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Fall Musical: Grease!
Update Hopkins Public Schools
The community’s guide to the District.
Two Hopkins students named National Merit Semifinalists
October 2015
Hopkins High School’s Royal Productions presents Grease. November 12, 13, 7:00 p.m. November 14, 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. High School Auditorium 2400 Lindbergh Dr, Minnetonka hhstheater.org
com m u ni t y Family Swim Saturdays! Make a splash at the Eisenhower pool! $10 per family/session. Saturdays, Oct. 24-March 19 1:00-3:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins HopkinsCommunityEd.org
Young People’s Concert The Hopkins High School orchestras will perform a free concert for kids and families. Wear your pajamas, enjoy activities, an instrument petting zoo, and music. October 27, 5:45-7:00 p.m. Hopkins High School 2400 Lindbergh Dr, Minnetonka
Hopkins Students Show their SMARTS Summer and school-year program has positive impact on students
Hopkins Public Schools is pleased to announce that two Hopkins High School seniors have been named National Merit Semifinalists. They are Madeline Nelson and Andrew Zhou. To earn this honor, these students scored in the top 3 percent of all students who took the preliminary SAT in the country last school year. The students are among 16,000 nationwide chosen to compete for the reputable National Merit Scholarship.
Hopkins High School Concert Choir to be featured performer at 2016 North Central Convention
The Hopkins High School Concert Choir has been selected as a featured performer at the NCACDA (North Central American Choral Directors Association) Convention. The choir will perform on Feb. 18, 2016 at the convention in Sioux Falls, S.D. While the Hopkins High School Concert Choir has been a featured performer at many state conventions, this is the first featured performance representing the North Central region.
Eisenhower Elementary was elated. All of the students who participated in the yearlong SMARTS program made gains in the subject of reading — the fifth-grade class by as many as 102 points. SMARTS is an acronym that stands for Students Making Academic Results Toward Success. More importantly, it is a program for students who are testing at or just below grade level. Teachers sometimes refer to these students as on “the bubble,” because just a little push could make a big difference in their education. “What we know is that kids who are behind are often different kinds of learners,” said Lisa Walker, youth program coordinator for Hopkins Public Schools. “SMARTS is a prescriptive intervention that meets the needs of the students.” SMARTS is in all Hopkins elementary schools during the school year, and in three of the elementary schools during the summer. Last year, 331 students were referred to SMARTS by their classroom teachers, which is a requirement for participation. During the school year, teachers focus on math, reading, or a combination of the two. Eisenhower, for example, chose to focus on the subject of reading last year.
Summer SMARTS students donated books to ResourceWest. SMARTS is a targeted service program run through Hopkins Community Education and taught by Hopkins teachers.
of fictional genres ranging from fairy tales to Japanese folklore. At the beginning of the year, they read aloud to students and ask questions about the stories before moving on to a higher level of thinking and questioning.
Expanded opportunities through summer SMARTS During the summer, Hopkins offers an It is our expanded version of the SMARTS program responsibility in a five-week, full-day program that includes a combination of reading, math, and STEM to offer youth (science, technology, engineering, and math) programming that concepts as well as social and emotional skills. Last summer, 315 students were referred into can help kids be this program.
better citizens of Hopkins Public Schools.
Experiential learning SMARTS is an opportunity for students to learn and master concepts using different methods from those taught in the traditional school day. It is experiential, fast-paced, and challenging. In SMARTS, students might learn math through shooting hoops rather than with a pencil and paper. At Eisenhower, students did not just read, they also focused on interpreting what they were reading and provided evidence for their arguments. It sounds intense, but the kids have fun.
“It’s a great place to be after school,” said Pat Johnson, who teaches SMARTS at Eisenhower. “It’s an extension of the school day, but relaxed enough that kids don’t feel the stress. They are engaged and learning. They want to be here.” Johnson’s team teaches third-grade SMARTS with Betty Johnson, also an Eisenhower teacher. The two developed a reading curriculum that focuses on a range
The longer day allows more time for students to build relationships with each other and caring adults. In addition to the academic work, students participate in service-learning projects, go on field trips in their community, and learn about making healthy choices and staying active. Last summer, the students donated books to ResourceWest, walked to the library, visited the Minnesota History Center, and took a tour of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, among other things. “The goal of targeted services is to offer students opportunities that they might not otherwise have,”said Shannon Lund, facilitator of the summer SMARTS program. Caring adults, caring community Every aspect of SMARTS is centered on learning, whether the kids are reading, participating in a group activity, or observing animals at the Como Zoo. Teachers are not held to a specific curriculum, but they administer a pre- and post-test to measure the success of their instruction. see SMARTS inside
High School Newspaper Adapts to Changing Journalism Climate Up until a few years ago, the Royal Page was limited to a monthly print edition, which was also posted online. Last year, the students began leveraging its website and Twitter handle to post shorter and more timely stories, while reserving its print presence for feature pieces. These changes not only better fit the world of shorter attention spans and an increased appetite for content, they also resulted in website traffic spikes and an impressive social media following. Claire Benton, digital editor-in-chief of the Royal Page, discusses a story with a reporter.
