www.Sibley.isd197.

org
Attendance: 651.407107

The Growth of Spring

Happy Spring Greetings to All!
The world around us is bursting forth with renewal and growth.
Spring breezes blow, the rains fall and the sun shines more
brightly. We awaken to sun streaming in through the window and enjoy natural light into the evening
hours. We can fire up the grill and enjoy the yard again. Nature is fresh, clean and green! We have truly
escaped the clutches of winter!
It has been particularly refreshing for me to visit many learning environments within our school and
observe the instruction and the learning that are taking place. We see signs of fresh growth daily. Our
students are being challenged on many levels and they are responding. They continue to embrace, with
gusto and vigor, the opportunities that are offered at Henry Sibley. Great attitudes, hard work and brilliant
strategies continue to be rewarded with growth and achievement.
Henry Sibley is coming through Assessment Season. We look forward to positive results from the many
assessments that our students participate in. Students in some of our most rigorous courses will be taking
Advanced Placement exams and completing high standards and tests for our concurrent enrollment and
College In the Schools courses.
Please take the time to read our Sibley Times carefully. There are many upcoming events that we want
you to be aware of. The Parent Power section has some particularly significant ideas this month. Carol
Dwecks foundational writings on the growth mindset are well-grounded in brain research and cognition
theory. Her work informs what may be a new paradigm for many people. Pick up a copy of her book if
you can take the time. I believe that you will find it enlightening and challenging.
Please note that our school day on April 28 has significant and important implications for our juniors and
seniors.
Sincerely,

Ron Monson
Principal ~ Henry Sibley High School

Henry Sibley High School - Warrior Points of Pride

Congratulations to our many students and adults who worked on and participated in our spring
musical Guys and Dolls. Your performances were fabulous!
Jennifer Gravelle and Taylor Spreeman have each earned the Girl Scout Gold Award it is the
highest award that a Girl Scout can earn. Congratulations!
2015 Athena Award Winner, Kania Johnson. Kania was selected for being an outstanding female
senior athlete, based on excellence in individual sport or participation and accomplishments in
team sports. Congratulations!

April 2015

PARENT POWER
DEVELOPING A GROWTH MINDSET IN YOUR CHILD
Carol Dweck is a Psychology professor at Stanford University, and one of the worlds leading
researchers on the subject of motivation. Her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,
highlights her view that people differ in their implicit view of where ability comes from. She
divides people into two groups. Dweck describes the first group as feeling they were born with
a certain level of intelligence and that it cannot be altered. She refers to this attitude as a fixed
mindset. The other group, she points out, has a growth mindset. That is, they view ability as
something that can be improved with hard work, determination, and struggle. They see the
brain as a muscle that gets stronger the more it gets used.
In her book and her speeches, Dweck encourages parents and teachers to foster a growth
mindset in our young people. Fixed mindset people tend to fear failure, resist showing effort,
and take few academic risks because they see being smart as something you either are or
arent. They believe intelligence is unchangeable and therefore hard work is a waste of time.
Conversely, people with a growth mindset welcome challenges, embrace hard work, and have
no fear of looking dumb because they see these things as avenues to learning and improving.
Dweck claims that if we want our children to be more motivated, work harder, and improve their
academic skills we need to change their mindset. These are some strategies she encourages
parents to employ:
Pay attention to what you praise Praising your childs intelligence or talent sends a fixed
mindset message. Instead, focus your praise on the process used, the strategies employed, the
effort shown, or the positive choices made. Turn Im proud of you for getting an A into Im
proud of you for choosing to work so hard.
Resist labeling your child Even positive labels like smart, talented, and gifted imply that
abilities are fixed. Instead, use your words to send messages that suggest no matter what their
current abilities are, you are interested in their ongoing development as a student and as a
person.
Make progress the goal Dweck is convinced all people are born with a love of learning.
However, when we develop a fixed mindset this love is replaced with a fear of failure and an
unwillingness to take risks because we may appear stupid in front of others. By focusing on
growth and improvement this love of learning can continue to thrive. Constant improvement
should be the goal in any endeavor.
Model a growth mindset for your child A fixed mindset person attempts to hide mistakes,
conceal deficiencies, and is fearful of asking questions or trying new things. Is this what you
do? If so, try a different approach. Let your child see you confront new challenges and take on
difficult tasks where struggle is inevitable and persistence is required. They will follow your
lead!

