School TalkSUMMER 2020 Above and beyond

In troubling times, our community goes the extra mile. Resilience in action f you want to see the definition of Iresilience in action, look no further than public school districts and their communities — especially Mounds View Public Schools. As a result of the COVID- pandemic, schools unexpectedly closed to limit the spread of coronavirus, and students never returned to classrooms after spring break. The spring athletics and activities season was canceled along with proms, field trips and traditional graduation ceremonies. School, quite simply, never looked the same for the rest of the academic year. In the face of this adversity, how did our community respond? Teachers reorganized entire lesson parents’ cars, along with Chromebooks, recognized all these efforts with smiles, plans and shifted to distance learning musical instruments and left-behind virtual high-fives, “thank you” posters, from makeshift office spaces in their medications. They transformed sections flowers, pizzas, coffee and other homes. From kindergartners to seniors, of several schools into childcare centers donations. students learned how to log on and for children of parents who work in “This is not a path any of us chose,” tune in for video lessons with their the emergency or healthcare fields. said Superintendent Chris Lennox. patient and flexible teachers. At home, Staff handed out thousands of grab- “But it’s been heartening to see our parents juggled childcare concerns and and-go meals from school curbsides. school community extending so much homework help with their own job Custodians disinfected spaces to support, encouragement and grace to responsibilities during uncertain times. accommodate the on-site needs of our students and staff. It’s clear that we Beyond the academics, staff also essential workers reporting to some all miss each other, and we appreciate played a critical role in responding to schools. everyone’s best efforts to make the best the challenge. They collected students’ Showing great appreciation, families, of the situation.” belongings and brought them to community members and businesses By order of the state, Mounds View and other school districts were required to provide distance learning for students, breakfast and lunch for On the cover: Editors Superintendent students and childcare for healthcare Irondale High School Megan McKeen Chris Lennox junior Maria Johnson Colin Sokolowski and emergency workers. But by order 2020 School Board of no one, the Mounds View Public managed public relations Designer Shauna Bock and order fulfillment Susan Abbott Heidi Danielson Schools community went much of face shields created Jim DeMay further. by her robotics club Photographers Diane Glasheen teammates. Greg Helgeson Marre Jo Sager J.J. Killins Jonathan Weinhagen Here are just 10 examples — Lifetouch Sandra Westerman Megan McKeen of dozens — that illustrate how our students, staff, parents and 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, community members went above e-mail [email protected] or call 651-621-6012. and beyond what was required Para asistencia en traducciones ó ayuda como intérprete, por favor comuníquese con Angel Toro during this unprecedented time. al 651-724-2854. Yog xa tau kev pab thiab hais ua lus Hmoob thov hu rau Mee Yang ntawm 651-724-0396. Haddi aad ubaahantahay faahfaahin dheerad ah ama turjumaad, fadlan kala soo xiriir Basima Mohamed, taleefanka 651-724-7482.

Like us: Watch us: Follow us: Visit us: www.moundsviewschools.org 1 Students tap skills to produce face shields When more than 11,000 District a day, six days a week to produce students left school for spring break, and ship 1,000 face shields a week. only a handful of Irondale High In all, the students provided School students returned. They had a about 35,000 face shields for mission to provide desperately needed dozens of groups in the Twin personal protective equipment (PPE) Cities and around the country, to healthcare and emergency workers at including hospitals, assisted the height of a nationwide shortage. living homes, dental offices, law From early April to early summer, enforcement agencies and first- about five students from the school’s responders. Along the way, their state-championship KnightKrawler effort even attracted local media Robotics team developed a sophisticated attention from television to print production and shipping system outlets. with guidance from volunteer coach “Helping out medical workers Scott Davis. The team operated two is really a nice thing to be doing,” dozen 3D printers relocated from four said Kyle. Labor and delivery nurses in the Regions Hospital schools in the District to Chippewa Supplies for the effort were Birth Center in St. Paul appreciated Irondale’s Middle School. Led by senior captain funded by the Mounds View face shields because they allowed nurses to Kyle Warren — and practicing social Schools Education Foundation. preserve their N95 masks. “It’s amazing to see distancing — the team operated 10 hours Learn more at team2052.com the reach we’ve had,” said junior Maria Johnson.

2 ‘You have a visitor!’ From the earliest days of school house calls, checking on students and When library para Janie Hecht found closures, dozens of teachers, staff and bringing them learning materials, out that Valentine Hills Elementary administrators began to make personal supplies and even care packages. School students were needing Students and families additional learning supplies, she came appreciated the into the school and pulled books that surprise visitors. could be sent home “for keeps.” Hecht Second-grader boxed them up according to a variety Michael Christensen of levels and interests and coordinated loves hockey. So when with staff who were making meal his Island Lake teacher deliveries to add some new books to Nicole Anderson those deliveries as well. stopped by his house Integration and equity liaison Angel in April to drop off Toro is used to serving as a resource some hockey coloring for the District’s Spanish, Latino and pages, he and his Hispanic communities. So he wasn’t family were thrilled. surprised when Irondale High School “I have had tears and activities director Chris Fink called him chills all morning,” to see if there were any families in need said Michael’s mom of food during the first week of distance Chrissy. “I cannot learning. “I knew a single mother of five express how much this children who lost her job, and she didn’t meant to Michael and have transportation to go to the food “Thank you for working so hard to maintain a relationship our family during this shelf,” Toro explained. “In less than with Michael,” said his mom Chrissy Christensen. “That’s crazy time of distance an hour, Mr. Fink was in her driveway what matters most right now!” learning.” with a car full of groceries.”

SUMMER 2020 School Talk 3 3 ‘Best buddies’ teach each other Last fall, Mounds View High another friend and School partnered with Best Buddies equally enjoys his time Drew Will International to pair students who with Will. have intellectual disabilities with “Even though we’re students without disabilities. Despite not in school anymore, the spring school closure, at least one playing games online pair of buddies continue to connect gives us so many things virtually — even into this summer. we can do,” says Drew. Several times a week, Will Skundberg “One day we can be and Drew Lindgren simultaneously building a house or log onto multi-player video games roller coasters, and like Minecraft and Fortnite to navigate the next day we can a shared 3D world together. As they go out and attack play, the two friends also connect monsters together. using FaceTime to give each other tips, Will is one of the most encouragement or just to chat. kind-hearted kids I Will, a freshman with autism talk to at school. I’ve spectrum disorder, misses school and is never seen him mad or thrilled to stay in touch with his “best upset. He teaches me buddy.” Drew, a junior football player a lot, especially to not and team captain, appreciates having get worked up about “Drew is nice,” says Will. “I have fun with him, and he a shared connection to Minecraft with things.” teaches me things.”

