April 2013 Hopkins Public Schools Update Newsletter

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Spring Band Concert

Update Hopkins Public Schools

The community’s guide to the District.

Spotlight Concert featured Chris Koza

In February, Hopkins High School Orchestra students collaborated with singer/songwriter, Chris Koza, through an artist-in-residency project.

Koza performed with the students on select songs during the Spotlight Concert on February 22.

Koza is a Minneapolisbased singer/songwriter and performs as a solo artist, ensemble artist, and with his band, Rogue Valley.

World Language comes to all Hopkins Elementary Schools

¡HOLA! Starting this fall, each Hopkins elementary school will have Spanish language instruction for all students in kindergarten and first grade. See inside for more details.

Gatewood Elementary principal named one of three award finalists

Gatewood principal, Donna Montgomery, has been selected as one of three finalists for the National Distinguished Principal’s award provided through the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).

A final decision will be announced in May.

April 2013

com m u ni t y Community Showcase Realtor Event

An evening with the Hopkins High School Band Concert: Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band.

April 25, 7:30 p.m.

Hopkins High School 2400 Lindbergh Drive Minnetonka

Area realtors, join us to learn about Hopkins Public Schools and the cities of Minnetonka, Golden Valley, and Hopkins. 3 CEU credits.

Tickets: seatyourself.biz

Register: MplsRealtor.com

In partnership with Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®

April 10, 8:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

Hopkins High School 2400 Lindbergh Dr, Minnetonka

Together We Read Community Book Read

Read the book Wonder by R. J. Palacio, with your older elementary/middle school student. Then, come to a (parent-only) panel discussion: April 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Eisenhower Community Center 1001 Hwy 7, Hopkins HopkinsSchools.org/Book

Creating a Model for High-Quality Digital Curriculum

Technology integration specialists create customized solutions for teachers

Hopkins junior high social studies teacher Kim Campbell does not consider herself a technology person, but she knows it’s the world her students live in. Campbell has been teaching middle school students for 20 years, and this year she was named the Minnesota Middle School Educator of the Year. She knows her stuff, and she is certain digital curriculum is here to stay.

“I am at a place where I see trends in education, and I see the technology gap between my kids and me,” said Campbell. “It’s my responsibility as a teacher to bridge that gap, and I thought, well, I better get on board or the kids are going to leave me behind.”

Two junior high social studies students collaborate using their iPads.

goal to not only transform curriculum to a digital platform, but also to strengthen it by adding higher levels of critical thinking and engagement. Using digital curriculum, students often create their own content, which helps them develop and augment their point of view.

At Hopkins, getting on board is pretty seamless. Campbell works with one of two technology integration specialists in her building to transform her curriculum Hopkins teachers onto a digital platform. Like the rest of the Hopkins seventh-grade staff, she has are always replaced her social studies textbook with digital curriculum that her students access interested in what through their school-issued iPads.

is best for kids

Each building is assigned two technology integrations specialists, who have a strong understanding of the classroom. Many of them continue to work as teachers part-time, giving them the opportunity to test different digital approaches and strategies before recommending them to their colleagues.

High-quality, transformative and transforming learning experiences When done well, digital curriculum is “The teachers at Hopkins are always interested their lessons to more engaging and relevant for students, in what is best for kids and transforming their who are digital natives. It allows teachers to lessons to make the child’s experience the best it make the child’s create interactive learning experiences for can be,” said Fritz. “If they have someone coming experience the students. Each lecture can be customized. to them saying this is something I have tried and The technology is always available, it works well, the teachers will be open to that.” best it can be. meaning no more checking out laptops Having this support in the classroom is crucial on computer carts. Learning is dynamic, for busy teachers who don’t have time to rewrite relevant, and in real time. However, for teachers like curriculum or become their own tech support. And, it Campbell, above all else, in order to pass the litmus test, also ensures the best experience for students. In a recently digital curriculum has to work. transformed lesson on Pearl Harbor, Campbell created an “If my kids are not learning the objectives, then this gadget exercise requiring students to create a video narration of the does not work, and you had better show me that my kids event using a set of main points. The next day, she tested her still know the information I want them to know. And if you students and not one of them missed a question. can do that, I have no problem changing how I deliver the Hopkins’ approach to digital curriculum is not all or information,” said Campbell. nothing. Campbell, for example, reinstated her paper and Customized solutions for teachers pen flashcard technique after her students reported the Hopkins has highly trained technology integration specialists on staff to make sure the digital curriculum Transforming Learning developed is transformative and engaging. The District Hopkins is training with national companies partners with companies like Google to be on the pulse and partnering with neighboring districts to of what is trending in education. Technology integration share best practices. specialist Becky Fritz describes her role as someone who