The Royal Page newsroom looks a little different than it did a few years ago. Students are preparing copy for print and the Web. They are discussing what stories would be best communicated through social media. They could even be editing video. It’s a dynamic, exciting, and somewhat chaotic environment for the award-winning Hopkins High School newspaper, but it is also reflective of the times. Print is no longer king, or at least no longer the only king. Today’s newsroom demands a multimedia presence, and the Royal Page is up to the challenge. “Editors no longer just write,” explained Jeff Kocur, a language arts teacher and advisor of the Royal Page. “They are shooting videos, taking photos, and creating slide shows. We are trying to help students understand that if they are going into journalism, they are going to have to master multimedia.”
“We really made a strategic decision to dominate online and tell stories in a different way,” Kocur said. “We are writing short for the Web and reserving our long form of writing for print.” The shift has changed the tone of the newsroom allowing it to be more responsive to stories that are extremely relevant in the moment, but that have a short shelf life. For instance, when Hopkins basketball player Amir Coffey tore his ACL last December, the Royal Page was the first to report it through Twitter. That tweet was then re-tweeted by ESPN, a national sports news organization. Using tools like Google Analytics,™ the Royal Page was able to document one of its largest spikes in website traffic to date as a result of that story — nearly 1,000 hits in one day, some coming from as far away as the East Coast. The ability to respond and tell the story in whatever method works best is an exciting prospect for both Kocur and his students, and is also the biggest advantage of the multimedia platform.
“We are not limited to the 12- or 16-page newspaper,” he said. “We are not limited to a time line. The students are able to serve their community a lot better.” News editors use collaborative tools Last year, the Royal like Google Docs to edit pieces. Page cranked out a record-setting 58 stories in the month of February — producing more content in 28 days than what they would produce in a year simply relying on print. Claire Benton, the digital editor-in-chief of the Royal Page, acknowledges in this new age of information, that pretty much everyone with a following can be a reporter. She ultimately sees this as positive and points to the ability to get a multitude of information about global issues as evidence that civic journalism is a good thing.
“When students see something big going on in the world, they want to talk about it,” Benton said. “The Royal Page can be that vehicle for students. Sometimes it is an editorial and sometimes it is a shorter piece.” About the Royal Page: The Royal Page is the official news source of Hopkins High School students and staff. The paper has been named an All-American newspaper three years in a row, and was named a Pacemaker finalist in 2013. Follow the Royal Page on Twitter @theroyalpage or on Instagram at hopkinsroyalpage.
SMARTS, continued from cover Summer 2014 results revealed gains by as much as one grade level (results of the summer 2015 program were not available at the writing of this story). Connecting kids with a caring adult is an invaluable experience. Simple things like eating lunch with a teacher helps set students up for success and allows them to see that they are part of a larger community. SMARTS helps students get ready for school in a family atmosphere where they can develop relationships with adults and their peers in a relaxed environment. “It is our responsibility to be able to offer youth programming that can help kids be better
Hopkins Community Education
citizens of Hopkins Public Schools, and to provide all kids with the same opportunities as everyone else,” Walker said. About SMARTS SMARTS is a targeted service program facilitated through Hopkins Community Education and taught by Hopkins teachers. It is funded through Equity Integration dollars and state reimbursements. To find out more about the SMARTS program, or to learn about the programs offered through Hopkins targeted services program, please contact Lisa Walker at 952-988-4098 or Lisa.Walker@HopkinsSchools.org.
Building a great place to live
Come Dance With Me Community Ballroom Dance
Friday, October 9, 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
SMARTS students blow off some steam at a field trip to Baker Park in Maple Plain, Minn.
HopkinsCommunityEd.org
Young People’s Concert! Wear your pajamas and bring your favorite stuffed animal to this free, fun-filled concert designed for kids and families! Performed by Hopkins High School orchestra students.
