The Community’s Guide to the District
#HopkinsStrong Relief Fund Surpasses Fundraising Goal
The District surpassed its fundraising goal of $200,000, raising a total of $201,084 from 598 donors. The money will be used to help support frontline workers in the Hopkins Nutrition, Early Learning, and Community Education departments. The fundraiser was a true community effort that involved the work of the Hopkins Education Foundation (HEF), many volunteers, community members, parents, and businesses. Thank you, Hopkins community!
Hopkins School Board Denounces Systemic Racism
On June 2, in response to the death of George Floyd, the Hopkins School Board unanimously approved a resolution denouncing systemic racism that has caused a long history of harm and trauma to our community members. The resolution communicates the Board’s commitment to create an equitable education system for all students.
June 2020
The Class of 2020 Graduates During a Historic Time
As part of the alternative graduation plan, seniors drove to Hopkins High School to receive their diplomas and then followed a parade route to their former elementary schools, where their teachers were waiting curbside to cheer them on.
Like so many seniors, Lauren d'Albertis was excited for her last year of high school. Before it even started she had taken 11 Advanced Placement (AP) classes and was accepted into the college of her choice. This was her year to enjoy a unique range of electives and time with friends. She was looking forward to prom, playing spring sports, saying goodbye, and walking across the stage to accept her diploma — that piece of paper that would officially launch her into adulthood. And of course, we all know what happened next. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down things big and small, and the Class of 2020 missed out on the final moments of high school. D'Albertis describes this situation as “not optimal,” but she, and the rest of the Class of 2020, want you to know that they are going to be fine. They represent a group of resilient young leaders who deeply care about the world and who are invested in making it better. Hopkins seniors graduated not only during a global pandemic, but also at a time of tremendous despair and pain brought on by the murder of George Floyd, which occurred days before their graduation. These events will undoubtedly shape their worldview. Hopkins seniors are well aware that the world they are entering is imperfect and complex. They are determined to take on some of
our most difficult problems. “Right now, I am worried about Minneapolis,” said senior Joe Ramlet. “But what gives me hope is that we have a really strong class, and we are going to change the world. There is going to be a change in Minneapolis and in the United States about how we deal with institutional racism, social justice, public health, and the environment. We have a responsibility and an obligation to be better and to do better.”
How do you graduate during a global pandemic? The Hopkins Class of 2020 graduated on June 4 in a format that was different from every other class that had come before them. Due to the pandemic, the traditional graduation was canceled and an alternative plan that included a drive-through graduation, mini car parades, and a virtual pre-recorded ceremony was put in place. This plan was crafted based on feedback from students and parents who overwhelmingly said the Class of 2020 should be allowed to come together as a class at the high school one last time. Graduation has deep meaning because it represents many things: accomplishment, excitement for what is ahead, and the end of childhood. See Class of 2020 Graduates, inside
Vehicle Fair HEF Rock-n-Royal DATES Block Party Kids can explore city IN THE vehicles and more at this Save the date for your COMMUNITY free early childhood event. favorite annual back-to*Events are subject to change depending on current health guidelines.
Fri., Sept. 4, 5:30-7 p.m. Harley Hopkins Family Center, 125 Monroe Ave. S., Hopkins
school event! Sat., Sept. 12 Watch for details: HopkinsEducation Foundation.org
Kindergarten Playground Nights Fall 2020 kindergarten families can explore the playground and meet staff in August. Find the date on your school’s website
Class of 2020 Graduates, continued from cover
“That is the thing about graduating meaning so much — you don’t really remember anything before you were four years old,” said Ramlet. "Our K-12 experience represents the entirety of our memory.” On the day of graduation, seniors drove to the high school and received their diplomas from Superintendent Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed and Principal Doug Bullinger. They continued through the parking lot, driving past a presentation of flags, with each flag representing the graduates’ countries of birth, and were greeted by the Hopkins School Board and teachers. The students then drove to their elementary schools, where teachers were waiting curbside to cheer on their former students. At 7 p.m. a pre-recorded graduation ceremony broadcast on AM 950 and YouTube Premiere.
