dates
i n
t he
com m u ni t y Hopkins High School Winter Choir Concert
ECFE Frosty Fun!
Update Hopkins Public Schools
The community’s guide to the District. December/January 2016-17
Choral Conductor Philip Brown Running for ‘The American Prize’
The Hopkins High School Concert Choir was named a semifinalist in the High School Chorus division of The American Prize, a national nonprofit competition in the performing arts. In addition, Hopkins High School Choral Conductor, Philip Brown was named a semi-finalist in the High School Youth Chorus Conductor Division. The American Prize will announce its finalists in mid-December. Hopkins is competing against 15 other high schools across the nation and is the only Minnesota school to be represented in the competition.
High School Volleyball Takes Fourth at State
The Hopkins High School volleyball team made history Nov. 11 with its first-ever appearance in the Minnesota State High School League semifinals match. The team has been a powerhouse in the Lake Conference for the entire season and their hard work set them up for a fourth-place finish overall at state. State tournament play was preceded by an exciting 23-1 season and the title of section 6AAA champions. Outside hitter Jasmyn Martin was named to the Wells Fargo All-Tournament team.
Indoor winter family event! Enjoy playing with snow and ice, making snowflake art, and singing snowy songs. For families with children ages 2-5. Register online. Sat., Jan. 7, 10-11:30 a.m. Register:
December 14 6:15 p.m.: Sophomore Chorale, Chamber, Kantorei, Bel Canto. 8 p.m.: Geoff, Midori, Tenor/Bass Chorus, Treble Chorus, Concert Choir Hopkins High School Auditorium 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Minnetonka
hopkinsschools.org/early
Royal Bash!
save the date!
Mingle with friends and neighbors, enjoy great food, live music, dancing, and raise funds for projects that support Hopkins Public Schools. Tickets go on sale January 9. Plan to join us for this fun-filled event! February 25, 6 p.m. Marriott Minnetonka Southwest Information and purchase tickets: hopkinseducationfoundation.org
You Belong in Hopkins Three families describe why they chose Hopkins Public Schools
Kathy Willett attended high school in an affluent suburb. It seemed like an ideal situation, but she does not describe it that way. In fact, she describes it as lacking. Her husband, who attended a similar school district, felt the same way. Because they were not part of the upper-middle class, both felt like outsiders. Their schools did not have much to offer by way of diversity, and there seemingly was one type of kid. Willett remembers how she would try to fit in, but it never quite worked and it never felt right. When it was time for her girls to go to school, she knew she wanted a better experience for them. Hopkins was an obvious choice since she worked for the District in the early childhood program. But it was more than that. Hopkins had what she was looking for — strong academics in a diverse setting. “We wanted our kids to be exposed to many perspectives,” Willett said. “We were looking for an environment with different cultures, income levels, and faiths.”
Michelle Kuhl and her family. Kuhl said that one reason she chose Hopkins Public Schools is because the student body reflects her family.
“I still remember my child’s reaction to seeing other nations’ flags hanging in the halls of Eisenhower when she was in kindergarten,” said Jallow. “We talked about them and tried to figure out which flag belonged to which country. Understanding that their school has students whose parents are from countries and cultures all over the world was a pretty big deal, even at that age.”
