Kindergarten 2014-15 Hopkins Public Schools
Inside:
5 easy steps to the year-beforekindergarten
What’s your neighborhood school? Find out at: www.HopkinsSchools.org/kinder
Welcome Hopkins Class of 2027! Your Year-Before-Kindergarten Guide to the
2014-2015 Kindergarten School Year
Welcome to Hopkins Public Schools The year-before-kindergarten is an exciting time for families, filled with questions, decisions, and to-do’s that must be navigated. This Year-Before-Kindergarten 2014-15 Kindergarten Guide is broken into five easy steps to help ease worries, lay out choices, provide important dates, and help your child prepare for the exciting start of kindergarten next year. If you have further questions, please call our Hopkins Public Schools kindergarten specialist at 952-988-4133, or visit us online at www.HopkinsSchools.org/kinder.
Step 1: Getting Ready For Kindergarten Checklist Learn which school your child will attend. For school boundary information visit: www.HopkinsSchools.org/kinder. Attend a Parent Information Session and decide what kindergarten option is right for your family. Our Parent Information Sessions and STEM events are designed to let you see our schools in action! They are perfect opportunities to tour our schools and ask questions, see dates at right. Hopkins Public Schools offers All-Day Kindergarten with integrated Spanish curriculum, or XinXing Academy Chinese Immersion Kindergarten, read more about the options on page 4. Attend early childhood screening. A must-do: if you have not completed the screening, call 952-988-5017 to make an appointment. More on page 8. Attend Kindergarten Roundup at your child’s school. No matter what your kindergarten choice, all kindergarten families are encouraged to attend their school’s Kindergarten Roundup. Dates at right. Make sure your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date. Please bring copy of your child’s vaccination record to Kindergarten Roundup. Hopkins participates in the “No Shots No School” program. Visit www.HopkinsSchools.org/kinder for information on requirements. Obtain a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate. The school will need to make a copy of the certified original. Please bring it to your Kindergarten Roundup. Dates at right. Transportation questions? See page 4 or visit: www.HopkinsSchools.org/kinder for information on transportation to and from school.
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Need before- and after-school child care? Kids & Company offers quality, professional school-age before- and after-school care. Space is limited and registration is required. See page 10. Visit www. Registration Deadlines HopkinsSchools.org/kinder or call 952–988–4080. Registration information is available at Parent Information Sessions, Roundups, your school, or www.HopkinsSchools.org/kinder. More questions about kindergarten programming? We want you to feel comfortable about the start of kindergarten. If you XinXing Academy Registration Deadline: January 15, 2014. have questions, please contact Diane Schimelpfenig, Director of Open-Enrolled Registration Deadline: January 15, 2014. Teaching and Learning, at 952-988-4133. Inter-District Transfer Registration Deadline: January 15, 2014. Questions about Open-Enrollment or Inter-District Transfers? Notification letters for XinXing Academy, Open-Enrolled, and InterFor enrollment details and registration information on openDistrict transfers will be mailed by February 18. Additional spaces enrollment or inter-district transfers, please contact our Welcome may be available after the deadline. Center at 952-988-4110.
Step 2: Mark Your Calendar For families wanting to explore school choices
Parent Information Sessions
Kindergarten Information Sessions at the elementary schools are the perfect time to ask questions, gather more information about choices, and meet other parents who will attend your child’s school. These meetings are designed for parents of children entering kindergarten in the fall, but are open to any family wanting to learn more about the schools. You are welcome to attend any information session.
STEM Explorers: Let’s Build! "HFT r '3&& &WFOU A fun, hands-on event for your preschooler! This is your little one’s chance to come discover and explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) activities and concepts. No registration required. For every kindergarten family
Kindergarten Roundup
Important to attend! Necessary kindergarten paperwork and information.
