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Summer Rocks at Camp Royal for Grades K-6
Update Hopkins Public Schools
The community’s guide to the District. Alice Smith Media Center gets upgrades, colorful mural
June 2016
com m u ni t y 2016 Kindergarten Playground Nights
Register now for Camp Royal half- and full-day camps for kids in grades K-6. Sports, drama, dance, art, pottery, cooking, crafts, technology, engineering, Summer Field Biology, and more! Register: HopkinsSummer.org
Help your child get excited for kindergarten! Explore the playground and meet school staff before the start of school. Contact your child’s school for details, or call 952-988-4110. HopkinsSchools.org/kinder
First Day of School 2016-17
The new school year will be here before you know it! Grades 1-12: First Day: August 29 Kindergarten: First Day: August 30
Saying Goodbye to the Class of 2016 Three Hopkins High School students share their individual stories
Well-known faces from the Hopkins community took in the new sights — and seats — inside the Alice Smith Elementary Media Center May 19 during an open house. The Media Center received a colorful, literature-themed mural, as well as new soft benches to facilitate a more welcoming reading environment. Students were treated to several guest readers who aahed at the new digs. Hopkins Mayor Molly Cummings, Hopkins police officer Jessica Thomas, and Superintendent John Schultz were among the readers.
Hopkins once again named a Silver Medalist school by U.S. News and World Report
Hopkins High School has once again been named one of the best high schools in Minnesota by “U.S. News and World Report.” Hopkins earned a Silver Medalist award and was rated the 25th best high school in the state due to its performance on state assessment tests, including the performance of the leastadvantaged students and its college readiness scores. The AP (Advanced Placement) participation rate at Hopkins High School is 51 percent, which is a 4 percent increase from the previous year ranked.
On June 2, 506 students graduated from Hopkins High School. Each of these students has a story worth telling. We profiled three students — Jose Avalos, Emma Roth, and Asia Snetter — who have each walked a unique path to success. We wish them, and the entire class of 2016, all the best as they prepare for their exciting next steps. Jose Avalos: Trail-blazing a path to success If you had asked Jose Avalos five years ago what he would be doing during his senior year, he would have guessed that he would be taking slacker classes and doing the senior slide. That was the path he was on in seventhgrade when he took Spanish 1 for an easy A — an easy A because his parents spoke Spanish at home and he was fluent. But then something happened. Avalos met Spanish teacher Erik Thompson, who convinced him to enroll in Juntos, a rigorous Spanish immersion secondary program. “I have never seen a teacher care so much for his students,” said Avalos of Thompson. “He got me out of this lost state I was in, and I started moving towards a better me.” In Juntos, Avalos not only learned advanced Spanish, but also about the cultures of several Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico and Spain. Being part of Juntos also convinced him he was capable of taking other advanced classes. In ninth-grade he doubled up in math, allowing him to take AP calculus and AP physics in high school. He also joined the robotics team. One of his proudest moments was watching his robot move across the course at a local competition. “It’s every kid’s dream to build a robot and make it move,” he explained.
After enrolling in the rigorous Spanish immersion program Juntos, Jose Avalos saw himself as capable and started taking other advanced classes.
In the fall, Avalos will attend Hennepin Technical College to complete his generals. He then plans to transfer to a four-year college, possibly the University of WisconsinStout. He does not know what he will miss about high school yet; he has to leave first to figure that out. He has enjoyed being part of a student body that is diverse and learning about life from people who are very different from him.
You’ll never get this experience anywhere else. Being diverse means that there are people who think differently from you. We all have a different story and we should appreciate that.
Throughout junior high and high school, Avalos was involved in many activities. He ran track, and played soccer and baseball, and of course, he was involved in robotics. His senior year, he started a new adventure through Genesys Works, a program that pairs students with work experiences in their senior year of high school. For half the school day, Avalos was a paid web designer at Cargill in Hopkins, something he had no idea how to do before this work opportunity. “My experience has been amazing,” he said. “I have learned and grown. You have to reach out in corporate settings. People don’t come to you and they don’t carry you around.”
“You’ll never get this experience anywhere else,” he said. “Being diverse means that there are people who think differently from you. We all have a different story and we should appreciate that.” Emma Roth: Well-rounded education Emma Roth is a lot of things. She is a lifeguard, captain of the golf team, a tennis player, a violist, an AP Scholar, and a dancer, just to name a few. She has enjoyed being part of a high school that allowed her to explore her many interests without putting her in a box. She is also a realist who values experience over perfectionism.
