News and Views

Recently our district has been receiving questions about the status of the U.S. Department of Education and the impact potential changes may have on our schools and school district. It is important to understand that our primary relationship is with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and that the majority of our support and funding comes from the state and local level. In recent days, the MDE has communicated its commitment to providing stability for our students, educators and our schools. As a district we remain committed to meeting the needs of each of our students and continuing to provide the kinds of programs, services and support to which our students and families have become accustomed. Just a few examples include the Career Pathways Program, the Early College Program and the Equity Promise.

In a time when much is unclear, be assured that the focus of Mounds View Public Schools remains on ensuring each student experiences access, opportunities and achievement in a safe and welcoming learning environment.

Six District teachers have been named candidates for the 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award. The program celebrates the tradition of excellence in teaching in Minnesota. These candidates have accepted their nominations and completed the required materials to become eligible for the honor.

An independent selection panel will read candidates’ portfolios over the next few weeks and narrow the list to a group of semifinalists. The winner will be announced May 4. Learn more about the award and selection process.

Congratulations and good luck to our District teachers!

• Dr. Tim Berndt, Mounds View High School

• Robin Betthauser, Early Childhood Education Center

• Madison Critchley, Highview Middle School

• Megan Hebert, Turtle Lake Elementary School

• Natasha Johnson, Valentine Hills Elementary School

• Zoe Kourajian, Edgewood Middle School

Mounds View High School senior Emily Ren was selected as one of only two students in the state to represent Minnesota in the United States Youth Senate Program in Washington, D.C. Each year, the highest-achieving high-school student leaders from each state are selected to serve as delegates to the program through an extremely competitive merit-based selection process held nationwide. In March, she will spend a week in Washington experiencing national government in action. Emily will also receive a $10,000 scholarship. She hopes to study international relations and work for a U.S. Embassy.

Learn more at ussenateyouth.org.

As a reminder, there will be no school on Monday, February 17, in observance of Presidents' Day.

The School Board recently approved the calendar for the 2026-27 school year. View school year calendars here.

Mounds View Public Schools will celebrate all staff members during a District-wide Staff Appreciation Week taking place May 5-9, 2025.

Show your school spirit! Starting this month, our apparel stores will be open year-round. Orders will be processed on the 10th of every month, with delivery approximately three weeks from that date. Find your school store and place an order at mvpschools.org/spiritwear.

Yog xa tau kev pab thiab hais ua lus Hmoob thov hu rau Bao Thao: 651-272-0972. Haddi aad ubaahantahay faahfaahin dheerad-ah ama turjamaad, fadlan kala soo xidid Muna Mohamed lambaraka 651-262-4577. Para asistencia o preguntas en Español por favor contacte a Angel Toro: 651-724-2854 o Carmen Bender: 612-494-3895.