4 Speaking their language Imagine being new to the country, not That was the new terrain one Bel for kindergartner Angel who attends speaking English and having to navigate Air Elementary School family had to Pike Lake Education Center. She also distance learning during a pandemic. navigate last spring. Fortunately for would often deliver essential school them, they had English Learner teacher supplies for the students and helped Rebecca Hildreth for support. them get access to food when needed. A former “Kenya Teacher of the “Without the parents’ cooperation, Year,” Rebecca shared a common there was no way distance learning language of Swahili with the family of would be successful,” she admits. five who had spent time in a Kenyan “I witnessed parents wanting their refugee camp. Because the parents had children to succeed, sitting alongside little exposure to technology, Rebecca their children and learning with them.” spent dozens of hours with the family, Rebecca’s work with this family is delivering Chromebooks, setting up a only one example of her efforts. At Bel reliable wi-fi hot spot and exchanging Air, she supports a variety of cultures photos of logins on an app. Besides including Somali, Spanish, Hmong, helping the fourth-grade twins Bella Nigerian, Liberian and Tibetan and Chad, she even posted work online students. Known as an advocate, leader and liaison, Rebecca’s cultural perspectives enhance her empathy for Rebecca Hildreth visits Gloria and her children Bella, Chad and Angel. “We wanted all students. to make sure every child had access to “Rebecca has a bright light inside of distance learning,” she says. “As teachers, her,” says fellow EL teacher Lisa Borg. we do what it takes.” “She’s just all heart.”

4 School Talk SUMMER 2020 5 The Class of 2020 No students felt the pain of school plans. This way, followers could school closures more acutely see and celebrate the plans of the Class than seniors. Instead of attending of 2020. proms, banquets, games, concerts “I wanted to give the senior class and graduation ceremonies, they some kind of celebration since we never returned to enjoy their missed so much,” said Irondale’s Ariel final year of high school together Dunleavy, who managed the Instagram after spring break. But that didn’t account. “It’s about celebrating, stop a handful of seniors from however we can.” recognizing and honoring their Mounds View students took classmates. the project another step further by Using the Instagram accounts creating a video compilation featuring @irondaleclassof2020 and every student’s submission from the @moundviewclassof2020, Instagram account. Senior class officers these students encouraged their Claire Dolton, Sydney Pham and Anna classmates to submit a picture Montgomery created a video that’s of themselves along with their posted at moundsviewschools.org/ college decision or post-high spring20videos.

6 Videos, videos, videos! Who knew that teachers could play singular message of hope, word “Do you know how sometimes you air guitar so well? Who knew that by word. ask someone to do something and don’t custodians could dance (not so • Appreciation for all non- realize what you are really asking?” said very well)? As students and teachers teaching staff members’ efforts. technology support specialist Janet physically separated this spring, dozens Rundquist, who spent hours editing • Students and parents expressing of people produced creative, fun, funny a staff-sourced video from Valentine heartfelt thanks for their and heartwarming videos — with lots of Hills Elementary School. “That’s kind teachers’ efforts. dancing — to bridge the divide. of what I realized with this project. And Just to name a few, there were videos • Pets, pets and more pets. yet, our staff did it. And did it so great!” featuring... The time, effort and coordination A webpage featuring many • Staff recreating a music video by it took to produce each video was of these videos is available at inserting themselves alongside immense, and so was the impact. moundsviewschools.org/ the original actors. spring20videos. • Orchestra and choir students performing music remotely but edited together to create a full ensemble. • School staff showing off their new, at-home classrooms and workspaces. Sam Carew, Highview’s • Teachers lipsyncing messages of student intervention positivity, kindness and support specialist, tells students, from inspirational songs. “Don’t stop believin’.” • Staff members sharing a virtual pen with each other to create a

SUMMER 2020 School Talk 5 7 Making masks Early during the pandemic, many Lake Elementary School paraeducator facilities struggled to access the Jennifer Kyhl worked with the District protective equipment needed to and her union to start this project operate under new health guidelines. as the District struggled to find the So Mounds View staff members and proper protective gear to keep staff students stepped up to sew and donate safe. “I thought that this was our thousands of face masks for healthcare way to contribute while we weren’t facilities, nonprofits and more. working directly with students,” said Mounds View senior Meryl Wang Jennifer. Paraeducators have sewn and suddenly found herself without distributed more than 800 masks for school, gymnastics or her internship District childcare centers and schools. to keep her busy. Noticing that her Many spring evenings, Irondale senior mom was volunteering in the Chinese Zoe Kaplan could be found cutting, community to sew masks, Meryl pinning and sewing cloth masks. Zoe wanted to help. With little experience and her coworker, furloughed from sewing, she used her video editing skills their lifeguarding jobs, began sewing to create an instructional video. “When masks for essential workers in need of I look back on this I can remember that protective equipment. “There were I learned a new skill, and I also was able programs that needed the tools to do to help during this time,” she said. their job safely, and they all do important In an effort to give back and stay work, so I wanted to help provide them Irondale senior Zoe Kaplan sews masks busy, dozens of paraeducators started with the tools they needed to provide in her dining room. sewing masks for District staff. Turtle client care,” Zoe said.

8 A ‘Super Good News’ show Look out, ! The actor’s follow along with some interactive games what, good news helps in bringing us popular web series Some Good News and exercise warm-ups and cool-downs. together, and Pinewood students have attracted millions of viewers during “We have been completely blown done exactly that this year.” the early weeks of the pandemic. But away and inspired by the resilience of To view archived episodes of The another video series seemed just as our Pinewood students during this Pinewood Super Good News Show, creative. John and Anna Stroebel, season, and we loved featuring it on visit www.moundsviewschools.org/ spouses and paras at Pinewood our show,” said John. “No matter pinewood. Elementary School, created a weekly good news highlight reel of their own. From their home in Fridley, “Coach JC,” “Miss Annie” and their dog Lupin filmed The Pinewood Super Good News Show. “There was so much good news every day at Pinewood, we thought there’s still good news to share,” said John. Throughout eight episodes, the show featured a variety of good news often sent in by students who shared stories, pictures and videos. The couple even encouraged students and family members to join in on Facebook Live to

