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Update Hopkins Public Schools
The community’s guide to the District.
Hopkins Public Schools community to vote on two levies
Hopkins Public Schools is conducting a referendum, Tuesday, November 5, with two ballot questions — an operating referendum levy and a capital projects levy. The Hopkins School Board made the decision to bring these two questions to voters at the August 15 Board Meeting. The dollars would be used to support curriculum and technology, safety at each school, and kitchen renovations. If both items passed, the increased tax impact would be equivalent to about $12 a month for a home valued at $250,000. More information about the 2013 referendum can be found at HopkinsPublicSchools.org.
Hopkins reaches highest level of financial accountability three years in a row
Hopkins Public Schools has received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting award from the ASBO (Association of School Business Officials International). The District was recognized for its high-quality Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending 2012. This is the thirdconsecutive year the District has received the award.
September 2013
Vehicle Fair
Hopkins Education Foundation presents a night of food, fun, and music by Wheelhouse. Attendees must be 21 or older. September 28, 8-11:30 p.m. Hopkins Center for the Arts 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins hopkinseducationfoundation.org
Join us for this FREE event. See a fire truck, ambulance, snow-plow truck, and more! Plus, fun family activities, face painting, and refreshments. September 6, 5:30-7 p.m. Harley Hopkins Family Center HopkinsCommunityEd.org
Coachable Moments Free parenting workshop! Bring out the best in your teen by integrating coaching skills into your parenting techniques. Help your teen become accountable and successful. 3 sessions. September 24, October 8 & 29 6:30-8 p.m. HopkinsCommunityEd.org
Summer Food Program Fuels Kids During the Summer Months Program ensures children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. During the school year, many students depend on school to provide them with an important staple — nutrition. Students need to fuel themselves with the right foods to function at capacity, and not just during the academic year. Five years ago, Hopkins Public Schools and Hopkins Community Education sought out funding for the Summer Food Program, to make sure all students had access to nutritious meals during the summer months. Every year since, the program has expanded to be more accessible to families. This year, two food trucks were added into the mix, and two of the three school sites served breakfast. By July 4, the program had served 29,985 meals to children. That’s a lot of fuel!
Children line up outside the 43 Hoops Summer Food Truck location. The meal served was a kid favorite — mac and cheese.
Nutrition and learning Research suggests that nutrition has a strong impact on learning. Having access to healthful meals is considered one of the strategies for closing the achievement gap. Brain growth does not stop during the summer, and losing access to nutrition affects students’ ability to learn when they return to the classroom in the fall.
“Nutritional support during the summer months is so important,” said Barb Mechura, director We can’t worry of school nutrition for Hopkins Public Schools. “Nationwide, only one in seven about students just kids in poverty receives meals during the summer.” during the school
“We can’t worry about students just during the school year,” said Mechura. “We have to make sure they are being fueled 365 days a year if we want to make a difference.”
The Summer Food Program is funded year. We have to This year, Mechura and her staff wanted to mix through a USDA grant that targets make sure they are up the Summer Food Program menu, while still geographic areas with high populations adhering to the same high nutritional standards of students who qualify for Free and being fueled 365 that students enjoy during the school year. This Reduced Lunch. The goal is to make new menu reflects Hopkins’ commitment to sure students continue to have access days a year if we scratch cooking, and includes more recipes that to nutritious meals during the summer. never saw the inside of a box. Orange chicken, want to make a Each meal consists of a healthful entrée, mac and cheese, gyro flatbread, and ovenfruit, vegetable, and milk. The majority difference. roasted chicken, are just a few menu items that of the entrées are made from raw are made from scratch and served up hot during ingredients and prepared from scratch. the summer. All children under the age of 18 are eligible for free meals, and adults can purchase them for a Introducing the Summer Food Program Food Truck reduced price. In an effort to remove even more barriers, this year a
decision was made to incorporate food trucks into the Summer Food Program. Having a food truck meant that families would not need to cross busy streets to eat lunch. The lunch could come to them. The strategy worked. Food trucks were stationed in two locations throughout the District, and both served about 40 kids each day, many were waiting in line before the truck even arrived. “We were able to reach a good number of families and saw ‘regulars’ at each site, but you always wish you could reach out to even more,” said Glen Ritter, assistant director of nutrition for Hopkins Public Schools.