I am playing the long
Changing demographics Hopkins Public Schools, like many game for my children. Minnesotan communities, looks different than it did 20 years ago. In 1996, only 9 percent I can teach them all of the students enrolled in the district were of sorts of things, but color; in 2016, that number is 42 percent. The Willett’s daughters are of students who qualify for the Free what I can’t teach them number comfortable in their own skin. and Reduced Lunch program has also changed They know themselves. She from 10 percent in 1996 to 27 percent in is how to be culturally attributes this to the Hopkins 2016. The District estimates that as many as culture, and an academic 46 languages are spoken by Hopkins students, competent from a experience that has offered a lot and 9 percent of the student population speaks of choice. This was exactly what young age. a language other than English as their first she had hoped for. language. Demographers predict that other suburbs will experience similar changes within the next 10 This sentiment also resonates with parent Jahay Jallow. Her years. first exposure to Hopkins was when she participated in the early childhood program. As an immigrant, the program Cultural competency helped her adapt to the American school system. Her Being part of a global environment has inherent benefits, children, now in seventh and 10th grade, have enjoyed offering a type of immersion experience in cultural being in a district that supports them and allows them to competency that is hard to truly understand through a feel comfortable maintaining their identities. textbook. Students are facing a workforce that is becoming increasingly global. Knowing how to interact with people who are different from you is an important life skill, and Hopkins students will be a step ahead of students who have not had these experiences. Parents like Michelle Kuhl have this in mind as they seek out learning environments for their children. Kuhl has a Ph.D. in educational policy and administration and wrote her thesis on diversity. She identifies as Black and Jewish and is part of a multiracial, multifaith family. It was important for her that her children attend a district that reflects her own family. Jahay Jallow poses with her girls. Jallow has appreciated how welcoming Hopkins Schools was to her family, starting in early childhood.
“I am playing the long game for my children, and I know that real life is not something I can manufacture for them,” Kuhl said. “I can teach them all sorts of things, but see You Belong in Hopkins on pg. 2
Hopkins High School Students Take Pledge Against Distracted Driving raised awareness of distracted driving and had students ink their thumbprints on a large poster that states “I pledge to keep my eyes on the road, keep my hands on the wheel, and keep my mind on driving.” Students also got a first-hand lesson in the dangers of distracted driving through a driving simulator.
High school students signed pledges to stay safe at the wheel.
Most people see it every day: a driver in the car next to you texting, putting on makeup, eating a sandwich, or turning around to grab something from the backseat. And maybe you’re that driver. Hopkins High School students are taking a stand against distracted driving, raising awareness and pledging to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. The student-led campaign, organized by the Hopkins High School Student Wellness Club,
“Distracted driving is a prominent problem among high schoolers, but it’s also an overlooked problem,” said Hopkins student Abby O’Callaghan, president of the Wellness Club. “The little things that we do have large consequences. But it’s even bigger than just being on your phone.” A recent Hopkins High School survey — taken by 387 students — revealed 14 percent of students said distracted driving is a problem that affects their ability to drive safely. And about 6 percent of the survey population admitted to
texting and driving every single day. However, students said realistic advertisements, personal experiences with a distracted driver, and understanding the dangers are motivators to stay focused at the wheel. High school counselor Denise Colicchia said the survey results confirm distracted driving is a problem students face every day, and that more education and awareness tactics are needed to keep young drivers safe.
“It’s obviously a problem that people deal with on a daily basis, even as adults, so it’s nice that the young students are recognizing that it’s an issue and are trying to be proactive before it’s too late,” she said. The distracted driving pledge will be hung in the high school mall area as a reminder for students leaving campus to put away distractions, keep their eyes on the road, and arrive alive.
You Belong in Hopkins, continued from pg. 1 Teaching in a global learning environment Hopkins’ unique culture makes it possible to provide relevant learning experiences for students. In 2015, both junior highs became International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools. IB is a strong fit for Hopkins because it is an international framework that encourages students to become creative, critical, and reflective thinkers. Embedded in all classes are concepts that are part of a larger global context. This framework helps students develop the skills they need to be world citizens and lifelong learners. Kathy Willett and her family. Willett chose Hopkins because she wanted her daughters to find themselves before college.
what I can’t teach them is how to be culturally competent from a young age.” Kuhl has two children, a son who will attend kindergarten next year, and a daughter who is in sixth grade at Gatewood Elementary. Her daughter participates in a rigorous curriculum in the Gifted and Talented program, but she is also able to make friends with people who come from a variety of backgrounds. These opportunities are shaping her world view. She is building attributes like empathy and understanding.