See inside for details. creates customized digital curriculum for teachers. It’s her

Junior High Teachers Partner with Educational App Subtext

Digital Curriculum continued from cover flashcard app they were using on their iPad was not as effective. Campbell also is careful to make sure her kids continue to interact with each other in person, and not just through their iPads.

After presenting at a technology conference, Hopkins teachers were asked by neighboring school districts to help integrate Subtext into the classroom Last spring at an educational conference, Hopkins junior high reading teachers Sara Speicher and Julie Walthour were on a mission.

Anticipating the District’s one-to-one iPad program, they wanted to find a solid, educational reading app. Both teachers had used Nooks and Kindles in the classroom before with mixed results. That’s when they met the developers of Subtext, a digital app originally designed for adults, but better suited for educational purposes. Speicher and Walthour took one look at Subtext and knew they had found what they were looking for.

“The iPads are valuable tools for teachers, as long as you can prove the kids are learning what they are supposed to be learning,” she said.

Partnership creates ‘pockets of innovation’ Partnership

This year, Hopkins broadened its commitment to collaboration and innovation by gathering four surrounding districts to talk about digital curriculum in the classroom. The Google Apps Hive debuted in October, and was co-created

by Ben Friesen and Todd Roudabush, both technology integration specialists. The Hopkins Education Foundation provided funding for this unique collaboration.

“The purpose of the Hive is to connect pockets of innovation in different districts and share what good things are happening in classrooms across the region,” said Friesen.

“We had done some research with Nooks and Kindles, and our reluctant readers did not want to use them,” said Walthour. “We were looking for something that went beyond a reader. If we could have developed an app, this is what we would have developed.”

Subtext is a reading app with built in interactivity. It’s a useful tool for the classroom because teachers can create quizzes in the text, link referenced material to online encyclopedias, ask questions, embed instruction, and most importantly, assess a student’s comprehension as they are reading.

The Google Apps Hive was so well-received throughout the teaching community that another event was held in March.

Training

Five Hopkins teachers have participated in a rigorous training model to become Google Certified Trainers. This training demonstrates a comprehensive overview of the technical aspects important for troubleshooting and working with teachers, and how to use technology in an educational setting.

As a result of this training, four Hopkins teachers will participate in training at an official Google in Education event in May. The teachers will learn about what is on the horizon and network with other educators from around the United States.

The event is focused on transforming teaching to a digital environment.

Seeing the potential in the app, Hopkins became one of two school districts nationwide to partner with Subtext for development purposes. Speicher and Walthour have spearheaded this effort.

Throughout the summer and into the school year, they have tested Subtext in the classroom, providing feedback, insights, and suggestions.

Because of their feedback, Subtext looks very different from what it did when it was first launched. The front page interface has changed, a highlighting feature has been added, and student responses show up in one place.

And it’s not just the teacher’s perspective Subtext is interested in. In March, a team of head developers visited West Junior High to talk with students, their main consumers.

In a focus group setting, the students shared suggestions for improving the product, including a feature that would allow them to see their stats at the end of the chapter.

In December, Speicher and Walthour presented Subtext at a technology workshop for teachers.

The presentation created instant buzz, as other teachers saw the potential of Subtext. They have visited surrounding districts — including Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, and Bloomington — and trained staff on how to integrate the technology into classrooms.

“It’s been really fun,” said Speicher. “We have had the best time working with students and staff this year.”

Hopkins School Board approves International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program for Junior Highs At the March 21 Board Meeting, the Hopkins School Board approved International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program (MYP). Starting in the 2014-15 school year, both junior highs will fully implement International Baccalaureate in all grades. The program comes with strong support from the Hopkins Public Schools community.

