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Royal Bash 2015
Update Hopkins Public Schools
The community’s guide to the District.
Nominate a young person for the Caring Youth Award
February 2015
Purchase your tickets now for the Hopkins Education Foundation’s gala fundraiser with host Allison Kaplan of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine. Live music, dancing, and more! Saturday, February 28 The Metropolitan Ballroom Golden Valley HopkinsEducationFoundation.org
com m u ni t y Free Parent Workshop Hands-only CPR — be prepared with this free workshop. Brought to you by Hopkins Early Childhood Programs. February 11, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Harley Hopkins Family Center ECFE class #711-DW. Free, registration is required. 952-988-5000. HopkinsCommunityEd.org
Kindergarten Roundup Time! Families of Fall 2015 kindergartners are encouraged to attend Roundup at their child’s school. Alice Smith: Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m. Eisenhower + XinXing: Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m. Gatewood: Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m. Glen Lake: Feb. 5, 6:30 p.m. L.H. Tanglen: Feb. 26, 6:30 p.m. Meadowbrook: Feb. 19, 10 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. HopkinsSchools.org/kinder
Glen Lake, a STEM Magnified School, Continues to Grow STEM New STEM initiatives take shape at Glen Lake
If you know a young person in grades 7 through 12 who shows an ongoing awareness of others through volunteering or other activities, consider nominating him or her for a 2015 Caring Youth Award. Young people may only be nominated by the organization they are serving. For more information, including nomination guidelines and an application, visit www.eminnetonka.com. Nominations are due by 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 2, 2015.
Hopkins High School provides students with a taste of medicine
In December, three retired medical doctors spoke to Hopkins High School students about their careers in medicine. The presentation was part of a Hopkins program designed to create relevant experiences for students beyond the scope of high school. December’s speaker series also highlighted the unique partnership between Hopkins High School and the Minnetonka Senior Center. The three doctors represent a group of senior center members who want to connect with kids and share their wisdom and experience with the next generation.
Anne Kuffel’s first-grade students participate in computer coding activities almost every day. Thanks to programmable robots called Bee-Bots, first- and second-grade students learn how to problem solve, use mathematical and programming languages, and understand angles and estimation — all while having fun. “The students are learning coding, but they don’t really realize that is what they are doing,” said Kuffel. “The BeeBots make learning interactive and intriguing.” Programmable robots are just one way Glen Lake Elementary is embracing its commitment to STEM education, which includes everything under the umbrella of science, technology, engineering, and math. While all Hopkins elementary schools have STEM experiences, Glen Lake made the intentional decision to broaden and strengthen its curriculum to appeal to the hard sciences and became a STEM Magnified school in 2013.
A first-grade Glen Lake student spells out vocabulary words using a BeeBot, a small robot that students can use to demonstrate their learning by programming it to navigate academic floor mats.
Over the last four years, Glen Lake teachers have attended WeatherBug School. This weather station is scientific-grade trainings and conferences, toured other STEM schools, and records over 20 different weather measurements in and sought out funding to support real time. Teachers and students are able to access STEM initiatives. The school partnered this weather data and the curriculum resources Our teachers with The Works Museum to enhance provided through the WeatherBug program. really see the value the existing science units and provide Learning by doing — Bee-Bots additional STEM opportunities. STEM brings to The concept of using Bee-Bots in the classroom Through this collaboration, fun and is starting to fully take shape this year. These engaging activities were added such students. They are programmable floor robots not only support as “Float Your Boat,” “Crystallizing STEM learning in the classroom, but they can Snowflakes,” and “Pasta Bridges.” Since committed to the also be integrated into almost all curriculum then, the school has changed leadership areas, including reading. Using floor mats, the process and to and is developing the next wave of robots can be programmed to travel over letters STEM programming. to spell words, move across a specific circuit, providing relevant “Our teachers really see the value STEM or make shapes. A cohort of teachers at Glen STEM experiences brings to our students,” said Jason Lake learned about Bee-Bots last year when they Bodey, who became principal of Glen attended training at the E4 STEM conference, for our students. Lake Elementary at the beginning of hosted by The Works Museum. Inspired by the this school year. “They are committed to presentation, the teachers sought out and received the process and to providing relevant STEM experiences funding from the Hopkins Education Foundation. All for our students.” first- and second-grade students have access to the 36 BeeBots that were purchased with the grant. The Glen Lake school community has also shown strong support for the STEM Magnified school. In October, Glen Enhanced Gifted and Talented Lake’s PTO held its second annual Walk-a-Thon fundraiser STEM activities are natural complements to gifted and to support continued STEM initiatives. Parents exceeded talented programming. Using STEM concepts, Mary the $10,000 fundraising goal by over $6,000. A portion of Jo Merickel, a gifted and talented coordinator, sets her this money will be used to purchase Pro-Bots — a more early elementary students up for future rigorous academic advanced Bee-Bot that is geared for older children. Two success. Her second-graders are currently designing years ago, the PTO funded a WeatherBug weather station, car safety seats for “egg passengers,” and her first-grade which was installed on the roof, making Glen Lake a students are in the process of building a model playground see Glen Lake STEM inside
Required Personal Finance Class Earns Hopkins Students Three College Credits Thanks to a partnership between Hopkins High School’s business education department and North Hennepin Community College (NHCC), students will receive college credit after completing the required personal finance courses. The credits will transfer to any higher education institution that accepts MNSCU credits.
