Update - September by Hopkins Public Schools

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Update Hopkins Public Schools

The community’s guide to the District. Hopkins reaches highest level of financial accountability and transparency two years in a row Hopkins Public Schools has received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting award from the ASBO (Association of School Business Officials International). The District was recognized for its high-quality Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending 2011. This is the second consecutive year the District has received the award.

Alice Smith Elementary receives $13,000 grant to enhance STEM programs and curriculum Cargill has granted Alice Smith Elementary $13,000 to enhance existing STEM curriculum and programming. The grant, Innovative STEM Extensions, is focused on second through fourthgrade, but will benefit all Alice Smith students. It will increase STEM exposure both during the school day and in extended-day learning opportunities.

September 2012

Since 1995 Hopkins Education Foundation has awarded $2 million in grants to enhance education. Let’s celebrate! Sept. 30, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Tuttle’s 107 Shady Oak Rd, Hopkins www.HopkinsEducation Foundation.org

www.HopkinsSchools.org/vehicle-fair

Adult Fall Enrichment Hopkins Community Education is your premier destination for art, fitness, dance, computer, wellness, world language classes, and so much more! Now enrolling: Call to register 952-988-4070, or visit us online: www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org

Student Mentorship Program Helps Incoming Students Transition to Junior High Experience

W.E.B. program builds meaningful student-tostudent connections The first day of school at North Junior High started feeling different four years ago. Seventh-grade students were noticeably less anxious and navigated the building with confidence. Overall, things were just…calmer. It is no coincidence that four years ago, North Junior High started implementing Where Everybody Belongs (W.E.B.), a school orientation and transition program that welcomes seventh-graders into the building and makes them feel comfortable throughout their first year of junior high. The student mentorship program was started at North Junior High as a way to bring the changing school community together. The program has been so successful that West Junior High is starting its own program this year.

The North Junior High W.E.B. program has been around long enough that the ninth-grade W.E.B. leaders have had a mentorship experience as seventh-graders. Andy Schoonover (right) said that his W.E.B. leaders helped him understand the school schedule. He is looking forward to developing a relationship with seventhgraders this year and reconnecting with his seventh-grade teachers. In this photo, he is working on a project with a fellow leader at the leadership training.

This program is transformative for ninth-graders, they leave W.E.B. so proud of themselves.

At North Junior High, 64 ninth-grade students have been chosen to be W.E.B. student leaders. Prior to the start of the school year, these students go through eight hours of training to prepare for their yearlong leadership role. They are then paired with other W.E.B. leaders and assigned a small group of seventh-grade students to mentor throughout the year, focusing on that critical time before school starts. According to Chuck Schlegel, a teacher at North Junior High and head facilitator of the W.E.B. program, the

Hopkins invites community to strategic planning session Hopkins Public Schools invites you to enjoy refreshments and talk about issues important to public education with School Board members and District leadership on Thursday, Oct. 4, 5:30 p.m. Check the website for more details.

Join us for this FREE family event! See a fire truck, font-end loader, police car and more. Plus, other activities, refreshments, and fun! Friday, Sept. 7, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Harley Hopkins Family Center

W.E.B. leader JaMichael Ellis (left) is looking forward to making seventhgraders feel welcomed. He still keeps in touch with his W.E.B. leaders, who are now in eleventh-grade.

seventh-grade orientation is crucial to preparing students for successful junior high experiences. “The idea is to create an environment where everyone is comfortable and to put incoming seventh-grade students at ease,” said Schlegel.

W.E.B. leaders are well-rounded students who come from various backgrounds. They represent the entire student body. For many, this is their first significant leadership role. There is a period of adjustment as the students figure out how to accomplish the ambitious and, frankly, scary goal of guiding younger members of the student body, but the experience is well worth it. “It’s transformative for ninth-graders,” said Schlegel. “They leave the W.E.B. assembly so proud of themselves.” As part of the W.E.B. program, seventh-grade students and their mentors connect before school starts. The seventhgraders are bussed to the building, giving them a chance to test-ride their new bus route. At the assembly, they are assigned their W.E.B. leaders and begin discussing how they can be successful in their seventh-grade year. They also participate in various fun activities designed to break the ice and build meaningful connections. The day ends with a tour of the junior high. W.E.B. benefits seventh-grade students in numerous ways. First-day-of-school jitters are alleviated as students are generally more aware of the expectations of being in junior high. They also have a mentor they can turn to if they have questions, need advice, or simply can’t find the science room. They come to school prepared and ready to contribute on day one.

