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Hopkins High School concerts
Update Hopkins Public Schools
The community’s guide to the District. Commissioner of Education presents ‘Your Choice, Your Future’
February 2013
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com m u ni t y Royal Bash 2013 Hopkins Education Foundation’s fundraising gala that benefits our schools. Held at the Golden Valley Country Club. February 23, 6:00 p.m.
41st Annual Pops Concert (wind, symphonic, jazz band, LMPM). Pops tickets: www.SeatYourself.biz February 8 & 9, 7:00 p.m. Also, check out great items up Orchestra’s Spotlight Concert for bids on the online auction, with Chris Koza, tickets at the open to all, February 1-10. door: $7adult, $5/student. HopkinsEducationFoundation.org February 22, 7:30 p.m.
Free parent education workshop! Coachable Moments: Bringing out the Best in Your Teen. February 5, 19; March 5 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. For parents of students in grades 7-12. Techniques to help your teen become more successful. HopkinsCommunityEd.org
Glen Lake Elementary: a STEM Magnified School Creating hands-on learning
Minnesota Commissioner of Education, Brenda Cassellius, spoke to Hopkins eighth-grade students in January about the importance of taking rigorous classes to help prepare them for future education opportunities. The talk was part of a college-minded Your Choice - Your Future forum. Cassellius told students that if they worked hard they could achieve anything they wanted in life. Keynote speaker Kablia Thao, University of Minnesota admissions counselor, also presented.
Nominate a young person for a 2013 Caring Youth Award
Do you know a young person in grades 7 through 12 who shows an ongoing awareness of others through volunteering or other activities? Consider nominating him or her for a 2013 Caring Youth Award. Nominations are due by 4:30 p.m. Friday, February 1. Learn more online, visit HopkinsSchools.org or eminnetonka.com.
When sixth-grade teacher Cecelia Morris thinks about the STEM curriculum offered at Glen Lake Elementary, she thinks about the future. “Students who have a solid STEM background will have so many doors open to them,” said Morris. “The ability to solve problems and create something that does not exist will be crucial in the future.” Employment projections by the U.S. Department of Labor show that 15 of the 20 fastest growing occupations require significant mathematical or science preparation. Glen Lake is on a mission to build the next crop of engineers. The school is beefing up curriculum that appeals to the hard sciences, and starting next year it will be labeled a STEM Magnified school. While all Hopkins elementary schools have STEM experiences starting in third-grade, Glen Lake is expanding its program offerings, beginning its STEM program in preschool and continuing it through sixthgrade.
Preschoolers and their parents gathered at Glen Lake Elementary’s STEM Extravaganza on Jan. 10. Prompted by Glen Lake’s designation as a STEMMagnified school, the event was full of science, technology, engineering, and mathematical activities. This child is looking through his self-made kaleidoscope.
that our technology was superior at Hopkins,” said Potter. “With a few additions, we could easily have a comparable experience to other STEM magnet schools.”
A decision was made to expand engineering instruction and the existing EiE (Engineering is Elementary) curriculum, which is available in all Hopkins elementary schools. The “Our goal is to cultivate the next generation of staff sought out and received several grants, including a mathematicians, scientists and innovators,” said Glen Lake $19,000 Hopkins Education Foundation grant principal Beth Potter. “Elementary that will bring Explore Lab, a partnership with school is the perfect time to Our goal is to the Works museum, into Glen Lake classrooms. capitalize on young students’ sense of wonder, willingness to explore cultivate the next To connect STEM learning to literacy, Glen Lake purchased a selection of non-fiction books that and enthusiasm to create.” correlate with the STEM content. generation of Building a STEM Magnified Another benefit to the expanded STEM program school mathematicians, is that it is a natural fit for the existing gifted and Glen Lake teachers have spent the scientists and talented programming. Higher-level math classes last year researching how to expand offered in fourth through sixth grade, and their STEM offerings. To get a innovators. This is are gifted and talented teachers provide a seventh-grade sense for how this might look, they toured the best STEM elementary the perfect time to accelerated math class and even an eighth-grade option. schools in the metro and began capitalize on young designing a customized STEM Hands-on STEM classroom experiences program. Hopkins schools are well students’ sense of Teachers are already experimenting with enhanced positioned for STEM learning STEM lessons and are excited by the possibilities. because the classrooms already wonder, willingness Next year, students can expect to crystallize contain so much technology. snowflakes, create floating boats, design structures to explore and STEM curriculum can be further that can withstand earthquakes, build maglev accelerated through iPads, laptops, enthusiasm circuits, design hand pollinators and experiment Kindles and iPod Touches that are with the liquids, solids and gases table. already incorporated into Hopkins to create. schools. Anne Kuffel, a first-grade teacher, has noticed that the STEM lessons produce a higher level of “One of the first things we noticed collaboration and engagement among students. when touring other schools was Because experimentation is a fundamental concept see STEM-Magnified, inside
West Junior High Teacher Named MMSA Teacher of the Year Hopkins teacher Kim Campbell has been named the Minnesota Middle Level Educator Teacher of the Year by the MMSA (Minnesota Middle School Association). This award recognizes individuals and educators who have demonstrated outstanding service and commitment to quality education for young adolescents. Campbell was recognized at the MMSA conference in December. Campbell has worked as a junior-high teacher at West Junior High since 1999. During her tenure at Hopkins she has worn many hats. She is currently coordinating efforts to create a positive school climate, and has most recently mentored teachers in her role as a Q-Comp master teacher.
