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Spring Band Concert
Update Hopkins Public Schools
The community’s guide to the District.
Empty Bowls raises $81,428 for ResourceWest and ICA Food Shelf
The March 11, 16th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser was a smashing success, raising $81,428 for ResourceWest and the ICA Food Shelf. Community members came out to the Hopkins Center for the Arts to enjoy pottery, local entertainment, and a meal of soup and bread.
Barb Westmoreland named HBCA ‘Person of the Year’ The Hopkins Business and Civic Association (HBCA) has named Barb Westmoreland its “Person of the Year,” an award bestowed to community members who have made a long-term commitment to the community through service. Westmoreland has worked for Hopkins Public Schools for 23 years, and serves as the District’s volunteer coordinator. Meadowbrook students return from Mars
Fifth-graders at Meadowbrook Elementary returned from Mars in March after being stationed for a week-long expedition at STARBASE Minnesota, an educational STEM station that features hands-on learning experiences. Through simulations, students traveled to the red planet every day to collect data, build wind turbines, investigate water, and more.
April 2014
Treat yourself to a performance by the Hopkins High School Concert Band, followed by the Symphonic Band, and Wind Symphony. April 24, 6:30 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium
com m u ni t y Hot Club Jazz Concert Hopkins High School Hot Club Jazz performers present their spring jazz concert. April 25, 7:30 p.m. Hopkins High School, Cafeteria
Community Dance Join us for an evening of dancing to the sound of Sinatra-style singer Tim Patrick and The Blue Eyes Band. Free dance lesson at 6:15 p.m. $13 advance tickets, $15 at the door. 952-988-4070. Friday, April 25, 7:00-9:30 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center HopkinsSchools.org/Dance
Hopkins Teachers Harness the Power of Technology to Enhance Instruction Dynamic tools provide three-dimensional learning experiences
When Terri Osland taught anatomy and physiology 12 years ago, her curriculum was limited to material delivered in a box at the beginning of the year. Since then, classrooms have changed, largely due to technology, and the pace of that change seems to quicken every year.
West Junior High “Genius Team” students work at the “Genius Bar” during their study hour. Both junior highs have “Genius Team” students who support technology efforts inside the classroom. These students go through special iPad training, which allows them to provide technology support to their peers, assist their teachers, and provide feedback on new educational applications that are being tested.
Consider this, four years ago, Allegra Smisek’s social studies students were building their own Google sites, a practice Even with all this progress, junior-high teachers clearly that is now nearly passé. Just two years ago, math teacher remember a time when organizing technology-rich projects Anthony Padrnos was introducing a new teaching model was cumbersome at best. Students needed to be walked called “flip the classroom,” a term he hardly through step-by-step instructions on laptops mentions today because it’s simply how he or desktop computers in labs. Because of the This is the first teaches. iPad program, students are now accessing instruction seamlessly at their desks. The educational Hopkins Public Schools is managing the technology is invisible, but it’s as integral to the ever-changing technology landscape with shift that is in classroom as air. technology integration specialists, who help the students’ talented teachers use powerful technology. “This is the first educational shift that is in the Integration specialists are in all of the students’ hands,” said technology integration hands. They can buildings, and many, like Robb Trenda, specialist Ben Friesen. “Students can use the use the device split their time between teaching and device to show their understanding in their integration work. For Trenda it just makes own language.” to show their sense to keep one foot in his sixth-grade Friesen describes the change at the junior highs classroom, because it helps him recommend understanding as a transformative process. The first year was technology-based strategies that work. He is focused on student engagement, which remains in their own interested in using technology to transform an important part of the equation, but now learning, rather than just replacing what language. teachers are designing learning experiences that used to exist with new technologies. hone student creativity. Through open-ended “You can no longer just sit back and say I have done this assignments, students can demonstrate their knowledge as unit forever this way and that is the way it is supposed to part of an individual process. Good instruction is at the be,” said Trenda. “You have to evaluate what you are doing, center of every project, and content still has to be mastered, constantly tweaking it to be better. I try to model life-long but it’s no longer a one-size-fits-all approach. learning for my students.” “Students are so much more innovative,” said Smisek. “I One-to-one iPad program can give a really simple task about population growth, and Both junior highs are in their second year of the one-toam amazed by the responses my students come up with. It’s one iPad program. Textbooks have become nearly obsolete, more than you would expect.” as students are issued iPads that they use throughout the Transforming classrooms at the high school school year. A variety of dynamic applications like iBooks Some classrooms at Hopkins High School are moving and open-source textbooks provide three-dimensional away from lecture-based instruction and are instead using learning that was never possible before, while still exposing a flipped approach, a teaching style where students do students to rigorous text and concepts. Interactive images homework in class and watch lectures delivered by short and videos are integrated into the content, and real-time video clips at home. This seemingly simple shift is just assessment is just a click away. Teachers are also able to another example of how classrooms are being redefined. increase the reading level, making the applications a good Students are no longer being spoon-fed information by the fit for the more advanced classes. see Technology inside
HEF Royal Bash Raises More Than $110,000 for Hopkins Students more than $110,000 to provide grants that enrich the educational experience for all Hopkins students,” said Jennifer St. Clair, executive director of the Hopkins Education Foundation.