A representative from Hennepin Technical College and high school counselor Nate Schoch hand out the materials for students to receive three college credits in financial literacy.
In 2011, Hopkins Public Schools became the first school district in Minnesota to make financial literacy a graduation requirement. Now students can earn three college credits just for meeting that requirement.
senior year of high school. Through a concurrentenrollment agreement with NHCC, students earn three college credits for completing the final class in the sequence; the grade they earn in Hopkins becomes part of their college transcript.
“North Hennepin Community College recognizes the excellence in our personal finance curriculum and felt there was a strong alignment to what they were already offering,” said Hopkins High School career and technical education coordinator,Tim Amlie, who helped secure the partnership.
“Students who do well in the personal finance class can start higher education a step ahead — with a high grade on their college transcripts,” said Hopkins High School business department chair, David Braaten. If a student were to take the personal finance class through NHCC, it would cost $573 or $191 per credit. However, since the credits will transfer to any school that is part of MNSCU, the value of the credits could be much higher.
As part of the graduation requirement, all Hopkins students take a personal finance class in ninth-grade and again in their junior or
Amlie estimates that 600 students per year will be able to receive college credit through this opportunity.
code — doing everything from writing code for apps to programming simple games. Students even participated in some unplugged activities by simulating code structure through cup stacking.
“When I observed classrooms during the Hour of Code activities, the students were so engaged in their learning,” said Bodey. “They were collaborating with each other and were really captivated by the activities. It was a preview of what is possible.”
Glen Lake STEM, continued from cover using three-dimensional shapes. Both projects require measurement, critical thinking, testing, and re-designing. “Kids excel using tools they can manipulate,” said Merickel. “When they are doing the work to create, they challenge themselves more.” Bee-Bots are also being used in gifted and talented classrooms to promote higher levels of thinking, particularly in the areas of math. With Bee-Bots, students can estimate distance, tackle a geography challenge, or even create their own synchronized robot routine, as one group of girls did by placing Bee-Bots in the four cardinal directions and programming them to come together and pull apart in sync. Hour of Code Initiative Last year, Glen Lake sixthgrade teachers and students participated in the Hour of Code, a nation-wide effort to provide students with a basic introduction to computer coding. The project was so successful that this year, the entire school Sixth-grade teacher Colette participated in a weeklong Kastner explains an Hour of coding extravaganza. During Code activity to a student. the week of Dec. 8, for an hour a day or more, students in all grade levels were immersed in
“Since technology is a prevalent part of our lives; having a basic understanding of code is relevant for students,” said Colette Kastner, a sixth-grade teacher at Glen Lake. “The Hour of Code provides another opportunity for students to shine.” Coding is like learning another language, the earlier students are exposed to it, the better chance they have of successfully mastering it. The Hour of Code initiative presents basic coding to students in a way that makes learning fun and engaging. Moving forward with STEM Bodey has organized a Glen Lake STEM committee to evaluate the current STEM offerings at Glen Lake and to provide a framework for future initiatives. The committee will explore ways to expand the current program — for example, teaching Hour of Code activities throughout the year — and discuss uncharted territory like infusing STEM into field trips, expanding use of the WeatherBug station, and even experimenting with 3D printers.