District Life Changer Chuck Schlegel

Rapper. Boat builder. Taiko drummer. Excellent name rhymer. That’s North Junior High ALC teacher, Charles Schlegel. Or, at least, those are some of the unique ways Chuck connects with his students. Of course, his students act like they think these methods are kind of dorky, but when he breaks into a rhyme using their name, they’re all ears.

“Chuck does everything in his power to get the best out of his students academically and socially,” said North Junior High language arts teacher, Andrea Yesnes. “He wants them to experience success.” In addition to serving as a teacher and department chair of the North Junior High Area Learning Center (ALC) program, Chuck is integral to the W.E.B. leadership program (see cover), and puts in countless hours preparing ninthgrade students to lead the orientation program for incoming seventh-grade students. “Chuck can find the good in anyone,” said North Junior High teacher and athletic coordinator, Bonnie Waldman. “He works endlessly for his students, plus coaches soccer and basketball, and has several other roles. He is a great asset to everyone at North Junior High.” Background: A bit of fate landed Chuck at North Junior High. Working at an alternative school in Idaho, Chuck felt the pangs of wanting to raise his children closer to family in Minnesota. He heard of an open position at Hopkins and interviewed for it after deciding he was moving to the Twin Cities. Literally moments after the moving van disappeared from view, Chuck received a call asking him to start the North Junior High alternative learning program. He has been 100 percent genuine Hopkins ever since, serving as a teacher and department chair of the North Junior High Area Learning Center (ALC) program since its inception in 2000. What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? I love that Hopkins gives our students an accurate picture of the America they will live and work in thanks to the diversity of cultures and backgrounds found in our schools. I am also surrounded by colleagues who are passionate about their content areas, and about seeing that each student reaches his or her full potential. Proudest moment? I am most proud of two things: the alternative program I have created has afforded students the chance to be successful. Last year, my class repaid me by demonstrating exactly that — 93 percent of my students passed their MCA Writing test. Secondly, my role as a coordinator for W.E.B. Each year I get to help seventh-graders enter the year with a sense of belonging in their junior high community. I received a letter recently from a student thanking me for keeping him “on track,” and for being the teacher he knew would always be there for him and his classmates. Whenever my “alums” come back to visit my classroom, I am reminded of the difference I make in students’ lives. Life quote? “You are what you do, not what you say you do.” Stats: • M.A., Technology in Education, Lesley University • B.S., Secondary Education-English, Indiana University, • B.A. English, Indiana University • Undrafted into the NBA since 1987, Chuck has, instead, sought to impact lives as a professional educator. In addition to ALC teaching, he also serves as building technology integration specialist at North Junior High.

Where are they now?

Adam Birk: 1998 graduate

Stats: B.A. in Communication, University of Colorado at Boulder. Director of Media, Beachbody, Inc. in the greater Los Angeles area, and freelance Writer/Director. fun facts Adam has written, produced, directed, and managed many award-winning TV and radio advertisements for some of the largest directresponse campaigns in the world – including recent fitness hits such as P90X, Insanity, Asylum, and more. He has lived in Boulder, Colorado, San Francisco, and now Hermosa Beach, California with the love of his life, Melissa, and their beagle, Stasia. Favorite Band of 1998? Green Day. Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School? The lunchroom – I was always hungry! How did Hopkins prepare you? Hopkins taught me to work hard, respect others and myself, and strive to improve. In the classroom, on the field, or in the pool, I was lucky to be guided by amazing teachers and coaches. What Hopkins staff member made a difference in your life? I was goofing off a bit in Yearbook class — Mr. Dale intervened and taught me to take pride in my work, and have the confidence to lead a team and take on tough projects. Also, Mrs. Nicholson from Tanglen was all-around incredible!

New Reflections Trent Lawson

Trent Lawson sees the critical role an administrative team plays in establishing strong relationships between school leadership and families. Selected as the assistant principal of Hopkins High School, Lawson brings communication, relationship, and leadership skills to the position. “We are thrilled to have Trenton join our team,” said Patty Johnson, Hopkins High School principal. Lawson has a Master’s degree in social work and a K-12 administrative license from the University of Minnesota. What inspired you to work in education? I work in education because I believe educational successes and failures help students prepare for the rest of their lives. I enjoy being part of both, and helping students learn from their experiences. How did you begin your career in education? I started my career in education working as a social worker for two different schools in the St. Paul Public School district. What energizes you about your position? Building strong relationships with students and families, and leveraging those relationships to support positive student academic achievement. What is something people might be surprised to discover about you? I am an avid roller skater! I have been skating since I was five years old.

