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Rock-n-Royal
Update
Hopkins softball wins section, catches fourth place at state tournament
It was an especially exciting summer for the Hopkins softball team who recently won the section 6AAAA championship, eventually going on to snag fourth place at the state tournament. While Hopkins softball has a rich history of qualifying for state championships, no player on the 2015-16 softball team had played at state before. “Our players found the crowd and venue exciting,” head coach Mark Peterson said. “Our student athletes had a great time and are looking forward to next year!”
Tanglen turns cafeteria into sandwich-packing event to feed homeless
Students in Tanglen Elementary’s summer SMARTS Express program learned a valuable lesson June 28 when their cafeteria was transformed into a sandwich-packing operation. The program’s 142 students took part in the event where they packaged 545 sandwiches for The Sandwich Project, a Twin Cities program of the Minneapolis Homeless Ministry. The servicelearning opportunity empowered students to help those in their community.
September 2016
Adult & Youth Fall Enrichment Options
Hopkins Education Foundation invites you to an evening of mingling, live music, dancing, food, and fun at its fourth-annual Rock-nRoyal event! Saturday, September 10 6:30-11:30 p.m.
Hopkins Community Education fall and youth classes are waiting for you! Art, fitness, dance, wellness, and so much more! Explore our classes, meet new people, refine your skill set, or try something new!
HopkinsEducationFoundation.org
HopkinsCommunityEd.org
Hopkins Public Schools
The community’s guide to the District.
com m u ni t y Vehicle Fair!
Join us for this FREE family event! See a fire truck, a front-end loader, police car, and more. Plus other fun activities! 952-988-5000 Friday, September 9 5:30-7 p.m. Harley Hopkins Family Center 125 Monroe Ave S., Hopkins HopkinsSchools.org/vehicle
Hello, my name is ... From early childhood to the high school, Hopkins Public Schools introduces four new leaders.
Hopkins Public Schools is starting the school year with four new faces you are bound to see in the hallway. We are welcoming new leadership at Harley Hopkins, Gatewood Elementary, Glen Lake Elementary, and Hopkins High School. Two of them come from surrounding districts, and two are long-time Hopkins employees. What they all have in common is a passion for Hopkins, a collaborative leadership style, and an enthusiasm for students and teachers. Learn more about these emerging leaders, what attracted them to Hopkins, and what they hope to accomplish this school year.
Meet our new leaders! From left, Sara Chovan, Mark French, Jeff Radel, and Doug Bullinger.
Meet Sara Chovan, Early Childhood Family “I want parents to know that Hopkins Public Schools values Education Coordinator the work they are doing, and would like to be a partner in Sara Chovan is a product of Hopkins Public Schools. She providing support, community, and informed discussion,” attended Tanglen Elementary, North Junior High, and she said. graduated from Hopkins High School. But her Royal pride did not stop there. She returned as a In her new role, she looks forward to staying parent educator in 2010, a job that required connected with the families she already knows I want her to wear many hats, and she quickly proved and making new connections. She intends to herself as a leader. This spring, she landed her parents to listen, learn, and grow, and she invites families dream job as the early childhood coordinator to come along with her on this journey. know that for Hopkins Public Schools. It’s an honor she “My door is always open, and I am eager to hear accepted with a mixture of enthusiasm and Hopkins Public your good ideas for how we can support you,” humility. Schools values she said. “I hope I am able to continue the legacy by Mark French, Gatewood Elementary listening to, learning from, and supporting the work they Meet Principal the work of the teachers who put so much of Mark French has always been drawn to Hopkins. are doing. themselves into their classrooms,” said Chovan. The District’s commitment to STEM (science, Chovan has always been interested in empowering parents. technology, engineering, math) appealed to him since his She is proud of Hopkins’ early childhood program, which background is rooted in STEM teaching. Hopkins also feels is responsive to the needs of 21st century parents. She plans like home because he lives in the District; he just needed the to continue to build upon a platform that is supportive right opportunity to work there. Then a principal position of families and their busy lives, and that offers a sense of opened up Gatewood Elementary, and the rest is history. community and support as students make their earliest French is a veteran administrator with 35 years of venture into school. experience in education. He spent 20 of those years working as an elementary principal in rural, suburban, and urban school districts. He has earned a strong reputation for his ability to engage with students. In his new role, he hopes to bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to Gatewood, while also continuing the traditions that make it a special place for students.
