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Realtor Open House
Update Hopkins Public Schools
The community’s guide to the District. Hopkins DI team headed to Global Finals Team E.D.U.C.A.T.E.D. Hopkins High School’s Destination ImagiNation team won first place in the state competition. The team, juniors Ian Anderson, Graham Giesting, Rachel Gorlin, Rebecca Gorlin, and Natalie Polinsky, also won a Renaissance Award for outstanding skill in the areas of engineering, design, or performance. They will compete in the Destination ImagiNation Global Finals in May.
Hopkins senior named ‘Mr. Basketball’ Siyani Chambers was named the 2012 Minnesota “Mr. Basketball” by ESPN. The honor is given to the best high school boys basketball senior in the state. Chambers was also named a member of the Star Tribune’s All Metro first team and the AP All-State team. He maintains a 3.8 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is committed to Harvard after he graduates.
Hopkins senior receives New York Life Award Paris Ebersviller, has received the New York Life Award for her painting titled “What We Forget,” depicting herself and her grandfather. The award is a special segment of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition that recognizes students who submit work that deals with bereavement or loss. Ebersviller will be nationally recognized at Carnegie Hall in New York.
Realtors are invited to learn about Hopkins Public Schools and earn 2 CEU credits (pending). May 23, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Eisenhower Community Ctr. 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins
c o m m u n i t y Daddy & Me Event
Free fun at the Hopkins Police Station for dads, grandpas, uncles, and family friends with children ages birth to five years. June 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Hopkins Police Station 1001 - 1st St. S., Hopkins www.HopkinsSchools.org/Realtor Information: 952-988-5000
Hopkins High School Graduation Congratulations to the class of 2012! June 7, 7:30 p.m. Lindbergh Center 2700 Lindbergh Drive Minnetonka
May/June 2012
Visions For the Future: Hopkins Students Look Ahead
Three bright futures for Hopkins graduates.
Hopkins High School has an incredible range of opportunities to ensure that all students are able to find their path to success. As both a milestone and a point of reflection, graduation is a special time in a young person’s life. Sydney Coffey, Charlotte Johnson, and Laron Broadway are three unique seniors graduating from Hopkins High School this year. What they have in common is that they have each paved their own path to success and have a clear vision for the future. Focused on success: Sydney Coffey If you follow Hopkins sports, you have probably heard the name Sydney Coffey. She is one of the stars of the Hopkins Girls Basketball team, helping the team secure two state championships in a row. This year, she was also in the running for Minnesota “Miss Basketball” an award given to the best girls basketball player in the state. Although her talent for basketball is exceptional, her interests are far more diverse than just sports. Next year, she will attend Marist College in New York City on a basketball scholarship, studying fashion merchandising with a double minor in business and product development. If all goes according to plan, she will finish in four years, live abroad to play basketball, and return to the States to earn an MBA at Harvard. Did we mention that Coffey is also incredibly driven?
Senior Sydney Coffey helped lead the girls basktball team to two state championships in a row. Next year, she is headed to Marist College to study fashion.
pace of senior year, she has her eye on the future and is already stepping up her basketball training for next year. “I don’t want to get behind any of the girls on my college team,” said Coffey. “I don’t want to let them down.”
I am finally done, but it’s bittersweet – I am excited. I’m getting ready.
Her drive was jump-started in second grade when she had Ms. Forsberg as a teacher. “I would do things at the minimum, and Ms. Forsberg pushed me to do my very best,” said Coffey. “I carried this mind-set all the way through my high school career.” Coffey has a serious and focused persona, but she also has an unexpected silly side that only those closest to her really get to see. Many people are surprised to learn that she is a huge fan of country music and enjoys fishing, especially with her dad. In addition to playing basketball, she is active in choir, interns at a boutique in Uptown, and has a job in a clothing store at the Mall of America. As one would imagine, Coffey has had many proud moments throughout her time at Hopkins. The moments that stand out to her are the day she signed her letter of intent at Marist College, and winning two state championships in a row. While she is enjoying the slower
Inspired by art: Charlotte Johnson Charlotte Johnson does not know what her exact career path will be, but one thing is for sure, it will involve art and creativity. She enjoys pottery, creative writing, and ceramics, but her true passion is jewelry making. Her AP jewelry class is among her favorites — this year, one of the pieces she made won a Minnesota Silver Key Scholastic Art Award.
