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Fall Musical: Once Upon a Mattress
Update Hopkins Public Schools
The community’s guide to the District.
Three Hopkins seniors named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists
Hopkins Public Schools is excited to announce three Hopkins seniors, Ivy Johnson, London Lowmanstone, and Maxim Peng, are among an elite group of academically talented students named semifinalists in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program. As semifinalists, they represent less than one percent of all U.S. seniors. Johnson, Lowmanstone, and Peng are among 16,000 nationwide vying for the reputable National Merit Scholarship.
Eisenhower and XinXing students participate in Timberwolves/Lynx day of service
Eisenhower and XinXing students became honorary members of the Timberwolves and Lynx staff on Sept. 21 as they participated in the organization’s all-staff volunteer day, along with U.S. Bank employees. Staff and students worked with an organization called MATTER to pack 1,500 box lunches that will create portable options for students whose only guaranteed meals are the school’s hot lunch and breakfast program. Each student who assisted with the packing left with a box for themselves and a box to give away to promote a spirit of generosity.
October 2016
Hopkins High School’s Royal Productions presents Once Upon a Mattress. Nov. 10-12, 7:00 p.m. High School Auditorium 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Minnetonka hhstheater.org
com m u ni t y Family Swim Saturdays!
Young People’s Concert
Make a splash with your family at the Eisenhower pool! $10 per family per session. Saturdays, Oct. 29-Dec. 17 1:00-3:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins
The Hopkins High School orchestras will perform a free concert for kids and families. Wear your pajamas, enjoy activities, an instrument petting zoo, and, of course, music! Tuesday, Oct. 25, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Hopkins High School 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Minnetonka
Finding Your Zen Stress management is a tool for student performance and wellness When Jane Kleinman graduated from Hopkins High School in 1983, Hopkins offered one AP calculus section. Now there are at least 10 sections offered in any given year. School is far more rigorous than it used to be, and kids are busier than ever. In an environment of high-stakes testing, college in the high school, and sports and activities, Hopkins High School has taken action by offering a stress management class to help students develop the life skills necessary to keep calm and carry on.
Students in the high school stress management class practice a breathing exercise.
from their diaphragms. It’s harder than you may think, but it’s also powerful. The act of breathing changes Kleinman, who is now a health teacher at Hopkins your physiology and your response to the environment. High School, and her colleagues decided to offer a Students can perform better on tests because they know stress management course eight years ago. The school how to eliminate the stress that is causing them to freeze noticed that more students experienced higher levels up or forget information that they actually know. In of stress, reflecting trends throughout Minnesota. In addition to improved academics, stress management can fact, according to the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey,* help students build coping skills that they 28 percent of males and 49 percent of can use for the rest of their lives. females statewide reported that they My goal is to “worry a lot.” Although the results are “I practice the diaphragm breathing every currently lower for Hopkins students provide a lot day,” said student Leah Stillman. “I am (26 percent of males and 34 percent of learning a ton of skills and how to manage of options for females), the statistic is still higher than it stress. Having it the last block of the day is a used to be. students. I want good way to relax and calm down.” The stress management class is an option them to leave with While the class draws an even split of for students who feel they need one genders, students take it for different more tool in their tool kit. It is offered tools that they reasons. Some enroll as sophomores so they four times each term and draws about can apply the strategies throughout their can use outside of 130 students. The syllabus comes from high school experience, and others make a college curriculum that focuses heavily class. it a priority during their senior year in on the application of stress management. preparation for college. Students are often encouraged to take a similar course their first year of college and pay a lot of money for it. “I thought this would be a good class to take at the beginning of high school,” said student Maggie Dosdall, “It’s important to offer this class before college,” said who is a sophomore. “There are a lot of good techniques Kleinman. “My goal is to provide a lot of options for that you can do in a school environment without students. I want them to leave with tools that they can anyone really knowing.” use outside of class.” A culture of wellness One of the most eye-opening things about the class is The concept of student wellness has spread to the when students are able to see what stress looks like in entire student body at Hopkins High School. At their bodies. Using a program called HeartMath, they the same time the stress management class was in are able to observe their heart and breathing patterns development, the high school started a committee while taking a test. The idea is for students to learn to dedicated to spreading awareness about all aspects of control those patterns by using the techniques offered student wellness. The group works in collaboration in the class. Each week of the course offers a new with the Hopkins One Voice Coalition, hosting several strategy by way of breath awareness, guided imagery, events throughout the year that promote different yoga, positive self-talk, exercise, and mindfulness. Guest wellness topics like chemical use, mental health, and speakers are brought in to address special topics, as well. suicide awareness. This fall, members are working on a distracted driving campaign and will continue to create Just breathe campaigns and events based on current student needs. Kleinman tells her students the one thing they must learn how to do is breathe — slowly, intentionally, and *At the time this article was published, the 2016 Minnesota State Survey Results were not available.