6 School Talk SUMMER 2020 9 Schools bring meals to students Like all school districts, Mounds View during school closures. Mounds interactive map even showed families was required to continue to provide View, however, was not required to the closest and most convenient breakfast and lunch for students deliver meals into neighborhoods to location to their residence. accommodate families Several Mounds View principals with transportation and staff members also canvassed difficulties. neighborhoods and apartment Besides offering buildings handing out flyers alerting four curbside pick-up families where they could find meals locations at schools provided by the schools. in the District, “During the beginning of all this Mounds View’s with grocery stores constantly out nutrition services and of food, we were really worried,” transportation teams said Nicole Sherman, a parent of six went above and beyond children in the District. “Our kids by offering families really appreciated the breakfasts and meals delivered by bus lunches that their schools provided. In or van at 42 different a way, it made them feel like they were neighborhood locations still in school.” for those unable to By the end of the school year, drive to a school pick- Mounds View had served more than Staff prepare meals for bus delivery to 42 neighborhood up location. An online 150,000 meals. locations for those unable to drive to a pick-up location.

10 Food shelf creates drive-up model Providing food for community considered high risk and unable is able to purchase up to $8 worth of residents is not part of the core mission to go out. food. Donations can be made online at of Mounds View Public Schools. The food shelf is also partnering www.ralphreederfoodshelf.org. Yet the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf in with Mounds View Public Mounds View continues to support Schools’ Meals on Wheels families throughout the community. program to provide an extra In order to stay safe during the box of food twice a month COVID- pandemic, the food shelf to seniors who need it most. created a drive-up delivery model, The programs have also offering the ability to distribute food started delivering larger in a no-contact, user-friendly and fast quantities of pre-packed manner. boxes to low-income housing Community need has increased where transportation for food approximately 30%, and the number insecure residents is a problem. of new families is approximately five Food shelf services and times higher on any given week than it programs are available to was prior to the pandemic. Employees low-income families and with the City of New Brighton and individuals living in the the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office Mounds View School District. are picking up and delivering food For more information or to to an average of 12 local households set up an appointment, call each week for residents who either 651-621-6280. For every Food shelf volunteer Amy Jones prepares food for lack transportation, are disabled or are dollar donated, the food shelf distribution in the new drive-up model.

SUMMER 2020 School Talk 7 Going the distance

8 School Talk SUMMER 2020 Take a look at how students and teachers adjusted to distance learning this spring.

SUMMER 2020 School Talk 9 A CLOSER LOOK

Sharing grief with those who are struggling In response to the unjust killing “Our school district is just one responsibilities to our community. of George Floyd in , part of our larger community, but Because when our families feel pain, Superintendent Chris Lennox sent a we play an important role,” said we feel it as well.” message to all Mounds View Public Lennox. “We strive to do our part to Visit moundsviewschools.org/ Schools families and staff in late May. build an environment that embraces georgefloyd to see more examples of “I want to acknowledge that many and welcomes everyone. Please be the work students, staff and schools of our students, families and staff are assured that we’ll never stop listening, have participated in this summer. struggling right now. Please know learning and working to fulfill our that we share your outrage and grief. The feelings of fear, a loss of trust and injustice are only made worse because we’re not in school together.” In the days following the tragedy and the ensuing violent unrest throughout the Twin Cities, school staff offered support while students took action. Schools sent families links to resources for talking with children about race, trauma and other difficult topics. Schools also encouraged students to reach out to staff if they needed additional support. “We know that connecting with a trusted adult, community partner or family member is most important when students want to process or talk about what they are experiencing,” said Lennox. “They are here to listen, learn and support.” Students and staff around the District participated in a variety of equity efforts during the last days of school. At Irondale High school, a group of seniors and their families spent graduation day collecting necessities for Minneapolis communities greatly impacted by the riots. Seniors Elijah Kaasa, Elizabeth Bourassa, Ruwayda Abdullah and Beza Fessha led the efforts to collect toiletries, Highview art teacher Lisa Skildum created a chalk pastel drawing honoring the memory of nonperishable food and more items George Floyd. Staff also displayed personal photos of support and solidarity against racism to assist families in need. outside the school to greet families picking up meals in early June.

10 School Talk SUMMER 2020 KEEPING PACE WITH SPACE

Construction continued at a rapid pace this spring, and was somewhat accelerated at some schools as a result of vacated spaces with students engaged in distance learning at home. All of the following schools remain under construction this summer and will be completely finished and ready for September. • Bel Air Elementary School • Chippewa Middle School • Edgewood Middle School • Mounds View High School • Pinewood Elementary School The following schools will continue construction into the fall: • Irondale High School will be completed in late 2020. • Sunnyside Elementary School will be completed in late fall 2020. The three-story northeast addition at Mounds View High School features eight classrooms • Valentine Hills Elementary School and two 900-square foot multipurpose flexible spaces all equipped with updated will be completed in early 2021. instructional technology.

The new front entry to Bel Air Elementary School will provide a single secure entry point to the building, along with views to the exterior from the expanded cafeteria.

SUMMER 2020 School Talk 11 SCHOOL BOARD

2020 School Board Virtual meetings In April, the Board passed a resolution to hold all near-future School Board meetings virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. Meetings are held via GoogleMeet and can be viewed live online. Residents who would like to make a public comment must complete a form to have a comment read during the meeting. Comments must be submitted before 5 p.m. on the day of the meeting. To watch a live meeting, to find the open forum forms or to view a calendar of upcoming meetings, visit moundsviewschools.org/board. Budget approved In June, the Board approved the 2020-21 District budget. Complete details can be found on the Budgets and Finance page at moundsviewschools.org. The adopted budget Diane Glasheen, Heidi Danielson, Jonathan Weinhagen, Sandra Westerman, will maintain stable class sizes and current Marre Jo Sager, Shauna Bock and Jim DeMay. programming, and it will allow the District to continue its commitment to the Pre K –14 plan for all students.

