Hopkins Education Foundation hosted its annual Rock-n-Royal block party in September to celebrate the start of the new school year. Attendees enjoyed food and drinks from seven local vendors, along with live music from the band Watson and a competitive cornhole tournament. A total of $13,000 was raised to fund future grants for Hopkins Public Schools.
'Inside Hopkins' podcast is back for season 2
Our award-winning podcast is back for its second season! Join Superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed every other Thursday for insightful, inspiring, and sometimes surprising conversations on the topics that matter most to our Hopkins students, staff, and community. Don't miss out—tune in for each fresh episode and get the inside scoop on what's happening at Hopkins. Find us wherever you get your podcasts!
The Community’s Guide to the District
Link Crew builds relationships and fosters connection in ninth grade transition
Starting high school can be a nerve-wracking experience. Navigating a new building, adjusting to a different environment, and figuring out the basics—like finding the right classroom or which way to walk in the hallway—can feel like a lot all at once. That’s exactly why Link Crew, a student-led transition program, exists: to help make the transition to high school less intimidating.
Link Crew is designed to help ninth graders smoothly adjust to high school life. Not only does the program create a culture where every student, regardless of grade, feels like they belong, but it is an opportunity for upperclassmen to develop and sharpen their leadership skills.
Programs like Link Crew can positively impact academic performance by creating a supportive environment where students feel connected and engaged. With guidance from upperclassman mentors, ninth graders are more likely to build strong study habits, stay motivated, and overcome challenges, leading to improved academic success. Additionally, leadership opportunities for juniors
and seniors, like those offered through Link Crew, help develop essential skills including communication, responsibility, and empathy.
Preparing ninth graders on Orientation Day Juniors and seniors who wanted to become Link Crew leaders applied and went through an interview process. Those selected completed intensive training throughout the spring and summer in preparation for ninth grade Orientation Day in August.
During Orientation Day, Link Crew leaders facilitated team-building activities to help ninth graders feel more comfortable with high school life. The small group setting created a strong sense of community and belonging, offering an ideal environment for building relationships.
For ninth grade student Amaite Hernandez, attending Orientation Day was a huge relief in helping her ease the first-day jitters. Her Link Crew leader helped break the ice with conversation and led her group through activities in a fun, engaging way.
IN THE DATES COMMUNITY
Kindergarten Information Night
Nov. 21, 5:30-7 p.m.
Families with incoming kindergarteners for the 2025-26 school year are invited to explore kindergarten choices, meet their child's principal, and learn more about Hopkins. bit.ly/4dOstBN
Kindergarten Language Immersion Information Session
Dec. 3, 6-7 p.m.
Join us for an event focused on answering your questions about Hopkins' Chinese and Spanish immersion programs for your incoming kindergartner. bit.ly/3NGQcJm
Fall 2024
Left and right: Ninth graders participate in Link Crew activities.
See Link Crew inside
“[My Link Crew leader] was talkative, and it made me want to talk too,” Hernandez said. “She seemed comfortable around us already, so it made me feel like we should be comfortable too.”
Building connections and developing leaders
Led by teachers Mitchell Schank and Derric Johnson, Link Crew is designed to be more than just a one-day introduction—it’s an ongoing support system. Not only do ninth graders get to know their peers, they also develop relationships with older students who can provide guidance and mentorship throughout their high school years.
“We want to make this a year-round program with tangible benefits,” Johnson said.
Link Crew leaders regularly meet with their ninth grade small groups throughout the year. In their most recent meeting, they checked in on how students are adjusting to their courses and provided an overview of the upcoming Homecoming week festivities.
Ted Strasburg, a senior Link Crew leader, enjoys not only being a guide, but also building impactful relationships with incoming students.
“I like interacting with [the ninth graders], even outside of Link Crew,” he said. “I’ve been in their shoes, so I know how meaningful it is when
an upperclassman just says 'hi' in the hallways.”
Senior Rosie Eckert didn't have the support of Link Crew when she first entered high school, but she knows she would have benefited from it. Inspired by her own experience, Eckert became a Link Crew leader to be the kind of mentor she wished she had during her first year of high school. She loves helping new students feel welcomed and connected while fostering school spirit.
“Link Crew is all about energy and fun,” she said. “I wanted freshmen to come in excited.”
