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Update Hopkins Public Schools
The community’s guide to the District.
Alice Smith SMARTS kids host friendly competition for charity
Alice Smith Elementary summer SMARTS students took a page from the book “The Lemonade War” and put on a friendly competition of their own on Tuesday, Aug. 8, with all proceeds from the competing stands going to the local chapter of Feed My Starving Children. Together the two stands collected $152 for the nonprofit.
Hopkins’ Betsy Anderson, Katie Williams earn Rotarian of the Year honors
Earlier this summer, Hopkins School Board member Betsy Anderson was named the Golden Valley Rotarian of the year, and Director of Community Education Katie Williams was named the Minnetonka Rotarian of the Year. Anderson first joined the Golden Valley Rotary in 2008 as a representative for Hopkins Public Schools. She said she “quickly caught the rotary ‘bug,’” and became even more involved with her community. Williams, a fellow Hopkins cheerleader, equally exemplifies a life of servitude. She has been with the Minnetonka Rotary since 2005 and is a past president.
Back to School 2017
com m u ni t y
Come and cheer on the Hopkins Royals as they take on St. Thomas Academy in the Homecoming football game on Friday, October 6 at 7 p.m. GO ROYALS! Hopkins High School, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka
Kindergarten Information Sessions Learn about 2018-19 kindergarten at Hopkins and get your questions answered. For dates and times, visit: HopkinsSchools.org/kinder or check your school’s online calendar!
Adult & Youth Fall Enrichment Classes
Hopkins Community Education fall and youth classes are ready and waiting for you! Art, fitness, dance, and so much more! Explore our classes, meet new people, reach your goals, or try something new! HopkinsCommunityEd.org
New Superintendent Dreams Big for Hopkins Public Schools If you noticed some extra excitement in the air this school year, you were not imagining things. This fall, Hopkins Public Schools welcomed 22 sections of kindergarten, 47 new teachers, countless new staff, one new principal, and of course, one new superintendent — Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed. Mhiripiri-Reed is a trailblazer who has just begun to rewrite the history books. She is the first woman and the first person of color to serve as a Hopkins superintendent. Her background is broad, global, astute, and uniquely Minnesotan. She is the perfect match for a district that shares those qualities. Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools
Called to education Mhiripiri-Reed has more than 15 years of experience Using an anthropological approach, she studied her world in public education. A product of Bloomington Public outside campus. She invited homeless people to lunch and Schools, she spent the majority of her childhood in interviewed them in an attempt to understand their lives Minnesota, but also lived in Africa and and what led them to their current state. She Europe for short stints. Although she volunteered for homeless shelters, Head Start, Here in describes her work in education as a calling, and mentorship programs that paired college it was not always the profession she imagined Hopkins, there is students with adolescents. Convinced that a for herself. In fact, when she graduated high solid education was the most powerful tool a a great amount school, she went off to Yale University fully person could have, she changed her major to intending to become a judge. She majored in teaching and student taught at a school that of freedom to political science and expected law school to had a nearly 100 percent poverty rate. be her next step. innovate, take “What I learned is that there is a very small While at Yale, she was presented with a risks, and explore space between having something and not paradox that would change the course of having something, and I could make a real novel ways of her life. During the day, she attended classes difference on the kid-end of things,” she said. at one of the most elite and privileged “Children will respond to high expectations if activating learning universities in the nation, but when she we have them, and they will succumb to low would step off campus, she was surrounded for students. I am expectations if we have them.” by staggering poverty. A mere two blocks Driven by high expectations attracted from campus, the homeless population was After returning from Connecticut, she taught one of the highest in the United States. to that. middle school at St. Paul Public Schools and “I could not understand this world,” she was later principal of Champlin Park High said, “privilege on one end and complete poverty on the School in the Anoka-Hennepin School District for six other, and how it was OK that this paradox existed.” years. From there, she applied to the Doctor of Educational Leadership Program at Harvard and was one of 25, out of the 1,000 who applied, to be accepted. “It was my goal to have my doctorate from Harvard by the time I turned 40,” Mhiripiri-Reed explained. “I read about this new program that was doing innovative work and tackling some of the biggest challenges in education. I knew by then that I had so much to learn, and I wanted to be a transformational leader.”
Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed talks with students at the Eisenhower courtyard celebration over the summer.
As part of her doctoral work, she served as the director of leadership development at the District of Columbia Public Schools in Washington, D.C. In 2014, she became the associate superintendent of the Monterey Peninsula Unified see New Superintendent, inside
Hopkins Students and Staff Welcome the Best School Year Ever Hopkins Public Schools kicked off the best school year ever, which got under way on Sept. 5, as nearly 7,000 students filled classrooms across the District. The start of the 2017-18 school year came with sunny skies, welcome brigades, new and improved classrooms, 47 new teachers, and an excited faculty that stood ready to teach. Principals held open the front doors, walked students to classes, and hosted kindergarten-visiting days. At Hopkins High School, students enjoyed a cookout complete with burgers on the grill. Superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed caravanned across the District, visiting all nine school sites, as well as the Harley Hopkins Early Childhood and Family Center. (Check out her journey on our Twitter page @Hopkins270
with the hashtag #RidinWithRhoda.) She met with students and staff, spoke at assemblies, and soaked in the welcoming environment. With our renewed vision of inclusivity, it is our mission to provide a safe, positive learning environment for everyone. Whether you’re a senior in high school, looking forward to the challenges of the next grade, or are new here, you belong in Hopkins. Check out our Twitter page or pull up our hashtag #HPSFirstDay to see what day one looked like here in Royal country!
More About Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed
New Superintendent, from cover School District in Monterey, California, an underperforming district that she was hired to improve. In the three years she was there, she accomplished everything from raising test scores and increasing Advanced Placement enrollment to increasing kindergarten readiness and improving student satisfaction rates. Having had leadership experiences outside the state of Minnesota is one of the reasons Mhiripiri-Reed is optimistic about daunting challenges that remain unsolved statewide — like closing the achievement gap. Working in one of the poorest districts in Washington, D.C., she saw how schools could go from 8 percent proficient to 75 percent proficient. She not only thinks closing the achievement gap is possible, it’s also one of her goals for Hopkins. “We can do anything here — I want Hopkins to be the first district to close the achievement gap.”
Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed (center) marched with Hopkins School Board members at the Hopkins Raspberry Festival (from left: Warren Goodroad, Betsy Anderson, Mhiripiri-Reed, Steve Adams, Doobie Kurus).
Called to Hopkins Mhiripiri-Reed planned to work in California for three years and then return home to raise her family in Minnesota. Last year, nearing the threeyear mark in her tenure, she started scoping out Minnesota superintendent positions. She knew what she wanted — a mid-sized metro school district with a diverse student body. A number of superintendent positions were open last spring, and she let many of them pass her by. But when Hopkins came across her desk, it just felt right. “Here in Hopkins, there is a great amount of freedom to innovate, take risks, and explore novel ways of activating learning for students. I am attracted to that,” she said.
What can we call you? Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed, Dr. Reed, or Rhoda. How do you de-stress with such a busy schedule? If I aim to be present in every moment, I am not worrying about what I just did and what I need to do. I also run most mornings. Spending time with my kids helps me de-stress. I also love to shop at garage sales and organize messy drawers. Who do you admire? My parents, Barack Obama, Maya Angelou, and Beyoncé. What is the most important thing you have learned from your students? Students will rise to the expectation you provide. They enjoy change and have more resilience than we give them credit for. That’s why we need to make sure our instruction is rigorous and relevant.
Mhiripiri-Reed has had a fair amount of success in turnaround districts; however, she is careful to point out that this is not her charge in Hopkins. The District already has in place a commitment to equity, world language, STEM, and a rigorous curriculum. Mhiripiri-Reed wants to use this strong foundation as a springboard to become a worldclass institute.