Re-opening schools Each year, the School Board approves a series of goals Families can expect to receive email updates at key times and related activities on which the Superintendent and throughout the summer as more guidance is available Cabinet will focus their work. This is known as the District from the state and as decisions are finalized. In the absence Operational Plan (DOP). In a typical year, the administration of communication, please understand that planning is would identify a dozen goals, with several emphasized as high continuing and no decisions have been made. Questions can priority. Considering the extraordinary circumstances related be sent to [email protected] and families can visit to COVID-19, the District's primary goal for the 2020-21 moundsviewschools.org/coronavirus for updates throughout school year will be safely reopening schools. Planning will the summer. focus on three possible scenarios: “As we look ahead to this planning work, we suspect • A full return of students in all schools for that reopening schools will prove even more intricate than in-person learning. our rapid shift to distance learning in the spring,” said Superintendent Chris Lennox. “Despite all the unknowns, we • A partial return of students in some schools can say for certain that school will look different for students, with a hybrid approach of distance learning staff and families in the fall.” and in-person learning. • No immediate return of any students and a continuation of distance learning. “Re-opening schools will prove Over the summer, the District expects to receive specific guidance on how schools must operate this fall from public even more intricate than our health officials and the Department of Education. Because districts will operate as state officials require, families rapid shift to distance learning can expect that Mounds View’s approach to school will be closely aligned to other public school districts and the in the spring.” requirements of the state. – Superintendent Chris Lennox

12 School Talk SUMMER 2020 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.mvsef.org. Elementary students to receive a new StarLab It’s “Mission: Accomplished” for the supporters of the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation’s first capital campaign — Mission: StarLab. With the help of donors consisting of parents, alumni and StarLab fans, elementary school students of Mounds View Public Schools will experience a new StarLab going forward. “We are grateful for the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation’s extraordinary commitment to our students and staff through their investment in a new StarLab,” says Superintendent Chris Lennox. The StarLab currently utilized by the six elementary schools in the District is three decades old and has significant limitations given its age and technological deficiencies. “The new StarLab will benefit generations of Lake PTA, Pinewood PTA, Sunnyside momentum to the campaign. Mounds View students as they are PTA, Turtle Lake PTA and Valentine “We value our continued provided an immersive, interactive Hills PTO; and Voya Foundation for partnership with the MVSEF,” says and lasting learning experience.” their commitment to the StarLab Lennox, “and we appreciate all they A great big thank you to the campaign. Their early support of the do to enhance opportunities for the leadership of Bel Air PTA, Island project helped provide important students in our schools.”

Rock the School “The event’s success furthers House, virtually the foundation’s The 2020 installment of Rock the School House, the foundation’s ability to fund flagship fundraising event, is slated District programs for November 14, 2020. The Board of that may otherwise Directors approved a recommendation go unfunded.” to pivot from an in-person event to a virtual event. Stay connected to MVSEF – Erik Rasmussen, for more details as they develop. MVSEF President

SUMMER 2020 School Talk 13 BACK TO SCHOOL

EARLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS MIDDLE SCHOOLS LEARNING Bel Air Chippewa MEET YOUR TEACHER OPEN HOUSE PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE August 31...... 2 – 7 p.m. September 8...... 5:30 – 7 p.m. September 2 at Early Childhood Education Center MEET YOUR TEACHER First grade...... 4:30 – 6 p.m. August 31...... 4 – 7 p.m. September 9...... 5:30 – 7 p.m. Last names A-M...... 5 – 6 p.m. September 10...... 5:30 – 7 p.m. Last names N-Z...... 6 – 7 p.m. IN THE MIDDLE DAY at Pike Lake Education Center, September 8 (for students in grade 6) Snail Lake Education Center and Island Lake Early Childhood Education Center MEET YOUR TEACHER Edgewood September 2...... 4 – 6 p.m. ORIENTATION KINDERGARTEN August 21...... 7 – 10 a.m. Pinewood CENTERS WELCOME BACK PICNIC MEET YOUR TEACHER August 24...... 4 – 7 p.m. September 2...... 4 – 6 p.m. IN THE MIDDLE DAY Pike Lake Education Center Sunnyside September 8 (for students in grade 6) WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN MEET YOUR TEACHER Highview OPEN HOUSE First grade: September 2...... 4 – 6:30 p.m. September 1...... 5 – 6 p.m. BACK-TO-SCHOOL DAY Grades 2-5: August 26...... 2 – 7 p.m. Snail Lake Education Center September 2...... 5 – 6:30 p.m. HAWK PRIDE CELEBRATION  MEET YOUR TEACHER August 26...... 5 – 7 p.m. OPEN HOUSE Turtle Lake IN THE MIDDLE DAY September 1...... 4 – 6 p.m. MEET YOUR TEACHER September 8 (for students in grade 6) September 2 NEED HELP WITH New and first grade families...... 3:45 – 4:15 p.m. Last names A-M...... 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. HIGH SCHOOLS SCHOOL SUPPLIES? Last names N-Z...... 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. The Good Neighbor Back to School Area Learning Center Project takes place in August at the Ralph Valentine Hills BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT Reeder Food Shelf. Last year, this annual MEET YOUR TEACHER September 2...... 2 – 7 p.m. program provided school supplies to 900 September 2 low-income students throughout Mounds New families...... 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. Mounds View View Public Schools. Families needing Last names A-M...... 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. assistance should contact 651-621-7451. NINTH GRADE PARENT Last names N-Z...... 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. MEETING School supply donations are needed. Make September 1...... 6 – 7 p.m. a donation at www.ralphreederfoodshelf.org or visit the upcoming events page in early SENIOR PARENT MEETING August to view an up-to-date list of our September 15...... 6 – 6:30 p.m. most needed items, drop-off locations All events BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT and hours. September 15...... 6:30 – 8 p.m. subject to change. Parents will be Irondale WELCOME BACK KNIGHTS More information and school notified if changes September 2...... 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. supply lists will be posted at are required. www.moundsviewschools.org/backtoschool.

14 School Talk SUMMER 2020 AROUND THE DISTRICT

Edgewood named Unified Champion School Edgewood Middle School has been named a Special Olympics Unified Champion School by intentionally promoting meaningful social inclusion. The program brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities to create an accepting school environment utilizing three components: sports, youth leadership and whole Edgewood students gather after a basketball game as part of the Special Olympics Unified Champion program. school engagement.

Turtle Lake students raise over $11,000 for the American Heart Association More than 300 Turtle Lake Elementary School students hula-hooped or jump-roped during the Kids Heart Challenge event in February to raise money for the American Heart Association. Students raised more than $11,000, bringing the school’s total fundraising to $151,973 since its inception 25 years ago. These donations have funded six total research projects and as a result have saved many lives.

