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2019 Kindergarten Playground Nights
Update Hopkins Public Schools
The community’s guide to the District.
Legatt Accepts BestPrep’s Carpenter Teacher of the Year Award
Jen Legatt, North Junior High School's library media specialist, was honored with the Carpenter Teacher of the Year Award at the BestPrep annual luncheon on May 23. The award goes to a teacher who embodies dedication and commitment to children. Legatt uses her role as library media specialist to connect with both students and teachers in a way that supports learning at the junior high. She works tirelessly to keep the media center an inviting and active learning space.
American Indian Education Program Celebrates Native Students
The second annual Hopkins American Indian Student Celebration on May 22 showcased student artwork and honored Native students for their accomplishments this year. With 120 students in the program, Hopkins social studies teacher Allegra Smisek said the event’s goal was to be completely studentfocused. Graduating seniors were specially honored with a Star Quilt and ceremonial song performed by the Red Lake Singers.
Summer 2019
Get excited for fall 2019 kindergarten! Explore the playground and meet staff before the start of school. For dates and times, check your school's online calendar, visit HopkinsSchools.org/kinder, or call 952-988-4110
Vehicle Fair
Join us for the Hopkins Early Childhood free Open House & Vehicle Fair! Explore a police car, fire truck, front-end loader, and more! Also enjoy face painting and fun activities. Fri., Sept. 6, 5:30-7 p.m. Harley Hopkins Family Center 125 Monroe Ave. S., Hopkins
Rock-n-Royal Block Party with HEF Celebrate the beginning of the school year with food, music, and friends! Sat., Sept. 7, 6:30-11:30 p.m. Hopkins Center for the Arts 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins Tickets: call 952-988-4097 or visit HopkinsEducationFoundation.org
Class of 2019 Reflections Three students look back on their K-12 experience and ahead to what comes next. On June 6, a total of 563 brilliant scholars graduated from Hopkins High School. As part of our mission to go from Great to World Class, Hopkins aspires to deliver students to the world who are confident in their voice, critical and holistic thinkers, well-traveled and globalminded, and cultivators of empathy. In the final story of the year, we profile three seniors — Deb Chepkemoi, Isaac Gotlieb, and Leah Stillman — who have these attributes and are prepared to walk into a future that is complex, unknown, and exciting. Congratulations to them and the entire class of 2019 — the future is yours! Deb Chepkemoi: Born to lead If there is such a thing as an ordinary student, Deb Chepkemoi is certainly not it — and she does not want to be. She seeks experiences that are both unconventional and out of her comfort zone. Born in Kenya, she immigrated to the United States in 2008. This experience has both shaped her and provided her with a deep maturity. She is a leader, a change-maker, and an activist. And for Chepkemoi, this is only the beginning. Chepkemoi has an innate curiosity about her peers. This skill has helped her facilitate complicated conversations. As part of her work with HHS Responds, a student group that brings people of different backgrounds together to gain new perspectives, she led a fishbowl conversation about immigration, creating a space for students on all sides of the issue to be heard and to learn from one another. Many people would struggle with this task, but Chepkemoi thrives in this space. She is always challenging her view, and trying to understand others.
Deb Chepkemoi enjoyed the numerous leadership opportunities Hopkins High School provided her.
a day off from high school to examine who they were as individuals. Being allowed that time and space to be vulnerable led to students having a deeper understanding of each other. “When you see someone open up and be vulnerable, you are able to build relationships, which is the foundation for a strong school,” she said. Chepkemoi has an entrepreneurial spirit. After graduation, she plans to join a startup technology firm and give herself five years to learn as much as possible about networking, leadership, and team building. She is not quite sure what her future looks like, but she knows she is destined to do something bigger than herself. She also plans to take online courses at a community college because her mother convinced her that a backup plan is important.
The teachers have made my school experience strong. I consider many teachers here my mentors and friends.