Johnson describes herself as a totally different person from the girl who walked into the high school as a sophomore. At that time, she struggled with low self-esteem and lacked confidence. Hopkins High School administrators noticed she was not reaching her potential and intervened by suggesting she join the Hopkins Alternative Program (HAP). Johnson was resistant at first. “I joined under the condition that I could quit at any time,” she said. “I did not quit.” She now describes her decision to join the program as the best thing that could have happened to her. As president of the Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs (MAAP), she does a lot of public speaking. Speaking publicly has helped her gain confidence and boost her self-esteem. She began pursuing more leadership roles in her junior year. She sat in on the interview committee for the North Junior High principal position, and was an Empty Bowls Project Officer.
Chrarlotte Johnson creating jewelry in the art room.
see Visions for the Future inside
Our Students’ Paths to Excellence From the Superintendent, John Schultz, Ph.D. Every day, Hopkins Public Schools makes certain that all students are academically prepared to explore the wide array of choices available to them during and after high school. The three graduates highlighted in this issue of “The Update” are excellent examples of how students can utilize the choices we offer. Our District has the great privilege to serve a variety of students and families from a range of backgrounds and cultures. We are committed to providing rich opportunities for all learners. The Hopkins culture is one of high expectations and a multitude of options — this is our simplest definition of excellence. At Hopkins, you won’t have to look hard to find excellence — it is embedded throughout each program level. Our elementary and junior high schools continue to adapt their program offerings to provide customized learning experiences that increase student growth and achievement. Elementary schools set student-minded goals to ensure learners have strong literacy and math skills, and are prepared for junior-high achievement. In addition, the junior highs continue to explore ways to offer students creative and rigorous academic experiences that challenge a young person’s skills and help them develop knowledge across many academic areas. Hopkins High School offers a great deal of choice for young people to explore academic, hands-on, and technical interests in a rigorous academic setting. The high school’s offerings range from traditional high school coursework and Advanced Placement courses, to courses in STEM and non-traditional areas. Real-world learning is constantly added to the program. Beginning next year, financial literacy will become a required course for all high school students. Sydney Coffey, Laron Broadway, and Charlotte Johnson are three students who, with the help of their families and community, are celebrating bright futures. Their elementary and junior high years propelled them to experience a variety of courses at the high school level. As a result, they received an education of excellence and exemplify “Excellence. Every Student. Every School. Every Day.” We wish them the best as they pursue this exciting next step in life.
Where are they going?
Charlotte Johnson: 2012 graduate
Post-graduation plans: Minneapolis Community & Technical College, eventually to attend the University of Iowa for jewelry and art. May pursue career as an art teacher or other creative field. fun facts Where will you be in five years? I would like to build a business making jewelry. Proudest moment at Hopkins Public Schools? I have been elected as President of the MAAP Stars Program, won first place for the Empty Bowls Project Officer, and won a Silver Key award for jewelry. What one teacher influenced you the most? Mr. Ecknoff at West Junior High, he made learning fun, he had unique teaching methods, and did a great impersonation of Arnold Schwarzenegger! What song is playing most on your MP3 player? Adele — “Rolling in the Deep.” What do you love about Hopkins Public Schools? The staff is really awesome. People would be surprised to learn... That I have a diabetic cat. Name one item on your bucket list: Traveling to the UK, Scotland, and Germany.
New Reflections Alex Townsend
First-year, fifth-grade Eisenhower+XinXing Elementary teacher Alex Townsend is no stranger to Hopkins. Having attended Eisenhower Elementary, Alex attributes many fond learning moments to his elementary years inside the brick walls of his alma mater. “Hopkins has a special place in my heart, and I wanted to work in a community that supported my education for so many years,” said Alex. What inspired you to become a teacher? I wanted to teach here to honor my previous teachers and, so far, I have found no other job as rewarding for me as teaching. What energizes you about teaching? It is great giving back to the community that inspired me to learn. I love the diverse background of students, and the fifth-grade team I work with — we have a common goal of wanting to achieve great things for our students. If your job were a reality show, what would it be called? The Amazing Race! What will your students remember about you? They tell me they like coming to my class because I teach with humor and I am always straightforward with them. Introvert or extrovert? Both. I enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone, but also enjoy a good book or movie at home with my dog, Finn.
