Hopkins June Update 2017 by Hopkins Public Schools

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2017 Kindergarten Playground Nights

Update Hopkins Public Schools

The community’s guide to the District.

Giant Map of Minnesota Takes Students on Statewide Trip

Summer 2017

Help your child get excited for kindergarten in fall 2017! Explore the playground and meet school staff before the start of school. Dates and times: HopkinsSchools.org/kinder 952-988-4110

com m u ni t y Vehicle Fair

Join us for the Hopkins Early Childhood free Open House & Vehicle Fair! Explore a police car, fire truck, front-end loader, and more! Also enjoy face painting and fun classroom activities. September 8, 5:30-7 p.m. Harley Hopkins Family Center 125 Monroe Ave. S., Hopkins

Rock-n-Royal Block Party Celebrate the beginning of another great school year with HEF. September 9 Hopkins Center for the Arts 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins Tickets: call 952-988-4097 or visit HopkinsEducationFoundation.org

The Class of 2017 Closes the Door on High School Three Hopkins High School students define their success stories

In mid-May, Gatewood and Glen Lake elementary students ventured to all four corners of the Land of 10,000 Lakes thanks to a pilot program created by National Geographic, appropriately called Giant Traveling Maps. Large enough to accommodate dozens of students at once, the giant map of Minnesota offered a hands-on geography lesson and allowed students to learn about cities from as far south as Bigelow to as far north as Warroad.

Hopkins Girls’ Rugby Made Historic Debut at National Competition

For the first time in Hopkins High School history, the girls’ rugby team made its debut at the National High School Girls Club Rugby Championship in Elkhart, Indiana on May 19 and 20. Coached by Hopkins alumna and Olympian Katie Johnson, the team earned a spot in the national competition after an impressive undefeated 2016 regular season and recent first-place win at the Midwest High School Club Championships. While at nationals, the team took home eighthplace.In early June, the team competed in the state tournament and won two state championship titles.

On June 1, 499 seniors graduated from Hopkins High School. Here in Hopkins, we believe success looks different for each student. As is tradition, in this last edition of the Update, we profile three different seniors — London Lowmanstone, Seth Eliason, and Axumawit Brhane — each of whom have defined their own personal path of success. We wish them, and all the 2017 graduates, the best of luck as they head out into the next stage of life.

London Lowmanstone at his graduation from Hopkins High School. This fall he heads to Harvard.

out this formula and admits he does not always get it London Lowmanstone: From Hopkins to Harvard right. However, it helps that his free time is not spent With so many talents, at first glance, you might assume watching Netflix. Growing up in a close-knit family that that London Lowmanstone is someone who is effortlessly continues to reserve Saturdays as a family day, watching good at everything. He’s in robotics, National Honor TV was never a value. This left more time to pursue Society, math league, tennis, theatre, the band council, other activities, like music composition. Applying the and choir, and he served on the Hopkins School Board as same principles he uses for programming, Lowmanstone a student representative. To be clear, this is an ambitious enjoys creating music for others to experience. One of his list of activities, but all of his interests proudest moments at Hopkins was when have a common theme: they involve him It’s rare to he wrote music for his junior high band creating something that will impact others. to perform in concert. have a teacher at Lowmanstone is driven by a desire to This fall, Lowmanstone will head positively affect those around him. Hopkins who does off to Harvard to study computer Whether it’s by composing music, programming and possibly minor in programming, singing in the choir, or not care about you music composition. Although the path modeling kindness, he is determined as a person. For is unknown, he is certain he will end to make the world a better place. His up programming robots that make a experience at Hopkins allowed him to all the things you difference and save lives. He jokes that explore many avenues, and his teachers he might “do a Mark Z” and drop out were there to support him every step of can do here from to create the next Facebook, only his will the way. robotics to tennis, feature robots. But more likely he will use “It’s rare to have a teacher at Hopkins his Harvard connections to join or create there is a support who does not care about you as a person,” an altruistic start-up. Lowmanstone said. “All the things you can system. The teachers Above all, he hopes he will stay curious do here from robotics to tennis, there is a and continue to surround himself with support system. The teachers want you to want you to do well people who will challenge him. He wants do well here and in life.” to stay humble, approachable, and able to here and in life. Curious from a young age, he spent a lot engage with others. of time creating and exploring. When “I like to be surrounded with people who are better than he was in second-grade, he knew he wanted to build me, especially in areas where I need to grow,” he said. robots that respond in natural disaster situations. It’s a “Getting big-headed does not help anyone. It’s a fake concept that continues to fascinate him, especially as firstconfidence boost that leaves you detached from people responders are beginning to use existing technologies, like instead of connected. I arrange things to make sure I don’t iPhones, to find survivors in rubble. have an ego.” “I want to create designs and prototypes that help other Seth Eliason: Running to the future people,” he said. “I love programming because if the This fall, Seth Eliason will attend Georgetown University program does not work, you get an error message and can on a full five-year running scholarship. He holds the trace it back.” school record, and likely the state record, for fastest crossBeing involved in so many activities requires timecountry 5K time (14:54). Last year, he competed on the management skills. Lowmanstone is still figuring cross-country team and went to nationals, and even see The Class of 2017 inside

