High School Musical Open Enrollment Open House NightEnroll your child in excellence. November 29, 7 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, Room 233, 1001 Hwy. 7, HopkinsUpdate

Hopkins Public Schools

New Junior High Schedule Provides Students with a Wealth of Choices

November 2011

d a t e s i n t h e c o m m u n i t y

Choral Teacher Receives National Young Choral Director Award

High school music and choral teacher, Philip Brown, has received the Young Choral Director Award from the ACDA (American Choral Directors Association).

Hopkins Teacher Performs in ‘Nobel

Conference Concert’

Financial Literacy, Juntos Spanish, and Forensics are three new classes o!ered this year.A new schedule, the result of a comprehensive secondary study in 2009-10, is changing the look and feel of the Hopkins junior high program. In addition to stronger connections between teachers and students, countless innovative, cutting-edge opportunities for young people have been made possible by this e!ort. "ree exciting classes that kicked o! this fall are highlighted below.

Financial Literacy, a Hopkins graduation requirementStarting this year, Hopkins Public Schools became the #rst school district in Minnesota to make Financial Literacy a required course for

graduation. Hopkins students will need to take a Financial Literacy class in grade 9 and again in their junior or senior year.

“Financial literacy opens the world to students,” said David Braaten, chair of the business department. “It helps them understand how they can get what they want.”

Financial Literacy developed as a collaborative e!ort between the FACS department (family and consumer science) and the business department. Parents and students were showing a growing interest in #nancial literacy electives. Braaten’s Managing Money class, for example, was becoming increasingly in demand — some parents were even requiring their students to take it before allowing them to open a checking account or apply for a credit card.

“In my generation, you did not learn about managing money unless it came from your family,” said Sue Nefzger, a junior high FACS teacher. “We are producing very educated kids, but they are lacking in the area of life skills.”

Parents were strong supporters from the beginning. Given the current state of the economy, making Financial Literacy a graduation requirement was a bold and logical next step.

"e junior high class is o!ered every other day for nine weeks, and

sets the foundation for a more rigorous high school class. Concepts like budgeting, salary range, online banking, identify theft, proper uses of credit, and the real cost of living are introduced, giving students a baseline knowledge of #nancial literacy.

"e high school component is rigorous, but the real test for students will come after they graduate and apply the concepts they have learned to the real world. To prepare students, the class focuses on applying for #nancial aid, using money management software like Quicken®, safely participating in online banking, establishing an optimal credit score, and more. Braaten remarked that one of the most rewarding moments is when students take action on the concepts that they have learned. “I have had students

return after high school to tell me they have invested a portion of their graduation money in a Roth IRA,” said Braaten. “"at’s powerful!”

Hopkins’ accelerated Spanish track begins with Juntos Juntos 1 is an accelerated Spanish class designed for heritage Spanish speakers and students who have completed an elementary immersion program. Juntos will grow at the junior-high level each year. In its third year, grade 9 students will be able to take Juntos 3, an AP (Advanced Placement) class capable of earning college credit.

Before enrolling in the class, students must pass a Spanish pro#ciency test. "is is a critical prerequisite because Juntos teacher, Erik "ompson, does not speak a word of English in class. Dialoguing with students entirely

In the new Forensics class, a Hopkins student performs an experiment .

I have had students return

after high school to tell me they have invested a portion of their

graduation money in a Roth IRA —that’s powerful!

see Junior High inside

Want to read more about our stories in this issue of Update? Go in-depth at:HopkinsSchools.org/Update

The community’s guide to the District.

Ryan Levi and Alexandra Tisher, seniors at Hopkins High School, have been named National Merit Semi!nalists.They are among 16,000 students nationwide chosen to compete for the National Merit Scholarship. Nearly 1.5 million students entered by taking the PSAT/NMSQT® test.

National Merit Semi!nalists

Go in-depth...

Family Swim Saturdays

Family fun and !tness at the Eisenhower Pool.Sat., Oct. 29-Mar. 24 1:00-3:00 p.m.Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Hwy. 7, Hopkins

Disney’s Aladdin Jr. Disney’s beloved !lm comes to life with your favorite songs, clever characters, and some new twists! November 4-13 High School Auditorium

www.hhstheater.org

Hopkins music teacher Timothy Berry performed in the “Nobel Conference Concert — a State of Mind and Music.” The concert featured world premieres of commissioned music by Berry and other emerging Minnesota musicians.