1897 Delaware Avenue

Mendota Heights, Minn. 55118
Principal: Ron Monson

www.Sibley.isd197.org
Attendance: 651.403.7107
Office: 651.403.7100

April 2015

SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

With summer fast approaching Henry Sibley High School has three summer school programs to
keep our building a busy place of learning. Along with our Credit Recovery and our ninth grade
transition program (Fresh Start) we are happy to offer Ready for Rigor to our summer school
line-up. Ready for Rigor is designed as introduction and preparation program for students
interested in pursuing Pre-AP, AP and other rigorous course offerings during their high school
career. This free week long course will be offered twice, the first session will run from June 2226 and the second session from July 6-10. The course will be taught by our AVID coordinator
Shawn Peck and run from 8:00 AM - 1:15 PM. Breakfast and lunch will be provided free of
charge. Registration and more information for all three summer programs can be found on our
website. Please contact Scott Karlen for more information at 651-403-7393.

ATTENDANCE GUILDLINES
VACATION SLIPS
If a student is going to miss school due to a vacation during the school calendar they will need
to complete a Vacation Form. The form is available in the main office.
Students have teachers and parents complete the form and return it to the main office before
the trip.
DOCTOR / DENTAL / ORTHO APPOINTMENTS:
Please to try to make appointments before or after school hours when possible. If a student is
coming in late or leaving during the day send a note with them for the front office to process. If a
student is leaving school during the day we need the note to the office by 8:30am.
ABSENT FROM SCHOOL:
Call the Absent Line 651-403-7107 by 11am to report a student missing school.
Please spell the students name and report the reason.
LAST MINUTE CALLS or PICK UPS:
If you call or come to pick up a student without prior notice you may have to wait until the end of
the period. It is very important to not interrupt the classroom environment.

ACT TEST and WRITING

All juniors in the state of Minnesota are required to take the ACT + Writing on Tuesday, April 28.
Room assignments will be posted in the hallways the week prior to testing. It is vital that
students are present! They should get a good night's sleep and eat a balanced breakfast.
Please bring #2 pencils and a calculator. Juniors will not be allowed to access their phones until
end of the testing period.
Freshman and sophomores will attend all of their classes. Seniors will have digital, on-line
assignments that may be completed off site.
1897 Delaware Avenue
Mendota Heights, Minn. 55118
Principal: Ron Monson

www.Sibley.isd197.org
Attendance: 651.403.7107
Office: 651.403.7100

April 2015

NATIONAL BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY

Sponsored by LIVEGREEN
Henry Sibley High School students and staff will be joining bicyclists from across the United
States on May 6, 2015 to participate in the National Bike to School Day. Students and staff are
encouraged to bike, walk, or even carpool to school on this day as a way to help the
environment by reducing the number of cars on the road, and to encourage increased physical
activity for our school members. The National Bike to School Day is sponsored by the National
Center for Safe Routes to School and emphasizes the importance of cycling and pedestrian
safety for all participants

