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Chinese Immersion Information Fair
Update Hopkins Public Schools
The community’s guide to the District.
Hopkins Mountain Biking team achieves back-to-back wins
November 2015
Explore XinXing Academy, our Chinese Immersion magnet school. Meet our staff and ask questions about Chinese immersion education. November 17, 6:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Ctr. 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins HopkinsSchools.org/xx
com m u ni t y Spanish & Stem Events for Preschoolers Explore engaging, hands-on Spanish and STEM activities with your child at these free events in November at each Hopkins Elementary school. For preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their parents. See dates and times on back panel. HopkinsSchools.org/STEM
Royal Opportunity Day! Fifth and sixth graders and their parents/guardians — gear up for junior high and high school at this hands-on, informative event. November 14, 8:30 a.m.-noon Hopkins High School 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Minnetonka
#StayRoyal RSVP: HopkinsSchools.org/stayroyal
Juntos All Grown Up Hopkins secondary Spanish immersion program continues to evolve The Juntos Spanish immersion program is growing up and growing into high school, and Spanish teacher Tim Owen has been handed the torch.
It has been a record year for the young Hopkins Mountain Biking Team, now in its third season. The number of members is at an all-time high, the rider diversity is growing, and for the first time in the club’s history backto-back, first-place wins are on the books. The 31-rider, co-ed team netted top placement — the team’s first, first-place finish — at the Oct. 4 race at Gamehaven Reservoir Park in Rochester, and again one week later on Oct. 11 at Cuyuna Lakes Trail in northern Minnesota.
Hopkins Community Education Director Honored
Longtime Hopkins Community Education Director, Katie Williams, was recognized Sept. 29 by the Minnesota Community Education Association as a Regional Community Educator of Excellence. She received the award during the association’s annual conference. Williams represented region 3, which includes much of the western Twin Cities metro. She was one of nine community education professionals recognized during the conference.
Sophomores who have been part of the Juntos track since seventh-grade are now entering the final stretch of their K-12 education ready to take Owen’s Juntos 4 class. Having already completed AP (Advanced Placement) Spanish coursework as freshman, Juntos students are accustomed to rigor, and are ready for the high school. “I am carrying the torch from an extremely successful junior-high program,” said Owen. “I am inheriting a group of students that are passionate, and I am so proud to be part of the Juntos family.”
¡Somos “Juntos!” (We are Juntos!) Juntos 4 students show some Latin spirit. The name “Juntos” means together.
earlier than their peers. Last year’s freshman took AP Spanish Language, and 97 percent of the class earned a score of 3 or above on the spring AP exam. Scores of 4 and 5 are capable of earning college credit. “Juntos students already have a high level of proficiency in Spanish, and are able to dig deeper into any given theme,” said Sohn. “Through Juntos, they will gain bilingualism that will give them an advantage in global job markets.”
A blended secondary Spanish immersion program Juntos is a secondary (7-12) Spanish immersion program for students who are native Spanish speakers or who have completed Juntos is the most an elementary Spanish immersion rewarding program I program. Enrollment comes from heritage Spanish speakers who attend have ever worked on. Hopkins, as well as from students who completed other elementary Creating this blend of immersion programs. To date, Hopkins retains about 85 percent of students is something students who attend the International that we are very proud Spanish Language Academy (ISLA), a K-6 Minnetonka Spanish immersion of. Both groups bring so charter school. The uniqueness of Juntos is the mix of immersion much to the table and students and heritage speakers.
