dates
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
A Concert for our Youngest Learners
Hopkins Teacher Blazed Trail for a New Mountain Biking Team
Music director Andrew Bast led the Hopkins High School Orchestra through another successful Young People’s Concert. The tradition brings together young children in the community and high school students for a silly, exciting, and inspiring night of kid-friendly activities and theme music. Songs from Disney movies, classics like Do-Re-Mi, and even the Harry Potter theme song echoed through the halls around the High School. “I get a lot of enjoyment just working on this concert with the kids, and then bringing it to an audience of really young ones,” Bast said.
Mountain biking — a grueling activity that demands its riders have skill, strength, and above all, stamina. As a high school sport, mountain biking has been around for just a few short years across the country. The inaugural season for the Minnesota High School Cycling League took place this year, and Hopkins High School was one of 16 schools to form a team in Minnesota. Hopkins did exceptionally well for its first year, finishing fourth in the state. However, Hopkins would not have a team if it weren’t for the hard work of West Junior High’s Mary VanPilsum-Johnson. VanPilsum-Johnson was instrumental in forming the first Hopkins Mountain Biking team. Having never coached a mountain biking team, she put in many extra hours preparing for the season.
Did you miss the concert or would you like to experience it again? Watch this short video.
Hopkins Students Vote This year, Hopkins students participated in the third-annual Hopkins Votes mock election. Once again, the K-12 voter turnout was outstanding. At the elementary level all students were able to vote for a presidential candidate either online or by paper ballot. Students in fourth- through sixth-grade were also able to vote for U.S. Senate candidates. In the junior high schools students voted for the presidential candidates and the Minnesota constitutional amendments online. Additionally, junior high school students were able to identify their vote by homeroom in order to simulate the Electoral College process. Seventh- through ninth-grade students also selected the Congressional District they lived in and voted for their U.S. Representative. The Hopkins students have spoken. Their decisions are listed below: President: Barack Obama 76% Mitt Romney 22%
Marriage Amendment: 75% voted NO 25% voted YES.
U.S. Senate: Amy Klobuchar 64% Kurt Bills 13%
Voter ID Amendment: 67% voted NO 33% voted YES
“Starting out, I first attended training sessions on coaching so I’d be ready to help the kids,” said VanPilsum-Johnson. “I knew several students who were interested in joining, so after filling out piles of paperwork for each student, we were ready to prepare for the intense physical races ahead,” VanPilsum-Johnson said. The team met a few times this summer for pre-season training, and officially began their season August 1. Hopkins’ team consisted of a mixture of 13 boys and girls ranging from freshmen to seniors. They would meet three times a week to practice, making trips nearly every week to scout out the upcoming courses. In a mountain bike race, the athletes complete laps on a physically demanding trail circuit, including steep hills, hairpin turns, and narrow paths, with new obstacles around every corner. The race length is determined by the number of laps and each lap is about four miles in length. Riders earn points for their team based on their finishing position in each race; larger teams have an advantage as a result. Hopkins rose to the challenge and consistently did well in spite of having a smaller team. “I’ve never seen a team quite like this,” said Coach VanPilsumJohnson. Finishing fourth in state was no easy feat for the Hopkins team. The teams placing above Hopkins in the state standings were all composite teams, meaning two or more schools grouped together to form one larger team. Hopkins relied solely on its students to form its team, and while the team may have been a bit small, their results certainly weren’t. All students, grades 9 through 12, are welcome to join the team. The team will start riding again in the spring to begin training for next season.
Interested in joining the team? Contact Coach VanPilsumJohnson at Mary. VanPilsum-Johnson@ HopkinsSchools.org.
Hopkins Band Director named Minnesota Music Educator of the Year Kay Hawley, band director at Alice Smith Elementary and Glen Lake Elementary, has been named this year’s Minnesota Music Educator of the Year by the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA). She will be honored at the MMEA Convention on Friday, February 15, 2013. “Kay is so deserving of this award,” said Beth
Potter, principal at Glen Lake Elementary. “Her positive energy ignites her students to perform their best, and her love of music drives them to meet her expectations. She is the reason Glen Lake’s band program has been successful for so many years.”
they have won numerous First Place and Grand Champion awards at the Music In the Parks Festivals in Chicago. Hawley has also led many students and parents on summer tours throughout Europe with the Great Lakes Ambassadors of Music.