SIBLEY WINTER SPORTS WRAP-UP

Boys Basketball: With just one senior on the roster, the youthful Henry Sibley boys basketball
team concluded a tough 2014-15 season with a 2-24 overall record. The Warriors were
captained by Louie Gariby (11) and Kyle Gilberg (12). Gilberg received an All-Metro East
Conference honorable mention award and was named the team's defensive MVP. Zach
Edwards (11) also received an all-conference honorable mention and was named the offensive
MVP for Sibley. Freshman Rieshaun Satar was named the most improved player for the
Warriors.
Head Coach: Lernell James
Girls Basketball: Senior captains Kania Johnson and Elizabeth Tuley guided an exceptionally
young (four freshmen, three eighth-graders) Henry Sibley girls basketball team to a 5-22 overall
record in 2014-15. A full wrap-up, including all-conference honorees, team MVP and most
improved player will be made available after the team banquet on March 22.
Head Coach: Scott Wadie
Dance Team: A year removed from qualifying for the state meet in both the Jazz and Kick
divisions, the Henry Sibley Dance Team enjoyed another outstanding year of competition. The
Henry Sibley Dance Team earned its eighth-consecutive conference championship during the
2014-15 season, claiming top honors in the Metro East Conference in both Jazz and Kick. Along
with the conference championship, the HSDT also had strong showings at the Lakeville North
and Mounds View competitions, placing second at both events. Team captains Emily Essen
(12), Elise Gannon (12), Emily Hartley (12) and Hannah Saltzman (12) were all named allconference. Meanwhile, Sydney Rosenberger (12), Ashley McDew (11) and Maddie Novitzki
(11) received all-conference honorable mentions. Though the Warriors just missed out on a
return trip to state by placing fourth in Jazz and Kick at the Section 3AAA competition, four
Sibley dancers received All-State honors. Rosenberger and Hartley were honored in Jazz, while
Essen and Gannon were awarded in Kick. Essen was also named the teams MVP, while
Britney Kropelnicki (12) was named most improved.
Head Coach: Molly Engle

1897 Delaware Avenue

Mendota Heights, Minn. 55118
Principal: Ron Monson

www.Sibley.isd197.org
Attendance: 651.403.7107
Office: 651.403.7100

April 2015

Gymnastics: The Henry Sibley gymnastics team continued to show improvement throughout
the 2014-15 season, posting a five-year high score of 127.25 during the Section 3AA meet.
Though the team did not qualify for the state meet, Sophie Redding (9) did, placing second in
the vault in sections. Sophie was also named all-conference along with Sami Bruce (10).
Redding, the Henry Sibley gymnastic teams MVP this season, was the individual Metro East
Conference champion in the All-Around competition, as well as the vault and uneven
bars. Seventh grader Anna Beniek was named most improved for the Warriors.
Head Coach: Jennifer Hogan
Boys Hockey: Senior captains Ty Tostrud and Colin Gallagher led the Henry Sibley boys
hockey team to a 9-18 overall record in 2014-15. Gallagher picked up an All-Metro East
Conference award in the process, while Tostrud was an honorable mention as well as the
Warriors MVP. Adam Tschida (11) and Johnny Gesier (11) also received all-conference
honorable mentions. Nick Ayotte (12) was named the teams Most Improved Player.
Head Coach: Corey Hessler
Girls Hockey: Demi Cooper (12), Lily Wetzel-Edstrom (12) and Ashley Linarte (11) served as
captains for this years edition of the Henry Sibley girls hockey team, which finished the season
with a 4-20-1 overall record. Cooper was also named to the All-Metro East Conference team, as
well as the MVP for Henry Sibley. Ashley Halpin (11) received an all-conference honorable
mention, while ninth grader Abbie Wetzel-Edstrom was the Most Improved Player for the
Warriors in 2014-15.
Head Coach: Mark Lambert
Nordic Skiing: Mild temperatures couldnt slow down the Nordic Warriors during the 2014-15
season, as the girls team won its first conference championship since 2005. Sophomores
Jamie Herridge, Maddie McDermott and Elizabeth Whitcomb were named to the All-Metro East
Conference team after finishing in third, fourth and sixth, respectively, at the conference
championships. Greta Prokosch (10), Bella Nelson (9), Emma Boehm (10) and Sydney Roston
(12) each received all-conference honorable mentions. Herridge later qualified for the state
meet at Giants Ridge and was named the teams MVP. Boehm, meanwhile, was named most
improved. Seniors Michelle Friedmann and Georgia Meyer served as team captains for the
Nordic Warriors this year.
The boys also had a strong season, finishing in third place in the Metro East Conference. Senior
captains Chris Prokosch and Adam Whitcomb were named all-conference along with Eric
Burrell (12). Prokosch placed second at the conference championships and was later named
team MVP. Eighth-grader Ben Church was chosen as the most improved for the Nordic
Warriors.
Head Coach: Erik Friberg