On May 11, many of these same teachers will be presenting at the first-ever Google in Education - Minnesota Summit. This event is expected to draw 400 educators from the region and feature national presenters speaking on the topic of using technology to transform education.

Find out more — watch the video!

Hopkins Community Education

The leadership teams from Subtext stopped by West Junior High in March to observe how their digital curriculum apps were working in the classroom and to talk with students.

Building a great place to live

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Come Dance With Me!

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Kiddie Karnival

April 13 Community Ballroom Dance with Kico Rangel Quartet Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-12 noon Friday, April 26, 2013, 7-10 p.m.

125 Monroe Ave S, Hopkins Join us and dance to fun Latin, big band, jazz & more!

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Hopkins Minnetonka Community Dance Presents

IB was approved as part of a budget package aimed to enhance and transform Hopkins Public School’s curriculum to better prepare learners to be productive citizens in a global environment.

The idea to explore IB came out the 2009-2010 Secondary Program Study, which looked at how to add rigor to the junior high level. IB will change the junior high schedule and will ultimately eliminate study halls.

kiddie karnival

Come to the Harley Hopkins Family Center for a great day of fun, stories, games, silent auction, and more! New this year: STEM Let’s Build event for you and your child (ages 3-5). HandsAll ages are welcome. Register early, space is limited. $13 per person ($15 at door). Registration fee includes light refreshments. To register: call 952-988-4070 or www.HopkinsSchools.org/dance Sponsored by: Hopkins Community on fun: build a bridge, explore ramps, amazing Education, Minnetonka Community Education, Minnetonka Senior Services, and Hopkins Activity Center. mazes, lights and shadow fun, and more! at the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins Register and more details at: www.HopkinsSchools.org/dance

From the Superintendent, John Schultz, Ph.D.

All Hopkins Elementary Schools Adding World Language Next year, every kindergartner and first-grader will receive Spanish instruction.

I hope this letter finds you and your family doing well as we anticipate the warmth and sunshine of spring! As I write this, I am looking out the window at snow that does not seem willing to melt — which makes me look forward to spring even more!

I wanted to let you know that the Hopkins School Board recently approved adding Spanish language instruction to all elementary schools, effective this fall. This new offering will complement our existing educational programs and services. 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 a great 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 the opportunity to experience other cultures, and gives students a head start in the language requirements needed for college.

Next school year, 2013-14, all six elementary schools will be adding Spanish, starting with students entering kindergarten and first grade. Each year, we will add an additional grade level until the program is implemented in kindergarten through sixth grade. Spanish will be taught for 20 minutes per day, three times a week in kindergarten; 30 minutes per day, three times a week in first through fourth grade; and 60 minutes per day, two times a week in fifth and sixth grade. As a result, our students will begin junior high proficient and ready to enter Level II Spanish.

SUPERVALU E-mentors Provide Eisenhower Students with Valuable Experiences

Once every two weeks, students in Angie Leitch’s fifth-grade class have the opportunity to email Supervalu e-mentors for guidance on their reading and writing assignments.

This year’s e-mentor program began in early October and continues to provide a valuable experience for both students and volunteers.

The e-mentor program, which has been a part of Eisenhower Elementary for 12 years, is beneficial on many levels. Not only do the Supervalu e-mentors help students with school projects, but students also get the chance to learn how to safely communicate via email, composing messages and adding attachments. In return, the 25 volunteers get the rewarding experience of helping students within their community.

“Supervalu employees say that this program allows them to volunteer in the community in a simple way while still making a big impact on a child’s life,” said Angie Leitch.

In January, students visited the Northern Region office of Supervalu to learn about their e-mentor’s work world. During their field trip, students had lunch, played games, and toured the warehouse to witness the food distribution process.

Angie Leitch and Jennifer Rimstad at Eisenhower as well as Bev Backstrom from Supervalu have gone above and beyond to build and manage the e-mentor program. Their hard work and devotion to this project and to the students is truly admirable.

Hopkins Students Recognized at International DECA Conference for Their Business Savvy

It is my hope that you share my enthusiasm for World Language being taught at the elementary level for all the reasons I have mentioned, as well as reasons of your own. My wife and I adopted two Chinese daughters, and learning their culture and language has opened up many new doors for us, as well as for members of our extended families. Both of our girls have taken Spanish – so both have been fortunate to experience three cultures and languages, as compared to the one culture my wife and I have experienced!

