February 2014 Hopkins Public Schools Update newsletter

Summer Opportunities for Kids, Tweens, and Teens in Hopkins Summer opportunities abound for area youth at Hopkins Community Education. Offering more choices and more flexibility than ever before, families can build their own schedule of halfday or full-day programs. Children will enjoy hands-on learning, socialize with other kids, be safe and supervised, and have summer memories that don’t include sitting on the couch, sleeping all day, or looking at a screen!

Hopkins Camp Royal for youth in grades K-12 Hopkins Camp Royal day camps run the gamut of interests, from art, sports, science, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), to Legos, cooking, or academics. This summer, Camp Royal is expanding to nine weeks, running from June 9-August 7. These affordably priced camps offer flexibility in scheduling, include a nutritious lunch, and offer convenient drop-off and pick-up times.

Catalogs arrive in mailboxes in February, with many new camps to choose. Want to know more? Come to the Camp Royal Open House on April 12, 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. at the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, in Hopkins.

Fun for the younger ones, too!

Kids ages three to five will have great experiences in art, dance, sports, and STEM in our Hop-Kids play and learn summer camps and classes. A partnership of Hopkins-Minnetonka Recreation Services and Hopkins Community Education, Hop-Kids provides preschoolage children affordable, high-quality opportunities for playing and learning that are fun, nurturing, and safe. Over 90% of participating families gave Hop-Kids a rating of outstanding! Watch for your Summer Hop-Kids mailer in February.

Pleasing those tweens and teens Many tweens and teens lose interest in the typical summer programs they’ve experienced in the past because they’ve “been there, done that.” Community Education fills this void with unique programs designed specifically for this age group.

For kids in grades 5 and 6, BLinK (Building Leadership in Kids) is all about leadership, challenging activities, service learning, swimming, open gym time, and field trips with tween/teen interests in mind.

The L.E.A.D. (Leadership, Enrichment, Academics, Dreams) program provides an enriching summer experience where 7th and 8th graders can socialize, attend field trips and service-learning adventures, and are able to give their input into the type of activities they will experience. A Monday-Friday program, L.E.A.D. gives teens a positive place to hang out and have summer fun.

These programs are part of Hopkins Schools Community Education Kids & Company programs, which also offers a grades K-4 summer 2014 program at Gatewood Elementary, Meadowbrook Elementary, and Alice Smith Elementary.

Best summer ever!

Hopkins Community Education wants your child to have the best summer ever. Check out all the options waiting for your child at www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org, or call 952-988-4070 with questions, or to register for youth summer camps and classes.

d ates

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

February Events Metropolitan Ballet presents Romeo and Juliet, join us for Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy set to dance.

February 14-15, 7:30 p.m., February 16, 3:00 p.m.

Information and tickets: www.metroballet.org or 866-811-4111.

Hopkins High School Annual Pops Concerts February 7 and 8, 7:00 p.m.

Hopkins High School Auditorium Hopkins High School One-Act Play performances February 13, 7:00 p.m., February 14, 7:00 p.m. (sweetheart special: two tickets, flower, and a treat for $10), and February 15, 2:00 p.m.

Hopkins High School Auditorium, www.hhstheater.org Together We Read – Join the Book Read, Feb. 22-March 22, and read the book Foreign to Familiar by Sarah Lanier. Then, join a discussion!

Book discussion, March 22, during the Hopkins Parent Forum Watch for details at www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org or call 952-988-4070.

Hopkins High School Orchestra Spotlight Concert February 21, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

Hopkins High School Auditorium Free Community Parent Fair – presented by the Special Education Advisory Committee. Activities for kids, summer fun ideas, pie, and more!

February 25, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Eisenhower Community Center, room 233

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

Home remodeling dreams come true here.

February 23, 2014 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Free admission & parking!

Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins

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

Win $1,000 on your remodeling project, enter to win by Feb. 16, details online.

www.HomeRemodelingFair.com

Special Appeal 2014 — STEM beyond the classroom In keeping with the Foundation’s commitment to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) learning, this year’s special appeal will bring STEM experiences to students outside of the classroom, in programs including Kids & Company, junior high L.E.A.D., Youth Enrichment, and S.M.A.R.T.S. Last year’s Special Appeal expanded STEM learning in all Hopkins elementary schools, and brought Rolling Robotics Labs to both junior highs.

“As Hopkins Public Schools becomes more STEM-oriented, it only makes sense to provide students with STEM-enriched learning during after-school hours, as well,” said Jennifer St. Clair, executive director of the Hopkins Education Foundation. “This is a great opportunity for our students to learn and have fun.”

Going green The Hopkins Education Foundation is going green. Only a small portion of invites have been mailed to reduce printing and mailing costs, and to maximize the impact of the donations received. Despite the reduced paper invitations, all are welcomed to attend this fun evening.

If you go The Royal Bash is on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 6 p.m. at International Market Square (275 Market St, Minneapolis, MN). Attendees must be 21 or older. You can order your Royal Bash tickets online, www.HopkinsEducationFoundation.org or by calling 952-988-4097.

Over the winter break, our website underwent an extensive face lift. The end result is a more engaging and interactive website that allows for clear communication. Check out the new design at www.HopkinsSchools.org 2013 TIES Exceptional Teachers

Hopkins Education Foundation’s Annual Royal Bash 2014 The Hopkins Education Foundation is pleased to announce this year’s Royal Bash, A Night on the Town, on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the International Market Square. Everyone is invited to this fun and festive event that raises funds for grants that engage, enhance, and energize Hopkins students. Hosted by Fox 9 personality and ’02 Hopkins Alum, Kelsey Soby, the evening features everything you would expect from a night on the town, including cocktails, a silent and live auction, dinner, desserts, and dancing.

Update Hopkins Public Schools

Introducing the new Hopkins Public Schools website

Lots of experts. Ask-the-pro advice. Project how-tos. 80+ vendors.

Two Hopkins teachers, Anthony Padrnos and Jeff Radel, were recognized as TIES Exceptional Teachers at the TIES 2013 Education Technology Conference on Dec. 17. The award recognizes teachers who model the best practices in using technology in their classroom.

Hopkins marching band performs at Disney

A Night on the Town Join us to celebrate education! The Hopkins Education Foundation’s Royal Bash is a night of merriment and fundraising: dinner and dessert, live and silent auctions, and mingling and music.

Visit www.HopkinsEducationFoundation.org

t he

Royal Bash 2014!

The community’s guide to the District.

Residential Postal Patron ECRWSS

in

The Hopkins High School marching band, the Lean Mean Performance Machine, found a way to escape the polar vortex by performing at Disney World in Florida on Monday, Jan. 6. The marching band is under the direction of Ross Wolf, who accompanied the band to Disney World.

February 2014

You are invited to the Hopkins Education Foundation’s gala fundraiser, with host Fox 9’s Kelsey Soby, a Hopkins alum.

Purchase tickets online now.

Saturday, February 22 International Market Square, 275 Market St., Minneapolis HopkinsEducationFoundation.org

c ommunit y Hopkins High School Concerts

Home Remodeling Fair

Free admission! More than 80 vendors, ask-the-pro idea Annual Pops Concerts center, free seminars and February 7 and 8, 7:00 p.m.

Hopkins High School Auditorium demonstrations, and more!

2400 Lindbergh Drive Sunday, February 23 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Orchestra Spotlight Concert February 21, 7:30 p.m.

Eisenhower Community Center Hopkins High School Auditorium 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins 2400 Lindbergh Dr, Minnetonka HomeRemodelingFair.org

Hopkins High School Students Who Need Academic Help Only Need to ‘ASC’ Academic Support Center off to a strong start After school, on any given Wednesday or Thursday, Hopkins High School is abuzz with students who are seeking academic support. On these nights, the media center, which is often associated with quiet, solo work, has a different vibe. The room is stocked with three teachers, one media specialist, and a handful of peer mentors who each have the goal of making sure students leave with a better understanding of the academic concepts they are struggling with and their homework completed. This is the simple premise of ASC, otherwise known as the Academic Support Center.