1897 Delaware Avenue

Mendota Heights, Minn. 55118
Principal: Ron Monson

www.Sibley.isd197.org
Attendance: 651.403.7107
Office: 651.403.7100

April 2015

Boys Swimming and Diving: A young Henry Sibley boys swimming and diving team gained
valuable experience during the 2014-15 season, finishing with a 1-6 record. Senior captains
David Maslow and Matt Kinney led the way, earning all-conference honorable mention awards.
Maslow was also selected as the teams MVP. Eighth-grader Preston Schuble-Eppert
demonstrated the most improvement on the season.
Head Coach: Greg Schmidt
Wrestling: Led by captains David Bueno (12), Riley Groh (11) and Garrett Beaman (12), the
Henry Sibley wrestling team improved its record from the previous season to an overall mark of
14-18. Beaman and Groh were named All-Metro East Conference, while Bueno and Ben Kemp
(10) picked up honorable mentions. Beaman also qualified for the Class AAA individual state
tournament, claiming third place at 160 pounds. Sophomore Sakai Kelly also qualified for the
state tournament, competing at 138 pounds.
Head Coach: Prentice Smith

GOFA 2014-2015
Students raise nearly $30,000 during GOFA Week
Henry Sibley High Schools annual fundraising week, Give One For All (GOFA) raised nearly
$30,000 to donate to two charities:
-ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI), the #1nonprofit, biotechnology organization
dedicated to developing effective treatment for ALS. They support one urgently important goal:
to end ALS.
-HarvestPack, a local organization that brings nutritious food to the tables of those in need, with
the help of people who care.
Henry Sibley has hosted GOFA week for 58 years. The events during GOFA are planned and
managed by Henry Sibleys Student Council. This year, three students served as GOFA chairs:
Erin Nulty, Emily Varner and Kiera Gottfredsen. The Student Council organized fun activities
and events that raised money through participation of students, school staff and community
members.
This year, GOFA hit closer to home than in recent memory, as one of Henry Sibleys staff
members has recently been diagnosed with ALS. Henry Sibley student body went above and
beyond to raise funds to help support a cause so near and dear to the Warrior family. Donations
are still being accepted on the ALS TDI website. Click here to donate. Students were also able
to pack nearly 50,000 meals for those in our own community and abroad who may not have the
means to access nutritious food.

1897 Delaware Avenue

Mendota Heights, Minn. 55118
Principal: Ron Monson

www.Sibley.isd197.org
Attendance: 651.403.7107
Office: 651.403.7100

April 2015

Counselors Corner
The Henry Sibley School Counselors work with students on post-high school planning, advise
students regarding academic concerns and academic planning, and support students
social/emotional growth. Our office provides information about careers, colleges, and technical
and vocational schools. We look forward to working with all students on educational and career
planning, decision-making, personal and social development, individual and/or small group
counseling, parent and teacher consultation, referral assistance to other programs, and test
interpretation. Call our Guidance Secretary (651-403-7208), stop by the Guidance Office, or
email your counselor to make an appointment. By student last names:

Counselor Contact Information

A-Do

Beth Gjerde

elizabeth.gjerde@isd197.org

651-403-7203

Dp-J

Ann Henry

ann.henry@isd197.org

651-403-7192

K-Per

Margaret Nigro

margaret.nigro@isd197.org

651-403-7202

Pes-Z

James Winkoski

james.winkoski@isd197.org

651-403-7204

Free Practice ACT, SAT, and test prep available on MCIS!Each student can now access
three free practice tests and a test prep course through MCIS in their personal accountnote:
these tests cannot be accessed with the generic login (username: sibleyhs password: warriors),
but only with an individual account. Students should look under My Portfolio to What practice
tests can I take? and select the College Entrance/GED/ASVAB Tests.
Junior Classroom GuidanceSchool counselors will be going into junior language arts
classes on April 10th for a college and career presentation.
Night SchoolSeniors who need to make up classes to graduate should sign up for the third
session of night school credit recovery. Registration forms are in the Guidance Office. Students
should talk to their counselor about which courses they need to complete. The class will fill, so
students should register as soon as possible
Summer School 2015Summer school registration is available online on the Henry Sibley
website, under the Academics tab. Any students who failed a course and need to make up the
credit should register for credit recovery summer school.