Campbell is well regarded by the education community. She has authored two books and several articles on subjects ranging from innovative teaching techniques to classroom management strategies. She has also presented at local, national, and international educational conferences. “While every day I see dedicated, talented teachers working hard to help all students be successful, occasionally I see a teacher that goes far beyond what would ever be expected or imagined — Kim Campbell is that teacher,” said Shirley Gregoire, principal at West Junior High. Campbell is described by her colleagues as a passionate junior-high teacher known for developing strong relationships with her students. Through these relationships she is able to inspire her students to reach academic success.
In the past, Campbell has earned all sorts of accolades that recognize her dedication to teaching and education. She is the recipient of the Fox 9 Top Teacher Award, the WCCO Good Neighbor Award and the Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholarship, Japan. She was also a semifinalist for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Her most recent book If You Can’t Manage Them, You Can’t Teach Them, is considered the gold standard on classroom management. Although accomplished in so many areas of her career, Campbell shines most brightly in the classroom. She believes her role is to inspire students and have fun doing it, while also serving as a role model for newer teachers. “I firmly believe that the greatest gift a veteran teacher can give to their school is to be a positive voice in times of doubt, to listen, model, and encourage young teachers,” said Campbell.
STEM-Magnified, continued from cover in engineering, there isn’t always a right or wrong answer.
Highlights: STEM in all preschools Next fall, all Hopkins preschool programs will have STEM curriculum. The Hopkins Education Foundation approved a grant to bring STEM materials and experiences to Hopkins’ youngest learners. According to Karen Tadewald, preschool program supervisor, the current preschool program is well posed for STEM learning because it is already centered on exploratory learning. “Preschool is the perfect time to start developing STEM concepts because students are already so curious,” said Tadewald. “They want to experiment and STEM curriculum helps us frame those experiences.” Expanded STEM at Alice Smith Elementary Last spring, Cargill granted Alice Smith Elementary $13,000 to enhance existing STEM curriculum and programming. The grant, Innovative STEM Extensions, is focused on second through fourth-grade, but will benefit all Alice Smith students. It will increase STEM exposure both during the school day and in extended-day learning opportunities. In all of our schools All Hopkins elementary schools have STEM-based EiE (Engineering is Elementary) curriculum in third through fifth-grade. The curriculum was developed by the Museum of Science, Boston, and was brought to Hopkins in 2009 by the Science Museum of Minnesota from a Cargill grant. PLTW (Project Lead the Way) is available at the junior high and senior high level. PLTW is the leading provider of innovative and rigorous STEM curriculum for the secondary level of education.
“In STEM learning, there are no bad ideas,” said Kuffel. “The ideas that fail sometimes contain the answer that leads to the best solution.” If you would like to schedule a tour to observe STEM learning at Glen Lake, please contact Connie Sexton at 952-988-5202.
Find out more about STEM — watch the STEM video!
Hopkins Community Education
Learn more at: www.HopkinsSchools.org/stem
Building a great place to live
See us, meet us — Hopkins Preschool Visit Us days!
See what awaits your child at Hopkins Preschool. Inside our preschool you’ll discover a stimulating learning environment designed to create excitement around learning. Visit us and discover Hopkins Preschools. Full-day, full-week option Visit Us days are Feb. 5, 6, 7 and part-day, part-week option dates are Feb. 25, 26, 27. Find out more at www.HopkinsSchools.org/Preschool
Parent Education
Free Workshop!