Sara Chovan
Coming From: Hopkins! Most recently as a parent educator in the Hopkins Early Childhood program. Education: Macalester College, B.A.; California State University, M.A.; St. Cloud State University, Teaching License. A proud Hopkins grad.
“I want to be a cheerleader for Gatewood and Hopkins Public Schools,” he said. “I want to help staff members be the best they can be and ensure that students are achieving high levels of success.”
When you’re not working, we can find you: Sitting on my porch reading an engaging book. I’m an introvert at heart! Family Life: Married to husband Arslan for 15 years. Together they have one daughter, Mabel. What is your ice cream of choice? Hands down, Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Dough ice cream.
French has archived his summer on Twitter using #89DaysofSummer. A quick scroll through the feed tells you a lot about his leadership style and his “gator” pride. He shows off the school’s colorful new media center, shares See Hello, My Name Is ... inside
Hello, My Name Is ... from cover Meet Jeff Radel, Glen Lake Elementary Interim Principal Jeff Radel is a face that many Hopkins families will recognize, especially on the east side. He has taught third and fifth-grade at Meadowbrook since 2008. Much to the dismay of a few Meadowbrook fifth-grade families who were hoping to score Radel as a teacher, he is now the Glen Lake Elementary principal.
Mark French
Coming From: Osseo Area Schools Education: Northern Michigan University: B.A., University of St. Thomas: M.A. People would be surprised to learn: That I can juggle! Family Life: Lives in Golden Valley with husband Kip, and enjoys being the godparents to their 2-year-old goddaughter. “She keeps us young and on the go!” What person has influenced you the most? My mother. She taught me to try new things, go after your dreams, and explore your passions. Follow Mark on Twitter @PrincipalFrench
photos of the new staff, and even talks about how an incoming kindergarten student taught him how to use an Olympics app. All this before the school year had even begun. French is a visible principal — the kind you see in classrooms, the cafeteria, and on the playground connecting with students and staff. His only priority for the first week of school is getting to know students. Period. However, at some point, he will need to perfect the science of finding the fastest route from his home in Golden Valley to Gatewood in the midst of all the road construction. “I hope to bring energy and enthusiasm to continue the wonderful traditions at Gatewood, and fresh ideas to make things even better,” he said.
Jeff Radel
Coming From: The fifth-grade Meadowbrook classroom! Education: St. John’s University: B.A.; St. Mary’s University: M.A. People would be surprised to learn: That I wear unique, goofy socks every day. My 4-year-old son picks them out. Family Life: Resides in the Gatewood community with his wife Kim and two sons, Chase and Lincoln. What person has influenced you the most? Both of my parents. My mom instilled in me the importance of selflessness, and my father taught me the importance of hard work. Follow Jeff on Twitter @RadelJeff
Although he loved the classroom, Radel describes being principal of Glen Lake as the perfect fit. He lives on the west side of the District, and his children attend neighboring school, Gatewood. His passion for teaching in Hopkins is the very thing that makes him an exceptional principal. He has enjoyed teaching in a District that values and supports its teachers, and is proud of Hopkins’ commitment to being culturally responsive and inclusive to all students, staff, and families. “I am a passionate educator who believes that a principal should support students and teachers every day by seeing them in action in their learning environments,” said Radel. “I will support teachers by learning alongside them, and I will support students by learning their culture, interests, and perspectives.” Radel is approachable and collaborative, and he plans to lead with these two qualities in mind. He already has his goals laid out for the 2016-17 school year, or at least some of his goals. He will learn every child’s name. He will teach in every classroom as the “substitute teacher.” He will contribute to the positive, caring culture that has already been established. Always one to look to the future, Radel also confessed he is looking forward to sleeping on the Glen Lake roof when students meet their Walk-a-Thon goal. It’s tradition. Meet Doug Bullinger, Hopkins High School Principal Doug Bullinger is honored to be the lead principal of Hopkins High School. It’s a district he has been watching for a long time. At his previous jobs in Edina and Mounds View, he had crossover opportunities with Hopkins teachers and principals, and he always felt there was something special about them. “The staff and the students both have a great reputation outside of Hopkins Schools, and I wanted to work with them,” he said. “My
Hopkins Community Education
experience so far is that the reputation is justified and well-deserved.” Bullinger is energized by building relationships with students and staff. And he jumped into his new role as lead principal with both feet, which is why he joked that his office will never fully get unpacked. He is sincere in wanting to learn about the families and students who attend Hopkins High School. Prior to the start of the school year, he organized three meet-and-greet sessions at various locations throughout the Hopkins Public Schools attendance area and Minneapolis. These meetings had no set agenda other than meeting families and hearing about their child’s high school experience and post high school goals.