Mark your calendar for Kindergarten Roundup at your child’s school. No matter what your kindergarten choice, all kindergarten families are highly encouraged to attend their school’s Kindergarten Roundup. At Kindergarten Roundup, students will be involved in a number of kindergarten activities to acquaint them with teachers and classrooms. Parents will receive important information from the principal, school nurse, transportation supervisor, and Kids & Company staff. Can’t make it? Be sure to call your school to receive necessary information. To help your child to get comfortable
Kindergarten Bridge: Explore the Rooms Kindergarten Bridge is a great opportunity for your child to get comfortable in a kindergarten room before school actually starts. You will have a chance to meet children who will be in your child’s kindergarten class, as well as their parents. You will learn strategies to enhance your child’s kindergarten experience. This event is free, but space is limited. Registration is required, call 952-988-5000. Attendance is encouraged but not required.
Kindergarten Playground Nights Summer 2014 Get your child excited and comfortable! Use this chance to visit your child’s school and explore the playground right before school starts. Your family will meet other kindergartners and their parents, along with school staff. Watch your mail next summer for your school’s date!
Alice Smith:
Parent Information Sessions: Monday, October 28, 10:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. STEM: Let’s Build Event: Monday, November 18, 10:00 a.m. Kindergarten Roundup: Monday, March 17, 6:30 p.m. Kindergarten Bridge: Tuesday, May 20, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Eisenhower+XinXing Academy:
Parent Information Sessions: Wednesday, October 9, 10:00 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. STEM: Let’s Build Event: Friday, November 22, 10:00 a.m. XinXing Chinese Immersion Fair: Tuesday, November 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m. XinXing Parent Information Session: Thursday, December 12, 6:30 p.m. XinXing Program Tours: Thursday, November 14, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Tuesday, December 17, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Wednesday, January 8, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Kindergarten Roundup: Tuesday, March 18, 5:30 p.m. Kindergarten Bridge: Tuesday, May 6, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Gatewood:
Parent Information Sessions: Tuesday, October 8, 10:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. STEM: Let’s Build Event: Thursday, November 14, 6:30 p.m. Kindergarten Roundup: Tuesday, March 18, 5:30 p.m. Kindergarten Bridge: Thursday, May 1, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Glen Lake:
Parent Information Sessions: Tuesday, October 15, 10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. STEM: Let’s Build Event: Tuesday, November 12, 6:30 p.m. Kindergarten Roundup: Tuesday, March 18, 6:30 p.m. Kindergarten Bridge: Tuesday, May 13, 6:30-8 p.m.
L.H. Tanglen:
Parent Information Sessions: Tuesday, October 29, 9:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. STEM: Let’s Build Event: Thursday, November 14, 9:30 a.m. Kindergarten Roundup: Thursday, March 20, 6:30 p.m. Kindergarten Bridge: Thursday, April 24, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Meadowbrook:
Parent Information Sessions: Thursday, October 10, 10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. STEM: Let’s Build Event: Tuesday, November 12, 10:00 a.m. Kindergarten Roundup: Friday, March 21, 10:00 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. Kindergarten Bridge: Thursday, May 15, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Step 3: Decide Which Kindergarten Option is Right for Your Family Option 1: All-Day Kindergarten We are excited to offer all of our Hopkins children an all-day kindergarten program, beginning in the fall of 2014. For our youngest learners, our all-day program provides a strong foundation in literacy, math, science, social studies, Spanish, music, art, and physical education. The expertise and experience of our kindergarten teachers will prepare students for a successful experience in first grade and beyond. We recognize that kindergarten students come to us with a wide range of interests, knowledge, skills, maturity, and developmental levels. Our all-day program recognizes the needs of individual learners, and will provide developmentally appropriate instruction, and social and emotional activities tailored to promote the growth and development of each child. Hours: 6.5 hours per day, including lunch and recess. See start and end times for your school on page 7. Cost: Free Register: Online at www.HopkinsSchools.org/Kinder, at the Welcome Center at Eisenhower Community Center, or at your elementary school.
Transportation Transportation is provided to and from school for children who attend the school in their home attendance area or XinXing Academy. This transportation is to and from the regular, scheduled kindergarten start and end times. Transportation is not provided to or from before- or after-school care with Kids & Company. Parents who prefer to have their child attend a school outside of their home attendance area, or are open-enrolled into the district are responsible for their child’s transportation. Detailed transportation information will be mailed in the summer of 2014. Transportation questions? Go online to: www.HopkinsSchools.org/ kinder for information regarding transportation to and from school.
