December December 3 Communication Night (6:30-8:00 pm) December 7 Dear Santa Band Concert (7:30 pm) December 12 Winter Dance Tropical Theme (8:00-11:00 pm) December 14 Holiday Concert (6:30 pm or 8:30 pm) December 16 Band Fundraiser Pickup (2:15 pm) December 17 Jazz Band Concert (7:00 pm) December 21-January 1 Winter Break January 4 Students Return MVHS - HOME OF THE MUSTANGS! Dear Mounds View Families, It is my hope that you and your family enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday. I know that both the students and staff appreciated the much deserved respite as they ap- pear to have returned well-rested and ready for an excit- ing conclusion to the calendar year. The next three weeks are certain to be filled with en- ergy and anticipation, but it’s also a very busy time here at Mounds View High School. We have several musical performances scheduled, as well as activities in each of our winter sports. We also have a Communication Night scheduled for Thursday of this week (12/3) and our teachers and staff would welcome your company. As we conclude any year and move toward the next, we tend to reminisce about the wonderful happenings of the past twelve months. While things are never perfect for any school or organization, I can say with great confidence that I am a blessed principal because I am granted the privilege to work with you and your children. I thank you for your support and also your willingness to engage in your student’s education. Enjoy what is remaining of 2015 and let’s make 2016 even better! Respectfully, Dr. Jeffery P. Ridlehoover Principal December 2015 Mustang Messenger From the Principal…. "Building an inclusive community of responsible, respectful and resourceful citizens who value learning."
Transcript
DecemberDecember 3 Communication Night (6:30-8:00 pm)
December 7 Dear Santa Band Concert (7:30 pm)
December 12 Winter Dance Tropical Theme (8:00-11:00 pm)
December 14 Holiday Concert (6:30 pm or 8:30 pm)
December 16 Band Fundraiser Pickup (2:15 pm) December 17 Jazz Band Concert (7:00 pm)
December 21-January 1 Winter Break
January 4 Students Return
MVHS - HOME OF THE MUSTANGS!
Dear Mounds View Families,
It is my hope that you and your family enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday. I know that both the students and staff appreciated the much deserved respite as they ap-pear to have returned well-rested and ready for an excit-ing conclusion to the calendar year.
The next three weeks are certain to be filled with en-ergy and anticipation, but it’s also a very busy time here at Mounds View High School. We have several musical
performances scheduled, as well as activities in each of our winter sports. We also have a Communication Night scheduled for Thursday of this week (12/3) and our teachers and staff would welcome your company.
As we conclude any year and move toward the next, we tend to reminisce about the wonderful happenings of the past twelve months. While things are never perfect for any school or organization, I can say with great confidence that I am a blessed principal because I am granted the privilege to work with you and your children. I thank you for your support and also your willingness to engage in your student’s education.
Enjoy what is remaining of 2015 and let’s make 2016 even better!
Respectfully,
Dr. Jeffery P. Ridlehoover Principal
December 2015Mustang Messenger
From the Principal….
"Building an inclusive community of responsible, respectfuland resourceful citizens who value learning."
My name is Justin Benolkin and I teach social studies, specifically this year AP US His-tory, Sociology, and Philosophy. This year will be the start of my 9th year at MVHS. I graduated with a B.A. in sociology (minor in philosophy) from the University of Min-nesota. Additionally, I finished my M. Ed. at the UofM. While completing my degree in sociology, I focused on the sociology of race and religion. I completed research on religion and the meaning it has in young people’s lives as part of my honor’s thesis. This interest in religion in sociology carried over to my studies in philosophy, where my primary focus was on the philosophy of religion and ethics. When not teaching I spend my time doing as many geeky things I can possibly do. Usually that centers around playing the card game Magic: The Gathering and the role playing game Dungeons and Dragons. I have also been addicted to professional wres-tling since I was a child. I am the king of useless wrestling trivia. Aside from these geeky endeavors you can often find me walking my dog, going on forced walks with my spouse (they are always her idea,) and watching cat videos online (there are so many!).
I have been working at Mounds View High School for over 8 years as a Paraprofessional. I have been married to Richard for 22 years and we have 2 children. Taylor and Chase both attend the University of Minnesota at Duluth. One is a senior and one is a freshman. I am a proud graduate of North High School in Minneapolis and attended St. Thomas Univer-sity in St. Paul. My hobbies include going on adventurous family trips like the cruise for my birthday to Belize this January. My favorite city in the world is New York. I adore the arts. Some of my favorite things are museums, the theater, bookstores and old books, libraries, trying out new restaurants and especially, the ballet. Brunch is my favorite meal and ice cold choco-late cake is my favorite dessert. Working for Mounds View has allowed me to meet so many tremendous kids that have really brightened my life. No matter the day I’m having, at least one student always finds a way to make me appreciate my position in the Student Services Office. I hope I spread a little calm and happiness each day as well.
