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Chinese Immersion Information Fair
Update Hopkins Public Schools
The community’s guide to the District. XinXing Academy draws a global crowd
November 2016
Considering enrolling your child in Hopkins’ XinXing Chinese immersion program? Join us at our Immersion Fair! Thursday, Nov. 10, 6-8 p.m. Eisenhower Elementary Media Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins
com m u ni t y Once Upon a Mattress: A Royal Production
ECFE Family Stay and Play
Hopkins High School Royal Productions presents Once Upon a Mattress! Nov. 10-11, 7 p.m. Nov. 12, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 14, 2 p.m. Hopkins High School, 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Minnetonka
Participate in a special playtime with your little one in this parentchild class starting on Nov. 28! Mondays, Nov. 28-Jan. 9, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
hhstheater.org
Harley Hopkins Family Center Register: 952-988-5000 HopkinsSchools.org/early
In a Class of Their Own
ALM class allows the District’s most exceptional junior high students to discover their own paths XinXing Academy welcomed researchers, educators, and administrators from all over the world on Oct. 19. The visitors were in Minneapolis for the International Conference of Immersion and Dual Language Education. XinXing was chosen as a model Chinese immersion program by the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition. Those who attended received classroom tours at all grade levels, listened to a presentation about the media center, and participated in a Q&A session.
Al Nuness inducted into U of M hall of fame
Around Hopkins High School, supervisory paraprofessional Al Nuness is a familiar face. But outside of the school, he’s also well known for his contribution to collegiate basketball. The sport is a lifelong passion of his, and for that he was inducted into the University of Minnesota Athletics Hall of Fame. Nuness was one of 11 inductees honored at a ceremony at TCF Bank Stadium Thursday, Oct. 20. As a Gopher, he was a two-time All star Big Ten player and served as the basketball team’s captain. After college, Nuness was hired on as the first African American fulltime coach.
Regina Johnson’s job is to make life a little tougher for her junior high students. She is one of two Gifted and Talented teachers who teach the ALM (Autonomous Learner Model) class, which is offered to the top-achieving seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-grade students. “I set the bar really high,” Johnson said. “A lot of my students are used to doing well in school, and my job is to push them to their highest potential.” Between North Junior High and West Junior High, about 230 students qualify for ALM by demonstrating that they are in the 95th percentile in the nation in reading and math. There has been a slight uptick in enrollment as XinXing Academy students enter junior high because immersion students test into gifted classes at a higher rate. Also on the rise are “twice exceptional” students, or students who are on the autism spectrum but also qualify for Gifted and Talented services. Despite their academic abilities, seventh-graders can be hesitant about joining ALM. For starters, it’s hard. Really hard. Both Johnson, who teaches at West, and her counterpart at North, Kristin Lee, make sure of that. But it’s not just the increased rigor that is intimidating. The goal of the class is to push students outside of their comfort zones at a time when they are craving experiences that help them fit in.
ALM students at West Junior High provide feedback on a peer’s presentation.
engineering, humanities, passion projects, student seminars, and a ninth-grade service project. These units help students understand themselves, their roles, and the impact they can have on the world. In every assignment, students are asked to carve out an academically unique path by thinking critically. By the time they reach ninth-grade, ALM students are well-versed in independent learning.