When they enter high school, sophomore and junior Juntos students take CiS curriculum that is adapted to meet their needs. An additional AP Spanish Literature class is being added next year for seniors. The entire Juntos sequence can earn students up to 16 college credits before graduation. Although students don’t typically take CiS coursework until their junior year, Owen has made his CiS course harder for his Juntos sophomores, incorporating more writing, presenting, and rigorous readings. Students who are not part of Juntos come to class with a deep sense of grammar, but they are not comfortable engaging in conversational Spanish.
have so much to learn “Juntos is the most rewarding program I have ever worked on,” “The needs of the students are different,” from each other. said Lisa Sohn, world language said Owen. “Juntos students are extremely coordinator for Hopkins Public comfortable talking in Spanish, while, Schools. “Creating this blend of students is something that for typical Spanish learners, speaking is often the biggest we are very proud of. Both groups bring so much to the challenge.” table and have so much to learn from each other.” Advocating for change At the junior-high level, the Juntos curriculum is wide Last spring, Hopkins administrators advocated on behalf in scope and focused on humanities courses that cover of Juntos sophomores at the Capitol. Because of University a range of topics like geography, culture, and literature, of Minnesota regulations, only junior and senior students while also concentrating on literacy skills and grammar. could take CiS classes, and Juntos students were not able to The sequence includes a science component, which is rare. take Juntos 4, a CiS class, in their first year of high school, Most secondary Spanish immersion programs focus on despite being academically ready for it. social studies. Superintendent John Schultz and Diane Schimelpfenig, the High rigor and high achievement director of teaching and learning at that time, testified at the The model has been incredibly successful with students Capitol in support of bills authored by Rep. Yvonne Selcer taking AP and CiS (College in the Schools) courses a year see Juntos inside
High School BOOST TASC Speaker Series Brings Professions to Life High school is a time of academic exploration, when students often begin to figure out what they want to do post-graduation. Today’s job field poses unique opportunities to high school grads, and it can be a challenge to narrow down careers. That’s where the Hopkins High School’s BOOST TASC Speaker Series comes in.
Now in its second year, the speaker series connects high school students with local professionals in a wide variety of careers. From lawyers and doctors to state Supreme Court justices and Olympic gold medalists, the series is aimed at sparking career interests. “The speaker series is a career-oriented opportunity for students to investigate and focus on the pathways each speaker took from high school to where they are now,” said Rick Rexroth, high school teacher and series coordinator. “The idea is for the kids to see common interests and what their paths could be.” The speakers present during the school’s roughly 40-minute TASC (Teachers and Students Connect) free period, and students can voluntarily attend. Rexroth said he encourages
students to use the time as a way to see different careers from experts in the field. On Oct. 22, students heard from recently elected Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, who is also a Hopkins grad. Last year, Karyn Bye Dietz, a gold medalist on the 1998 USA women’s hockey team, and Barry Anderson, a longtime Minnesota Supreme Court justice, were just a sample of the high caliber of speakers featured.
Secretary of State, Steve Simon, presents to high school students as part of the BOOST TASC Speaker Series.
Last school year, Rexroth said there were upward of 30 students at a number of the presentations. The small setting, he said, presents the opportunity to have more engaging conversations. The long-term intent is to bring the series into classrooms where the curriculum matches the respective speakers. For example, a doctor could visit a health or biology classroom. “I really like the fact that the groups could talk about the paths each speaker took, and some even exchanged emails and met outside of school,” he said. “The kids get that personal connection and a chance to chat one-on-one.”
Foundation, which has agreed to finance the series for a third year. Rexroth said his overall vision for the program is continued momentum. While the BOOST Speaker Series is still in its infancy, Rexroth said it has been a positive inclusion to the school’s curriculum, and through continued support is expected to be a successful year. Next up in the series, students will hear from Rep. Erik Paulsen, who represents the 3rd Congressional district. More information about BOOST TASC can be found online at HopkinsSchools.org.
BOOST is made possible through generous grant funding from the Hopkins Education
Juntos, continued from cover “Our Juntos students, both the heritage learners and those who came from elementary Spanish immersion experiences, were ready for College in the Schools coursework at a younger age,” said Schimelpfenig. “This language change allows us to better meet the instructional needs of our Juntos students throughout their secondary experience.”
A Juntos student works on writing her family story in Spanish, while Owen adjusts the sound levels for the Latin music he plays during class.
and Sen. Terri Bonoff, allowing students to take CiS classes a year earlier. The bills were approved by the Legislature last session.
