Seniors honored at American Indian Education Year-End Celebration
Two seniors were honored on May 30 at the American Indian Education Year-End Celebration! Charlie Polz and Fiona Chinavare were gifted eagle feathers for the accomplishment of graduating high school.
An eagle feather is one of the highest honors one can receive in Native American culture and it is considered a sacred gift. The two graduating scholars were also honored with a blanket ceremony, a tradition that is meant to ensure safe travels.
Celebrating our 2024 retirees!
This year, 14 staff members retired from Hopkins Public Schools. These outstanding employees represent all corners of our organization and collectively provided 343 years of service.
More information about our esteemed retirees can be found on our website: HopkinsSchools.org/ district/end-of-year-2024
The Community’s Guide to the District
Celebrating the successes of the Hopkins High School Class of 2024
The Class of 2024 celebrates with friends and loved ones after
On June 6, the Hopkins Class of 2024 took turns walking across the stage at the 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis to receive their diploma and begin a new chapter in their lives. The milestone event marked the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and growth.
Principal Crystal Ballard and Superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed addressed the Class of 2024 with heartfelt speeches, acknowledging their resilience, creativity, and collective spirit. Ballard emphasized the importance of facing challenges with courage and using them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
“As I stand here before you as a privileged witness to your greatness, I must say because of you I am a better leader,” Ballard said. “It has been my honor to serve as your principal.”
Mhiripiri-Reed shared some of the accomplishments that the Class of 2024 have already achieved including advocating at the School Board and State Legislature, initiating state law, competing athletically and academically at
IN THE DATES COMMUNITY
August Kindergarten
Playground Nights
national levels, launching new apps, and founding new organizations.
“As a class, you are fun-loving, entrepreneurial, creative, gritty, and adventurous,” she said. “We have high confidence in you and high hopes for your future.”
The Class of 2024 is made up of 430 scholars who have unique passions, talents, and backgrounds. They are made up of the world’s next entrepreneurs, activists, doctors, artists, health care professionals, influencers, educators, chefs, musicians, scientists, engineers, and so many more.
Every individual scholar has an exciting new path ahead. In our Faces from the Class of 2024 section, we provide a few snapshots of what our graduates will be doing and how they have been reflecting on their Hopkins experience.
Join us for a fun evening of play and meet other families and school staff before the start of the school year. bit.ly/4b8INMg
Free Summer Meals for Youth! Free breakfasts and lunches are available at three school locations for scholars age 18 and under from June 17-August 9. Visit website for locations, menu, and adult prices.
HopkinsSchools.org/nutrition
See Class of 2024 inside
receiving their high school diploma at their graduation ceremony.
Michael Robles has journeyed through Glen Lake Elementary, West Middle School, and is now a graduate from Hopkins High School. Hopkins has been instrumental in preparing him for this exciting journey, fostering connections and shaping his mindset for success. Michael plans to attend the University of Minnesota next year where he will pursue aerospace engineering. He is looking forward to seeing what new opportunities await him.
Annabelle Speers has a list of activities and accomplishments that is nothing short of impressive, from leading the Student Council as event coordinator to captaining teams in gymnastics, track and field, and diving. Annabelle's involvement in National Honor Society and Yearbook staff highlights her commitment to both academics and community. Next year, Annabelle will attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she'll dive into the fields of communications and Spanish.
Que Snope has been a student athlete during her high school career with participation in lacrosse and track and field. She has also been involved in the high school’s ProPEL program where she has had the opportunity to receive credit for an internship working in a lab at the University of Minnesota. Que plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison next year where she will study biology. She is interested in both sports medicine and the study of viruses and the human body.
Griffin Price started his Hopkins journey at North Middle School—coming from a Spanish immersion program. He continued his Spanish studies in North's Juntos Spanish immersion program and is now confident conversing with native Spanish speakers. Soccer has also been a major part of Griffin’s school experience. He has been on the varsity soccer team for four years. He plans to pursue professional soccer as a career after graduation.
Shaheim Porter moved to Minnesota from Las Vegas during high school. When he arrived, he found a home in Hopkins High School. He received lots of support from staff members along the way and he took advantage of the many Advanced Placement (AP) classes offered so that he could receive college credit. Next year, Shaheim will attend Normandale Community College where he will study psychology.
CONGRATULATIONS SENIORS!
Hopkins staff celebrate the end of a successful school year
Hopkins Schools celebrated the conclusion of the school year at the third-annual all-staff party held on June 10 at Hopkins High School. An assortment of food trucks dished up delicious treats, and colleagues connected over refreshing signature mocktails. The highlight for many was the chance to pet several fuzzy, four-legged llama friends! A live DJ and a beautiful charcuterie spread from Fig & Ivy contributed to the festive atmosphere. The entire event was paid for by the generosity of community donors.
The school community's donations fueled a raffle where over 40 lucky staff members walked away with exciting prizes. Retiring staff were honored and recognized at the event. They received notes of gratitude from their colleagues and walked down the celebratory "Royal Blue Carpet" to thunderous applause—a fitting farewell to their dedicated service.
Want to see more faces from the Class of 2024? Check them out on our website!
2024 END-OF-YEAR NEWS
The conclusion of the school year showcased many outstanding events and achievements.
Innovation heats up with solar oven project
North Middle School scholars tested their innovation skills by harnessing the power of the sun with a hands-on solar oven project. They designed their oven using three components: a reflector, some type of insulation, and a form of glaze or cover. Monitoring temperatures every three minutes, they watched their ovens heat up!
