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2017 Spring Community Dance
Youth Art Exhibit
Update Hopkins Public Schools
The community’s guide to the District.
XinXing Academy celebrates Lunar New Year with festive performance
Throughout the month of February, XinXing Academy staff and students recognized the Chinese Lunar New Year, and celebrated the conclusion of the month-long tradition with an annual performance at Hopkins High School Tuesday, Feb. 21. S tudents in colorful regalia danced and sang songs in Mandarin Chinese. They also honored the Year of the Rooster with choreographed routines.
Hopkins High School Concert Choir performs at Luther’s Dorian Vocal Festival
The Hopkins High School concert choir was the featured high school performance at the 2017 Luther College Dorian Vocal Festival on Jan. 14. For nearly 70 years, the festival has celebrated exceptional student talent, and being selected to perform for such a prestigious festival was a high honor for Hopkins. The students sang seven selections, including three that were commissioned or arranged specifically for the concert choir. Hopkins shared its performance with the Luther College Aurora and Norsemen choirs.
Save the Date!
com m u ni t y
March is National Youth Art Month. Hopkins Public Schools is celebrating with a student art show that features the work of artists of all ages. February 22-March 28 Hopkins Center for the Arts 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins
Join us in the elegant Oakwood Room at Eisenhower Community Center for an evening of live music and dancing. Friday, April 21, 6:15-9 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center Register: HopkinsSchools.org/dance
March/April 2017
Community Showcase Realtor Event
Realtors, join us to learn about Hopkins Public Schools and the cities of Minnetonka, Golden Valley, and Hopkins. 3 CEUs (pending). Presented in partnership with the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors.
May 3, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Hopkins High School 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Minnetonka Register: MplsRealtor.com
Building a Foundation for Life
Hopkins High School leadership focuses on school culture, career readiness, life skills, and academics Hopkins High School Principal Doug Bullinger would like to create some space for students to think about who they are and who they want to become. He envisions a high school where students unite as sophomores, develop leadership skills as juniors, and lead by example as seniors. There is no class for this, and to be intentional requires hitting the pause button on academics — just for a day — to allow students to get to know each other, blow off steam, and maybe even be vulnerable with each other. “In education we talk about seeing kids as individuals, but we don’t carve out any time to do that,” Bullinger said. “I would like to create some time for students to be valued as individuals.” Creating school unity To create a unified culture, Hopkins High School has organized a series of retreats specific to each grade level. Motivational speaker Keith Hawkins addressed seniors on the topic of resilience, the juniors participated in a unity retreat and, most recently, the sophomores attended an all-day respect retreat. The purpose of these events was to provide students with tools they can take into their everyday lives.
Juniors participated in honest dialogue about relationships and finding common ground during the first-ever unity day.
said sophomore Aisha Dem. “I feel more connected. You hear how other people feel, and you see that they are also struggling with the same things you are.”
Preparing students for college, career, and real life Beyond student retreats, Hopkins High School would like to expand curriculum to incorporate so-called In education we soft skills. Next year, more opportunities will be developed for students to discover their talk about seeing talents, figure out who they are, and fine tune their moral compasses — all character kids as individuals, building traits worthy of exploration.
but we don’t carve out any time to do that. I would like to create some time for students
Developing these attributes is valuable for students, especially when paired with a strong academic experience. Research suggests that students who master skills like grit, perseverance, resilience, and empathy experience a higher level of career satisfaction. Some people believe that these attributes are more important than talent alone. High school can, and should, play a role in determining the achievements a student will experience later in life.
