Ninety-five percent of Hopkins residents hold a positive view of our teachers and instructional staff, reflecting strong community confidence in the people who serve our students every day. Hopkins educators are known for their dedication to high-quality instruction and for fostering a love of learning in their classrooms.
'Inside Hopkins' podcast is back for season 3
Join Superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed every other Monday for thoughtful, inspiring, and sometimes surprising conversations about the topics that matter most to our Hopkins students, staff, and community. Each new episode offers an inside look at what’s shaping the future of Hopkins. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!
The Community’s Guide to the District
Hopkins music program hits the right notes with opportunity and innovation
Step inside the Hopkins High School music wing, and you’ll immediately feel the energy. Every corner hums with the sounds of students perfecting their craft from ensembles in classrooms, to small groups in the practice rooms, and individuals making the most of every available space, even staff offices. Hopkins musicians are eager to create, collaborate, and grow. Their enthusiasm is reflected in the program's continued growth and expansion.
With four distinct paths including band, orchestra, choir, and specialty courses, Hopkins offers a robust and inclusive music experience that is accessible to all students.
“We want every student who takes music to be able to receive an authentic and innovative music education that is really responsive to their interest and creativity levels and how they perform,” said Band Director Nora Tycast.
Since Tycast joined the program five years ago, enrollment in band alone has grown from 88 students to over 300. That growth, she said, reflects how Hopkins’ music department has evolved to meet the diverse needs of today’s learners.
IN THE DATES COMMUNITY
Kindergarten Information Night
Nov. 13, 5:30-7 p.m.
Hopkins’ four music educators — Tycast, Orchestra Director Alison Swiggum, Choir Director Melissa Hanson, and Music Electives Teacher Jonathan Feulner — have intentionally designed the music program to ensure all students receive a unified, high-quality music education, regardless of the path they choose. They’ve aligned their vision and standards and even developed a shared vocabulary so that every student can speak the same musical language.
The program also creates spaces where students can be vulnerable, take risks, and feel safe doing so. In the choir room, for example, Hanson creates an environment that is both social and professional, allowing students to build confidence and develop their musicianship.
“Singing is vulnerable — the instrument is you,” Hanson said. “You have to create a supportive space and environment. There has to be trust, otherwise you will never hear the full voice.”
Expansive music programming
Hopkins stands out among neighboring districts for its innovative specialty music courses mostly
Hopkins music program, inside
Language Immersion Information Fair
Dec. 4, 6-7:30 p.m.
Families with incoming kindergarteners for the 2026-27 school year are invited to explore kindergarten choices, meet their child's principal, and learn more about Hopkins. bit.ly/47BV39B
Families interested in our Spanish or Chinese immersion programs are invited to a fun and informational event at Eisenhower Elementary focused on answering all of your immersion questions. bit.ly/4ohaM3z
Left: Hopkins Band brought the energy on stage. Right: Hopkins Choir filled the room with music and joy.
taught by Feulner. His classes include music production, songwriting, guitar, and DJ techniques. These courses provide new entry points for students to explore music beyond the traditional ensembles that often require prior experience with a musical instrument.
Feulner’s DJ techniques class, unique in the metro area, has quickly become a popular course and a model for other music programs across Minnesota. Funded by the Hopkins Education Foundation, the class has earned recognition for its innovation, and Feulner has been invited to speak to educator associations to help others develop similar offerings.
A priority of the Hopkins music program is to connect students to modern sounds and artists. Each year, students collaborate with professional musicians through the band’s Pops Concert and the orchestra’s Spotlight Concert.
Performing artists such as Dessa, Brother Ali, Jeremy Messersmith, and Ashley DuBose rehearse with students in the classroom before performing together. The experience gives students a behind-thescenes look at how professional musicians think, practice, and perform. Many guest artists have returned to work with Hopkins students because the experience has been meaningful and beneficial for both the artists and students.
Music that reflects the world
At Hopkins, music serves as both a reflection of culture and a bridge, connecting students through shared creativity and inclusivity. Students study and perform works by composers from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, often connecting the music to current events or themes like mental health or social justice.
HOMECOMING
Tycast encourages students to reflect on their identities through an identity inventory, helping them think about the kinds of artists and stories they want to engage with in their music. By the time students reach their senior year, they often want to play music that is outside their own experience, or shows a different point of view.