Reactions from seniors While most seniors would have preferred to hear their names called
in person, throw their caps in the air, and sit with their class, they also acknowledged that the alternative plan was the right thing to do. Still, there is hope that a Class of 2020 gathering could occur outdoors later this summer if restrictions allowed for it. “I hope that at some point in time, if things change, the school would try to gather in an open space outside. It’s certainly something I would not be opposed to,” said senior Ngorli Paintsil. But other students felt more optimistic about the alternative plan, seeing it as an opportunity to bust out of out-of-date traditions that are passed on year-to-year. In this format, what truly mattered was coming together, celebrating, gaining closure, and transitioning to the next step. And one thing is for sure, the Class of 2020 will never forget their graduation.
Students from the First XinXing Academy Class Graduate in Class of 2020 When Thomas Fabian entered kindergarten in 2007, he was one of 43 five- and six-year-olds who would pave the way for many others. The pioneering XinXing Academy Chinese Immersion class became the first to graduate from the program on June 4, 2020. “To be the first graduating class of the XinXing program is really cool, it's great to think that we were the start of this incredible program and I can't wait to see what happens in the future with it,” Fabian said. Back in 2007, the creation of XinXing Academy came at the perfect time for parent Kimberly Ruthenbeck, who was searching for an immersion program for her upcoming kindergartner. “We always wanted our kids to be global citizens and part of that would be learning another language,” Ruthenbeck said. Hopkins was the second district in not just the state but in the nation to start a Chinese immersion program. The students, staff, and educators were true trailblazers. They went on to develop curriculum and global partnerships, infuse Chinese culture into lessons, and create culturally relevant celebrations. “(The students) constantly had to navigate the unexpected, they had to be flexible, they had to be adaptable, they had to go with the flow and they just rose to the occasion in an amazing way,” said Molly Wieland, world language and immersion coordinator. “And I think that it really developed in them a skill set that you don’t learn from regular school.” The entire program truly embodies Hopkins Public Schools' Vision 2031. In addition to mastering another language, students are developing confidence, becoming global citizens, learning empathy, and expanding their critical thinking skills. One of the more unique aspects of the program is that the Chinese culture is embedded throughout the curriculum and experiences. Classes are taught by native speakers, fifth-graders learn Chinese cooking, eighth-graders travel to China for one week where they stay with a host family and attend school in Shanghai, and students perform in an annual Lunar New Year Celebration. The future is bright and the possibilities are endless with the high proficiency of language skills that XinXing students develop. Some of the Class of 2020 graduates plan to continue their Chinese language studies in college and find a career that utilizes their skills. “If you have a high level of proficiency in Chinese and understand the culture, that’s invaluable in communicating with people and trying to solve world problems,” Wieland said.
STUDENT VOICE
Ayub Hassan
Lauren d'Albertis
Daniel Ogbe
"I am optimistic about everything in life. This is a moment in time. Everything has an end."
“I don’t want to fly planes, I want to design them. Ideally, I would like to contract for NASA and design planes that are faster than the Blue Angels.”
“To me, 'Hopkins Strong' means being part of a respectful and collaborative environment that gives every student the freedom to learn about the world around them.”
What are your plans after graduation? Full scholarship to Iowa State to study aerospace engineering.
What are your plans after graduation? Attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study mathematics.
What advice would you give to the Class of 2020 to help them move forward? Look on the bright side. We still graduated from high school, we are still going to college, we still have all these things going on — let's be grateful for what we have right now. Let’s look forward and keep our heads up.
What are some skills or qualities that you developed that you are thankful for? Learning how to multitask and adjust my learning skills. School did not always come easy, but I took 11 AP classes in three years. I have grown my toolkit. I have learned how to study, and how to prepare. I don’t learn like everyone else and that is okay.
What message would you like to give your teachers and Hopkins staff? When I first came to Gatewood after immigrating, I didn't know how to speak English. I was a shy kid who was too scared to participate in class. It's because of the ELL teachers and staff that I became fluent enough in English to be socially comfortable around other kids. I want to thank the ELL staff all around the district. The work that they do is crucial.
Joe Ramlet
Ngorli Paintsil
Holly Den Hartog
“What I am hopeful about is that we, as a Class of 2020, are going to change the world. Before we had the capability and now we have the responsibility to do so.”