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Option 2: XinXing Academy Chinese Immersion Kindergarten XinXing Academy is Hopkins Public Schools’ Chinese immersion magnet program located at Eisenhower Elementary School. XinXing means New Star in Mandarin Chinese. XinXing is available to families that live in the Hopkins Public School District, and for parents who wish to open-enroll their children into Hopkins schools. Transportation for XinXing Academy is available for all students within the Hopkins School District boundaries.
XinXing Academy
XinXing See our XinXing classes in action:
Hours: 6.5 hours per day, including lunch and recess. See start and end times for your school on page 7. Cost: Free Register: Online at www.HopkinsSchools.org/Kinder, at the Welcome Center at Eisenhower Community Center, or at Eisenhower Elementary School. Parent Information Sessions: Wednesday, October 9, 10:00 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 6:30 p.m. XinXing Immersion Fair: Tuesday, November 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m. XinXing Program Tours: This is an opportunity to see the immersion program in action! Thursday, November 14, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Tuesday, December 17, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Wednesday, January 8, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Lunch & Breakfast Hopkins Public Schools offers a lunch and breakfast program. Lunch payment information will be mailed in the summer of 2014. Families that qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch and breakfast must fill out an application every school year. Applications will be available in August. More information: 952-988-4060.
Hopkins Highlights Spanish Instruction Comes to Kindergarten and First Grade at all Elementary Schools All Hopkins kindergarten and first grade classrooms have Spanish language instruction integrated into the regular curriculum. Spanish language instruction will expand yearly until all elementary grades have the integrated curriculum. The addition of our new Spanish FLES (Foreign Language in the Elementary School) program to the elementary curriculum aligns with the competitive World Language opportunities offered at our junior and senior high schools. Elementary Spanish FLES program implementation: r *O LJOEFSHBSUFO DIJMESFO IBWF 4QBOJTI JOTUSVDUJPO NJOVUFT B day, three times each week. r *O ùSTU HSBEF DIJMESFO IBWF 4QBOJTI JOTUSVDUJPO NJOVUFT B day, three times each week. r " HSBEF MFWFM JT BEEFE FBDI ZFBS UISPVHI HSBEF r 5IF DVSSJDVMVN JT GPDVTFE CPUI PO 4QBOJTI MBOHVBHF proficiency and cultural knowledge. r $MBTT JOTUSVDUJPO JT QSJNBSJMZ JO 4QBOJTI r )PQLJOT TUVEFOUT XIP SFDFJWF 4QBOJTI JOTUSVDUJPO UISPVHIPVU their entire elementary experience will be ready for Spanish Level II when they reach junior high, with a range of advanced level course offerings available though high school, most of which provide college credit. As a District, we believe that the future for our children will undoubtedly hold numerous opportunities in other cultures. Adding a world language to the elementary curriculum is an excellent learning opportunity for our students. Research has shown — time and time again — that learning other languages has a positive effect on intellectual growth, improves understanding of a child’s native language, provides exposure to other cultures, and gives students a head start in the language requirements needed for college.
Need before- or after-school child care? Make plans to join Kids & Company, Hopkins Public Schools’ premier child care for beforeor after-school, on school vacation days, and during the summer. It’s offered in each of the District’s six elementary schools, see page 10.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math. It’s what everyone is talking about. At Hopkins, it’s already here. STEM is not just about learning science, technology, engineering, and math in silos. The most effective and authentic STEM learning is a hands-on integration of all these disciplines, through experiments and development of real-world problem-solving skills. Our commitment to preparing students for a highly technical future has led Hopkins Public Schools to integrate STEM curriculum into all of our schools. Our curriculum, our teachers, and our extensive technology are all geared toward giving our students the extra edge in these disciplines. Our Advanced STEM Curriculum Our nationally recognized and researched elementary core STEM curriculum, Engineering is Elementary (EiE), was developed by the Museum of Science, Boston. We are proud of the quality and substance of the curriculum, and are one of only three school districts in Minnesota to have this advanced curriculum. Our teachers are the key to successful STEM learning. They have been trained on not just the curriculum, but the philosophy of integrating all of the disciplines into their everyday course work. In short, our teachers “get it.� And they teach it.