Coachable Moments: Bringing out the Best in Your Teen February 5, 19; March 5, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center 1001 Hwy. 7, Hopkins Join us for a free workshop series that will teach you how to integrate helpful coaching skills into your parenting techniques. Registration required. Course #P502. Register: 952-988-4070 or visit www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org for more details.
From the Superintendent, John Schultz, Ph.D.
Developing a Future-Focused Vision that Will Impact Students for Years to Come It is hard to believe that we are halfway through the school year. The cold of winter is truly upon us. I remain amazed as a father and superintendent how children manage to find fun on the ice or in the snow. Our warm and active schools are engaging children in many areas of learning — they are exciting places to be. One of the most exciting things we do as educators is think about how to craft and deliver curriculum and instruction for a learner’s future. Throughout the fall and early winter, Hopkins Public Schools began thinking strategically about its future direction. Our planning began with a World Café, where parents, community leaders, students, professional staff, and District leadership met to discuss the direction of Hopkins Public Schools. The wisdom of this community group recommended three areas to pursue — innovation, community partnerships, and the future. Innovative learning environments It is our goal to give students and staff more opportunities to engage in innovation, critical thinking and creativity. We will allow students the opportunity to be innovative in their own personal pursuits during their Hopkins experience. Additionally, we want to provide our staff a working culture where new ideas can be researched, tried and tested. Creating meaningful partnerships with the community Hopkins Public Schools will also work to build partnerships with school district residents, parents, and community and business leaders. These partnerships will be mutually beneficial. Hopkins Public Schools will offer support and service as part of the two-way relationship. Future Focused The vision’s trademark is our ability to be future focused. Hopkins Public Schools will continue assessing the skills today’s learners will need tomorrow. Developing a future-focused vision means preparing our program, learners, and staff for an ever-changing, dynamic world, ensuring excellence remains the standard for all learning and activities in the District. It is gratifying to have this direction for Hopkins learners. These areas of focus will guide the community in educating our wonderfully diverse group of students. It is obvious, in our world today, that students must be prepared to collaborate, communicate and solve problems with people from many cultures and backgrounds. These three areas will give the District the initiative to teach learners to be productive, creative, collaborative, and caring global citizens. Hopkins Public Schools provides the perfect environment for this learning. Our new direction gives us the ability to prepare Hopkins students to greet the challenges and opportunities of a global society with confidence, innovation, and care.
Hopkins Parents Bring New Playground to Eisenhower Elementary + XinXing Thanks to a group of dedicated parents, Eisenhower+XinXing students will have a new playground to play on as soon as this spring. The playground will be inclusive to all ages and abilities, promote physical fitness, and provide a safe place for children to play. Most of the playground will be funded by a $200,000 grant from Hennepin County, although Hopkins Public Schools, Eisenhower PTO, and Bei Dou Xing donated funds, as well. “Our school is so excited about our new playground,” said parent Penny Thompson-Burke. “It will get a lot of use from the larger Hopkins community.” The grant would not be possible without the efforts of ThompsonBurke, Paul Bushmann One of the proposed plans for the new playground. and Maria Baca. The three parents logged countless hours securing revenue sources to fund the project and co-wrote the comprehensive grant, which included endorsements from state senators, Hopkins Police Department, Hopkins Fire Department, Hopkins-Minnetonka Recreational Services, and Hopkins Public Schools Community Education. Studies have shown that having a safe place to play builds a sense of community, promotes physical fitness, and makes communities safer and healthier. Safe playgrounds have even been shown to have positive effects on student achievement. Over the next month, parents, community members, Hopkins staff and students will vote on the playground landscape they like best. Each option incorporates the primary goals of the new playground, which is to have an inclusive design and provide a safe place for kids of all ages and abilities to play. Help build the playground! After the design is chosen, community members will have a chance to roll up their sleeves and start building the new playground. As a cost-saving measure, sweat equity was incorporated into the project. Community volunteers will build the playground over the duration of one weekend. More information will be shared as soon as it’s available. Everyone is welcome.
Eisenhower Elementary + XinXing students are counting the days until they get a new playground this spring.
District Life Changer
Toni Schwartz
Innovator. Mentor. Leader. Dynamic visionary. These are just a few adjectives that describe STEM curriculum coordinator and science teacher Toni Schwartz. “I have never met anyone better at developing engaging, relevant science curriculum,” said Todd Roudabush, IB coordinator and digital content specialist. Toni is a self-described “constant learner” who thrives on seeking out and researching the newest and most relevant curriculum and technology to engage students and help them learn difficult concepts. “The world is changing so fast,” said Toni. “It is essential that we adapt our teaching to reflect the real world.”