The Hopkins School District is endorsed by the Minnesota High Tech Association for its leading efforts with STEM
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, eight out of the 10 most in-demand jobs require STEM training. Furthermore, science and engineering jobs are growing 70 percent faster than other occupations.
Hopkins STEM begins in preschool
Starting as early as preschool, STEM curriculum is embedded into classrooms for our youngest learners.
Engineering is Elementary (EiE)
All Hopkins elementary schools have STEM-based EiE curriculum. Developed by the Museum of Science, Boston, Hopkins is one of only three school districts in Minnesota to offer this advanced curriculum in our elementary schools.
In-depth STEM learning
Our elementary science curriculum is hands-on and inquiry-based, using the Full Option Science System program designed to engage students by asking them to explore answers to open-ended questions.
Find out more about STEM learning at Hopkins, visit HopkinsSchools.org/STEM
Hopkins Public Schools invites realtors ...
Community Showcase Realtor Event
Showcasing the cities of Golden Valley, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Hopkins Public Schools
Thursday, March 5, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon Hopkins High School, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka
3 CEU Credits
Realtors — join us to learn about the dynamic Hopkins Public Schools, along with the cities of Minnetonka, Hopkins, and Golden Valley — communities that are some of your greatest selling assets in the west metro! Earn three CEUs for attending this learning event. In partnership with the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®
Register for this event at: www.mplsrealtor.com
A World of Discovery and Learning at Hopkins Preschools
Parents Strongly Support Hopkins Public Schools According to a recent survey conducted by The Morris Leatherman Company (formerly Decision Resources), Hopkins parents have highly favorable impressions of teachers, value technology in the classroom, and are advocates for the STEM program offered at Hopkins Public Schools. Furthermore, the results overwhelmingly reveal Alice Smith Elementary second-grade teacher, Kelly Lindemann, with a student. that parents are enthusiastic supporters of the Hopkins School District.
Come to a Visit Us open house event to find out what makes Hopkins Preschools exceptional. Inside Hopkins Preschools you’ll discover a stimulating learning environment that fosters an excitement for learning. Our internationally recognized curriculum approach encourages imagination, curiosity, and the development of the whole child. Families love our flexible schedule options and we’re conveniently located in five sites in Minnetonka, Hopkins, and Golden Valley. Our full-day option is open from 6:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Planning for the 2015-16 school year? See us, meet us! Visit us to experience the advantages of Hopkins Preschools. The guided, discovery-based curriculum is inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, adapting to the interests of the children. STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) curriculum is embedded into all of our preschools. Our creative, engaging classrooms and natureoriented playgrounds encourage exploration and discovery. While our nurturing teachers strive to kindle curiosity and boost learning for every child. To find out why our families consistently rate us as exceeding expectations, join us at a Visit Us event this month.
Hopkins Preschools Visit Us Dates: Stepping Stones Preschool: For your Year-Before-Kindergartner (4-5 year old) M -F, 6:45 a.m.-6:00 p.m., year-round or school-year options. Meadowbrook: Tuesday, Feb. 10, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Gatewood: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tanglen: Thursday, Feb. 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Kaleidoscope Preschool: For your 3-5 year old. Half-day, full- and partweek options, school year, and summer program options. Glen Lake: Thursday, Feb. 26, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Harley Hopkins: Friday, Feb. 27, 12:00-1:00 p.m. Meadowbrook: Monday, March 2, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Make your remodeling dreams come true.
February 22, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Free event at Eisenhower Community Center www.HomeRemodelingFair.com
Administered this fall to measure the perceptions of preschool, elementary, junior-high, and high-school parents, the survey comes on the heels of an enrollment study, which reported a higher than expected kindergarten class and a slight increase in enrollment within the next ten years. Both the survey and the enrollment study were conducted by outside experts to provide current and future trends and analyses that will aid the District in its long-term planning efforts. “Hopkins Public Schools is driven by the interests of the families it serves,” said Hopkins Superintendent, John Schultz, Ph.D. “Input from parent surveys has influence on program planning. These results show that Hopkins parents are very supportive of the direction we are moving in.” The survey findings were presented to the Hopkins School Board by Peter Leatherman of The Morris Leatherman Company on Jan. 8. According to Leatherman, parents overwhelmingly gave Hopkins Public Schools strong ratings in almost all of the categories measured.