A group of students works through math problems at the Academic Resource Center (ASC).

Hopkins High School, is the ASC writing tutor. Working with kids who have a range of skills is not new to him. It is common practice in his department to teach both remedial and honors courses, but working closely with students and colleagues outside his department is an opportunity for him to sharpen his skills and gain new perspectives.

Success from the very start ASC started this fall as an academic experiment thanks to Having multiple teachers in one setting is a clear advantage funding provided by the Hopkins Education Foundation. for students. Rather than having them In just four short months, the program is connect with individual teachers for help, thriving with over 702 student visits and an You are being students who are struggling in more than average of 30 to 40 students attending each one subject area can get their questions treated like a session. According to Victoria Wilson, media answered in one session. The magnitude of specialist and coordinator of the program, college student. It help offered is what draws students in.

ASC is successful because everyone who attends wants to be there. Students come is a great life skill “Working with students in my office voluntarily — it’s not detention. provides assistance in my space of to say, I need help mathematics, but at ASC we will often have “You are being treated like a college student,” and I know where students that will move from math help to said Wilson. “It is a great life skill to say, I science help and then writing help,” said need help and I know where to get it.” to get it.

Anthony Padrnos, Hopkins High School ASC provides tutoring experiences in the math teacher and ASC tutor. “Being a areas of math, writing and science to any tutor in ASC allows me to see the students student who is willing to put in the time. Although, the receiving help and working in different academic realms program attracts a diverse mix of students, it primarily which can often provide a better picture of a student’s needs serves sophomores and juniors who are seeking a range of as a whole.” help. Some students maintain 4.0 GPAs and want to make Peer mentors also provide academic support sure they are mastering concepts; others have GPAs below When ASC started, no one could anticipate how well it 2.0 and are looking to improve their grades. No matter would be attended. Just two weeks in, it was apparent that the situation, the goal of ASC is to intervene with students more help was needed. To address the demand of students while they are still in classes. and stick to the budget, a decision was made to recruit “We want students to leave here less burdened,” said peer mentors, who were simply other students who had Wilson. “We want them to have their homework done and completed the course work and could explain it to other to get it.” students. Before becoming peer mentors, students were required to go through an extensive application process.

Three teachers – three subject areas About 25 were up to the task. In return, they will receive From a teacher perspective, the value of ASC is the letters of recommendation and volunteer hours that they opportunity to work one-on-one with students for a longer can note on their college applications, but most of them are period of time. Douglas Dart, who teaches language arts at there because they just want to help. see ASC inside

District Life Changer

By blazing the trail for the flipped-classroom approach at Hopkins Schools, Anthony has also helped students eliminate the time constraints on their education.

Dynamic use of technology in his classes has afforded students the ability to view a lecture anywhere and at anytime, while presenting information in engaging ways.

“Anthony has been working hard to stay on top of technology since he came to Hopkins,” said fellow math instructor Jay Katzenmeyer. “It is not an easy thing to do as technology in the classroom has been changing at a rapid pace. Anthony has a passion for finding new ways to deliver his curriculum to students and has been a real asset to our mathematics department.”

Along with his responsibilities as a math instructor, Anthony has recently taken on a role as a digital content and integration specialist in the District, where he will aim to help other instructors utilize technological innovations to help maximize students’ potential and promote lifelong learning.

Background: Raised and educated in northern Minnesota, Anthony arrived at Hopkins High School in the spring of 2008. As a part-time teacher, he instructed two math classes that semester before being hired on full-time for the 2008-09 school year. Since then, Anthony has taught in the Hopkins High School mathematics department.

What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? I enjoy the creativity and ingenuity that this District fosters in staff and students. I also appreciate the support that Hopkins provides for educators to explore the boundaries of teaching and learning, resulting in a culture of educational innovation.

