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

The first month of school at Mahtomedi High School has been a time of learning, settling into routines and expectations, and building relationships that strengthen our community. We had a joyful start and we’ve seen families, students, and teachers come together in many ways to support one another and build a connected Zephyr community. 

Before the school year started we hosted family meetings to partner for student success. We hope those conversations helped families understand we are here to support students together. During the first two weeks of school, advisory periods focused on community building, reviewing expectations, and strengthening peer connections. We also held grade-level meetings to introduce students to administrators, reinforce positive behavior, and reiterate the importance of building a positive school culture.

Homecoming is a time when we come together as a school community and really bring that positive school culture to life. Our strong sense of community is reflected in how many students engage in spirit activities. Whether it was dress up days, the parade, senior elementary visits, or the food collection, our students and staff really did an outstanding job. At our Pep Fest on Friday, we come together as a school, and the class spirit really reflected the positive impact of taking time to connect. We also recognized the Class of 2026 Merit Scholars and what a feeling to hear our entire student body cheering for the academic accomplishments of their peers.

These first weeks have set the tone for a year of learning and connection, reminding us what makes the MHS community so special.

Mahtomedi Public Schools will hold a two-question referendum on November 4 - one for operating revenue and one for facility improvements. Voters will consider two ballot questions:

Question 1 is an operating levy that would provide $575 per student to maintain class sizes, preserve academic programs, and support long-term financial stability.
Question 2 is a $28 million bond for district-wide safety, security, and infrastructure improvements, modern learning spaces, ADA-compliant fine arts updates, and athletic upgrades. The passage of Question 2 is dependent on the approval of Question 1.

To learn more about the referendum, visit our referendum web page at www.mahtomedi.k12.mn.us/elections

Advanced Placement (AP) drawing is an arts class open to students in grades 10-12. AP drawing is a year-long class where each student creates their own theme, and throughout the year, they make 15 pieces under that theme. Mr. Michelson teaches the class, combining fun with meaningful support and instruction. This course is self-guided and intended for students to take control of their own artwork while keeping themselves on pace. A student’s 15 pieces make up their portfolio, which they submit to the College Board for consideration, and the student may receive a score from 1 to 5. In this class, we also explore various ways to convey our artwork through different tools such as pencil, painting, acrylic, and graphic design. Some examples of the themes that students in my class have chosen include Memories in Jars, Life as a Twin, Echoes of Olympus, and Biblical Snapshots. This class is an amazing opportunity to develop our artistic skills and explore creative ideas.  Written by Ila Erenz, Class of 2026 student at Mahtomedi High School and Mahtomedi Public Schools Communications Intern.

Semi-Finalists: Amber Becker, Layla Befidi, Anna Cosby, and Taelin Richmond Commended Scholar: Teagan McCloy

The National Merit® Scholarship Program, founded in 1955, is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. Of the 1.3 million entrants, top scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT® earn recognition as either Commended Students or Semifinalists. Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. seniors, can advance to Finalist status and compete for scholarships. Commended Students rank among the top 34,000 scorers nationwide.

During Homecoming Week, we held a friendly competition between 1st Hour classes to encourage donations to the local food shelf. Congratulations to Harlane's 1st Hour, who collected the most items and took home the coveted HOCO CUP trophy — along with some well-earned doughnuts! As a school, we donated just under 500 items. Thank you for your donations!

Did you know? As a special homecoming tradition, the Mahtomedi Cross Country team runs the game football for Homecoming. This year is the 26th year of the tradition! In 2025, the team ran 32 miles in relay legs from John F. Kennedy High School. They deliver the ball into the MHS Pep Fest and at the Homecoming football game. The furthest the team has run was in 2005 from Pequot Lakes, which was 168 miles!

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