Future of Link Crew
Looking ahead, Link Crew is set to become an essential part of Hopkins High School’s culture. As Johnson and Schank continue refining the program, they are confident that Link Crew will not only make the transition to high school smoother for ninth graders, but also create a deeper sense of connection and leadership throughout the entire student body, leaving a lasting impact on the school community.
“We won’t see the full effect until four years from now, when these freshmen are seniors,” Johnson said. “By then, the program will have transformed the culture of the entire school.”
FALL EVENT SPOTLIGHT
Our schools are embracing the fall spirit! Meadowbrook Elementary and Tanglen Elementary recently hosted amazing community events that brought students and families together for a day of fun and connection. Meadowbrook’s carnival was a huge success, with games, an inflatable slide, an obstacle course, and even a dunk tank! Over at Tanglen, the school year started strong with a lively Block Party, featuring music, activities, and delicious food. Want to see what all of our schools are doing? Follow us on social media.
HHS CELEBRATES MUSIC AND MAGIC WITH YOUNG ROYALS
Hopkins High School has been alive with musical excitement this October! On Oct. 8, the Bands' Superhero Showcase, featuring over 300 student musicians, brought the community together with music inspired by superheroes, face painting, and fun activities for their young fans.
Just a few days later, on Oct. 10, the 21st Annual Young People’s Concert delighted audiences with Disney-themed performances by the orchestra and choir. Families came in pajamas for an evening of interactive games, an instrument petting zoo, and the chance to meet beloved Disney princesses. Both events highlighted the talent and creativity of Hopkins’ music programs while offering fun for all ages.
ALUMNI CORNER ROYAL SPOTLIGHT
Jeff Matchette High School Counselor
Jeff Matchette has served Hopkins students for 16 years and has been a school counselor since 1999. He guides students in academics, personal and social development, and in planning for college, careers, and life after high school.
Matchette is always looking out for the best interests of his students. He recently advocated for an ACT Prep Class grant for scholars who qualify for educational benefits. The class provides qualifying students with a free opportunity for ACT Test Prep tutoring, practice, and tips.
What do you love about working in Hopkins?
Teenagers! I love them. I do this job for them. They are my why. Helping teens discover personal strengths, supporting their social growth, helping them see what’s possible for their lives and how they can get there, and encouraging them to do even more than they thought possible are all fulfilling experiences for me when I see these positive things happening in their lives.
Can you share a proud moment that made you feel great about doing your job?
A few years ago, a student from long ago, who now is a mother with two kids, emailed me to share with me that she chose her profession because of me and the influence I had on her life. She reached out to say thank you. That’s special! I don’t think we fully know as educators which scholars we are positively influencing the most. Every interaction with every scholar matters and has significance and for me to think contrary to this is an error in thought that could negatively impact the child I am supporting.
Daniel Perelstein 1999 Graduate
Stats: Bachelor of Music from Lawrence University Conservatory of Music • Master of Arts in Education from Saint Mary’s University in Minnesota
Music has been a lifelong passion and a huge part of Daniel Perelstein’s identity. He studied music in college and went on to become the high school band, orchestra, and guitar teacher at Washington Technology Magnet School in Saint Paul Public Schools. This will be his 21st year of teaching. “I plan to keep teaching as long as I can, and be grateful that I get to do what I love every single day,” he said.
A recent highlight of his music journey was receiving the Barry Manilow Music Education Award, where he had the chance to meet Manilow before his concert at the Xcel Energy Center last summer. Perelstein plans to use the award money to purchase new instruments for his school. Was there a teacher or staff member who made a difference in your life?
My most influential teacher at Hopkins High School was Mr. Bates. He was an iconic and legendary band teacher. He helped shape me into the musician and teacher I am today, and always pushed me to try my best, be resilient, and have fun.
How did Hopkins prepare you for the future?
My teachers at HHS were passionate, inspiring, and dedicated to their subject areas and the art of teaching. I had numerous teachers emphasize the importance of being a life-long learner, and that has stuck with me, personally and professionally. They helped me to become a better person.
Mia Osman 12th Grade Praise Akinyele 12th Grade Manuel Wahyu 10th Grade
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Can’t get enough Hopkins Public Schools news? Get daily updates from our Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram feeds. If you don’t already follow us, here’s a snapshot of what you’ve missed.