The Class of 2017, continued from cover In his mind, Hopkins has always been a second family. The diverse student population helped prepare him for the larger world, an especially useful tool as he heads out for the East Coast. “The thing that I will miss most about Hopkins is the people and being part of the community,” he said. Seth Eliason will attend Georgetown University in the fall on a five-year scholarship.

received a mention in “Runner’s World.” You could say Eliason was born to run — except he wasn’t. In fact, he had no interest in running, despite showing potential. His pre-teen self was content playing video games, but his parents had other ideas. “When I started running in eighth-grade, I did not want to do it,” Eliason said. “My parents got kind of sick of that and signed me up for crosscountry. I got into it. I was good at it. I made friends. I found something to do that connected me and helped me become more confident.” Eliason is a talented athlete, but one of the biggest lessons he learned on the track is to be a student first. The same determination required to run 10 miles translated into stamina for studying and completing homework. “Mr. Harris drilled this in me — you can be a talent, but even the most talented person will lose a race,” he said. “You always want to be working harder than everyone else. If you do that, you have a good chance at succeeding.” Running opened him up and gave him a place, and because of that he enthusiastically jumped into Hopkins High School life, taking AP (Advanced Placement) classes (including AP U.S. History) his sophomore year. He maximized his high school experience by singing in the choir and skiing on the Nordic team. Eliason describes himself as “kind of a nature guy.” His AP environmental science class appealed to him and sparked an interest that will likely be his career path. This fall, he plans to major in environmental science and minor in political science at Georgetown. After college, he hopes to return to Minnesota and establish himself in the field by working for the Department of Natural Resources. His dream is to work for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Axumawit Brhane: Around the world to Hopkins High School The first day of high school rattles the nerves of even the most confident student, but when Axumawit Brhane attended her first day of school at Hopkins High School, she had no knowledge of American schools. Coming from Ethiopia, she did not speak the language, did not understand the culture, and did not know a soul. With bravery that few of us could understand, Brhane stepped into the unknown, determined to succeed. Brhane made the decision to come to the United States after her father moved here from Ethiopia. She saw first-hand how people would come and receive a good education, and she decided that she wanted that for herself. Hopkins was a wonderful place for her to land. She describes the high school as both welcoming and invested in her success. “The biggest thing that I have learned is English and how to communicate with people,” said Brhane. “When I first started here, I did not like reading, but now I love reading. Being able to speak English has changed this for me.” Brhane credits the English Language Learner (ELL) teachers, counselors, and the media center staff for helping her find her way Axumawit Brhane came to Hopkins in an environment from Ethiopia. She said the hardest that was part of the transition was learning completely foreign. the language. Communication with staff was difficult at first, but the teachers were relentless and would use hand gestures and pictures to communicate ideas. Eventually, they

Hopkins Community Education

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Summer

Hop-Kids! Play & learn activities for ages 3-5 Sign up now for super fun classes for your little one. Art, sports, dance, T-ball, crafts, science, playground games, music exploration, and more!