The Hopkins School District is endorsed by the Minnesota High Tech Association for its leading efforts with STEM. 5
Hopkins Highlights: Our Elementary Schools Your child’s elementary years are the foundation for how he or she will learn for years to come. Our teachers understand that, and strive every day
to cultivate an environment of enthusiastic learning.
Beyond the basic skills of literacy, math, sciences, social studies, arts, Spanish language, and physical education, our teachers tap into the unique needs of each learner. Our curriculum is rigorous and responsive, allowing each of our students to reach their potential. Hopkins Gifted and Talented Services are available starting in kindergarten, and a variety of other programs ensure that each student receives a personalized learning experience. In addition, a host of electives and before- and after-school activities support and enrich classroom learning. All schools also offer child care before- and after-school through our Kids & Company program.
Hopkins Elementary School Quick Facts r 45&. TDJFODF UFDIOPMPHZ FOHJOFFSJOH BOE NBUI MFBSOJOH begins for all students in kindergarten. In grades 2-6 our Engineering is Elementary (EiE) curriculum introduces students to deeper STEM concepts. r " full-time Gifted and Talented coordinator in each school ensures that rigourous opportunities are provided in core subjects for exceptional students. r &WFSZ )PQLJOT FMFNFOUBSZ TDIPPM IBT B full-time counselor who partners with teachers, in addition to working with individual students and families to ensure a positive school climate. r &WFSZ )PQLJOT FMFNFOUBSZ TDIPPM PGGFST orchestra, as well as band. r ,JOEFSHBSUFO DMBTTFT IBWF B DMBTT SBOHF PG Additional instructional assistants support the kindergarten teachers during core academic instruction periods. r 5FDIOPMPHZ FOIBODFT UIF DBQBDJUZ PG PVS UFBDIJOH TUBĂ Each classroom is powered by state-of-the-art technology, including wireless Internet, interactive whiteboards, iPads, and classroom microphone amplification systems. r A staff of specialists are on hand at every school, including a nurse, speech pathologist, psychologist, social worker, counselor, and special education teachers. r A variety of special support services are offered to elementary students. Hopkins students have opportunities to learn from specialist teachers in art, music, physical education, and media/ technology.
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Healthy Choices, Healthy Learners At Hopkins, we are nationally recognized for our healthy school environments, which promote proper nutrition and physical activity. Researched-based keys to our healthy schools, include: r 8IPMF GPPET m NJOJNBMMZ QSPDFTTFE r .JOJNBM VTF PG IFBU BOE TFSWF GPPET r 3FHVMBS QIZTJDBM BDUJWJUZ r 4DSBUDI DPPLJOH Additionally, we integrate wellness into our schools, including: r 0VS Farm-to-School program links students to nearby smalland mid-sized farms and ranches that provide fresh and healthy fruits, vegetables, and meats that are served at their schools. r 4FWFSBM TDIPPMT IPME SFDFTT CFGPSF MVODI UP FOTVSF TUVEFOUT have enough time to eat and return to class ready to focus. r "DUJWF DMBTTSPPNT XJUI TUBCJMJUZ CBMMT GPS DIBJST BMMPX TUVEFOUT to bounce and wiggle. Research has shown that constant movement can increase brainpower. Active classrooms also have “brain breaksâ€? that allow students to perform quick energizer activities. r /VUSJUJPO TFSWJDFT JT NBLJOH NPSF JUFNT GSPN TDSBUDI JODMVEJOH using locally-grown tomatoes to produce our own, homemade tomato sauce. Staff is also canning homemade pickles. r 0O .FBUMFTT .POEBZT B OFX DPODFQU TUVEFOUT XJMM CF TFSWFE entrĂŠes that feature plant-based proteins, like garden frittatas, baha bake, tofu products, and black bean burgers.
All six Hopkins elementary schools are recipients of the Healthier U.S. School Challenge Bronze Award.