My name is Ted Bennett. I teach English/Language Arts. I am close to reaching my 20th year here at MVHS. I specifically teach Regular English Ten, Creative Writing, Expres-sions and Advanced Elements of Literature. I graduated from St. Cloud State University and earned my Masters Degree from St. Mary’s University. I look forward to teaching at Mounds View High School for many years to come. When not teaching English I spend much of my time with my wife Emily (and an army of pets) in Minneapolis. I still play as many intramural sports (basketball, wallyball, softball) as I can. I love camping and kayaking, which means I really love having summers off. I am a die-hard Minnesota Gophers fan and go to many Twins and Timberwolves games as well.
P A G E 2
Get to Know ‘Em
Meet Justin Benolkin
Meet Ted Bennett
Meet Heather Ward
P A G E 3
Senior Spotlight
Daniel Weinhagen
What is your favorite food?BBQ Ribs
What is your favorite TV show?Scorpion or Limitless
What is your favorite movie?Pitch Perfect
What is your favorite book?Brave New World
What is your favorite school lunch?Popcorn Chicken
What is your favorite MVHS class?Choir
Who is your favorite MVHS teacher?Mr. Phelps or Senora Rivers
Lauren Wikstrom
What is your favorite food?Chipotle Burrito
What is your favorite TV show?Blacklist
What is your favorite movie?Spy
What is your favorite book?Divergent
What is your favorite school lunch?Popcorn Chicken
What is your favorite MVHS class?Psychology through Literature
Who is your favorite MVHS teacher?Senora Rivers
Henry Alexander
What is your favorite food?Bruschetta
What is your favorite TV show?Lie to Me
What is your favorite movie?The Shawshank Redemption
What is your favorite book?Desert Solitaire
What is your favorite school lunch?Popcorn Chicken
What is your favorite MVHS class?AP Government
Who is your favorite MVHS teacher?Mrs. Nesset
P A G E 4
Athletics & Activities Happenings
Athletics/Activities SchedulesSchedules are available online at gomvmustangs.com and /or suburbaneast.org under member schools, select Mounds View. Schedule changes are posted as they become available.
Winter SportsBring your MV Spirit and cheer on your favorite winter sport!
Wrestling & Girls Hockey – 12/3 Boys Basketball – 12/4Dance at Forest Lake – 12/5Boys Hockey – 12/5 Boys Swim & Alpine Ski – 12/17 Gymnastics – 12/19
Jeff RidlehooverPrincipal ........................................... [email protected]
Stephanie BruggersAssociate Principal .......................... [email protected]
Michael SchwartzAssociate Principal .......................... [email protected]
Robert MadisonActivities Director ............................. [email protected]
Administration
D1 Signing!Congratulations to Sydney Brodt! She signed her National Letter of Intent to play Women’s Hockey at the University of MN-Duluth!
Sydney Brodt & Aaron Moberg, Girls Hockey Head Coach
School Board RecognitionMany of our Fall Athletes participating at State were recognized at the recent School Board Meeting on November 10. Thanks to Emily & Rachel Boyer, Mariah Northrop, Alex Plasencia, Hans Adamsson, Ali Kopiecki, and Morgan Dahl for attending.
State QualifierAdapted PI Soccer qualified for State! Way to go!!
Girl’s SoccerGirls Soccer finished in 4th place in the State Tournament. Congratulations to the team, coaches and managers for a terrific season! Very impressive conference record of 8-0-0 and overall record of 19-1-2.
Notable FinishesOur Boys Cross Country team finished 9th in the state while Girls Cross Country runner, Morgan Dahl (8) qualified for individual competition and Ali Kopiecki (11) won the conference as an individual and was a state qualifier in ten-nis.
Congratulations to our Girls Swim and Dive Team for their 2nd place finish in Section 4AA and to diver, Jackie Ga-worki for her 7th place finish in State!
P A G E 6
Athletics & Activities Happenings (cont.)
Morgan Dahl
Ali Kopiecki
Athletics & Activities Happenings (cont.)