Family life: The oldest of six siblings, MhiripiriReed was raised by her father, a working artist who immigrated to the United States from Zimbabwe, and her mother, a second-generation Norwegian. She spent portions of her childhood living in Kenya, Uganda, Italy, and Switzerland. She currently lives in the Hopkins District with her husband and two children. Her daughter Sawyer attends kindergarten at XinXing Academy, and son Sterling attends fourth grade at Alice Smith Elementary.
“We don’t need to engage in a turnaround,” she said. “We need to engage in a world-class ascent. We are already in a strong place and we can be a rocket ship organization that others will look to and will want to emulate our practices.”
Stats: Bachelor’s degree in psychology and graduate of the teacher preparation program, Yale University; Master’s degree in education policy and administration, K-12 licensure, University of Minnesota; Doctor of education leadership, Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Hopkins Community Education
Building a great place to live
Adult Enrichment
New look, new classes! Fall adult enrichment classes are here, and with a fresh new look! Fine art, fitness, cooking, DIY, finance, yoga, dance, world languages, and more. Visit our website to register and secure your spot today. You belong in Hopkins! Explore HopkinsCommunityEd.org for classes!
HopkinsCommunityEd.org
Lincoln Center Local: On Screen Thursday, October 5 7-8:30 p.m.
Free event! J oin us for a screening of a high-quality recording of the New York Philharmonic from Lincoln Center in New York City! Watch for more free screenings coming up!
Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins 952-988-4070
Over the Summer Our teachers are lifelong learners who use summer as a time to expand their teaching tool kits, try something new, or just reflect upon best practices. Listed below is the number of teachers who participated in professional development over the summer and the type of learning opportunities they engaged in. All of this ensures that our students have the best learning experiences possible!
Hopkins Professional Development
By the Numbers:
18
Global Learning
Internal Professional Development
165
100 Special Services
3 42 26 Technology
Math
13
Language Arts
Culturally Responsive Learning
83 455
Advancing Achievement
For a grand total of
5
Early Childhood Continuous Learning Opportunities
Seven Hopkins Teachers Among Advanced Placement Exam Readers
Meet Leanne Kampfe, West Junior High Principal The start of the 2017-18 school year is a sort of homecoming for Leanne Kampfe. While she is new to her position as principal of West Junior High, she is no stranger to Hopkins. Leanne Kampfe Kampfe has 14 years of history as a music teacher in the District — first at Tanglen Elementary and then at West Junior High, where she also served as an assistant dean for two years. She is returning this fall after three years away as an assistant principal at Roosevelt High School and the completion of her doctorate. “I was very deliberate in where I looked [for a job],” Kampfe said. “I know that all over the District there are amazing teachers, and West is no exception. To have this opportunity to work with such talented educators, that’s a gift to me.” As the new leader of West, Kampfe said she is a strong advocate of the Hopkins mission of celebrating diversity and inclusivity. Her vision is to promote a collective experience at her school. The upcoming year will be centered on the notion that West is more than just a school, but also a caring environment of learners. She said the sense of community drew her back to Hopkins, and she plans to enhance that quality. “Everyone has a choice to make, each and every day, about the space that we will create together,” Kampfe said. “I believe strongly that the students are at the center of what we do, no matter what our roles are in the building. We all have a different slice of the pie for how we create our community and our values.”
Meet Joanne Karch, Assistant Director of Special Services Hopkins Public Schools has a robust special education department with rich curriculum designed to ensure students at all levels are successful both in the classroom and in real life. Joanne Karch It’s this mission that drives incoming Assistant Director of Special Services Joanne Karch to show up for her students every day.
Seven Hopkins High School teachers are among a prestigious crowd that has the honor of calling themselves Advanced Placement (AP) exam readers. This title is given by the National College Board and is an achievement that requires time and dedication to AP studies.
For the last 17 years, Karch has worked in the North St. Paul Public School District in various roles within the special education department. Once on the education track to become a musician, Karch said becoming a teacher was just something that “fell in my lap.” Seeing family members access the programs provided through special education, she grew up recognizing its importance. She said special services was always viewed as a support system that let students be themselves and learn to their highest potential.