see Finding Your Zen on page 2
WCCO Names Juntos Teacher Tim Owen as Excellent Educator may have come as a complete shock to Owen, to his colleagues, the nomination and award were well deserved. “Tim is particularly good at engaging his students and incorporating Spanish culture into the classroom,” said Doug Bullinger, Hopkins High School principal. Tim Owen, left, with WCCO’s Kim Johnson and HHS Principal Doug Bullinger.
Tim Owen’s love of the Spanish culture transcends the classroom and is woven into the fabric of his daily life. The Hopkins High School Juntos teacher is equally as passionate about the students he teaches and bringing to life the richness of learning another language. In recognition of his dedication to Hopkins students, WCCO-TV presented Owen with its Excellent Educator award on Sept. 9. And while it
Owen emphasizes the importance of learning the language and honoring Spanish culture. To celebrate Latin heritage, he often invites traditional Cuban dancers and singers to entertain his students. He also shares his stories about being a member of a Cuban salsa band. “I like to get students excited about the language and its connection to the people who speak it.” Owen said.
view the world through a cultural lens. Throughout his career, Owen has traveled to many Spanishspeaking countries, even living in Mexico for a semester. Owen’s dedication to both the language and his students is evident in his pursuit of enhancing the Juntos Spanish immersion program. With the help of other Hopkins Spanish educators, he was instrumental in creating the Juntos 4 and 5 courses. Watching students become fluent in another language and challenging themselves in the classroom is what motivates Owen. “I’m inspired by them every day,” he said. “They are so ready to have fun, and they are very curious about the world around them. And their energy is infectious. It’s a privilege to come in here daily and be swept up in all that.”
His goal is to build bridges between the Latino community and his classroom and have students
Finding Your Zen, continued from page 1 “At Tanglen, it’s become one tool that I am using,” Bracke said. “We are teaching kids that when you have strong feelings, you need to find tools to help manage those feelings.” YogaCalm and Zones of Regulation are two techniques being used at Tanglen Elementary and Alice Smith Elementary. Both encourage kids to calm down through breathing techniques, a calming sound (like a chime), or simple yoga moves. Alice Smith counselor Kristin Lutz teaches simple yoga moves to a Ready4K preschool class.
Yoga for Elementary Students The concepts of stress management include coping skills and self-regulation, both of which are being explored at length in the younger grades. In fact, starting as early as preschool and throughout the elementary experience, Hopkins students learn strategies that help them manage their emotions, build resiliency, and find their inner calm. Abby Bracke, a counselor at Tanglen Elementary, is a certified YogaCalm instructor. During a staff development day three years ago, she helped train 30 elementary staff members in the basics of the program, which is a blend of physical movement, breathing, practicing positive self-talk, and playing games that encourage social and emotional skills.
Hopkins Community Education
These strategies can help a classroom returning from recess regain its focus as much as they can help an upset child manage his or her emotions responsibly. Although the practice is inspired from yoga, it’s a term that Kristin Lutz, a counselor at Alice Smith, does not like to get caught up on.
Two Ready4K preschool students show their mountain pose.
“It’s really about breathing. You don’t need to wear special clothes; the only thing you need is some room to move,” she said. “The point is that anyone can do just a little bit, and learning to cope is a lifelong skill.” Both Bracke and Lutz offer yoga as a recess alternative during the winter months. Each time it’s offered, the class fills to capacity with an equal split of boys and girls, bucking the stereotype that yoga is an activity for girls.
Kristin Lutz demonstrates calm, deep breaths through a Hoberman sphere.
“The majority of the focus is on stress management and self-regulation, and all kids need to learn how to manage that on their own,” said Bracke. “The yoga can be one tool, something they practice their whole lives.”
Building a great place to live
HopkinsCommunityEd.org
Come Dance With Me
Ready for school?
Screen early!
Community Ballroom Dance Friday, October 14, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of dancing to the sound of dynamic Sinatra-style singer Tim Patrick and The Blue Eyes Band. Come early for a free dance lesson with an expert dance instructor at 6:15 p.m.
Eisenhower Community Center 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins Tickets: HopkinsSchools.org/dance or call 952-988-4070
Learn more:
Early childhood screenings are a free check of how your child is growing and developing in order to support school readiness. Screenings can be done starting at age 3 and are required before kindergarten. Schedule your child’s screening today!