Although the emphasis is on self-led learning, there are also group projects, but even in these settings, students are required to find unique solutions to problems. Last year, North students worked in small groups to create life-sized canoes made of unconventional materials that could hold two students. The canoes were then My favorite thing raced across the North pool. Regardless if the boats floated or sank, students were able to about being an ALM experience and learn from the success or failure of their engineering. teacher is watching
Research project At the end of the year, all ALM students participate in an in-depth research project year to year into that requires them to pick a topic they are autonomous learners. passionate about, come up with a question, and find a mentor in the field to help shape They can do amazing their conclusions. Both Johnson and Lee continue to be amazed by what their students things! A place to just be are able to create. Last year’s crop of projects At the junior high level especially, it’s included a documentary on what it’s like to be autistic, a important for gifted students to have a place where they presentation on the different methods for controlling can interact with like-minded peers. ALM was created type 1 diabetes, and what the government can do to keep more than 30 years ago to be that space for students. ocean coral healthy. Rather than pulling them out of other classes, ALM creates
students grow from
a community that is embedded into students’ schedules. This is crucial because junior high students have different social and emotional needs than younger or older students. They can understand global events, like the crisis in Syria, but they don’t always have the skills to process those events emotionally. In the ALM class, students have these conversations with others who understand them. “This is a place where students can be comfortable with who they are, at a time when it’s really hard to be comfortable,” said Johnson. “This is a place where they can be themselves.” Learning through trial and error The ALM class is broken into a variety of units including
“My favorite thing about being an ALM teacher is watching students grow from year to year into autonomous learners,” said Lee. “They can do amazing things!” Part of the allure of the research project is that students are able to choose a topic that they have a personal connection to and present their research however they like. In the past, students have presented their findings with art, multimedia, an essay, or even a play. Gifted and Talented at the secondary level Not every student will have the opportunity to participate in ALM. As a prerequisite, students must demonstrate that they are in the 95th percentile in reading and math. This see In a Class of Their Own on pg. 2
Hopkins High School Gets ‘Silly’ for Musical, ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ A timeless tale of a prince and princess, an evil queen, and eager sidekicks, the comedic performance of “Once Upon a Mattress” is Hopkins High School Royal Productions’ fall musical. A spoof of the literary fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea,” the show is a musical delight that tells the unlikely story of Prince Dauntless and Princess Winnifred as they try to relinquish the kingdom from the evil reign of Queen Aggravain. The performance includes waves of songs from the hilarious and raucous to romantic
and melodic. This spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship is sure to reveal sidesplitting shenanigans. Put together by over 80 students — ninththrough 12th-grade — and directed by Natalie Foster, “Once Upon a Mattress” is a collaboration of many talents. “It is a fun, silly, high-energy show that is suitable for all audiences,” Foster said. “The fantasy of this show, as well as the great energy it projects, will make it enjoyable for kindergartners through our senior citizen patrons.” Since the beginning of the school year, students have been hard at work practicing lines, learning dance routines, and getting into the medieval spirit. Foster said the after-school rehearsals have taught students time management, musicality, memorization, sequencing, and dance skills. “The dedication from each student involved, as well as our staff, continues to impress me,”
Foster said. “Our students are welcoming and committed to making this experience valuable and meaningful for all involved.” If you go “Once Upon a Mattress” show dates are Nov. 10 and 11 at 7 p.m., Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 14 at the Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. For more information about the play and to purchase tickets, visit www.hhstheater.org.
In a Class of Their Own, continued from page 1 in place to encourage high potential students to take advanced courses.
North Junior High students race their canoes made from unconventional materials across the pool.
is typically accomplished through standardized testing or, less commonly, by teacher referral. ALM is one of the more exclusive programs within the Hopkins Gifted and Talented program, but there are many ways a student can participate in higher levels of rigor at the secondary level. Junior high students are able to participate in at least one FLEX course a year, which allows them to self-select into a higher level of rigor. These experiences help students feel more confident enrolling in the many advanced level courses available at the high school. In fact, all honors and Advanced Placement classes are open to every student, as are most College in the Schools courses. In addition, programs like AVID are
Hopkins Community Education
Over 1,000 students are enrolled in the Hopkins elementary Gifted and Talented program, which includes accelerated math, STEM projects, and language arts. However, the District would like to see that number be even higher, particularly among students of color and those who qualify for Free and Reduced Price Lunch. To reach this goal, last year the District started a Young Scholars program at two of its schools — Meadowbrook Elementary and Eisenhower Elementary. “Across the nation, there is a lack of diversity in Gifted and Talented programming,” said Michelle Hetland, a Gifted and Talented teacher at Meadowbrook Elementary. “We need to remedy that.” The program intentionally looks for students who have high potential and who are capable of performing a grade level above their peers. Students participate in the same curriculum as traditional Gifted and Talented students.
increased opportunity to enter even more gifted classrooms,” said Scott Stillman who teaches Gifted and Talented at Eisenhower Elementary.
Gifted and Talented
by the Numbers 1,059 students are enrolled in the elementary Gifted and Talented program. 9 full-time Gifted and Talented coordinators (one for each building). 230 junior high students qualify for ALM by demonstrating they are in the top 95th percentile for math and reading.
At the High School:
23 Advanced Placement classes, open to all
students; 7 College in the Schools courses, and 9 Honors courses.
128 students earned some level of recognition as AP scholars. 7 of those students also earned the high honor of National AP Scholar Award. 69% of AP exams taken by Hopkins students
“We want to catch them early and expose them to higher-level thinking skills, so they have an
during 2016 earned college credit.
Building a great place to live
Adult Enrichment
DIY Holiday Gifts! Picture luscious truffles, classic candies, delicate ethnic cookies, sugar scrub cubes, craft jars, mosaic glass art, and more — hand-made by you. Create something amazing for someone on your gift list at Hopkins Community Education.
Visit HopkinsCommunityEd.org and start creating!
