dates
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Kindergarten Information Nights
High School Fall Musical
Update Hopkins Public Schools
The community’s guide to the District. Senator visits Hopkins to learn more about Farm2School Program
November 2012
com m u ni t y
In this Tony Award-winning musical, Into the Woods, fairy tale characters learn that “Happily Ever After” isn’t always what it seems. Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1 Performance times, visit:
Plan to attend a Kindergarten Information session at your child’s school. Learn about kindergarten choices, and get your questions answered. For dates and times see more details inside or visit: HopkinsSchools.org/Kinder
www.hhstheater.org
Community Dance Latin Dance Night! Join us for an evening of Latin music, food, fun, and salsa dancing with local band The Salsabrosa Trio. Fri., Nov. 16, 7:00-10:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Hwy. 7, Hopkins Tickets: 952-988-4070 or HopkinsSchools.org/LatinDanceNight
Juntos Spanish Immersion Coming to North Junior High Program Combines Native Spanish Speakers and Immersion Students
In early October, Senator Al Franken visited Eisenhower Elementary to learn more about Hopkins’ Farm2School program. He also served a few school lunches and dined with students. Hopkins currently purchases fresh produce, all beef hot dogs, chicken, and herbs from seven Minnesota farms — it’s healthy, it’s local, and it’s delicious. Last year alone, Hopkins served approximately 4,050 pounds of fresh produce to students.
Gatewood Elementary re-dedicates Peace Site
Students and staff of Gatewood Elementary held a Peace Assembly to re-dedicate their International Peace Site. With the help of the Hopkins Fire Department’s cherry picker truck, the students and staff were photographed from above in the shape of a peace sign. The Giftedand-Talented sixthgraders figured out the dimensions of the peace sign to include students and staff.
Secondary-level Spanish immersion gives students a competitive edge. Exciting changes are on the horizon for North Junior High. Next year, the advanced Spanish track, Juntos, will expand to become a full secondary Spanish immersion program – Juntos Spanish Immersion. Starting in seventh-grade, students will have the option to take a humanities course and a science course in Spanish. The immersion program will grow each year until it reaches the ninth-grade level. When students enter the high school, they can continue to take an array of advanced Spanish classes, all of which can earn them college credit. “To the best of our knowledge, there is not another program like this in the country,” said Lisa Shafranksi, world language coordinator for Hopkins Public Schools. “What makes us stand out is the rich combination of native speakers and immersion students. Each group brings a wealth of information and experience to the table.” Building on a high-quality program Juntos Spanish Immersion is based on the successful Juntos series that started last school year at North Junior High. Unlike other advanced Spanish classes, this one is designed for native Spanish speakers and students who have completed an elementary immersion program. ISLA (International Spanish Language Academy), an elementary Spanish immersion charter school, has endorsed North Junior High, due to its high-quality Spanish programming and sequence, as their recommended school for students to continue their Spanish education.
Every other week, Juntos students travel to ISLA to read with third graders. Oscar Ramirez (pictured above at left) is being read to by his ISLA book buddy.
North Junior High currently offers two advanced Spanish and literature classes — Juntos 1 and Juntos 2. Next year, the Juntos Spanish Immersion Program will add a Juntos 3: AP Spanish Language course capable of earning college credits, and science content courses, which will be taught in Spanish. Before enrolling in Juntos Spanish Immersion, students must pass a Spanish proficiency test. Having a Spanish Immersion program at the secondary level will provide students with a competitive edge. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States. The ability to master two languages is a skill that benefits all kids. Bilingual adults have an advantage in the job market, and may have more earning power than their peers who speak only one language. Science component sets the program apart Juntos Spanish Immersion is particularly unique because it offers science classes in Spanish (most focus on social studies), providing students with medical terminology
Advanced Juntos Spanish Literature & Language Track grade 7
Juntos 1: Spanish Literature & Language + Earth or LIfe Science (in Spanish)
grade 8
Juntos 2: Spanish Literature & Language + Earth Science or Life Science (in Spanish)
grade 9
Juntos: AP Spanish Language + possible Physical Science (in Spanish)
grade 10
Juntos 4: AP Spanish Literature 3 semester credits possible
grade 11
Spanish College in the Schools Level 5 5 semester credits - U of M
grade 12
Spanish College in the Schools Level 6
3 semester credits possible
Graduate with
5 semester credits - U of M
16 college credits. see Juntos, inside
From the Superintendent, John Schultz, Ph.D.