HopkinsSchools.org/screen
Students Recognized For Service Learning at WE Day Over 200 Hopkins students from all nine Hopkins schools joined thousands more under the glow of a star-studded WE Day celebration Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The annual event recognized students’ commitment to service learning and featured Paula Abdul, Buzz Aldrin, the winner of “The Voice” Jordan Smith, and a variety of other entertainers. During the event, North Junior High was given a shout out for their work with the microfinancing nonprofit KIVA. The service learning project, funded by the Hopkins Education Foundation, allowed Hopkins eighth-graders to financially help those who live in povertystricken parts of the world. Angela Wilcox, North Junior High International Baccalaureate coordinator, said service learning is important for students because it puts their classroom skills to use in the real world. And the culminating event, WE Day, is the affirmation and challenge to stand up and continue to make change happen. “Hopkins’ students, with their unique stories, make our classrooms and buildings a rich place to create a culture of service,” Wilcox said.
Hopkins Kicks Off the Year with a New Strategic Plan Last winter, Hopkins Public Schools facilitated a conversation between families, staff, local legislators, and community members to discuss the future of Hopkins Public Schools. The group reviewed the District’s strategic plan and gave input on how to prioritize goals for the next three years. Later in the year, a cohort of Hopkins Public Schools staff advanced this work and used it to update the mission statement and strategic plan.
Summer of Service Hopkins Kids & Company, LEAD, and SMARTS students learned valuable lessons in service this summer, and they participated in a number of activities that gave back to the community.
S E R V I C E
is for shoes for those in need: Over the summer, SMARTS and Kids & Company participants donated 150 pairs of shoes to Shoe Away Hunger. is for eating healthy: SMARTS and Kids & Company students harvested fresh vegetables like carrots, beets, and greens from the Tanglen Elementary garden. is for removing wood chips and pulling weeds: SMARTS students helped spruce up outdoor areas by removing unnecessary woodchips and pulling weeds around Tanglen Elementary. is for voicing support: SMARTS kids showed a patriotic spirit by mailing letters of encouragement to the servicemembers across the world. is for including others: Kids & Company students joined forces with Teaming Up 4 Teens to donate over 200 items to adolescents in need. is for cultivating the garden: LEAD students got their hands dirty and helped by watering and weeding the West Junior High vegetable gardens. is for eliminating hunger: LEAD students came together and assembled over 200 sandwiches for 363 ministries, which provides resources for the Twin Cities’ hungry and homeless.
Hopkins’ Legislative Action Coalition Hosts Candidate Forum
The new mission statement reads as follows: Hopkins Public Schools serves the community by welcoming all learners, honoring culture, and inspiring remarkable growth and achievement. Hopkins Public Schools achieves its mission through three strategic pathways that guide us and help us set priorities:
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Innovate
Encourage imaginative thinking, calculated risks, and innovative solutions to achieve the best outcomes for students.
Bridge
Validate, affirm, and connect the rich and diverse cultures of our community.
Partner
Build strong partnerships with the local and global community.
You can view an unabridged version of our strategic plan on our website at www.hopkinsschools.org. To learn more, please join us for a State of the District address, presented by Superintendent John Schultz, on Oct. 18 at 5 p.m. in Eisenhower Community Center board room 233, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins.
Superintendent John Schultz welcomes about 150 community members to the LAC Candidate Forum.
On September 20, the Hopkins Public Schools’ Legislative Action Coalition (LAC), in partnership with the Special Education Advisory Committee, hosted a Legislative Candidate Education Forum for the 24 Minnesota House of Representatives and state Senator candidates from the seven voting districts within the Hopkins Public Schools boundaries. The forum drew a strong turnout of more than 150 community members who came to hear the candidates present their views on education and issues that affect students. Hopkins High School AP Government students helped moderate the forum by keeping time. They also asked questions. Learn more about the Hopkins LAC at www.HopkinsSchools.org. If you would like to learn more about your voting district or need to find your polling locations, visit www.sos.state.mn.us.
District Life Changer
Jane Kleinman
Jane Kleinman has a unique perspective not many Hopkins educators have. As a member of the very first graduating class of Hopkins High School — following the merger between Hopkins Lindbergh and Golden Valley high schools — she has seen it transform right before her eyes. And with her expertise in the health field, she has helped change the District for the better. Kleinman currently teaches two health electives at the high school, stress management and psychology of motivation. As the District’s health coordinator, she ensures both staff and students are supported and allowed to do their best, in and out of the classroom.