Know someone we should feature on this page? Email Carrie.Gerard@HopkinsSchools.org

John Notman: 1999 graduate Stats: B.S. in Biology with a minor in Psychology from University of Minnesota, Duluth. MBA in Strategic Management and Consulting from the University of St. Thomas. Senior Product Marketer at Thomson Reuters. fun facts John started as an intern at Thomson Reuters and never looked back! He thoroughly enjoys his position in Product Marketing. Someday, he’d love to apply the skills he’s developed working in a corporate environment to help small businesses. Currently, John is proud to be part of the development of a major charity initiative focusing on homelessness in London. He loves living in south Minneapolis, and is soon to marry his wonderful girlfriend of seven years. Favorite Band of 1999? Bob Marley. Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School? The weight room! How did Hopkins prepare you? It gave me a solid academic and social foundation. What Hopkins staff member made a difference in your life? Mr. Franke, who set a great example of how learning should be fun and you should enjoy the effort you make in school. And Mr. Shoger who taught us to never give up just because something is difficult. These two teachers led me to a science degree in college.

Danny Amis: 1977 graduate Stats: 1984-94: career as an audio engineer and stage manager at The Nashville Network and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Founding member of instrumental combo Los Straitjackets. fun facts Danny Amis, known as wrestling-mask-wearing persona “Daddy-O Grande,” is best known as a member of the musical group Los Straitjackets. His contributions to the world of guitar instrumental are legendary. After two years of fighting and defeating cancer, Danny has recently released his 25th CD. He has traveled all over the world playing music and couldn’t be happier. Danny is looking forward to a return to touring. Favorite Band of 1977? The Ramones! Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins (Lindbergh) High School? The staircase near the art rooms. How did Hopkins prepare you? High school was challenging for me socially, but in the long run, it taught me to become a more creative person. What Hopkins staff member made a difference in your life? A teacher named Bob Jaehne. He was a good guy who looked out for me and helped me a lot without realizing it. Update: September 2012

Hopkins Introduces Exciting Changes to its Gifted and Talented Program The Hopkins gifted and talented program is launching a host of updates and changes for the 2012-13 school year — starting with its name. “Hopkins Gifted and Talented Services” (HGTS) will replace the former name of the program, “Challenge.” Hopkins Gifted and Talented Services is in a regularly scheduled review process, which promotes opportunities to assess the current programs and practices, and explore new initiatives and strategies. Full-time gifted coordinators in all of our schools Hopkins is one of the few districts to offer a full-time gifted and talented coordinator at each school. These educators oversee Gifted and Talented Services in their buildings and work in conjunction with the classroom teachers to provide a variety of programs and services for exceptional students.

Fourth through sixth-grade students are selected for reading and math separately based on evaluation matrixes which include a variety of test scores, teacher recommendations, and classroom performance. • Kindergartners will be taught a curriculum focused on creative and critical thinking skills. Their service begins in January.

New this year

• Identified students in first through sixthGifted Services: Elementary grade will be offered service in reading and Gifted and Talented Services are offered as early math all year. as kindergarten and extend through sixth-grade. In kindergarten through third-grade, students • Services will be aligned and consistent are selected for reading and math enrichment across elementary schools. opportunities by their classroom teachers and the Gifted Services: Junior High gifted and talented coordinator. Flex courses are offered in seventh- and eighthgrade and are open to any student who wants to Four tailored learning options increase his or her level of rigor. Honors classes Hopkins Public Schools offers tailored are offered in ninth-grade in Civics and English learning opportunities for our general Language Arts, and are open to all students. education students as well as our advanced Autonomous Learning Model (ALM) is a and gifted students: year-long course, available in seventh- through Level 1: For all students. This ninth-grade, where a group of high-potential instruction occurs daily in the students meet, using a holistic gifted curriculum regular classroom. emphasizing how to learn independently. Students must meet scoring minimums on the Level 2: For those students who easily CogAT and/or MAP achievement testing to master regular classroom instruction and participate. can benefit from additional enrichment.

Level 3: Provides instruction to students who handle classroom work with ease, and also manages Level 2 service easily. Level 4: Individual accommodations for the exceptional child.

Hopkins Community Education

Gifted Services: Senior High All advanced level courses including AP (Advanced Placement), CIS (College in the Schools), Honors, and other courses are open to all students. Anyone who wants that level of rigor can enroll. To better serve our students, a staff committee has been formed to advocate

for advanced learners. This year, Hopkins High School will add AP Photography to its already rich roster of class offerings. Students may also apply to enroll in a ProPEL mentorship experience. ProPEL is a mentorship program that pairs students with real-world mentors and career experiences with organizations such as the University of Minnesota, KARE 11, 3M, and others, so they develop the skills needed to succeed as professionals in the work force.