Royal Bash attendees enjoy a “Night on the Town,” the theme of this year’s event.
Hopkins Education Foundation (HEF) hosted its largest annual fundraiser, Royal Bash 2014, in February. The evening, emceed by Hopkins alumna and KMSP Fox 9 personality, Kelsey Soby, featured live and silent auctions, mingling, music, and dancing. “Thanks to the Foundation’s amazing community of volunteers, donors, bidders, sponsors, and community supporters, we raised
One of the highlights of the evening was the HEF Special Appeal, STEM2: Boosting the Power of STEM Beyond the Classroom, an exciting partnership between HEF and Hopkins Community Education. Building on last year’s successful implementation of HEF-funded STEM kits, STEM2 expands the influence of STEM curriculum to elementary beforeand after-school programs, including Kids & Company, SMARTS, and summer enrichment. Fun, grade-appropriate toolkits will be integrated into junior high after-school programs, including L.E.A.D. and summer school.
“We are so grateful to the Foundation for the opportunity to purchase these hands-on STEM after-school kits for students enrolled in all of our programs,” said Katie Williams, director of community education. STEM2 will also fund an additional STEM teacher for the wildly successful ASC (Academic Support Center), an after-school tutoring program at the high school. ASC offers a voluntary boost to any high school student who desires to perform better in math, science, or writing. Find out more about the Hopkins Education Foundation at HopkinsEducationFoundation.org
Technology, continued from cover tweet assignments out to a generation of students who use push notifications to do just about everything. Others are using the micro-blogging application as a powerful professional development tool. Using the chat feature, teachers from all around the world can collaborate and share information and resources. The stream of instructional approaches is always available, providing new and fresh information to teachers. Students in Allegra Smisek’s social studies class use their iPads to complete an assignment. Smisek describes the iPad as her best tool for helping kids understand that they have constant access to the world.
instructor, and can’t rely on memorization alone to demonstrate their knowledge. The teacher’s job changes from keeper of the information, to facilitator of the conversation, and the students take a deeper ownership over their learning. “We are using digital devices to enhance learning. If a teacher is really skilled in managing the technology, the student has less of an ability to check out,” explains Osland. Increased collaboration through social media Hopkins teachers, at all levels, are also using social media, specifically Twitter, to collaborate with students, classrooms, and communities throughout the world. High school teachers
“This is how I have been getting many of my ideas for the past three years,” said Friesen. “It can be hard to keep up. There is always something waiting for you.” Social media is also being used to enhance classroom instruction. Science teacher Becky Jacobson recently used Twitter in her classroom to collect global data on water usage. Using a Google form, Jacobson asked three questions about water usage and tweeted it to her students, their families, and her colleagues. A few days later she had over 250 responses from over 40 countries, allowing her students to learn firsthand about the water usage habits of people who live as far away as Africa and Australia. “As we were going through the unit, I really wanted to find a way to get the students to realize that water usage around the world
is much different than it is in Minnesota,” Jacobson said. “Many couldn’t believe what it was like in other places.” Spending time offline With all this technology, it can seem like students never spend a moment offline. Parents can rest assured that classrooms contain a great amount of person-to-person interaction. Students are still required to provide oral presentations and to, every once in a while, work with pen and paper. In fact, teachers acknowledge that offline work is necessary. “I have learned that it is okay to take things one step at a time. It’s also okay if we step away from the iPad. It’s important that we take our kids offline sometimes,”said Smisek.