“Jane succeeds tremendously in identifying needs and gaps in terms of student learning and healthy living, and collaborating to develop successful strategies to address these needs,” said Holly Magdanz, coordinator of Hopkins One Voice. “Jane provides the District with unwavering leadership and vision regarding the importance of health education in public schools.” While she said sharing her knowledge energizes her, Kleinman said she also learns the most from her students. For her, teaching health is an “enriching profession” that allows her to make a positive impact on a student’s mental, emotional, and physical health. “Jane serves such an important role in this community,” said Hopkins community education director Katie Williams. “She is a gem in this community who is willing to go beyond the classroom to support students.” Background: Jane Kleinman was a part of the very first graduating class of Hopkins High School after Hopkins Lindbergh and Golden Valley high schools merged. She has been teaching health at Hopkins High School for 24 years, and she also is involved with coaching the boys and girls alpine ski teams. What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? There are two main things I love most about Hopkins High School: one is the four-block schedule where students can focus their studies, take elective classes, and get far more learning opportunities. The second is our diverse student population, which enriches our learning environment and brings a much broader perspective. Everybody has the opportunity to be themselves and find a place at Hopkins. Proudest moment? Any time I get to collaborate with or observe our health teachers (at all levels) and elementary counselors, or the elementary health leads, is a proud moment. They are all passionate about the health field and dedicated to making sure Hopkins students are well-educated to make healthy decisions in their current and future lives. Teaching philosophy? Monday is the best day of the week! PMA (positive mental attitude) all the way! Stats: • B.A. in economics, St. Olaf College; M.A. in education, University of St. Thomas. Teaches health science at Hopkins High School, serves as the District’s health curriculum coordinator, and coaches boys and girls alpine skiing.
Where are they now?
Dominique Seetapun: 1999 graduate
Stats: Senior Product Development Scientist, Miromatrix Medical Inc. • Bachelor of chemical engineering, Ph.D., biomedical engineering, University of Minnesota fun facts Dominique Seetapun never stops learning. From her passion for the arts and sciences in high school to her love of research in college, she credits much of her solid academic foundation to her studies at Hopkins. Her curiosity in the classroom drives her professional career where she now works toward creating whole transplantable organs. Favorite hangout spot during Hopkins High School? The music wing. Ironically, it was quiet there and gave me a minute to think. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Mr. Robert Fuhr and Mrs. Kathy Nelson. Mr. Fuhr introduced me to photography, which I absolutely love. My appreciation for Mrs. Nelson actually came during college when I realized that students could learn anything when it’s broken down into manageable pieces. How did Hopkins prepare you? Hopkins High School allowed me to explore activities that interested me while ensuring that I had a solid foundation once I graduated. I cannot say enough for the music program and the technology department.
Community Spirit Pete Giancola
Longtime volunteer Pete Giancola is a familiar face within many Hopkins organizations, especially Empty Bowls and ResourceWest. His mentoring has touched the lives of countless youth in the community, and his dedication to helping students achieve their goals is second to none. For 15 years he has assisted students in learning the art of throwing pottery, enhancing their academic skills, and exposing them to new and exciting experiences. “It is satisfying to know that by giving so little of a precious commodity, my time, that I gain an untold wealth in return,” Giancola said. Proudest moment volunteering: My proudest moment was seeing a child that I had mentored on the front page of the paper. The Hopkins police department was honoring him for his good grades and rewarded him with a shopping trip. What person has influenced you most? I’d have to say my dad, who is a judge, with his accomplishments, and my mother with her generous spirit. I volunteer because… I love to see a smile on kids faces, see them accomplish something they thought they couldn’t do, and to help them expand their horizons of ‘I can do something that someone else feels is important.’ Winter or summer? Both! I play hockey year round, and I love to ice fish and ski. In the summer, I fish. Highlight a Hopkins volunteer at your school! Email Emily.Buss@HopkinsSchools.org
Know someone we should feature on this page? Email Emily.Buss@HopkinsSchools.org
Julie Gurovitsch: 2000 graduate Stats: Talent Executive, Music for “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” • Bachelor’s degree, journalism, Indiana University fun facts Rubbing elbows with some of today’s hottest musicians is just another day at the office for Hopkins High School alum Julie Gurovitsch. The CBS News broadcast associate turned talent executive said her job requires a lot of concentration, prioritization, and professionalism, skills she learned as a Royal. Now, inspired by some of her favorite bands from the 2000s, she’s working with and booking on the Tonight Show. Favorite hangout spot during Hopkins High School? I spent most of my time at the gymnastics facilities. Favorite music artist of 2000? Jay-Z, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, and Brian McKnight. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Mr. Clark, who taught both AP English and supervised the yearbook staff, was incredibly relatable and is responsible for introducing me to some of my favorite novels. How did Hopkins prepare you? The variety of classes, clubs, and sports provided me with some truly valuable practice in multi-tasking and prioritizing.