The musical directors are always exploring new music to reflect different cultures and perspectives. Travel opportunities designed to broaden students’ learning and enrich their educational experience are available to all students. The music program has traveled both domestically and internationally with trips to New Orleans, Washington, D.C., Costa Rica, Cuba, and more.
“The exchanges that we have had with schools in Cuba and Costa Rica were just so formative for students at that high school age,” Swiggum said. “It’s about the music, yet it is so much more. They just see that the world is a little bit smaller than they may think.”
Building community one note at a time
Music ensembles are unique because every performance depends on a connected community working together toward a shared goal. A song might sound empty without a bass, and without a violin, the melody could be missing.
“Collectively, we create this really awesome sound. Everyone plays such an important role, and yet it takes everybody to actually make the music happen,” Swiggum said.
As the music department continues to grow and evolve, it remains a place where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to create something beautiful together.
Royal Pride was on full display at Hopkins High School during Homecoming week Sept. 15-19! The Friday pep fest included a speed talent show, a relay race, performances by Deeply Royal and the Hopkins Dance Team, freestyle moments, and the crowning of Homecoming Royalty:
9th Grade: Luke Pellington & Mallory Ackerman-Kruger
10th Grade: McKenna Woodruff & Stella Kuznia
11th Grade: Ruby Leiss & So Yea Anderson
12th Grade: Jayden Moore & Ayanna James
Homecoming festivities culminated at the football game where the Royals dominated Park High School, cruising to a decisive 45-21 victory.
COMMUNITY TO VOTE ON TWO QUESTIONS NOVEMBER 4
Hopkins Public Schools is conducting a referendum on Tuesday, November 4, with two ballot questions — a $140 million bond to support safety and security upgrades and to modernize outdated facilities, and a Capital Projects Levy renewal to support technology infrastructure and cybersecurity updates. If approved, this would cost the average taxpayer $7 a month.
Voters will also elect three candidates to the Hopkins School Board. Rachel Hartland (I), Johanna Hyman, Eric Mandel, Tim Molepske, and Sara Wilhelm Garbers are vying for three open seats on the board. Elected members will serve a four-year term beginning in January 2026.
Make a plan to vote
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. In Minnesota, all voters have at least one location where they can vote early in person with an absentee ballot. You can also vote by mail and apply to have an absentee ballot mailed to you.
ALUMNI CORNER ROYAL SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Mitchell Schank Hopkins High School Dean of Students, Cross-Country & Track Coach, and Link Crew Co-Coordinator
Dr. Mitchell Schank is in his fourth year of teaching at Hopkins High School. As dean of students, he works as the liaison between teachers and students to create a positive culture at the school.
“I really enjoy working with students and building systems that help students have a positive experience in high school, while still establishing high expectations,” Schank said. Originally from Minnesota, Schank returned after college in Iowa, drawn to Hopkins for its outstanding schools, abundant student opportunities, and a vision of education geared toward the future. “I love working with all the students that come through the doors at Hopkins High School because each one is their own puzzle that you get to solve,” he said.
What do you enjoy about working in Hopkins?
There are so many great educators that I get to work with. The science team was very welcoming and allowed me to try so many new things right away. I got to connect with many educators who have the same vision of education as me. This is a district I want my future kids to go through because they will be able to find something they are passionate about.
Can you share a proud moment that made you feel good about doing your job?
I am really proud of the Link Crew Leadership program that I helped build at the high school. We have 91 Link Crew leaders this year who stepped up to deliver a great orientation day. Through this program, I want juniors and seniors to discover their leadership talents. There is no one classic archetype for a leader so the more exposure to leadership opportunities, the more kids can grow to find themselves.
Erik Nelson 2014 Graduate
Stats: Bachelor of Arts in journalism, with a minor in global studies, from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Erik Nelson has built a meaningful career as a journalist. He covers local athletics and community stories for the Elk River Star News and Union-Times in Princeton. In January, he received statewide recognition from the Minnesota Newspaper Association for Best Sports Story among publications with over 7,000 circulation for his profile story on sportscaster Jim Erickson.
After being diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at age five, he credits Hopkins' special education department for preparing him for success beyond graduation. Due to the early intervention and support from Hopkins staff, especially his North Middle School and Hopkins High School teachers, he was able to take mainstream classes from K-12.
Was there a teacher or staff member who made a difference in your life?
Andrea Sebenaler was my Spanish teacher. She pushed her students to work and be prepared. Her Spanish courses pushed me to take Spanish in college, and today I am fascinated by Latin American culture and society.
