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Hopkins Public Schools ISD 270 1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305-4723
The Community’s Guide to the District
November 2021
HopkinsSchools The Community’s Guide to the District
Hopkins Public Schools October 1
Remembering your immersion language over the summer can be tricky when class is not in session! That’s why Mia Flavin, a sophomore at Hopkins High School, decided to do something about it! Mia started her Chinese Immersion Summer Camp when she was a sixth grader at Hopkins' XinXing Academy. With the help of her cousin, she plans a rich curriculum with ties to Chinese culture, and provides lessons for immersion scholars ages 6-12. Read more: bit.ly/3B2m2bF Hopkins Public Schools October 15
The Hopkins High School orchestra was back in action for a community favorite event. The Young People's Concert brought families out for an evening of music. Children wore pajamas with stuffed animals and blankets in tow as the orchestra played familiar tunes from Beauty and the Beast, Zootopia, Aladdin, Harry Potter, and more. Check out some more photos: https://bit.ly/3BSYBSQ Hopkins Public Schools October 19
Alex Kormann • Star Tribune
The Star Tribune revealed a hidden talent of Atlantis Wigfall, who works as an administrative coordinator at Hopkins High School. Atlantis is part of an adult double Dutch club, which are becoming ever-popular across the country and in Minnesota. Learn more about the club and watch Atlantis' mad jumping skills. Read more: strib.mn/3aPlF8P
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WELCOME BACK!
Seniors Sonja Milkovich and Henry Scheible are among a prestigious group of students named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. They are two of about 16,000 semifinalists in the scholarship program this year. If selected as finalists, they will be notified in February.
Find out what's new this school year.
HOMECOMING 2021 On September 24, Hopkins High School celebrated Homecoming 2021 with Royal pride! The Student Council planned a variety of spirit days, scholars attended an electric pep rally on Friday, and cheered for their football team at the Homecoming game on Friday night. The Royals football team fought admirably in a tough loss, but spirits remained high and Homecoming concluded with a semi-formal dance on Saturday night.
ICA Market & Resource Center opens at Gatewood
See more photos and video from Homecoming here: https://bit.ly/39ZdI0J
Gatewood Transforms into an Environmentally-Focused School
Jim Ikhaml, Gatewood's naturalist, teaches a lesson under a tree canopy (left) and a Gatewood fourth-grade student holds up a leaf that was part of a crayon rubbing art project (right).
Imagine a school that incorporates outdoor learning and holistic education, a place that celebrates empathy, and encourages scholars to be stewards of the Earth. All this while students are building rigorous academic skills that they will need in the real world. These are some of the goals of Vision 2031, and Gatewood Elementary is well on its way. Under the leadership of Dr. George Nolan, principal of Gatewood Elementary, the school is transforming into an environmentally-focused school. Last year, a state-of-the-art greenhouse was installed, and a naturalist position was created to provide project-based activities and enrichment for all students. Later this year, scholars will welcome a few farm animals to the building grounds to enhance real-world environmental learning. “We want to capitalize on our strengths and make sure every child who walks through our door will feel loved, and experience learning in a positive way,” Nolan said.
GET CONNECTED, STAY CONNECTED
Hopkins Schools October 20
From your scholar’s first day of kindergarten in Hopkins, our educators will encourage them to discover their talents, find their purpose, and actualize the brilliant future they deserve. Learn more: HopkinsSchools.org/kinder
Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
HopkinsSchools.org/update
The ICA Market & Resource Center opened its doors to Gatewood families on Oct. 27. The market, located inside the school, will provide scholars and families consistent and convenient healthy food options and will expand upon Gatewood's mission to be a community school. The partnership will also connect families to community resources.
November 2021
Nolan worked with his teaching staff to create a vision for Gatewood that provides restorative practices, where students feel welcomed, validated, and affirmed, and where students have a sense of agency through inquiry-led learning.
“I want this to be the best elementary school in the area that serves all kids and provides a welcoming and supportive environment,” he said.