“I feel so constrained when I am not doing what I want to do,” she said. “I love leadership. There is always a need for a conversation, and I push myself to see all sides of an issue.” Hopkins was a place that allowed Chepkemoi to find her voice. It supported her need to explore new areas, test herself, and carve out an individual plan. She describes the teachers as caring and passionate. Their enthusiasm for teaching made it easy for her to stay engaged and feel a sense of belonging. “When a teacher likes what they do, you can tell,” she said. “It draws you in immediately.” It was important to Chepkemoi that her high school valued not just academics, but also her as a person. An experience that continues to stand out to her is the Unity Day she attended in her junior year. The entire class took
“I like coding and technology, in general,” she said. "Artificial intelligence is a huge part of our future, and that is what I want to be working on. I want to use my skills to do something good for the community.”
Isaac Gotlieb: High achieving, service minded Isaac Gotlieb sets the bar high for himself. He does well academically and enjoys challenging himself, but he knows grades are not the only measure of success. Being of service to others is at his core, and he values maintaining strong and meaningful connections with those who are important to him. These values, which he learned through his parents, were reinforced in his school experience at Hopkins. He is grounded, humble, smart, and ready to embark on his next adventure. Gotlieb’s roots are strongly tied to Hopkins. He is the youngest of four siblings, all of whom attended the same sequence of schools — Tanglen Elementary, North Junior High, and Hopkins High School. He appreciated the ability to interact with a wide variety of people with different interests. This helped shape him. Hopkins was home base, and a good testing ground for trying new things. Gotlieb played tennis and competed with the swim team in junior high, but changed his focus to music in high school, performing in both band and orchestra. He even earned college credit for music through PSEO (Post Secondary Enrollment Opportunities). see The Class of 2019 Reflections inside
The Class of 2019 Reflections, continued from cover Grounded in doing the right thing, she uses her position in life to help others. When she encounters problems, she creates solutions that will not only benefit her, but benefit everyone. That’s who she is.
Isaac Gotlieb said the teachers at Hopkins are what made his school experience strong.
Gotlieb is always thinking about how he can be of service to others, whether he is volunteering in his synagogue or working at his part-time job at Starbucks. Given his mindset, it’s not surprising that what stands out most to him about Hopkins is the positive learning environment created by his teachers. They made learning relevant and fun. He could feel it, and he appreciated it. He was always aware of how much they cared. “The teachers have made my school experience strong,” said Gotlieb. “I’ve had good experiences across all subjects, and not only in their academic approach, but also in their relationship skills. I consider many teachers here my mentors and friends.” During his high school experience, he pushed himself and was encouraged by his teachers to take risks. This helped him develop a healthy resilience to failure. He would encourage other students to embrace the same mindset and for teachers to not be afraid to have high expectations of their students. “The worst thing that can happen if you push someone is that they will fail, and that is how you learn.” This fall, Gotlieb plans to attend Harvard University where he will study biology, and eventually go to medical school. Medicine appeals to him because he wants to make a difference in people’s lives using a combination of science and relationship-building skills. “I have always been drawn to connecting with people,” he said. “It’s undervalued how much doctors need to connect with their patients to be effective.” Leah Stillman: Focused on the greater good Leah Stillman jokes that she feels much older than she is, and those that know her would likely say the same thing. She is mature, welltraveled, pragmatic, motivated, and whip smart.