Hopkins Community Education
Continuing to build strong relationships Teaching Juntos has energized Owen. His commitment to his students, and to providing relevant instruction, is nearly limitless. Last summer, he studied in Guanajuato, Mexico, at the don Quijote Spanish School. For nearly 10 hours a day, he worked with a widelyrespected professor, Pedro Rodríguez Valladeres, who designed university language instruction programming and has a long history working with language institutions in Mexico. Owen developed and tweaked his curriculum, and immersed himself in Mexican culture. He plans to make these trips annual habits.
“I saw my students in the people I would engage with, break bread with, and converse with. I felt privileged to be reminded of what a treasure their homeland is,” he said. Juntos translates to “together,” and it is fitting. Classes have a family spirit, and students are comfortable with each other. One way Owen celebrates this sense of community is by hosting fiestas featuring Latin and American food, and Latino speakers. He is planning more events that bring students together. Whether his students come from Latino or American backgrounds, he wants them to be proud of their heritage. “This is an opportunity for the students to share how deeply proud they are of their family and culture. When they share with each other, they realize they have more in common than not.” Learn more about Juntos Spanish immersion program, visit www.HopkinsSchools.org/juntos.
Building a great place to live
Adult Enrichment
Gifts created by you are the most memorable. Luscious truffles, delicate ethnic or colorful holiday cookies, jewelry, fragrant soaps, holiday cards, felted scarves — hand-make these gifts and more in November at Hopkins Community Education. Go beyond gifts to entertaining, and discover how to host like a pro with Hosting Through the Holidays class.
Visit HopkinsCommunityEd.org and start creating!
HopkinsCommunityEd.org
Early Childhood
Free class!
Yum! Healthy Nutrition in the Early Years Join Children’s Hospital Feeding Clinic Coordinator, Nancy Entgelmeier and explore healthy nutrition for infants and toddlers!
November 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Harley Hopkins Family Center Free, register online: HopkinsCommunityEd.org
Eisenhower Encourages Students to be ‘Upstanders’ by Celebrating National Unity Day
On Oct. 21, Eisenhower Elementary + XinXing Academy was blanketed in the color orange as over 700 students celebrated National Unity Day. The color symbolized the school’s commitment to unity and inclusiveness. It is part of a school-wide, yearlong antibullying initiative. “Unity Day is a day that we all come together to send one large, orange message that we are united against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion,” said Sara Schmidt, assistant principal of Eisenhower + XinXing. “It is a day filled with education, engagement, empowerment, and celebration.” During Unity Day, the school was linked together by an orange chain that spanned across each classroom, representing every student’s pledge to be an “Upstander.” Staff and students, all decked out in orange shirts, took a group photo to serve as a powerful visual for school unity. Students pledged not to participate in bullying, and signed their names to the Upstander wall. Kindness continued during recess as students wrote positive messages with chalk on the sidewalk. This is the second year Eisenhower has celebrated Unity Day. Throughout the month of October, students read anti-bullying themed books, and engaged in classroom conversations about what it means to be an Upstander. All students at Eisenhower understand the definition and effects of bullying, can explain what bullying looks like, and explain what they should do if they see bullying at school. This knowledge is demonstrated in student-created posters that are hung up around the school. “I am impressed by the impact a single day can have on the students,” Schmidt said. “It was amazing to walk around the building and see over 700 student chain-link pledges and, most importantly, hear student conversations about how we can end and prevent bullying at our school.” Unity Day is just one way Eisenhower is promoting anti-bullying efforts. The school installed an inclusive “Buddy Bench” on its playground earlier this fall (see story at back), providing students with a safe place to go if they are feeling left out. Additionally, celebrations are planned throughout the school year to reinforce the spirit of Unity Day. These efforts have led to a decrease in behavior referrals, zero fights on the playground, and a peaceful cafeteria.
