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Past issues of the eNews are available at www.mahtomedi.k12.mn.us/enews

This Issue's Top Highlights

KNOW

Conferences are happening tonight from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM. There's still time to sign up on PTCFast—MHS for next week's conferences.

DO

Please review the MHS Cell Phone Policy, which will take effect on April 7. The policy covers the use of cell phones, smartwatches, and earbuds/AirPods during school hours.

We are seeking volunteers for our MHS Career, Internship, and Volunteer Fair on April 11. Please click here to volunteer.

Principal's Spotlight on Learning

Each month, Principal Justin Hahn spotlights learning happening at our school. This month, the Principal's spotlight focuses on Leadership.

As our students grow academically, we hope to see their strong foundation in academics support them in developing the essential qualities, characteristics, and skills for success outlined in our Profile of a Graduate. When I think of academic growth and development, I think of learner agency or the terms of being self-aware and self-directed. In our Portrait of a Graduate, that area looks like students possessing the ability and confidence to take an active, purposeful role in their learning. Our students are developing this sense of self and how to take a purposeful role through academic activities that help students build confidence, like collaborating with peers, mentoring, problem solving, and public speaking.

On Monday, I attended the Zephyr Learning Showcase, and Class of 2026 students Yusra Abdi and Halo Wanta spoke to Mahtomedi School Board members and community members, used their public speaking skills to express their goals and plans for the future in a confident way thanks to the skills they have developed in their AVID class.

This month, is Music in Our Schools month, which includes two concerts put on by our band and choir staff and students. In band class, our students are engaging in peer mentoring and taking on leadership roles both in the classroom and at performance events. It is really outstanding to see their musical accomplishments but also the strong public speaking our students do before sets. These performances also are opportunities for our students to develop confidence as they work as support staff in our theatre program, for the production and recording of events at our school. This strong sense of self and exuding confidence in the classroom and extending into other areas, is a great example of the academic leadership we are seeing at Mahtomedi High School.

School News

NEW: MHS Cell Phone Rules and Guidelines

Cell phones have become an essential part of daily life, offering convenience and technology. However, research shows that in the school environment, they can be a distraction, an interruption, and occasionally a tool for inappropriate information.

Effective Monday, April 7, cell phones and other electronic devices—including smart watches and earbuds/AirPods—will not be allowed during instructional time in classrooms. This change aims to foster a more focused learning environment.

Please review the Cell Phone Policy with your student before April 7. Thank you for your continued support in ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment.

Around the School

Inside the Classroom: College in the Schools French 4

CIS French 4 is a world language class at Mahtomedi High School open to students in grades 11 and 12. It is a year-long class where students learn more in-depth about current themes in world issues while supporting that with grammar and vocabulary. We also take a look at reading and writing and have conversations about topics (in French) relating to vocabulary. The objective is to develop all aspects of the language at once through the themed units. At the end of the semester, we’ll be looking at more advanced/meant-for native speakers material. This class is a fun, culture-rich, and unique experience. Class of 2025 student Camron Knapstein shared, “I like French because of the small class size. The class is fairly laid back while also providing the rigor of a CIS class.” During recent classes, we have done a project of finding an article in French about a French topic and writing questions for our classmates to answer after they read the article you have picked. Our teacher, Madame Holmquist, has done this for us many times, and it was a fun experience to be in our teacher's shoes and prepare something for our classmates.
✏️Written by Ila Erenz, Class of 2026 student at Mahtomedi High School and Mahtomedi Public Schools Communications Intern.

Athletics and Activities

Mahtomedi Student Leadership Key to Esports State Championship Success

Mahtomedi High School Class of 2026 students, Taelin Richmond and Kai Schwartz, are co-captains of the Mahtomedi Varsity Esports Team, and recently led their team to three championships at the Minnesota Varsity League State Finals. Taelin’s leadership of Mahtomedi’s team was recognized with a special award at the State Finals, the William Merida Inclusivity Award. The Award is granted to students who promote inclusivity and model leadership. Taelin was selected from over 1,000 students for the honor. Click here to learn more about how Kai and Taelin played an integral role in helping Mahtomedi qualify for competition this year.