By the Numbers

Each of our schools (nine) has a full-time gifted and talented coordinator.

Hopkins Gifted and Talented Services are offered as early as kindergarten, giving us seven years in elementary school to work with our exceptional students.

Average percentage of students receiving Hopkins Gifted and Talented Services programming in their elementary school.

Number of Advanced Placement (AP), College in the Schools (CIS), Honors, and Advanced courses available by choice to any Hopkins High School student.

Percent of junior high students (grades 7-9) participating in our top-tier ALM classes.

Building a great place to live

Adult Enrichment

Early Childhood

Fall — it’s time for you!

Vehicle Fair

Explore our fall lineup of adult enrichment classes — fine art, pottery, photography, writing, fitness, world language, computers, social dance, cooking, and many more! Discover a new you this fall — find your artistic talent, take control of your finances, makeover your look, reach your fitness goal, or learn how to find your true love! It’s time for you!

Visit www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org for all our classes.

Free event! Hopkins Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) invites your family to explore city work vehicles, enjoy free refreshments, and join in the fun activities Friday, Sept. 7, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Harley Hopkins Family Center Questions: 952-988-5000

www.HopkinsSchools.org/ vehicle-fair

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 161 Hopkins, MN 55343

September Events First Day of School – Learning for Hopkins Public Schools starts! Tuesday, September 4: Grades 1-6 Wednesday, September 5: Kindergarten Free Vehicle Fair and Open House Families can explore a police car, fire truck, and more! Enjoy fun activities and refreshments. September 7, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Harley Hopkins Family Center, 125 Monroe Av. S, Hopkins. 952-988-5000. Hopkins Homecoming September 28, game time, 6:00 p.m. Hopkins High School Early Childhood Fest! Free, entertainment, refreshments, and more! October 6, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Hopkins Library, 22 – 11th Ave N, Hopkins Come Dance with Me! Dance to music by The Castaways. For tickets visit www.HopkinsSchools.org/dance or call 952-988-4070. October 12, 6:15-10:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, Hopkins Latin Dance Night: Everyone is welcome to an evening of salsa music, food, fun, and dancing to the sound of The Salsabrosa Trio. Tickets: www.HopkinsSchools.org/LatinDanceNight or call 952-988-4070. November 16, 7:00-10:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, Hopkins

Get Connected, Stay Connected

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Youth Fall Cross Country Running Meets All comers – join us!

Join Hopkins coaches and current team members in promoting a lifelong love of running and fitness. Free, no registration is needed, come once or join us each week for fitness and friends.

Saturdays, Sept. 15, 22, Oct. 6, 13 10:00 a.m. rain or shine. Grades K-6. Information: 952-988-4070. Free, no registration – join us! Location: Tanglen Elementary (next to the playground)

Free for all youth – sponsored by the Hopkins Cross Country & Track Booster Club.

Hopkins Student Genius Hopkins receives grant for Safe Routes to school initiative Team Helps Develop Safe Routes to School grant makes walking to Digital Curriculum The Hopkins Genius team is a technology student school easier and safer for Hopkins families leadership group that plays a key role in the Digital Content and Access Plan. The students evaluate educational apps and help instructors determine the digital curriculum that will best resonate with seventh-graders. The Genius team was on hand at both junior highs during orientation to assist families and students who were picking up their iPads.

Genius team members from left: Katie Donovan, Jordan Cook, and Jose Avalos.

A leader in STEM

Hopkins Public Schools has integrated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) into its elementary, junior high, and high-school core curriculum. Learn more about our exceptional STEM program by watching this short video.

Hopkins Public Schools has been participating in the National Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative for the past two years with the support of a Hennepin County Public Health Promotion grant. SRTS is a federal program that promotes safe walking and bicycling to and from schools – and in daily life – to improve the health and well-being of children, and to foster the creation of livable, sustainable communities. Help from grant money Grant money has made possible infrastructure improvements such as construction of new sidewalks at Glen Lake Elementary, a redesigned parking lot at Gatewood Elementary, and substantial road changes at Alice Smith Elementary that makes it safer for children to walk to school. With rising gas prices, increased traffic, and concerns over childhood obesity, SRTS is helping to give schools and parents a safe, healthy, and economical transportation solution.

Hopkins students put on their walking shoes .

Get active on Walk to School Day! Join your neighbors and get active on International Walk to School Day, Wednesday, October 3. To find out more about this event, go to www.SafeRoutesInfo.org.