Shaping our Future with Community Conversations Hopkins Public Schools has a reputation for stepping up to the plate to provide what is foundational to democracy – the education of our public. Part of how we exemplify the Hopkins excellence is by listening to parents and our school community. Our teachers are committed to developing citizens who are prepared for the challenges and opportunities in the 21st century and beyond. We serve learners from diverse backgrounds in a rapidly changing culture. We are seeing this trend statewide, especially in the metropolitan area where demographics, immigration and economics are undergoing significant change. New careers, jobs, and vocations emerge every day. All of us are accessing knowledge and information in multiple ways, and communication tools are innumerable. Considering our fast-paced, ever-changing world, it’s more important than ever for us to seek input from parents, staff, and community leaders about how we can best position the public education we offer our learners. Our belief is that within our school community is all the wisdom and creativity necessary to confront the complexities of preparing learners for their future. This belief held true in October when approximately 125 parents, community leaders, and staff from all corners of the District discussed the future of Hopkins Public Schools in a World Café setting. The conversations at this meeting created multiple ideas and suggested directions in the areas of District and community partnerships, innovation, and relevant learning for all students, as well as generated a rich set of ideas that will energize the District as it sets its path for the future. It is exciting for all of us that the ideas from our community, parents, staff, and community leaders alike, guide and shape what happens in the programs and classrooms across the District. Be part of the conversation! It is my hope that you stay tuned to how Hopkins Public Schools is establishing its excellent education pathways for every school, every student, every day. You can learn about our planning process and a whole lot more by reading our website (www.HopkinsSchools.org), “The Update,” and the “Royal Report.”
Three Hopkins Students Named National Merit Semifinalists Eleven students named Commended Students Three Hopkins students named National Merit
Hopkins High School National Merit Semifinalist from left to right: Caleb Hausman, Sidharth Gopinath, and Graham Giesting.
Hopkins Public Schools is pleased to announce that Caleb Hausman, Sidharth Gopinath and Graham Giesting, all seniors at Hopkins High School, have been named National Merit Semifinalists. In addition, The National Merit Scholarship Program has named 11 Hopkins High School students as Commended Students. The National Merit Semifinalists are among 16,000 nationwide chosen to compete for the reputable National Merit Scholarship. Nearly 1.5 million students entered the Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as the initial screening process. In order to advance to the next level, the students must receive an endorsement from principal Patty Johnson and complete a detailed application. Hopkins High School counselors will assist in the application process, which includes writing a descriptive essay and submitting a resume that outlines past and present involvement in leadership and community activities.
Plan to attend Kindergarten Parent Information Nights Learn all about Kindergarten options and get your questions answered at Kindergarten Information Night. These meetings are designed for parents of children entering kindergarten in the fall, but are open to any family wanting to learn more about our schools. You are welcome to attend any information night, check the dates below. Alice Smith Elementary: Tuesday, December 4, 6:30 p.m. Eisenhower Elementary +XinXing Academy: Thursday, November 15, 6:30 p.m. Gatewood Elementary: Tuesday, November 27, 6:30 p.m. Glen Lake Elementary: Tuesday, November 13, 6:30 p.m. L.H. Tanglen Elementary: Thursday, November 29, 6:30 p.m. Meadowbrook Elementary: Thursday, November 8, 7:00 p.m. XinXing Academy Information Fair: Tuesday, December 4, 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday, January 8, 6:30 p.m. Tours: Nov. 29, Dec. 18, Jan. 11 from 9:15 -10:15 a.m.
On Oct. 5, about 125 Hopkins teachers, staff, school board, and community members participated in a World Café strategic planning session. Over the next few weeks, Hopkins leaders will collect the information gleaned from this discussion and define a process for moving forward. We will provide updates as we continue this exciting work.
Learn more about our elementary schools, watch our video at: www.HopkinsSchools.org/Kinder.