Registration open: Hop-Kids.org

Class of 2017 Class of 2017 By the Numbers

By Numbers Totalthe Graduating Seniors:

499

122 : Seniors Graduating with Honors 35 : Seniors Graduating with Departmental Honors 122 : Seniors Graduating with Honors 41 Graduating with Distinction 35 Seniors 35:: Seniors : SeniorsGraduating Graduatingwith withDepartmental DepartmentalHonors Honors 4141: Seniors Graduating with Distinction : Seniors Graduating with Distinction Countries of Heritage:

began to understand each other. Brhane would stay after school. At times, her teacher would even bring her supper. She also took advantage of after school homework help options offered at the media center and through the Hennepin County Library program. “I have learned that everything is possible if you put in hard work,” Brhane said. “For us, people who come from different countries, we think everything will be hard, but when you put in effort and tell your mind, ‘I can do it,’ everything is easier.” Brhane will attend Normandale Community College in the fall. She plans to transfer to the University of Minnesota after two years and pursue a degree in science. She is not sure if she will be working as a nurse in the hospital or a tech in a lab, but she knows that science is where she will be focusing her interest. “Biology was my favorite class at Hopkins,” she said. “Hopkins inspired me to push myself and grow, and now I am going to college.”

HopkinsCommunityEd.org

Teen

Club Royal Summer camps and activities for students entering grades 7-10! To view classes and register, visit

HopkinsSummer.org or call 952-988-4070

From Superintendent, John Schultz, Ph.D.

A Royal Goodbye In March, I announced a personal decision to become the superintendent in neighboring Edina Public Schools. Although this decision is giving me an opportunity to challenge my leadership skills, leaving Hopkins Public Schools is bittersweet. I grew up as a teacher and a leader in Hopkins. Everything I know, I’ve learned from this District. My experience in Hopkins is premised on the expectation that every student can, and will, learn to their highest potential. To the very end, I honored this expectation and value. I started my career working as a science teacher at North Junior High. Every day I was impressed by the learning that occurred in the classroom, and I still am. There is no test score that can measure the wonder a child experiences in their learning. Our ability to create critical thinkers and reflective learners is the hallmark of this District. I see it in every school and in every program. This is a phenomenal place to learn, and it will continue to be so. Serving Hopkins Public Schools has been my great privilege, and I am leaving it in good hands. This job has never been about me. From our teachers and staff to students and leaders, the people are what make Hopkins amazing. Please know you are our strongest asset. Everything that I have accomplished is due to the community of talented leaders supporting me. I would like to especially express my gratitude to the Hopkins School Board. The most challenging part of this transition is saying goodbye to all of the people Hopkins Public Schools serves. I have built strong friendships here, and it’s sad to know that we won’t see each other daily. But I do believe friendships are forever, so this goodbye is simply for now. It’s hard to find the words to express how much my time in Hopkins has meant to me. Sometimes it’s best to keep it simple: thank you. Thank you for teaching me to be an educational leader and for creating so many memories that I will cherish forever. I’ll always be a combination of blue and green. Sincerely,

HHS Responds Offers Safe Space for Students to Talk About Race, Identity, and Politics

Student-led HHS Responds helps peers have tough conversations.

Teenagers are curious and have a lot to say, but sometimes they might not know the right way to express it, especially when it involves talking about complex topics like race, gender identity, and politics. That’s often where the discussion stalls, but a student-led group at Hopkins High School called HHS Responds is making sure those hard-to-have conversations are taking place and students have an appropriate forum to communicate. “We wanted to create that safe space for students who aren’t represented in the majority, who don’t feel like their voices are being heard, or who just want to have a conversation but might not know how to articulate themselves quite right,” said recent grad and co-founder La’Dajia Davis. “We have a community here that is open minded, and that is open to teaching people things they might not know.” Started in the 2015-16 school year by Hopkins grads Davis, Erin Kaplan, Molly Block, and David Wilson, HHS Responds is a diverse group of students who work to build upon the high school’s inclusive environment through a series of conversational opportunities and action steps. Davis said she and her fellow students were inspired to start the group after attending a retreat that featured Sharroky Hollie, who focuses on culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices. As a new principal, Doug Bullinger is at the forefront of ensuring these teaching practices are embodied within Hopkins High School. When he first arrived in 2016, forming a club with the attributes of HHS Responds was on his to-do list. Although the group was already in place prior to his arrival, he’s its biggest cheerleader. He said the group has been instrumental in continuing the high school’s mission of cohesion and inclusion. “To cultivate a culture of connectedness, you need to deliberately carve out space and time for students to share ideas, particularly for those students whose voices might not typically be heard,” Bullinger said. “Doing so is good for all students, because those conversations allow students to learn from one another and find commonality.”