Hawley has taught instrumental music in Hopkins for the past 34 years. Her Hopkins West Junior High bands have performed at the Minnesota Music Educators Convention, North Central Music Educators Conference, and National Association of Secondary School Principals Conference in New Orleans. Additionally,
“My goal as a music educator is to instill a love of music in my students and to help them reach their fullest potential as young musicians,” she said. “In my teaching, I strive to guide students to learn about life through music by emphasizing themes of responsibility, self-discipline, dedication, integrity, and citizenship.”
Ready4K, continued from cover Last year, Ready4K teacher Laura Kuehmichel spent a great deal of time teaching students how to walk down the hallway as a group. After a few unsuccessful attempts, she bought walking ropes. It took practice, but her students got it down. This fall, she felt especially proud when she saw her former class, now kindergartners, walk down the hall in perfect succession. “Last year, we worked really hard getting ready for kindergarten, from the first day of school to the last day of school,” said Kuehmichel. “The children learned how to
Ready4K teacher Laura Kuehmichel greets each student as they get off the bus every day.
Hopkins Community Education Early Childhood
follow classroom material and routines. They developed self-confidence, self-direction, and self-control. They learned that school is fun and they gained a curiosity about learning.” Building strong relationships with families Another benefit of Ready4K, as with all preschool programs, is that it builds strong relationships between parents and the school. Prior to the first week of Ready4K, parent educators and preschool teachers connect with families during a home visit. This 45-minute session allows educators to learn about each child, go over important dates, and help parents “do school.” As a result of these sessions, 100 percent of Ready4K families attended parent conferences this fall. The impact of these connections are longterm. Families enter kindergarten knowing and trusting the process of school. Learn more about Hopkins preschool programs In addition to Ready4K, Hopkins Public Schools has an extensive preschool program through the Hopkins Community Education
Building a great place to live
Laura Kuehmichel’s Ready4K afternoon class poses for a photo after receiving their Class of 2026 t-shirts.
Early Childhood Program. Preschool is available to three, four, and five year olds. Children can begin the part-time program, Kaleidoscope, at age three and the full-time Stepping Stones program at age four. To learn more about Hopkins preschools, visit www.HopkinsSchools.org/Preschool.
Hopkins Preschool programs
Ready for a world of discovery and learning? Our preschools are unparalleled. Ready4K
Kaleidoscope
Stepping Stones
A half-day preschool option available for families who meet the eligibility guidelines, no fee for children who meet all qualifications. Space is limited.
For 3-5 year olds. Kaleidoscope offers families a choice of classes that are two, three, or four half-days per week. School-year and summer programs available.
A year-beforekindergarten experience that provides full-day programming. School-year or year-round options are available. Program hours are 6:45 a.m.-6:00 p.m., M-F.
Questions about Hopkins Preschool programs? Call 952-988-5000 or visit HopkinsSchools.org/Preschool
District Life Changer
Laura Kuehmichel
For teacher Laura Kuehmichel, the opportunity to work with children in the Ready4K program is a privilege. “My students and I work hard every day getting ready for kindergarten, from the first day of school to the last,” said Laura. “I am proud that they can confidently enter kindergarten ready to be successful learners.”