With over 1,500 students at the high school, it’s easy for students to to be valued as stick to their known friend groups. The retreats were designed to help BOOST Speaker Series exposes individuals. students see past these divides and students to career paths connect them with the peers they The BOOST Speaker Series is one way don’t interact with on a daily basis. Using a combination students can step outside the classroom and learn about of motivational talks, group activities (including group different careers. The sessions are held during advisory time singing), and just listening to each other, students quickly and are open to any students who are interested. Over the found that they have much more in common than they past three years, the series has attracted professionals from a think. variety of fields. The speaker series goes beyond a traditional career day for students. Speakers not only talk about their “I hope they learned that the school is full of students who current careers, they also share about the road they took to are on the same path of growth that they are as 10thget there. graders,” said Michael Babine-Dinnen, a social studies teacher who helped organize the sophomore retreat. Rick Rexroth, an advanced placement history teacher at the high school, coordinates the series. His recruits have The sophomore retreat was centered on respect — both included everyone from U.S. senators and Supreme Court for yourself and for others. The goal of the day was for justices to activists and doctors, many of whom have a the sophomore class to build deeper bonds, reflect on the Hopkins connection. Hopkins High School culture, and discover how they could contribute positively to it. At the end of the day, “If they are Hopkins High School graduates, it’s always a students shared how they would like to cultivate respect. plus, and I think it makes it more likely for them to say yes when asked,” said Rexroth. “The paths are varied, but the “I liked the concept of respecting yourself the most,” see Learning Outside of the Classroom inside
Survey Reveals Positive Impression of Hopkins, Inconclusive Results Favoring Middle School Model Hopkins Public Schools commissioned Morris Leatherman Company to conduct two surveys at the end of 2016. The first survey focused on parents who have preschool-age children in the District, and the second was administered to a broader group of parents who have students enrolled in Hopkins. The surveys were conducted to inform decisions about potential early childhood expansions, gauge community support for shifting to a middle school model, and measure parents’ overall perceptions of Hopkins Public Schools. The results were presented to the School Board on Dec. 20.
The survey revealed that preschool families feel connected to Hopkins and have a favorable rating of both the District and their neighborhood elementary schools. Families who have school-age children have a favorable impression of teachers and overwhelmingly rate the quality of education at Hopkins as “excellent” or “good.” Parents also showed strong support for the technology offered to students.
Grade reconfiguration perceptions The survey was inconclusive on the topic of grade reconfiguration. Parents both favored and opposed the current model at a near-even split. Of the parents who have school age-children in the District, 57 percent supported the current configuration and 30 percent opposed. The remaining 13 percent were unsure. Preschool parents had a similar measured response, with 52 percent supporting the current configuration, 30 percent opposed, and the remaining 18 percent unsure. In February, the Hopkins School Board hosted two community forums about grade reconfiguration to gather input from staff, parents, and community members. The Board is expected to weigh in on the issue before the end of the school year.
• The District’s newsletter, website, and email are the principle sources of information for parents. • 86 percent of preschool parents reported that they feel connected to Hopkins Public Schools. STEM
Hopkins
86%
• The STEM program continues to be one of the main reasons preschool parents choose Hopkins Public Schools.
• The elementary Spanish program has a 93-percent favorable rating from enrolled parents.
100% “EXCELLENT”
Other highlights of the survey include: • 96 percent of preschool parents and 99 percent of school-age parents rated the quality of education 96% at Hopkins Public Schools as 99% “excellent” or “good.”
or “GOOD”
• 100 percent of parents rated the technology at Hopkins Public Schools as either “excellent” or “good.”