Families dining outside the 43 Hoops Summer Food Truck location.
see Summer Food Program, inside
Tanglen Elementary Welcomes New Principal Jim Hebeisen Hopkins Public Schools is welcoming a new principal, Jim Hebeisen, Ed.D., to Tanglen Elementary this fall. Hebeisen has been principal since July 1, but the role won’t quite feel real until the first day of school when the building is full of kids. He can’t wait. In the meantime, he is busy meeting parents and staff, attending National Neighborhood Night Out parties, and preparing Tanglen for a productive school year. One thing you can expect from Hebeisen is hands-on leadership. “I don’t plan to be in the office much this year,” he said. “I want to be visible in the building, in the classroom, and working with students, staff, and parents.” Hebeisen comes to Hopkins after a 22-year tenure in the Wayzata School District, where he served as an elementary teacher and, most recently, as a peer coach. He is passionate about teaching kids and believes in the power
of technology to enhance education. During his time in Wayzata, he worked on a variety of district initiatives, including serving on Wayzata’s one-to-one technology committee. He also laid the foundation for the their iPad rollout. This is Hebeisen’s first year as a principal, but he always knew it was something he wanted to pursue when the timing was right. He describes himself as someone who puts down “deep roots.” That’s why the Tanglen position attracted him so much. It just felt right. Hebeisen admired Tanglen’s rich history and culture as a school. It was the only job he applied for. “We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Hebeisen into the Hopkins community,” said assistant superintendent, Nik Lightfoot. “He brings with him considerable instructional training and expertise, and works to build strong rapport and relationships with staff, students, and the larger community.” Coming from a family of educators (both his parents were teachers), Hebeisen knew from a young age that he wanted to be a teacher… or an actor. But for a guy who likes to stay close to his home base, acting proved to be the
less attractive career to explore. In his teaching days, Hebeisen earned countless accolades. His commitment to the whole child and getting to know students as individuals was widely recognized. Those who have worked with him describe him as a caring, insightful educator with a strong ability to build and strengthen a learning community. He is also respected for his work with the Cub Scouts program, and was named Cubmaster of the Year in 2008 and 2010. Hebeisen received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction from St. Cloud State University. In 2001, he received an Ed.D., from the University of Minnesota in education policy and administration. Hebeisen succeeds Gail Lewis Miller, who served as Tanglen principal for nine years. On a personal level, Hebeisen has been married for 20 years to his wife, Sue, and has three boys — Adam (17), Ian (15), and Alex (10). As a family, they enjoy camping, watching movies, and cooking together. “I am very excited to be the next principal of Tanglen,” said Hebeisen. “It is a school with much to be proud of, and I look forward to working collaboratively with families to make it an even better place to work, learn, and grow.”
Summer Food Program continued from cover Throughout the summer, Mechura and Ritter visited the sites often, talking with families, asking what entrées they liked best, or just how their day was going. Both food truck locations had a handful of families who frequently came together, enjoyed a meal, fellowship, and sunshine. Some of the families walked up to a mile to get there. One woman — a military wife — stood out to Mechura. “The truck helped her make ends meet during the summer. She was just so grateful for the program and the fact that she had access to healthful hot lunches for her and her children,” said Mechura. What’s in store in student nutrition for the 2013-14 school year? The Summer Food Program may be closed for the season, but Royal Cuisine, Hopkins’ food
Hopkins Community Education
service department, is hard at work preparing food for the 2013-14 school year. When students arrive to school on September 3, they will be greeted with a variety of tasty lunch options, less processed foods, and even more items made from scratch. Using locally-grown tomatoes, Hopkins is working on its own homemade tomato sauce. The goal is to create enough to cover a menu cycle at each school. The staff is also working on canning enough homemade pickles to last through January, eliminating the food dyes found in most commercially canned pickles. Meatless Mondays Students can also expect a soft approach to a new concept called Meatless Mondays. On these days, students will be served entrées that feature plant-based proteins, like garden frittatas, baha bake, tofu products, and black
Each Summer Food meal consists of an entrée, fruit, vegetable, and milk. This year, the menu was expanded to include even more scratch cooking, like this mac and cheese recipe.
bean burgers. Parents can expect more information about Meatless Mondays soon.