2012 Hopkins graduates chart a course for the future
Laron Broadway: 2012 graduate Post-graduation plans: Track & Field Scholarship – South Dakota State University, will enjoy the experience of living in a new environment, but still close to home. fun facts Where will you be in five years? Working in the field of organizational psychology. Proudest moment at Hopkins Public Schools? When I signed my letter of intent my junior year. Also, going to State for track, and being Homecoming King senior year. What was your favorite class? Faces of Conflict during my sophomore year. What music is playing on your MP3 player? Machine Gun Kelly, Little Wayne, Jayzee, Kanye. What do you love about Hopkins Public Schools? The environment, friends, teachers. People would be surprised to learn... That I am not a macho guy, I am sensitive, and I started out in basketball. Name one item on your bucket list: Would like to travel to the island of Madagascar, and also to meet world-champion sprinter, Tyson Gay.
Sydney Coffey: 2012 graduate Post-graduation plans: Basketball scholarship – Marist College, New York City. Will major in fashion merchandising, double minor in business and product development. Eventually wants to pursue an MBA at Harvard. fun facts Where will you be in five years? Following my dad’s footsteps playing pro basketball overseas. My dad played in Turkey and Japan for professional teams. Proudest moment at Hopkins Public Schools? Signing my national letter of intent. Winning two championships in a row. Being nominated for “Miss Basketball.” What music is playing on your MP3 player? Sugarland or Tim McGraw. What do you love about Hopkins Public Schools? All my great friends. If your life was a movie, which actor would you want to portray you? Zoe Saldana, from the movie “Columbiana.” Name one item on your bucket list: To go to Paris, the fashion capital of the world! I also want to have a big family with four children, maybe even adopt two of them.
Update: May/June 2012
Operation Recess fosters strong relationships between police and youth “Our hope is that this partnership will lead to long-lasting positive memories between our youth and police,” said Sergeant Michael Glassberg. “The trust that is built will carry on into the future and give the students nothing to fear when approaching the police.” A minimum of two officers, usually off duty, are on the playground throughout recess time, facilitating games and building relationships with students. Eisenhower+XinXing and Alice Smith were chosen as site schools because they are located in the city of Hopkins.
Hopkins officer, Anne Marie Buck, makes a friend during recess.
You may notice some bigger kids on the playgrounds at Eisenhower+XinXing Elementary and Alice Smith Elementary on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Thanks to a federal grant from the MetLife Foundation, Hopkins police officers have participated in recess at both schools since just after spring break as part of a community outreach program designed to build strong relationships between youth and police.
After just a few weeks, the program is showing strong signs of success. With each game of tag and foursquare, the students are perceiving the officers as mentors and friends, rather than authority figures. “I think the most rewarding part so far, has been the positive enthusiasm from the students, school staff, and officers,” said Glassberg. “The officers have returned to the police department very tired.”
Hopkins officer keeps his balance during a good, old-fashion elementary student take down.
Visions for the Future, continued from cover Next year, Johnson plans to attend Minneapolis Community and Technical College, saving money along the way to eventually attend the University Iowa for jewelry and art. Her career plans may include becoming an art teacher, opening her own jewelry business, or writing music. As long as it involves creativity, it’s within her realm of possibility.
Next year, he will attend South Dakota State University on a Track and Field scholarship. “It’s close enough to home, but still offers a different atmosphere,” he said. With a current 100 meter time of 11:01 seconds, Broadway has his eye on the Olympics. His long-term goal, however, is to pursue organizational psychology. “I want a corporate job that I can suit up for,” he said.
High school is only the beginning: Laron Broadway Although not all students in the senior class know each other, it’s safe to say that most Hopkins seniors are familiar with the name Laron Broadway. After all, he was the homecoming king, and that was not his first stint with high-school royalty. He was also the homecoming prince his junior year.
Broadway credits his fourth-grade teacher Mr. Kuhl for having the biggest impact on him. “He pushed me to work harder and he has done the same for my younger sister,” said Broadway. “Now, she is following in my footsteps.” Broadway and Mr. Kuhl keep in touch to this day.
Moving into the future, one thing is clear, Broadway’s aspirations reach well beyond the boundaries of high school. “I am not done climbing,” he said.
Hopkins Community Education
Broadway is enjoying all aspects of his senior year. There is a great relief in knowing where he will be going next year, allowing him to relax and experience these last moments of high school. “I am finally done, but it’s bittersweet — I am excited. I’m getting ready.”