Being an engaged Hopkins Public Schools parent, Laura personally knows the importance of family and school relationships. She has been able to create connections with children, parents, and Eisenhower staff that have been crucial to the success of the Ready4K program. “Perseverance is one of Laura’s greatest assets,” said program coordinator Karen Tadewald. “Laura is continually researching ways to enhance the Ready4K program, and she is dedicated to doing whatever she can to make a difference to the children and families in her classroom.” Moving through several Hopkins early childhood programs as a teacher and classroom assistant in the Hopkins Kaleidoscope Preschool program and as a para in the Early Childhood Special Education program, Laura has honed her knowledge of working with young children. This knowledge and skill has all come together in the successful development of the Ready4K program at Eisenhower. Background: My three children attended Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes and Kaleidoscope Preschool at Harley Hopkins Family Center. Harley is such a welcoming building for families with young children in our District; I had a great experience there with my kids. When I was offered a position at Kaleidoscope, my journey with Hopkins began. What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? I am proud to be part of a District that provides so many options that ensure the success of all students, even our littlest learners. I work with a great community of educators who support each other in meeting the needs of all the students we teach. Proudest moments? I am proud every time my students make a discovery or achieve a goal they have set for themselves. I see the excitement in their face when they discover that when they mix blue and yellow playdough together, it makes green, or when they have been working very hard writing their name and then are able write it 12 times on a dry erase board because now they can. Teaching philosophy? I strive to create a learning environment where children can engage in activities that will encourage them to explore, discover, create, imagine, and have fun while learning. My hope is that these experiences will continue to enrich their lives far beyond success in kindergarten. Stats: • B.A. Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education, Winona State University. • Parent Educator Licensure, Crown College. Laura and her husband Joe live in Minnetonka and are proud parents of Hopkins Public Schools students and one Hopkins graduate, Hanna (class of 2011), Josh, and Kallie.
Where are they now?
Cindy Heidelberg: 2002 graduate
Stats: Attorney Advisor at the Department of Justice, Newark Immigration Court • Georgetown Law, J.D., University of Washington, B.A.
fun facts Cindy left home to pursue an undergrad education and career as a professional ballet dancer in Seattle. Although she is now a practicing attorney in New York City, she still loves taking dance classes. She gets together with a group of Hopkins grads in New York for Minnesota-themed events such as a State Fair barbeque and “hot-dish” potluck. Cindy has future dreams to practice civil rights law in Seattle. Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School? I had no special hangout, I was always too busy! Favorite Band of 2002? Coldplay. How did Hopkins prepare you? My AP courses gave me a solid foundation in writing and analyzing that allowed me to excel in undergrad and later in law school. What Hopkins teacher made a difference in your life? Jan Jodock, guidance counselor, was crucial to my success in life. I took three classes per day at Hopkins, then went to a classical ballet program — Jan worked tirelessly to make my schedule work!
Community Spirit Gina Feinstein
Gina Feinstein is a proud Tanglen Elementary parent of her third-grade son, Nash, and a volunteer since 2009. She firmly believes that when parents get involved, children thrive, and the staff benefit. Gina works in many ways to support Tanglen, from her two-year term as PTO president, to showing up at a variety of school events with a welcoming smile and wealth of information to help families feel welcome and engaged. “Many hands make light work,” is an expression that Gina says rings true throughout the school, and she loves being a part of the “many hands” at Tanglen. Proudest moments volunteering? I love it when I see a student smile, not a half smile, but one of those big, cheesy grins that radiates happiness — for me there is nothing better than seeing happy kids! What person has influenced you most? I am influenced and motivated by parents and grandparents who consistently volunteer. Joey Kristal, Pam Passman, Diane Nash, Anne Rosenberg, Katie Pierson — I could go on for hours, there are so many amazing volunteers at Hopkins who inspire me. We motivate each other, too. Books or Movies? Books, every time. Movies are fun, but you are viewing the story through someone else’s eyes, I’m not sure that is the way the author intended. People would be surprised to learn... That I love old school video games! I have a Mr. Do Arcade in our basement with over 7,000 games! I volunteer because... I enjoy it. It makes me feel good.
Know someone we should feature on this page? Email Carrie.Gerard@HopkinsSchools.org
Maria Sanchez Palomares: 2010 graduate Stats: Attending Minneapolis Technical and Community College, soon to graduate with an associate’s degree in Graphic Design fun facts Maria started school at Hopkins without speaking any English. She is proud of how far she’s come since then. Passionate about providing information to Latino families about college readiness for their students, Maria volunteers for NAVIGATE, to help immigrant students. Maria plans to continue mentoring students to pursue higher education and become an in-demand graphic designer. Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School? The art room, I could be creative there. Favorite Band of 2010? Daft Punk. How did Hopkins prepare you? I feel fortunate that I attended a school where the teachers care about you and help you become successful in life. The variety of programs helps you explore many interests, both academic and personal. What Hopkins teacher made a difference in your life? The entire AVID Team! Ms. Bailey, Mrs. Garcia, Mr. Hogan, and Mr. Kappel all helped me so much, I attribute my success to their support.