Building a great place to live
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Adult Enrichment
Youth Enrichment
Cooking classes — make something fabulous!
Your choice for world language learning!
Make your own decadent truffles, the perfect cake for a perfect occasion, roll your own sushi, explore regional cuisine, and more — let our chefs dult teach you their secrets to fabulous cooking! SJ e ap tne um ba e rr y - - dJ euc ne me b e 2r 02 0 173 H o p k i n s C o m m u n i t y E d u C at i o n
Enrichment
Check out your fall Adult Enrichment catalog for all of our great classes. More than 25 new classes inside!
New: Hot workout trend –
Register by September 24
¡Vamos! Spanish grades 2-6 To complement classroom-integrated Spanish instruction in grades K-1, Hopkins Community Education is offering Spanish language learning for youth in grades 2-6. Engaging, interactive, theme-based classes are designed so beginning or advanced students can continually join classes. Classes are held before- and after-school at all Hopkins elementary schools.
experience BARRE Fitness! page 17
How much cash is your treasure worth? Appraise it! cook Chec ing k ou clas t ou ses! r p.11
page 21
The Big Easy right here – cooking New Orleans-style page 14 Building a great place to live
Hopkins Community Education
Visit www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org
www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org/VamosSpanish
Eisenhower’s New Playground and the Power of Community
From the Superintendent, John Schultz, Ph.D.
Welcome to the 2013-2014 School Year! It seems that the time between graduation and the first day of school gets shorter every year. It’s hard to believe that we are already starting a new school year and a new season of our District newsletter, “Update.”
On June 11, to complete the circle of giving back to the community, Eisenhower Elementary donated its old playground to Kids Around the World, which made the necessary repairs and sent it to a community in need in Haiti. The story of Eisenhower’s new playground exhibits the power of philanthropy through the collaboration of a neighborhood. A new playground for Eisenhower Elementary In November of 2012, Eisenhower Elementary received a $234,520 Hennepin Youth Sports Program grant to build a new playground. Students, parents, and Eisenhower staff members voted on which playground structures they would like to see featured. After a volunteer sign-up campaign, the school was ready for its big community playground build event on May 18 and 19. Through the weekend’s series of thunderstorms, and the unseasonable frozen ground, dozens of community volunteers lent a hand in building the new playground. Wet ground and threatening skies forced work to cease, but on May 19, last-minute volunteers helped complete the playground. With a little luck and a group of dedicated volunteers, students had the opportunity to swing across shiny new monkey bars and explore the creative play structures during the final week of school. But, the inauguration of the new playground did not signify the end of the old playground. The old playground reborn Eisenhower Elementary’s old playground was donated to Kids Around the World, a non-profit organization dedicated to recycling playgrounds by donating them to communities in need. The playground was the largest playground ever donated in the organization’s 19-year history. In total, Kids Around the World has donated 280 playgrounds across five continents. “These playgrounds have many years of life in them,” said Paul Bierhaus, from Kids Around the World. This fall, the playground will be re-assembled in a Haitian community where it is greatly needed. “In many cases, it’s the first playground the children of the area have ever seen,” said Bierhaus. He describes the entire process as a win-win situation. Schools like Eisenhower save money by not paying to recycle their old playground, and communities in need have the opportunity to enjoy fully functional and safe play structures. Through volunteers and PTO members, Eisenhower Elementary’s dream of a new playground has become a reality. Through a conscientious school administration and Kids Around the World, children in Haiti will enjoy a playground. Eisenhower Elementary is grateful to everyone who made this effort possible. A special thanks goes to Paul Buschmann, Penny Thompson-Burke, Maria Baca, Joyce Kurus, Doobie Kurus, and Patty Acomb for participating in the writing of the grant and planning of the build, as well as Steve Olson from the National Sports Center for making Eisenhower Elementary aware of the Hennepin Youth Sports Program.