Newly crowned Homecoming King, Laron Broadway.
Building a great place to live Youth Enrichment
Best summer ever? Find it here at Hopkins! Summer fun for teens and elementary youth! Youth summer camps and classes to fuel your brain in new ways, inspire creativity, get in the great outdoors, or blast you into the sports zone. Golf, pottery, art, science, drama, cooking, film, rocketry, guitar, and more! www.HopkinsSchools.org/Update
Check out www.HopkinsSummer.org for all our camps and classes.
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June, July & August 2012 Download our full catalog for class descriptions and register at:
www.HopkinsSummer.org 952-988-4070 Building a great place to live
Hopkins Community Education: Youth Enrichment
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May/June Events Don’t Drink the Water – Hopkins High School spring production of Woody Allen’s famous comedy. May 17-19, 7:00 p.m. Hopkins High School Little Theater, www.hhstheater.org Juggle Jam 14 – JUGHEADS Youth Juggling will amaze you! May 18, 19, 7:00 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium, www.jugheads.com GED Graduation June 5, 7:00 p.m. Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins Hopkins High School Class of 2012 Graduation June 7, 7:00 p.m. Lindbergh Center, 2700 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Baby Shower Free event for parents and babies, birth to 12 months old. June 7, 6:00-7:15 p.m. Harley Hopkins Family Center, RSVP required, 952-988-5046 Last Day of School for Students June 8, 2012 First Day of School 2012-13– Grades 1-12: Tuesday, Sept. 4, Kindergarten: Wednesday, Sept. 5
Get Connected, Stay Connected
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www.facebook.com/HopkinsPublicSchools
Exciting Changes are Coming to the Hopkins (Gifted and Talented) Challenge Program The Challenge (gifted and talented) program is currently in its second year of a four-year review. Exciting changes will be delivered to students at all levels starting as soon as next year. Look for more information about the evolving Challenge program arriving in mailboxes this fall. More details on the Challenge program will appear in the back-to-school edition of “The Update.�
Realtors, join us!
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Realtor Open House Two free CEUs (pending)
Wednesday, May 23 8:30-11:30 a.m. Details and register: 952-988-4090 www.HopkinsSchools.org/Realtor
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Lunch is Served!
Free lunches for youth this summer at two Hopkins sites Kids ages 0-18 can drop in at two sites in Hopkins for a free, healthy lunch this summer! Adults accompanied by a child may purchase a lunch for $2. All youth (ages 0-18) are welcome!
Summer Free Lunch sites: 43 Hoops Academy 1002 - 2nd Street NE, Hopkins Mon.-Fri., June 18-Aug. 17 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Katherine Curren Building 1600 Main Street, Hopkins Mon.-Fri., June 18-July 20 12:30-1:15 p.m.
GED Graduation an Important Chapter in Adults’ Success Stories
Join us for this inspirational event June 5 For many adults, walking across the stage at Hopkins Center for the Arts, collecting their longawaited diploma, and shaking the superintendent’s hand feels like a victory lap. Adult Options In Education’s GED Graduation ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 5 at Hopkins Center for the Arts. Adults, from young to old, will celebrate passing the GED exams and moving on to their next stage of success. The GED, nationally recognized as an equivalent to a high school diploma, opens the doors to better career opportunities and college acceptance. A GED is a start to a better life “Earning a GED is the gateway for adults moving on to employment, better jobs, college or training programs,� said Jane Kono, coordinator of Adult Options In Education. “It’s also a wonderful personal accomplishment.� Adult Options In Education offers both GED preparation classes and GED testing. The free preparation classes are available in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings at sites in St. Louis Park, Hopkins, and Minnetonka.
A celebration of accomplishment Graduates have passed five exams (Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, and Writing) to earn their GED. Many have prepared for the exams while juggling the demands of a typical adult life. “It’s a celebration of educational accomplishment for adult students who may also be managing the demands of a job and obligations of children and family,� Kono said. Online GED preparation is also available through i-Pathways. With i-Pathways, students prepare for the GED exams using web-based preparation tools, while still having the support of a local Adult Options In Education teacher. Discover adult learning possibilities To register for classes, or to find out more about the five GED tests, please call Adult Options In Education at 952-988-5343.