Lauren Cosgrove, Sydney Dvorak and Sruthi Subramanian present at the Minnesota Science Education Conference in Minneapolis. Mounds View student group raises awareness of rare disorders Mounds View junior Sruthi Subramania started a National Organization for Rare Disorders student chapter this year to increase awareness about rare disorders. The club meets monthly to plan and organize events or activities around rare disorder awareness. She was inspired to start the club after learning about students and graduates from the District living with a rare disorder, and she wanted to help them. In November, Subramania presented at the Minnesota Science Turtle Lake students hula-hoop to raise money for the American Education Conference to provide resources for science Heart Association. teachers looking to include this topic in their curriculum.

SUMMER 2020 School Talk 15 AROUND THE DISTRICT

Pike Lake kindergartners host Irondale artists for Art Day Irondale student artists brought their included singing and storytelling using art projects to Pike Lake in February students’ handmade masks. for a one-of-a-kind Art Day. The high school students set up their projects in the gym, and kindergartners were then given an opportunity to look at the art, vote for their favorite pieces and meet the artists. Afterwards, the younger students enjoyed a special presentation from a story-telling group called Wonder Weavers that

Edgewood Middle School Students learn budgeting basics hosts History Day Fair About 40 Mounds View High School business students had the opportunity to balance and manage a budget Edgewood eighth-graders spent months creating projects for during a Mad City Money event in February. Each National History Day, a nationwide academic competition that student received a sheet that contained an occupation 500,000 students participate in annually. Students showcased and salary, student debt owed, credit card debt and cost their research projects in a full-day History Fair in February. of medical insurance. Based on this information, students Judges from the community, including parents, neighbors, built a budget and proceeded to visit nine merchants to District employees, a School Board member and teachers, purchase housing, transportation, food, day care and reviewed the projects and selected which students will represent other needs. There was a mall for fun purchases and, of Edgewood at the National History Day regional competition. course, the “Fickle Finger of Fate” randomly visited each student during the simulation to distribute unplanned expenses.

Travis Blair and Sam Gillespie present their history project about Zachary Slagle, Kai Nickelson and Peter Culp show off their Marie Curie to a community panel member. budget worksheets.

16 School Talk SUMMER 2020 New Irondale principal Elementary students attend New Brighton resident Carol Kampa has been named principal LEGO League exhibition of Irondale High School. With 34 Nearly 200 students from Turtle Lake, Valentine HIlls, Sunnyside years in education and more than and Bel Air attended the District-wide LEGO League Junior 18 years in administration, exhibition at Valentine Hills in February. Teams across the District Kampa is a seasoned instructional studied architecture, engineering and beginner coding using LEGO leader skilled at creating a high bricks. They then used skills to create their own LEGO buildings school climate that fosters respect, and presented their projects to reviewers at the exhibition. LEGO community and academic League Junior is a STEM and beginner robotics program designed achievement. For 16 years, she has served Kennedy for students in kindergarten through third grades. High School in Bloomington Public Schools, most recently as principal. She has experience presenting on a variety of educational topics such as compassionate leadership, leading in a time of crisis and understanding poverty and its educational impact. “I have seen first-hand the innovative programs and countless accomplishments of the Irondale students and staff,” she says. “I look forward to leading and serving this amazing school community.” Highview principal joins Brainerd Highview Middle School principal Sheila Eller has been named a principal in Brainerd Public Schools. Eller leaves Mounds View Public Schools after 12 years of service as a principal in several schools including Chippewa Middle School, Bel Air Elementary School and most recently at Highview for the past Elementary students create buildings out of LEGOS during the LEGO seven years. League exhibition at Valentine Hills.

Irondale students featured in Facebook’s #Graduation2020 video special

Irondale seniors Anna Lau and Marion Alvet were featured on Facebook’s #Graduation2020 live special in May, which featured many celebrities, including Miley Cyrus and . As the special featured graduates from all 50 states, Anna and Marion appeared at the beginning of the Minnesota segment.

Marion Alvet and Anna Lau were featured at the 56:55 mark in the graduation special, which honored graduates from all 50 states.

SUMMER 2020 School Talk 17 WITH HONORS

Best in music Teacher of For the eighth consecutive year, Mounds View Public the Week Schools has been honored with the Best Communities Turtle Lake fourth-grade for Music Education designation from The National teacher Tracy Pluim was Association of Music Merchants Foundation for its recognized as KS95’s outstanding commitment to music Teacher of the Week in education. The designation February. KS95 celebrates is awarded to districts that and recognizes teachers’ demonstrate outstanding work in helping make achievement in efforts students successful in school to provide music access and for the future. On-air and education to all personality Ryan stopped by students. Turtle Lake to present Pluim Fourth-grade teacher Tracy Pluim (left) accepts an award from KS95 morning with his recognition plaque. show DJ, Ryan (right).

Island Lake and Turtle Lake students win poster contest Island Lake and Turtle Lake Elementary School students The top three finalists are as follows: placed first, second and third place in Shoreview’s 26th • First place: Liang Sorman, Island Lake annual “One Community, Many Colors” poster contest in • Second place: Sampada Agarwal, Turtle Lake February. Usually coinciding with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, fourth-graders from area schools were encouraged • Third place: Ruthie Peterson, Island Lake to create a poster depicting people of different races and cultures engaged in a positive activity. The contest focuses on celebrating diversity throughout the Shoreview community.

From left to right: Ruthie Peterson (third place), Claire Milbert (fourth place), Alejandro Suarez- Jaimes (seventh place), Liang Sorman (first place), Nora Tilstra (honorable mention), Elsa Mazuelas (honorable mention).

From left to right: Sampada Agarwal (second place), Summer Saukko (ninth place), Ana Koepcke (honorable mention), Ismaeel Ahmed (honorable mention), Casey Fields (honorable mention), Sam Sparks (honorable mention). Not pictured: Shoshana Watchke- Koranne (sixth place).

18 School Talk SUMMER 2020 WITH HONORS

Irondale teacher featured Irondale orchestra students in Sierra Club Magazine selected for honors Irondale High School environmental science teacher Freshman violist Andrea Abeln was featured in Sierra Magazine for helping Mahay Hsiung and her school commit to clean energy. “I’ve always wanted cellist Lydia Nau to do something that isn’t just ‘Let’s recycle!’ You know, were selected for the something bigger. That’s what excites me about this...It’s MNSOTA (Minnesota tangible and actually makes a difference,” said Abeln. String & Orchestra Teachers Association) middle level honors orchestra. The Irondale High School students performed at the Minneapolis Convention Center during the Minnesota Music Educators Association Mid- Winter Clinic in February.