Learning Outside of the Classroom, continued from cover willingness to take risks, deal with failure, work hard, and show resilience is often a common thread.” Recently, BOOST has attracted some big names from those who also happen to be Hopkins alumni. In February, Hopkins welcomed back Aaron Mader (Class of 2000) and Andrew Sims (Class of 2001). These days, they are better known as Lazerbeak and Sims, the names they chose when they and five other members founded the hip-hop group Doomtree. The group has Royal roots — six out of the seven members are Hopkins High School graduates, and all have solo careers beyond Doomtree. Doomtree shares lessons learned through BOOST The story of Doomtree is one of perseverance and grit. Over the past 10 years, the group grew from a basement project to a legit operation with worldwide distribution. But success did
not come easily, and for years it did not look like it would come at all. Their message to students was not about how they staked their claim to fame, but rather how they learned to survive. They talked about failure, not making money, and odd jobs they worked for 10-plus years before they were able to make a living off their music. Like most adults who reflect on their high school experience, they admitted that, as students, they did not always appreciate what their high school had to offer. But now they are better able to see the value. “This high school was a launching pad for creativity,” Sims told the students. “You can make beats here. Take advantage of that.” The value of BOOST is the authentic dialogues students can have with professionals. Almost all presenters have a career arc that includes a turning point that felt a lot like failure at the time. It’s
Hopkins Community Education Building
important for students to hear this reality, to understand that failure and success are often different sides of the same coin. “We want to be the incubators of talent,” Bullinger said. “Our success as a high school should be measured by how well students are doing at the age of 20, 25, 35, and beyond.”
a great place to live
Best summer ever! Awesome summer camps for preschoolers, K-6 youth & teens.
Teens Discover Geocaching Fun at Camp Royal
Andrew Sims (aka Sims) and Aaron Mader (aka Lazerbeak) talked to students about music production as part of the BOOST Speaker Series.
Club Royal www.HopkinsSummer.org • 952-998-4070
HopkinsCommunityEd.org
Come Dance with Me! Spring Community Ballroom Dance
Friday, April 21, 6:15-9 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins
Join us in the elegant Oakwood Room at Eisenhower Community Center for an evening of live music and dancing. Free dance lesson at 6:15 p.m.
Tickets: 952-988-4070 or visit HopkinsSchools.org/dance
Hopkins Students Receive 20 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards Hopkins High School art and photography students won an impressive 20 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards (four Gold Key, nine Silver Key, and seven Honorable Mentions). Students who received the Gold Key and Silver Key had their winning pieces on exhibit at the Regis Center for Art at the University of Minnesota from Jan. 31 to Feb. 18. Honorable Mentions were displayed digitally. The Scholastic Art Awards Ceremony took place Feb. 18 at the Weisman Art Museum. The Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards is the highest art recognition for high school students. This year the contest received 4,300 individual artwork and portfolio entries, with 1,240 students winning Gold or Silver Key awards or receiving an Honorable Mention. Full list of students who won: HopkinsSchools.org/district-news/ news/mssa-2017
Anna Von Duyke, Gold Key, “Lunar Owl”
Sasha Hausman, Gold Key, “Untitled”
Fake News: North Junior High Students Test Their Knowledge Fake news has been making headlines for its attempts at confusing and misinforming readers. As digital citizens learning in a technology-rich environment, ninth-graders at North Junior High are taking steps to reduce their risk of falling prey to fake news. “Fake news is so slick now,” said North English teacher Carleen Matts. “It used to be really obvious what was fake. But not anymore.” In January, University of Minnesota librarian Lindsay MattsBenson, an expert in media literacy, brought important lessons to Hopkins students about spotting fake news. In small groups, students examined legitimate and fake news articles and sources, and discussed their impacts. During a presentation, Matts-Benson explained the importance of being able to decipher what is true and what isn’t. “These students are the next generation of voters, and they are the ones who really need to be informed about what’s going on in the world,” Matts-Benson said. Social media often drives information pathways, and recent statistics show more than 70 percent of teens use multiple social media sites daily. Popular sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram are cracking down on fake accounts and offer verification symbols to ensure authenticity. Matts-Benson said thorough examination of websites, social media accounts, and other news platform is imperative. For tips on how to spot fake news visit: HopkinsSchools.org/spottingfakenews
MCA Tests Benefit All Hopkins Students By Kathryn O’Gorman Hopkins Public Schools Assessment Consultant
This spring, students in our District and across the state will be taking the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA). Students with significant cognitive disabilities take the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) instead of the MCA. These assessments are administered as part of federal and state law and are important tools to measure the progress of learning based on the Minnesota Academic Standards. Why do students take MCA tests? The MCA results are critical for our work in improving instruction, supporting equity, and providing another key piece of information about individual students and their needs. Recent additions to the MCA scores include student growth over time and college readiness predictions. The MCA results also represent our community to the public. What about opting out? Although parents and guardians have always had the right to opt out of standardized testing, the MCA is not optional for the District. Hopkins Public Schools is required by state statute to administer the test to our students. We believe that with strong test participation, we will be better able to equitably serve all of our students and accurately represent the vitality of our schools. To ease the potential of testing fatigue this year we adjusted our dates so that MCA testing does not interfere with other critical assessments (especially at the high school) and better allow our students to be refreshed for each assessment. If you have questions We ask you to support your student’s participation in this important test. If you have any questions about MCA testing and/or your student’s needs, please contact your school’s principal or the teaching and learning department. You can find detailed information, including an MCA FAQ, on our website: HopkinsSchools.org. Thank you for partnering with us in your student’s education.