“High school has shown me that there are many definitions of success,” she said. “Perseverance is most important. I see the value in working together with other people. I am interested in collaboration and working in groups.” Although Roth was involved in many activities, two themes emerged throughout her high school years: science and culture. She was involved in ZUMA, a high school club her friend started that brings people from different cultures together to discuss race relations. She speaks fluent Spanish, and although she looks more Irish than Mexican, she is actually a quarter both. “It’s really cool to learn about other cultures,” she explained. “My grandma speaks Spanish fluently. Knowing the language connects me to her.” see Hopkins graduates inside
Hopkins graduates, continued from cover Roth is equally as passionate about her College in the Schools anatomy and physiology class, which she describes as both mentally and academically challenging, and also her most interesting class. It has helped affirm her potential path in medicine.
Emma Roth is considering a career in medicine thanks to her College in the Schools anatomy and physiology class.
“I want to have a career that challenges me,” she said. “Something in the medical field.”
When Snetter thinks about these teachers, one in particular stands out — Ms. Heimlich, her senior-year AVID teacher. AVID is a program designed for students whose potential does not always reflect their performance. Snetter first met Heimlich the year before when she took her first AP class. It did not go well, and she received a less than favorable grade. She made the assumption that most kids do when their teachers hold them accountable: she assumed that teacher did not like her. This could not be further from the truth, and Heimlich became the one person she could trust and talk to when things got hard.
Class of 2016: By the Numbers
506 Number of Students Who Graduated
“At first I did not like her, but then she became my biggest advocate,” said Snetter. “She helped me stay on track to graduate. If I did not have her, I don’t know if I would have graduated high school.”
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“The world is diverse, and our high school is our world on a smaller level” she said. “I am not going to be surprised when I go out and get a job and people don’t look like me.” Asia Snetter: Find someone who supports you Asia Snetter is the first to admit that she has not done everything right during her three years of high school. At times, she did not believe in herself, she quit activities she enjoyed, and she has had some behavioral problems. But even if she could go back and unmake these mistakes, she wouldn’t because they ended up teaching her the most important lessons. Somewhere between her junior and senior year, she decided to make different choices. Through it all, Hopkins High School, which she describes as one big support system, was vested in her success. Her teachers believed in her, and eventually she started to believe in herself.
After graduation, Snetter won’t have too much time to reflect on high school. She leaves for basic training 28 days later. The Army appeals to her like her cheer team. It’s a supportive family that will provide her with structure, confidence, and resources. She will spend 18 weeks in basic training, working in the human resources division of the Army. She will then transfer to college in Asia Snetter describes her high school as one big support system. the spring, possibly
Hopkins Community Education
Building a great place to live
Hop-Kids Summer!
Play & learn activities for ages 3-5 Sign up now for super fun classes for your little one. Art, sports, dance, T-ball, crafts, science, playground games, music exploration, and more!
Registration open: Hop-Kids.org
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Graduating with Distinction Graduating with Departmental Honors Graduating with Honors
State Championships Boys basketball (Class 4A) Boys cross country (Class 2A)
“When I got an A in that class, I knew that I could do anything; the only thing that was stopping me was myself.” Snetter was involved in many activities throughout high school, but her passion was cheerleading, which was another one of her support systems. This year she became captain, and a girl others on the team looked up to.
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National Merit Finalists/Semifinalists
One of her proudest high school moments was Not only did Snetter graduate, she did well in when she was named Royal of the Month, an her classes. One of her proudest high school accomplishment given to students based on their moments came this year, when she logged into academics and accomplishments. For her, it was Campus and saw that she earned an A in validation that others recognized the hard work (Title)Infinite her honors humanity class. she was putting into school. This fall, Roth will head off to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to study biological sciences and possibly pre-med. Regardless of whether she pursues medical school or not, she plans to get an advanced degree. She would also like to travel, and maybe even live, in a Spanishspeaking country for a period of time.
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Athena Award Winner Claire Benton - Nordic ski team
Apollo Award Winner Amir Coffey - Boys basketball team
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Interesting Facts • The Hopkins mountain bike team finished second overall in the state • The Hopkins girls basketball team finished second overall in Class 4A • 27 student athletes signed letters of intent
North Dakota State University or Indiana University. While she does not know what her future holds, a career in education is more than a possibility. In fact, her family and consumer science teacher has threatened to not retire until Snetter is working as a teacher at Hopkins High School. Snetter is open to this idea, just not in the next five years. She wants to explore the world a bit before returning back to the high school that helped her realize that her potential was limitless.
HopkinsCommunityEd.org Early Childhood
Summer Fun at Hopkins ECFE!
Infants & Parents classes Evening classes start early June.
Toddler & Me Yoga
FREE class: July 14, 6-7:00 p.m.