Elementary schools celebrate seniors before graduation
The day before graduation, seniors revisited where it all began—their former elementary schools. Donned in their caps and gowns, they soaked in the nostalgia of their educational journey! The halls echoed with cheers and applause from current students and former teachers, making this tradition an unforgettable prelude to graduation.
Kris Jensen named MAPT Special Education Driver of the Year
Kris Jensen, Hopkins Special Services bus driver, was named Minnesota Association for Pupil Transportation Special Education Driver of the Year. Jensen competed with candidates across the state of Minnesota. Glen Lake celebrated with balloons, noise makers, music, signs, and lots of smiles, hugs and even some tears on Friday, June 6.
Fifth graders experience a day in the life of middle school
Fifth graders got a taste of middle school life during Step Up Day in May. Incoming scholars explored the school, met future teachers, and made new friends. Shout out to the current middle school scholars who acted as ambassadors showing our newcomers the ropes and sharing their own middle school adventures.
Two Hopkins teachers named 'Teacher of the Year' finalists
Ellen Wu, a kindergarten teacher at Alice Smith Elementary, and Laura Jensen, a reading teacher at North Middle School, were two of eleven finalists for the 2024 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. They were honored alongside other nominees at a banquet in May. Their dedication and passion for teaching inspire us all!
Choirs shine in year-end concert
The Hopkins High School Choirs delivered an unforgettable evening of pop and Broadway music to wrap up the year. With more than 30 talented student soloists, the evening was full of amazing Hopkins talent. It was also a wonderful opportunity to honor and celebrate senior choir members!
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Check out Hopkins Decision Day 2024 for details on Hopkins High School Class of 2024's future plans following graduation.
Hopkins Public Schools
June 17
Amelia Schulz, Hopkins High School and XinXing scholar, will study Chinese (Mandarin) this summer in Taiwan on a National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) scholarship. Amelia was one of 540 students chosen from thousands of high school applicants across the United States to receive a NSLI-Y scholarship!
Hopkins Public Schools
May 2
At West Middle School, 110 fearless students plunged into icy waters to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics and the Unified Club in Hopkins. Their courage and commitment to inclusion are making waves for a great cause!
Hopkins Public Schools
April 26
Last night, scholars in the Juntos Spanish immersion program celebrated the Day of the Child with a performance on stage in the Hopkins High School auditorium. Juntos classes wore traditional costumes as they performed traditional songs and dances from various Spanish-speaking countries.
Hopkins Public Schools
March 25
Alice Smith Elementary students jumped for joy last week when Koo Koo showed up for an all school dance party! The students know the local dance duo from their popular YouTube channel.
Ensuring safety through existing and enhanced security policies
In Hopkins, we possess key ingredients of an effective school system: talented teachers and staff, strong district leaders, amazing students and families, and a clear vision. These assets are complemented with a strategic plan that provides our north star. We must also have schools where each student feels safe and secure. I want to share what we have done and will do to ensure safe conditions for all students.
Safety measures currently enforced in Hopkins Schools:
• Board approved gender inclusion and anti-racism policies
• Staff liaisons who support students including LGBTQIA+, American Indian, Somali, Spanish-Speaking, Hmong, and Gender and Sexuality Alliances, Black Student Alliance, Jewish Student Union, and other affinity spaces, focused more heavily in secondary settings
• Displayed messages of inclusion in all schools
• District Holistic Safety Team that meets biweekly; and School Safety Teams in every school
• Annual fire and lockdown drills enhanced with safety features
• Student accountability measures and restorative practices
• Supervisory paraprofessionals and safety coaches focused on visibility and relationships
2024-25 safety and security plans:
• Install safety and security upgrades to our secondary schools; including bathroom vape detection
• Exploratory Team to further define Restorative Support for secondary students
• Staff training on: LGBTQIA+, Jewish identity and anti-Semitism, anti-racism, and crisis prevention intervention
• Refine protocols when working with parents, law enforcement, and staff
• Reduce disruptive incidents as well as student suspensions with annual discipline reports presented to the School Board
• Review and redefine updated cellphone policy for secondary schools
Restorative practices will continue to inform how we work with our students. These practices are not implemented in place of disciplinary measures. Students are held accountable for their actions, including suspension at the secondary levels if the behavior warrants school removal. And, because our goal as a public school system is to shape students for a productive future, we must work with restoration in mind.
Ensuring our students feel safe in our schools is our most foundational work. Together, in partnership with you, we will continue to sustain and strengthen the conditions that help Hopkins schools and students thrive.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed Superintendent
HOPKINS AVID STUDENTS EARN HIGH ACCOLADES
Seniors who participated in the Advanced Placement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program received a beautiful send-off at the AVID Senior Recognition Ceremony in May. The event celebrated our scholars’ hard work and dedication as they recognized important staff members and announced their future college plans. AVID is a program for high potential scholars who are underrepresented at the college level. We're beyond proud to share that every AVID senior was accepted to a four-year university!
A few highlights from this year’s program:
• Over $1 Million in scholarships collectively awarded for next year
• 3 Dell Scholarship winners
0 $20,000, plus a laptop and mentor
• 3 Wallin Scholarship winners
0 $16,000, plus a mentor
• 1 Wallin-Mortenson Scholarship winner
0 $30,000 full-ride scholarship, plus a mentor
• 1 Dease Scholarship winner
0 Full-ride scholarship to the University of St. Thomas