Proudest moments? At the beginning of my career, I was working with a student who felt that he couldn’t be successful in a math class. By the end of the course he had confidence in his ability to overcome obstacles and find success in math. I was ecstatic to watch him recognize his true abilities.

Teaching philosophy? Steven Johnson wrote, ‘A dense network incapable of forming new patterns is, by definition, incapable of change, incapable of probing at the edge of the adjacent possible.’ As an educator I look for ways to bring change by finding new patterns and probing the edge of the adjacent possible to bring transformation to education that meets the needs of today’s students to be tomorrow’s innovative leaders Stats: • B.A.S. in Mathematics Education, University of Minnesota-Duluth; Certificate in Educational Computing and Technology, University of Minnesota-Duluth; M.A. in Education, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota; Ed.S. in Educational Administration, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Padrnos has earned the “A.D. Hendrickson Memorial Mathematics Teacher Award for Excellence in Mathematics Education,” and the “Frank L. Kernick Scholarship for Excellence in Technology Education and Mathematics Education.” More recently, he was a Fox 9 Top Teacher Award nominee.

Where are they now?

Tim Getsch: 1996 graduate

Stats: Founder & CEO, COMC.com • B.S., Math, University of Minnesota; M.S., Computer Science, University of Minnesota fun facts Tim’s love of trading cards sparked a unique business idea. His company, COMC.com, now employs 50 people in the Seattle area. To Tim, companies like eBay and Craigslist are the “wild west,” and there is an online sales “gold rush,” but the systems in place are very primitive. Tim and his team are currently developing new innovations in online consignment, and look forward to branching out to other collectible products in the near future.

Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School?

The math department. I really enjoyed helping people understand math concepts.

Favorite Song of 1996? “The Barber of Seville” by Rossini, I only listened to classical back then.

How did Hopkins prepare you? From being captain of the Math Team, to helping me take advanced classes through the University of Minnesota, Hopkins supported my love of math.

What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Ken Novak, Jr. showed me the effort it takes to strive for excellence and to achieve despite the odds.

Compass Student Receives First Speaker Initiative Award

Anthony Padrnos

Anthony Padrnos has seen the future and knows the role his students will hold in that technology-lush world. Such knowledge has driven Anthony, now in his seventh-year at Hopkins High School, to continually promote creativity and innovation for each student in his math classrooms.

eyes is laughing, socializing and even catching the attention of national experts in the field of special education.

Community Spirit

At the end of 2013, Chloe became the first student to receive the Speaker Initiative award, an Essentials for Living sponsored honor roll for students with special needs who have made great strides in learning to communicate. Dr. Patrick McGreevy, an expert in the field of special education, chose Chloe for the award to acknowledge her efforts and tremendous growth.

Beth Jones

Beth Jones caught the volunteer bug years ago.

Lucky for Alice Smith Elementary families, she has never recovered. She began by volunteering in her four boys’ kindergarten classrooms. Although three of her sons have now graduated from Hopkins High School, Beth’s love for the Alice Smith community holds strong. She continues to volunteer to make Alice Smith a warm and welcoming environment for families. Not a fan of the spotlight, Beth commented, “I wish all the volunteers I work with could be recognized — I think of ideas, but so many others do the hard work!” Despite her humility, a common saying among staff and volunteers at Alice Smith is, “What would we do without Beth Jones?”

Proudest moment volunteering?

I especially love working with the Winterfest event at Alice Smith (coming Jan. 31) and seeing how excited families are. I am also very proud that my boys regularly help me with volunteer projects, even my husband has painted endless walls and hung numerous pictures. They have caught the bug, too!

What person has influenced you most?

I thank my family, teachers, staff, and, of course, my fellow volunteers for being a huge source of inspiration to me.

People would be surprised to learn...

That I am a pretty open book.

City or Country? Country — I love our family farm in Wisconsin, it is definitely my happy place.