Doug Bullinger
Coming From: Mounds View School District Education: Osseo High School, U of M: B.A. and M.A., K-12 License: University of St. Thomas, In progress: Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction, superintendent license, U of M People would be surprised to learn: I actually have curly hair, if I were to let it grow out. Family Life: Married 15 years to high school sweetheart. Together they have a 9-year-old son, a 5-year-old daughter, and a 14-year-old terrier. What person has influenced you the most? My dad. Follow Doug on Twitter @DougBullinger or on Snapchat
This year, Bullinger wants to meet students where they are at … literally and digitally, which is how he became the first principal in Hopkins Public Schools’ history to start a Snapchat account (username: hhsroyals) as a way of connecting with students. The ability to work with students and staff every single day is what Bullinger is looking forward to most in his role as lead principal. In his first year, he intends to get to know as many students and families as possible, and get into classrooms often. He hopes to build on what is going well at Hopkins High School and create a strong sense of community among students. “Despite the shaved head, I am actually quite approachable,” he said. “I am always open to feedback about what is or is not working for our families.”
Building a great place to live
Adult Enrichment
Cooking up fun this fall! Make a perfect pie, roll your own sushi, explore regional cuisine, whip up pizza dough, bake holiday cookies, make your own truffles — explore cooking secrets and techniques with our expert chefs. Fresh new fall classes are here for you! Spark a new passion and meet others who share your interests. Start your adventure!
HopkinsCommunityEd.org
Early Childhood
Vehicle Fair!
Friday, September 9 5:30-7 p.m.
Free event! Hopkins Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) invites your family to explore city work vehicles and fun family activities. Harley Hopkins Family Center 125 Monroe Ave S., Hopkins HopkinsSchools.org/vehicle
What did you do this summer? Sure, summer is a time to rest and recharge, but it’s also a time to learn, grow, and expand upon your skill set. All summer long, our teachers were engaged in learning opportunities. Some of these experiences were facilitated by our top-notch professional development team, and some took our teachers off-site to classrooms, conferences, and independent studies. All this ensures that Hopkins students receive a relevant and personalized education. Listed below is a graph representing different categories of professional development and the number of staff members who attended.
From the Superintendent, John Schultz, Ph.D.
Back-to-School Greetings As I walk around the halls of our schools, I see teachers, school leaders, and support staff scurrying about in preparation for the school year. This is a sign that summer is coming to a close and we are embarking on fall. One of the greatest things about being an educator is that we have the wonderful opportunity of being jazzed about a new school year.