Update: November 2011

Katy Ackley Smith: 1978 graduateEddie Johnson III: 2007 graduate Luis Orozco: 2006 graduate

District Life ChangerAsk many students and graduates of Hopkins High School, and they will tell you that Lydia Kabaka has made a huge impact on their lives in a positive way. She works with students and their families to make sure the students; academic needs are being met, and that they are prepared for life beyond high school. Along the way, Lydia often becomes a friend, mentor, role model, or source of inspiration to her students. “Ms. Kabaka was a huge blessing in my life,” said former student Luis Orozco. “She helped me make it through school, but also helped me plan ahead and pursue higher education. She always looked for me to improve my skills and

Stats: Guidance Counselor, Hopkins High School, 13 years. Bachelors: Concordia College, Minnesota; Master’s in Science with a School Counseling focus: St. John’s University, New York. Lydia Kabaka has worked in di"erent parts of the country, starting at Hopkins in 2004.

Katy is the 2011 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. She is the !rst early childhood teacher to win this award in its 47-year history. Favorite Band of 1978?Listened to James Taylor on vinyl records!Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School? Track !eld, the band room, and the lunchroom.How did Hopkins prepare you?I carry enthusiasm and a love of learning that I learned at Hopkins with me today.What Hopkins sta! member made a di!erence in your life?I never knew I was an athlete until coach Jim Whitney invited me to join track. It was a great match for my competitive spirit. I learned so much from “Whit” on and o" the track. We are still friends all these years later. I am still learning from him and he continues to inspire me.

When Gayle Andrs retired from teaching fourth grade at Gatewood Elementary, she still wanted to be involved with children in some way. Along with another retired teacher, Judy Hill, she created Learning Lab, with the idea of assisting any child who needs help with their school work.Together, Gayle and Judy recruit, train, and supervise a wonderful group of volunteers (some are retired teachers) who come once a week to tutor students at Gatewood. “Teachers love sending their kids down to the Learning Lab because they trust Gayle and Judy,” said Barb Westmoreland, Volunteer Coordinator at Hopkins Public Schools.

Proudest moment volunteering? I feel rewarded when I see children who have struggled get excited when they make progress. What person has in"uenced you most?I had a high school social studies teacher who provided a great model for me. Chocolate or Vanilla?Chocolate. One of my favorite food groups! People would be surprised to learn... I really enjoy #shing — catching, cooking, and eating what I catch. I volunteer because... I enjoy being helpful and working with kids.

Community Spirit

Stats: Loan Servicing Specialist, Wells Fargo, San Antonio, TX B. A. in Sociology, Illinois

Wesleyan University. Will be attending University of Texas for his MBA

Gayle Andrsreach high in life.” For Lydia, seeing her students achieve is the greatest reward. Background:After relocating to Minnesota from Wisconsin, I have worked as a school counselor for the past 13 years. My role is to provide students with the greatest number of opportunities while they are at Hopkins, so that when they reach the end of high school, they have a wide range of options to choose from. I help students achieve their goals. I am often the link that provides students and families with resources, and I help them problem solve when issues arise. I work in the areas of academic advising, college planning, foreign exchange student coordination, testing, group and individual counseling, 504 facilitating, mediation, and serve as a secondary counselor lead.

What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? I love the students that I work with and the many opportunities that are available for them here at Hopkins. It is personally rewarding that I am able to be a strong advocate for my students and encourage them to challenge themselves to always do better. I build them up and provide them with a learning environment in which they feel safe. I am inspired by my students every day and enjoy seeing them achieve. Proudest moment?My greatest achievement has been making sure that all of my students have access to educational opportunities and that they achieve at a high level. "ere is nothing more rewarding than seeing children excited and engaged in the learning process. Life quote?“Keep it moving.” I always tell my students that regardless of the circumstances that they are in, or the situation that they may be encountering, they need to keep moving forward in a positive direction so that they can continue to grow.

fun facts A recent college graduate, Eddie is currently working for Wells Fargo in bankruptcy and#foreclosure.#He plans to pursue an MBA in project management. Later, he would like to establish his own project management !rm.How did Hopkins prepare you?My experiences taking honors and AP classes became the stepping stones for my college career. Favorite Band of 2007?Kanye West Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School? The stairs in front of the library. What Hopkins sta! member made a di!erence in your life?Ms. Lydia Kabaka had the biggest impact in my life at Hopkins High School. She was more than just a counselor, but a friend. We still stay in contact periodically.