Highlights of the survey include: Parents across all groups “strongly agree” that Hopkins is committed to high achievement, promoting excellence, and is an educational leader. They also listed “good teachers” as the thing they like best about the District. Nearly 100 percent of parents surveyed feel that the quality of education is excellent or good. 61 percent of elementary parents and 60 percent of junior-high parents listed the STEM program as one of the main reasons for choosing to send their child to Hopkins. Nearly all parents — 96 percent or higher — agreed that Hopkins provides a safe learning environment. Parents strongly value the personal attention provided by teachers, the commitment the District has to meeting the needs of all students, and the curriculum offered. Almost 90 percent of parents felt that technology in the classroom is very important. Nearly 100 percent of parents agreed that access to technology aids students in learning. Furthermore, the District received high marks for how it uses technology in the classroom.
District Life Changer
Anne Kuffel
Embodying the phrase, “life-long learner,” first-grade teacher Anne Kuffel is a forwardthinking educator who celebrates every opportunity to learn and grow. Coming from a family of educators, her passion for learning naturally grew into a desire to pursue a degree in education and music. After graduating from college, Anne taught for five years in Minneapolis before coming to Hopkins Public Schools. She has since taught first grade at Glen Lake for the last 12 years. “I love spending everyday encouraging students to grow and learn,” said Anne. “My proudest moments are when I can help kids learn in a meaningful way.”
During her time at Glen Lake, Anne has spearheaded the adoption of new programs and teaching tools. Last year, she was part of the team that applied for a HEF grant for Bee-Bots in the first-grade classrooms — which has since provided the opportunity to bring STEM to the next level in her class. “It has been very exciting to see first graders engaged in computer programming and STEM,” said Anne. “I hope that I am planting small seeds that will grow to become big opportunities for students.” An invaluable member of Glen Lake’s staff, Anne’s fellow teachers value her dedication to teaching and life-long learning. “This year is the first time I have taught first grade, and it seems that no matter what happens, Anne is always calm, cool, and collected,” said Julie Schlecht. “She is insightful, flexible, and consistent. Her students appreciate her care and support, and parents value her wisdom.” “Anne is one of our teacher leaders, she is continually looking for new ideas in the areas of STEM to benefit our students at Glen Lake,” said Glen Lake principal, Jason Bodey. “Anne is a student-centered teacher and a true leader among her colleagues, Glen Lake staff, and the Hopkins community What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? I have tremendously dedicated and talented coworkers who share ideas and support each other— I am fortunate to work with and learn from them. I love working with students and families to create a partnership and share in the excitement of learning. I am inspired by my students every day. Favorite moments as an educator? Building relationships with my students, helping them learn. Also, becoming a parent myself has shaped who I am as an educator, I have learned so much from my kids. I strive to find the life balance that allows me to be the best wife, mom, and teacher that I can be. A time you felt most proud? I have really enjoyed working with students who are struggling to learn how to read. When something starts to click for them, they radiate success because they are so proud — it’s amazing being a part of that. I am also proud of the different programs and tools that we have implemented in first grade at Glen Lake, including the new STEM initiatives. Favorite quote? “The more I learn, the more questions I have. The more I know, the humbler I become in all that I don’t know. As a learner, I am open and eager to wonder, inquire, discover, observe, try out, reflect, rethink, and revise my thinking and my teaching.” — Jill Ostrow Stats: • B.A. from University of Minnesota, Morris; Master’s degree in Education from Hamline University • Glen Lake Elementary staff development chair, Glen Lake Elementary literacy representative Fifteen of Anne’s seventeen years of teaching have been in first grade classrooms, and she has been teaching at Hopkins Public Schools for 12 years.
Where are they now?