Hopkins Professional Development
By the Numbers: Special Services 1 Minnesota School Social Worker’s Summer Symposium 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder - Summer Institute 46 Trauma Sensitive Schools book study and workshops
All Students Can Achieve 2 Everyday Mathematics Learning Academy 50 AVID Summer Institute
Early Childhood and Elementary 1 Donalyn Miller Literacy Institute 4 Boulder Journey School Reggio-Emilia Conference 5 Close reading workshop Global Learning 3 Responsive Classrooms 12 International Literacy Conference 30 IB related training 30 Culturally Linguistic Responsive Summer Institute
Technology 30 Summer online tech training
Advanced Studies 4 AP Social Studies work 5 College in the Schools workshop
The Arts and Language 1 Junkyard Percussion Workshop 2 Minnesota Summer Writing Project at University of Minnesota 2 CARLA Summer Institute for Language Teachers 2 AP Chinese Language and Culture Training at Carleton
Internal Professional Development 2 Edina Learning Institute 6 Dr. Steven Graham Book Club 50 Book studies at sites 100 Summer Curriculum Writing 125 Hopstock
514 For a grand total of:
continuous learning opportunities.
It is amazing to watch Hopkins staff engage learners in everything that happens in our schools. It may be a different year, but there are many things that will remain constant. Hopkins Public Schools will: • Celebrate the diversity of our students, families, and staff. • Provide a caring learning environment for everyone in schools and programs. • Deliver a relevant, challenging, fun, and dynamic curriculum to all students. A new mission statement There are many new exciting initiatives emerging in the District, as well. Hopkins will soon launch and begin modeling three pathways to our mission. We have updated our mission statement to reflect the beautiful diversity of our community. Our new mission statement reads as follows: Hopkins Public Schools serves the community by welcoming all learners, honoring culture, and inspiring remarkable growth and achievement. We will do this by being innovative, bridging the many cultures we encounter in our community, and seeking partnerships to enhance student learning. New leadership There is excitement in our school communities for four new school leaders. Sara Chovan is our new early childhood coordinator, Mark French is the new Gatewood principal, Jeff Radel is the new Glen Lake principal, and Doug Bullinger is the new Hopkins High School principal. We are pleased to bring new leadership into our District, and I know they would welcome a greeting from you! The start of school is a time to get back into family routines, activities, clubs, athletics, and school work. It is also a time of high energy in our schools. Please take the time in the midst of your busy schedules to learn about our schools, what children are doing, and the role schools play in our local community. Welcome to an exciting time of the year! Sincerely,
John W. Shultz, Ph. D. Superintendent
District Life Changer
Becky Allen
In her 25th year with Hopkins Public Schools, District staff development coordinator and peer coach Becky Allen has spent her career dedicated to lifting up both students and staff. Learning alongside her parents — who were also teachers — Allen assumed the role of mentor early in life. Teaching, she says, is in her blood. And creating an environment where both teachers and students are supported is what she strives for. “Becky not only pushes and challenges us to continue growing professionally, but she also models what it means to be a life-long learner,” said Natalie Sawatzky, assistant principal at Meadowbrook Elementary. “After a conversation with Becky, I often find myself reading a new book, using a new protocol in my work, or looking at an issue with a new lens.” Her nurturing manner in the classroom and innovative ideas for staff development have made Allen an important asset in Hopkins. In her position as coordinator of staff development, she works diligently to bring opportunities to educators that will “deepen their skills and knowledge leading to increased student learning,” she said. Because of her efforts, Hopkins teachers are introducing more robust lesson plans, engaging with students on a deeper level, and learning how to educate today’s learners. “Becky recognizes that while we are fortunate to have a wide range of high quality programs and initiatives in our District, teachers also need time and opportunities to thoughtfully knit these experiences together,” said Carleen Matts, secondary peer coach and Hopkins educator. “She is also keenly aware of the talent of our staff and seeks to develop strong teachers into a network of strong teacher leaders.” Background: Becky Allen started her career with Hopkins in 1992, as an eighth-grade Earth science teacher at North Junior High, and became a mentor to many throughout her career. What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? I love being around people who like to learn. Having observed over 300 different teachers throughout the years, I feel really qualified to state that Hopkins has an exceptional group of teachers, administrators, and support staff working with students, families, and community members. You know why they are so good? It’s because the staff in Hopkins is continually learning, innovating, and supporting one another. Proudest moment? Our professional development programming has grown significantly, and it’s because I am surrounded by great people. I have made an effort to broaden our professional learning opportunities and seek out and support the teacher leaders in our schools. Nurturing our own talent blends history with innovation. Teaching philosophy? The learning is in the conversation. Stats: • B.S. in Earth science education and a math minor, Winona State University; M.A. in curriculum and instruction, St. Thomas University; Administrative license, University of Minnesota; Staff development certificate, University of Minnesota
Where are they now?
