New Brighton, Monday through Friday by appointment.
Call 651-621-7451 to make an appointment.
Need help with holiday toys and gifts for your children?
Operation Joy registration is open during daytime food shelf
appointments between November 2 and December 10 by calling
651-621-7451. Walk-in toy shop registration for children is also
available on November 25, December 2 and December 9 from
12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf at Pike Lake
Education Center (2101 14th St NW, New Brighton). Residents
must bring identification for parent and child along with proof of
residence in the form of a current piece of mail.
Looking for ways to help?
Luyen Nguyen, an Irondale graduate who is currently
completing her doctorate in biochemistry at Purdue
University, delivered school supplies to Bel Air Elementary
School. She started school at Bel Air in fifth-grade when
she moved to New Brighton from Vietnam. She returned to
Bel Air this fall to thank District staff for the support she
received during her years at Bel Air, Highview and Irondale.
Her generous donations will be appreciated by Bel Air
students in need throughout the school year.
Donations of new unwrapped gifts or toys, gift cards or monetary
donations are needed now through December 21. Donations
can be dropped off at the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf at Pike Lake
Education Center. Online donations can be made by visiting
www.ralphreederfoodshelf.org.
To learn about volunteer opportunities, contact Sue Peake at
[email protected] or call 651-621-7447.
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.
14
School Talk FALL 2015
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.
FOCUS
on your
future
Chalkboard
Capers
Chalkboard Capers
is a variety show
presented annually
by the teachers of the
Mounds View Education Association. The
goal is to raise money for student scholarships
given to graduating seniors from Irondale High
School, Mounds View High School, REACH
Academy, Area Learning Center and Adult Basic
Education. An equivalent of two scholarships
will be put into the District’s K+ Scholarship
Fund. Each scholarship is for $621. The
number of scholarships awarded depends on the
financial success of the show. Learn more about
the history here. The 2015 show is slated for
April 6-9.
Mounds View Public Schools
It’s personal
Every secondary student has a personal
learning plan developed by staff who know their
students personally.
It’s challenging
The top three reasons why families choose
Mounds View Public Schools are “Quality
Teachers,” “Academic Excellence” and “Academic
Opportunities” that can’t be found elsewhere.
It’s safe
94 percent of families say schools are safe
and respectful.
It’s popular
Year after year, 80 percent of resident students
choose to attend Mounds View Public Schools.
Donations
Kindergarten Round-Up:
Island Lake
at Snail Lake
February 11
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Turtle Lake
at Snail Lake
February 4
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Sunnyside
at Pike Lake
February 9
4:30 – 5:15 p.m.
Valentine Hills
at Pike Lake
February 10
5:30 – 6:15 p.m.
Bel Air
at Pike Lake
February 10
4:30 – 5:15 p.m.
Pinewood
at Pike Lake
February 9
5:30 – 6:15 p.m.
Your donations makes our show a success. If you
wish to make a financial contribution or children’s
prize donation to Chalkboard Capers, please
send your check to or drop your donation off at:
Mounds View Education Association
Attn: Chalkboard Capers
900 Long Lake Road, Suite 110
New Brighton, MN 55112
Receipt of donation can be obtained at the
Mounds View Education Association office.
If you would like to arrange for someone to
pick up your prize or donation, please email
[email protected].
2016 Enrollment Information Nights:
Chippewa Middle School
January 12
6 – 8 p.m.
Edgewood Middle School
January 14
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Highview Middle School
January 14
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Irondale High School
January 7
5 – 6:30 p.m.
or 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Mounds View High School
January 7
A – L between 5:30 and 7 p.m.
M – Z between 7 and 8:30 p.m.
2015 performers included kindergarten center staff
from Snail Lake Education Center (front floor:)
Lisa Murray, Shari Friesen, Adria Crego; (standing:)
Kara Cassidy, Penny Nelson and Jenny Heyer.
FALL 2015 School Talk
15
AROUND THE DISTRICT
What to expect if winter weather
calls for school closings
Cancelling school is a tremendously
difficult and complicated decision for
any school district to make, and it’s
a decision that impacts thousands of
families in very different ways.
Be assured that these decisions are
always made with the safety of students
in mind.
One-source forecasting
Mounds View has joined a group of
neighboring school districts in deciding
it will rely solely on forecasts provided
by the National Weather Service – Twin
Cities, which is the official government
authority on weather forecasting and
weather warnings for the state of
Minnesota.
Threshold for closings
Schools could be cancelled if...
• Our neighborhoods experience
sustained wind chills of 40 to 45
degrees below zero during the
hours between morning bus pick
ups and afternoon bus drop offs.