Tuesday, October 27 5:45-7:00 p.m. Hopkins High School 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Minnetonka Questions? 952-988-4574
Hopkins High School Starts Year with New Mission Statement Hopkins High School is proud to reveal its new mission statement: Ensuring all students graduate with the skills necessary for postsecondary success. The mission statement was developed, along with an updated vision and belief statements, last year by a group of teachers, administrators, and high school staff members. It took nearly 20 meetings to get the language exactly right. A final consensus was reached last spring. “Our mission statement acts as an anchor and helps guide our work with students,” said Patty Awsumb, principal of Hopkins High School. “This is our commitment to our students, families, and community. It’s important.”
Technology Time Line Did you know Hopkins Public Schools is a technology powerhouse? Our District has a rich history of using technology to personalize, enhance, and transform education. Many of our most innovative ideas were funded first by the Hopkins Education Foundation (HEF). We know that technology is always evolving, so we partner with corporations, universities, and our neighboring school districts to learn, share, and improve, never forgetting that our mission is to provide the best instruction possible for our students.
2005
Voice amplification systems* in all Hopkins elementary classrooms.
The new mission replaces a lengthier mission statement that predates anyone on the current high school administration. In the development phase, the team looked at corporate models and considered feedback from community strategic planning sessions, like the World Café. The final product reflects the current goals of the high school in a way that is digestible, relevant, and memorable. “We know that our students need skills to be successful at every level,” said Adam McDonald, associate principal. “In our definition, postsecondary success means either enrolled in a college or university or employed.” The real value of the mission statement is that it provides the high school with a tool that it can filter its time and energy through. “We need to examine what we are doing and ask ourselves if the work meets our current mission statement,” said Tyson Crockett, academic dean at Hopkins High School. An abridged version of the high school’s mission, values, and belief statements is provided below. A detailed version is available online.
Amplification
Laptop 1:1 at Hopkins elementary schools.
2008
Student Response Systems
Student response systems* allow teachers to poll students to tailor lessons to the needs of the classroom.
2011
Hopkins Apps
District launches Hopkins Apps powered by Google.™ Hopkins Education Foundation chooses “Unleash the Power of iPads” as its special appeal.
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HOPKINS HIGH SCHOOL MISSION: Ensuring all students graduate with the skills necessary for postsecondary success.
OUR VISION:
To be a vital community asset focused on citizenship and high academic achievement for all students.
WE BELIEVE:
We believe in providing a safe environment, high-quality instruction, and meaningful content. We believe diversity strengthens our community and prepares our students for positive and productive lives. We believe in utilizing diverse instructional strategies to increase engagement and student performance.
Hopkins incorporates the Technology and Information Literacy Standards to provide consistent technology experiences for students.
2014
Tech Collaboration
HopDina, a technology collaboration between Hopkins, Edina, and Hamline University, is launched.
2015
Chromebooks Chromebooks 1:1 at the high school is fully implemented.
2007
ActivBoards
Hopkins Education Foundation chooses ActivBoards as its special appeal. This technology turns whiteboards into touch sensitive versions of the computer screen it is connected to. By 2009 they are used District-wide.
2009
Classroom iPads
Meadowbrook Elementary begins testing iPads in the classrooms.* Other elementary schools soon begin to follow suit.
2012
Digital Curriculum
Digital Curriculum (1:1 iPad) at the junior high is implemented in seventh-grade, and fully implemented by the next year. Hopkins teachers move toward becoming Google™ Certified. Genius Team, a group of tech-savvy junior high students who support digital curriculum, is launched. Google Apps Hive* connects pockets of innovation in different school districts.
Hopkins is the first district in Minnesota to participate in the White House ConnectED initiative with Hennepin County Library.
*Denotes seed money from Hopkins Education Foundation
District Life Changer
Jeff Kocur
From teaching students journalistic integrity and how to write exceptional compositions to donning an apron and making waffles for his entire class, Jeff Kocur is willing to go the extra mile to make an impact on young lives. Kocur is the publications advisor at Hopkins High School for the yearbook and the print and online newspaper, the Royal Page, and teaches AP (Advanced Placement) Language and Composition. Through his work in all his classes, he has set high expectations for his students, allowing them to rise to the challenge.
“He pushed me and our entire newspaper staff to do real stories with real impact, even if those stories made people uncomfortable,” said former student, Ryan Levi, who is now a student at the Missouri School of Journalism. While student publications have different roles and personalities that tell the story of student life, Kocur makes sure each student gets the attention and recognition he or she deserves. And his students aren’t the only ones who have observed his dedication to teaching and advising. “Jeff empowers the students to make decisions and have their own voice, but he instills a strong foundation which helps them understand the deep responsibility a journalist, even a student journalist, has to the community,” said Felicia Homberger, language arts teacher at the high school. What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? Hopkins High School is an incredibly dynamic educational environment. In the 16 years I have taught here, my coworkers have continuously reinvented their classrooms and their assignments to keep up with evolving technology and how students learn in the 21st century.