Fun in the Sun!
Family fun on August 18, 6-7:15 p.m.
HopkinsSchools.org/early
From the Superintendent, John Schultz, Ph.D.
Defining the Hopkins Excellence One of the long-standing goals of public education is to prepare young people for success. Hopkins Public Schools excels at this complicated work. Preparing students requires that we peer into the unknown and build learning experiences that foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Hopkins develops skills and knowledge, so students can be productive in the diverse environments that they will encounter in their futures. First and foremost, we teach young people the reading and mathematics skills necessary to support future learning. These are skills that the Hopkins community expects its students to continually develop from kindergarten to graduation. Our District is also the perfect place for students to challenge themselves and explore their many interests. Our schools give learners the opportunity to develop knowledge in a wide variety of subjects. Technology-infused learning Students work with one another through a prevailing virtual world. Hopkins students are taught how digital devices can be tools for their learning. Students in grades 6-12 have an iPad or Chromebook that they use to expand their learning. Through technology, a student experiences the rapidly changing culture in which they live. They see, under the care of a Hopkins professional, firsthand how technology and knowledge expand and change. A relevant culture Hopkins Public Schools welcomes and honors young people from many cultures. Our student body reflects the broader world. Hopkins students, who come from many different cultures and backgrounds, interact, collaborate, and learn together. The diversity of our student body is a great tool for our learners. The Hopkins excellence is defined by our ability to prepare young people. We are proud that our young people are partners in this pursuit! Sincerely, John W. Shultz Superintendent
AVID Students Celebrate Bright Futures The 2015-16 class of AVID students honor each other and their teachers during annual celebration
Nearly 75 students from Hopkins Public Schools’ AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program celebrated a year of successes May 3, complete with speeches from graduating seniors and recognition of the dedicated teachers. The AVID program at Hopkins is a nationally recognized approach to ensuring all students — especially the least served students in the academic middle — are successful in a rigorous curriculum. “I love hearing the student speeches and seeing the upperclassmen as they approach graduating,” said District AVID Coordinator Erik Thompson. “Seeing and hearing how much students have grown and matured during their time with us in Hopkins and the AVID program is the greatest reward that an educator can ask for.”
Hopkins Public Schools Welcomes Two New Principals This Fall Doug Bullinger will be the principal of Hopkins High School, and Mark French will be the principal of Gatewood Elementary Doug Bullinger is coming to Hopkins from the Mounds View School District, where he has worked since 2011. Four of those years he served as an associate principal of curriculum and instruction at Mounds View High School. His most recent role was the continuous improvement coordinator for the Mounds View District. “Doug Bullinger is committed to keeping Hopkins High School one of the top high schools in Minnesota,” said John Schultz, Doug Bullinger will be the next superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools. “He Hopkins High School principal. will provide strong instructional leadership and build relationships with the high school community.” Bullinger has a significant amount of leadership experience and a proven track record of helping teachers do their very best work. He describes himself as having an equity mindset that has shaped his core beliefs. In Mounds View, he led staff through large-scale change and reforms, and put practices in place to address achievement gaps and improve inequities in student learning. He also has strategized with teacher leaders to create effective and relevant professional development programs. A graduate of Osseo High School, Bullinger has held to his Minnesota roots throughout his career. Prior to Mounds View, he taught science for 10 years — three at Park Center High School and seven at Edina High School. He has been an adjunct professor for the past eight years at Hamline University, University of St. Catherine, and most recently St. Thomas. You can learn more about Bullinger by following him on Twitter @DougBullinger. Mark French has an extensive background in leadership and teaching. He has 19 years of elementary principal experience and 15 years of classroom teacher experience. For over 18 years, he served as principal of Rice Lake Elementary and Oak View Elementary, both in the Osseo Area Schools District. Known for an innovative and caring leadership style, French is able to create a strong and positive school culture. While at Osseo Area Schools, he embraced Mark French will be the next new technology as a communication principal of Gatewood Elementary. and engagement tool, and began actively promoting digital learning and modern classroom experiences through social media and his blog. He firmly believes in role modeling risk-taking and lifelong learning for his staff, and this trait has earned him respect and praise. “Mark’s work has been recognized by not only his present community of learners, but his professional colleagues, as well,” said Nik Lightfoot, assistant superintendent for Hopkins Public Schools. “He brings outstanding knowledge, ability, and presence. He will make an excellent addition to Gatewood and Hopkins Public Schools.” To learn more about French, you can follow him on Twitter @PrincipalFrench or search #89DaysOfSummer, where he plans to share his summer activities and adventures from June 1 to August 28. Full bios of both principals are available on our website: HopkinsSchools.org.