Welcome to XinXing Academy XinXing hosts Chinese Immersion Fair Nov. 17
Hopkins Public Schools has an amazing Chinese Full-Immersion program — starting in kindergarten at XinXing Academy — and we want you to learn more! Get all your Chinese immersion questions answered in one spot, one night at the Chinese Immersion Parent Information Fair on Nov. 17, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, in Hopkins. For more details call 952-988-4300 or HopkinsSchools.org/xx
Hopkins High School Teacher Named 2015 Secondary Business Teacher of the Year David Braaten, a personal finance teacher at Hopkins High School, was named the 2015 Secondary Business Teacher of the Year by the Minnesota Business Educators, Inc. The award recognizes the outstanding practices and new ideas of Minnesota school business officials. Braaten received the award Oct. 9 at the organization’s annual fall conference. “I feel honored to receive this recognition and am unbelievably lucky to teach with such a strong team of business educators in my department at Hopkins High School,” said Braaten. Hopkins High School Principal Patty Awsumb surprised David Braaten with flowers in his classroom after he was named the 2015 Secondary Business Teacher of the Year.
The Secondary Business Teacher of the Year award is given to one teacher annually who has made significant contributions to the profession as well as the district in which he or she teaches. Nominees are evaluated based on current accomplishments and contributions. “David Braaten is a wonderful and talented educator, and we are honored to have him as a leader in our Hopkins community,” said Patty Awsumb, principal of Hopkins High School. Braaten’s contributions to business education are far reaching on both a local and national level. As chair of the high school business department, Braaten was instrumental in making personal finance a graduation requirement for Hopkins — the first district in Minnesota to do so — and securing a partnership with local colleges to offer college credit to students who successfully completed that course. This change made it so every student in Hopkins would graduate with a college transcript. “My goal has always been to stay connected and up-to-date with the ever-changing field of business education so that my students will see relevance in their learning, I strive to find the best and most engaging strategies that will create a student-centered learning experience that encourages inquiry,” he said. Deeply entrenched in professional development, Braaten has earned a reputation for being a resource for both teachers and the business community. He has worked with organizations such as Minnesota JumpStart Coalition and the Minnesota Department of Commerce to help further the work of promoting financial awareness in various communities. For the past three years, he has worked with the New York Stock Exchange as a facilitator of their NYSE Summer Teacher Workshop Program. In this role, he helps teachers nationwide create engaging and effective finance and economic curriculum. Braaten has been teaching finance, management, marketing, computers, and law at Hopkins High School since 2001. He also serves as a secondary master teacher for the District. He has degrees in business education and social studies from Mayville State University, and a Master’s degree in business education from the University of North Dakota.
District Life Changer
Tim Owen
The art of the Spanish language is more than what is found in the classroom, that’s the mantra longtime Spanish instructor Tim Owen lives by. He has been in a Hopkins Public Schools’ classroom for the last decade, and takes great pride in each of his students. But what he has learned in the classroom, he translates into much more. “I see my job as much bigger than teaching Spanish,” he said. “It is an opportunity to build bridges between cultures. Every class is a community — a place where we get to learn a language through a cultural lens, and a safe space where students can be themselves, tell their stories, and learn from each other.” Prior to Hopkins, Owen worked at the Educational Opportunity Center at Minneapolis Community and Technical College in the TRIO Program, which connects adults from lowincome backgrounds with higher education opportunities. He heard of an opening in the Hopkins secondary Spanish department from his sister, Stephanie Owen Lyons, who was a Spanish teacher from 1999 to 2013, and a lifelong mentor to Owen. Throughout his time at Hopkins, Owen has taught everything from Spanish 1 through 5, as well as Juntos 4, the Spanish immersion program. In the spring of 2016, Owen will teach Spanish 6, and develop and teach Juntos 5. “I’m very proud to be creating the Juntos 4 and 5 courses at Hopkins High School,” Owen said. “I have such respect for the Juntos program created at North Junior High by Erik Thompson and Javier Saldana, among others. And I am working very hard to honor what they have started by creating engaging courses that will leave our students eager to dig deeper into their own stories.” What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? I love the amazingly creative and caring staff and the inspiring student body. The best part of my job is the often-magical time I have each day with my students. Proudest moment? I deeply treasure the relationships I build with my students, and I see my class as a place where we learn from each other how to be good people in the world, in addition to learning a language that will connect us to our Spanish-speaking neighbors in a profound and empowering manner. Teaching philosophy? “Mi mundo no tiene fronteras,” which translates to, “My world has no borders.” Background: • Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and bilingual education, St. Olaf College; Master’s degree in youth development leadership, University of Minnesota. Studying in Mexico and Nicaragua with the Center for Global Education in 1988 had a profound impact on Owen’s life and forever changed him. Owen feels fortunate to have lived in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Nicaragua. He studied Latin dance and percussion in Havana, Cuba, with one of the world’s best Latin percussionists, Pepe Espinoza. Owen is currently halfway through a second Master’s degree in Spanish from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Where are they now?
