2023-24 Hopkins Public Schools Kindergarten Brochure

Welcome to Kindergarten Creating a better world by inspiring our students to reach their full potential.

Accepting enrollments starting Nov. 10 for the

2023-24 Kindergarten School Year

Hopkins

Class of

2036

We are excited to welcome you and your upcoming kindergartner to Hopkins!

Welcome to Hopkins Kindergarten!

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions that you will make for your child. In Hopkins, we believe in relationships. We take the time to get to know you, your family, and your child. Our students are at the center of everything we do. When students feel heard, seen, and valued, they can do their very best work — that’s why love is one of our core values.

We are excited to begin this relationship with your family during the year before kindergarten, so that when your child begins their first day of school, they will be full of confidence and excitement. Our program is centered on your child’s academic and social-emotional success with caring teachers who will support your child as they explore their passions, discover their talents, and develop their strengths throughout their Hopkins path.

We look forward to having you at our kindergarten events and we’re excited for your student to join us next fall!

Sincerely,

Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed Hopkins Public Schools Superintendent

About Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed Bachelor’s degree in psychology and graduate of the teacher preparation program, Yale University.

Master’s degree in education policy and administration, K-12 licensure, University of Minnesota.

Doctorate in education leadership, Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Meet Your Elementary School Principal Eduardo Navidad

Melissa Ness

Principal, Alice Smith I choose Hopkins because Hopkins’ commitment to Vision 2031 is a collective drive to embody the core values in our daily work.

Principal, Eisenhower I choose Hopkins because Hopkins values each scholar as an individual who brings strengths and brilliance.

Dr. George Nolan

Jeff Radel

Principal, Gatewood I choose Hopkins because every student who comes through our doors is valued and loved!

Principal, Glen Lake I choose Hopkins because we believe that every child deserves a brilliant future!

Dr. Jim Hebeisen

Natalie Sawatzky

Principal, L.H. Tanglen I choose Hopkins because it is a caring community with relationships as a foundation for great learning.

Principal, Meadowbrook I choose Hopkins because our district’s values closely align to my personal values.

I lead with love, humility, and a quest for equity.

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Español: Comuníquese al 952-988-4211 o Elisa.Dorfman@ HopkinsSchools.org si tiene preguntas y ayuda con el registro.

Soomaali: Wac 952-988-4069 ama iimayl u dir Deeqa.Barkhadle@HopkinsSchools.org wixii su’aalo ah iyo caawinta isdiiwaangelinta.

Hmoob: Yog tias koj xav tau kev pab, thov xa email rau Panou.Xiong@HopkinsSchools.org.

Join us for these important events during your child’s year before kindergarten November 10, 2022 — Kindergarten Information Night Mark your calendar! This fun and interactive event is for families and their incoming kindergartner. Learn about Hopkins’ exciting vision, meet your child’s principal, and explore the many options and choices available to you.

Kindergarten Information Night at Hopkins High School:

Register Online: bit.ly/3EvCPZf

Nov. 10, 2022, 6-7:30 p.m.

November 17, 2022 — Virtual Language Immersion Information Session Families interested in our Juntos Spanish Immersion or XinXing Chinese language Immersion programs are invited to a virtual event focused on answering all of your immersion questions.

Virtual Kindergarten Language Immersion Information Session:

Register Online: bit.ly/3SIRSmJ

Nov. 17, 2022, 5:30 p.m.

December 8, 2022 & January 10, 2023 — Registration Information Sessions Join our enrollment team for a virtual event on Dec. 8, 2022 that will provide helpful information on how to apply for kindergarten, upcoming deadlines, and answers to common enrollment questions. An in-person registration event will be offered in Somali to families on Jan. 10, 2023, at Eisenhower Community Center.

Virtual Registration Information Session: In-Person Registration Session for Somali Families:

Register Online: bit.ly/3fXOmGD Register Online: bit.ly/SRN23kb

Dec. 8, 2022, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 10, 2023, 6:30 p.m.

January 17, 2023 — IMPORTANT Application Deadline The application deadline for Open Enrollment, Immersion, In-District Transfer, and VirtualEDU families is Jan. 17, 2023.

All applications received after this date will be added to a waiting list based on the date the application is received.

February & March 2023 — In-Person Kindergarten Roundup Join us in person at your child’s school for Kindergarten Roundup events that are designed to get you and your child ready for kindergarten in 2023. Watch for a mailed postcard with registration and event information.

