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Update Hopkins Public Schools
The community’s guide to the District. Hopkins teacher named ‘20 on the Rise’
Dec. 2012/Jan. 2013
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Open Enrollment Deadline
Preschool Visit Us Dates Coming Soon
2013-14 Open Enrollment applications are being accepted now. Application deadline is: January 15, 2013 Questions? Please call 952-988-4003.
Hopkins Preschools offer a world of discovery and learning, with flexible options to fit your family. Visit Us days start in early February – come and find out why parents rate us as exceeding expectations. HopkinsSchools.org/Preschool
Hopkins High School Winter Choir Concert December 17, 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.: Men’s Chorus, Kantorei, Chamber Choir, Bel Canto 8:00 p.m.: Women’s Chorus, Geoff, Midori, Concert Choir Tickets: $7/adults, $5/students Hopkins High School Auditorium
Ready4K gets Students off to a Strong Start Preschool program ensures that students are prepared for kindergarten
Maritza Roberto, a physics teacher at Hopkins High School and physical science teacher at North Junior High, was recognized by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota as one of the Hispanic community’s “20 on the Rise,” an award given to those who are rising, leading, and succeeding in Minnesota’s Hispanic community. In addition to teaching, Maritza is actively involved in science outreach programs throughout the Twin Cities.
Students from Ukraine visit Hopkins Public Schools
Eisenhower kindergarten teacher Laura Pederson has noticed quite a few changes in her kindergarten class this year. During the first week of school, her students mastered skills like walking in a line, listening for sustained periods of time, and following multi-step directions. The year before, it took students six weeks to master the same skills. There are other differences, too. The students are making greater academic gains, have developed fine-motor skills, and have entered kindergarten with a healthy dose of self-regulation skills. The population of Pederson’s class has not changed from previous years. What has changed is that, this year, the majority of her students were exposed to a preschool program. Ready4K is a free preschool program designed specifically for students who may not otherwise have a preschool experience. Families must meet income levels or language needs to qualify. The program serves 56 children at two sites, in both morning and afternoon sessions. It includes home visits and parent education classes. It started as a pilot at Alice Smith Elementary in 2010 and expanded to Eisenhower Elementary in 2011. Although the program is new, Ready4K’s impact is I cannot already noticeable. “I cannot tell you the difference I have seen in the children in terms of school readiness skills, academic preparation, and self-regulation, as a result of their participation in Ready4K,” said Pederson. “I am so grateful for this program and its staff.”
Students from the Ukraine arrived at Hopkins at the end of October. During their nearly month-long stay here, they will be shadowing students in their respective host families and touring various Minnesota landmarks. On their first day in the United States, the students, who range in age from 10 to 17, received a tour of North Junior High and Hopkins High School. They were particularly interested in our gyms, music rooms, and pools.
Ready4K is one of the strategies the District is using to ensure that all students start kindergarten ready to learn. Students who start behind often stay behind, making kindergarten an especially critical entry point.
A Ready4K student smiles during “curiosity time” a few minutes after she was given a “Hopkins Class of 2026” t-shirt and opted to wear it all day.
are considered in the advanced range. At Alice Smith, six students are in the advanced range and three students are in the intermediate range. “Ready4K allows students to develop school-readiness skills, beginning language skills, and academic skills,” said ELL teacher Lana Boord. “After Ready4K, our ELL students are prepared to succeed in their kindergarten classrooms because their skills are more similar to those of native English-speaking students.”
tell you the difference I have seen in the children in terms of school readiness skills, academic preparation, and selfregulation, as a result of their participation in Ready4K. I am so grateful for this program and its staff.
Early testing data demonstrates the success of Ready4K. This fall, 88 percent of Eisenhower Ready4K graduates and 85 percent of Alice Smith Ready4K graduates are reading at either a high or average reading level. Only 12 percent are considered at-risk. Pederson estimates that in previous years, nearly half her class would have been considered at-risk. Ready4K graduates are also transitioning out of English Language Learner (ELL) services. Seven Eisenhower kindergarten students no longer need ELL services and four
Building upon a strong early childhood program The evidence supporting the value of early childhood programs is strong. Research shows that there is up to a $16 return on investment for every dollar spent on early childhood education. This gain is demonstrated in a variety of ways, from less children requiring special education in elementary school, to students being more likely to pursue an advanced degree, have a higher paying job, and own a house.
Hopkins Public Schools has a long history of supporting and valuing early childhood education. All six Hopkins elementary schools have a preschool program, but up until two years ago, there was not a program designed for a critical mass of students who might not otherwise have a preschool experience. Much of what is done in Ready4K is teaching students the expectations of school. Small disruptions can impact learning, making it especially important that children know how to sit quietly, share, and perform tasks as a group. see Ready4K, inside