Hopkins Community Education
In her sophomore year, she started experiencing stress that comes from a rigorous schedule. She found a solution that worked for her — yoga. Before long, she was teaching yoga at Hopkins High School to a small community group, putting her in the unique position of being both a student and an employee of Hopkins High School at the same time. During her time at Hopkins, Stillman has been involved in several clubs and activities, from ultimate frisbee to environmental social media campaigns; however, the area of advocacy she always returned to was mental health. In fact, Stillman has been involved in pretty much all of the wellness work that Hopkins High School has championed over the last two years. Last summer she interned with Hopkins One Voice Coalition, and this fall she began working with Royals United, a student-led group focused on improving mental health supports for students. She helped bring therapy dogs into the high school — a huge hit! — worked to increase traffic to the secondary schools’ wellness centers, and carved out a legislative plan to make mental health support Leah Stillman speaks fluent more accessible for Spanish, and is a champion of wellness work happening at students. She is most Hopkins High School. proud of a video that she participated in featuring not only students, but Hopkins High School staff, talking about their mental health. It was shown to students in November. “That video had such an impact,” she said. “You realize that you are not alone. There were 30 people in it overall, and the message was that everyone is going through something.” One of the things that Stillman enjoyed most about Hopkins is the opportunity to engage
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Camp Royal 2019 Join us for Camp Royal, now with more classes than ever before for K-6 youth! Art, sports, science and technology, LEGOs®, cooking, robotics, pottery, crafts, digital skills, academics, and more. Make this the best summer ever at Camp Royal! Register today! HopkinsSummer.org • 952-998-4070
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Graduated with Honors NHS Graduate Scholars Graduated with Distinction Received a Bilingual Seal National Merit Commended National Merit Finalist
Countries Represented: 29
with people who are different from her and learn from them at the same time. She is fluent in Spanish and uses this skill to help others. While on a student trip, she encountered a Spanish-speaking woman in an airport who lost her wallet. Stillman was determined to help and accompanied the woman throughout the airport, retracing her steps with her and translating along the way. In the end, the woman found her wallet, and Stillman just made her flight. These experiences are not unusual for Stillman, who said she uses her Spanish almost every day. "I use my Spanish skills in my retail job all the time," she said. "I can stop what I am doing and help a customer who does not speak English. I am thankful we have such a good language program at Hopkins.” Before heading off to college in the fall, Stillman plans to spend most of this summer traveling — first to Cuba as part of a school trip, and later to Europe with a friend. This fall, she will attend the University of Minnesota. Passionate about human rights, she intends to major in political science. However, she would prefer to keep her life-long career aspirations open. “I don’t want to do the same thing forever," she said. "I want to help people, and I see myself doing human rights work.”
HopkinsCommunityEd.org Grades 7-10
Teen Summer Classes
Awesome summer camps and activities for students entering grades 7-10. Make the most of your summer with coding, kung fu, football, chess, rock climbing, fishing, acting, art, orchestra, drivers education, and much more! Register today: HopkinsSummer.org
Superintendent Mhiripiri-Reed Named a Superintendent to Watch
Students Use STEM Skills to Build Canoes
Students tested out the birch bark canoes they made from scratch on June 6.
The boats set sail on June 6 at Shady Oak Beach. Fifth- and sixth-grade students at Alice Smith Elementary took turns navigating the waters in their canoes — that they made from scratch! The students spent four weeks crafting two birch bark canoes from start to finish with the help of St. Paul nonprofit Urban Boatbuilders.
Alice Smith teachers Maggie Lund and Mykenna Yesnes utilized Hopkins’ STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) curriculum to build the canoes. They aligned their lessons around literacy standards and topics covered in math, science, and social and emotional learning. The National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) has named Hopkins Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed a Superintendent to Watch. Mhiripiri-Reed is one of 14 superintendents nationwide to earn the honor and the only superintendent from Minnesota. The award honors superintendents who demonstrate dynamic, fast-paced leadership with strong communication at its core. “Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed leads Hopkins Public Schools with clarity, vision, and a boldness that few can replicate,” said Hopkins School Board Chair Wendy Donovan. “She is warm, caring, and genuine in everything she does. However, nothing she approaches is without the students’ benefit in mind. She is not afraid to be bold in order to achieve her goals. She is set on taking our District from Great to World Class, and I have no doubt she will accomplish her goal.”
“I think it’s been a really rewarding opportunity for the students,” Lund said. “So many of them go in there doing something they’ve never done before, something so hands on ... and I think they’ve been so amazed by their work and then seeing the final outcome of that, so that’s been a really cool opportunity.” The project was made possible with a $12,000 grant from the Hopkins Education Foundation. One of the finished canoes will be auctioned off at this year’s foundation gala. The other canoe will be shared between buildings within the District.
Hopkins Leaders Go Back to the Classroom for Shadow a Student This spring, Hopkins Public Schools principals and administrators went back to the classroom — as students! The leaders spent the day observing school from the perspective of a student as part of the Shadow a Student program.