Cristin (Clark) Caruso: 1999 graduate Stats: Teacher and peer coach in Bloomington school district • B.S., elementary education and English, UW-Madison; M.Ed., Hamline University; Education Specialist degree, Minnesota State, Mankato fun facts Hopkins Public Schools taught alum Cristin (Clark) Caruso how to be a lifelong learner, and as an educator herself, she is fostering that passion with her own students. A teacher and peer coach in the Bloomington school district, Caruso has spent the last 13 years dedicated to sharing her interest in student, staff, and family engagement, technology, inquiry based/ hands-on learning, and developing cultural competency. Favorite music artist of 1999? Anything pop related. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Mrs. Shannon Bailey was someone who always honored our ideas, and encouraged our team to make a difference. Mr. Motzko provided an amazing opportunity for our class to engage and respond to challenging literature. How did Hopkins prepare you? From the very beginning, Hopkins Public Schools became a community that supported more than just the academics, and I am thankful for the many staff, from teachers to school nurses, that my family and I interacted with throughout the years. Beyond the content, I also formed lifelong friendships! Update October 2016
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October Events Kindergarten Information Nights Learn about kindergarten at Hopkins and get your questions answered. October 6-25, visit HopkinsSchools.org/kinder, or see dates below Come Dance With Me! – Community dance, featuring live music by Sinatra-style singer Tim Patrick and the Blue Eyes Band. Friday, October 14, 7:00-9:30 p.m., free dance lesson at 6:15 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, tickets: HopkinsSchools.org/dance High School Fall Choir Concerts Tuesday, October 18, 6:15-7:30 p.m. and 8:00-9:30 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka Winter Warm Wear Drive – Donate winter outerwear for local children. Donate through October 24 ResourceWest, 1011-1st St. S., Hopkins • ResourceWest.org • 952-933-3860 Young People’s Concert – With the Hopkins High School Orchestra. Tuesday, October 25, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Hopkins High School, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka State of the District – Superintendent John Schultz will present the vision for Hopkins Public Schools and the updated strategic plan. Tuesday, October 18, 5:00-6:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center 233, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins Hopkins High School Fall Musical: Once Upon a Mattress November 10-12, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka
1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305 www.HopkinsSchools.org 952-988-4000 Time Value
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A Music Experience for Children and Their Grown-ups — Young People’s Concert, October 25!
Is White Privilege
Real or Imagined? Come and listen to a diverse panel discuss this concept, as well as the impact of white privilege and how it affects people’s behavior. Visit HopkinsMN.com/police/equity. Monday, October 24, 6:30 p.m. Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins
Attending Kindergarten in 2017? You Belong in Hopkins! Welcome class of 2030! October Kindergarten Information Sessions are here We’re reserving a seat for your kindergartner. The year before the transition to kindergarten is an exciting time for families, but it’s also a common time for questions.
Grab your pajamas and favorite stuffed animal and join the Hopkins High School orchestra for the annual Young People’s Concert. This free, kid-friendly concert includes an instrument petting zoo, where children can try out various orchestra instruments. Kids can enjoy other activities such as face painting and balloon animals while taking in popular children’s songs played by the Royal orchestra. Admission is free. Questions? Call 952-988-4574.
Young People’s Concert 2016
Tuesday, October 25, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Hopkins High School 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka
We want your transition to kindergarten to be great. Kindergarten Information Sessions are a perfect opportunity to ask questions, get information, meet other families, and see firsthand the dynamic opportunities available at Hopkins Public Schools. Designed for parents of children entering kindergarten in the fall of 2017, the information sessions are open to any family wanting to learn more about Hopkins. You’ll meet our elementary principals and learn about our innovative curriculum that includes Spanish instruction, the arts, STEM learning, and Gifted and Talented services. We look forward to making learning come alive for your child! Visit HopkinsSchools.org/kinder
Kindergarten Information Sessions Parents are welcome to attend any of the upcoming information sessions: Alice Smith: Tuesday, October 18, 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Eisenhower and XinXing Academy: Monday, October 17, 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Gatewood: Tuesday, October 25, 6:00 p.m.
Glen Lake: Thursday, October 13, 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
L.H. Tanglen: Monday, October 10, 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Meadowbrook: Thursday, October 6, 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.