Hopkins Technocrats Show Off Robotics Skills at Capitol Meet SpiderBot, the Hopkins High School robotics team’s latest creation. The Technocrats built the robot over six weeks and put it on display Feb. 24 at the newly renovated Minnesota State Capitol. Sen. Melisa Franzen hosted the event, celebrating technology and all things robots. The robot is designed to compete in an April competition that has a Steampunk vibe, said science teacher and robotics advisor Alyson Purdy. The game in the competition is to get the most fuel — made of Wiffle Balls — and gears to a steamship in the middle of the field. The Technocrats built a robot focused solely on collecting and delivering gears. After a near complete rebuild from last year, the team said they have high hopes. “We have a lot of preparation that we have to do yet,” said senior co-captain London Lowmanstone. “We’re still working on training people and making sure everyone knows what’s going on. But I’m proud of where this is at, and I’m excited.”
District Life Changer
Rick Rexroth
He has a familiar face, even a familiar voice, and his history with Hopkins Public Schools is as timeless as they come. Rick Rexroth, popular social studies teacher at Hopkins High School, has been shaping the course of the District since the 70s when he was just a youngster at Glen Lake. The proud Royal grad (Class of 1990) always had the goal of teaching in his home district, and for the last two decades he’s been making his mark on Hopkins students and staff.
“I know the District and the people who live here,” Rexroth said. “We have a wonderful, supportive community that has given us facilities and technology that can rival anyone. I am blessed to be a part of this.” Rexroth’s passions are kids and history. As an advanced placement history teacher, he is reimagining how students learn about the past. His units encompass a detailed background of 19th century Russia, and are also an opportunity for him to put on his fuzzy ushanka hat and beard for dramatic effect. As the BOOST speaker series coordinator, he provides a platform for students to interact with professionals in a variety of career fields. And if you’re fortunate enough to play lunchtime trivia with him, he’ll bestow years of knowledge, all in a British accent. “He’s a passionate cheerleader for Hopkins Public Schools,” said colleague John Unruh-Friesen. His Hopkins résumé goes well beyond the classroom. He was instrumental in creating Royal Opportunity Day, an event for fifth- and sixth-grade students to experience a day in the life of a high schooler. He oversaw construction of the high school auditorium, FACS labs, and dining room. He also coached baseball and football and announced at basketball games for 20 years. “I have known Rick since he was a student here,” said digital learning coach Terri Osland, who was a student around the same time. “And what has never changed about him is his passion for Hopkins. He has funneled his passion by creatively spearheading opportunities to continually improve the District offerings. I really respect him for taking a great community and making it even greater.” What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? In sixth-grade, I wrote a paper about being a teacher. In ninth-grade career day, I wrote about being a Hopkins teacher. In college, I set a personal goal to be in the Hopkins schools full-time by 30, and I achieved that at age 25. I am doing what I want to do, where I want to do it. Proudest moment? Teaching advanced placement classes is wonderful for so many reasons. We have so many talented students. Some of the most memorable moments have come from helping students improve and excel when they did not think they could be successful. Teaching philosophy? Enjoy what you do and have fun. I take my job seriously, but I do not take myself seriously. Stats: • Hopkins High School alumni; B.A. in social studies education and psychology, St. Olaf College; teaching and technology certificate, Hamline University; M.A. in education in progress, Hamline University.