John W. Schultz, Ph. D. Superintendent

Hopkins Seniors Awarded Thousands in Local Collegiate Scholarships Organizations from around the metro showed support of our graduating Royals through academic scholarships. Seniors accepted the scholarships during a ceremony on May 24. Fifty-four students, fifty-plus scholarships, over $55,000 in academic funding from local sponsors — and that’s not including a full four-year scholarship to a Twin Cities university. This year’s scholarships are courtesy of well-known Twin Cities companies like Wells Fargo, Memorial Blood Centers, and Park Nicollet, as well as organizations closer to home, including the Hopkins Alumni Association, Hopkins Rotary, and Hopkins VFW. Funding ranged from $100 to $8,000, as well as the cost of a full four-year tuition. Senior David Katona earned the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship for his exceptional years as a golf caddie. This scholarship is worth four years of tuition, and Katona plans to study at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

During the March meeting, members of HHS Responds tackled issues related to race and growing up in communities where they were the only Muslim student or the only Latino student. They talked about going to school where, in their words, the minority was the majority. They also discussed stereotypes and unconscious biases. All these conversations happen in a fishbowl-style, where students sit in a circle and talk to one another, not at one another. Recent grad Jocelyn Espino said having this space to share experiences is important, especially when students want to talk openly about a controversial topic they may not know much about. “We’re giving students that space where you aren’t judged, and you can come here if you want to learn and talk about hard things, and you’re treated with respect,” said fellow recent grad Timara Williams. “Everyone gets to share their opinion.” Williams added that the conversations change from month to month, and revolve around many themes, such as race, colorism, identity and gender, and sexuality. She said “all of it” is fair game. While the monthly meetings attract about 25 students, Davis said the long-term goal is to host larger events that will allow the entire school to participate. “We want to be more of an ally for other clubs here at Hopkins High School,” Davis said. “We’re student-run, and we are the students’ voices. I encourage everyone to use that voice and have a seat at the table, because we’ve created the seats for ourselves.”

District Life Changer

Jennifer Heimlich

Hopkins High School AP world history teacher and AVID mentor Jennifer Heimlich is making sure students experience the real world. From teaching students about global government policies and enriching their lives with cultural lessons, to pushing students to be successful in a college setting, Heimlich is raising the bar in the classroom.

Heimlich first moved to Minnesota three decades ago to attend graduate school to become a teacher. Her student-teaching opportunity sent her to Hopkins Public Schools, and she’s been here ever since. “I was lucky enough to be hired shortly after,” she said. “I love Hopkins High School.” Her devotion to her Royal students is evident in her work with the school’s AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program. As a beloved mentor, Heimlich is the driving force behind the program that provides rigorous curriculum to students in the academic middle. For many of these students, their dreams of attending college are due largely to Heimlich, who spends countless hours helping them improve test scores, research post-secondary options, and apply for scholarships. “When my AVID students were doing their final speeches a couple years ago, one boy, who was very quiet, turned around and said to me: ‘You saved my life,’” she said. Outside of academics, Heimlich is a coach and lover of dance. For eight years, she coached the high school’s hip-hop team Deeply Royal, and she was instrumental in creating an annual hip-hop invitational that brought dance teams together to show off their skills. It continues to this day. The Royal pride Heimlich feels is undeniable. While she is a resident of south Minneapolis, all three of her children have open-enrolled into Hopkins Public Schools. Her presence in the high school is the calm in the whirlwind of teenage angst. She is dedicated to changing students’ lives for the better. Background: Jennifer Heimlich is a 14-year veteran of Hopkins Public Schools. She has taught social studies and AVID for much of her career. She currently teaches Advanced Placement world history and is the AVID 12 mentor. What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? I love our students, and the fact that they come from so many places and backgrounds. Proudest moment? Each year at the AVID celebration, when I get to give a speech and tell the audience about where the students have been accepted to college and how hard they have worked getting scholarships — it chokes me up with pride every time. Stats: • B.A. in philosophy and music, Northern Illinois University; M.A. in philosophy and feminist studies, University of Minnesota; and M. Ed. in social studies education, University of Minnesota. Jennifer Heimlich teaches social studies and grade 12 AVID at Hopkins High School. She is also the equity coordinator.