Over the summer, AP teachers John Sammler, Maggie Temple, Jennifer Heimlich, Rick Rexroth, Anne Sateren Burow, Felicia Homberger, and Jeff Kocur ventured to all corners of the country to evaluate and score the free-response sections of AP exams. Some went to Orlando or Salt Lake City, among other cities, while some read from home.
Recently, Karch completed her special education licensure from the University of Minnesota and spent 18 months in a cohort with other principals, superintendents, and special education teachers. The expertise of both her cohort and colleagues, Karch said, is instrumental in her own success.
To be an AP exam reader, teachers must be an AP teacher for at least three years and must also “show evidence of our success as a teacher and expertise in our field,” Sammler said. The field is competitive, and to receive an invitation to become a reader is a high honor.
“I love the people that I get to teach with and get to teach,” she said. “The support system here at Hopkins is awesome. I’m looking forward to working with people to get things done that benefit everyone, and hopefully I can make an impact on the students and the staff.”
District Life Changer
Dominique Pierre-Toussaint
Helping young people be successful in the classroom is more than just a mantra for Hopkins student support specialist Dominique Pierre-Toussaint; it’s a way of life. And his lessons transcend from the classroom into the real world. Known to his peers and students as “Mr. Neek,” Dominique is a familiar figure around Glen Lake Elementary. In this role, he ensures students are supported in their academic and social success, and provides support and acts as a liaison for students, staff, and parents. “Dominique has a calm, patient approach with all students he interacts with on a daily basis,” said Glen Lake Principal Jeff Radel. “He is an important factor in our proactive belief to create positive relationships with our students at Glen Lake. He has a passion for helping students and families in accessing opportunities in the community that may otherwise have been difficult to access.” Driven by his love of giving back, Dominique and his wife Tracie founded a local nonprofit called Minnesota Youth Community (MNYC). The mission of the nonprofit is to provide an opportunity for Minnesota youth to share their passions and areas of interest with the larger community. Through this nonprofit, he has helped create several MNYC athletic events and teams and an art club. “He is definitely a dedicated community advocate,” said Lisa Walker, Hopkins youth programs coordinator. “He wants to partner with the community to make sure all students have the same opportunities to succeed.” Background: Dominique moved to Minnesota with the dream to help kids succeed. While on this road, life led him to Paisley Park, where he was an on-call bodyguard for the musician Prince. Eventually he landed a job with Hopkins Kids & Company as an activities supervisor. His dedication to students and to Hopkins did not go unrecognized, and for the last four years he has been a student support specialist at Glen Lake Elementary. What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? I love all of the partnerships and relationships I have created in this amazing community. Proudest moment? One of my proudest moments has been working with a student-athlete named Alex Quintero (West Jr. High). He recently received the 2017 Caring Youth Award in Hopkins and was nominated by the organization that my wife and I created to serve youth and families. Through his experience as a youth participant in MNYC programming, and as a volunteer when he was older, Alex has grown immensely and has been able to contribute to the success of other young people. Teaching philosophy? I don’t believe in coincidences. I only believe in the right path. Stats: • Studied community education and art education, Dickinson State University, North Dakota. He is a 19-year veteran of Hopkins Public Schools and has worked in roles with Kids & Company and with elementary students. He is currently a student support specialist at Glen Lake Elementary. Dominique is also the founder of a local nonprofit, Minnesota Youth Community.
Where are they now?
