The Community’s Guide to the District
#HopkinsStrong Relief Fund Surpasses Fundraising Goal
The District surpassed its fundraising goal of $200,000, raising a total of $201,084 from 598 donors. The money will be used to help support frontline workers in the Hopkins Nutrition, Early Learning, and Community Education departments. The fundraiser was a true community effort that involved the work of the Hopkins Education Foundation (HEF), many volunteers, community members, parents, and businesses. Thank you, Hopkins community!
Hopkins School Board Denounces Systemic Racism
On June 2, in response to the death of George Floyd, the Hopkins School Board unanimously approved a resolution denouncing systemic racism that has caused a long history of harm and trauma to our community members. The resolution communicates the Board’s commitment to create an equitable education system for all students.
June 2020
The Class of 2020 Graduates During a Historic Time
As part of the alternative graduation plan, seniors drove to Hopkins High School to receive their diplomas and then followed a parade route to their former elementary schools, where their teachers were waiting curbside to cheer them on.
Like so many seniors, Lauren d'Albertis was excited for her last year of high school. Before it even started she had taken 11 Advanced Placement (AP) classes and was accepted into the college of her choice. This was her year to enjoy a unique range of electives and time with friends. She was looking forward to prom, playing spring sports, saying goodbye, and walking across the stage to accept her diploma — that piece of paper that would officially launch her into adulthood. And of course, we all know what happened next. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down things big and small, and the Class of 2020 missed out on the final moments of high school. D'Albertis describes this situation as “not optimal,” but she, and the rest of the Class of 2020, want you to know that they are going to be fine. They represent a group of resilient young leaders who deeply care about the world and who are invested in making it better. Hopkins seniors graduated not only during a global pandemic, but also at a time of tremendous despair and pain brought on by the murder of George Floyd, which occurred days before their graduation. These events will undoubtedly shape their worldview. Hopkins seniors are well aware that the world they are entering is imperfect and complex. They are determined to take on some of
our most difficult problems. “Right now, I am worried about Minneapolis,” said senior Joe Ramlet. “But what gives me hope is that we have a really strong class, and we are going to change the world. There is going to be a change in Minneapolis and in the United States about how we deal with institutional racism, social justice, public health, and the environment. We have a responsibility and an obligation to be better and to do better.”
How do you graduate during a global pandemic? The Hopkins Class of 2020 graduated on June 4 in a format that was different from every other class that had come before them. Due to the pandemic, the traditional graduation was canceled and an alternative plan that included a drive-through graduation, mini car parades, and a virtual pre-recorded ceremony was put in place. This plan was crafted based on feedback from students and parents who overwhelmingly said the Class of 2020 should be allowed to come together as a class at the high school one last time. Graduation has deep meaning because it represents many things: accomplishment, excitement for what is ahead, and the end of childhood. See Class of 2020 Graduates, inside
Vehicle Fair HEF Rock-n-Royal DATES Block Party Kids can explore city IN THE vehicles and more at this Save the date for your COMMUNITY free early childhood event. favorite annual back-to*Events are subject to change depending on current health guidelines.
Fri., Sept. 4, 5:30-7 p.m. Harley Hopkins Family Center, 125 Monroe Ave. S., Hopkins
school event! Sat., Sept. 12 Watch for details: HopkinsEducation Foundation.org
Kindergarten Playground Nights Fall 2020 kindergarten families can explore the playground and meet staff in August. Find the date on your school’s website