Our Teaching and Learning Department has begun diligent preparation and planning for this fall. I have no doubt that we will have a high-caliber Spanish program in place for your children to experience the numerous benefits of learning another language as part of their education. This is just one example of how Hopkins Public Schools is committed to “Excellence. Every School. Every Student. Every Day.” If you would like additional information, please contact Diane Schimelpfenig, Director of Teaching and Learning, at 952-988-4037 or Diane.Schimelpfenig@HopkinsSchools.org.

Until then, best wishes for a happy spring!

Sincerely, John W. Schultz, Ph.D. Superintendent

SBE certification students Isaac Fisher (left) and Wyatt Mekler

The School-Based Enterprises (SBE) at Hopkins High School (Royal Corner/Spirit Shop) were among 166 school-based enterprises in the United States achieving Gold Level Certification this year and will be recognized at DECA’s International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, California this coming April. The students who worked on the certification were Isaac Fisher and Wyatt Mekler, with the assistance of their advisor, Jesse Theirl.

School-based enterprises are effective educational tools in helping to prepare students for the transition from school to work or college. For many students, they provide the first work experience, or an opportunity to build management, supervision, and leadership skills.

“Working on this project helped me gain insight on the small business world,” said Mekler. “I enjoyed working on something to satisfy the customer and working with social networking. This is the best project I have ever done.”

District Life Changer

Kim Campbell

It’s not hard to see why Kim Campbell was recently named the 2012 Minnesota Middle Level Educator of the Year. Building relationships with students is a strategy she has mastered. She has an innate ability to find the magic balance with students where she can have them laughing in stitches at her spontaneous antics, while holding them to very high academic standards. Her students feel connected to her — you can see it in their big smiles, hand shakes, and, the more obvious, chants of ‘Miss Campbell, Miss Campbell,’ as her students vie for her attention. Even the most skeptical students light up around her. Campbell inspires them with her heartfelt enthusiasm, and changes their lives by instilling the confidence that leads to academic success.

Campbell is a seventh-grade social studies teacher and Co-PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) coordinator, she is also the founder of SOAR (Students on Academic Rise). SOAR was born out of her desire to help students pursue higher education, which strives to empower students by teaching them how to blaze a path toward college. The program exposes students to leadership opportunities, teaches self-advocacy skills, instills strong homework habits, and offers a strong school community to the students and their families.

“She is relentlessly committed to her students, and she makes learning fun,” said eighth-grade social studies teacher Norah Garrison. “She is an amazing teacher on so many levels. Her passion inspires us.”

Background: Campbell was working for Mankato Public Schools, but had a yearning to move to the big city. When she applied for a position at Hopkins West Junior High, she knew she had found the right place, and has been at Hopkins for 13 years. In addition to social studies, Campbell is also a national consultant for AMLE (Association of Middle Level Educators) and SDE (Staff Development for Educators). She has authored two books, SOAR: A Handbook for Addressing the Achievement Gap and If You Can’t Manage Them, You Can’t Teach Them!

What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? I love the dedication to teaching that I see in my coworkers. I also love that Hopkins Public Schools recognizes that innovation requires the best professional development be available for teachers.

Proudest moments? I had heard about a student who was homeless. It was two days from winter break, with little time to organize a donation drive, but we put the word out to our West staff. In those two days, we collected enough to feed the family for months. I am proud and privileged to work in a school that comes together for its school community at a moment’s notice when needed.

Teaching philosophy? When a former troubled student, whom I had spent hours and hours with, came back to tell me she was pursuing a master’s degree, I was reminded once again how the power of taking the time to build a strong, positive relationship with students pays dividends that go way beyond the classroom walls. Relationships are key.

Stats: • B.A. in Education from Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, South Dakota. Master’s degree in Administration from Wayne State College, Wayne, Nebraska • Kim is a self-proclaimed proud middle school teacher with 13 ‘great, great’ years at Hopkins Public Schools

Where are they now?

Don Berglund: 1968 graduate

Stats: Chief Executive Officer, Memorial Blood Centers.