Where are they now?
Abby (Anderson) Biggar: 1997 graduate
Stats: 1997 graduate • Sheriff’s deputy with Washoe County Sheriff’s Office in Nevada • B.S. in sociology/criminology, University of Minnesota fun facts If you ever find yourself in Reno, Nevada, rest assured that Washoe County is under the protection of a proud Hopkins graduate. Abby Biggar, a deputy with the sheriff’s office, became enthralled with the social sciences early in her high school education. A decorated officer with several accolades, Biggar has high hopes for her future, which include becoming a K-9 handler. Favorite hangout spot during Hopkins High School? The Mall. Favorite music artist of 1997? Dave Matthews Band. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Social studies teacher Ken Novak. He was a fun, passionate, detailed, and dedicated teacher. How did Hopkins prepare you? I always felt the academic standards were high and the student population valued education and made learning cool.
Community Spirit Donna Anderson
Hopkins volunteer Donna Anderson is a pillar of generosity in this community. More than two decades ago, she was a founding member of ResourceWest and continues to support the organization’s strong foundation of serving others. Her giving nature has led her to actively pursue opportunities that benefit area kids and local initiatives. A former Hopkins Public Schools elementary counselor, Anderson has spent much of her career and nearly her entire retirement giving back to others. For the last 16 years, she has volunteered as a Hennepin County guardian ad litem, advocating for children. Anderson currently serves on the Hopkins Community Education Advisory Council, coordinates the afterschool program for Alice Smith Elementary, and most recently, she joined the Hopkins Race and Equity Initiative. Proudest moment volunteering: It’s rewarding to see people benefit from a project that I’ve helped develop or coordinate. A recent example is the over 230 guests who enjoyed the 20th Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. What person has influenced you most? Teachers, colleagues, pastors, and friends who have encouraged and challenged me over the years. People would be surprised to learn… I grew up in Chicago and graduated from the same high school as Kirby Puckett. Winter or summer? Summer because three of my favorite activities are golfing, biking, and watching the Minnesota Twins. I volunteer because … I strongly believe each of us is here to use our gifts and skills to help others and contribute to the common good.
Know someone we should feature on this page? Email Emily.Buss@HopkinsSchools.org
Dave Freidson: 1997 graduate
Sarah Freidson: 2000 graduate
Stats: Founder and doctor of chiropractic at Synergy Health and Rehabilitation • B.S. in kinesiology, UW Madison; Doctor of chiropractic, Northwestern Health Sciences University fun facts Dave Freidson and his family have a deep history with Hopkins Public Schools. Freidson’s mother, Paula, was a teacher in the District for 30 years. Dave, one of two children, spent his youth learning in Hopkins schools. A 1997 graduate, Dave gravitated to science classes, which guided him toward a career in health. Through hard work and determination, he founded and directs Synergy Health and Rehabilitation in Wayzata. Favorite hangout spot during Hopkins High School? The basketball gym, the track, and the weight room. Favorite music artist of 1997? Bone Thugs-NHarmony. How did Hopkins prepare you? I remember taking anatomy and physiology and really enjoying it. I thought Hopkins prepared me well for college.