P A G E 7
SpeechSpeech has started – weekly meetings are every Thursday after school in the Forum. Please consider joining – everyone is welcome! For more information, please visit http://moundsviewspeech.weebly.com/
Operation JoyNeed help with holiday gifts for your children?Registration for the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf’s annual Operation Joy program is open now. Families in need can register for the Operation Joy program during any daytime food shelf appointment until December 10. Walk-in registration is also available on November 25, December 2 and December 9 from 12:30-2 PM. Residents must bring identification for parent and child along with proof of residence. The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf is located at Pike Lake Education Center, 2101 NW 14th Street, New Brighton.
Looking for ways to help?Donations are being received at the Food Shelf until December 18. To learn about vol-unteer opportunities, contact Sue Peake at [email protected] or call 651-621-7451.
End of SemesterAs we enter the home stretch of the first semester, students are reminded to finish strong. Meet with teachers to prepare for finals and use the tutoring that is available in the Paddock after school Mondays through Thursdays. First semester ends on January 27.
10th GradeDeans will be meeting with 10th grade students on December 15 to discuss the results of the PLAN test that was taken in early November. The goal of this meeting is to understand individual student score reports and how the informa-tion can be used with test prep for the ACT during Junior year.
12th GradePlease have your Transcript requests with a January 1 deadline to Mrs. Berg-strom by December 11.
Student Wellness Speaker Series Student Services is sponsoring a Student Wellness Speaker Series this year. Students have the oppor-tunity to sign up for one or more sessions that are designed to provide information, support and re-sources relating to mental health and wellness. The next session is December 9. CLICK HERE for details and to sign up.
From the Deans DeskMark Nelson A-Co (Grades 9-11)A-Da (Grade 12)651--621-7133 [email protected]
University of Minnesota Priority Deadline – December 15
The priority deadline for applying to the University of Minnesota is Decem-ber 15. Do not miss this deadline as priority is given to those who apply by this date. Last year over 46,000 students applied to the U of MN. Student notification dates are on a rolling basis, with all students being notified by February 28.
Junior Parent EveningThere will be an informational meeting for junior parents at Mounds View High School on January 12 at 6:30 PM in the Auditorium. This meeting is open for ju-niors and junior parents and will cover information on college planning and where students should be in their college search process.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be com-pleted after January 1 and will be based on a family’s 2015 tax infor-mation. Jeff Olson, the Director of Financial Aid at Bethel University,
will present a FAFSA informational meeting on January 5 at 6:30 PM in the Auditorium. This evening is open to all senior parents and will cover financial aid and directions for completing the FAFSA.
FAFSA AssistanceOn February 23 from 6-8 PM, assistance for the completion of the Free Application for Federal Stu-dent Aid will be available at Irondale High School in the computer lab. Professionals from local col-lege financial aid offices will answer questions. Please bring your 2015 tax information to this event for assistance.
College Corner (cont.)Scholarship OpportunitiesGates Millennium Scholarship - Deadline: January 13, 2016Minimum GPA: 3.3 Ethnicities: African American, American Indian - Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, Hispanic AmericanResidency Status: U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident / Foreign NationalAcademic Classification: High School Senior, GED, High School GraduateScholarship website: http://www.gmsp.org
American Legion Minnesota State Oratorical Contest - Deadline: January 15, 2016$1500 1st place, $1000 2nd place, $700 3rd place, $500 4th placeThis is a speech contest based on Constitutional ideals. State winners proceed to the national contest and compete
for scholarships worth up to $18,000. http://www.mnlegion.org/html/oratorical.html
Mensa Scholarship - Deadline: January 15, 2016Must be resident of a participating American Mensa Local Group’s area.Must be enrolled in a degree program in an accredited U.S. Institution of higher learning during the academic year
following the application date.Must submit application and essay explaining career, academic and/or vocational goals.Application: http://www.mensafoundation.org/what-we-do/scholarships/scholarship-application
Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship - Deadline: January 15, 2016Scholarship available to students interested in a career in government service.Students must be US Citizens and must write a one page essay. Scholarship application: http://gwcf.org/AppDownload.html
Alpha Kappa Psi – U of MN Carlson School of Management - Deadline: January 29, 2016Scholarships include housing and tuition for Carlson students.Application at: http://www.akpsischolarships.com/apply/
Affinity Plus Foundation Scholarship - Deadline: January 29, 2016$5000 scholarship to attend a four-year institutionMust be a primary Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union member in good standingScholarship application: https://www.affinityplus.org/foundation/scholarshipsContact information: (651) 312-9252 or [email protected]
AXA Achievement Community Scholarship - Deadline: February 1, 2016$2000 scholarship for students who demonstrate ambition and drive, determination to set and reach goals, respect
for self, family, and community, and the ability to succeed in collegeApplication at: http://www.axa-equitable.com/axa-foundation/community-scholarships.html
Wallin Education Scholarship Program - Deadline: February 1, 2016Senior at partnering high school, unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, attend eligible college or university, and family tax-
able income of $75,000 or less with low to moderate assets (proof of income and assets is required). Consideration is given for special family circumstances in making financial eligibility determinations.