Emily (Wussow) York: 1998 graduate
Community Spirit Dale and Jean Searles
Making the most of their time with Hopkins Public Schools youth keeps Dale, former Hopkins High School assistant principal, and Jean Searles young at heart. For the last 11 years, Dale has been a board member of ResourceWest, an organization that helps connect families with necessary resources. Jean volunteers at Alice Smith Elementary in her grandchildren’s classroom, as well as with students in the one-to-one reading program. The two say their volunteerism is rewarding when students reach new academic achievements and mature in their learning. Proudest moment volunteering? Dale: I like to see kids a year or two after I helped them with homework, and see the improvement in both their academic achievement and their maturity. Jean: It has been rewarding to see the progress children have made with reading over the school year, particularly as they become more comfortable with speaking and reading in a new language. What person has influenced you most? Dale: Tom Bauman, the former principal at Hopkins High School. He helped each person become the best they could be. I volunteer because ... Dale: I get as much out of volunteering as I give, and I believe that all of us should give back to the community. Jean: I wanted to be helpful through volunteering with children and their teachers. And connecting with the energy and excitement of the schoollearning environment helps to keep me optimistic about our future.
Know someone we should feature on this page? Email Carrie.Gerard@HopkinsSchools.org
Kelly (Wussow) Stade: 2000 graduate
Jennifer (Roszell) Lickteig 1995 graduate
Stats: Fifth-grade Teacher at Eisenhower Elementary School • B.S., elementary education, University of Minnesota, 2003; Master of education, 2005, University of Minnesota
Stats: Library Manager at the Hennepin County Library • B.A., psychology, 2004, University of St. Catherine; Master of library and information science, 2006, University of St. Catherine
Stats: Realtor with West USA Realty in Scottsdale, Ariz. • B.S., broadcast journalism, University of Kansas
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Emily York followed in the footsteps of many of her Hopkins teachers. And it led her back to the very place she fell in love with education. Now a teacher at Eisenhower Elementary, Emily proudly works for the school she first attended. An avid traveler alongside her husband, Emily loves reading books, and spends time spoiling her beagle, Vigo. Favorite Hopkins High School hangout? Anywhere in the mall. Favorite Band of 1998? Dave Matthews Band. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Mr. Dart showed me the power of the written word. Mr. Eisland taught me about the power of the spoken word. Mrs. Schimelpfenig taught me to love learning. And Ms. French (now Frondell) inspired me to be a teacher, just like her. How did Hopkins prepare you? Hopkins helped me identify my strengths and love of learning. I hope to help my students discover the same.
Kelly Stade — who is the sister of fellow “Where Are They Now?” feature Emily York — enjoyed a good, hot chocolate chip cookie during her time at Hopkins. But she also devoured her education and is hoping to spark the same interest in the eager readers who come through the Hennepin County Library. Her time in the District afforded her lifelong friends and a curiosity for lifelong learning. Kelly lives in Minneapolis with her husband, 1 year-old daughter, and their two cats. Favorite Hopkins High School hangout? The lunchroom — for those chocolate chip cookies! Favorite Band of 2000? Linkin Park and Britney Spears. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? I loved English class with Mr. Clark — his Greek mythology class sparked a passion for mythology. How did Hopkins prepare you? Hopkins taught me to be a curious learner throughout my life.