District Life Changer
Pat Douma
Much of Pat Douma’s professional career and personal life has been invested in the well-being of students and staff within Hopkins Public Schools. Her caring attitude, innovative education strategies, and strong leadership have positively shaped the District’s special education department. After 41 years of service to Hopkins, Douma is retiring and leaving a lasting legacy of kindness. “Pat has forged positive relationships that will allow us to bring more learning opportunities to all early childhood educators,” said Becky Allen, Hopkins staff development coordinator. “She has been a gift to our Hopkins community.”
Douma rose up the ranks through sound leadership and a commitment to students with disabilities, especially those with social, emotional, or mental health issues. Director of Special Services Linda Gardner praised Douma’s ability to stand up for these students and ensure they are afforded opportunities to succeed in social and emotional, as well as academic arenas. “Her great ability to connect with people has truly touched the lives of over 100 teachers and up to 1,000 students each year since she started,” Gardner said. “She has had an incredible impact on the community.” Asserting core values such as integrity, patience, kindness, and general enthusiasm, Douma is a leader with heart and has served Hopkins Public Schools with grace and wisdom. In looking back, Douma said she will always remember the way students inspired her and made her feel great about her job. Background: Douma grew up in Holland, Michigan, where she completed her undergraduate degree at Western Michigan University. Since 1976, Douma has been a critical part of the Hopkins Special Education Department, and has served in leadership positions at North Junior High, Glen Lake, Gatewood, and Tanglen elementary schools, Early Childhood Special Education, Delta Place, and Hennepin County Home School. What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? The commitment to innovation, creativity, and the implementation of cutting edge practices to engage and include all students; the many relationships developed with such outstanding colleagues over the years; and working to develop solutions in a respectful way with the child at the center. Proudest moment? In past decades working on Born Free — a gender equity project — and an AIDS project through community education. I’m also proud of ending my career at Harley Hopkins in Early Childhood Special Education with a team that is highly skilled in working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities. Teaching philosophy? I have sought to inspire staff members to improve their practice and achieve excellence in partnership with their colleagues and the community to assist students in realizing their potential so that they may become as independent as possible and participate in the community in meaningful ways. Stats: • B.A. in special education and elementary education, elementary and emotionally disturbed licensure, Western Michigan University; M.A. in educational leadership, St. Thomas University; Ed.S. degree and special education director and K-12 principal licensure, St. Thomas University
Community Spirit Lexi Tripps
Lexi Tripps is a jack of all volunteering trades within Hopkins Public Schools and the Hopkins community. From coaching swimming for over three decades to visiting those in debilitating situations, Tripps is an outstanding asset in Hopkins. She was instrumental in starting a program that provides life-saving swimming lessons for Somali women and encouraged the Hopkins High School girls swim team to get involved in the program Proudest moment volunteering: My proudest moment is twofold. One, to see all the ladies from Somalia having a wonderful time swimming and doing something they have never done before. It made me feel good to think I could help them enjoy swimming. To add to that, my high school swim team captains gave freely of their time, despite having busy schedules themselves. What person has influenced you most? It’s almost impossible to choose one person who has influenced me the most, but I would probably say my parents, grandparents, and my children. People would be surprised to learn … I lived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo 40 years ago where my daughter was born and my sons learned to play soccer. It was the most beautiful experience of my life. Chocolate or vanilla? I love them both. They are fantastic! I volunteer because … I need to give back, or pay it forward as it is said, because I have been blessed with so much. It is much, much more rewarding to give than to receive.
Where are they going?
Emma Roth: 2016 graduate
Post-graduation plans: Plans to study biological sciences, possibly with a pre-med emphasis, at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
fun facts Senior Emma Roth spent her remaining days as a Royal immersed in the many educational opportunities Hopkins High School had to offer, especially Spanish and science classes. Her diverse perspective on the world, and love of anatomy and physiology, has prepared her for a collegiate career at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Favorite hangout spot during Hopkins High School? The mall. You run into people that you know, and it’s a nice place to meet. What is playing on your iPod right now? Justin Bieber or One Direction. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Mr. Dart, the honors humanities teacher. He connected the readings and assignments to our lives and brought new perspectives to everything. What will you remember most about Hopkins? The diverse group of people and opportunities offered here prepared me for a life outside of high school. I will be prepared when I go out and get a job in the real world.