Laura Shaffer-Munson: 1983 graduate
Stats: District Copy Center and Mail Room Coordinator, Hopkins High School, Minnetonka fun facts In 2007, Laura discovered her passion for motorcycling and then joined the motorcycling group — Women on Wheels. She went on to complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Rider Coach Prep course, and has been enjoying teaching others to ride ever since. She has tallied over 40,000 miles on her own motorcycle. Laura began working for Hopkins part time at age 16, and has been a dedicated employee for 31 years. Watch for this woman on wheels in Savage, where she resides with her husband, Todd. Favorite hangout at Hopkins High School? As photo editor of the Royal Page and the Regalia Yearbook, I spent a lot of time in the darkroom. Favorite Band of 1983? Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Heart, Stevie Nicks — women who rock! What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Carol Vickery and Donna Adams were both extremely encouraging. I still keep in touch with them today. How did Hopkins prepare you? I took all of the graphic design classes the high school had to offer. I couldn’t have asked for a better education.
Community Spirit Dana Sagedahl
When her son entered kindergarten at Eisenhower + XinXing Elementary, Dana had an interest in volunteering for the Art Adventure program. Upon learning the openings were filled, she opted for the Bravo program, a parent-taught music class for grades K-4, and fell in love with volunteering inside Eisenhower’s classrooms. Dana has coordinated the Fall Festival and Art Adventure program for the last five years. This past year, she has taken on the role of PTO president and enjoys the wonderful community of caring and supportive Eisenhower parents, volunteers, and teachers. Most rewarding moment volunteering? It is rewarding when students see me in the hall and ask when I am going to teach Bravo or Art Adventure again. Their excitement and enthusiasm for learning is what keeps me coming back. What person has influenced you most? The teachers and other volunteers have influenced me the most. Without all of their hard work and dedication, our school would be a different place. People would be surprised to learn ... that I am afraid of fish but not snakes! Museums or shops? Museums, of course! Especially the Minneapolis Institute of Arts — it has been fun getting to know it better through my time as an Art Adventure volunteer. My favorite piece is “Frank” by Chuck Close. I volunteer because ... I believe in giving back to my community. If everybody gives back a little bit, together we can make the world a better place. Highlight a Hopkins volunteer at your school! Email Carrie.Gerard@HopkinsSchools.org
Know someone we should feature on this page? Email Carrie.Gerard@HopkinsSchools.org
Dave Snuggerud: 1984 graduate
Dan Skold: 2002 graduate
Stats: Director of Education, Breakaway Academy in Chaska • Elementary Education, University of Minnesota; Master of Education, St. Mary’s University, Minnesota fun facts After a successful college and NHL career, including a spot on the 1988 U.S. Olympic Team, Dave is now a teacher and hockey coach, two of his passions. As the founder and director of education for Breakaway Academy — a private middle school in Chaska with a focus on hockey training — Dave dedicates his time to the growth of students both on and off the ice rink. He is married to his wife, Ann, and they have three children. Favorite hangout at Hopkins High School? Mrs. Peterson’s classroom. She would talk to us about the plot of every interesting novel that a high school student would like to read. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Dave Bangeter — he used fun, sarcastic humor to get to know all the students outside of the classroom. How did Hopkins prepare you? Ron Sellnow, Dave Lund, Mrs. Dahlquest, Mrs. Peterson, Dave Bangeter allowed me to make mistakes and were patient enough to teach me how to learn from those mistakes in order to do a better job in the future.
Stats: Ground Control Manager EMEA, Airbnb in Dublin, Ireland • B.A., International Studies with focus on Geography, Spanish, and Latin America; Middlebury College fun facts After high school, Dan spent a gap year exploring his ancestral roots in Norway. Later, he attended Middlebury College, then set off again on extended biking tours and a kayak trip around Latin America with a fellow Hopkins grad. Dan has traveled the U.S. working as a carpenter, cheese-maker, roofing salesman, and more from Vermont to Oregon. Now living in Dublin, Ireland, Dan works for Airbnb, a hospitality company that provides the world’s largest marketplace for unique accommodations, overseeing the employee experience for seven European offices. Favorite hangout? Ski trails across from the school! Favorite Band of 2002? Jimmy Eat World. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Rob Fuhr showed me that you can do what you love without compromising your values. Sue Chapman taught me to love Spanish language and cultures. How did Hopkins prepare you? Great friendships and great teachers who believed in us and gave us great foundational experiences which helped me become the person I am today. Update February 2015
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 161 Hopkins, MN 55343
February Events Hopkins Preschools Visit Us events – Visit us to discover what makes Hopkins Preschools exceptional. For upcoming open house dates, see article inside or visit www.HopkinsSchools.org/preschool. POPs Concert – Live Long and “POPs”per! Enjoy dynamic performances by the Hopkins High School bands. Tickets: $8 adults/$5 students. February 6 and 7, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka Spotlight Concert – Hopkins High School orchestra performs. February 20, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka West Metro Home Remodeling Fair – Free event, free parking! February 22, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, more details: HomeRemodelingFair.org Save the Date: Community Showcase Realtor Event – Realtors, join us to learn about Hopkins Public Schools and the cities of Golden Valley, Hopkins, and Minnetonka. Three CEU credits. Register: mplsrealtor.com March 5, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Hopkins High School, 2400 Lindbergh Dr, Minnetonka Enchanted Stars Dance – a special evening for little girls and their favorite guy. Dance to music from Zero Gravity Entertainment, play games, enjoy refreshments, and more. Register early, space is limited. March 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Purchase tickets: www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org, or call 952-988-4070.