Hopkins Community Education
When students enter high school, they are able to apply these skills in classes like Faces of Conflict, Diversity Seminar, and Global Literature. Jennifer Heimlich, who teaches Diversity Seminar at Hopkins, has lead many courageous conversations. Her class discusses race and ethnicity, social class, sexual orientation, and ability and disability. Students are pushed out of their comfort zones, as they learn about each other. This requires a certain level of vulnerability and trust. “Kids here seem to have a great balance of all parts of themselves — the social, the academic, and the athletic,” Heimlich said. “The culture here is very accepting.”
ng
r Rati 4-Sta
Last spring, Hopkins students co-hosted a community conversation about race and equity, the first event sponsored by the initiative. Over 200 people attended the 90-minute conversation. In addition, Heimlich recently presented at a community forum called “Is White Privilege Real or Imagined?” More events are planned in the upcoming year. “If we don’t make room to have these conversations, we are not going to get to a place of understanding,” Heimlich said. “We can learn from each other, and we can begin connecting on an honest foundation.”
Building a great place to live
Hopkins Preschools
Parent
The larger school community As our community takes a more proactive approach to educating about race, equity, and culture, Hopkins Public Schools is a partner and a leader in this work. The Hopkins Race and Equity Initiative is a unique collaboration between Hopkins Public Schools, the city of Hopkins, and Gethsemane Lutheran Church. The initiative, which started last year, increases understanding of race, equity, and diversity, and promotes a sense of community that values all residents.
Your preschool choice does make a difference. Stepping Stones • Kaleidoscope • Ready 4 K Stepping Stones Preschool — for your 4-5 year old: • Monday-Friday, open 6:45 a.m.-6 p.m., year-round or school-year. • Located at Gatewood, Meadowbrook, and Tanglen elementary schools. Kaleidoscope Preschool — for your 3-5 year old: • Half-day, full- and part-week options, school-year, and summer program. • Located at Glen Lake, Meadowbrook, and Harley Hopkins Family Center. Ready 4 K — Year-Before-Kindergarten for qualifying families: • Half-day, full-week preschool experience for ages 4-5. Register for 2017-18 preschool, visit HopkinsSchools.org/preschool
HopkinsCommunityEd.org
School is Out! Have fun with Camp Royal! on January 23
Make it the best day ever — grades K-6! Venture to Big Thrill Factory in the morning for unlimited play, laser tag, ropes course, and bumper cars! After working up an appetite, enjoy pizza and beverages for lunch. We’ll cap off the day with a trip to the theater for an age appropriate movie! Register today to join the fun. Visit HopkinsCommunityEd.org or call us at 952-988-4070 to register today!
From the Superintendent, John Schultz, Ph. D.
Breaking Down the MCA Test
Meadowbrook Service Night Empowers Students, Community to Give Back
by Katie Stennes, Superintendent Intern, and John Schultz, Superintendent Each spring, all Minnesota public school students in third through eighth grade take the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) in math and reading. Recently a science MCA was added, and it is currently administered in fifth grade and eighth grade, and in high school when a student takes biology. What the MCA can tell us The MCA is a standardized test that is required under federal and state law. The tests measure performance on the Minnesota Academic Standards and provide data to districts and the state regarding student proficiency and growth. Hopkins, along with other Minnesota districts, receives its results at the end of the summer. When the data is made available, curriculum leaders look at trends and have the opportunity to adjust programs and practices to best meet the needs of all learners. Beyond the MCA At the classroom level, the MCA provides one data point for teachers to learn about their students’ successes and areas for growth. This information is important, but as educators, we are equally interested in providing a personal and prescriptive approach to learning, and making sure each child is reaching his or her personal growth goals. To that end, our teachers use a variety of assessments that are tailored to individual students and the instructional objectives currently being taught. As we prepare learners to be global citizens in a rapidly changing workforce, we continue to develop meaningful ways to monitor the development of our students’ critical thinking, communication skills, and creativity. Our results In October, the 2016 MCA results were presented to the School Board and to the public at the World’s Best Work Force Hearing. Hopkins’ results can be found on our website at hopkinsschools.org.
Hopkins Alumna Provides Funds for Students to Pay It Forward
Meadowbrook Elementary students learn the power of service to others.