Hopkins Votes Gets Students Involved in the Election This election year, Hopkins Public Schools will be working hard to get out the student vote. Students in kindergarten to high school will be participating in a program called Hopkins Votes, a voter education program that includes a variety of simulated voting exercises and activities designed to get students to critically think about the election process. “What I like about Hopkins Votes is that it has a District-wide focus — it includes all students,” said Kathryn Anderson, social studies curriculum coordinator. The voting activities leading up to Election Day will vary depending on the age level of the students. Kindergarten students, for
example, will vote on a paper ballot. Other elementary students will vote for the president using an online ballot. To provide a deeper understanding of the voting process, some elementary schools elect grade-level student representatives to the school’s student council. The process includes a primary and a general election, and is not unlike the process of voting for local representatives. At the junior high level, students vote for the president and state senators. Classroom time is focused on the Electoral College, with homerooms voting as members of the College. At the senior high level, students vote for the president and state senators, using both the popular and electoral vote processes. They will vote using a replica of the actual ballot. Social studies teachers provided students with information and learning activities. The two
amendments proposed on the Minnesota state ballot, for example, have been discussed at length in current events and civics classes. Students also critically review political advertisements, and discuss the role that money plays in a candidate’s ability to run for office. After voting, all students receive an “I Voted” sticker. Hopkins Votes is a unique event that attracts a wide range of parent and community volunteers each election year. “Every year, I am so impressed by how many people volunteer for this event,” said Anderson. See who Hopkins students elected Be sure to check out who Hopkins students elected. The results of the student election will be posted on the website (www.HopkinsSchools. org) shortly after election night.
Juntos, continued from cover to prepare them for rigorous classes here in Hopkins and down the road when they go to college,” said Juntos teacher Erik Thompson.
Juntos student Chance Douglass listens as an ISLA student reads a children’s book in Spanish.
and technical vocabulary that may be valuable in their future careers. Science will start with a seventh- and eighth-grade combined course rotating on a yearly basis between earth science and life science. Physical science may be added for the ninth-grade year. The sequence continues at the high school allowing students to continue advanced Spanish throughout their entire secondary experience.
Nationwide, Latino students are underrepresented in AP classes. Juntos Spanish Immersion is capable of bucking this trend by encouraging Latino students to experience an AP class in a safe place where they feel confident. Starting next year, Pre-Juntos will also be offered to seventh-grade students who speak Spanish at home, but haven’t had a formal education in reading and writing. Pre-Juntos is designed specifically to prepare students for the Juntos Spanish immersion entrance exam. “The most rewarding aspect for me is when I see transformations in students whether it is the light bulb moment when a student finally understands a concept or an overall change in attitude about school and learning,” said Thompson. “I love to see students grow.”
“It is our goal to increase not only the students’ knowledge of the Spanish language, but also
Hopkins Community Education
To our knowledge, there is not another program like this in the country. What makes us stand out is the rich combination of native speakers and immersion students. Each group brings a wealth of experience to the table. See what Juntos is about! If you would like to find out more about our Juntos program, please call 952-988-4805.
Building a great place to live
Adult Enrichment
Youth Enrichment
Latin Dance Night
Family Swim Saturdays!
Friday, November 16, 7-10 p.m. Viernes, el 16 de Noviembre, 7-10 p.m. Join us for a sizzling evening of salsa music, food, fun, and dancing to the sound of The Salsabrosa Trio (pictured). Tickets: $13 advance registration, $10 student (high school or college) $15 at the door. Register: 952-988-4070 or www.HopkinsSchools.org/LatinDanceNight. Español: www.HopkinsSchools.org/NocheDeSalsa
www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org
Saturdays, Oct. 20-Dec. 22 1:00-3:00 p.m. (No session Nov. 24.) Cost is only $7.00 per family per session Fun for the entire family — join us for swimming! Eisenhower Community Center 1001 Hwy. 7, Hopkins Questions? 952-988-4070. www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org
District Life Changer
Erik Thompson
Erik Thompson is a lot of things. He’s a coach. He’s an advisor to the W.E.B. student mentorship group. He is a member of the North Junior High site planning committee and part of the AVID team which is committed to ensuring that all students are successful in a rigorous curriculum. He enjoys these different roles because they allow him to connect with many students. But more than anything else, he is a Spanish teacher.
are at individually.”
“Erik knows how to relate to his students,” said Hopkins world language coordinator Lisa Shafranski. “With their broad spectrum of language and cultural experience, he brings them together as a group but also meets them where they
Erik has played an instrumental role building the Juntos sequence (see front story) from the ground up. He currently teaches Juntos 1 and 2, and will teach Juntos 3 next year. “As a teacher, Erik sets high standards for students as learners and members of the school community,” said Chuck Schlegel, ALC teacher at Hopkins North Junior High. “This is clearly evident in his Juntos classes where he is actively creating curriculum to meet the needs of students from incredibly diverse cultural and learning backgrounds woven together by the common thread of understanding Spanish.” Background: Erik was a long-term substitute teacher at Chaska when he came across an opening for a Spanish teacher at North Junior High. Knowing nothing about the District, he applied and got it. “I was lucky enough to get an interview for the job, and have felt lucky every day,” said Erik. That was in 2004. The rest is history. What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? I don’t know of another District in our state that has such a diverse group of learners. I love the perspectives that each and every one of our students brings to their education. I know in my heart that any student that graduates from our schools has the tools to be successful in any setting. Proudest moments? Last year, I received a letter from a student who was graduating that I had not taught since seventh-grade. She thanked me for two things. The first was being someone who made school fun. The second was helping lay the foundation for her to be a successful Spanish student. She also wanted me to know that she was going to pursue a minor in Spanish in college. I sometimes forget that we can’t choose when we make an impact in students’ lives, so it is important to be our best selves as often as possible whenever we are around them. Teaching philosophy? I never ask anyone to be perfect or understand something the moment I teach it. All I do ask is that you give it your best shot, try hard, and learn from the mistakes that come with learning and growing. I truly believe that is through our mistakes that we make our biggest growth as people and learners. Stats: rM.A. Teaching and Learning, St. Mary’s University, B.S. Spanish Education, Bemidji State University (study abroad at Universidad Complutense de Madrid).