Helping shape responsible web users As Hopkins moves deeper into the technology frontier, it’s more important than ever that students understand how to be responsible web users. In seventh grade, students go through an online training before receiving their iPads. Throughout the year, during advisory time, they receive additional training designed to help them make good choices on the web and use their devices properly.
Hopkins Community Education
Building a great place to live
Youth Enrichment
Teens grades 7-8
L.E.A.D.
Leadership, Enrichment, Academics, Dreams
Finally, a summer program just for incoming 7th-8th graders. Rock your summer with L.E.A.D. — activities, field trips, and all the fun you can handle. Plus, create your own awesome summer experience with activities you design. A great summer starts with L.E.A.D.! Planning ahead for fall? L.E.A.D. is open after-school until 6:00 p.m. at North and West Junior Highs. Visit www.HopkinsSchools.org/LEAD, or call 952-988-4080
Hopkins Early Childhood Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
You and your baby are invited... April 16 5:45–7:00 p.m.
BABY
• Intro to Baby Sign Language • Q & A time • Songs and games • Free new children’s book • Enjoy refreshments
Shower!
Free event! RSVP – 952-988-5046, or email Kathryn.Moore@HopkinsSchools.org
Spring Thaw will Bring Construction to Tanglen and Meadowbrook Starting as soon as this spring, community members may notice some signs of construction at Tanglen Elementary and Meadowbrook Elementary. Both buildings are undergoing major renovation projects that will bring exciting changes to staff, students, and families in the fall. Tanglen construction projects Over the summer months, construction crews will be working on three large projects, including an upgraded kitchen, a heating and cooling system, and a new gymnasium that will be built on the east side of campus. When completed, the kitchen will bring even healthier nutrition options to students by supporting scratch-cooking. The upgraded heating and cooling system will result in new ceilings, cupboards and countertops, and energy-saving lights. Many classrooms will receive new carpet. “Tanglen has a strong history in the community. As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2017, it will be a pleasure to welcome back alumni to our up-to-date facilities that are helping us educate a new group of Tanglen Tigers for years to come,” said Jim Hebeisen, Tanglen principal. Expected project timeline The kitchen and the classroom upgrades will be ready for students when they begin school in the fall of 2014. The gymnasium will be completed by mid-November 2014. What the community can expect Although the majority of these projects will be completed during the summer months, some of the work will begin as early as this spring. As soon as the ground thaws, work will begin on the gymnasium and the public will notice construction fencing by the main entrance of the school. Also, in mid-April, due to construction, there will be a temporary change in the parent pick-up. Meadowbrook construction projects Meadowbrook is expanding its campus to allow for increasing resident enrollment and the addition of running only full-day kindergarten next year. Over the summer months, construction crews will add two new kindergarten classrooms to Meadowbrook. Additionally, Meadowbrook will move its early childhood program to the 1919 Meadowbrook building, which resides on the Meadowbrook campus. Recently, Hopkins Public Schools purchased this building (formerly known as the Crisis Nursery) to accommodate Meadowbrook’s growth spurt. The new addition will be connected to the existing Meadowbrook building through a short tunnel between the buildings. “Right now, at Meadowbrook, we are bursting at the seams. We don’t have an extra closet,” said Greta Evans-Becker, principal of Meadowbrook. “Even though our campus is growing in size, the expansion allows for families of very young children to come for high quality preschool education.” Expected project timeline All the work will be completed by August 17, 2014. What the community can expect The renovations inside the 1919 Meadowbrook building are going on right now. As soon as the ground thaws, excavation for the kindergarten rooms will begin, and the public may notice dumpsters and construction vehicles. The traffic in the parking lot around the former Crisis Nursery will be re-routed.