Alice Smith Elementary: Eisenhower Elementary: Gatewood Elementary:

March 8, 2023, 6:00 p.m March 7, 2023, 5:00 p.m.

Feb. 23, 2023, 5:30 p.m.

Glen Lake Elementary:

Feb. 28, 2023, 5:30 p.m.

L.H. Tanglen Elementary: Meadowbrook Elementary: VirtualEDU:

Feb. 23, 2023, 6:30 p.m Feb. 23, 2023, 6:30 p.m.

March 9, 2023, 6:00 p.m.

Spring/Summer 2023 — Additional Year-Before-Kindergarten Events Please watch our website for upcoming year-before-kindergarten event dates — including, Kindergarten Bridge in May and Kindergarten Playground Nights in August.

Early Childhood Screening

Kindergarten Early Entrance

Screenings are recommended between the ages of 3-4, and required before kindergarten.

Schedule a screening appointment at HopkinsSchools.org/screen.

An informational meeting will take place in Spring 2023 for children who will turn 5 years old after Sept. 1. To register, call 952-988-5000 or email Sonya.Everhart@HopkinsSchools.org.

Personalized Learning In Hopkins, we believe in the brilliance of our scholars. In our schools, you will find educational opportunities that are tailored to the unique needs of each child. Personalized learning is for all students and provides flexible pathways to academic success with a common goal of helping each student reach their full potential. Personalized learning encourages students to express their interests, provides choices in their educational journey, and teaches self-advocacy skills. Research shows that children who feel connected to their learning have increased levels of engagement and academic performance.

Examples of Personalized Learning • Inclusive environments that focus on community • Student experience is integrated into their learning • Interactive, project-based learning • Concept-based learning supports critical thinking

We recognize our students as deep thinkers who are curious and capable as they explore the world around them and follow their interests.

- Principal Jim Hebeisen L.H. Tanglen Elementary

Hopkins Elementary Schools at a Glance • Spanish language instruction is integrated into the curriculum for all kindergarten through sixth-grade students.

• STEM learning begins in kindergarten. Our Engineering is Elementary (EiE) curriculum introduces students to deeper STEM concepts, collaboration skills, and problem-solving.

• Staff of specialists are at every school including social workers, counselors, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and restorative practice specialists.

• Schoolwide enrichment and inquiry-based learning are available to all students.

• Social-emotional learning and self-regulation strategies create environments where students can thrive. Flexible classrooms give students agency over the physical space they need to support their learning.

• Digital learning encourages critical thinking and puts students at the center of their education.

• Before- and after-school care is offered through our Kids & Company program: HopkinsSchools.org/kids.

• Orchestra and band begin in elementary school.

• iPad tablets are provided to all elementary students.

Outdoor Learning Learning and exploring in nature Your child will build connections to the natural world as they spark their curiosity, inventiveness, and excitement for school. While each of our elementary schools prioritizes outdoor exploration and observation, Gatewood Elementary is an environmental school and has an outdoor kindergarten and first grade program that will expand schoolwide next year.

Gatewood provides a holistic approach to learning, leveraging its beautiful grounds and outdoor classrooms, onsite naturalist, wellness programs, and a state-of-the-art greenhouse. When scholars have opportunities to go outside to learn, they become motivated, observant, collaborative, and self-directed. Lessons held outdoors increase student engagement in school — even after students return to indoor learning spaces. Learn more at HopkinsSchools.org/outdoorK.

Benefits of Outdoor Learning According to research, an outdoor learning environment has a positive effect on the brain and can lead to better learning outcomes.

Other benefits include: • Increased engagement and focus • Enhanced curiosity and discovery • Connects children to the outdoors

CRITICAL THINKING

• Encourages exploration and inquiry • Develops resilience and confidence

Experiential Learning Enhancing curiosity and learning Experiential learning is the practice of learning through doing. It encourages your child to have first-hand experiences with their learning, rather than learning through someone else’s experiences in a textbook or teacher lecture. Experiential learning supports critical thinking and independent problem-solving — which builds students’ confidence.

At Hopkins, our students gain a deeper understanding and retention of content areas when they are allowed to actively participate in their learning. Starting in kindergarten, your child will have opportunities to connect their learning to real-world experiences that will broaden their perspectives, fuel their curiosity, and enhance their engagement. Experiential and inquiry-based education is one of the ways we personalize learning for every student.