1897 Delaware Avenue

Mendota Heights, Minn. 55118
Principal: Ron Monson

www.Sibley.isd197.org
Attendance: 651.403.7107
Office: 651.403.7100

April 2015

KIDS AND MARIJUANA: MEANING OF 420

Users say it makes them mellow. Proponents of legalization say its okay to smoke. Doctors
warn of its harmful effects.
The debate about marijuana continues, but there is one point that everyone generally agrees on
kids should stay away from marijuana.
There are many popular myths about the so-called harmlessness of marijuana, but we know
from research that marijuana use is risky for teens at a crucial time in their lives, said John P.
Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy.
One common myth is that marijuana is safe. But the fact is, marijuana puts kids at risk. Its
harmful to young bodies and minds that are still developing. Marijuana affects the brain and can
impair mental health, leading to increased depression and anxiety. And some health risks
associated with smoking marijuana are similar to those posed by tobacco.
April may be the month for spring showers but it is also a month noted in the language of drug
use. Years ago the term 420 (pronounced four twenty, not four hundred and twenty) , was
thought to have originated as a police code for smoking marijuana, also as a code teenagers
use to talk to each other about marijuana. Simply put, 420 is a symbol of cannabis and its teen
culture. Today, April 20th events are international and 4:20 pm has become sort of a worldwide
burn time. It certainly doesnt matter too much where the term came from because as parents,
its a flag, a warning sign that our teenagers may be into something that could harm their future.
When you see the symbol 420, be aware of what it represents.
Parents can help kids by countering the folklore on marijuana with real examples of how
marijuana can put their futures at risk. Studies show that parents are the single most powerful
influence in their childrens lives. Parents who are involved and talk to their kids about drugs
can keep their kids drug-free.
If you would like further information or assistance in gaining knowledge on todays alcohol,
tobacco and drug use, please feel free to contact me.
Ann L. Lindberg, B.A. LADC ann.lindberg@isd197.org
District #197 Chemical Health Coordinator
Additional information about marijuana and tips on things you can say and do to keep your child
drug-free, visit www.TheAntiDrug.com, the parent Web site of the National Youth Anti-Drug
Media Campaign.

1897 Delaware Avenue

Mendota Heights, Minn. 55118
Principal: Ron Monson

www.Sibley.isd197.org
Attendance: 651.403.7107
Office: 651.403.7100

April 2015

RENEE J TATROE, NCSP - SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

The position of School Psychologist allows me to partner with families, teachers, school
administrators, and other professionals to utilize data-driven decision making, consultation, and
collaboration to identify strengths and needs of individual students and promote effective
strategies for learning.
Emotional and mental health have a huge impact on learning. On my webpage I have gathered
web-based resources for parents and students to access information on a variety of topics such
as depression, suicide, stress reduction, test anxiety, and brain research. I invite you to browse
the listings. You can reach my webpage by clicking on the link
https://sites.google.com/a/isd197.org/school-psychologist-renee-j-tatroe/home or from the Henry
Sibley homepage by clicking the Services tab, then selecting Counseling and Guidance.

2015 PBS LEARNINGMEDIA DIGITAL INNOVATORS PROGRAM

Congratulations to Mr. Peter Bohacek, Henry Sibley High School science teacher, who was
chosen as 1 of 100 Innovative K-12 Educators Recognized for their Use of Digital Media and
Technology in the classroom across the U.S. and U.S. Territories. Judges selected the 100
educators based on submissions of videos and written essays that addressed how they are
creatively using digital technology and tools in the classroom to drive student achievement.
As Americas largest classroom, PBS offers digital content and services for teachers of children
from pre-K through 12th grade, that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS LearningMedia, a
partnership of PBS and WGBH Educational Foundation, is a free and paid media-on-demand
service offering educators access to the best of public media and delivers research-based,
classroom-ready digital learning experiences to engage students in exploring curriculum
concepts that align with National and Common Core State Standards.
In addition, Mr. Bohacek was one of the top 30 applicants and will serve as a Lead of the
program and will receive an all-expense paid trip to Philadelphia to participate in the 2015 PBS
LearningMedia Digital Summit and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
conference. All Lead PBS Digital Innovators will also receive a Samsung Galaxy (R) tablet to
continue their use of technology in the classroom.