Minnesota State Survey Highlights Many Positives for Hopkins
Hopkins students feel safe in school, are abstaining from drugs and alcohol, and are using tobacco at a rate much lower than the state average. These findings were revealed in the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey (MSS), a reflection of the overall well-being of our youth. The MSS is administered every three years to Minnesota students and covers a broad array of topics, including academics, school and community, substance use, mental health, and more. “The Minnesota Student Survey is an extremely valuable tool to learn more about the health and well-being of students,” said Holly Magdanz, One Voice Coalition coordinator. “By identifying both positive findings and areas of concern, we can better respond to the needs of our youth.” The 2013 data provides many reasons for Hopkins to celebrate, including: 90 percent of Hopkins ninth-grade males and 95 percent of ninth-grade females care about doing well in school. Nine out of 10 Hopkins students think their teachers care about them. 91 percent of Hopkins eighth- and ninth-graders and 87 percent of 11th-graders reported that they felt safe at school. The majority of Hopkins students are abstaining from drugs and alcohol. 9 percent of Hopkins 11th-graders reported using tobacco in the past 30 days (the state average is 19 percent). Hopkins students who anticipated that their parents would disapprove, were less likely to use chemicals than students who did not anticipate parental disapproval. Hopkins students involved in extracurricular activities were less likely to use substances. Areas of concern Some areas of concern identified in the MSS results include: student mental health, decreasing perception of harm for marijuana use, and distracted driving. These trends are evident statewide and not necessarily specific to Hopkins. For Hopkins, 46 percent of 11th-grade females and 43 percent of ninth-grade females reported experiencing depression within the last year. The state average is 40 percent and 38 percent respectively. Only 52 percent of Hopkins 11th-graders and 62 percent of ninth-graders perceived a risk of harm from regular marijuana use. 14 percent of Hopkins students reported that they sometimes send texts while driving. An even higher percentage of students reported reading texts, or talking on the phone while driving. Learn more about the MSS If you would like more in-depth information on the MSS, please plan to attend a community presentation during the April 15th School and Communities in Partnership (SCIP) meeting at the Eisenhower Community Center in Room 233 from 12 to 1 p.m. Questions? Contact SCIP coordinator, Betsy Hedding, at 952-988-4068.
District Life Changer
Sid Voss
Looking for someone to champion the expansion of educational technology in the District, Hopkins Public Schools turned to then Glen Lake elementary principal, Sid Voss. In the seven years since, Sid has served as the director of educational technology, media, and information systems — overseeing a revolution in how Hopkins Public Schools uses technology in its classrooms.
In Sid’s view, the computers and iPads that have become commonplace in the classroom are not merely a way to connect our students to new technology. Rather, they are powerful tools connecting students to their teachers, other students, and, most importantly, to improved learning. By focusing on the capacity of these devices to foster growth and learning for students, Sid’s work has set the standard for future technologies. “Both as a principal and as a director, Sid’s work has been focused on what is best for students and staff members,” said Diane Schimelpfenig, director of teaching and learning for the District. “His ability to balance a vision for the future, while meeting the needs of the present, is unique. For the past 20 years, Sid has reflected the very best of what Hopkins has to offer our school community.” Background: Prior to overseeing educational technology throughout the District, Sid spent 14 years as principal of Glen Lake Elementary. As a witness to the transformative powers of new technologies on education, Sid was encouraged to take on his current role and ensure that all Hopkins students had the technological tools needed to succeed in the classroom. What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? Our teachers at Hopkins are amazing. They are amazing in their innovation, they’re amazing in how they want to help every kid grow and learn every single day. It is great to see them in action, they’re a fabulous group of folks. Proudest moments? I think in my aggregate time at Glen Lake and my time as director of technology in the District, I would be most proud of creating, along with staff and teachers, an environment where kids can grow and learn. Technology is a piece of that, but the idea is “how can we give our teachers all the tools they need in order to be successful with students?”
Community Spirit John & Stephanie Condon
Ask husband and wife volunteer team, John and Stephanie Condon, how to get started as a volunteer and they will tell you straight up — “just start.” We asked how we could help, we showed up, and we just keep on helping wherever there is a need.” They have been volunteering at Meadowbrook Elementary since 2006. Between the two of them, they have run the gamut of volunteering in many areas from the LEAP tutoring program, to co-chairing the school carnival, to serving as room parents and field trip chaperones, to various coaching roles, including the Hopkins High School mountain biking team. The Condons also own a magnet company, and have donated countless magnets and print work for many Hopkins teams and school events. Proudest moment volunteering? Watching families enjoy the carnival, seeing kids go on carnival-funded field trips, watching kids celebrate a win in any sport…it’s all rewarding. People would be surprised to learn... We have been together since Stephanie was a senior in high school, 27 years ago!