The Superintendent to Watch award honors superintendents who have fewer than five years of experience and who are on track to be remarkable leaders. Superintendents who earn the award are strong communicators who demonstrate active, visible involvement in their districts. They engage their community in multiple ways and model strong communication for staff. Mhiripiri-Reed is just two years into her superintendent position with Hopkins, yet she has completed an ambitious number of tasks related to communication and engagement. In her first year, she helped pass a three-question referendum, increased community partnerships, created a leadership academy for principals and department leaders, and focused on ways to authentically engage disenfranchised audiences. In the summer of 2018, she launched the Great to World Class campaign and co-created Vision 2031 alongside students, staff, parents, and community members. One thing that sets Mhiripiri-Reed apart from other superintendents is her sincere desire to include student voice in decision making. Last summer, she created a Royal Rep student-leadership program and hired 24 high school students to conduct market research over the summer. On several occasions, she has involved students in staff professional development. She also shadowed three high school students and one kindergarten student as part of the national Shadow a Student program. “Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed has grounded herself close to learning. She is a consistent presence in schools, classrooms, and communities, and she challenges other leaders to do the same,” said Stephanie Herrera, director of principal leadership. “Not every leader thinks immediately of student voice when considering communication; however, Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed places this at the center of her work.” Now entering her third year as superintendent, Mhiripiri-Reed is focused on advancing Vision 2031, a vision of innovation centered around the belief that every child deserves a brilliant future. NSPRA will present Mhiripiri-Reed with the Superintendent to Watch award in July at its national conference in Washington, D.C.
The program helps school leaders achieve a deeper understanding of the needs of our students so that they are better equipped to support them. Hopkins leaders were reminded what it's like to be a student through the Shadow a Student program.
"We all know that school leaders have incredibly busy schedules," said Stephanie Herrera, director of principal leadership at Hopkins Public Schools, "but the fact that our leaders recognize the importance of empathizing and learning from our students says a lot about the type of student-centered leaders that we have here in Hopkins!" Hopkins Superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed spent a day as a high school student taking notes in Advanced Placement classes, eating school lunch, and learning to splice beats. She also spent a day with a kindergarten student at Alice Smith Elementary. Glen Lake principal Jeff Radel spent a day at North Junior High where he wrote a persuasive essay, took an algebra test, and participated in physical education. Several other District leaders had similar experiences where they gained powerful observations and insights that will help drive positive change. “As we look at preparing learners to be part of Vision 2031, I want to know how I can help guide and lead the work here at an elementary school to prepare our students to be successful in junior high, and in high school,” said Mark French, principal at Gatewood Elementary. The District is committed to creating student-centered learning experiences. As part of Vision 2031, Hopkins is increasing student engagement and creating learning opportunities led by students. Shadow a Student is just one program that informs that goal.
District Life Changer
Linda Wareham
Linda Wareham has held to the same teaching mantra for 37 years at Hopkins Public Schools: “Change the world, one student at a time.” Year after year, she would deliberately choose one student — the one that was hard to love — and help them through the year. “Without fail, she was the one person who would always be in their corner, frame things that happened from their strengths, and help them through,” said Becky Melville, who is now principal at North Junior High, but used to team teach with Wareham at North. Wareham now works in a different role, but she will never forget her 25 years with junior high students, who made her laugh every day. She currently serves as the coordinator of information systems at the District office, where she has helped launch and support an electronic communication system and two websites. Even with all the hats she has worn and buildings she has worked in, she’s probably best known for her voice — the one you hear when you receive the morning phone call to let you know school has been canceled or delayed. “The love I got for that small part of my job was fun,” Wareham said. “It included a seventh-grade student I’d never met before running across the room and hugging me because he recognized my voice. Oh, junior high kids — gotta love ‘em!” What was a proud moment you had while working with a student? I’m proud of the teaching we did in social studies, particularly civics. We were nonpartisan, teaching all sides so that students could make their own opinions on the issues we covered. One of my proudest moments was when a conservative state politician requested that his second son be in my class several years after I’d taught his first son. We certainly didn’t see eye-to-eye on most issues, but his request validated my teaching. Crowning achievement? It’s funny, but the thing I’ll probably be remembered for is being “the voice” on that morning phone call cancelling school because of weather. What are your thoughts as you look back on 37 years at Hopkins? I was lucky to land in Hopkins back in 1981. I was lucky to have amazing principals and supervisors who encouraged me to stretch myself and offered me opportunities to grow as a professional. They changed my life so I could do the same for others. Stats: • Bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College; master’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota; certificate in teaching and technology from Hamline University. • Wareham has also served in a number of roles within the District throughout her career including: teacher, coach, building athletic director, department chair, master scheduler, para, and attendance clerk.