Community Spirit Jennifer Odd
Jennifer has volunteered with the Tanglen Elementary PTO for three years and helped start Tanglen’s first Girls on the Run team this fall. With two children in the school, Jen knew she wanted to get involved. Her passion for reading inspired her to lead the school’s book fair for two years. This year, Jen is taking on a new role — PTO vice president. As a fitness enthusiast, runner, and mom to a little girl, Jen is responsible for bringing Girls on the Run, an after-school program for third- through fifthgrade girls, to the school this fall. The program’s mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident, using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running.
Proudest moments? I’m proud every time one of our publications comes out. The students love the work they do, they work harder than most people understand, and they take risks in covering this community because they are accountable to their peers, teachers, parents, and coaches when the final product comes out. We tried for years to develop our online Web presence for the Royal Page, and last year it finally took off.
Most rewarding moment volunteering? When coordinating the book fair, we offer preview days for the kids just prior to the actual fair so they can check out all the books and note the titles they want. When the kids bring their lists and get the book(s), the smiles on their faces are priceless.
A student that has touched your life? Every year, I hear from students who are using the skills they have developed in either AP Language and Composition or one of the publications classes. We repeatedly hear the skills developed in the AP class have helped prepare them to be nimble and quick thinkers in whatever field they choose to pursue in college. Publication students have been able to parlay some of the skills they have developed into career opportunities.
What person has influenced you most? My parents. My dad taught me to appreciate, respect, and love nature. My mom continues to share her skills of being a wonderful and patient wife, mother, and grandma.
Teaching philosophy? The habits and skills we develop in students are as important as the content. What we don’t measure may be more important. Students who learn how to plan, collaborate, communicate, and build resilience will find the most success when they leave this school.
People would be surprised to learn ... I was a high school football cheerleader.
Stats: • B.S. in Teaching English, Winona State University; M.A. in Education, St. Mary’s University; M.A. in Journalism and Communication, Kent State University; Minnesota High School Press Association board member; Journalism Educators of Minnesota board member; Scholastic Press Rights Commission board member; Certified Journalism Educator, Journalism Education Association; and Advanced Placement Language and Composition Reader.
Where are they now?
Kenneth Ward: 2000 graduate
Stats: Lecturer at American University • B.A. in Mathematics and Economics, University of Chicago; M.S. and Ph.D. in Pure Mathematics, Oklahoma State University. fun facts A mathematician focusing on number theory and arithmetic geometry, Kenneth knows his numbers. Through his work published at Georgetown University and in various international journals on problems relating to algebraic curves, he has made his mark in math. He helped found NYU Shanghai and established the Mathematics Education Initiative. His work on number theory is under review for publication by Cambridge Press. Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School? The baseball field/athletic track, as I was usually training there or throwing around a baseball. Favorite Band of 2000? Buena Vista Social Club. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? I must thank Mark Sateren for demanding a very high standard in any of my expositional work, which has carried through to my current career. Also, Anne Burow for lighting my passion in history. How did Hopkins prepare you? The Gifted and Talented Program launched my career by connecting me with the early college program.
Run or bike? Run! I volunteer because ... I enjoy sharing my interests and strengths to help and encourage others — it’s a win/win situation. Highlight a Hopkins volunteer at your school! Email Natalie.Conrad@HopkinsSchools.org
Know someone we should feature on this page? Email Natalie.Conrad@HopkinsSchools.org
Kim (Peterson) Wertz: 1999 graduate Stats: First Officer (pilot) on the 737 for Alaska Airlines • B.S in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Professional Flight from Mankato State University. fun facts Flying is the primary mode of transportation for Kim and her husband, Greg, who are both pilots for Alaska Airlines. The couple and their 6-month-old son, Brayden, recently moved to Portland, because they are based out of the Portland International Airport. Kim loves to travel, read, and spend time outdoors walking, hiking, four-wheeling, and skiing. Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School? My friends and I went to a lot of Hopkins sports events, and we worked out at the Lindbergh Center after school, during softball. Favorite Band of 1999? Destiny’s Child or Dave Matthews. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Mr. Athmann from Tanglen, Mr. James at North Junior High and his BWCA trips, Mrs. Marrinson encouraged my love of reading, and Mr. Bosacher really helped me overcome my test anxiety. How did Hopkins prepare you? While at Hopkins, I learned how to study effectively. The post-secondary options allowed me to leave campus to start my flying lessons early and get college credit for it.