Learning with a naturalist When it comes to environmentally-focused concepts, students don’t have to look much farther than outside the school's door. Gatewood is unique in that its grounds include woods and trails — a perfect setting for an environmental school. The expansive school grounds have several natural outdoor classrooms, a forest, gardens, a greenhouse, and soon it will be home to goats and chickens. To lean deeper into Gatewood’s natural environment, a new position was developed. Jim Ikhaml, Gatewood’s naturalist, is known to students as Mr. Ike. With Mr. Ike, students learn through exploration in nature. Last week, students found basswood and dogwood trees on the school grounds and created artwork made from crayon rubbings of leaves. Through hands-on learning, students are deeply engaged and invested in the topics and concepts. This type of learning has been at the forefront of the outdoor kindergarten program where teachers See Gatewood Transforms, inside
Fall 2022 Kindergarten Families DATES Hopkins offers an inclusive school community where IN THE our teachers inspire young scholars to explore their and reach their potential. Join us for virtual COMMUNITY talents Kindergarten information events Nov. 3-18, 2021. Virtual events hosted in Fall 2021 and Winter 2022 Learn more at HopkinsSchools.org/kinder.
Registration Night Join us for a virtual event that will provide helpful information on how to enroll and upcoming deadlines. Tues., Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. https://qrco.de/RN-update
ROYAL SPOTLIGHT Jessica Glidden American Indian Cultural Liaison & Program Lead Jessica Glidden is dedicated to providing Hopkins' Native American students with the best educational opportunities possible and that includes creating an environment where their unique cultural needs are met and respected. As an Ojibwe from the Bois Forte band of Chippewa in northern Minnesota, Glidden knows how important that can be. “There is so much knowledge and rich cultural experiences that come from our connections to our reservations, and I feel it is important to pass those teachings onto our youth,” Glidden said. By creating a space that honors and celebrates the rich culture and diversity of scholars, we can make meaningful connections which can have a direct impact on positive educational outcomes. What is your proudest moment when working with a student? Being able to recognize our American Indian Seniors in a Feather Ceremony last spring. During that ceremony, an Ojibwe Elder and I were able to present these graduates with an Eagle Feather, the highest honor you can receive as a Native American. This is monumental for the American Indian community because just 43 years ago practicing our culture in public was illegal. We plan to do this Feather Ceremony each year for our graduating seniors. What excites you about Vision 2031? I love that the core values of Vision 2031 overlap with some of my Ojibwe values — specifically, the humility of heart. I think these values and ways of thinking allow for continued learning and growth in an authentic way. I am so excited to be a part of a future-forward community and ultimately, I am excited for our scholars to pass on these teachings to the next generation. We want to be the ancestors the next generation is proud of.
ALUMNI CORNER Charlie Yunker 1995 Graduate Stats: Bachelor's degree in Public Administration from Capella University • Master's degree in Executive Leadership from Liberty University Fun Facts: Charlie Yunker honors his past by volunteering his time to his Hopkins roots. As an alumni of the Hopkins KHOP-TV team, he has returned on occasion to help record the Hopkins High School graduation ceremony. He and his wife also volunteer their time at the Hopkins Raspberry Festival each year — which happens to be the event where they first met. Yunker’s path after high school led him into banking and finance; then he transitioned to local government. He now serves as the city manager at the City of Saint Anthony Village. What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Dr. E. Daniel Eckberg, who was the KHOP-TV teacher, taught all of us to be self-reliant by teaching us the basics of television production, and then was hands-off from there. He gave us the latitude and responsibility to learn and figure things out as a team. We formed lasting relationships through the experience that last to this day. How did Hopkins prepare you for the future? The overall education at Hopkins was excellent of course, but my experience in KHOP was distinctive because it introduced us to things like problem solving, creativity, project management, leadership, and technical skills at a young age.