R.J. Kakach: 2009 graduate
Stats: Engineer for city of Golden Valley • B.S. in civil engineering, University of Minnesota fun facts The Twin Cities have always been home to Hopkins grad R.J. Kakach. From his time as a Royal, to graduation from the University of Minnesota, and onto his career with the city of Golden Valley, Kakach is a Minnesota boy through and through. But what has always been a driving force is his pride for Hopkins High School. Outside of his full-time work improving public infrastructure, he gives back as an assistant coach with the Hopkins boys hockey team. Favorite hangout spot during Hopkins High School? The Mall. Favorite music artist of 2009? Jason Aldean. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? My AP world history teacher Mrs. Heimlich. She pushed me to go above and beyond what is required, and that has always stuck with me. How did Hopkins prepare you? The teachers in the science and math departments really helped me develop a passion for those subjects, which is why I decided to pursue a career in engineering.
Community Spirit Jennifer Hoiska
Glen Lake Elementary holds a special place in Jennifer Hoiska’s heart. Not only because her children are proud Grizzlies, but also because it’s where she chooses to volunteer her free time. Hoiska has been a parent volunteer for the last seven years and currently holds the position of Glen Lake PTO president. While her full-time job, family, and other extracurricular activities fill much of her schedule, Hoiska said she gets joy from volunteering and just wants to “help with as much as I can, as often as I can.” Proudest moment volunteering: One has to be helping with the carnival. I love the planning stage. And I love seeing how happy kids are during the event. Another one was last year chaperoning and volunteering at Wolf Ridge during the sixth-grade field trip. What person has influenced you most? My parents and my kids. My parents have always worked so hard in life and continue to do so, and my kids, Abby and William, amaze me every day. People would be surprised to learn … While I am pretty social and love to plan events, I would prefer to be behind the scenes. I don’t really like to be the center of attention. I just love to help, but I really don’t enjoy to be in the spotlight. I volunteer because … I love my kids, and I know it’s important for parents to volunteer. My son was so excited that I am Glen Lake PTO president again this year, knowing he would sometimes get to see me at school! The time and energy you put in is worth it when your kids want you to help.
Know someone we should feature on this page? Email Emily.Buss@HopkinsSchools.org
Dave “Zeke” Skalicky: 1994 graduate Stats: Commander of a USAF F-22 squadron • B.S. in aerospace engineering and mechanics, U of M; M.A. in political science, Webster Univ.; Joint Professional Military Education fun facts Hopkins Public Schools taught Lt. Col. Dave “Zeke” Skalicky how to reach new heights — figuratively and literally. As a commander of Air Force F-22 fighter jets, Skalicky credits his incredible rise through the military to the solid foundation he received as a Royal. Favorite hangout spot during Hopkins High School? There was a garage area in between the theater’s backstage and band halls that’s probably gone now since the renovation. Favorite music artist of 1994? Led Zeppelin, with Van Halen as a close second. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Mr. Don Bates, the then-high school music director, created an environment that really helped us grow in our formative years. How did Hopkins prepare you? Along with the educational background I gained at Hopkins, the experiences I had outside the classroom in band, student improvement council, baseball, and more, made me who I am today.
Joel Wertheim: 2000 graduate Stats: Assistant professor of medicine, University of California, San Diego • B.A. in biology, Wesleyan University; Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology, University of Arizona fun facts The warmth of San Diego may beat out the chilly Minnesota winters, but it was here in Hopkins where alumni Joel Wertheim got his start. Prof. Dr. Wertheim, as he goes by today, is an assistant professor of medicine and uses his knowledge to study HIV/AIDS. With the support of his wife and two young daughters, he is working toward ensuring the health of Americans. Favorite music artist of 2000? Red Hot Chili Peppers. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Carrie Lucking (AP European history, philosophy, and debate coach) helped teach me how to think critically and make an effective argument. She was smart, kind, and had an uncanny knack for engaging students. She also taught me humility. How did Hopkins prepare you? In my profession, education never stops — it just becomes less formal. Hopkins is where I first started to learn how to learn. Also, my time there cemented my relationship with lifelong friends. Update Back to School 2017
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 161 Hopkins, MN 55343