Our Elementary Schools Alice Smith Elementary
.JOOFUPOLB .JMMT 3PBE )PQLJOT r Principal: Jody De St. Hubert Alice Smith is a preschool–6th grade school with an enrollment of 586 students located near downtown Hopkins. School Hours: 9:33 a.m.-4:05 p.m.
Eisenhower Elementary+XinXing Academy
)JHIXBZ )PQLJOT r Principal: Terri Sigßenza Eisenhower+XinXing Academy is a preschool–6th grade school with an enrollment of 784 students located off Highway 7 in Hopkins. XinXing Academy XinXing is Hopkins’ Chinese immersion program, located within Eisenhower, where all core subject matter is taught in Mandarin Chinese. In grade 3, English language arts are introduced, with an even distribution of English and Chinese in grades 5 and 6. School Hours: 8:58 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Gatewood Elementary
(BUFXPPE %SJWF .JOOFUPOLB r Principal: Donna Montgomery Gatewood is a preschool–6th grade school with an enrollment of 537 students located in Minnetonka. School Hours: 9:33 a.m.-4:05 p.m. ,STOMRW 4YFPMG 7GLSSPW *EGMPMX] 1ET Hillside Lane 0 , 8ERKPIR
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Lindbergh Drive
Highway 394
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Welcome Center
Highway 7
Katherine Curren
Hopkins Center for the Arts
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Alice Smith ResourceWest
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Main Street
Excelsior Blvd
Highway 62
Jackson Ave
Eden Prairie Woodridge Rd Rd
Glen Lake
Gatewood
Eisenhower Community Center
Eisenhower 12th Avenue
Hopkins Crossroads
West Junior High
Baker Road
Highway 494
Minnetonka Blvd
Highway 100
Cedar Lake Road
Highway 169
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Glen Lake Elementary
8PPESJEHF 3PBE .JOOFUPOLB r Principal: Beth Potter Glen Lake is a preschool–6th grade school with an enrollment of 532 students located in Minnetonka. Glen Lake is a STEM Magnified school. School Hours: 8:58 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
L.H. Tanglen Elementary
)JMMTJEF -BOF .JOOFUPOLB r Principal: Jim Hebeisen L. H. Tanglen is a K–6th grade school with an enrollment of 534 students located near Hopkins High School in Minnetonka. School Hours: 8:58 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Meadowbrook Elementary
(MFOXPPE "WF (PMEFO 7BMMFZ r Principal: Greta Evans-Becker Meadowbrook is a preschool–6th grade school with an enrollment of 632 students located in southwest Golden Valley. School Hours: 9:33 a.m.-4:05 p.m.
Welcome Center
)JHIXBZ )PQLJOT r At the Hopkins Welcome Center, you can register your child(ren) for school, and get enrollment and services information. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:00 p.m.
Step 4: Help Your Child Prepare for Kindergarten Activities to Help Your Child Get Ready The following activities are suggested for you to do with your child to help develop kindergarten readiness. Don’t worry about perfection. Let your child explore and develop new skills. Language Development r 3FBE TUPSJFT ‡ VTF UIF QVCMJD MJCSBSZ BOE SFBE MPUT PG EJÃFSFOU UZQFT PG CPPLT 5BML BCPVU XIBU ZPV SFBE Social Development r 1MBZ XJUI ZPVS DIJME BOE BSSBOHF UJNF GPS ZPVS DIJME UP QMBZ XJUI PUIFS DIJMESFO r 5SZ UP ñOE UJNF UP CF BQBSU GSPN ZPVS DIJME CZ MFBWJOH ZPVS DIJME XJUI B DBSFHJWFS GPS TIPSU QFSJPET Fine Motor Development r 1SPWJEF UJNF GPS ZPVS DIJME UP VTF DSBZPOT BOE CMVOU scissors, roll dough, help with sorting around the house, and other activities that involve using their hands. Gross Motor Development r 1SPWJEF QMBZ FRVJQNFOU PS HP UP UIF QBSL PS neighborhood playground. Encourage jumping, running, and marching. r 1MBZ PS EBODF JOEPPST UP NVTJD
The Kindergarten Child Is your child ready for kindergarten? There is no typical child, however, the following characteristics occur most frequently at the kindergarten-age level: Physically: r *T WFSZ BDUJWF r *T JO B QFSJPE PG TMPXFS HSPXUI UIBO previously. r $BO [JQ PXO DPBU UJF TIPFT ‡ BCMF UP dress and undress. Mentally: r *T FBHFS GPS JOGPSNBUJPO BOE BTLT NBOZ questions, and remains on topic while talking about the answer. r )BT B HPPE NFNPSZ GPS QBTU experiences. r *T WFSZ JNBHJOBUJWF DBO PÃFS JEFBT BCPVU what happens next.