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Hopkins Schools
October 3
Tanglen Elementary students were surprised on Oct. 2 with the reveal of the new Hopkins Schools mascot, funded by a $10K Hopkins Education Foundation grant and available for all schools.
Hopkins Public Schools
September 27
Hopkins High School kicked off Homecoming weekend in style! This morning, staff led a parade through the halls, complete with music from the Lean Mean Performance Machine and a motorcycle revving up the crowd. The Royal spirit continued with a high-energy pep fest featuring games, performances, and even a "Masked Singer" contest with undercover teachers.
Hopkins Public Schools
September 18
Hopkins Early Childhood
Family Education introduced a new book vending machine at Harley Hopkins, where excited students used tokens to grab brand-new books! Generously donated by Children First, with custom artwork by local artist Adam Turman, this initiative is set to inspire a love for reading and promote literacy in a fun, interactive way!
Educational excellence & equity: a collective responsibility
As we pass the halfway point to winter break, I want to reflect on the important work happening in Hopkins Public Schools. The start of the year is always a chance to renew our purpose and commitment to providing a high-quality education for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.
At Hopkins, we strive to ensure that every student feels seen and valued in their learning experiences. We are continuously working to create an inclusive and culturally responsive district that honors the diverse backgrounds of all our students. This work is reflected in the intentional efforts we make to support students from all walks of life in environments where every child can thrive. While we celebrate the progress we’ve made, we know there is still much more to do.
Recently, an equity-focused superintendent said something that resonated deeply with me: “It’s not our fault, but it’s our fight.” While we are not responsible for the painful history of marginalization and injustice in our country, we are responsible for addressing its lasting effects. The inequality, wealth gaps, disparities, and biases we see and experience – even in education— are challenges we must face together. At Hopkins, it is our responsibility to ensure students learn this nation’s complex history, see themselves reflected in our curriculum, and are equipped to overcome negative stereotypes and systemic barriers. We proudly guide our students and mold them toward success. Minnesota is known for its quality of life, yet we face some of the nation’s highest racial disparities in education (see QR code for reference). These inequities, often tied to race, income, and access to resources, demand bold action. At Hopkins, we are committed to addressing these challenges and creating learning environments where every student can succeed.
I am continually inspired by the dedication of our staff, teachers, and community members who are united in their mission to challenge the status quo and push public education forward to what it can and should be for every child. Your involvement is key to driving real change for our students. Together, we will strive to ensure Hopkins remains a district where every student can reach their full potential.
As we continue to move through this school year, let’s stay focused on our shared responsibility to support and uplift all students. Together, we can build a future where excellence and equity go hand in hand.
Hopkins Public Schools
September 5
We welcomed around 150 new staff members for a new staff orientation day at Hopkins High School. They connected with fellow educators, received their tech devices, and got a sneak peek of what is to come. We are so excited to have these amazing individuals as part of Hopkins Public Schools, and we can’t wait to kick off the 2024-25 school year together!
Thank you for being a vital part of the Hopkins community.
Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed Superintendent
Hopkins High School shows off their Royal Pride at Homecoming 2024!
HIGH SCHOOL ACCOLADES
Hopkins Seniors Awarded National Merit Scholarship Recognition
Congratulations to three Hopkins High School seniors for their outstanding achievements in the National Merit Scholarship Program! Tessa Johnson is a National Merit Semifinalist, placing her among 16,000 students nationwide, while Bruce Lowmanstone and Gerald Norton have been named Commended Students for their exceptional academic potential. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication!
Hopkins Student Awarded Advanced Placement International Diploma
Hopkins graduate Lila Shaver was honored by the College Board with the AP International Diploma. This recognition is granted to students who display exceptional achievement across a variety of disciplines and certifies outstanding academic excellence with a global perspective. Shaver, now in her first year at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, earned this honor in her senior year at Hopkins High School.
AP SCHOLAR AWARDS
Hopkins High School has one of the largest Advanced Placement (AP) programs in the state, offering 24 AP courses. Hopkins has created a culture that allows access to AP classes and exams for all types of students. In 2024, Hopkins scholars scored above state and global averages in 17 out of 23 AP exam subjects. This summer, 134 Hopkins students earned recognition from the College Board for their exceptional achievement on AP exams taken in Spring 2024.
63
30
40
AP Scholar Awards
Scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.
AP Scholars With Honors
Average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams.
AP Scholars with Distinction
Average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams.