Community Spirit Curt Dederich

Curt Dederich has a special place in his heart for Alice Smith Elementary. As the father of a student there, he has even more to love about the community school. Dederich began volunteering in 2011 and now works with students in grades one through four to improve their reading skills. He occasionally dabbles in math tutoring, but his true passion is the written word. He has become the resident expert on what’s good on the shelves and is also a favored reading buddy. Proudest moment volunteering: Sometimes I get to a classroom and the teacher hasn’t decided yet who I will read with on that particular day. When the teacher ponders out loud who she should pick to read with “Mr. D.,” a dozen or more hands go up. That kind of thing makes you feel good. What person has influenced you most? Certainly my parents, who were great, were quite influential. I’m not sure if there is a ‘one’ person who influenced me the most. Some authors have had a big impact on my thinking, including Henry David Thoreau, Joe Dominguez, and Vicki Robin (who cowrote ‘Your Money or Your Life’), and also Timothy Miller (who wrote ‘How to Want What You Have’). I volunteer because… There are a couple reasons why I started volunteering with schools. First, I love to read! It is quite satisfying to help others become good readers, too. Second, I think public schools are tremendously important to our future. It’s good to support them in various ways. Winter or summer? No hesitation on that: summer! There is nothing quite like a beautiful summer morning.

Where are they going?

London Lowmanstone: 2017 graduate

Post-graduation plans: Plans to study computer science at Harvard University. His goal is to create robots that can act as first responders in natural disasters.

fun facts Senior London Lowmanstone has many talents. He’s involved in everything from pep band and tennis to theatre and robotics. Whether he is programming or composing music, he’s most happy when he is building creations that will have a positive impact. Ben and Jerry’s or Dairy Queen? Ben and Jerry’s. If your life was a movie, who would portray you? Judy Hopps from Zootopia. She is altruistic, yet a little naive. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Ms. Behnke, my philosophy teacher, showed me a whole new way to look at the world. Ms. Heimlich helped me with the college process. What will you remember most about Hopkins? There is so much diversity here. Whether or not we express our cultural backgrounds, I feel like there are so many different ways of looking at things here. Our identity is that we are all in this together; that’s who we are.

Hopkins graduates set to embark on a new journey toward the future. Seth Eliason: 2017 graduate Axumawit Brhane: 2017 graduate

Post-graduation plans: Plans to study environmental science and minor in political science at Georgetown University (on a full five-year running scholarship). fun facts Senior Seth Eliason could not wait to enter high school, and the experience did not disappoint. He jumped right in, taking advanced placement classes in his sophomore year, skiing on the Nordic team, singing in choir, and running on the crosscountry team. Eliason holds the school record for completing a cross-country 5K in 14:54, but this athlete is a student first and foremost. Favorite hangout at Hopkins High School: Sitting at ‘our table’ in the cafeteria, back by the window. If your life was a movie, who would portray you? Shaggy from Scooby-Doo — he’s laid back and always hungry. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Mr. Brown. He taught me to be motivated and follow through. What will you remember most about Hopkins? We are a family, and the younger students look up to the older students.