How did Hopkins prepare you for the future?
Hopkins taught me to be a critical thinker, a problem solver, and a compassionate person. I think these values are essential, especially in this challenging social and political climate. I wrote for The Royal Page, the student newspaper, during my senior year, covering multiple sports teams and wrote various columns, preparing me to be adaptable.
SCHOLARS
Kieran Roedel Class of
Otto Baune Class of
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Can’t get enough Hopkins Public Schools news? Get daily updates from our Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram feeds. If you don’t already follow us, here’s a snapshot of what you’ve missed.
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Hopkins Schools
October 9
Tanglen fifth graders teamed up with Hopkins High School students for an Outdoor Adventure class! They conquered the ropes course, zip line, and climbing wall, building confidence and leadership together.
Hopkins Public Schools
September 24
Congratulations to Eve, a XinXing Chinese Immersion student, who will represent Hopkins at the International Chinese Bridge Competition in China this month after winning first place in the Minnesota/Midwest contest! She will showcase her Mandarin skills through a speech and a lion dance performance among students from 70+ countries. Good luck, Eve! We're all rooting for you!
Hopkins Public Schools
September 15
The magic of Glen Lake Elementary is alive! Last week, kindergarteners and new students joined the House Sorting Ceremony, popping balloons filled with confetti to reveal their House: Altruismo, Amistad, Isibindi, or Reveur. The House system builds friendships, belonging, and teamwork across grades. A new year of adventure begins!
The schools our children deserve are up to us
On November 4, Hopkins residents will consider a school referendum that focuses on safety and security and providing modern learning spaces for our current students as well as the next generation. Public education is a worthy investment that pays off in more ways than we can imagine. Well-educated citizens make communities better, contribute to the economy, develop the next medical breakthroughs, and advocate for justice. Knowledgable young people are empowered to build a better future for themselves and for others. Our world needs leaders, and our future leaders need strong schools.
We have the opportunity to lay that foundation this fall. I won’t tell you how to vote – that’s your decision – but I do want to share what the plan is designed to do and why it matters.
What the bond referendum prioritizes
1. Safety and security, first.
If approved, the bond would modernize safety features across our schools. That includes improving secure entrances and visitor management, updating cameras and interior door hardware, and strengthening emergency communications.
2. Taking care of what we own.
Much of our infrastructure works quietly in the background until it doesn’t. Proactive maintenance is the least expensive path over time and helps us avoid emergency repairs that pull dollars away from classrooms.
3. Spaces that support great teaching.
Our educators are focusing on literacy and math, as well as doing innovative work in music, the arts, and career-connected learning. Targeted school building updates will help align classrooms and labs to today’s instruction without extravagant add-ons. This is about function, durability, and student success.
Designed to keep taxes low
No one needs another surprise on their property tax statement. The proposal is calibrated to keep the tax impact low ($7 or less per month) for the majority of our homeowners. We will intentionally phase projects and focus on essentials over extras.
Your vote matters
Hopkins Public Schools
September 9
Last week, the Class of 2026 kicked off the new school year by watching the sunrise together. The annual tradition marks the start of their final school year at Hopkins High School. In the spring, they will gather to watch the sunset as they prepare to graduate.
I’m asking every resident to learn the facts about the bond referendum and decide what is right for your household and our community. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, with early voting happening now. You can find details about voting and extensive information about the bond referendum and our tax-neutral Capital Projects Levy renewal on our website.
Hopkins is a proud, forward-looking community. Whether you have children in our schools or not, our buildings are community assets, and safety is a shared value. Thank you for taking the time to get informed.
It takes all of us to keep Hopkins strong.
Let's get to the polls, Hopkins! Early voting is now open.
AP SCHOLAR AWARDS
Hopkins High School has an extensive Advanced Placement (AP) program, offering over 20 AP courses. Hopkins has created a culture that provides access to AP classes and exams for all students. In 2025, 708 Hopkins students took at least one AP exam, a 27% increase from the previous year. This summer, 210 Hopkins students earned recognition from the College Board for their exceptional achievement on AP exams taken in spring 2025.
Scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. 101
AP Scholar Awards
55
AP Scholars With Honor
Average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams.
AP Scholars with Distinction
Average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams.
HopkinsSchools.org/update
Enrollment for 2026-27 opens Nov. 13! Complete your child's enrollment for the 2026-27 school year. All incoming kindergartners must submit an enrollment form, including Hopkins residents and Hopkins preschoolers.