Where are they now?
Kate Worum: 2006 graduate
Stats: Business owner at Kate Worum Design LLC, and Graphic Designer at City Pages. r Illustration & Graphic Design, Minneapolis College of Art & Design fun facts Kate is a young rising star of the Twin Cities creative scene who is growing her freelance illustration and design business, www.kateworum.com. She has done work locally for Twin Cities Metro and Creem magazines, Cargill, Dakota Jazz Club, and more. Kate would someday love to work for a design studio or tap into art direction in the future. Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School? The soccer field, I loved playing under the stadium lights or the blazing sun. Favorite Song of 2006? Scissors Sisters, “It can’t come quickly enough,” a great driving song! How did Hopkins prepare you? AP Art with Randi Rood helped me discover my career path. Sports taught me teamwork and communication skills. What Hopkins staff member made a difference in your life? Randi Rood changed my life. She helped me find purpose and taught me skills I needed — she gave me confidence that fueled a passion I still have today.
Community Spirit Doobie Kurus
As a stay-at-home dad taking his daughter to Hopkins Early Childhood programs, Doobie Kurus discovered that volunteering was a great way to get involved in community. After returning to work as a teacher in 2009, Doobie keenly missed his volunteer days. He reduced his work schedule so he could volunteer at Eisenhower Elementary one day each week. Teaching BRAVO music. Helping incoming kindergartners. Food coaching in the cafeteria. Working with after-school programs. Working on the Back-to-School Open House, the annual silent auction, and the staff appreciation meal. Doobie does it all and is a well-known and well-loved volunteer by students and staff at Eisenhower. “I do anything and everything,” said Doobie. “I like to think that by volunteering, I’m there for a staff member who needs assistance, or a child who needs someone to believe in them.” Proudest moments volunteering? When photos of me accidentally appeared in the staff section of the yearbook, it reaffirmed that I belonged. What person has influenced you most? My parents taught me to offer help to others. They raised seven children and still found time to volunteer. My wife Joyce supports me as well, it’s a team effort! Fruits or Vegetables? Fruits! Vegetables...if they taste like fruit. People would be surprised to learn... That my nickname comes from a Frank Sinatra tune my mom sang to me as a baby! I also play competitive Scrabble, I make truffles to raise money for charities, and I collect root beer memorabilia. I volunteer because... I can!
Know someone we should feature on this page? Email Carrie.Gerard@HopkinsSchools.org
Krista Frechette: 1994 graduate Stats: School Counselor, Osseo Area Learning Center r B.A., Psychology, Family Resources, St. Olaf College, M.S. Professional School Counseling , Minnesota State University, Mankato fun facts Krista seeks challenges, so after achieving her goal of becoming a school counselor, she embarked on a new type of challenge — marathon running. A former non-runner, Krista has successfully completed two marathons and dozens of other races. Krista has a passion for working with at-risk teens and plans to continue in her career as a school counselor. Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins (Eisenhower) High School? The cafeteria and the band room. Favorite Band of 1994? Indigo Girls. How did Hopkins prepare you? The staff’s ability to build relationships with students. Those relationships, coupled with the strong, well-rounded academics, helped me become successful in my career and life. What Hopkins staff member made a difference in your life? Jean Davidson, guidance counselor, helped me by encouraging progress, not perfection. She inspired me to pursue my goals and helped me get there. Jean is a life-long friend.