Community Spirit Cassie Buffalohead
When Cassie Buffalohead grew up in the Hopkins school district, there were no programs available for Native American students specifically. That’s why, when she had a chance to get in on creating the Hopkins American Indian Education program two years ago, she jumped in — feet first. “I wanted to help build the program so that the indigenous children in the Hopkins Schools would have access to culturally specific activities and opportunities,” Buffalohead said. She now volunteers on the parent committee of the Hopkins American Indian Education program. She credits her daughter as a big reason for wanting to volunteer, but she also does it for all the other students in Hopkins. Native students in Minnesota have high drop-out rates, and Buffalohead wants to do whatever she can to support those students. Your proudest moment volunteering? I think the most rewarding moment volunteering would be this year at our celebration event. We honored all the students for their hard work during the school year, and the seniors who are graduating. Who has influenced you the most? There were three specific teachers at Hopkins High School that really made it possible for me to get through school, and beyond. Shout out to Moira Scholz, Kevin Kahle, and Jared Nuness! I volunteer because … When I was a student, there was not a program like this for Native students, and I know how successful Indian Education programs are in other districts. It makes a huge impact.
Where Are They Going?
Isaac Gotlieb: 2019 graduate
Post-graduation plans: Attend Harvard University, major in biology, and eventually apply for medical school.
fun facts Isaac Gotlieb worked hard to get into Boston’s Harvard University. When he wasn’t working at Starbucks or attending his synagogue, he took music classes through the University of Minnesota. When choosing a city to go to school, music became a factor. Boston allows Gotlieb to continue to express his passion for creating music — all while studying to be a doctor. Who is your favorite teacher and why? April Felt and John Sammler. Ms. Felt is the kindest and most compassionate person I have ever met. Every student feels so connected and comfortable with her. Mr. Sammler inspires us to be activists. He is a fun person, and he makes learning enjoyable. What person has inspired you most? My parents. Both of them, at different times, taught me to work hard and always put people first in whatever profession I choose, and remember that I am giving a service to the community. What is your favorite school lunch? Burrito Bar is really good. I’m a vegetarian, so it’s a strong option.
Hopkins graduates set to embark on a new journey toward the future. Deb Chepkemoi: 2019 graduate Leah Stillman: 2019 graduate Post-graduation plans: Pursue an entrepreneurship with an IT company and take online classes through community college.
fun facts Deb Chepkemoi was born in Kenya and immigrated to the United States in 2008. She moved to the Hopkins District in eighth grade, attending North Junior High. She has found her stride in activities like rugby, theatre, and HHS Responds. “I like to do things slightly out of the ordinary,” Chepkemoi said. “Those clubs represent me in terms of body, mind, and spirit." What kinds of skills do you think you might need to succeed? Assertiveness and decisiveness. What person has inspired you most? My mother. She always finds a way to look at the bright side. She is a strong person and watching her strength has inspired me. What is your favorite class and why? It is between English and history. Both classes have helped challenge my views and have taught me more about myself and other people.