Emilio Giuliani III: 2009 graduate Stats: Advancement Coordinator at Canadian University Dubai in the United Arab Emirates • B.A. in Political Science, International Studies, and History, University of Wisconsin, Madison. fun facts
Update October 2015
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 161 Hopkins, MN 55343
October Events Kindergarten Information Nights Learn about kindergarten at Hopkins and get your questions answered. October 8-22, visit HopkinsSchools.org/kinder for dates and times Come Dance With Me! – Community dance, featuring live music by Sinatra-style singer Tim Patrick and The Blue Eyes Band. Friday, October 9, 7:00 p.m., free dance lesson at 6:15 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, tickets: HopkinsSchools.org/dance Food Allergy Resource Fair – Free! Featuring allergy-friendly food, vendors, coupons, “Ask the Doctor” booth, samples, and information. Saturday, October 10, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins High School Fall Choir Concerts Tuesday, October 20, 6:15 and 8:00 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka Winter Warm Wear Drive – Donate winter outerwear for local children. Donate through October 30 ResourceWest, 1011-1st St. S., Hopkins, ResourceWest.org, 952-933-3860 Young People’s Concert with the Hopkins High School Orchestra. Tuesday, October 27, 5:45-7:00 p.m. Hopkins High School, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka Hopkins High School Fall Musical: Grease! November 12, 13, 7:00 p.m., November 14, 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka
Get Connected, Stay Connected Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HopkinsPublicSchools
Hopkins Homecoming 2015
1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305 www.HopkinsSchools.org 952-988-4000 Time Value
Residential Postal Patron ECRWSS
Open House
Lift. Run. Walk. Spin.
!
at Lindbergh Fitness Center
Join us to tour our weight room, cardio room, and 1/6 mile track for runners and walkers. Try our treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, and meet our staff. Free bags, water bottles, and more! PLUS, enter to win a free, one-year Lindbergh Fitness Center membership. Questions? 952-988-4519.
Open House: Thursday, October 15, 3:00-8:00 p.m. at Lindbergh Center, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka
Explore Kindergarten at Hopkins Public Schools! Welcome Class of 2029! An exciting world of learning awaits! The year-before-kindergarten is an exciting time for families, filled with new discoveries and exciting learning opportunities.
Hopkins High School held its 2015 homecoming coronation on Friday, Sept. 18, during a pep fest that featured performances by the orchestra, the Lean Mean Performing Machine, Deeply Royal, the Royelles, the Hopkins Cheer Team, and a take-down-the-house vocal solo by student Jasmine Dickerson. Joe Nissen was named homecoming king and Ally Dornisch was named homecoming queen. The Royals football game was against the Shakopee Sabers. The Royals won 31 to 7!
Homecoming king Joe Nissen Principal Patty Awsumb poses Jasmine Dickerson sings and queen Ally Dornisch. with Leo, the Royals mascot. her heart out.
Hopkins Royal Court
Homecoming king and queen: Joe Nissen and Ally Dornisch King runners-up: Kyle Kapphahn, Zach Sheldon Queen runners-up: Asia Snetter, Josie Berman
Junior royalty: Joshua Borkon, Nhan Le Sophomore royalty: Zoe Herstig, Maddie Fontaine
Kindergarten Parent Information Sessions are the perfect time to learn more about kindergarten at Hopkins and meet other families. Designed for parents of children entering kindergarten in the fall of 2016, the sessions are open to any family wanting to learn more about Hopkins Public Schools. Along with core subjects, Spanish and STEM (science, engineering, technology, math) are at the heart of the Hopkins kindergarten program. All Hopkins kindergarten through third-grade classrooms have Spanish language instruction integrated into the regular curriculum. Spanish instruction will expand yearly until it reaches all elementary grade levels.
Kindergarten Information Sessions: You are welcome to attend any of the upcoming Parent Information Sessions: Alice Smith: Tuesday, October 20, 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Eisenhower and XinXing Academy: Thursday, October 22, 10:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Gatewood: Tuesday, October 13, 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Hopkins STEM learning begins in kindergarten and continues through high school, helping students develop real-world problem-solving skills for lifelong success.
Glen Lake: Tuesday, October 13, 10:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Learn more about kindergarten options: HopkinsSchools.org/kinder
Meadowbrook: Thursday, October 8, 10:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
L.H. Tanglen: Thursday, October 8, 10:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.