HopkinsCommunityEd.org
Family Swim
Saturdays!
Join us on Saturdays for a season of fun family swimming at the Eisenhower Community Center pool! Only $10 per session for the whole family to swim!
Saturdays, Oct. 29-Dec. 17 1-3 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins
West Junior High Student Earns Perfect Score in Reading on ACT Sylvia Greenwood did not know what to expect when she took the ACT. She chose not to study beforehand because there would be plenty of opportunities to take it again; after all, she was only in seventh-grade. A few weeks later, Northwestern University contacted her to let her know she was among an elite group of students who earned a perfect score of 36 in reading and an overall composite Seventh-grader Sylvia Greenwood. score of 27. Everyone, including her Gifted and Talented teacher, was astounded. “It’s very unusual for a junior high student to score a 27, and even more rare to see a perfect score in a subject,” said Regina Johnson, Gifted and Talented teacher at West Junior High. Greenwood was one of three seventh-graders in the Midwest to earn a perfect score in one of the subjects. In early September, she was recognized at Northwestern University’s Midwest Academic Talent Search in Chicago, along with about 400 students who also achieved high scores. Greenwood calls Hopkins her home. She has spent her entire academic experience here, starting in the Gifted and Talented program at Gatewood Elementary in kindergarten and continuing on through sixth-grade.
Glen Lake Walk-a-Thon Success, Principal Radel Sleeps on Roof It started as a friendly wager. Glen Lake Principal Jeff Radel agreed to sleep on the roof if his students could beat the $20,000 Walk-a-Thon fundraising goal. Challenge accepted. For the record, the students shattered the goal and raised over $30,000 during the Oct. 7 Walk-a-Thon. Principal Radel, true to his word, camped on the roof over night Glen Lake Principal Jeff Radel on the roof. Oct. 13, and greeted students as they came to school Friday morning. “I am amazed and extremely pleased to see the incredible support that families gave to this fundraiser,” Radel said. “For our students to raise over $30,000 is unbelievable to me, and it shows the deep commitment our families have for our school.” The money raised during the annual Walk-a-Thon will be used on projects benefiting all students at the school. For example, Radel said one item he can’t wait to get updated is the media center. Dubbed the “Information Classroom,” the room will receive new moveable tables to allow students to learn better in groups. A large floor space for “learning activities that involve movement or floor seating” will also be created.
128 Hopkins Students Earn AP Scholar Awards This year, 128 Hopkins students earned AP Scholar Honors from the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college level Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Because these tests were taken last spring, 77 students have graduated and moved on to their postsecondary plans. Fifty-one are current juniors or seniors. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on the number of exams taken and scores received. The AP program offers students the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP exams. There are several categories of AP Awards including AP Scholar (score of 3 or higher on three exams), AP Scholar with Honors (score of 3.25 or higher on three exams), AP Scholars with Distinction (average score of 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and score 3 or higher on five or more exams), and National AP Scholar (average score of at least 4 on all AP exams and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams). 45 Hopkins students qualified for AP Scholar Awards. 31 are current students.
128
30 Hopkins students qualified for AP Scholar with Honors. 14 are current students. 46 Hopkins students qualified for AP Scholar with Distinction. 5 are current students. 7 Hopkins students qualified for National AP Scholar. 1 is a current student.
North Junior High Student Places First at State Fair When North Junior High eighthgrader Felix Fettig talks about native vegetation, reptiles, or anything environmental, his face lights up. His passion for conserving the natural beauty of Minnesota is evident in his work with wildlife gardening, a venture that won him first-place honors this summer at the Minnesota State Fair. What started as a project for his Gifted and Talented ALM (Autonomous Learner Model) class has blossomed into an awardwinning hobby taking up much of his parents’ backyard. Blue ribbon winner Felix Fettig.
“Wildlife gardening is so important for the environment because native vegetation has an impact on everything,” he explained. After presenting the project to his class, Fettig entered it into the K-12 division of the technology education category at the Minnesota State Fair. On the first day of the fair, Fettig and his family saw the coveted blue first-place ribbon on his project. “Felix is very passionate about learning how to help the pollinators, increase biodiversity, and keep balance in nature,” North Junior High ALM teacher Kristin Lee said. “He has applied this knowledge to his own backyard and shares this information whenever he is given an opportunity. I’m so proud of Felix.” To view Felix’s project and website visit www.HopkinsSchools.org.