STUDENT VOICE Elif Ozturk Sophomore, Hopkins High School Elif Ozturk has leaned into her empathetic, critical thinking, and holistic-minded traits to show up as a student representative and advocate. She represents Hopkins students at School Board meetings and she is an advocate for women. Ozturk has been working with state legislators to create a bill that will fund free feminine products in all Minnesota schools. Her work on the bill would contribute to resolving issues ranging from gender, racial, and educational equity. “The extent at which periods affect a student's ability to learn, especially when one doesn’t have access to the correct products is substantial,” she said. “My hope is that this legislation will assist many students around Minnesota in beneficial ways.” In her spare time, she works with Planned Parenthood on sexual reproductive and political education. After high school, one of her goals is to study political science and go to law school. Why is Student Voice important? I think it’s important for student’s voices to be heard because we will feel even more invested in our own learning if leaders listen to our preferences, interests, and opinions. What is the importance of a student representative on the School Board? Students are directly affected by the decisions of the School Board and the best way to assist in the progress of a school district is to hear the opinions of the actual students. Through this role, I have the opportunity to give real input toward bettering our district on behalf of my fellow scholars.
Know a Hopkins student, teacher, or alumni we should feature? Email Michelle.Wirth@HopkinsSchools.org.
Gatewood Transforms, continued from cover
use an inquiry-based learning approach inspired by the interests of the students.
Outdoor learning Students' curiosity and observations of the world around them are driving the learning experiences in the outdoor kindergarten program. A hallmark of this learning is that there is space and place for students to wonder.
Building community with holistic learning With the outdoor and environmental focus at Gatewood, students will see first-hand where their food comes from and they will have an active role in creating it. Every class will have a planter’s box where scholars will be in charge of caring for a selection of plants from tomatoes and mushrooms to peppers and spinach. A wood-fired pizza oven will be installed on the grounds and students will be able to use the food they grow as toppings on pizza.
Teachers bring the resources and standards, but students are deciding the subject matter. For example, earlier this year, kindergartners found a mushroom in the grass. They thought it looked like a flower, so the teacher leaned into their curiosity. They brought out a magnifying glass to inspect the mushroom, measured how tall it was, and observed its color, texture, and its other physical traits.
“How much more holistic can you get than growing the food, preparing the food, then eating the food,” Ikhaml said.
“It’s really the students that ask the questions and then we figure out how to show them how to discover the answers to their questions,” kindergarten teacher Ellen Dischinger said.
The culture of environmental awareness will continue in the greenhouse where students will start growing native trees. When the trees reach a certain size, scholars will plant them outside. Students will see the trees’ growth and impact on the school community over time.
Gatewood’s outdoor kindergarten program is in its inaugural year, and it's clear that this approach to learning has garnered parent support. “I believe this program is providing our daughter with age-appropriate academics that are incorporated into an active and engaging environment. I appreciate hearing stories from my daughter about how she practiced letters using natural material manipulatives,” said Karlee Anderson, a kindergarten parent.
In addition to teaching, Mr. Ike is creating a culture of awareness around environmental science. At lunch, he is also teaching students about food composting. Scholars are growing in their understanding of what happens to their food waste.
The implementation of experiential and inquiry-based learning techniques through an environmental lens is creating a newfound energy at Gatewood in both the students and teachers. The possibilities are endless. “What we want to do is give every child an opportunity to learn in a different way,” Nolan said. “We want to lean in on what are best practices and connected to Vision 2031 so we can ensure kids are getting nontraditional learning that sets them up for success in a global marketplace.”
WHAT'S NEW IN OUR OTHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS? Tanglen Elementary Tanglen Elementary is shaping its students to not only be critical thinkers, but also empathetic citizens who are interested in making the world a better place. Every month, students explore a different social-emotional concept. The Tanglen philosophy recognizes its scholars as deep thinkers who are curious, capable, and ready to develop their strengths and talents.