Giving back locally and globally has taken up permanent residence at Meadowbrook Elementary. And in an act of group kindness, students, families, and community members gathered in the school’s gym Friday, Nov. 11 for Service Night. The annual tradition offers volunteers an opportunity to pack ditty bags for area shelters, put together weekend meals for kids experiencing food insecurity, write letters to veterans, and make warm weather kits for the homeless, among other activities. Here is a breakdown: • 490 packs put together for weekend food for kids • 55 family giving boxes decorated • 1,087 care bags of essential items assembled for PRISM and those experiencing homelessness • 48 blankets tied for those in need of warmth • 600 sandwiches made for persons at Simpson Housing Services • 66 key chains made for people in a shelter • 100+ pollinator balls made to plant and help bees • 165 bird feeders constructed • Raised money for 3 acres and 433 lunches for school children in Africa
Ten Seniors Commit to Collegiate Athletics, Academics Ten Hopkins High School student-athletes were recognized Nov. 9 for their commitment to academics and athletics, and signed contracts to attend colleges around the country during the fall signing ceremony. The 10 students and their respective colleges and sports are:
Marisa Bingham talks to Gatewood students. Bingham is living with spina bifida and considers giving back the most gratifying thing she has done.
On Monday, Nov. 21, Marisa Bingham, an alumna of Gatewood, gave $50 to every fifth-grade student in the school, with one condition: Each student was required to donate the money to a humanitarian organization of his or her choosing. This is Bingham’s second year organizing the “Charity Project” for the fifth-grade class at Gatewood. Last year, she donated $3,650 to 17 different charities. She funds the project personally by saving money throughout the year.
Jasmyn Martin, University of Minnesota – Volleyball DeAnna Winston, Siena College – Basketball Cass Huiras, Morningside College – Softball Ishmael El-Amin, Ball State University – Basketball Simon Wright, Elon University – Basketball Kate Glover, Harvard University – Hockey Stella Haberman, Rochester Institute of Technology – Hockey Bit Klecker, University of Minnesota – Cross-country/Track Seth Eliason, Georgetown University – Cross-country/Track
District Life Changer
Kathy Willett
Shaping the minds of young learners is a passion for Kathy Willett. She has spent the entirety of her career in Hopkins Public Schools dedicated to enhancing the preschool program and ensuring students are successful. She began her work with the District over 20 years ago as a preschool teacher. A lifelong learner herself, Willett said she most enjoys hearing students’ success stories long after they have left her preschool classroom.
“I would have students who come back to visit me, and they said they always felt welcome. I always cause quite the commotion when I walk past a group of kindergartners who had me as their preschool teacher,” Willett said. “They all jump out of their line in the hall to stop and hug me or say hello. I love that!” Willett strives for success for both her students and the preschool program in Hopkins. Her professional expertise was critical in the early stages of the Stepping Stones program at Meadowbrook Elementary. She helped build up the program to the point where a second preschool classroom was needed to accommodate all of the families vying for a spot. “Kathy is conscientious and caring,” said Amy Guthrie, lead teacher of Tanglen Elementary’s Stepping Stones program and Willett’s longtime coworker. “She is dedicated, informed, and compassionate. We are lucky to have her.” Background: Kathy began her career with Hopkins Public Schools in 1992 right after she completed her undergraduate degree. She started as a Kaleidoscope Preschool teacher, where she taught for seven years. After a brief job change, she returned in 2003 as the lead teacher at Meadowbrook’s Stepping Stones program. She remained in that position until August 2016 when she was hired as the District’s preschool supervisor. What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? The staff members at Hopkins are professional, dedicated, supportive, and adaptable. I love the diversity of our families and the cultures represented in our schools. You can feel the sense of community from the moment you set foot in the hallways. Each elementary has its own unique feel, and I think that feel represents our dedication to our families and the children we serve. Proudest moment? I started as the lead teacher at Meadowbrook Stepping Stones when it was in its second year in the school. I nurtured and helped it grow to the point where we needed to expand it to accommodate all the families trying to get in. Meadowbrook Stepping Stones also won the Sun Sailor Reader’s Choice for best preschool in Golden Valley, which was quite an honor! Teaching philosophy? ‘Be silly, be honest, be kind,’ from Ralph Waldo Emerson. I also love just about any A. A. Milne quote, such as, ‘You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.’ Stats: • Bachelor’s degree and licensure in early childhood education, University of Wisconsin-Stout. Early childhood special education license, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. In her current role as the preschool supervisor, Kathy oversees the three preschool programs in the District — Stepping Stones, Ready 4 K, and Kaleidoscope.