District Life Changer
Susan J.P. Gruidl
Susan J.P. Gruidl has spent the last 25 years shaping the lives of countless gifted students. But for the past three years, Gruidl has served as the coordinator for the K-12 Gifted and Talented program where she ensures students are achieving their highest potential. Gruidl has a lifelong history with Hopkins and grew up attending Harley Hopkins. Her love of learning was sparked at an early age, and she began pursuing a career path in the education field. Through her education at the University of Minnesota and the University of St. Thomas, Gruidl equipped herself with the skills necessary to guide today’s most gifted students. Alongside her colleagues, Gruidl is instrumental in implementing relevant curriculum, creating professional development opportunities for staff, and managing a cohesive education model to support gifted students. “Susan is able to see the big picture of our educational system while navigating the complexities involved with meeting the needs of gifted learners,” said Scott Stillman, Eisenhower Elementary Gifted and Talented teacher. “As a professional peer, she respectfully empowers us to make choices that are in the best interest of students and families.” Background: Gruidl’s history with Hopkins Public Schools began when she was in grade school at Harley Hopkins. She attended through sixth-grade. As an adult she went on to studentteach at Meadowbrook Elementary. Her love of the District remained strong throughout her substitute teaching days at all elementary buildings. She was hired part-time at Tanglen Elementary before taking a full-time position teaching fourth- and fifth-grade, and Gifted and Talented students. What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? As a student in Hopkins, I had dedicated, passionate teachers, which inspired me to become a teacher. It was exciting to see two of them still teaching when I got hired (Carol Carr and Linda Naley). I was able to learn from them early on in my teaching career. Proudest moment? “I am proud of the accelerated math program at the elementary level starting in grade 4. This idea started at Tanglen Elementary out of student need to formally accelerate a group of students in math at an earlier age, and now it is consistent across the District.” Teaching philosophy? “Seek excellence, not perfection.” Stats: • Bachelor’s degree in child psychology from the University of Minnesota; Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from University of St. Thomas; Administrative degree/principal licensure from the University of Minnesota; and currently working on her superintendent license at the University of Minnesota. Gruidl has been the coordinator for Hopkins’ Gifted and Talented program for the last three years, but has a 25-year history as an educator with the District.
Where are they now? Emily (Pryor) Winton: 1999 graduate Stats: Associate General Counsel at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics • Bachelor of Arts, Wellesley College; Jurors Doctorate, University of Minnesota Law School fun facts Hopkins High School helped build a strong academic foundation for Emily Winton, who went on to graduate from the prestigious Wellesley College followed by the University of Minnesota Law School. Her love of history and debate were fostered throughout her coursework as a Royal. Now, she’s a devoted health care attorney and spends much of her time with her husband, three young children, and family dog. Favorite hangout spot during Hopkins High School? I have a lot of happy memories of time spent at the Eisenhower Community Center theater. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Jenny Cook and Carrie Lucking were my AP U.S. and European history teachers, debate coaches, and powerful female role models for me as a debater and future professional. How did Hopkins prepare you? Since graduation, I’ve come to realize that the diversity I found among Hopkins students has been a huge asset to me.
Community Spirit Sasha Hausman
Hopkins High School senior Sasha Hausman spends her summers inside the classroom. The 17-year-old volunteers with Hopkins’ Camp Royal, a premier summer camp offering activities for area kids. Whether teaching kids a new life skill or learning a fun game, her passion for uplifting others is evident in her interactions with campers. Hausman came to Hopkins in seventh-grade after wanting to be more involved with her community. Proudest moment volunteering: This past summer, I helped out with the Camp Royal Junior Detectives class. I loved watching the kids get so excited when they would solve the mysteries on their own. What person has influenced you most? My brother, Caleb, has influenced me the most. He has always shown an extremely strong work ethic. I’ve seen firsthand from him how working hard can get you very far. People would be surprised to learn… I spent two months studying abroad in Israel during my junior year of high school. We learned about Israeli history and then went on trips around the country to places relevant to the time period we were studying. Dogs or cats? I would easily pick dogs over cats any day. I have a St. Bernard, and he’s a big goofball. I volunteer because… I love seeing the faces of people I’ve helped. They are always so thankful of any little thing. They brighten my day while I am hopefully doing the same.
Know someone we should feature on this page? Email Emily.Buss@HopkinsSchools.org
Lindsay (Chall) Matvick: 1999 graduate Stats: Publicity and Trade Marketing Manager at Lerner Publishing Group • Bachelor of Journalism, University of Missouri fun facts Lindsay Matvick has a passion for reading. Throughout her days as a Royal, the daughter of former Hopkins High School principal Ron Chall was perfecting her authorship skills. Now a mother of three and working at a company that publishes children’s books, Matvick is ensuring that her love of literature is shared with everyone. Favorite hangout spot during Hopkins High School? The Mall or Ramon Reina’s office. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Ramon Reina, Mr. Sateren, and Mr. Shoger made lifelong impressions on me and helped build my confidence. All three were amazing, and I admire them to this day! How did Hopkins prepare you? Hopkins High School made me a well-rounded individual by providing amazing opportunities through academics, athletics, arts, and postsecondary options. However, the most important part of my high school experience is the friends I met at Hopkins who are still in my life today and for years to come.