It is exciting to be superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools. It’s an honor to serve a community that expects learning to be dynamic and student-focused. These are great expectations to live up to. I feel lucky and grateful because our District is rich with educators and professional staff who are talented, energetic, creative, and most importantly, dedicated to the education of each child they serve. What’s new in 2013-2014? The Hopkins School Board and staff are providing new and exciting areas of study and technology this year. As a District, we believe it is important that our students be exposed to a second language as early as kindergarten. That’s why we are integrating Spanish language into all our elementary schools, beginning this year with kindergarten and first grade. Our junior highs continue to prepare for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and seventh- and eighth-grade students will be given iPads to support digital content learning. Meanwhile, our high school will continue to offer a wide range of course offerings including Advanced Placement, honors, AVID, and College in the Schools. Stay Connected This publication is important to Hopkins Public Schools because it gives us the opportunity to showcase the many great things happening in our schools and programs. It is my hope that the “Update” keeps you in partnership with the public education in your community. If you wish strengthen this partnership, I invite you to visit or volunteer in our schools and learn what is happening in the classrooms. And always feel free to contact me with feedback. With you, I look forward to another great school year! Sincerely,
John W. Schultz, Ph.D. Superintendent
A Message from Transportation September 3 is the first day of school. On behalf of the transportation department, please consider these gentle reminders. When you are behind a stopped school bus, stay stopped until the flashing lights are off and the bus begins to move. Keep a keen watch for children crossing the street or walking on the roadways. Slow down in school neighborhoods. Our children’s safety is all of our responsibility. Thank you for doing your part.
District Life Changer
Barb Mechura
Barb Mechura does not think “inside-the-box” and she certainly does not cook from one. Students may not know her name, but they are introduced to her work the first time they eat a nutritionally-dense Hopkins school lunch — in fact, because of Barb, lunch might just be their favorite subject. Barb has been the director of nutrition for Hopkins Public Schools since 2007. In this role, she is responsible for menu and recipe development, health and wellness, the Summer Food Program, and pretty much everything else related to food. During her time at Hopkins, she has earned a reputation for building the gold standard of school nutrition programs. She has all but eliminated over-processed heat-and-serve foods, and replaced them with scratch-cooking, fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. “With the obesity crisis that our country is facing, Barb has helped transform Hopkins Public Schools food service from being part of the problem, to being part of the solution,” said colleague Jane Kleinman. “Our District is a leader in the nation for providing healthy foods for children and staff.” Background: Barb has spent nearly her whole career in food service, so it’s no surprise to learn that she was born and raised on a farm. From a very early age, she remembers eating great, farm-fresh food, and staying active tending to the farm. The relationship between food and an active lifestyle was understood from a young age, and she brought this holistic philosophy to Hopkins Public Schools. What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? Anytime I get to see how my work has impacted students and staff, it brings me a sense of gratitude. I love youth and I love being part of a highly respected organization that helps shape and mold their knowledge, ideas, and personal choices. In Hopkins, we don’t shy away from finding and applying new research to help us be better at what we do. We work hard to stay ahead of the curve and prepare students to be part of the 21st century and beyond. Proudest moments? I am very proud of our staff in the Student Nutrition & Lifestyles department. They are a highly dedicated group of cooks and food coaches who have a passion for transforming school food choices, and how that contributes to healthy children who are ready to learn. Teaching philosophy? A quote from Arthur Pruneda comes to mind — “The only thing that will change kids’ minds about what to eat is by changing what you offer them.” Stats: • B.S. in Business, Mankato State University. Holistic Health Coach Certification, Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Barb is an active member of the School Nutrition Association, Minnesota School Nutrition Association, and the School Food Service Directors of Minnesota group. Barb is passionate about nutrition and wellness, and credits her husband of 28 years and her children for their ongoing support and encouragement of her career path.
Where are they now?
Jimmy Steinfeldt: 1977 graduate
Stats: Owner, Jimmy Steinfeldt Photography • Bachelor of Business Administration, San Diego State University, 1981 fun facts Thirty years ago, Jimmy was at a Stevie Nicks concert at the Met Center in Bloomington, armed with only a $100 Minolta camera. After photographing the concert, he realized he had just become a music photographer. Recently, Jimmy published his new book, Rock ‘N’ Roll Lens, featuring his photographs of music icons, from Miles Davis to the Ramones. His photos (jimmysteinfeldt.com) have appeared in Rolling Stone magazine. He is excited to donate a “buck-a-book” to the Make-A-Wish foundation, where he has been a volunteer for 10 years. Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins (Eisenhower) High School? The language room, they had great tape players where I could listen to rock and roll! Favorite Band of 1977? The Eagles. How did Hopkins prepare you? Hopkins gave me a solid education and skills that I use every day. What Hopkins teacher made a difference in your life? Tennis coach and teacher, Tom Hutton, was a positive influence in my life.