College Corner (cont.)Scholarship Opportunities - continuedEpsilon Sigma Alpha Foundation Scholarships - Deadline: February 1, 2016A wide variety of scholarships are available.Scholarships are based on service and leadership, scholastic ability, and financial need. Application at: http://www.epsilonsigmaalpha.org/scholarships-and-grants
United Educators Credit Union Scholarships - Deadline: February 5, 2016$1000 scholarships for graduating high school seniors who are UECU members or a child or grandchild of a UECU
National Co-op Scholarship Program - Deadline: February 15, 2016$6000 four-year renewable scholarships to study at a WACE partner institutionMust have a 3.5 GPA and complete application and essayApplication website: http://www.waceinc.org/scholarship/index.html
Catholic United Financial Scholarships - Deadline: February 15, 2016 Available to high school seniors who are members of Catholic UnitedApplications at: https://www.catholicunitedfinancial.org/page.php?ID=111
Minnesota Masonic Scholarships - Deadline: February 16, 2016Available to high school seniorsRenewable scholarships ranging from $1000-$5000Applications at: https://www.mnmasoniccharities.org/what-we-do/scholarshipsScholarship application must be turned in to Mr. Wiens in the Student Service Office.
A Public Service Announcement
“Her Life Is Basically Perfect”Public Service Announcement by Ellie Tsai
All students deserve the chance to pursue their dreams after high school. That’s why Mounds View Public Schools created Equity Promise Scholarships — the local scholarship program available to all high school seniors.
Funded in part by the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation, this unique award recognizes a broad range of students who have demonstrated success in their high school journey through a variety of ways. Recipients will have demonstrated academic growth and sustained participation in activities throughout high school. Some may aspire to be the first in their families to attend a technical college, two-year college or a four-year university. All will have overcome challenges, displayed perseverance and exhibited grit along the way.
Each year, all graduating seniors from the Area Learning Center, Irondale High School and Mounds View High School will have the opportunity to apply for an Equity Promise Scholarship. A majority of these one-time awards will be worth a minimum of $1,000 for a two-year college and $1,500 for a four-year college or university.
To apply, all students can access the scholarship application online begin-ning December 15.
The deadline to submit the completed application is February 8, 2016.
Equity Promise Scholarships reinforce the District’s Equity Promise, “en-suring that all students are prepared for post-secondary success regard-less of race, class or disability.”Equity Promise Scholarships are made possible by donors who share the District’s commitment to providing opportunities for post-secondary suc-cess. To support this effort, please visit www.moundsviewschoolsef.org or contact [email protected].
Applicants can learn more by visiting with their high school dean.
WCCO - More Than NamesOn November 2, WCCO-TV was on campus to gather signatures for their More Than Names campaign. It was a larger-than-life ‘Thank You’ to our troops and veterans. Mounds View staff and students were part of the over 120 thousand signatures!
More information can be seen here:YouTube Video Facebook Video
In October, orchestra students attended their annual retreat at Laurentian Environmental Center. It was filled with rehearsals, performances, games, and a costume dance party! This retreat has been a part of the orchestra program for over 40 years and has always been a great way to build the orchestra community, as well as prepare for their fall concerts.
“Light It Up Green” - SkillsUSASkillsUSA members showed their patriotism by encouraging others to join in the Light it Up Green campaign to show support for our Veterans. Place a green bulb on your front porch, in a bedroom, office or other place to show your continued support. Members of SkillsUSA also made signs of support and posted flags on the front school grounds for Veteran’s Day.
P A G E 1 5
Around MVHS
P A G E 1 6
Around MVHS
AP European HistoryInteractive life size posters created by AP European History students to learn more about leaders who ruled Europe in the 1600 and 1700s.
P A G E 1 7
Around MVHS
MV Choir - “Open Mic Night”Mounds View Choirs hosted a New York themed “Open Mic Night” in November. Songs were performed by Mounds View Choir students with proceeds going to support the Choir trip to New York in March.