• Buses won’t start or run
dependably.
• Local road conditions in our
neighborhoods are dangerous or
impassable.
Because metro districts (even
neighboring districts) can experience
differing weather and road conditions,
do not be surprised if there is
inconsistency among school district
closures throughout the metro this year.
2-hour late starts
Although 2-hour late starts aren’t
convenient for families, this option
could be used to avoid school
cancellations which could ultimately
allow the District to avoid a greater
inconvenience of make-up days added
back to the calendar.
If the District calls a 2-hour late
start, here’s how it will work:
• Buses will pick up students
2 hours later than their typical
bus stop schedule.
• Schools will start 2 hours later
than their typical schedule.
• Class periods will be shortened
throughout the day.
• Schools will dismiss at their
regular dismissal times.
• Buses will drop off students at
their regular drop-off times.
Notifications
Families should always assume schools
are open and in session, unless they hear
or see differently. Websites will only
indicate when schools are closed — not
when they remain open. If schools will
be using a 2-hour late start or cancelling
altogether, the District will notify
parents no later than approximately
5:30 a.m. on the day of the late start or
cancellation, using
the following tools:
• Text messages
• Voicemail messages
• E-mail messages
16
School Talk FALL 2015
• Facebook and Twitter
• 651-621-SNOW hotline
recordings
• District and school website
postings
The District will also notify local media
outlets, but cannot guarantee if or how
the media will report the information
we provide them.
Make-up days?
This year’s school calendar allows for
two cancellation days without makeup days required. However, now that
Mounds View has the ability to use
2-hour late starts, it’s not as likely that
calendar adjustments will be necessary.
WITH HONORS
Excellence in behavioral prevention effort
Four District elementary schools
are among 36 Minnesota schools
identified as state-wide leaders for
creating positive learning environments
for students. This summer, the
Minnesota Department of Education recognized Bel Air Elementary
School, Sunnyside Elementary School, Turtle Lake Elementary School
and Valentine Hills Elementary School as Sustaining Exemplar
Schools. Using a program called Positive Behavioral Intervention
and Supports (PBIS), the four schools were identified as leaders in
establishing a comprehensive set of practices to support positive
behavior, improve school climate and increase student achievement.
District schools among best for Title I
Valentine Hills Elementary School has been named among the
top 15 percent of all Title I schools in the state, earning the
Minnesota Department of Education’s (MDE) designation of “Reward”
school for the second consecutive year.
“Reward” status is part of the state’s new accountability system
that uses a Multiple Measurements Rating (MMR) to evaluate
schools’ performance in proficiency, academic growth, achievement
gap reduction and meeting targets for graduation rate projections.
“Reward” schools represent the highest-performing Title I schools
on the four domains in the MMR. MDE plans to share practices
from these schools with other schools in an effort to replicate best
practices across the state.
In addition, the MDE also named Bel Air Elementary School and
Sunnyside Elementary School as “Celebration Eligible.” This means
that student performance on MMR measures placed these schools in
the 60th to 85th percentile of top performing schools. MDE selects
approximately 10 percent of Title I schools to receive the Celebration
school recognition annually.
A Title I school is a school that receives supplemental Federal
funding based on the percentage of students qualifying for the free
or reduced price lunch program. Funding is used to assist in meeting
students’ educational goals.
National Scholastic
Press award finalist
Mounds View High
School’s student
newspaper, The
Viewer, was named a
finalist for the National Scholastic Press
Association’s Pacemaker Award. Finalists were chosen
based on coverage and content, quality of writing
and reporting, leadership, design, photography
and graphics.
Master Teacher
Turtle Lake Elementary
School orchestra teacher,
Sandy Collins, was awarded
the Minnesota chapter of the
American String Teachers
Association (MNSOTA) Master
Teacher School Orchestra Award in October. She
was honored for making a significant contribution
to string music in the state of Minnesota. MNSOTA
chooses one teacher annually to represent the state as
a Master Teacher.
Teacher of
Excellence
BestPrep honored Irondale
High School Teacher
Angie Zappa with a Teacher
of Excellence Award in May. The
award honored Zappa for her
dedication to educating students about business,
career and financial literacy, and for providing
students with experiential education opportunities.
Plan your stay at Laurentian Environmental Center
Planning a family reunion or group event? Consider
Laurentian Environmental Center (LEC) in Britt, Minn.