Community Spirit David Middlekauff
Most well-known for his extreme popcorn-making skill at many Glen Lake Elementary events, volunteer David Middlekauff also works with the Read Naturally program, chaperones field trips, helps at school events, unties knots in shoes, and even hunts down googly eyes and pipe cleaners for craft projects. “I wanted to be involved in my kids’ education,” said Middlekauff. He has found his niche at Glen Lake Elementary, where he says he works with many other amazing volunteers, also deserving of recognition. Proudest moments volunteering? On one of the fifth-grade Hyland ski trips, I spent over 45 minutes helping one boy get down the ski slope while other kids were flying past us. I was so happy for him when he arrived successfully at the bottom (and relieved!) What person has influenced you most? My sister, Ann, a teacher who works with developmentally challenged students and has the patience of Job. I often ask myself, what would Ann do in this situation? Dine-out or Eat-in? Meal time is sacred in our household and we are much too boisterous and spend way too much time at the table to have a meal in a restaurant. People would be surprised to learn... I am a HUGE Elvis fan! I even had an Elvis impersonator sing at my wedding — in Las Vegas! I volunteer because... I know first-hand how much teachers and school administrators put into their jobs. I try to make a worthy contribution to their efforts.
Know someone we should feature on this page? Email Carrie.Gerard@HopkinsSchools.org
Lauren Harn: 2008 graduate
Alan Mills: 1987 graduate
Stats: Merchandise Planning Business Analyst, Target Corporation • Graduate of St. Olaf College, Minnesota with majors in Economics, Management, and German fun facts After graduating from St. Olaf College, Lauren was delighted to be able to put her German studies to use after receiving a fellowship to go to Germany for a year. She participated in The Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals — an intensive public diplomacy program. Seeing President Obama speak in Berlin was a highlight of her visit. Lauren is excited to begin her new career with Target Corporation this fall. Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School? The Mall and the pole vaulting pits for Track & Field. Favorite Band of 2008? Maroon 5. How did Hopkins prepare you? The variety of people, and my varied classes and activities gave me a sense of direction for future studies. What Hopkins teacher made a difference in your life? Ms. Glynn, my German teacher, she had an interesting way of teaching the curriculum and took the time to help students.
Stats: B.A., Instrumental Music Education, University of Minnesota; M.M.E, University of Colorado, M.A., University of Arizona; Ph.D., Florida State University fun facts In Alan’s profession, there are many opportunities to work as a guest conductor. This makes for a lot of spontaneous work with little rehearsal time, but also provides exciting travel experiences — Alan has been to China five times to conduct bands. With six years under his belt teaching at CSUPueblo, Alan is settled in, but says that it would be a joy to return to live once again in Minnesota. Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School? The band room, even then. Favorite Band from 1987? The Hopkins High School’s Concert Band and Jazz Band, of course! How did Hopkins prepare you? It gave me so many opportunities, not only in music, but exposure to many subjects and caring teachers. What Hopkins teacher made a difference in your life? Passionate teachers, Bob Stacke and Don Bates, allowed me to conduct bands while still a student. They also helped me understand what it took to make it in a very competitive field. Update September 2013
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 161 Hopkins, MN 55343
September Events First Day of School – New this year at Hopkins Public Schools — Spanish language instruction for grades K-1, IB at the Junior Highs. School begins for the 2013-14 school year: Grades 1-12: Tuesday, September 3 Kindergarten: Wednesday, September 4 Vehicle Fair and Open House – Families can explore a police car, fire truck, and more. Enjoy fun activities and refreshments. September 6, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Harley Hopkins Family Center, 125 Monroe Ave S, Hopkins, 952-988-5000. Hopkins Homecoming September 27, game at 6:00 p.m., Hopkins vs. Wayzata Hopkins High School Rock-N-Royal – A night of food, fun, and music by Wheelhouse. Must be 21 or older to attend. September 28, 8:00-11:30 p.m. Hopkins Center for the Arts, www.HopkinsEducationFoundation.org Early Childhood Fest – A free, fun-filled celebration. October 5, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Hopkins Public Library, 22 - 11th Ave N, Hopkins. Call 952-988-5000. Come Dance with Me – Community dance, all are welcome! October 11, 7:00-10:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, HopkinsSchools.org/Dance
Get Connected, Stay Connected Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HopkinsPublicSchools
1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305 www.HopkinsSchools.org 952-988-4000 Time Value
Residential Postal Patron ECRWSS
New Welcome Center at Hopkins Hopkins Public Schools centralized Welcome Center Hopkins Public Schools now has a Welcome Center to serve as a one-stop shop for student enrollment —
everything you need to enroll your children in school at one central location! Stop by and say hi, or call the Welcome Center for information about Hopkins Public Schools.
