Beginnings and endings

September 10, 2009 -- One of the best parts of working in education is the distinct beginning and ending a school year provides. Although summer is never a quiet time for teachers and administrators in Mounds View Public Schools, it does allow many of us a small window to refresh ourselves and recharge our efforts for the next year's challenges. As we begin the 2009-2010 year, I'd like to share a few quick thoughts about this new beginning.

Smooth opening
It's probably an understatement to say our children and teachers were excited to start this school year. With a late Labor Day this year, everyone seemed anxious to finally begin, and I'm pleased to say the first days of school provided a smooth opening for our students and schools. As is tradition, nearly half of our students didn't start school until Wednesday this week, as our middle schools and high schools devoted Tuesday to helping sixth-graders and ninth-graders make the transition into new schools. (To watch a brief video about how we help them ease transitions, visit our YouTube channel here.) Our maintenance team had all of our facilities in great shape after a summer of projects, and our transportation team had buses running very close to schedule. A little later this month, we'll have official enrollment numbers to offer as well as class size averages by school and grade.

H1N1 flu
I'm sure you're aware of heightened concerns regarding the H1N1 flu virus this fall. To address this issue, we've posted a web site at www.moundsviewschools.org with some very helpful links answering the most common questions we're hearing. Please know that unlike last spring, school closings are no longer recommended by the Department of Health. Students and staff who have flu-like symptoms are asked to remain home.

Follow us
Families who are familiar with social media web sites can now follow us online. This summer Irondale, Mounds View and the District itself launched Facebook pages and opened Twitter accounts. Now "fans" and "followers" can receive timely information, join online discussions and read important insights about events and issues in our high schools and the District. These free social media tools, including photo and video sites like Flickr and YouTube, are just another way our schools can connect with families. I invite you to follow us. Visit our social media page to join the conversation.

E-news services
This fall, we've automatically subscribed all of our families to receive e-news services according to the schools their children attend. We've also subscribed families to receive a monthly e-newsletter from the District and occasional columns like this one. If at any time you wish to unsubscribe, simply click on the "remove yourself" link at the bottom of the e-mail. If you'd like to receive additional e-news services or register additional e-mail addresses, please visit www.moundsviewschools.org/enews.

I wish each of you a productive and positive school year, and I encourage you to stay in touch.

Summer reading
School Talk hits the mail this week, but online viewers can download a copy here. [View]

Familiar face joins Highview as principal
Dean of Students Heather Timmons will take on a new role [View]

Irondale names new principal
Scott Gengler is an award-winning high school principal who will bring considerable administrative experience and exceptional enthusiasm as he joins Irondale. [View]

May 5 update on virus
The Department of Health recommends keeping all students and staff with symptoms of influenza out of school in order to decrease transmission of infection to others. [View]

Virus FAQs and answers
We're providing the following information as a communication service for those who wish to learn more, not as a signal to alarm families of an anticipated outbreak. [View]

Schools in touch with health officials
We will continue to work closely with health and education officials at all levels to address any concerns that may arise. [View]

Talking about our reputation
When you think of Mounds View Public Schools, what key quality or aspect comes to mind first? [View]

Tech team working around the clock
We hope to have the majority of staff computers running by the end of this week, with student-use computers functioning again by the end of next week. [View]

When does school get cancelled?
If a parent believes it’s unsafe to transport their child to school, I encourage them to keep their child at home. [View]

New language classes deserve translation
This enrichment program is not the outcome of the School Board’s current work towards investigating options for introducing a language to our elementary and middle schools next year. [View]

At Mounds View, you're welcome
Every year we enroll many new students in all of our schools and in all grade levels. [View]

Everyone’s schools
Mounds View Schools are everyone’s schools. [View]

You're invited to World Languages forum
Attendees can share their perspectives which ultimately can influence the direction of the program. [View]

New online communication tool ready
Watch your mail for information about the District's new Internet resource. [View]

Confirming enrollment helps fix class sizes
Mounds View will hire additional teachers to address high class sizes at several elementary schools. [View]

Keeping NCLB in perspective
Despite the public’s lack of faith in NCLB, we do find some value in the information [View]

Summer School Talk in the mail this week
Inside the summer issue of School Talk, you’ll learn more about how your feedback is sparking improvement plans, and you’ll get a sneak peak at exciting initiatives planned for 2008-2010. [View]

Communications evolve for efficiency
Take an online parent survey evaluating Mounds View Messaging and Chalkboard Chatrooms [View]

Evaluating the impact of the 2008 legislative session
One-time funding creates challenges for school districts because budget planning should not be done in single-year increments. [View]

And the survey says . . .
More than 1,000 responses were collected through the survey and chatroom [View]

Safe schools, respectful students
There’s a reason our district attracts 80 percent of all possible students from our communities. [View]

Mounds View following beef recall guidelines
All schools are following the USDA's request to place a hold on the beef. [View]

Think Summer
Registration is open now for great summer enrichment programs that begin in June. [View]

Despite decline, enrollment capture rate remains steady
Our schools consistently enroll 80 percent of all possible resident students each year. [View]

Thoughts on schools? Join our digital discussion
So, what are the challenges facing our schools and the advantages the District holds? You tell me. [View]

A resolution for the new year
If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. [View]

Keeping the levy's promises
How is Mounds View spending the money? [View]