All-State musicians Irondale senior named Irondale High School students Josh Dickinson (band), Emmie Hinnenkamp Triple Threat finalist (choir) and Mahay Hsiung (viola) were accepted into the 2019-20 All-State Irondale senior Joe Sorenson has been Ensembles. named a finalist for the Triple Threat Mounds View High School band students Binsheng (Andrew) Guo award from the Spotlight Education (clarinet), William Ketola (tuba), Leah Orman (French horn) and Aayush Program sponsored by Hennepin Theater Raheja (flute) Trust. The award honors students who were accepted excel in singing, dancing and acting, into the and also lead and collaborate in their Minnesota All communities. Sorenson most recently State Music appeared in Irondale Drama’s award- Ensembles for winning production of Bye Bye Birdie. 2020-21.

Josh Dickinson Emmie Hinnenkamp Mahay Hsiung

Andrew Guo William Ketola Leah Orman Aayush Raheja

SUMMER 2020 School Talk 19 WITH HONORS

Mounds View students advance to national DECA competition Thirty one students from Mounds View High School through fourth place in the entire state of Minnesota, which competed at the Minnesota DECA State Career Development earned them a chance to compete against 20,000 top Conference and competition in Minneapolis in March. students from around the world at the International Career This was the largest state competition yet, featuring over Development Conference. 2,200 competitors. Four Mounds View students took first

Mounds View DECA store Irondale senior nationally recognized elected statewide Lily Willier-O’Connor and Josiah DECA President Wiest received national recognition for managing the Mounds View High School Irondale senior Charlie Schumer DECA store, a student-based enterprise (pictured at right) was elected that sells Mustang spirit wear and snacks. the Minnesota DECA President They select, design, price and sell every to serve on the State Officer piece of merchandise. They also create team and represent more than financial statements, oversee the design of 4,000 DECA students statewide. the store and train all employees. The store Charlie also served as a co- was nationally recognized by DECA, and chapter president at Irondale. Mounds View’s program was one of only DECA is a student marketing 17 schools nationwide to receive a Gold organization that assists in the Status. To check out the store’s online site, development of academically visit www.moundsviewdeca.org/store. prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible and experienced leaders.

Irondale students qualify for international DECA competition Forty Irondale High School DECA students spent three days at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis to compete at the statewide DECA Career Development Conference in March. Several individuals and teams were named statewide DECA champions and qualified to compete at the international level.

Lily Willier-O’Connor and Josiah Wiest compete at the state DECA competition in Minneapolis in March.

20 School Talk SUMMER 2020 WITH HONORS

Chalkboard Capers Student entrepreneurs receive top honors award recipients The Mounds View Junior Achievement team received top honors at the regional competition. Arya Tanksale was named the Otto Bremer Entrepreneur Mounds View Normally, Mounds View EDUCATION ASSOCIATION of the Year. Meiyu, a student-run company that offers zero-waste makeup Education Association removal, won the Business Innovation award and was also named Company of honors recipients of the Year. Meiyu team members are Arya Tanksale, Allison Tran, Zige Wang and community awards Chlkbord Junha Yoo. during performances BioBev, a student-run company that offers biodegradable cups, took second at its annual variety CAPERS place in Company of the Year. ANNUAL show and fundraiser. VARIETY SHOW Learn more about each student company, and check out each company’s Chalkboard Capers commercial on SchoolTalk+ (moundsviewschools.org/schooltalkplus). was cancelled this year due to COVID-19. Outstanding Layperson in Education • Sara Johnston, parent volunteer coordinator at Pike Lake Education Center • Gregg Tranowski, parent at Sunnyside Elementary School Outstanding Support Staff in Education • Laurie Koopmeiners, paraeducator at Mounds View High School

Teacher/Citizen of the Year BioBev team members: Amanda Diao, Anna Grace, Yatharth Sharma, Matthew Shen, • Jean Modjeski, teacher at Bel Air Riley Stern, Sruthi Subramanian, Margaret Xiao, Kevin Xiong and Sarah Zhang. Elementary School Irondale student wins national scholarship Mounds View student Irondale senior Brayden selected as U.S. Kirk was awarded a national scholarship through the Presidential Scholar Twin Cities ACE Mentorship Mounds View High School student Aunika Program for $15,000. The Zheng is among an elite group of only 161 ACE Mentor Program is a high school students named 2020 U.S. free, award-winning, after- Presidential Scholars. The award recognizes school program designed to students based on academic success, attract high school students artistic and technical into pursuing careers in the excellence, essays, architecture, construction school evaluations and engineering industries, and transcripts, as including skilled trades. well as evidence Through his four years of of community participation, Brayden has service, leadership earned a total of $21,500 in and demonstrated scholarships from ACE. He commitment to plans to attend North Dakota high ideals. Aunika Zheng State University in the fall.

SUMMER 2020 School Talk 21 SPORTS UPDATE

SchoolTalk+ There’s so much more sports news than we IRONDALE can fit on these pages. Please visit SchoolTalk+ (moundsviewschools.org/schooltalkplus) for the following features: Future plans for Mounds View and Irondale senior athletes See where senior athletes will be playing in the fall. Spring captains Check out a photo album featuring the spring captains for both high schools. Season tribute videos Left to right, seniors Alexandra Bartlett, Many of our spring teams created season tribute Shanelle White, and Amanda Bergman videos to share with students during the distance missed out on their senior year of softball. learning period. • Baseball • Track AAA Award • Girls golf The Triple “A” award, presented by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), honors students who excel in Track co-curricular activities on your mobile academics, arts and athletics. devices. Search MOUNDS VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS in the app store.

Iva Hammitt-Kess Kwame Herzog (cross country, (baseball, track) Find the Mounds View Mustangs Nordic ski) on @GoMVMustangs

Follow us on Facebook at Athena Award facebook.com/MoundsViewHighSchool The Athena Award honors outstanding female For the most up-to-date news, visit the high school senior student-athletes. This year’s Activities and Athletics website at www.moundsviewschools.org/moundsview. recipient, Isis Hutchison, played lacrosse, soccer and hockey for Irondale. She also participated in the National Honor Society and DECA. She will be attending the in the fall. Track co-curricular activities on your mobile devices Search MOUNDS VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS in the app store. Athletes of the Year The following seniors have Irondale Knights on been awarded for their Twitter @GoIrondale accomplishments in sports for the 2019-20 school year. facebook.com/ IrondaleHighSchool

Sydney McCollor Ahmed Berry For the most up-to-date news, visit (swimming) (basketball, the Activities and Athletics website at football, lacrosse) www.moundsviewschools.org/irondale.