Where are they now?
Kristy Collier: 1989 graduate
Stats: Headway Emotional Health Treatment Therapist • B.A. in human services, University of Phoenix; M.A. in science/clinical mental health counseling, Walden University fun facts Hopkins grad Kristy Collier has spent much of her professional career focusing on the mental health and well being of others. She has been focused on ensuring Minnesotans of all ages have access to critical services that allow them to succeed. Her Hopkins education taught her resilience and perseverance, and that success, no matter the circumstance, is always possible. Favorite Hopkins High School hangout? I loved band and spent tons of time hanging with the forever awesome Mr. Bates. I also loved KHOP. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Mr. Bates was amazing! How did Hopkins prepare you? Hopkins taught me to believe in myself and that success was the only option. I remember in history class saying that I would love to travel and become a historian. And I remember the teacher saying,’ She can do whatever she puts her mind to.’ Then the teacher looked at me and said, ‘Fix your mind on what you desire.’ That has stayed with me.
Community Spirit Butch Johnson
Butch Johnson has been a student mentor in the Hopkins area for nearly 30 years. And along with his wife, Billee Kraut, he has made, and continues to make, a positive impact in the lives of countless youth. Growing up in the small western Minnesota town of Milan, he said community service — the “Milan Rules” — was ingrained at a young age. “Growing up in a small town teaches you the importance of skills to connect you to your community,” he said. He said his work and connections in the Katherine Curren neighborhood of Hopkins continue to grow and encourage him to continue mentoring. A former Hopkins teacher, Johnson also serves on the Hopkins Community Education Advisory Committee and the ThinkHopkins Marketing Committee. Proudest moment volunteering: Seeing the students that we’ve mentored graduate and grow into productive community members. What person has influenced you most? My parents, the adults I grew up around, and my wife. People would be surprised to learn … That I’m a Minneapolis Threshing Machine/Moline history enthusiast. Winter or summer? Summer, because there are ArtCar parades. I volunteer because … ‘Milan Rules,’ and also volunteering in the Hopkins community has given my wife and me an opportunity to grow by building authentic relationships with families from cultures different from ours. Do you know a Hopkins Public Schools volunteer we should recognize? Email Emily.Buss@HopkinsSchools.org
Know someone we should feature on this page? Email Emily.Buss@HopkinsSchools.org
Kira Moriah: 1999 graduate
Katie (Clark) Weierke : 2002 graduate
Stats: Foreign Service Officer (diplomat) at the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. • Bachelor’s degree in government and East Asian studies, Cornell University fun facts From Hopkins to the hallowed halls of Washington’s most prestigious buildings, Kira Moriah is living out a real-life history lesson. The former Royal has been a diplomat for the United States since 2007 where her work with domestic and foreign governments has taken her around the world. She lives in the nation’s capitol with her two sons and husband, and plans on moving overseas once again as her job evolves. Favorite Hopkins High School hangout? The Mall. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Ms. Lucking, who was an awesome teacher of AP European History. And Ken Wedding, who treated us like college students and demonstrated the we could rise to that level of expectation. How did Hopkins prepare you? Hopkins High School had the best of all worlds. I still cite Hopkins High School as the model when speaking to friends about what public school can offer and how great of an example it was!