Stephanie (Johnson) Mallak: 1999 graduate Stats: Registered Nurse in NICU at Children’s Hospital Minnesota • Bachelor of American Sign Language interpretation, College of St. Catherine; Bachelor of Nursing, Chamberlain College fun facts Stephanie Mallak has devoted much of her life to helping others, a trait she said she learned while attending Hopkins High School. She has taken important life lessons out of the classroom and incorporated them into her daily life as a nurse. Now a mother of three, foster mother to many more, and animal herder of 17 chickens, Mallak’s goal is to continue her legacy of giving back. Favorite hangout spot during Hopkins High School? Under the stairs! What Hopkins teacher made a difference? I frequently think about Mr. Bosacker. He was my anatomy and physiology teacher. He had a sarcastic sense of humor, but he also cared about us, all while making the class fun! How did Hopkins prepare you? I learned better organizational and time management skills. There was always, always an opportunity for guidance and growth in the direction you chose! Update November 2016
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 161 Hopkins, MN 55343
November Events Fall Fiber Festival - Spinning and knitting demos, vendors, and more. Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins
1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305 www.HopkinsSchools.org 952-988-4000 Time Value
Fall Musical: Once Upon a Mattress Nov. 10-11, 7 p.m.; Nov. 12, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Nov. 14, 2 p.m. Hopkins High School, 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Minnetonka Chinese Immersion Information Fair - Curious about Chinese immersion? Join us to learn about the K-12 Chinese immersion program at Hopkins Public Schools or call 952-988-4300. Thursday, Nov. 10, 6-8 p.m. Eisenhower Elementary Media Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins
Residential Postal Patron ECRWSS
ResourceWest Toy Chest Drive - Your donations are needed now! Donation and registration information: 952-988-3860 or ResourceWest.org JazzMN Orchestra presents New Orleans Night Saturday, Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m. Hopkins High School, 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Minnetonka. Tickets: JazzMN.org District Choir Festival - Enjoy beautiful choral performances. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 7:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Minnetonka
Thinking about a Chinese immersion education for your future kindergartner? Explore the benefits at the K-12 Chinese Immersion Information Fair!
Thursday, Nov. 10, 6-8 p.m.
Get Connected, Stay Connected Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HopkinsPublicSchools
Hopkins Celebrates Unity Day
Chinese Immersion Fair!
Eisenhower Elementary Media Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins
Hopkins High School Homecoming!
The 2016 ROYAL COURT Nhan Le – Homecoming Queen Josh Borkon – Homecoming King Queen Candidates Yeng Lee • Jasmine Dennis King Candidates Cole Polyak • Tylan Beasley Newly-crowned homecoming queen Nhan Le and homecoming king Josh Borkon. Decked out in the color orange, students and staff at Eisenhower and XinXing took this photo to serve as a powerful visual for school unity.
Hopkins schools were blanketed in the color orange on Wednesday, Oct. 19, in celebration of National Unity Day. The color symbolized students’ commitment to unity and inclusiveness. Each school celebrated the day a little differently, but the theme remained the same — Hopkins students stand united against bullying. At Eisenhower and XinXing, the entire school was linked together by an orange paper chain that spanned across each classroom, representing every student’s pledge to be an “Upstander.” Students made a commitment to not participate in bullying and signed their names to the Upstander wall. They also wrote positive messages with chalk on the playground during recess.
Hopkins High School celebrated its homecoming the week of Sept. 19. The Royals showed their spirit all week long with themes of America Monday, Tie Dye Tuesday, Woke Up Like This Wednesday, Tourist Thursday, and Class Colors Friday. At the pep fest on Friday, Nhan Le was named homecoming queen and Josh Borkon was named homecoming king. As an unexpected surprise, new principal Doug Bullinger revealed himself as the man behind the lion mascot costume. Homecoming came complete with its own Twitter hashtag. Search #RoyalsHC16 to relive some of the memories.
Princess/Prince (Juniors) Claire Nash and Ben Herstig Duchess/Duke (Sophomores) Blair Dec and Henry Hughes
Hopkins High School principal revealed himself as Leo, the mascot, at the homecoming pep fest.