Toni has helped facilitate the shift toward Hopkins’ digital curriculum, particularly in science, though she gives Hopkins teachers credit for their seamless adoption of the program. The EiE (Engineering is Elementary) curriculum offered at each Hopkins elementary school is another program she feels proud about bringing to Hopkins. “I see myself as a bridge between District administration and classroom teachers,” said Toni. “I do my best to support teachers in making sure they have what they need to implement new classroom innovations.” Her tendency to spearhead innovation is a trait that does not go unnoticed by those around her. “Wherever Toni goes, she leaves a path of energy and innovation in her wake,” said Shirley Gregoire, principal at West Junior High. Background: I always loved science and math. I studied biology at the College of St. Thomas. After graduation, I continued at St. Thomas and earned a secondary life science teaching license and master’s degree. After college, I spent several months traveling in Australia and New Zealand. When I returned, I applied for a part-time earth science teaching job at West Junior High and have been teaching science there ever since. What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? The teachers here are amazing and are passionate about what they do. They truly put students first and lead by example. I love working with a group who is willing to try new methods of teaching. I also feel very supported by leadership to be creative and develop new ways to help students learn. Proudest moments? There are so many! I really enjoy watching our students become so engaged learning science topics on the iPad. Many of them ask, ‘when can we take the quiz?’ Another proud moment I recall is working with a student who was struggling in school. Brainstorming with the student, we created things that would help him. I worked with him throughout the year. Years later, I was shopping and heard a man shout, ‘Hey, Ms. Schwartz!’ This young man ran over and gave me a huge hug. He shared with me that the work we did together helped him stay on track throughout high school. Moments like these help teachers realize the work we do really does make a difference. Teaching philosophy? I rarely teach a lesson the same way twice. I believe there is always room for improvement. I am not afraid to make mistakes and I hope this rubs off on my students. When my students say ‘class is over already?,’ I know they were truly connected with the lesson. Stats: • MEd in Curriculum & Instruction, B.A. in Biology, College of St. Thomas. Toni has been teaching earth science at West Junior High since 1991. She has also taught life science and physical science, and currently serves as the District science curriculum coordinator, STEM coordinator, and science teacher.
Where are they now?
Ed Arnold: 1989 graduate
Stats: Patrol Sergeant with the Denver Colorado Gang Unit. • Bachelor’s degree – Law Enforcement, Mankato State University, Minnesota
fun facts Ed and his family love all things outdoors, so life in Denver fits them perfectly – they ski all winter and mountain bike all summer. Ed also plays hockey. He met his wife while at Mankato State, and served as a police officer in Minnesota before heading to Colorado. He plans to grow in his career with the Denver Police Department. Ed’s interest in police work began when he rode along with the Minnetonka Police as part of Career Day at West Junior High. Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School? The locker room. Favorite Band of 1989? REM. How did Hopkins prepare you? My graduating class at Hopkins was a close group formed in elementary, having the same core group of friends is an experience many people miss out on. What Hopkins teacher made a difference in your life? Coach MacDonald (football coach), he was a great role model. He took the time to get to know each of the players on and off the field.
Jon Tollefson: 2002 graduate Stats: Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State • B.A. and M.A. – International Affairs, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. fun facts As a Foreign Service Officer, Jon has served in U.S. Embassies all over the world: Senegal, the U.K., Nigeria, and Mexico. He found his work on Somali affairs very rewarding as it brought him home to Minnesota several times. Jon is excited to begin the next chapter of his policy work right here in Minnesota in the near future. Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School? The Mall between classes with friends. Favorite Band of 2002? Counting Crows. How did Hopkins prepare you? Hopkins provides an exceptional education to its students through the devotion of the staff and use of technology. From KHOP TV to Youth in Government, Hopkins diverse education prepared me well for my career. What Hopkins teacher made a difference in your life? Mr. David Williams’ Faces of Conflict class was so influential, and his Shakespeare class taught me writing and communication skills.