Hopkins graduates set to embark on a new journey toward the future. Jose Avalos: 2016 graduate Asia Snetter: 2016 graduate Post-graduation plans: Plans to study at Hennepin Technical College to complete generals and transfer to the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
fun facts Senior Jose Avalos says what he will miss most are the diverse opportunities he encountered during his time as a Royal. Asserting his love for philosophy and “the fact that people are thinking differently from me,” Avalos is excited about his collegiate future and having the opportunity to share his evolving story with the world. Favorite hangout spot during Hopkins High School? The cafeteria. What is playing on your iPod right now? Hamilton. It’s a Broadway play about Alexander Hamilton. I also listen to punk and pop. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Because of Señor Thompson, I started taking harder classes. He opened up my mind to so many possibilities, and he cares so much for his students. What will you remember most about Hopkins? Everyone is different, and the school is so diverse. You need to learn how to grow and be able to reciprocate, and come to a consensus that everyone is different. We all have a different story.
Post-graduation plans: Plans to leave for an 18-week basic training in June for AIT (Advanced Individual Training), with a desire to go to college after to study teaching.
fun facts Hopkins senior Asia Snetter is an observant writer who likes to think creatively and has kept a journal most her life. Now, she is penning a different story, one that takes her beyond the halls of Hopkins High School and into the real world. A hardworking student who once struggled in the classroom, Snetter is now very proud of her academic standing and is excited for her future post-Hopkins. Favorite hangout spot during Hopkins High School? Under the staircase of the band department. What is playing on your iPod right now? Everything from Nicki Minaj and Lana Del Rey to Hozier. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Jennifer Heimlich. If I didn’t have her, I don’t know if I would be graduating high school. What will you remember most about Hopkins? The variety of our electives. A lot of our electives are very humanizing. We all talked to each other, and got to know one another. Update June 2016
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Summer Events
Summer Infant & Parent Classes – Hopkins Early Childhood Family Education continues in the summer! Evening classes for parents with infants age birth to 12 months start June 6 and 7. More details: HopkinsSchools.org/early or call 952-988-5000.
1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305 www.HopkinsSchools.org 952-988-4000 Time Value
Take Summer GED Prep and ESL classes – Adult Options in Education offers classes during the summer. Improve your English with free ESL classes. Free GED preparation classes! AdultOptions.org or call 952-988-5343
Residential Postal Patron ECRWSS
Toddler & Me Yoga – Free class for you and your little one! July 14, 6-7:00 p.m. Register: HopkinsSchools.org/early or call 952-988-5000. 2016 Kindergarten Playground Nights are in August – Get excited for 2016 Kindergarten with an event at your child’s school playground. Watch for postcards with dates and times or check your child’s online school calendar. More details: HopkinsSchools.org/schools Fun in the Sun – Super fun outdoor summer event for families with children ages 2-5. $5 per family. August 18, 6-7:15 p.m. Register: HopkinsSchools.org/early or call 952-988-5000
Get Connected, Stay Connected Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HopkinsPublicSchools
Hopkins Public Schools Receives the Minnesota Department of Education School Finance Award
Start your summer adventure! Explore fitness, music, dance, cooking, baking, pottery, fine art, finance, photography, hobbies, wellness, trips, and more. Meet others that share your interests and discover something new! Browse our wide range of adult enrichment classes and sign up today. Register: HopkinsCommunityEd.org • 952-988-4070
High School Program ProPELs Students Through On-the-Job Experiences Hopkins High School seniors accepted into the ProPEL (Professionals Providing Experience for Life) program get a unique, hands-on look into their prospective futures through on-thejob training in career fields of interest. ProPEL students are immersed in the professional world early and graduate with résumé-boosting experiences that put the students ahead of their peers.
Sara Anderson, UMN Masonic Children’s Hospital
ProPEL Stats Hopkins Public Schools received the 2016 Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) School Finance Award for the ninth consecutive year. Hopkins received this prestigious financial reporting honor for its 2015-16 fiscal year financial results. The School Finance Award is awarded annually by the MDE’s Division of School Finance to recognize schools for meeting statutory deadlines for submission of audited fiscal data and reporting criteria. This is the 12 year the MDE has recognized school organizations that exhibit sound fiscal health and financial management policies and procedures. Out of the 563 eligible reporting entities, 409 met the qualifying criteria for the Fiscal Year 2016 School Finance Award. th
• The ProPEL program started at Hopkins High School 8 years ago. • After an intense interview process, about 25 students are accepted to ProPEL for their senior year. • Students must complete 10 interviews with prospective mentors.
Matt Zemlicka, Schneider Electric
Lilly Shapiro, Tad Ware
Kevin Kirk, Sentera
Kamal Baker, General Mills
• ProPEL boasts over 200 partnerships with organizations and businesses in the Twin Cities. • Between 16,000 and 18,000 hours have been logged by students since the program’s inception.