Stats: Rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom in Mahopac, New York • B.A. in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies, Brandeis University; M.A. in Hebrew Letters, Jewish Theological Seminary fun facts Hopkins grad Sarah Freidson often reflects on her time as a Royal, where she built a strong foundation for lifelong learning. After high school, Freidson began her rabbinical studies, and was an influential advocate for the ordination of gay and lesbian individuals. Her work landed her an interview and quote in The New York Times. She is now a proud mother of her 4-year-old daughter Rena, and recently signed a five-year contract with her temple in New York. Favorite hangout spot during Hopkins High School? The halls between classes. Favorite music artist of 2000? Counting Crows. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Judy Bohn. Her kindness, interest in my ideas and growth, and sense of humor enriched my life. How did Hopkins prepare you? Hopkins gave me an excellent foundation, critical thinking skills, and an understanding of how the world works. Update March/April 2017
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March/April Events
1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305 www.HopkinsSchools.org 952-988-4000 Time Value
Youth Art Exhibit – March is National Youth Art Month! February 22-March 28 Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins Jugheads: Edina Youth Juggling Showcase – Free Show! Friday, March 17, 7:30 p.m. Hopkins High School Little Theater, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka Screenagers: Growing Up in a Digital Age – Free Screening! Tuesday, March 28, 6:30 p.m. Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins.
Residential Postal Patron ECRWSS
Hopkins High School Spring Play: The Red Velvet Cake Wars Thursday, April 27, 28, 29, 7-9 p.m. Hopkins High School Little Theater, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka Tickets: hhstheater.org Community Showcase Realtor Event – Save the date! Realtors, join us to learn about Hopkins Public Schools and the cities of Minnetonka, Golden Valley, and Hopkins. Presented in partnership with the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors. 3 CEUs (pending). Wednesday, May 3, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Hopkins High School, 2400 Lindbergh Dr., Minnetonka Spring Break – Mark your calendar, no school for Hopkins students. April 10-14
Get Connected, Stay Connected Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HopkinsPublicSchools
Lincoln Center Local: Free Screenings Bring New York City Performances to Hopkins
Growing Up in a Digital Age Join us for this FREE screening!
Tuesday, March 28, 6:30 p.m. Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins Families and students grade 4 through high school are encouraged to attend this free event.
HopkinsSchools.org/screenagers
Hopkins High School Spotlight Concert Features Twin Cities Musician Chris Koza
From the bright lights of the Big Apple’s stages to the Hopkins Community Center, the Lincoln Center Local initiative is bringing free screenings of its world-class performances to our community. In partnership with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Hopkins Community Education is offering free, high-quality screenings of famed performances in an effort to complement current arts opportunities in the community. “The purpose of Lincoln Center Local: Free Screenings is to increase widespread access to the arts and bring people together to build community and share in the common experience,” said Andrea Sjogren, Hopkins Community Education enrichment coordinator. Come take in the thrill of the performing arts in your own neighborhood. All screenings take place in the Eisenhower Community Center Theater (1001 Highway 7, Hopkins). For more information, call Hopkins Community Education at 952-988-4070.
Coming up… • Rebecca Naomi Jones An American Songbook Thursday, April 6, 7 p.m.
Hopkins Community Center
More events to be announced!
• A Memorial Concert for Pete and Toshi Seegar Thursday, May 11, 7 p.m.
The Hopkins High School orchestra performed its sixth-annual Orchestra Spotlight Concert on Feb. 24. Once again, the concert featured a special musical guest. Students collaborated with singer-songwriter Chris Koza through an artist-in-residency project. Koza performed with the students on select songs during the February concert. This is the third time the orchestra program has collaborated with Koza. The Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter shared the stage with Hopkins students in 2013 and 2015. To prepare for this concert, Koza rehearsed with students weekly. The collaboration between classically trained musicians and a local singer-songwriter is powerful. It exposes string players to another
style of music, and it also gives students an opportunity to learn what a professional musical career might look like. “Stringed instruments adapt well to all genres of music because they have a wide musical notional range, and there are many sound effects and styles of playing stringed instruments that lend themselves well to a variety of musical genres,” said Alison Swiggum, orchestra director for Hopkins High School. In the Twin Cities, Koza performs as both a solo artist and as part of ensemble shows, primarily with his band Rogue Valley. His songwriting carries a strong emphasis on the lyrical and poetic elements, with styling and textures rooted in folk and Americana traditions.