After Hopkins, Jennifer headed west to Kansas where she attended the University of Kansas and eventually met her husband. Warmer weather called, and the two moved to Arizona. Jennifer worked in the public relations field but switched to real estate, where she has been for the last decade. Jennifer and her husband have one daughter, Claire, 2, and “another baby,” a weimaraner dog named Sunnie. When she’s not selling homes, Jennifer is hiking, exploring the Southwest, traveling, and watching Kansas Jayhawks basketball. Favorite Hopkins High School hangout? We always gathered in the mall. Favorite music artist of 1995? Dave Matthews Band What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Mr. Luke, the girls’ swim coach. He taught me about focus, teamwork, and determination. Our team had so much fun, and we made great friendships. Update November 2015
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 161 Hopkins, MN 55343
November Events Hopkins 270 Fine Arts Faculty & Friends Art Exhibit October 22-November 22 Hopkins Center for the Arts, Redepenning Gallery, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins Fall Fiber Festival - Spinning and knitting demos, vendors, and more. November 7, doors open at 9:00 a.m. Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins ResourceWest Toy Chest Drive - Your donations are needed now! Donation and registration information: 952-988-3860 or ResourceWest.org Chinese Immersion Fair - Join us to learn about a Chinese immersion education for your child at Hopkins Public Schools’ XinXing Academy. November 17, 6:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins. • 952-988-4300 JazzMN Orchestra presents Jazz Through the Decades November 21, 7:30 p.m. Hopkins High School, 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Minnetonka. Tickets: JazzMN.org District Choir Festival - Enjoy a beautiful choral performance. December 1, Choir 1, 6:15 p.m.; Choir 2, 8:00 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Minnetonka Potpourri - View an exhibit of artwork created by Hopkins Community Education adult enrichment teachers and students. December 3-January 3 Opening Event, December 3, 6:00-8:00 p.m., public welcome Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins
Get Connected, Stay Connected Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HopkinsPublicSchools
You’re Invited! Spanish & STEM Events for Preschoolers
Preschoolers and parents are invited to free Spanish & STEM: Let’s Explore events. These events are designed to give families an engaging preview of Hopkins’ elementary Spanish and STEM curriculum through hands-on activities which make Spanish and STEM learning come alive for kids ages three to five. Bring your little one to experience interactive Spanish activities and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concepts at a Hopkins elementary school near you. Explore fun Spanish and STEM activities at one of the following elementary schools: Alice Smith Elementary: November 16, 10:30 a.m. Eisenhower Elementary: November 13, 10:00 a.m. Gatewood Elementary: November 17, 10:00 a.m. Glen Lake Elementary: November 12, 6:30 p.m. L.H. Tanglen Elementary: November 12, 10:00 a.m. Meadowbrook Elementary: November 19, 7:00 p.m. Visit HopkinsSchools.org/STEM for more information.
1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305 www.HopkinsSchools.org 952-988-4000 Time Value
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Need a friend? Have a Seat.
Buddy benches promote inclusive play on elementary playgrounds Kids on the Eisenhower Elementary playground will always have a friend, at least that’s the intent of the Buddy Bench installed in September. A joint project between 8-year-old Osa Hanneman and local Girl Scouts Troop 16925, the green bench is a symbol that bullying is not tolerated at Hopkins Public Schools. Together Hanneman and Troop 16925 raised more than $1,000 through the efforts of an online crowdfunding site and a penny drive conducted by the Alice Smith Elementary Student Council, to purchase a Buddy Bench for both Eisenhower and Alice Smith. Local Boy Scout, Jacob Smith, also provided his services and talents to complete the project. If a student is without a friend at recess, he or she is encouraged to sit on the Buddy Bench.
This signals to other children that they need a friend. Hanneman also said it’s a good way to meet new kids on the playground. The topic of bullying has been a hot-button issue across the country. But through antibullying initiatives, Eisenhower Principal Paul Domer said the message is sinking in. “The work that we’ve done in the last few years is paying off,” he said. “To watch the kids see a problem and take it upon themselves to solve it, and to fundraise, plan, and organize it — those are the kind of citizens we want in the world.” The green Buddy Bench at Eisenhower is the first of two installments, with a rainbow colored one heading to Alice Smith. Tanglen already has four Buddy Benches.