Ask Luis and he’ll say his family is the most important part of his life. He is married to Raina and keeps busy with his baby girl, Lily Joy Orozco. Luis’ future plans are to teach at the college level and coach college football. Favorite hangout spot at Hopkins High School?Where all the action was — the Mall!Favorite CD of 2006?Dem Franchize boys, Lean wit it, Rock wit it.How did Hopkins prepare you?It made me take what has come my way in life and turn it into the steps of my destiny.What Hopkins sta! member made a di!erence in your life? Many Hopkins teachers helped me, met me before school, made me feel valued, brought out my best, and pushed me to set goals. Lydia Kabaka, Ramon Reina, David Braaten, to name just a few.

Stats: Athletic Director, Word of Life Christian Academy, NV. B.A., Northwestern College,

MN; M.A. in Human Services & Religion, Liberty University, VA

fun facts fun facts

Stats: Parent Education Teacher, Winona Public Schools BSW, Parent Ed Licensure,

Winona State University; MEd, University of WI, LaCrosse

Lydia Kabaka

Where are they now? Know a someone we should feature on this page? Email Carrie.Gerard@HopkinsSchools.org

Adult Enrichment

Visit www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org for all our offerings, or call 952-988-4070 for a catalog.

Hopkins Community Education Building a great place to live

Junior High, continued from coverin Spanish is an activity that "ompson #nds incredibly gratifying.

“"is class has a real sense of community,” said "ompson. “Not only is it okay to speak Spanish, you have to speak Spanish.”

"e language component is particularly

important for native Spanish-speaking students. Nationwide, Latino students are underrepresented in AP classes. Juntos is capable of bucking this trend by encouraging Latino students to experience an AP class in a safe place where they feel con#dent.

"e ability to master two languages is a skill that bene#ts all kids. Bilingual adults have a competitive edge in the job market, and may have more earning power than their peers who speak only one language. Students who stay on the accelerated Spanish track can earn a wealth of college credits. "e ninth-grade class alone will earn up to nine college credits, and three more AP Spanish classes will be developed for grades 10, 11, and 12.

Parent Education

EnrichmentEnrichment

H O P K I N S C O M M U N I T Y E D U C A T I O NH O P K I N S C O M M U N I T Y E D U C A T I O N

New: Travel Solo – you can get out and see the world!

Gluten-Free Cooking: go gluten-free and feel better

The Great Comeback: Get control of your life!

page 12

page 24

Learn anywhere! Online classes on page 10

New:

page 20

Hopkins Community EducationBuilding a great place to live

Check out our

photography classes! p. 21

www.HopkinsSchools.org/Update

Forensics hones students’ inner detective Forensics is just one of many electives o!ered to junior high students as the result of the new schedule. "e class is already proving to be a big hit, attracting students who want a behind-the-scenes perspective on a science that has been made popular by television shows like Criminal Minds, CSI, and Bones.

“One of things we do in this class is think critically about the shows that the students watch and how what they portray is not always reality,” said Becky Carry, a forensics teacher at West Junior High.

"e class teaches students the steps involved in collecting evidence through lectures, hands-on learning experiments, technology, and a bit of chemistry. "rough labs, students explore everything from blood splatter and #ngerprints,

to face-identi#cation software and mystery powders. "e students love it. “"e beauty of electives is that you get kids who are interested in the topics,” said Carry. “"ey have chosen this higher academic level class and enjoy science and this topic.”

F.A.C.T.: Facing Autism Challenges TogetherCelebrates 10 years of supporting families living with autism spectrum disorder.

Our wide variety of hands-on Adult Enrichment classes let you create something wonderful for gift giving.

Gifts made by you are the most memorable. From something fresh baked and fragrant, to something decorative and lasting — it’s all here at Hopkins Community Education.

Gift-making classes coming up this fall:

Find these classes and many more at www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org

The beauty of electives is that you get students who

are interested in the topics. They have

chosen this higher academic level class and enjoy science

and this topic.

Director of Special Services believes in success for all students. Linda Gardner, director of special services for Hopkins Public Schools, knew she wanted to pursue a career in special education in high school. As a

student, she experienced academic success and wanted to contribute to the success of students who were not as lucky as she was. Gardner was hired as the special services director at the end of the 2010-2011 school year, succeeding Jan Ormasa.

“I have been fortunate to follow a director who contributed to Hopkins’ great history,” said Gardner. “Every day, I feel lucky to be part of this District.”

Gardner came from South Saint Paul Schools, where she served as the director of special services since 2005. However, she spent most of her career at Anoka-Hennepin Schools, serving as a speech/language pathologist for 14 years and a special education administrator for six years.