New Reflections James Ware
You may have noticed a new face at North Junior High — James Ware, equity and integration specialist. Although a new employee at Hopkins, this isn’t his first encounter with the Hopkins Public Schools. Ware first came to North as a ninth-grade student and continued on at Hopkins High School. Later, he graduated from Texas Tech University (BA) and the University of Minnesota (MEd) and principal licensure program. He has come full circle — back to North Junior High. Who inspired you to become a teacher? Social studies teacher and basketball coach, Ken Novak, Jr., has been an inspiration for me from the moment I met him 22 years ago. His globalist views and commitment to improving students’ lives have been an inspiration to me. What energizes you about working with students? I am energized by the commitment I feel from District administration, principals, teachers, staff and students alike, all with the mission of Hopkins: Excellence, Every School, Every Student, Every Day. If your job were a reality show, what would it be called? ‘Trading Places’ — I was first a student at Hopkins years ago, so I have had similar experiences to our students, even some of the teachers I had then are still teaching now — now I am part of the staff. What will your students remember about you? I hope students remember the passion I have for them to reach their academic potential. One of my goals is to make every teacher, staff, and student feel comfortable in their school. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate, any day!
Where are you now? Hopkins graduates — we want to hear from you!
If you are a Hopkins graduate, contact us, we’d love to feature you in the Where are they now? column, which highlights the post-graduate education and careers of Hopkins graduates. Proud parent, grandparent, or friend of a Hopkins graduate? Send us a name and email address and we’ll contact him or her about appearing in this column. Don’t be shy! Our readers love catching up with Hopkins graduates from all walks of life and with a variety of career paths. Send an email to: Carrie.Gerard@HopkinsSchools.org, or call 952-988-4026. Update: February 2013
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February Events Coachable Moments – bringing out the best in your teen. Free helpful workshop for parents of students in grades 7-12. Registration required, course #P502, 952-988-4070. February 5, 19; March 5, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org Hopkins High School 41st Annual Pops Concert – Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, LMPM, and Jazz Bands will perform. Join us. February 8 and 9, 7:00 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium, tickets: www.SeatYourself.biz Metropolitan Ballet – Experience the magic of Swan Lake! February 16, 7:30 p.m., February 17, 3:00 p.m. Hopkins High School, tickets: www.metroballet.org or call 866-811-4111. Hopkins High School Spotlight Concert – Join us for a collaboration with singer-songwriter Chris Koza and the high school orchestra. February 22, 7:30 p.m. Hopkins High School, tickets: $7/adult and $5/student. West Metro Home Remodeling Fair – Free event! 80+ vendors. February 24, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, www.HomeRemodelingFair.com Save the Date: Kids & Technology – Free parent forum with keynote speaker Katy Smith, 2011 MN Teacher of the Year and parent educator. March 7, 6:30-8:45 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, HopkinsSchools.org/Katy
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HEF Royal Bash Gala and Online Auction
Saturday, February 23, 6:00 p.m. Gala Tickets on sale now! Hopkins Education Foundation’s Royal Bash — come celebrate to benefit our schools! Bid on great items at the Online Auction Feb. 1-10. Details: www.HopkinsEducationFoundation.org
West Metro Home Remodeling Fair — a Community Tradition Celebrating 21 years, the West Metro Home Remodeling Fair returns February 24 with a wide variety of exhibitors with products and services that can make home remodeling dreams come true. A free event, the fair brings together the communities of Golden Valley, St. Louis Park, Minnetonka, and Hopkins with a common goal: to gain knowledge and motivation to improve their homes. With over 100 exhibitors, the West Metro Home Remodeling Fair provides a diverse array of ideas to combat the toughest of remodeling challenges. In addition, the fair will feature several seminars in which trained instructors give helpful tips on cutting costs and adding value to the home.
Green workshops help save energy This year, the free seminars have evolved to include green remodeling. While many will touch on easy ways to cut energy costs, some seminars are entirely green-focused, such as Organic Lawn Care and Rain Gardens & Barrels. There is an extra reason to get excited about the Home Remodeling Fair this year — the ugly room contest, Operation Rescue Room. “This is the second year we’ve done this – people can enter an ugly room contest and potentially win $1,000,” said Betsy Hedding, Hopkins community education adult and youth enrichment coordinator.
Whether you want to speak with exhibitors about products, attend helpful seminars, or show off your ugliest room for a chance at a $1,000 prize, the West Metro Home Remodeling Fair is a must-attend event. For more information visit: www.homeremodelingfair.com
Sunday, February 24, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Free admission! Seminars and workshops, “Ask the Pro” idea center, 80+ local exhibitors, and more. Make your remodeling dreams come true!