Meadowbrook Elementary Meadowbrook Elementary is using multiage classrooms to provide personalized learning experiences. The school is digging deep into its schoolwide enrichment model, which offers enriched instruction to all students. Meadowbrook students have ample opportunity to build their sense of self as they spend time getting to know each other, listening to each other, and helping their learning community be an inclusive place for all.
Eisenhower Elementary Community School Eisenhower Elementary Community School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate school. The IB curriculum provides a rigorous framework that encourages students to think critically and solve real-world problems. In addition to Spanish, students can learn Arabic. Eisenhower is also home to two language immersion education programs, Juntos Spanish Immersion and XinXing Academy Chinese Immersion.
Alice Smith Elementary At Alice Smith Elementary students can explore their interests and talents by taking weekly classes taught by school staff who would like to share their passions. Alice Smith offers a foundation of restorative practices that focus on the strengths and assets of each child. Spanish immersion education is offered at Alice Smith through the Juntos program.
Glen Lake Elementary Glen Lake Elementary offers hands-on experiential learning and educational field trips. As part of the Glen Lake Go! program, each child participates in monthly educational field trips, which will broaden their perspectives and captivate their curiosity while it builds upon the engaging learning happening in the classroom.
FROM SUPERINTENDENT
DR. MHIRIPIRI-REED Our Students Need Both Constancy and Change: What’s a Healthy Balance to Strike? This past year, the global pandemics of COVID-19 and racial injustice put all education systems in the United States to the test. In Hopkins, leaders and staff have been fiercely responding to pandemic-induced conditions while continuing our focus on Vision 2031 — a vision that imagines a new future for public education. There are many factors that make holding this dual focus quite difficult. The intensity of constant pandemic mitigation implementation coupled with our goal to personalize learning for every student is a lot. Students need constancy in positive and productive relationships. They need to be seen, feel loved, and hear that they are valued and appreciated. Without the constancy of love and validation, students may fall through the cracks in our societal structures, family and community structures, or education system structures. However, if we love and validate each of our students – regardless of their race, zip code, gender identity, language, or personal culture – then, our students have a strong foundation upon which to engage in their learning. Continuing to create or navigate change can be difficult for us as adults because we are in very uncertain times. Normalcy is something we crave in both life and work. And yet, as an institution, public education must continue to evolve and keep pace with technology advancements, science and research, and the rigorous demands currently generated by our global economies. Stepping away from a one-size-fits-all model requires us to personalize learning for our students. In order to prepare students for success in their futures, we must think differently about how learning is designed, facilitated, assessed, and reported. While Hopkins shares a need to transform its way into the future with other public school systems, it is without doubt that there is much to celebrate. For example, key traits of the Hopkins graduate include being globally-minded and multilingual. Our Chinese Immersion, Spanish Language in elementary, and Spanish Immersion programs are helping us build students with these traits. The Class of 2021 boasted 68 graduates who earned a Biliteracy Seal from the State of Minnesota — that’s one in every eight students! Hopkins High School students’ ACT scores are consistently above national and state averages. Hopkins High School offers over 30 AP and College in the Schools courses. While fewer than 10 percent of our students are English Learners (EL), our EL graduation rate has increased over 30 percentage points since 2017; thus, 93 percent of our ELs graduated in 2020, compared to the state’s 66 percent. Finally, our four-year overall graduation rate has steadily increased since 2017, with 93 percent of students graduating on time, which is nearly 10 percentage points higher than the state average of 84 percent. We’re achieving great things in Hopkins! Our teachers are innovative, resourceful, loving, and resilient. Our students are happy and productive, with high numbers earning high marks and the vast majority building strong academic identities. Our families, parents, and caregivers work hard to convey to us their hopes and dreams while sending us their very best. It’s important for all of us in this Hopkins community to take pride in the significant accomplishments of our students and staff. And, it’s critical to keep an eye on the future – to focus on Vision 2031 which will guide us to a new level of world-class education for all. Sincerely, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed Superintendent