Nick Kunath: 2008 graduate Stats: Admissions Counselor, Northland College t B.A. Northland College, Ashland, Wisconsin, Native American Studies, Social Justice, Environmental Studies fun facts Passionate about the outdoors, Nick attended Northland College in the scenic northwoods of Ashland, Wisconsin. He then did a stint as a Kayak Guide, before becoming an admissions counselor. Nick is currently looking at graduate schools and would like to work defending water rights and social justice issues. Favorite Band of 2008? Probably the Pnuma Trio or Bad Plus. Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School? The lunch room area by the fireplace. How did Hopkins prepare you? The classes and teachers prepared us for our future goals. I enjoyed the incredible diversity of students. What Hopkins staff member made a difference in your life? Rob Fuhr was a huge influence, he allowed me to pursue my interest with an independent study project. Mr. Franke was amazing. I still tell people about how passionate and incredible his astronomy class was. Update: November 2012
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Election Day:
Nov. 6
November Events Family Swim Saturdays – Just $7 for the entire family to swim! Saturdays, October 20-December 22, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, Pool Toy Chest Drive – Toy Chest provides gifts to over 1,200 children from low income families, donations accepted now through Dec. 17. ResourceWest, 915 Mainstreet, Hopkins. www.ResourceWest.org. Food Allergy Resource Fair – Free event featuring allergy-friendly foods, products, coupons, information booths, and more. November 10, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center. Details: www.FoodAllergySupportMN.org Free Early Childhood Webinar – Developing Reading Skills in Your Child. For parents of 3-8 year olds — support your child’s reading. November 6, 12:00-1:00 p.m. or November 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free, register at HopkinsCommunityEd.org, questions call 952-988-5000. Helping Children with Big Feelings – one-night class! Children who know how to deal with emotions are more successful in school and life. November 13, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Details and to register: HopkinsCommunityEd.org or call 952-988-5000. Hopkins Schools Information Fair – discover Hopkins! Monday, November 19, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, 233, 952-988-4024 for information.
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Hopkins Schools Information Fair
Get Connected, Stay Connected Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HopkinsPublicSchools
Monday, Nov. 19, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, Room 233 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins t Questions: call us at 952-988-4024. Filled with options — from STEM and digital curriculum to Chinese immersion and our unique Juntos Spanish immersion — we have something for every student. Come and learn what makes us a leader in innovation, and see how we are transforming learning for our students. www.HopkinsSchools.org/Discover
After Adult Options In Education, GED graduate finds success at Cargill
Armetha Pihlstrom earned three degrees in eight years, climbs career ladder Side by side, two sheets of paper are tangible evidence of how far Armetha Pihlstrom has come in just eight years. Looking at a copy of her GED (general education development) testing record and a print out of her LinkedIn profile, Pihlstrom is proud and thankful, yet still motivated to continue working toward future success. A return to education “Adult Options gave me a second chance to change my education chapter in my life,� she said. “Where would a person like me be without Adult Options?� The segment sales manager for Cargill Foodservice-North America earned her GED certificate through Adult Options In Education in 2004. Adult Options In Education offers GED preparation and testing. The program also offers ELL classes for adults. When Pihlstrom came to her intake appointment at Adult Options, she hadn’t been in school since she dropped out of her inner city Chicago school at age 16. She was just getting started. GED opened doors to higher education After completing her education with Adult Options, she went on to attend Normandale Community College for two years. She earned
a Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB) from the University of Minnesota-Carlson School of Management, and a Master’s degree in Human Resources Development and Organizational Change Management from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. “Success is not measured by your biggest accomplishments; it’s measured by small steps,� Pihlstrom said. “Getting my Master’s, getting my four year degree, was the same feeling I got when I walked across that stage and got my GED. The GED was the cake. The four year degree was the icing, and the Master’s was the cherry on top.� From intern to leader Pihlstrom first came to Cargill as a human resources intern in 2008. She said she has transformed from the girl who grew up in an impoverished neighborhood where Oprah Winfrey was born, to meeting the mogul in a Cargill TruviaŽ professional setting. At Cargill, Pihlstrom said, she found a career family. “For them to see me as an intelligent African-American woman with aspirations of becoming a high-performing top talent at Cargill—they took me as an intern and molded me into wanting to become a great leader here,�
Pihlstrom said. “I love our organization. I am passionate about my position. I respect our leaders, employees, and managers.� In her current position as segment sales manger, Pihlstrom works to promote brand awareness and create opportunities for TruviaŽ, the natural caloriefree sweetener. Cargill is where Pihlstrom intends to retire. “I treat every day as if it was my first. I stay humble. I stay hungry,� she said. To learn more about Hopkins Community Education Adult Options In Education, visit www.AdultOptions.org.