Welcome Center Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Hwy. 7, Hopkins 952-988-4110 Welcome@hopkinsschools.org
Witness the Comet of the Century at the Eisenhower Observatory Stargazers and astronomers across the world are gearing up for what could be the biggest comet event of the century. Comet ISON will come into view from October through January, making its first pass through our solar system. Early observations indicate ISON could be one of the brightest comets in 100 years. Community members have a unique opportunity to see a comet right here in Hopkins. The Eisenhower Community Center Observatory will host free open house viewing sessions as ISON makes its trek through the sky. Laurence Sauter brought Hopkins students the universe In 1955, industrial arts teacher, Lawrence “Dusty” Sauter, and his students built the observatory on top of the roof of Eisenhower High School, now Eisenhower Community Center. Thirty years later, the Eisenhower Hopkins Community Education dult Enrichment is offering astronomy events and classes starting in October to gear up for Comet Week, December 16-20. Check out International Observe the Moon Night, Introduction to Astronomy, and Comets 101 in the Fall Community Education Adult Enrichment catalog.
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SJ e ap tne um ba e rr y - - dJ euc ne me b e 2r 02 0 173 H o p k i n s C o m m u n i t y E d u C at i o n
More than 25 new classes inside!
New: Hot workout trend –
experience BARRE Fitness! page 17
How much cash is your treasure worth? Appraise it!
Observatory continues to serve the community, and opens doors to a universe of wonder, knowledge, and beauty. A passionate astronomy educator Almost 20 years ago, Ron Schmit, a long-time astronomy educator, spotted the dome atop the Eisenhower Community Center, did some investigating and immediately wanted to get involved. Schmit is a tireless advocate for helping ordinary citizens connect with the moon, planets, and the stars. “We’ve seen people cry at the telescope,” said Schmit. “It amazes me that so many people have never looked through a telescope.” Skeptics sometimes ask Schmit, what can you see from downtown Hopkins? His reply, more than you can imagine! And, the Observatory is hidden in plain sight, right here in Hopkins, where one can view the planets and stars in vivid detail. In addition to his work at the Eisenhower Observatory, Schmit is an astronomy educator at the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minneapolis Planetarium: a member of the Minnesota Astronomical Society: and has been named a Solar System Ambassador.
Connect to the cosmos For more than 50 years, Eisenhower Observatory has remained a gem in the community — For details, visit HopkinsSchools.org/Observatory guiding people through cosmic expeditions. cook Chec ing k ou clas t ou ses! r p.11
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Hopkins Community Education
Experience the Comet ISON at the historic Eisenhower Observatory Photo by Mark Trockman
Schmit and his Observatory volunteers are planning Comet Week open house events for December 16-20. During the events, people can learn more about ISON and its grand tour of the solar system. There will be free, open-house comet viewing sessions from 5:30-7:00 p.m. each night during Comet Week. The open house viewing sessions are after the perihelion — the comet’s closest approach to the Sun — it should be visible, if it survives its brush with the Sun. The observatory relies on donations to support equipment maintenance – $2 for adults, $1 for children, or $35 for group reservations (10 or more people). For more informaton please visit wwww.HopkinsSchools.org/Observatory.