Of course, London would be nice, too. It's all good!

I volunteer because... I can. Every little bit helps. Everybody can make the world a better place, just take a look around. It feels good, too!

Want to recognize a volunteer at Hopkins Public Schools?

Email: Carrie.Gerard@HopkinsSchools.org

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

Erin E. Carlson: 1996 graduate

Annette (Niemann) Musso: 1982 graduate

Stats: Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Indiana University • B.A., Saint Olaf College, Northfield, MN; Ph.D., Organic Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison fun facts Erin is one of those lucky few who has known her passion since childhood — science. Her innovative work with infectious disease has attracted “early career attention” — type her name into your web browser and you’ll see a long list of videos and articles highlighting her accomplishments. In 2008, she became a professor of chemistry at Indiana University. Her research group is working on the development of new strategies to treat infectious disease. In July, will be Erin Minnesota-bound, as she becomes an associate professor of chemistry at the University of Minnesota.

Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School?

The hallway near the band room.

Favorite Band of 1996? Indigo Girls.

What Hopkins teacher made a difference in your life? Band director Mr. Bates. His passion for music and enthusiasm for teaching have stayed with me.

How did Hopkins prepare you? Challenging activities ranging from sports, to AP courses, gave me a strong work ethic that serves me every day.

Stats: Founder/Executive Director: Creative Autism Solutions Team; Sales Consultant, ClearVision Optical; Author of children’s books • B.A., Luther College; Master of Music, Arizona State University fun facts Annette endeavors to make a positive impact on as many people as possible. Inspired by her son with autism, Annette founded a non-profit organization to help families receive a wide variety of autism support services all under one roof. In her book, “What If We All Looked the Same?,” she encourages children to appreciate each other’s differences, and see that we are all beautiful! Annette lives in California with her husband Mark and son Matteo.

Favorite hangout spot at Eisenhower High School? The Girls’ Locker Room (Teamroom) Favorite Band of 1982 Journey.

What Hopkins teacher made a difference in your life? Math teacher, Mr. Searles said, “Tough challenges are the most rewarding! The easy ones don’t define your character.” I had no idea how helpful that advice would be for my future!

How did Hopkins prepare you? I learned great values, have fond memories, and special friendships that have guided me throughout the many challenges in my life.

Update February 2014

Teacher Sher Unruh-Friesen and Chloe Peters pose for a “selfie.”

In many ways, Chloe Peters is no different than any other sixth-grade student at Glen Lake Elementary. She enjoys helping others, being a role model, and taking “selfies.”

What makes her truly extraordinary is her progress. Diagnosed with autism at eight months old, Chloe entered kindergarten nearly nonverbal and was unable to perform the most basic of social interactions. Seven years later, the little girl who could not look people in the

“I never in my wildest dreams have allowed myself to hope for the kind of progress Chloe has made in these seven years at Glen Lake,” said Chloe’s mother Kaia Peters. “This district has never failed to offer my kids the best education available.”

Chloe has been part of the Hopkins Public Schools Compass program since kindergarten.

The program serves students with significant needs and operates in its own classroom. Unlike general education, Compass students continue to work with one or two teachers throughout their elementary experience. For the past seven years, special education teacher Sher UnruhFriesen and speech language pathologist Marie

Menick have worked with Chloe. Since that time, she has blossomed into a student who is capable of using her own words, interacting socially, reading, and completing independent tasks.

“I wish everyone would know Chloe,” said UnruhFriesen. At a glance, you would see a kid who has autism, but then you would see past the disability and see a kid with a song in her heart and a dance in her step. She views the world with joy. She has really schooled me.”

The District began its partnership with Dr. Patrick McGreevy after applying for and receiving an Exemplary Grant from the Hopkins Education Foundation, which provided his curriculum, as well as a two-day training for special education staff. When McGreevy heard of Chloe’s progress — specifically that she went from being non-verbal to expressing concern for a classmate who tripped — he was touched. The decision to grant her the first Speaker Initiative award was an easy one. For Chloe’s supporters, the honor is very much shared.