She has a BAS in communicative disorders and a Master’s in speech and language pathology from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She also has a specialist degree in Director of Special Education from the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis, and an Ed.D. from the University of St. "omas.

In her free time, Gardner loves cooking and going to theater and art events. She spends every spare moment possible with her children and grandchildren. Her favorite song of all time is Java Jive by the Ink Spots.

Whether you have a family member newly diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or you have been walking the journey of ASD for some time, knowing you are not alone can be important. F.A.C.T. is a free support group for parents, individuals, families, friends or community members to share support, resources, and ideas on life with an autism spectrum disorder. Both afternoon and evening options are o"ered. Join us, there is no fee and no registration is required.

Visit http://HopkinsFACT.home.comcast.net

New Face

Gift Giving on the Mind?

Students work to identify a mystery powder in Forensics class.

November Events

Over 60 electives are available for our junior high

student this year.

55343

Time  Value

Residential Postal PatronECRWSS

Key District ContactsDistrict O#ce 952-988-4000Adult Options In Education 952-988-5343Athletics 952-988-4691Community Education 952-988-4070Early Childhood 952-988-5000Human Resources 952-988-4030Kids & Company 952-988-4080Nutrition/Royal Cuisine 952-988-4060Special Education 952-988-4040Superintendent 952-988-4021 Transportation 952-988-4115

Find us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/HopkinsPublicSchools

Get Connected

Kindergarten Parent Information Nights "ese meetings are designed for parents of children entering kindergarten in the fall, but are open to any family wanting to learn more about our schools. You are welcome to attend any information night, check the dates below.

Open Enrollment Night November 29, 7:00 p.m.Eisenhower Community Center, Rm. 233,1001 Highway 7, Hopkins, MN 55405

Enroll your child in excellence.Hopkins Public Schools is a place where all students can thrive and reach their potential. Our program is academically rigorous and #lled with extensive choices at every level. We blend a variety of real-world learning experiences with core classroom curriculum. If you would like to join Hopkins, our Open Enrollment Night is a great place to learn more about us. For information, call 952-988-4024 or visit: www.HopkinsSchools.org/Discover

Experience our elementary schools without leaving your home. See our classrooms in action, meet our teachers, and learn about our curriculum in our video! View the elementary video at: www.HopkinsSchools.org/Kinder

View our elementary schools in action!

Family Open Swim Saturdays November 5, 12, 19, 26, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Continues through Mar. 24.Eisenhower Community Center Pool. www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org

Hopkins High School Fall Musical — Disney’s Aladdin Jr.November 4, 5, 11, 12, 7:30 p.m. November 6, 13, 2:30 p.m.Hopkins High School AuditoriumOpen Enrollment Open House — enroll your child in excellence.November 29, 7:00-8:00 p.m.Eisenhower Community Center, room 233JazzMN Orchestra’s Tribute to Miles DavisNovember 19, 7:30 p.m.Hopkins High School AuditoriumECFE Special Topics Class — Temper TantrumsLife can be calmer! For parents of children ages 3-8.November 10, 6:30 p.m.Harley Hopkins Family Center, register: 952-988-5000Food Allergy Resource Fair — Food Allergy Support Group of MNNovember 12, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.Hopkins Eisenhower Community Center

Extensive Electives

School Board ElectionVote

Nov. 8

Learn more about Hopkins Schools!Fresh is Best — Hopkins Students Thrive with Healthy Initiatives

Fresh snacks await Alice Smith studentsHopkins Public Schools has received a $45,000 grant to participate in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program. "e grant will bring fresh fruit and vegetables into the school to be served during snack time. "e idea is to expose students to a variety of fresh produce that they might not otherwise try. "is program is being piloted at Alice Smith Elementary and is available to all students at the school.

Farm-2-School brings limelight to MeadowbrookHopkins is also a participant of Farm-2-School, a statewide initiative to o!er more locally grown, farm fresh foods at school. As a result of Hopkins’ participation in this program and other healthy initiatives, Meadowbrook Elementary will be part of a Farm-2-School documentary that will broadcast on TPT, a PBS a$liate, in January.

Alice Smith: Tuesday, November 1, 6:30 p.m.Eisenhower+XinXing Academy: Thursday, November 17, 6:30 p.m.Gatewood: Tuesday, November 22, 6:30 p.m.Glen Lake: Tuesday, November 15, 6:30 p.m.L.H. Tanglen: Thursday, November 10, 6:30 p.m.Meadowbrook: Thursday, November 10, 7:00 p.m.XinXing Academy: Tuesday, December 13, 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, January 10, 6:30 p.m.