Teaching/work philosophy? I think an effective instructor in the 21st century doesn’t start with technology. They start with what we’ve always started with — teaching and learning. Knowing that technology is integral to teaching and learning in the 21st century, we build that into our teaching.
Hotel or tent? John would be in a tent up in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota, and Stephanie would be at a hotel in the Caribbean.
Stats: • B.A. Elementary Education, Winona State University; M.S. Curriculum and Instruction, Minnesota State University – Mankato; Administrative License, University of Minnesota Sid has been a principal and administrator in the Hopkins Public Schools since 1993. His career in the district began as principal of Glen Lake Elementary. During the summer of 2007, he took on the role of director of educational technology, media services, and information systems, and has worked unremittingly toward advancing the role of technology in Hopkins Public Schools curriculum.
We volunteer because...We like to do our part to make a difference in our community, and we want to model community service to our kids. Volunteering gives us a way to stay connected and involved. We’ve met great people and have had a blast in the school, on the fields, courts, and trails in our community.
Where are they now?
Want to recognize a volunteer at Hopkins Public Schools? Email: Carrie.Gerard@HopkinsSchools.org Know someone we should feature on this page? Email Carrie.Gerard@HopkinsSchools.org
Melissa Winship: 1998 graduate
Adam Minter: 1989 graduate
Ryan Townsend Strand: 2008 graduate
Stats: School Counselor, Richfield South Education Center Alternative • B.S., Human Development, SUNY Empire State College; M.A., School Counseling, Adler Graduate School fun facts While attending the U of M, Melissa caught the attention of her employer at the Hairpolice, a Minneapolis salon, who asked her to move to Los Angeles to open a new salon. She traveled around L.A. and Europe, working for the salon. After finishing her master’s degree, Melissa, landed her dream job as a school counselor at an alternative high school. She loves working with students whom others have given up on. Melissa also serves on the board of the Lyndale neighborhood organization, mentors a teen mom, and volunteers with adult ESL classes. Yoga is her secret to keeping herself centered. Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School? In the cafeteria by the blue brick wall. Favorite Band of 1998? Hole. What Hopkins teacher made a difference in your life? My social studies teacher, Ed Bauman. He was really open-minded, and was very kind. How did Hopkins prepare you? I was always trying to help my friends in need….Hopkins was like my first school counseling internship site!
Stats: Columnist, Bloomberg View; Author of Junkyard Planet: Travels in the Billion Dollar Trash Trade, • B.A., philosophy, University of Chicago fun facts Planning to spend just a few weeks freelancing, Adam packed up for Shanghai in 2002. Ten years later, he still happily resides there, writing for the Asian-based Bloomberg View. The book Adam had originally gone to Shanghai to write, remains on his hard drive; the one he did write — Junkyard Planet — has taken him on travels around the world. In addition to Shanghai, Adam and his wife, Christine, spend time in Kuala Lumpur, and Minnetonka. Hangout spot at Hopkins High School? Around my friends’ lockers near the industrial arts rooms. Favorite Band of 1989? R.E.M. What Hopkins teacher made a difference in your life? AP history teacher, Phil Abalan, changed my life when he let me take his class even though my academics were a bit lacking. I earned the high score on the AP history test that he knew was in me. How did Hopkins prepare you? Phil Abalan taught me how to write. He was my first and still greatest editor, and I am grateful for everything he taught me. It feeds my family.