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Early Childhood Screening Required! Screening checks for barriers to a child’s learning such as vision or hearing problems, or delays in speech.
Every child entering kindergarten in Minnesota is required to go through early childhood screening. Make an appointment for an early childhood screening today – 952-988-5017 or www.HopkinsSchools.org/Screen
Verbally: r 4QFBLT JO ñWF UP TJY XPSE TFOUFODFT r 5FMMT BOE MJTUFOT UP TUPSJFT r 4JOHT TPOHT BOE SFDJUFT SIZNFT Writing: r 6TFT B NBUVSF HSBTQ UP IPME B QFODJM r $PQJFT PS XSJUFT MFUUFST PS OVNCFST r $PQJFT PS XSJUFT PXO OBNF r %SBXT TJNQMF QJDUVSFT Math: r $PVOUT GSPN r $PVOUT UFO PCKFDUT SFBET OVNCFST r /BNFT DPNNPO TIBQFT r $PNQMFUFT QJFDF QV[[MF r 6OEFSTUBOET NFBTVSFNFOU ‡ TBNF less, more. r .BLFT BOE EFTDSJCFT QBUUFSOT r 4PSUT BOE DMBTTJñFT Questions? Contact us at 952-988-5003.
First Day of Kindergarten — What to Expect? The first day of kindergarten, called Kindergarten Orientation Day, is Tuesday, September 2, 2014. This day is designated for you and your child for registration and getting acquainted with your new routine. Bus transportation will not be provided that day. Please accompany your child to school for an informal half-hour orientation visit sometime during the times determined by your school. You will be notified of the times, and plan to stay at least a half-hour, although many families stay longer. This first-day visit will give parents the opportunity to:
This first-day visit will give your child the opportunity to:
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The regular kindergarten program begins Wednesday, September 3, 2014. Transportation begins that day. Please do not purchase any school supplies until your child receives directions from the teacher. Most items will be furnished by the school. Kindergartners should wear their name and address tags for the first two weeks of school.
discovery-based curriculum
Summer 2014 Hopkins Preschool Options Is your child ready for kindergarten? Hopkins offers two summer-before-kindergarten preschool options: Stepping Stones Preschool: Our unparalleled, full-time preschool conveniently located at three District elementary schools. Our summer program is open 6:45 a.m.-6:00 p.m., and runs Monday-Friday, June 12-August 15, 2014. Kaleidoscope Preschool: Our part-day preschool option. Kaleidoscope Summer Adventures runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, June 3-26, 2014, with a 9:00-11:45 a.m. or 12:30-3:00 p.m. option.
“We have seen our child grow both developmentally and academically. Could not have found a more perfect fit.�
What makes our preschools exceptional: r Our curriculum. Inspired by the signature Reggio Emilia Approach. r The environment. Creative, engaging classrooms and natural playgrounds that encourage exploration and inspire learning. r Our well-trained teachers. Extensive experience in creating nurturing surroundings that kindle curiosity and boost learning. Secure your spot in summer preschool today! Call or visit us: 952-988-5000 or www.HopkinsSchools.org/preschool.