The Center can accommodate small and large groups
year-round with 160 beds, five large classroom buildings,
a lodge and a dining facility that seats 175. LEC offers
access to hundreds of acres of wilderness with trout
streams and diverse wildlife habitat. The environmental
center’s property includes access to a 100-acre pristine
lake and hiking/ski trails that connect with the Big Aspen
hiking and ski trails. LEC maintains a 12-station Challenge
Course, a 32-foot outdoor climbing wall, a dogsled yard
and trails, an archery range, canoes and rowboats, a sauna,
an outdoor campfire theater and a large playing field. The
on-site dining facility serves healthy, home-cooked meals
from menus developed by a dietician. Call 1-888-749-1288
or visit www.laurentiancenter.org for more information.
FALL 2015 School Talk
17
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS UPDATE
Homecoming connections
For Irondale and Mounds View, homecoming is about more than keeping alumni connected to their
During homecoming week, high school athletes embrace the opportunity to share their school pride
IRONDALE
High school students visited Sunnyside
Elementary School for a homecoming
celebration. The marching band, dance line
and football team got students excited about
being part of the Irondale Knight family.
Irondale High School inducted the following
alumni into the school’s Hall of Fame during
a Homecoming Hall of Fame ceremony in
September: Chioma Omeoga (class of 2005) track
and field; Nicholas Colwell (class of 2008) football,
basketball and baseball; Elijah Ojika (class of 2009)
football and track and field; and (not pictured)
Johanna Spring (class of 2007) diving, gymnastics
and track and field.
The Irondale
tennis team
celebrated its
first-round playoff
victory against
Totino Grace with
principal
Eric Nelson,
activities director
Ron Broberg and
head coach
Mike Walseth.
Music of the Knight
Irondale High school athletes
returned to their alma mater this
summer to share their thoughts on
“what makes Irondale exceptional?”
To hear from Irondale graduates
who are now at Minnesota colleges
and universities across the
country, watch the alumni video at
www.moundsviewschools.org/irondale.
18
School Talk FALL 2015
The 24th Annual Fall Music
of the Knight Marching Band
competition was held at Irondale
High School on September 26.
The competition included 14
competing bands with Irondale
performing in exhibition. The
event hosted more than 5,000
spectators and participants.
reach all ages
alma mater. It is an opportunity to connect with future Knights and Mustangs.
with elementary school students.
MOUNDS
VIEW
Football captains Jeff Lemay
and Carter Rholl (pictured,
right) visited with Turtle
Lake Elementary School
students during lunch on
homecoming day. Analee
Blake, senior stable squad
and track captain, and the
Mustang mascot, Melvin,
and were also at the
elementary school to invite students and their families to the homecoming
football game. Island Lake students enjoyed a game-day pep fest which
included music, a visit from team captains and a dance team performance.
TOP
10
Who’s been ranked
in the Top 10 in the
state this year?
Island Lake students Henry Braun, Vivi
Stasny, Ayana D'Souza and Hailey Smyth
greet Melvin, the Mustang mascot.
The volleyball team sponsored a “Dig Pink” fundraiser during
the October 6 game. Action items and t-shirt sales raised money
to support the fight against breast cancer.
•Football
•Boys’ soccer
•Girls’ soccer
•Girls’ swimming
•Boys’ cross country
•Girls’ tennis
At press time...
The girls’ swimming and diving team qualified
for the State True Team championship, and
girls’ soccer won the conference championship
and finished the regular season undefeated.
FALL 2015 School Talk
19
Music
Mounds View
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Independent School District 621
350 Highway 96 West
Shoreview, MN 55126-1951
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
TWIN CITIES MN
PERMIT NO 4112
at
Mounds
View
Music at Mounds View is a professional
concert series that brings high-caliber,
nationally recognized artists into our
community for public performances at
Mounds View High School.
Join us for our exciting second season!
Sunday, January 17, 2016
2 p.m.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
7 p.m.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
2 p.m.
OKEE DOKEE
BROTHERS
THE SINGERS
LORING STRING
QUARTET
Grammy Award and three time
Parent’s Choice Award winners,
the Okee Dokee Brothers record
and perform family music with a
goal to inspire children and their
parents to get outside and get
creative.
The Singers, a professional choir of
40 members, exists to serve as artists,
educators, and ambassadors of the
choral art. Recognized nationally
for their innovative programming,
commitment to new music, and
peerless artistic quality, The Singers
made their debut at the renowned
Ravinia Festival in June 2013.
With players from the US and
Ireland, the Loring String Quartet
is an international ensemble of the
highest quality, serving the musical
needs of the greater Twin Cities area.
Season pass and single event tickets are available at the door or online at
www.moundsviewschools.org/musicatmoundsview. All performances are
held at Mounds View High School, 1900 Lake Valentine Road, Arden Hills.