Steve Moilanen: 2004 graduate
Stats: Co-founder and CEO of Solstice Initiative • Bachelor of Art, Brown University; and Master of Public Affairs, Princeton University fun facts From his time as a Royal to cofounding a company aimed at providing solar energy to all, Steve Moilanen is transforming the world. He has been employed by the White House Office of Energy and Climate Change, and in his role with his company Solstice Initiative, Steve Moilanen was named a Halcyon Fellow and Echoing Green Climate Fellow, which both recognizes and supports outstanding young entrepreneurs. Favorite hangout spot during Hopkins High School? The Lindbergh Center. Favorite artist of 2004? Dave Matthews Band. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? John Unruh-Friesen! He sparked my interest in American politics and public policy. How did Hopkins prepare you? Hopkins High School is everything public education can and should be — rigorous, enriching, demanding, and inspiring. Whatever I have accomplished in my career I owe in large measure to Hopkins.
Community Spirit Ron Schmit
For more than two decades, Ron Schmit has been the voice and resident astronomy expert at the Eisenhower Observatory. He has shared his love of the cosmos with kids and adults alike, taking participants through the galaxies from the comforts of Hopkins. Outside of the District, Schmit is an astronomy educator at the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Minneapolis Planetarium, and the Minnesota Astronomical Society. Proudest moment volunteering: When musicians perform, they hear applause when the audience likes what it hears. That’s their affirmation that they are making a connection. With comedians, they listen for laughter for the same reason. Me? I go for the gasps. That’s how I know I’m getting the job done. I volunteer because… I volunteer out of gratitude for all that others have done for me, and the lessons they have taught me. This is the way I can give back. I firmly believe we all need to invest in each other with our time, talent, touch, and treasure. Everyone can give something from that list.
Do you love Hopkins Public Schools?
Let your Hopkins pride shine by rating us on the review website of your choice. Find out how:
HopkinsSchools.org/hopkinspride
Know someone we should feature on this page? Email Carrie.Gerard@HopkinsSchools.org
Melissa (Specken) Saigh: 2000 graduate Stats: Stay-at-home mother to two children • Bachelor of Science, double major in mass communication and speech communications; Minnesota State University, Mankato fun facts No stranger to the local spotlight, Hopkins grad Melissa Saigh is turning her love of telling stories into her own personal brand. Melissa began a budding communications career shortly after graduating high school, landing in Rochester where she was a news reporter and anchor for an ABC affiliate. She then moved back to the Twin Cities and worked as a producer and reporter for Twin Cities Live, a show on KSTP-TV. In 2010, Melissa and her husband AJ started their family, and Melissa started the Minnesota Baby blog, which has exploded to reach over 40,000 viewers each month. Favorite music artist of 2000? Britney Spears. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Mr. (Jacques) Youakim! I am horrible at math, but he actually had a way of making math fun! How did Hopkins prepare you? I think attending a huge high school with a diverse population of students allowed me the opportunity to get to know people from many different backgrounds.
Alissa (Peterson) Krueger: 2004 graduate Stats: Learning and development specialist at Sholom Community Alliance • Bachelor of Arts, communications studies, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities fun facts After her days as a Royal, Alissa Krueger followed her passion and began a professional career in healthcare nonprofits. After receiving her certificate in human resources in 2013, she began working for the Sholom Community Alliance, which provides services for older adults with residential, social services, and healthcare needs in St. Louis Park. A newlywed, Alissa is living the charmed life in Uptown with her husband and two cats. She has future plans to travel and enroll in graduate school for educational leadership or human resources. Favorite music artist of 2004? Weezer. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Douglas Dart, my humanities teacher. Mr. Dart instilled in me the importance of learning about human behavior and being open to discourse. How did Hopkins prepare you? There were many teachers, coaches, and instructors who I felt truly cared about my success. I feel very lucky to have graduated from a high school that embraced inclusion, diversity, and celebrated differences.