Stats: Tenor, composer • B.A., Vocal Performance, California Lutheran University, Master’s of Music in Voice & Opera, Northwestern University, Illinois, 2014 fun facts Though he toyed with the idea of a career in law or theater, Ryan’s lifetime love of music shaped his final decision to choose music as his calling. Recently, Ryan has been seen performing the role of Theodore Laurence in the Northwestern University Opera’s production of “Little Women.” He plans to seek more roles around the Chicago area, and enjoys bringing classical music to a new generation. Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School? “MD” we called it, the music department, good times! Favorite Band of 2008? Motion City Soundtrack. What Hopkins teacher made a difference in your life? Philip Brown pushed me to become a better musician. He taught me a lot about being a respectful member of an ensemble, and helped me grow. Plus, he shared incredible music with us! How did Hopkins prepare you? I learned the value of listening from Shannon Bailey. I applied all of the life skills that I gleaned from her, as well as getting a 4 on the AP exam. Thanks, Bailey! Update April 2014
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 161 Hopkins, MN 55343
April Events Methodaires presents Set the Night To Music 2014 – A night of singing and dance. Proceeds benefit Park Nicollet programs. April 4, 7:30 p.m., April 5, 2:00 p.m. Hopkins High School Little Theater, tickets: 952-993-6176 or at the door. Metropolitan Ballet presents Don Quixote April 5, 7:30 p.m., April 6, 3:00 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium, tickets www.metroballet.org. Baby Shower – Hopkins Early Childhood Family Education invites you and your baby to a free shower! Activities, refreshments, and more! April 16, 5:45-7:00 p.m. Harley Hopkins Family Center, RSVP: 952-988-5000 Hopkins High School Spring Band Concert – Concert Band followed by the Symphonic Band, and Wind Symphony. April 24, 6:30 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium Hopkins High School Hot Club Jazz Concert April 25, 7:30 p.m. Hopkins High School Cafeteria Spring Community Dance – dance to the sound of Sinatra-style singer, Tim Patrick & The Blue Eyes Band. Tickets: $13 advance, $15 at the door. Friday, April 25, 7:00-9:30 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, HopkinsSchools.org/Dance, 952-988-4070.
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Summer Rocks at Hopkins Camp Royal!
1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305 www.HopkinsSchools.org 952-988-4000 Time Value
Residential Postal Patron ECRWSS
Hopkins Minnetonka Community Dance Presents
Come Dance With Me
Community Ballroom Dance Spring 2014 Friday, April 25, 7-9:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of dancing with the sound of dynamic Sinatra-style singer, Tim Patrick and The Blue Eyes Band. Join us in the elegant Oakwoods Room at the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, in Hopkins. Free dance lesson at 6:15 p.m. Tickets: www.HopkinsSchools.org/Dance or call 952-988-4070.
ICA Food Shelf Extends Invitation to Those in Need Hopkins Public Schools and ICA Food Shelf are working together to raise awareness of the services offered through ICA. Peg Keenan, ICA Executive Director, is extending an invitation to individuals and families that need food assistance to come to ICA.
Affordable and flexible, Camp Royal offers a variety of exciting summer camp opportunities for youth ages 3 through grade 12. Appealing to a wide range of interests, we offer art, sports, legos, dance, STEM, cooking, pottery, and more! Build your own schedule with half-day and full-day options, plus no-cost wrap-around care is available if you need an extended day. Our Monday-Thursday camps are designed around half-day blocks, with drop-off times starting at 8:00 a.m. and pick-up by 5:00 p.m. Free lunch is included. Camp Royal summer camps are priced affordably for families. And most important – our camps are fun – join us this summer at Camp Royal. Be a part of Camp Royal this summer, call our staff at 952-988-4070, or visit out website at www.HopkinsSummer.org to browse our wide range of youth summer opportunities.
“We understand that many people in our community are living paycheck-to-paycheck and often times find there’s little money left for food and other basic necessities,” said Keenan. “ICA Food Shelf is here to help.” The goal of ICA is to offer support to those within the community that need food and other assistance as they strive for self-sufficiency. Some food shelf users are able to get back on their feet quickly, while others need to use ICA for longer periods of time. Some of the common barriers to selfsufficiency include: the recent recession, low wages that don’t cover the cost of living, the recent cut in SNAP benefits (food stamps), lack of affordable housing, and living in an area with the highest rental rates in the region. Hopkins Public Schools strives for excellence in all aspects of learning, and access to food
plays a very important role in that mission. With ICA’s assistance, our community can do an even better job of filling the meal gaps. Families in need of assistance may schedule a food appointment by calling ICA at 952-938-0729 between 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. ICA can not accommodate walk-ins. Families are encouraged to utilize the food shelf one to two times monthly. ICA Food Shelf has sites in Minnetonka and Excelsior, with an additional site opening this spring in Minnetonka. If you are in need of assistance, or would like to support ICA through volunteering or financial support call 952-938-0729. For more information about ICA, visit their website at icafoodshelf.org.