22 School Talk SUMMER 2020 Athena Award The Athena Award honors outstanding female MOUNDS VIEW high school senior student-athletes. This year’s recipient, Lindsey Becher, will be attending Concordia University – St. Paul in the fall with a basketball scholarship. Athletes of the Year The following seniors have been awarded for their accomplishments in sports for the 2019-20 school year.

Morgan Dahl, Ben Kettelhut, Jenna Peschel, Finn Sokolowski, cross country/ football, basketball softball and cross country/ track and baseball volleyball track

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

Maya Strike Brenner Klein Lindsey Becher holds the school scoring record. Boys’ basketball Mounds View’s boys’ basketball team won the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association Team Academic Section Championship. This award is presented each year by the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association (MSHSCA). Teams are evaluated on the team’s cumulative GPA for the projected section tournament roster, including individual GPAs for each student.

Spring captains Check out a photo album featuring the spring captains on School Talk+ (moundsviewschools.org/ schooltalkplus).

SUMMER 2020 School Talk 23 CLASS OF 2020

Mounds View Public Schools school and supporting their educational goals post-high has a goal of preparing all school. Funded in part by the Mounds View Schools Education students for opportunities of Foundation, this unique award recognizes a broad range their choice after high school. of students who have demonstrated success in their high Ensuring that all students school journey through a variety of ways. Recipients have have an opportunity to demonstrated academic growth and sustained participation in pursue post-secondary success involves a promise the District activities throughout high school. Some may aspire to be the calls the Equity Promise. The Equity Promise aims to disrupt first in their families to attend a technical college, two-year systematic patterns associated with race, socio-economic college or four-year university. All have overcome challenges, status, gender and disabilities to provide equal opportunities displayed perseverance and exhibited grit along the way. for success for every Mounds View Public Schools student. Mounds View Public Schools would like to thank the This spring, seniors from Irondale High School in New donors who contribute to Equity Promise Scholarships. Brighton, Mounds View High School in Arden Hills and These donors and their contributions reinforce the Equity the Area Learning Center (ALC) received Equity Promise Promise and give deserving students a chance to pursue post- Scholarships acknowledging their achievements during high secondary continued education.

Class of 2020 Equity Promise Scholarship recipients

Anderson Family Scholarship Golden K Kiwanis Club Laura Harris Memorial New Brighton Lions Club New Brighton/Mounds View Sydney McCollor Nura Agami Aliyah Harris Karen Cortez (ALC) Rotary Club Genuine Song Dayla Cross Amanda Bergman Hoverman Family Marie Greenwald Memorial Demetrius Gilbert Louise Fehrman Bailiff Memorial Scholarship Lauren Ocel Diamonique Kimba Scholarship Fund Ray Perez Martinez Tallman Math/Science Mounds View Community Sagal Mohamed Elizabeth Bourassa Emma Eclov-Reher Irondale High School Theater Fine Arts Lydia Relling (ALC) Ignatius Ejiofor Sarah Galush Class of 1979 Caden Pichotta Miguel Salas Dominguez Lily Mork Ikechukwu Anyanwu Samaya Shephard Victoria Adekemi James Rebecca Tabet Mounds View/Irondale Memorial Irondale High School Hockey Foundation Hawi Sultan Beisswenger’s Bilsuma Adema Student Council Zackary Springborn Lyrick Young Scholarship Fund Emma White Elizabeth Bourassa Annabelle Hosmer MV Lions – Waste-Witte Sydney Mulvehill Memorial Fund Chalkboard Capers, MVEA Jodi Maurer-Knudson Ramone Beaulieu Jr Kaylee Bacher Memorial Malik Binmahfooz Cole Backman Amran Yusuf Kamal Frazier Jacob Lawrence Mark Uribe Keon Miller Jonathan Hogan Memorial Sydney Mulvehill Claire Alexander Mounds View Schools Faith Nyakundi Kailey Bulow Education Foundation Elsa Osmond Leo Ehrenberg Margaret Trombley Ian Elmquist Ayah Phuly New Brighton Eagles Jacob Her Amanda Rodgers Aerie #3718 Annabella Lau Ricco Venterea Amaya Camacho Nisha Panigrahy Diego Hernandez DLMC Foundation Hawah Sirleaf Amalia Galvan Nicholas Pehl Joselin Rodriguez Kopp Family Foundation Lindsey Preston Hope Thill Nura Agami Rinchen Sakya Michael Blount Irondale senior Quiben Yang poses with his Fridley American Legion New Brighton Eagles Keith Sorenson Auxiliary graduation-in-a-box. This year, students picked up Post #303 a graduation kit with their cap and gown, diploma Isabela Mogosanu David Fluth sleeve, awards and special gifts.

24 School Talk SUMMER 2020 Class of 2020 Senior department and activities awards Art Science Honor Athlete (Girls) Amaya Camacho Ricco Venterea Sydney McCollor Business Education Social Studies Jazz Band Nicholas Haugen Sam Parlin Ricco Venterea Computer Science Special Education Marching Band Daniel Alfaro Ibrahim Janneh Lindsey Preston Family and Consumer Technology Education Math Team Science Kyle Warren Charlie Schumer Isabella Angwenyi-Ojeda World Language (American Mock Trial Language Arts Sign Language) Lily Cartier Student Dean Cristin Craig greets senior Makhia Amanda Hertzel Lily Cartier Shannon as she arrives at school to pick up her Quiz Bowl graduation kit. Mathematics World Language (French) Sam Parlin Cole Helland Olivia Wolf Robotics Music (Band) World Language (Spanish) Kyle Warren Virtual ceremony Cade Alberts Victoria Tholkes Speech Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Irondale High Music (Choir) DECA Ethan Bockhenhauer School hosted a virtual graduation event for the Ethan Bockenhauer Lauren Letnes Class of 2020. The video ceremony recreated Student Council Charlie Schumer many elements of a typical graduation ceremony, Music (Orchestra) Elizabeth Bourassa including visual and audio recognition of each Amanda Bergman Drama Sydney Mulvehill Marion Bangoura individual graduate. View the ceremony at Physical Education & Health Yearbook moundsviewschools.org/irondalegraduation. Zack Springborn Honor Athlete (Boys) Mikaila Marcott Ahmed Berry Rebecca Thompson

ARCC Associate of Arts degree Sydney Bickford Annabelle Hosmer David Fluth Samuel Parlin Irondale senior Zoe Kaplan poses at home before the Iva Hammit Kess Meghan Quito virtual graduation ceremony on June 1.