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Fall Events Vehicle Fair – Join us for this free family event! See a front-end loader, police car, and more. Enjoy classroom activities and face painting. Friday, September 9, 5:30-7 p.m. Harley Hopkins Family Center, 125 Monroe Ave S., Hopkins, 952-988-5000. Rock-n-Royal Street Dance! – Hopkins Education Foundation invites you to an evening of mingling, live music, dancing, food, and fun. Questions? 952-988-4097. Saturday, September 10, 6:30-11:30 p.m. Hopkins Center for the Arts. Tickets: HopkinsEducationFoundation.org
1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305 www.HopkinsSchools.org 952-988-4000 Time Value
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Hopkins Homecoming – Go Royals! Friday, September 23, game at 6 p.m. (vs. Edina) Hopkins High School, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka Early Childhood Fest – A fun-filled celebration with family-friendly entertainment. Saturday, October 1, 10-11:30 a.m. Hopkins Library, 22 - 11th Ave N., Hopkins Come Dance With Me! – Dance to the sounds of Sinatra-style singer Tim Patrick and his Blue Eyes Band at a community dance. Friday, October 14, 7 p.m., free dance lesson at 6:15 p.m. Hopkins Eisenhower Community Center, Oakwoods Room Tickets: 952-988-4070, HopkinsSchools.org/dance
Get Connected, Stay Connected Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HopkinsPublicSchools
Crowning the New Royals
Saturday, September 10 6:30-11:30 p.m. Enjoy mingling, dancing, and live music by The Sons at the fourth-annual Rock-n-Royal Street Dance at Hopkins Center for the Arts! Purchase delicious food and drinks from the Purple People Feeder and the Big 10 Restaurant and Bar. Must be 21 or older. Tickets $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Visit HopkinsEducationFoundation.org
Education Commissioner Celebrates Hopkins’ Summer Meals Program, Farm-to-School Initiative Hopkins’ commitment to providing healthy meals with locally grown produce year-round was celebrated July 26 with a summer garden social and visit from Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius.
A new logo fit for a lion A new principal is not the only thing different about Hopkins High School this year. The year is starting with a sharper, more contemporary lion. The logo underwent a face-lift over the summer. The Hopkins mascot rebranding committee — comprised of the District’s marketing and communication department, high school athletics department, fine arts department, and administration — designed the contemporary logo. Its dynamic features include a fierce lion complete with a crown, which is the centerpiece of the new logo and better aligns with the identity of the proud Hopkins Royals. The logo is part of a broader marketing redesign for the high school, which will include the future creation of a new high school crest, and naming of the lion mascot.
Eisenhower Elementary hosted the event in its courtyard, which recognized the sustainable efforts made by the District to feed students hot lunches through its Summer Meals Program and Farm-to-School initiative. This summer there were seven sites within the Hopkins School District where children could get lunch, and in some cases, breakfast. Director of Nutrition Barb Mechura said the Summer Meals Program offers a safety net for area kids who might not have access to healthy foods during the summer months. Along with the Summer Meals Program, Eisenhower Elementary is one of several schools in the District that maintains a vegetable garden and uses the produce in its school lunches. The District also partners with over a dozen local businesses and farmers, from which they get fresh vegetables regularly. In 2015, Hopkins purchased
Brenda Cassellius, the commissioner of education, enjoyed lunch at Eisenhower during a summer garden social.
58,312 pounds of fresh food from local vendors, which represents over $223,000 going back into the local economy. Cassellius praised the work of educators and students alike in creating a healthy food platform and for being proactive in addressing the nationwide obesity crisis. “This is great to see the cutting-edge work being done to create conditions for children to be successful,” Cassellius said. “This is an authentic learning environment for our students, and it’s wonderful they are able to engage with the cafeteria workers, custodial staff, parent volunteers, and each other.”