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Step 5: Need Before- or After-School Child Care? Make Plans Now! Before- and After-School, Non-School Days, and Summer Care Options with Kids & Company Kids & Company is Hopkins Public Schools’ premier extended-day care program. Kids
& Company is offered in each of the District’s six elementary schools and provides high quality, professional school-age before- and after-school care, on school vacation days, and during the summer. Kids & Company is open from 6:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is managed by Hopkins Public Schools Community Education Department. An affordable fee-based program, Kids & Company’s daily activities enhance literacy and language development. Accredited through the Minnesota After School Accreditation Project, the goal of Kids & Company is to provide a safe, enriching program conducive to learning and social interaction. r $POWFOJFOU: at your school during school year. r 'MFYJCMF choose anywhere from 2 to 5 days a week! r 0QFO XIFO ZPV OFFE JU year-round, on non-school days, and late start days. Registration for before- and/or after-school care for incoming kindergartners begins online and on-site in February 2014. Space is limited. Registration materials will be available at Kindergarten Roundups (see page 3) or at www.HopkinsSchools.org/kids. Questions? Please call 952–988–4080 or visit www.HopkinsSchools.org/kids. Fees (Rates below are for 2013-14. Rates for 2014-15 are subject to change): Before- and After-School Care Options (5 days per week) r "EEJOH CFGPSF 03 BGUFS TDIPPM DBSF XJUI ,JET $PNQBOZ TDIPPM ZFBS r "EEJOH CFGPSF "/% BGUFS TDIPPM DBSF XJUI ,JET $PNQBOZ TDIPPM ZFBS Non-School Days r 3FHJTUFSFE GPS OPO TDIPPM EBZT CZ EFBEMJOF QFS EBZ * Two-, three- and four-day Kids & Company options are available.
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Hopkins Public Schools: Offering Students the World Who We Are
Our Teachers
Our six elementary schools serve kindergarten through grade 6, with preschools in all of our elementary schools. We have a magnet Chinese immersion program, XinXing Academy. The two junior highs serve grades 7-9. Students finish grades 10-12 at Hopkins High School, which was named one of “America’s Most Challenging Schools” by The Washington Post.
According to a 2013 resident survey, 86 percent of the community strongly support the job performance of Hopkins teachers.
Hopkins Public Schools is a nationally-recognized, award-winning school district with a richly diverse K-12 population of about 7,200 students, serving the city of Hopkins, most of Minnetonka, about half of Golden Valley, and portions of Eden Prairie, Edina, Plymouth, and St. Louis Park.
Simply put, our teachers are amazing. They are our most valuable assets. Our teachers are well educated and hold the skills necessary to provide a worldclass education for all of our learners — 80 percent of Hopkins teachers have a master’s degree or higher. In addition, our teachers have earned state and national honors for their knowledge and professionalism.
IB: Proud to be Moving Forward with International Baccalaureate at our Junior Highs
Hopkins High School: “One of America’s Most Challenging Schools” — The Washington Post
Creating Rigourous, Relevant, and Global Learning Experiences at Hopkins Junior Highs Hopkins Public Schools is transitioning to International Baccalaureate (IB) at the junior-high level. This exciting, world-class curriculum will provide a framework for learning that encourages our junior- high students to be creative, critical, and reflective thinkers. The IB Middle Years Program (MYP) provides our learners with the global aptitude they will need to navigate the 21st century world.
Numerous Opportunities to Learn Broadly and Think Critically Hopkins High School offers approximately 250 courses in 15 subject areas. These courses are either one-to-four terms in length in an innovative four-block schedule that offers students maximum choices. It allows: r 4UVEFOUT UP ñU JO OVNFSPVT "EWBODFE Placement (AP) and advanced courses, while still being in one or more music groups, art classes, and electives. r 4UVEFOUT UP UBLF UXP MFWFMT PG NBUI TDJFODF PS XPSME MBOHVBHF in a single year, meaning many students take levels 5 and 6 of world languages, and can accelerate their math and science. In addition to an extensive selection of AP courses, Hopkins is one of the few high schools that offers six levels of world languages.
The Transition Both of our junior highs are International Baccalaureate (IB) Candidate Schools. In the 2013-14 school year, each school will implement components of the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) in grades 7, 8, and 9. In the 2014-15 school year, both junior highs will go through IB World School authorization.
This is great for our junior highs, because it will truly help prepare all students for life and work in the 21st century. IB world schools emphasize the critical thinking, communication skills, and global perspectives that are essential for everyone in our rapidly changing world. — Todd Roudabush, IB coordinator for Hopkins Public Schools.