“Accept what is happening; don’t try to stuff it away. Remember it’s relative to everything you have experienced, so don’t let what is going on crush you or change you for the negative.”
“We have all undoubtedly learned from all of this that perseverance is a powerful tool, and I think that taking this to life after high school will be incredibly useful.”
What are your plans after graduation? Gap year of service with AmeriCorps in the digital literacy program, which breaks down the digital achievement gap between race, class, and immigrant populations. Attend Augsburg University and major in public policy and social justice.
What are your plans after graduation? Attend Stanford University. Major in mechanical engineering or computer science; minor in business administration. Would like to pursue a career with a mix of business administration and engineering with a tech company.
What are your plans after graduation? Attend the University of Minnesota to study aerospace engineering.
What message would you like to give your teachers and Hopkins staff? There are no words other than thank you. The teachers are instrumental in shaping us as students, especially high school teachers who have helped us grow into young adults. They have been really important in my life beyond academics. They have been instrumental in developing who I am as a person.
How can Hopkins go from Great to World Class? Whatever you decide to implement it should be conforming to what is best for students, rather than the other way around. How can we set our students up for success in a world that is evolving and changing? Not every student works the same way and wants to go down the same path.
What are your plans after graduation? Full scholarship to the University of St. Thomas. Double major in accounting and finance; continue with an MBA in marketing. Pursuing a career in computer science or marketing (or both). Plans to launch his own clothing line this summer.
What are some skills or qualities that you developed that you are thankful for? Being globally minded. Hopkins has allowed me to learn so much about different cultures, from diverse clubs to community discussions to activism among the student body. I have learned about how culture affects many aspects of life and how to recognize and address injustices within a community. I am thankful for the opportunities to listen to new voices and learn more about how I can be a better citizen in a diverse world.
Lucy Speers “Graduation is a big moment. Prom is a big moment. Even though it is terrible for us to miss out on these things, there are much bigger problems in the world. We realize and acknowledge that.” What are your plans after graduation? Attend University of Wisconsin–Madison to study political science and Spanish. What does Hopkins Strong mean to you? For me it brings a sense of unity in a really uncertain time when nothing feels very strong. It feels like anything could break or collapse ... anything can go wrong. Hopkins Strong unites us as a community. It’s us saying, 'we’re not going to break. We’re going to weather the storm.'
Wait, there's more! Read the full profiles for these graduates at HopkinsSchools.org/ studentvoice2020
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
FROM SUPERINTENDENT
Can’t get enough of Hopkins Public Schools news? Get daily updates from our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram feeds. If you don’t already follow us, here’s a snapshot of what you’ve missed since the last newsletter. HopkinsPublicSchools
Hopkins270
HopkinsSchools HopkinsSchools June 4
Just a few moments from the mini car parade this afternoon. Stay tuned for more photos! #HopkinsGrad2020 #HopkinsStrong
grace_vaala June 4
Congrats!! We did it!! I know this is not how we pictured our graduation, but we were resilient and determined to graduate no matter what life threw at us. I'm so proud of us for doing such a good job. We are definitely a special class. Good luck to all of you on your next adventure in life! #HopkinsGrad2020 Hopkins270 June 4
"Graduation is not just a high school event, it is an all-district celebration of the journey that our graduates are completing." -Hopkins High School Principal, Doug Bullinger
Watch the Class of 2020 Virtual Graduation Ceremony Check out the graduation video at vimeo.com/425893113
NEWS
DR. MHIRIPIRI-REED
Hopkins School Board Approves Balanced Budget for 2020-21
At the June 2 School Board Meeting, the Board approved a structurally balanced General Fund budget for 2020-21 presented by Tariro Chapinduka, director of business services. The budget approved for the 2020-21 school year reflects Year One of a two-year process to right-size the budget. As a result, Hopkins cut approximately 2.5 percent of its budget. Due to careful analysis, we were able to minimize classroom and people impact, protect mental health and socioemotional health resources and learning supports, and safeguard special education services. Next year, Hopkins will once again need to make cuts of around the same amount. We will seek out community input to collaboratively design our model moving forward. More information will be available in the late summer or early fall.