Post-graduation plans: Plans to attend Normandale Community College and then transfer to the University of Minnesota. She wants to major in a science-related field. fun facts Starting high school can be overwhelming for any teenager, but when senior Axumawit Brhane came to Hopkins High School, she did not even speak English. Coming from Ethiopia and having no experience with American schools, Brhane had a steep learning curve, but she was determined to be a success story. Favorite hangout at Hopkins? I loved sitting in the cafeteria with my friends. What music are you listening to? I listen to Ethiopian music. It reminds me of home. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? So many of my ELL teachers and counselors made a difference. Ms. Colicchia and Ms. Wilson have done a lot for me, and they never got tired of helping me. What will you remember most about Hopkins? All the support people have given me. I spent a lot of time in the media center and participated in homework help. Everyone wanted me to succeed. Update Summer 2017

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Summer Events

Summer Infant & Parent Classes – Evening classes for parents with infants ages birth to 12 months start June 6. Registration is ongoing; families are welcome to register at any time. More details: HopkinsSchools.org/early or call 952-988-5000. Take Summer GED Prep and ESL classes – Adult Options in Education offers classes during the summer! Visit AdultOptions.org or call 952-988-5343 for details. Fun in the Sun – Exciting outdoor summer event for families with children ages 2-5. $5 per family. Tuesday, August 22, 6-7:15 p.m. Register: HopkinsSchools.org/early or call 952-988-5000.

1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305 www.HopkinsSchools.org 952-988-4000 Time Value

Residential Postal Patron ECRWSS

Vehicle Fair – Join us for the free Open House and Vehicle Fair! Friday, September 8, 5:30-7 p.m. Harley Hopkins Family Center, 125 Monroe Ave. S., Hopkins 2017 Rock-n-Royal Block Party – Celebrate the beginning of another school year at the HEF Rock-n-Royal party and street dance! Saturday, September 9 Tickets: www.HopkinsEducationFoundation.org

2017-18

Child Care Options Preschool extended day and drop-off care options for your 4- to 5-year-old.

First Day of School – It’ll be here before you know it! Grades 1-12: Tuesday, September 5 Kindergarten: Wednesday, September 6

Find out more: HopkinsSchools.org/preschool, choose Child Care Options link or call Hopkins Early Childhood Programs: 952-988-5000.

Get Connected, Stay Connected Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HopkinsPublicSchools

The Last Two Weeks of School

So much happens in the last two weeks of school, it’s hard to cover it all! Here are some of the highlights: Retirement: Representing 791 years of service, thirty-four Hopkins employees retired.

Community: Alice Smith celebrated the end of the school year with a barbecue served by the Hopkins police and fire departments.

Mykleby Courtyard: Eisenhower celebrated the 20th anniversary of its secret garden with cake in the courtyard. May

May

SOAR Banquet: West Junior High celebrated 29 SOAR (Students On Academic Rise) students during the end-of-year banquet. The group ensures students are college ready.

Annual Picnic: The Hopkins High School Hunting and Trap Club hosted its annual picnic. June

May

Last Day of School: A tradition at Hopkins Schools is waving goodbye to students on the last day.

Graduation: The class of 2017 was celebrated as 499 seniors graduated from Hopkins High School! Congratulations!

June

Visit HopkinsSchools.org/preschool

Hopkins Public Schools Proudly Selects Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed for Superintendent At a special meeting on June 2, the Hopkins School Board selected Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed to be the next superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools. The Board made this decision in a unanimous vote and will now move ahead with contract negotiations. Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed is the current associate superintendent of Monterey Peninsula Unified, a school district in California. Prior to her time in California, MhiripiriReed worked as the director of leadership development for the district of Columbia Public Schools Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed. in Washington, D.C. She was also a high school principal in the Anoka School District for six years. She holds a doctoral degree from Harvard, a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota, and a bachelor’s degree from Yale. The Hopkins School Board made its decision after narrowing its initial slate of candidates from six to three. Michael Thomas from Minneapolis Public Schools and Eric Melbye from Bloomington Public Schools were also considered. All three finalists participated in all-day District interviews. Mhiripiri-Reed will begin her position with Hopkins Public Schools this summer, assuming agreement of contract. She is replacing John Schultz, Ph.D., who accepted a superintendent position with Edina Public Schools in March 2017.