Jonathan Sterne: 1989 graduate
Stats: Associate Professor, Art History and Communication, McGill University, Quebec, Canada. • B.A. summa cum laude, Humanities, University of Minnesota, A.M. Speech Communication, Ph.D. Communications, University of Illinois fun facts A university professor teaching lecture courses, and author of two books, MP3: The Meaning of a Format and The Audible Past: Cultural Origins of Sound Reproduction, Jonathan has a full plate. That being said, his future plans include a project on the near future of musical instruments, which involves playing around with cool instruments and meeting engineers. Favorite album of 1989 Many great ones, but Pixies Doolittle is a favorite. Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School? Band room, theater, or walkway above the library. How did Hopkins prepare you? The knowledge of history from Mr. Abalan’s AP history courses was a great foundation for future studies, I’m still a history nerd. The AP college credit was a bonus! What Hopkins teacher made a difference in your life? Mr. Borgerding’s holy war against clichés improved my writing, and probably still affects my writing to this day. Update: December/January 2012-13
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December/January Events The Apollo Male Chorus – Festive holiday concert, sure to entertain. December 2, 3:00 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium, tickets: 952-933-6322 Annie – Bring the family to this classic play presented by the Blue Water Theatre. Tickets: www.bluewatertheatre.com December 6, 7, 8 at 7:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center Theater Potpourri – View an exhibit of artwork created by Hopkins Community Education adult enrichment teachers and students. December 6-January 6 Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins Hopkins Westwind Concert Band Holiday Concert – Tickets are free for this delightful holiday musical experience! December 16, 7:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, visit www.HopkinsWestwind.org Hopkins High School Winter Choir Concert (All Choirs) December 17, 6:30 p.m. Hopkins High School Auditorium, tickets: $7 adults/$5 students, seniors Frosty Fun – Come indoors for winter-themed family fun activities. January 12, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Hopkins ECFE, information and register: 952-988-5000
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Potpourri . paintings
. pottery . drawings . photographs . fine crafts . jewelry
an art exhibit of works created by Hopkins Community Education adult enrichment teachers and their students
Open to the public:
December 6, 2012 – January 6, 2013 Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins
XinXing students perform well on the Chinese Proficiency Test
High scores reflect strong Chinese curriculum at XinXing Academy XinXing Academy students scored well above average on the Youth Chinese Test (YCT), an international standardized Chinese proficiency test administered by the Minnesota Confucius Institute on May 20, 2012. Second-grade XinXing students took the YCT3 test, which has two parts — listening and reading. The students scored at least 50 points higher than the needed passing score of 120. The third-grade students took the YCT4. This is the highest level of the YCT test series and measures listening, reading and writing skills. The students scored 20 points higher than last year and 90 points higher than the passing score of 180. According to test publishers, students who pass the YCT4 have enough proficiency to be able to travel to China and handle most of the communications tasks they encounter. Students who pass the YCT3 test are able to conduct more basic and direct communication, but only on topics they are familiar with. Developed by the Chinese government, the YCT test is the only Chinese proficiency test in the world and is used by more than 100 countries. Many schools in Minnesota, including five Chinese immersion schools, took the test this year.
“The strong YCT test results reflect XinXing’s strong curriculum, instruction, and excellent teaching staff,” said Zhining Chin, Hopkins Chinese expert and data and assessment coordinator. “The students have mastered Chinese language skills to a degree that surpassed initial expectations.” Learn more about Hopkins Chinese Immersion program at the Information Fair XinXing Academy is holding an Information Fair on December 4 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Eisenhower Community Center. Explore information stations and meet XinXing teachers, school representatives, district administrators, and XinXing parents and students. Get all your Chinese immersion questions answered in one night. Dates and times of upcoming XinXing information events include: XinXing Chinese Immersion Information Fair: December 4, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Hwy. 7, Hopkins XinXing Chinese Immersion Program Tours: December 12, 18, January 11, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Eisenhower Elementary, 1001 Hwy. 7, Hopkins XinXing Chinese Immersion Information Night: January 8, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Eisenhower Elementary, 1001 Hwy. 7, Hopkins
Watch XinXing in action! Find out more about XinXing Chinese Immersion, visit www.HopkinsSchools.org/XinXing