1897 Delaware Avenue

Mendota Heights, Minn. 55118
Principal: Ron Monson

www.Sibley.isd197.org
Attendance: 651.403.7107
Office: 651.403.7100

April 2015

10

EMPOWERED - STUDENT DEVICES AT HENRY SIBLEY FOR 2015-16

The approval of the technology levy by voters in November 2014 signaled a new chapter for
District 197. As part of the Districts comprehensive technology plan, called EmPowerED, over
the next several years we will integrate technology into our classrooms that will allow teachers
to personalize learning and prepare our students for college and/or careers in the 21st century.
Parents and guardians of students currently in grades 8-11 will receive a letter in the mail next
week regarding technology at Henry Sibley and student devices for the 2015-16 school year.
Please read through the letter and then plan to attend one of four upcoming meetings to learn
more on:
Tuesday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. Henry Sibley High School, Warrior Hall (third floor)
Wednesday, May 6 at Noon Online, register

at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6878414267377984257
Wednesday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. Online, register

at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3551805553658078465
Thursday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. Henry Sibley High School, Warrior Hall (third floor)

This meeting will be conducted in Spanish

Learn more about EmPowerED at www.isd197.org/empowered.
1897 Delaware Avenue
Mendota Heights, Minn. 55118
Principal: Ron Monson

www.Sibley.isd197.org
Attendance: 651.403.7107
Office: 651.403.7100

April 2015

11

SUPPORT THE ISD 197 SCHOOLS THROUGH

THE ISD 197 EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION!
Please consider going to our fundraiser at the Chipotle on Robert Street, Tuesday, April 28 from
5-8 p.m. One half of the proceeds that evening will go to the ISD 197 Educational Foundation.
All money raised for the ISD 197 Foundation goes back to the district schools.
Foundation grants are awarded yearly and are available to all district schools
(isd197foundation.org). Some recent grants include:

Take my teacher home a preschool and kindergarten reading program

Support for field trips and plays
Native Language Literacy a program for Spanish speaking families
After-school STEM programs
And much more!

We appreciate your support. Bring the flyer (click on link below) to Chipotle on Tuesday, April
28 or mention the foundation when you go. Thank you!
http://www.sibley.isd197.org/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=21768508

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) TEST DATES 2015

Monday, May 4
Chemistry 8:00 a.m.

Monday, May 11
Biology 8:00 a.m.

Psychology 12:00 p.m.

Physics C Mechanics 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 5
Calculus AB 8:00 a.m.

Wednesday, May 13
English and Language Composition 8:00
a.m.

Calculus BC 8:00 a.m.

Statistics 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 6
Physics 1: Algebra Based 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 7
Computer Science A 8:00 a.m.
Friday, May 8
US History 8:00 a.m.

1897 Delaware Avenue

Mendota Heights, Minn. 55118
Principal: Ron Monson

Thursday, May 14
Macroeconomics 12:00 p.m.
Friday, May 15
Microeconomics 8:00 a.m.

www.Sibley.isd197.org
Attendance: 651.403.7107
Office: 651.403.7100

April 2015

12

DATES TO REMEMBER
May
2
27
28
June
2
3
4
5
7
8
9

Prom/Grand March at First Trust, 7:00 p.m.

Senior Awards, Sibley, 7:00 p.m.
Cap and Gown Distribution
Spring Band Concert, 7:30 p.m.

Choir Concert, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Grade 12 Finals
Grade 12 Finals
Orchestra Concert, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
9-11 Grade Finals
Grade 12 Graduation Rehearsal, 10 -11 a.m.
Graduation at Roy Wilkins Auditorium, 5-8 p.m.
9-11 Grade Finals
Link Crew Training
9-11 Grade Finals

1897 Delaware Avenue

Mendota Heights, Minn. 55118
Principal: Ron Monson

www.Sibley.isd197.org
Attendance: 651.403.7107
Office: 651.403.7100