• B.S., Business, M.H.A. Healthcare Administration, University of Minnesota fun facts Don Berglund’s first job out of college required that he fundraise his entire salary, an intense way to learn the ropes.

He has spent 25 years in leadership roles in health care, and seven years as a CEO. Married for 35 years, with four children, Don plans to continue becoming the most effective leader he can be, and to get involved with several faith-based organizations as a board member.

Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins (Eisenhower) High School? The “Wall.”

Favorite Band of 1968? Beatles, Beach Boys, and the Temptations.

How did Hopkins prepare you? Great preparation for college, many engaged and supportive teachers, and great classmates.

What Hopkins teacher made a difference in your life? Coach Gene Cherney, he taught us discipline, intensity, teamwork and perseverance.

He brought out the best in all of us. Coach Paul Bengston also had a similar impact on me.

Community Spirit Bob McDonald

Reading stories, helping with math, assisting with hands-on science projects, mentoring students who are building and launching rockets, Bob McDonald runs the gamut as a volunteer at Alice Smith Elementary. He’s long term, too, volunteering for the past 12 years. Ask him why and he’ll tell you it is because of the support that Alice Smith gives its volunteers — they are valued. He also says he enjoys seeing the kids progress throughout the year, and, yes, he loves those thrilling rocket launches with the older science students!

Proudest moments volunteering?

I helped a young student give a presentation about Somalia. I asked him how he thought he had done.

The student said, “I felt really important for the first time since I came to this country.”

What person has influenced you most?

My wife. She volunteers twice as much as I do!

She’s a great communicator. She has taught me to listen more, instead of trying to instantly solve every problem that comes my way.

Singing or dancing?

Definitely singing, I dance like a rock!

People would be surprised to learn...

I helped implement the first automated trading system in the world.

I volunteer because...

I met a man in Chicago years ago, he did challenging volunteer work with youth involved in gangs. I asked him why he did this type of work.

His response, “I’ve seen how great this country truly is and this is my way of paying my dues for the privilege of living here.” The unasked question hanging in the air was — how had I paid my dues?

Now I volunteer, and I am paying my dues as well.

Know someone we should feature on this page? Email Carrie.Gerard@HopkinsSchools.org

Starr Kelly Sage: 1995 graduate Stats: Assistant Professor, Public Health, University of Minnesota, Rochester • Ph.D, Environmental Health, MP.H. Epidemiology, B.S. Biology, University of Minnesota fun facts Starr joined the tenure track faculty at the University of Minnesota, Rochester nearly two years ago. She is excited to be part of a department that is studentcentered and focuses on using teaching and assessment strategies that promote learning.

Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School?

In the parking lot after school (of course!), with friends and Jerry, the lot attendant.

Favorite Band of 1995? Ben Harper, before he got air time!

What Hopkins teacher made a difference in your life? I had the privilege of learning from many dedicated teachers during my time at Hopkins. My lifelong passion for the sciences was ignited by middle school teachers, Allen Muenzhuber and Dr. John Schultz. I am grateful to them for setting me on the path to my current career, which involves educating the next generation of health scientists.

Dawn Avery Ferguson: 1977 graduate Stats: Senior Transcription Analyst, promoted from Medical Transcriptionist and Receptionist, Park Nicollet Clinic, St. Louis Park fun facts During her senior year at Hopkins, Dawn was part of a work/study program for students. She worked at St. Louis Park Medical Center in the Dermatology, ENT, and Eye Department. After graduating, Dawn chose to stay on at the clinic, and has risen up the ranks to her current position, racking up a total of 35 years with Park Nicollet. Dawn looks forward to retiring with her husband of 31 years, traveling, and spending time with family.

Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins (Lindbergh) High School? My locker with my friend, Denise.

Favorite music from 1977? I loved gospel music.

How did Hopkins prepare you? The work study program gave me real-life work experience and provided a path to my current career.

What Hopkins teacher made a difference in your life? I enjoyed all the teachers and staff in the business department. I loved everyone in that department, and they gave me the inspiration to be where I am today.

Update: April 2013

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 161 Hopkins, MN 55343

April Events

Sleeping Beauty – Presented by the Metropolitan Ballet.

