There will be no eNews on Thursday, April 2

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is an academic tool and class we use at MHS to support all students in preparing for success after graduation. The instructional and engagement strategies used throughout our school are impacting every student at MHS. During our February Professional Development Day for teachers, Associate Principal Lisa Faletti-Watkins and Ms. Carly Lewellen, AVID Elective Teacher and Portrait of a Graduate Coordinator, held a learning session about Collaborative Study Groups. 

During a Collaborative Study Groups (CSGs) students gather in small groups (4-5 students), and each student brings to the group a specific question based on an academic problem or concept that they don’t understand. The CSGs use collaborative inquiry skills to understand the Student’s question and then propose steps or processes that could help the student resolve their question. After the CSGs, students use the experience to navigate the resolution of their questions and as a foundation for applying the learning in other classes and future experiences. 

Recently, Ms. Kelly Shafer, science teacher at MHS, invited Ms. Lewellen and some of her AVID elective students (who regularly use the CSG process) to come into her class and teach her students how to participate in and engage with a CSG.  This is a great example of how AVID skills impact students across the school and how our teachers, like Ms. Shafer, are going beyond their academic areas to collaborate and learn new instructional strategies.

The AVID instructional strategy we are seeing in practice helps students deepen their understanding through inquiry while also developing their ability to think innovatively and work collaboratively with their peers. These are all components of our Portrait of a Graduate, the skills, competencies, and dispositions that all Mahtomedi students need for their future. I had the opportunity to listen to an HR hiring manager for a prominent Fortune 500 company, and they reiterated that their job is to put together the best teams, not just high-achieving employees, but people who can ask for help, work collaboratively with their colleagues, and think creatively with others. When I saw the CSGs in action at MHS, it reminded me of this person’s experience and what they are looking for in their future employees, and how we are helping students build those skills right now at MHS.

Principal Justin Hahn

We look forward to seeing many of you at conferences tonight! There's still time to sign up for next week's conferences: 

Thursday, April 2nd from 3:30-7:30pm, in-person

Click here to read the email that was shared with families. To schedule an appointment, please visit the MHS PTCfast link.

We are seeking participants from the workforce, higher education, or the military whose AI use is integral to their work. Click here to participate.

On April 14, 2026, from 5-7 pm we will host a Dessert & Dialogue session with professionals whose AI use is integral to their work. 

We will use the conversation to help us better understand what AI skills make students competitive and how it is used in workplaces.  The outcome of the conversation will inform our guidance for teachers to prepare students for success and the advancement of our Portrait of a Graduate work.

Is your high school student interested in immersing themselves in a different culture, learning about history and literature at the actual sites of events, and trying new things?  If so, we'd love to have them join us on our 2027 trip to England and Scotland!  This trip is open to the classes of 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030 and has a focus on history and culture. 

Information Session for the UK Trip:  Tuesday, April 14, at 6:30 PM in the MHS Media Center.  Click here to RSVP to the meeting or to request additional information about the trip.  If you have any questions, please email Emily Larson (emily.larson@isd832.net).

Congratulations to our MHS students who presented at the Zephyr Learning Showcase on March 23. 

Class of 2027 students: Ava Lockbaum and Alex Goldfine presented about serving on the Superintendent's Student Cabinet.

Ellie Driscoll (Class of 2028)

The Zephyr Learning Showcase is a community engagement event we host several times throughout the school year. Families, staff, and community members are invited to attend and see our strategic plan in action. The event is a resource fair format with one-on-one conversations with students and staff.

Mahtomedi students in the DECA class and club made a big impact at DECA State! 

Nine students made it to State Finals, placing in the top 12 in State: Ellen Gruba (2027) Alexia Tempelis (2026) in Business Solutions Project, Shea Deneen (2027) in Restaurant and Food Management Series, Brody Kraai (2027) in Automotive Services Series, Myles Flaherty (2026) in Principles of Finance, Gannon Hamen (2027) in Business Finance Series, Emmett Henderson (2027) Entrepreneurship Individual Series, Grace McCarthy (2026) in Entrepreneurship Individual Series, and Annika Sowder (2026) in Principles of Hospitality and Tourism. 

Top State Finishes (Top eight in State): Myles Flaherty 1st in State, Emmett Henderson 5th in State, Ellen Gruba 8th in State, Annika Sowder 7th in State, and Grace McCarthy 7th in State.

International Competition: Four Mahtomedi students will compete at the International DECA competition: Gannon Hamen and Brody Kraai in the School-Based Enterprise Food Category,  Emmett Henderson in the Individual Entrepreneurship Series, and Myles Flaherty in Principles of Finance.

Senior All Night Party Social Media Accounts - Follow on Facebook and Instagram

Senior All Night Party Tickets are On Sale Now. Use the discount code: MAHTOMEDI for $25 off.

Interested in sponsoring the Senior All Night Party? Click Here.

Class of 2026! There’s still time to apply for the MAEF Community and Technical Scholarship!

This scholarship is for Mahtomedi Public Schools students pursuing post-secondary education in the Career and Technical Education fields.

Deadline: April 24, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

Click here to learn more and apply.

Throughout the school year, MHS hosts opportunities for our students to visit with representatives from a variety of colleges, universities, trade/technical schools, and branches of the U.S. Military.

CLICK HERE to view Mahtomedi High School's upcoming College & Career visits.

Questions about post-secondary options? Stop by the Counseling Office to make an appointment with your MHS Counselor.

Questions about post-secondary planning?
Please reach out to your MHS Counselor.

Ms. Erickson - Students with Last names A-D
Ms. Cole - Students with Last names E-K
Mr. Miley - Students with Last names L-Q
Mr. Akins - Students with Last names R-Z