Extensive AP Program Hopkins High School has one of the most extensive Advanced Placement (AP) programs in the state. We offer 19 AP courses to all Hopkins students, along with seven College in the Schools classes.
Learn more about Hopkins Public Schools:
www.HopkinsSchools.org
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Hopkins Public Schools 1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305
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Serving the communities of Eden Prairie, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Plymouth, and St. Louis Park
Dates to Note In the Year Before Kindergarten Alice Smith:
Parent Information Sessions: Monday, October 28, 10:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. STEM: Let’s Build Event: Monday, November 18, 10:00 a.m. Kindergarten Roundup: Monday, March 17, 2014, 6:30 p.m. Kindergarten Bridge: Tuesday, May 20, 2014, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Eisenhower+XinXing Academy:
Parent Information Sessions: Wednesday, October 9, 10:00 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. STEM: Let’s Build Event: Friday, November 22, 10:00 a.m. XinXing Chinese Immersion Fair: Tuesday, November 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m. XinXing Parent Information Session: Thursday, December 12, 6:30 p.m. XinXing Program Tours: Thursday, November 14, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Tuesday, December 17, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2014, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Kindergarten Roundup: Tuesday, March 18, 2014, 5:30 p.m. Kindergarten Bridge: Tuesday, May 6, 2014, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Gatewood:
Parent Information Sessions: Tuesday, October 8, 10:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. STEM: Let’s Build Event: Thursday, November 14, 6:30 p.m. Kindergarten Roundup: Tuesday, March 18, 2014, 5:30 p.m. Kindergarten Bridge: Thursday, May 1, 2014, 6:30-8 p.m.
Glen Lake:
Parent Information Sessions: Tuesday, October 15, 10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. STEM: Let’s Build Event: Tuesday, November 12, 6:30 p.m. Kindergarten Roundup: Tuesday, March 18, 2014, 6:30 p.m. Kindergarten Bridge: Tuesday, May 13, 2014, 6:30-8 p.m.
L.H. Tanglen:
Parent Information Sessions: Tuesday, October 29, 9:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. STEM: Let’s Build Event: Thursday, November 14, 9:30 a.m. Kindergarten Roundup: Thursday, March 20, 2014, 6:30 p.m. Kindergarten Bridge: Thursday, April 24, 2014, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Meadowbrook:
Parent Information Sessions: Thursday, October 10, 10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. STEM: Let’s Build Event: Tuesday, November 12, 10:00 a.m. Kindergarten Roundup: Friday, March 21, 2014, 10:00 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. Kindergarten Bridge: Thursday, May 15, 2014, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Key Contacts Elementary & Early Childhood Contacts Harley Hopkins Family Center Gatewood Elementary (Birth-Preschool) 14900 Gatewood Dr., Minnetonka 125 Monroe Ave. S., Hopkins Office: 952-988-5250 Office: 952-988-5000 Glen Lake Elementary Alice Smith Elementary 4801 Woodridge Rd., Minnetonka 801 Minnetonka Mills Rd., Hopkins Office: 952-988-5200 Office: 952-988-4200 L.H. Tanglen Elementary Eisenhower Elementary + 10901 Hillside Ln., Minnetonka XinXing Academy Office: 952-988-4900 1001 Hwy. 7, Hopkins Meadowbrook Elementary Office: 952-988-4300 5460 Glenwood Ave., Golden Valley Office: 952-988-5100 Key District Contacts Welcome Center Kids & Company 952-988-4110 952-988-4080 District Office Nutrition/Royal Cuisine 952-988-4000 952-988-4060 Community Education Special Education/Services 952-988-4070 952-988-4040 Early Childhood Transportation 952-988-5000 952-988-4115
Questions?
For questions about kindergarten programming or curriculum, contact Diane Schimelpfenig, Director of Teaching and Learning, at 952-988-4133. For questions about enrollment, contact Patricia Wright at 952-988-4003. For detailed kindergarten information: www.HopkinsSchools.org/Kinder