1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305 www.HopkinsSchools.org 952-988-4000 Time Value
Residential Postal Patron ECRWSS
HEF Royal Bash Gala February 28! Celebrate our 20th birthday at this fundraiser gala event benefiting Hopkins Public Schools! Join emcee Allison Kaplan of Mpls.St. Paul Magazine and enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing to live music, mingling, games, prizes, auctions, and a decadent dessert/coffee bar! Secure your space today, for tickets visit: HopkinsEducationFoundation.org
Get Connected, Stay Connected Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HopkinsPublicSchools
Kindergarten Roundup is an Important Event for Families Hopkins Public Schools’ Kindergarten Roundup events are fast approaching. All families with children entering kindergarten in the fall of 2015 are encouraged to attend this important event. Kindergarten Roundup is an opportunity for you and your child to meet teachers, the principal, and other staff in preparation for the upcoming kindergarten year. You will receive important information, and turn in requested documents for your child. If you need before- or afterschool childcare, our school-age child care program — Kids & Company — will have staff available. Can’t make it to Roundup? Please call your child’s school to receive the necessary information.
Kindergarten Roundup Dates: Alice Smith Elementary: Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m. 801 Minnetonka Mills Road, Hopkins • 952-988-4200 Eisenhower + XinXing Academy: Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m. 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins • 952-988-4300 Gatewood Elementary: Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m. 14900 Gatewood Drive, Minnetonka • 952-988-5250 Glen Lake Elementary: Feb. 5, 6:30 p.m. 4801 Woodridge Road, Minnetonka • 952-988-5200 L.H. Tanglen Elementary: Feb. 26, 6:30 p.m. 10901 Hillside Lane, Minnetonka • 952-988-4900 Meadowbrook Elementary: Feb. 19, 10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. 5430 Glenwood Ave, Golden Valley • 952-988-5100
Welcome to 2015, Baby! Hopkins Community Education Early Childhood classrooms are bustling with babies and parents exploring, learning, and sharing a special bond together. These classes are thoughtfully designed to give parents a foundation of skills that they can apply to each stage of their child’s development, along with knowledge, support, and encouragement from experienced parent educators. Parents who participate in Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) infant/parent classes say they feel confident and prepared to tackle their biggest parenting challenges, and they welcome the support they receive from listening to and talking with other parents — often stating the class is the highlight of their week. Has your family welcomed the arrival of a new baby recently? Stay up-to-date on all the fun events and activities for you and your baby! Just let us know who you are by visiting: www.HopkinsSchools.org/census or call 952-988-4105. Once your family is listed in the Hopkins School District database, you will receive information about programs, activities, and events appropriate for you and your family.
Infant/parent classes support families Hopkins Early Childhood You and Your Infant classes are designed to help parents navigate the exciting time of their child’s first year of life. Online registration is open for daytime classes for parents with infants age birth to 15 months at www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org, or call 952-988-5000. There are many more classes, events, and family activities to explore as well. Join us at a free, drop-in La Leche League Information and Support class New, expectant, and experienced mothers are welcome to this monthly class. Day or evening options are available — come as often as you like and ask your questions, share support, and gain information about breastfeeding. Questions? Call Kathryn Moore: 952-988-5046.