SUMMER 2020 School Talk 25 CLASS OF 2020

Mounds View High School Class of 2020 Arden Hills Shoreview Rotary Don Segner Memorial Kopp Family Foundation Mounds View Mustang Club New Brighton Lions Strive Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship Emmanuel Danso Rhea Schaberg Deepta Jasthi Maiah Robert Dan Nguyen Ruizhi Zhang Joseph Rogalski Danny Phung Ashbach Family Fund Doug Christenson Scholarship Memorial Scholarship Kunze Scholarship Mounds View Wrestling – Sherry Lou Engebretsen Hanna Nelson Isabella Hoppe Owen Gin Brandon Carlson Memorial Memorial Scholarship Nathan Rewald Anna Montgomery Scholarship Jaden Eischens Marit Mary Swenson Taylor Stradinger Brendan Dunagan Beisswenger Scholarship Memorial Scholarship Susan Carlson Memorial Andrew Hunt Lauren Austin Eggert Family Dentistry Hufsa Ahmed Scholarship Benjamin Wynia Scholarship Sophia Roesler Carey Crimmins Memorial Mounds View Basketball Zain Abdullah MVCT Fine Arts Scholarship Scholarship Association Scholarship Thomas Narigon Memorial Samantha Hermanson Ben Kettelhut Fridley American Legion Claire Dolton Scholarship Post 303 Scholarship Ben Kettlehut New Brighton Eagles Aerie Amelia Eveland Chalkboard Capers Sean Goldman Katie Manecke #3718 Scholarship Scholarship Vadnais Heights Community Jack Roeber Laura Bakeman Brett Bateman The Gulli Family Scholarship Partners Scholarship Leah Brandt Mia Beuning Aunika Zheng Mounds View Schools Annie Moen Marion Janes McKenzie Galvin Education Foundation Hoverman Family Hannah Peschel William E. & Rose A. Bailiff Daniel Gustafson Scholarship Scholarship Yanjun Yu Memorial Scholarship Anya Nustad William Hoye Neha Sriram Priyam Bhalla Alyssa Killian Jenna Peschel New Brighton Eagle Auxiliary Sarah Corcoran Finn Sokolowski Josh Lavalle Memorial Scholarship Mounds View Irondale Scholarship Megan Mattison Thomas Sparrow Hockey Foundation Sophia Coltvet Adam Sprain Scholarship Maiah Robert Jack Simser

Virtual ceremony Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mounds View High School hosted a virtual graduation event for the Class of 2020. The video ceremony recreated many elements of a typical graduation ceremony, including visual and audio recognition of each individual graduate. View the ceremony at moundsviewschools.org/moundsviewgraduation.

Mounds View seniors Dayne Stone (left) and Janet Amparo (right) pose at home before their virtual graduation ceremony on June 1.

26 School Talk SUMMER 2020 Mounds View Senior awards Art Department Family & Consumer Science Phy. Ed. & Health Lily Manrodt Garrett Wilson Department Nolan Pedersen Band Department French Department Gina Yi Madeleine Lutterman Self-Advocacy & Academic Achievement Award Business & Marketing Math & Science Benjamin Colvin Samuel Gillespie Departments Maya Strike Social Studies Department Choir Department Matilyn Carl Rhea Schaberg Orchestra Department Amina Knapp Spanish Department English Department Ryan Imm Brooke Voytilla

Activities Department ARCC awards Associate of Arts degree 3x4 recipients participate in three sports each year of four high school years. Congratulations to Mitchell Gutzkow • Lindsey Becher, Athena Award on being awarded • Morgan Dahl, Athlete of the Year Award an associate degree • George DeMay, 3x4 Award from Anoka-Ramsey • Ben Kettelhut, 3x4 and Student Athlete of the Year Awards Community College. Mounds View senior Maddy John poses with her In the fall, Mitchell will • Brenner Klein, AAA Award diploma at home. attend North Dakota • Elliot Lee, 3x4 Award State University. • Merrick McFarling, Fine Arts Student of the Year Award Green & White award • Jenna Peschel, Student Athlete of the Year Award Green and white medals are presented to a select • Sydney Pham, 3x4 Award group of students who exemplify the Mounds • Finn Sokolowski, Athlete of the Year Award View High School mission of building an • Maya Strike, AAA Award inclusive community of responsible, respectful and resourceful citizens who value learning. • Ruizhi Zhang, Fine Arts Student of the Year Award These students not only maintain high academic standards, but they have also made valuable contributions to the Mounds View High School Area Learning Center community through volunteering and/or and Adult Education participation in co-curricular activities. The Area Learning Center’s virtual graduation ceremony recognized Elisha Axelson Allison Misialek 75 graduating students in a virtual ceremony on June 4. You can Ian Bahn Isaac Pan view the ceremony at moundsviewschools.org/alcgraduation. Claire Dolton Jack Roeber Liam Edgar Aleksander Smith Mounds View Public Schools Adult Education students who earned Laken Hairston Isaiah Tucker their GED and Adult Diploma in the last year were invited to Jack Hentges Max Warren participate in a virtual graduation ceremony hosted by Mounds View Adrianna Jytyla Josiah Wiest Adult Education. The June 4 event recognized and honored 10 high Aleah Keske Analycia Willier-O’Connor school diploma students, 95 GED students and 65 Career Pathway Shanker Mallikarjunan (includes Paraprofessional and IT students).

SUMMER 2020 School Talk 27 NON-PROFIT ORG. Mounds View U.S. POSTAGE Thank you to these cities PAID P UBLIC SCHOOLS TWIN CITIES MN that officially proclaimed PERMIT NO 4112 Independent School District 621 June 1 as High School Senior 4570 Victoria St. N Recognition Day: Shoreview, MN 55126

• Mounds View • New Brighton • North Oaks • Roseville • Shoreview • Vadnais Heights

Even as some of them struggled during stay- at-home orders, local businesses and other organizations generously reached out to support our schools, students, staff and families this spring. From pizzas and coffee to lawn signs and face shield materials, the following are only a few of the groups who donated goods or services to our schools. We thank them along with all the individuals who donated to schools during this unprecedented time.

Caribou Coffee, HealthPartners Kowalski’s, Dominos Pizza General Mills Mounds View Dental Shoreview

Suburban Three Sisters Sun Control of Stratasys Ramsey Family 3M Event Rentals, Minnesota Collaborative Coon Rapids