Post-graduation plans: Study at the University of MinnesotaTwin Cities in the fall and major in political science.
fun facts From interning with the Hopkins One Voice Coalition to participating on the myHealth youth advisory board, Leah Stillman has developed skills in the areas of wellness and mental health. She was also a leader in the Royals United group which launched a mental health awareness campaign. Even in her spare time, she is helping others destress as a yoga teacher. Who is your favorite teacher and why? Mr. Owen. He is one of my Spanish teachers. I learned the language and grammar of Spanish in his class, but I also learned about culture and heritage. He makes every student a global student through his lessons. What kinds of skills do you think you might need to succeed? An open mind. What was your favorite class and why? Spanish. I love learning other languages and cultures. Learning Spanish has been influential to me; I speak it all the time, especially at my job. I am thankful we have such a good program in Hopkins. Update Summer 2019
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Summer Events Hopkins Kaleidoscope Preschool has space available! – Enroll your 3- to 5-year-old child in our half-day Kaleidoscope Preschool. Extendedday options are available up to a full day at select sites. Call 952-988-5004 or email Kathy.Willett@HopkinsSchools.org. Take summer GED Prep and ESL classes – Adult Options in Education offers classes during the summer! Visit AdultOptions.org or call 952-988-5343 for details. Fall ECFE Parent/Child classes – Register now for fun and learning with your little one this fall at Hopkins ECFE! Visit HopkinsSchools.org/early to view fall classes and enroll today.
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First Day of School – It’ll be here before you know it! Tuesday, September 3: Grades 1-7, 10 (and all new students) Wednesday, September 4: Kindergarten, grades 8, 9, 11, 12 Vehicle Fair – Join us for the free Open House and Vehicle Fair! Friday, September 6, 5:30-7 p.m. Harley Hopkins Family Center, 125 Monroe Ave. S., Hopkins 2019 Rock-n-Royal Block Party – Celebrate the beginning of another school year at the HEF Rock-n-Royal party and street dance! Saturday, September 7, 6:30-11:30 p.m. Tickets: HopkinsEducationFoundation.org.
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Free Summer Meals for Youth! Kids 18 and younger eat free this summer
Quality meals from Hopkins Public Schools don’t stop over the summer. Summer meals are served at Alice Smith, Eisenhower, and Gatewood elementary schools, as well as Hopkins High School. We also hit the road with the Hopkins food truck to Maetzold Field, Hopkins Public Library, Burnes Park, and Valley Park for more lunch action!
HopkinsSchools.org/SummerMeals
Hopkins Welcomes New Director of Community Education and Engagement Alex Fisher is the new director of community education and engagement for Hopkins Public Schools. Fisher is an authentically inclusive leader with a strong desire to serve the Hopkins Schools community. He has worked with K-12 students, adult learners, and families for nearly 25 years in Minnesota, Washington, and California. "Mr. Fisher brings many wonderful skills and qualities including instructional expertise, a student focus, a commitment to equity, and creative problem-solving approaches to community education and engagement," said Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools. Fisher most recently served as the manager of Adult Basic Education for Roseville Area Schools, a position he held for two years. Prior to Roseville, he worked for Hopkins Public Schools for nine years in multiple roles. He is passionate about Hopkins and eager to be part of Vision 2031. "I am so excited to return to Hopkins to engage families and communities in creating an inclusive and truly world-class community education," said Fisher. Fisher has a bachelor's degree in Spanish and psychology from the University of Minnesota, and a master's in education from the University of San Francisco. He also has a principal and community education licensure.
Construction Complete at Meadowbrook Elementary This spring, Meadowbrook Elementary completed the construction on its fourthand fifth-grade wing. The project included nine new classrooms, a break out space just off the cafeteria, flexible learning spaces, a loading dock, and bathrooms. Each of the classrooms has an interactive projector and flexible furniture. The heating system has also been upgraded to a more efficient floor-heating model. This project was funded by a bond referendum, which was overwhelmingly approved by the community in the fall of 2017. Meadowbrook Principal Dr. Greta Evans-Becker plans to have an open house in the fall so the community can experience the spaces. “Thank you for voting yes,” she said. “These new spaces are wonderful learning environments for our students, and the space was needed!” The bond referendum also included renovation and expansion projects at Hopkins High School, North Junior High, West Junior High, and Glen Lake Elementary.