Class of 2020 — The World Needs You Commencement is a momentous time — one that brings joy and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment to each graduate and their loved ones. And, as we all know, context matters. The critical context within which we experienced this year’s high school graduation is one we will never forget. On June 4, 2020, our high school seniors celebrated their individual achievements in the midst of tremendous pain, horror, and despair here in Minnesota, across this country, and in the world. The virtual ceremony was beautiful. Each graduate was featured by name and photo, with musical performances and scholar-delivered speeches that brought joy to all viewers. This genuine celebration occurred during the very same moments that protesters were in our cities’ streets, demanding an end to racial injustice here in Minnesota and across the world. As we mourn the loss of George Floyd, we, as educators, extend empathy and care to many Hopkins families who are grappling with the true meaning of a marginalized or privileged existence. There is much work to be done, by each of us individually and as a collective. To parents and guardians: You have put your all into your young person. You raised, you encouraged, you pleaded with, you disciplined, you molded, you inspired, you contributed so much, and now ... you’re sending your high school graduate into this rapidly changing world. In Hopkins, we've been using VUCA to describe specific conditions increasing across our globe — volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. We’ve said that we have to change the way we do school so we can better prepare our young people for their future which will become increasingly VUCA. This has never been more true. While it’s true that life is full of choices, there are times when specific life conditions are set upon us and the only choice available is how we will respond to them. What this means for our graduates is power and perspective. The Class of 2020 has a vastly different perspective because of their unique experience. The world is yearning for and expecting young people who are confident, competent, critically thinking, globally minded, and empathetic enough to be curious about others' experiences. We don't all have the same quality of life, but we do have the Class of 2020 — young people who have the brains and the creativity to increase the wellbeing of others. Hopkins graduates, we implore you to be who you were meant to be! Be brilliant, be creative, and most of all be self-reflective at every opportunity, because an unexamined life lacks depth and is a catastrophe to the spirit. You’ve been through a significant journey experienced by no other previous class. This adds feathers to the grit cap that we need you, as our world-problems solvers, to wear as you walk boldly into your futures. Sincerely, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed Superintendent
Hopkins Public Schools ISD 270 1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305-4723
June 2020
The Community’s Guide to the District
Residential Postal Patron ECRWSS
CONGRATS GRADS!
Class of 2020: Confident, Empathetic, and Globally Minded
HOPKINS CLASS OF 2020 STATS This is not an average class. Members of the Class of 2020 include soon-to-be MIT and Ivy League freshmen, the nation’s top female basketball player, intellectual scholars who are well-versed at the legislature, and founders of non-profits. They are survivors of cancer and reformers for issues impacting racial and gender identity. They are musicians, writers, multi-linguists, activists, and non-conforming believers of a different future. They include our first graduates of XinXing Academy, who have become fluent in Chinese. Representing 23 heritage languages and even more national origins, they represent Hopkins and the world. They are Hopkins Strong!
476 students made up the Hopkins 2020 graduating class 169 students graduated with honors
13 graduated Summa Cum Laude (cumulative GPA of 4.0) 85 graduated Magna Cum Laude (cumulative GPA of 3.75-3.99) 71 graduated Cum Laude (cumulative GPA of 3.5-3.74)
1 National Merit Finalist 3 National Merit Commended
17 XinXing Academy Graduates
GET CONNECTED, STAY CONNECTED
3 Platinum Bilingual Seals, 9 Gold Seals, and 6 Proficiency Certificates
Countries represented by the Class of 2020:
HopkinsSchools.org/update-newsletters Bulgaria
China
Guatemala Haiti Montenegro Nepal Taiwan
Thailand
Ecuador
El Salvador
India
Iran
Eritrea
Ireland
Nigeria
Philippines
Tibet
Ukraine
Israel
Poland
Ethiopia
Gambia
Jamaica Somalia
Germany
Kenya
South Korea
United Kingdom United States
Liberia Spain
Venezuela
Ghana Mexico Sudan Vietnam
Need to enroll in Hopkins for the fall? Finalize your child's enrollment for the 2020-21 school year. Summer drive-up drop off options are available. Visit HopkinsSchools.org/enrollment or email Enrollment@HopkinsSchools.org