April 6 at 7:30 p.m., April 7 at 3:00 p.m.

Hopkins High School Auditorium, tickets: www.metroballet.org Community Showcase Realtor Event – Realtors, join us to learn about Hopkins Public Schools and the cities of Minnetonka, Golden Valley, and Hopkins. Three CEU credits. $15 fee, register: www.mplsrealtor.com April 10, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Hopkins High School, 2400 Lindbergh Dr, Minnetonka Think Summer! Camp Royal Open House – Join us to explore Hopkins new summer classes and camps for youth entering grades K-6.

April 13, 11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Hwy 7, Hopkins Early Childhood Kiddie Karnival – Games, silent auction, stories, and more. Featuring a hands-on STEM activity station for preschoolers.

April 13, 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Harley Hopkins Family Center, 952-988-5000 Together We Read – Join the Community Book Read 2013, and read the book Wonder by R. J. Palacio. Then, join us for a great panel discussion.

April 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Eisenhower Community Center, details at www.HopkinsSchools.org/Book Spring Band Concert – Wind Symphony, Symphonic, Concert Bands April 25, 7:30 p.m.

Hopkins High School Auditorium

Get Connected, Stay Connected Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HopkinsPublicSchools

1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305 www.HopkinsSchools.org 952-988-4000 Time Value

Residential Postal Patron ECRWSS

Youth Summer Rocks!

Summer camps in Hopkins & Minnetonka

Join us!

for

K-6th grade

Camp Royal Open House Saturday, April 13, 11 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Hwy 7, Hopkins Join us at our Open House to get your questions answered about our all-new summer youth programs, meet key staff, and explore our flexible and affordable full-day or half-day summer camp options! www.HopkinsSummer.org

Partnership Brings Theatre-Based Learning to Kindergarten Classrooms “Hard focus.” “Use your stage voice.” “Actor neutral.”

These are phrases commonly used in the theatre world and also in kindergarten classrooms across the Hopkins District. A $100,000 Cargill grant has fostered a partnership between Stages Theatre Company and Hopkins Public Schools. The idea is to increase vocabulary and literacy through acting. Last year, the program was piloted at four elementary schools. Due to its success, this year it was expanded into all six elementary buildings.

The theatre partnership pairs Stages artists with kindergarten teachers. Working in collaboration, they develop theatre exercises that reinforce the existing curriculum, especially around literacy.

The partnership between artists and teachers is up to 24 weeks long, and classroom exercises are scheduled weekly.

“Each of the artists is doing planning time with the teachers,” said Sandy Boren-Barrett, the artistic director for Stages. “They identify curriculum that needs to be covered that week and the artist develops theatre activities that will enhance learning.”

Boren-Barrett brought a similar program to Minneapolis Public Schools 10 years ago and achieved great success. Through a strategic planning process, Stages decided to grow its presence in community schools. Hopkins, a district that values the arts, was a natural fit.

In Hopkins, the success of the program can be measured in a variety of ways. The main benefit is that it provides teachers with a whole new set of strategies that they can use to engage their students. Theatre-based learning helps shy students find their voices, or, more specifically, their “actor voices.” Although the program is not designed specifically for ELL (English Language Learners) students, teachers are noticing that, because the activities are so physical-based, many ELL students are able to participate more fully in activities that enhance their vocabulary.

“Every five-year-old in our District knows what an ensemble is,” said Sandy Homb, fine arts coordinator for Hopkins Public Schools. “They know what that looks like and what it feels like.

The classroom teacher can talk about working as an ensemble, and it changes everything because they have that perspective.”

Young theater-based learners enjoy creative activities

Homb explained that this learning goes beyond literacy. Movement-based learning can help students understand concepts like math because it is so visual. In one classroom, for example, a teacher used this approach to help her students understand counting to higher numbers. She took 10 students, tied a ribbon around them, and added three more as the students counted.

The next day when assessment was done, every child had it down, but two.

“I’ve always seen art as a creative way to reach kids,” said Boren-Barrett. “To find a way to have the arts serve the greater good of a school is a win for all.”

At its March 21 meeting, Hopkins School Board approved International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program for both junior highs, details about this announcement inside.