Fall Events
1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305 www.HopkinsSchools.org 952-988-4000 Time Value
Saturday Preschool September 23-November 18, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Enroll your child in our Saturday Preschool experience! Register: HopkinsSchools.org/preschool or call 952-988-5000 Kindergarten Parent Information Sessions Learn about 2018-19 kindergarten at Hopkins Public Schools and get your questions answered. October 5-24, visit HopkinsSchools.org/kinder Lincoln Center Local: New York Philharmonic – FREE screening! Thursday, October 5, 7-8:30 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center Hopkins Homecoming Game – Go Royals! Friday, October 6, game at 7 p.m. (vs. St. Thomas Academy) Hopkins High School, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka Come Dance With Me! – Join us for an evening of dancing! Friday, October 13, 7p.m., free dance lesson at 6:15 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center Tickets: 952-988-4070, HopkinsSchools.org/dance Pumpkin Patch Party! – Come and choose a pumpkin from our indoor pumpkin patch! Fun games, prizes, and much more! Saturday, October 14, 10:15-11:45 a.m. Register: HopkinsCommunityEd.org or call 952-988-4070
Residential Postal Patron ECRWSS
CommunityREAD
A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota
Join us for a community conversation with the authors of “A Good Time for the Truth,” and hear true stories in a call to listen and learn. Thursday, Oct. 12, 6:30-8 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins
Get Connected, Stay Connected Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HopkinsPublicSchools
Entering Kindergarten in 2018? You Belong in Hopkins!
Hopkins Public Schools to Bring Three Referendum Questions to Voters
Welcome class of 2031! The year before the transition to kindergarten is an important and exciting time, and often when parents have questions. Join us in October for our Kindergarten Parent Information Sessions.
Hopkins Public Schools is conducting a referendum, Tuesday, Nov. 7, with three ballot questions — a bond to update and expand our facilities, a capital projects levy to support technology and curriculum, and an operating levy to maintain programs and services. The Hopkins School Board made the decision to bring these three questions to voters at the Aug. 22 School Board meeting. If all three questions pass, the increased tax impact would be equivalent to $3 a month for the average homeowner in the Hopkins District.
These events are the perfect opportunity to ask questions, get information, meet other families, and see firsthand how Hopkins provides a world-class education for all students. Sessions are designed for parents of children entering kindergarten in the fall of 2018 who want to learn more about Hopkins; however, anyone is welcome to attend.
Mark Your Calendar!
Kindergarten Information Sessions by school:
Eisenhower/XinXing: Thurs., Oct. 5, 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. L.H. Tanglen: Mon., Oct. 9, 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Glen Lake: Tues., Oct. 10, 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Meadowbrook: Thurs., Oct. 12, 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Alice Smith: Tues., Oct. 17, 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Gatewood: Tues., Oct. 24, 6 p.m. Visit HopkinsSchools.org/kinder for more details!
“Approving these three referendum questions will give Hopkins Public Schools the ability to provide improved facilities, technology, curriculum, and the learning resources that our students need and deserve,” said Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools.
How much will it cost me per month?
2 $1 $0 $3
$
+
+
=
Assumes a home value of $250,000
3 Questions 1 Low Tax Impact
VOTE
to Build for the Future. to Advance the Innovation. to Continue the Excellence.
Bond
What is being proposed: A $30 million bond to provide funds to renovate and repair school sites and facilities. Approximately $6.9 million will be used to refinance our lease levy at a lower interest rate, saving our taxpayers money. What it will cost: If approved, this would cost the average Hopkins homeowner $2 per month.
Capital Projects Levy
What is being proposed: Repeal the 2010 and 2013 existing capital project levies, which currently generate $9.4 million annually for curriculum and technology, and combine them into one levy. The District is asking for a slight increase of less than half a percent, which would bring in an additional $500,000 annually. What will it cost: If approved, this levy would be in place for 10 years and would cost the average homeowner in the Hopkins District $1 per month.
Operating Levy
What is being proposed: Repeal the current operating referendum levy and replace it with a new, 10-year levy that keeps the per-student revenue amount the same. This investment will continue to generate $15 million annually. What it will cost: If approved, this would not have an additional tax impact on homeowners.