Stats: Associate Director of Marketing at United Healthcare • B.A. in mass communications/ advertising and marketing, UW Eau Claire; MBA from Hamline University fun facts Katie (Clark) Weierke has a dual passion for the written word and marketing strategies. Throughout her time as a Royal, Weierke learned how to work hard and be committed, traits that she prides herself on in her professional life in the healthcare field. When she’s off the clock, Weierke enjoys spending time with her husband Luke and two sons, Weston, 3, and Wyatt, 1, and their puppy, Gus. Favorite Hopkins High School hangout? I spent a lot of time on the soccer field and in the hockey rink! What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Mr. Klein, for being awesome at giving advice, and Mr. Bartz, for being fun and making math something I could finally understand. How did Hopkins prepare you? It taught me to work hard, be kind, and that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Being in both soccer and hockey taught me the most about who I was and prepared me for both the victories and defeats that come with life. Update December/January 2016-17
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 161 Hopkins, MN 55343
December/January Events
1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305 www.HopkinsSchools.org 952-988-4000 Time Value
Hopkins High School Winter Orchestra Concert December 6, 7:30-9 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Minnetonka Potpourri - Art exhibit by Hopkins Community Eduction students. Opening reception Thursday, December 8, 6-8 p.m. Runs through January 8 Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins
Residential Postal Patron ECRWSS
Hopkins Westwind Band Concert December 11, 3 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center Theater, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins Hopkins High School Winter Choir Concert December 14, 6:15-7:30 p.m., and 8-9:30 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Minnetonka Metropolitan Ballet presents “The Nutcracker “ - A holiday tradition! December 17, 1 p.m., and 7:30 p.m., December 18, 3 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Mtka., metroballet.org
Hopkins Education Foundation presents the
Hopkins High School Orchestra Festival January 12, 7-8:30 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Minnetonka
Mardi Gras with HEF Saturday, February 25, 6 p.m.
Hopkins Public Schools open enrollment application deadline: January 17. Questions? Please call 952-988-4110.
Get Connected, Stay Connected Find us on Facebook:
Marriott Minnetonka Southwest Tickets available January 9 at
www.facebook.com/HopkinsPublicSchools
First-ever ‘Doughnuts and Dads’ Event Packs Glen Lake
HopkinsEducationFoundation.org
Discover Hopkins Preschools in January Hopkins’ preschool programs are designed to prepare our youngest scholars for social, emotional, and academic success in kindergarten and beyond. Learning based on the children’s interests is a cornerstone of the Hopkins preschool curriculum. Based on the Reggio Emilia Approach, our teachers observe the children’s interests, then direct learning while they explore, experiment, and ponder those topics while developing critical thinking skills.
Getting students up early is sometimes challenging, but when YoYo Donuts are on the line, expect a crowd. Glen Lake Elementary students and their father figures lined the hallway and packed the school cafeteria Thursday, Nov. 10 for the first-ever “Doughnuts with Dads” event. During the breakfast, students and their dads played educational games, filled out questionnaires, and discussed their answers. Principal Jeff Radel said the event was organized as a way for students and their significant male figure to connect and bond. “Getting dads and father figures in with the kids is important,” Radel said. “It’s open to all our students. And it’s only a half hour, but for kids that’s a long time. It’s also a great way to bring parents in and have them meet one another and meet me.”
A 4-star rated Parent Aware program, Hopkins preschools offer full-day and part-day programs, as well as a free preschool option, Ready 4 K, for qualifying families. Wrap-around care will be offered at some sites in fall 2017. The best way to learn more about Hopkins preschools is to see our classrooms and meet our teachers at “Visit Us” open house events in January. Experience the Hopkins difference for yourself.
“Visit Us” Dates:
Stepping Stones Preschool:
Gatewood: Thursday, Jan. 19, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Meadowbrook: Tuesday, Jan. 24, 5:30-7 p.m. Tanglen: Thursday, Jan. 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Kaleidoscope Preschool:
Glen Lake: Thursday, Jan. 19, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Harley Hopkins: Friday, Jan. 20, 12-1 p.m. Meadowbrook: Friday, Jan. 27, 12-1 p.m. Check out our Preschool video! Vimeo.com/hopkinsschools