At Glen Lake Elementary, experiential learning is fueled by monthly field trips through the Glen Lake Go program.

Learn more at HopkinsSchools.org/GlenLakeGo.

EMPATHETIC EXPLORER

Benefits of Experiential Learning • Students learn what it means to work as a team and how to take on leadership roles.

• As they explore, your child will also learn about their strengths, weaknesses, and passions.

• Students with access to hands-on lessons are more likely to retain knowledge and apply it across curriculum and in their daily lives.

• Your child can develop the important life skill of reflecting on their actions and thought processes to achieve new or different results.

Hopkins VirtualEDU Online Learning Flexible options for K-12 scholars to thrive VirtualEDU is a K-12 online learning community focused on personalized and project-based learning. Our approach lets students move at their own pace with opportunities to explore their passions and interests.

Our fully accredited online learning program, VirtualEDU, is designed to leverage both blended and fully online learning pathways to give all scholars — K through 12 — equitable access to high-quality education, holistic experiences, and rigorous academic outcomes. The program provides varying degrees of student control over time, pace, path, and place while giving access to athletics and all other extracurricular events and activities.

With an emphasis on social justice and community, Hopkins’ VirtualEDU is different from other K-12 online academies.

Visit HopkinsSchools.org/virtual to learn more!

Benefits of Online Learning Online learning is expanding opportunities for personalized learning. Traditionally, education has been limited based on geographic location.

Through online learning, your child can access quality education to increase their productivity and overall academic success.

Other benefits include: • Flexible schedule and environment • Self-discipline and responsibility • Quality teacher-student interaction

International Baccalaureate (IB) Nurturing learners who are curious, confident, and empathetic The International Baccalaureate (IB) program builds on the belief that children are naturally curious and learn deeply when they are engaged in relevant topics. Children ask questions that guide their desire for knowledge, lead to discovery, and make education an adventure!

IB provides a rigorous curriculum framework that encourages students to think critically and solve problems.

Eisenhower Elementary is currently an IB-candidate school.

In each of our elementary schools your child will discover relevant and engaging subjects, instructors that encourage curiosity and exploration, and inquiry-based learning.

Why Families Choose IB The IB assessment gives you and your child a richer picture of how they are doing in school, understands their strengths, and provides pathways for them to elevate their learning.

Other benefits include: • Rigorous learning objectives • A student-centered approach to teaching • International perspectives

Chinese and Spanish Language Immersion Language Immersion Pathways Hopkins immersion programs holistically infuse cultural awareness, empathy, and respect for other perspectives and cultures into the curriculum for our global scholars.

XinXing Chinese Immersion XinXing is Hopkins Public Schools’ all-day Chinese immersion program located at Eisenhower Elementary School. XinXing immersion scholars reach an advanced level of proficiency by the end of grade 12 and will develop bi-literacy in both Chinese and English.

Our teachers are native Chinese speakers who create a positive and authentic full-day immersion experience for your child. In kindergarten through grade 2, students receive language arts/reading, math, science, social studies, and health instruction in Mandarin Chinese. In all grade levels, music, art, and physical education are delivered in English, with Chinese cultural components infused throughout these classes.

Chinese immersion courses continue at Hopkins West Junior High and Hopkins High School. Students who complete the full Chinese immersion track will be prepared for advanced coursework in Chinese at the college level and can earn up to 16 college credits by the time they graduate high school.

We relocated from Duluth to send our daughter to XinXing Academy. It had the reputation of being rigorous and engaging with incredibly dedicated teachers — this has proven to be absolutely true! XinXing embraces the whole child and offers a complete immersion experience.

- Laura Jensen XinXing parent

GLOBAL LEARNING

Juntos Spanish Immersion The Juntos Spanish dual immersion program at Alice Smith and Eisenhower Elementary complements the existing English and Chinese immersion pathways in place and fits into our district vision to develop holistic, global thinkers.

The program brings together students who speak Spanish, English, or another language at home. Dual language immersion helps students develop high levels of language proficiency in their home and second language. In kindergarten, 90% of instruction is in Spanish and 10% is in English. Students learn to read and write in Spanish first, and English literacy instruction is increased gradually as they progress through the program.

The Juntos elementary program started in fall 2020 and will grow into a K-12 immersion program by adding a grade level each year through grade 6. Juntos elementary students will join our successful Juntos Spanish immersion program at North Junior High and Hopkins High School.