“This is not just an honor for Chloe. It goes to her family and it’s a win for all kids with special needs and their families,” said Unruh-Friesen.

ASC, continued from cover Peer mentors have valuable experience to offer, but they can also connect with students on a different level than teachers. They can share similar struggles and tips on how they mastered the content at hand. The relationships being established are powerful because students are sometimes paired with someone they otherwise would not cross paths with at Hopkins High School, allowing for even stronger student connections.

Sophomore Desmond Ganbold has been working through Algebra 2 math problems with his peer mentor, junior Kenta Yamamoto, for just a few short weeks. In that amount of time, Ganbold has raised his math grade from a C to a B. Yamamoto, who typically mentors two students per session, considers the process a great review for his upcoming ACT test.

We’ll toss you a line!

So you can achieve academic success!

HHS tutors for math, science, and writing assistance.

See us, meet us — Hopkins Preschool Visit Us days!

Your preschool choice does make a difference.

Inside our preschools, you’ll discover a stimulating learning environment designed to create excitement around learning. Visit us and discover Hopkins Preschools.

Visit Us Days:

Stepping Stones Preschool: Feb. 11, 12, 13 Kaleidoscope Preschool: Feb. 24, 25, 28 Ready 4 K Preschool: Feb. 19, Feb. 20, Feb. 21 Find out more at www.HopkinsSchools.org/Preschool

To qualify for the award, a Caring Youth must meet at least one of the following criteria: live in Minnetonka, Hopkins, or Golden Valley; attend school in Hopkins or Minnetonka; and/or volunteer (unpaid and not as a requirement for a class or co-curricular program) in Minnetonka, Hopkins, or Golden Valley.

Young people may only be nominated by the organization they are serving. For more information, including nomination guidelines and forms, visit www.eminnetonka.com or call Jacque Larson, community relations manager, at 952-939-8207. Nominations may also be submitted online at www.eminnetonka.com.

Seven Hopkins High School Students Commended by National Merit Program

homework rescue

a great place to live

Each year the cities of Minnetonka, Hopkins and Golden Valley, the Hopkins and Minnetonka school districts, and the Glen Lake Optimists host a Caring Youth Recognition event to honor the contributions of caring young people. The 2014 event is set for Thursday, March 20, at 7 p.m. at the Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka.

Nominations for the 2014 Caring Youth awards are due by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, February 3, 2014.

ASC

Hopkins Community Education Building

If you know a young person in grades seven through 12 who shows an ongoing awareness of others through volunteering or other activities, consider nominating him or her for a 2014 Caring Youth Award.

Deadline for award submissions:

“I just wanted to use my time more productively,” said Yamamoto. “I heard about this program from a teacher and thought it would be nice to come in and help.”

The Academic Support Center (ASC) is available to students on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. The Hopkins Education Foundation made the center possible through a generous grant.

Nominate a Young Person for a Caring Youth Award

Desmond Ganbold (right) works on Algebra 2 problems with his peer mentor Kenta Yamamoto.

Community Book Read: February 22-March 22

Parent Education

Read with us!

Together We Read 2014 Community Book Read Join the 2014 Community Book Read and read the book Foreign to Familiar by Sarah Lanier for a positive and engaging insight into cultures we interact with every day.

Then, join us for a book discussion during the Hopkins Parent Forum on March 22 at the Eisenhower Community Center.

Learn more, HopkinsCommunityEd.org

Hopkins students Eli Badower, Timothy Bergeland, Mia Berman, Hannah Berris, Marshall Lang, Christian Peterson, and Theodore Segura each scored in the top 3 percent of all students who took the preliminary SAT in the country last school year, earning them Letters of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship program. Roughly two-thirds of the 50,000 high scorers on the PSAT are named National Merit Commended scholars, according to the National Merit Scholarship Program. Nearly 1.5 million students take the PSAT annually in the United States.