Scholars who complete the full Spanish immersion track will be prepared for advanced courses in Spanish at the college level, can earn up to 16 college credits, and may earn Minnesota bilingual and multilingual seals. Scholars who speak Spanish are encouraged to apply.

Se les anima a los estudiantes que hablan español a aplicar.

Cultivating the skills your 2036 graduate will need through Vision 2031 When your kindergartner graduates in 2036, they will be entering a world that is highly globalized and rapidly evolving. The traditional school system was designed to prepare students for industrial work. We need to prepare students for the future — not the past. That’s the purpose of Vision 2031, a vision of innovation to reimagine the traditional school system from the ground up.

The Hopkins Promise Hopkins promises an educational experience for students ages 0-21 that prepares them to succeed in our increasingly complex, rapidly changing world. Our students are recognized as global scholars who work collaboratively, disrupt the status quo, and solve some of the world’s most complex problems. They are the best and brightest citizens of tomorrow.

Together, we are creating a better world by inspiring each student to reach their full potential.

VISION Hopkins Core Values: • Authentically Inclusive • Intentionally Adventurous • Optimistic Innovation • Humility of Heart • Vigilant Equity • Love

Continuing your child’s journey as a Hopkins Royal At Hopkins, you’ll find a rigorous academic curriculum and an inclusive school community that enables every student to learn through trial and error, instilling confidence and creating opportunities for innovative thinking to emerge.

When your child graduates in 2036, they will have key traits that we believe will set them apart from their peers and set them up for 21st-century success.

VISION Traits of a Hopkins Grad: • Has their Own Voice • Is Confident • Is Empathetic • Is a Critical Thinker • Is Global and Well-Traveled • Is a Holistic Thinker

Class of

2036

Hopkins Public Schools at a Glance +7,280

E-12 Students

25

Our Schools

Elementary Highlights

High School Highlights

7 Preschool Locations 6 Elementary Schools 2 Junior Highs

1 Character Development School 1 Experiential Learning School 1 IB Candidate School 2 Language Immersion Programs

27 AP Classes Offered

(Transitioning to middle schools in 2023-24)

1 High School 1 Online K-12 School

Kindergarten Class Size

(Spanish and Mandarin Chinese)

1 Online K-12 School 1 Outdoor Learning School

+1,450

District Staff & Teachers

(In 2021, 41% of HHS students were enrolled in AP courses)

21 World Language Courses (Spanning 4 different languages)

1:1 Technology Devices 60+ Athletic Teams, Student Clubs, and Activities Offered

Hopkins Public Schools ISD 270 1001 Hwy. 7 Hopkins, MN 55305

Presorted First Class Mail U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 161 Hopkins, MN 55343

Get to know us by attending our upcoming Kindergarten Information Session!

Nov. 10, 6-7:30 p.m. at Hopkins High School Register online: bit.ly/3EvCPZf

At Hopkins, we encourage young learners to pursue their interests, develop their strengths, and discover their talents.

Connect with us to learn about our programs, your child’s school, Vision 2031, and how we are transforming learning for our scholars.

Enroll beginning Nov. 10!

Visit HopkinsSchools.org/enroll or email Enrollment@HopkinsSchools.org to connect with the Hopkins enrollment team.

If your child turns 5 by Sept. 1, 2023, we encourage you to start your enrollment for the 2023-24 school year starting on Nov. 10.

Enrollment Application Deadline: January 17, 2023 • Chinese and Spanish Language Immersion • Open-Enrolling Students • In-District Transfer Students • VirtualEDU Students

For more information on Hopkins kindergarten, visit:

HopkinsSchools.org/kinder Connect with us:

HopkinsPublicSchools

Schedule an Elementary School Tour: The best way to learn what makes Hopkins Public Schools great is by experiencing our schools for yourself! We invite you to join us for a personal tour at any of our E-12 schools.

You belong at Hopkins!

HopkinsSchools.org/tour

Hopkins Public Schools Key Contacts: Enrollment Center 952-988-4110

VirtualEDU K-12 Online Learning 952-988-4050

Transportation Services 952-988-4115

Early Childhood Screening Appointments 952-988-5017, required for kindergarten

Student Nutrition Services 952-988-4060

Early Childhood Programs & Preschools 952-988-5000

Special Education Services 952-988-4040

Kids & Company School-age Care 952-988-4080

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