Daddy & Me EventsFree, fun reading events at area police stations for dads or male caregivers and kids.May 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m.MInnetonka Police Station 14600 Minnetonka Blvd.June 4, 6:30-7:30 p.m.Hopkins Police Station 1010 1st St S, Hopkins

UpdateHopkins Public Schools

May/June 2013

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

Three Hopkins seniors reflect on their high school experienceHigh school. It goes so quickly. The class of 2013 is approaching the final month of high school. The halls are buzzing with energy, angst, and excitement. It’s a great time in a young person’s life. At Hopkins, there are many success stories. This story profiles three students — Fatuma Ali, Benji Mosow, and Sid Gopinath — who have each achieved victory in their own right, but who have walked different paths. We wish them, and the entire class of 2013, the best of luck as they forge ahead.

Finding success through perseverance: Fatuma Ali Fatuma Ali has always been a goal-oriented student. She started her high school experience knowing she was going to college, but never imagined she would push herself to the levels she has, or achieve the amount of success she is ending her senior year with. Ali credits the AVID program, and her teacher Ms. Bailey, for pushing her far beyond what she thought were her limits.

In 10th grade, at the encouragement of Ms. Bailey, Ali skeptically signed up for the notoriously difficult Advanced Placement US History (APUSH) class. Ali still remembers the shock of the first homework assignment, which was to read 40 pages. Panicked, she went to Ms. Bailey, who assured her that she would adjust to the pace, and the only requirement for success was perseverance. Ali stuck with the class and would continue to take advanced classes.

“That year, I built the foundation of who I was going to be at the high school,” said Ali. “I decided I was going to be a smart student who was taking hard classes and who wanted to do well.”

In the end, perseverance paid off more than Ali could have anticipated. She recently learned that she became the first Hopkins student to be named a Dell Scholar and the recipient of a $20,000 college scholarship. Ali describes earning the scholarship as the highlight of her high school career.

“Being able to be the face for such a great scholarship, that was a really proud moment,” she said.

Next year, Ali is bound for the University of Saint Thomas where she plans to study politics and international law. She hopes she will be able to give back to other first-generation immigrants. Eventually, she would like to visit her homeland, Somalia, and continue to make a difference.

“A lot of times when you are an immigrant and you do well in America, you forget where your family is from and how far you have come,” she said. “I want to help people who are where I am, and internationally, as well.”

Hopkins ProPEL program confirms a path in medicine: Benji Mosow Benji Mosow is drawn to both the business world and the medical world. In some ways, this is not entirely surprising. His mom is a nurse and his dad is a CFO. Mosow’s interests fall somewhere in between, but when pressed, he describes medicine as something he has always known he wanted to pursue. In five years, he sees himself entering medical school.

“Helping people is something that has always appealed to me,” said Mosow. “I want to be able to see the results of my work and help patients get better.”

During the summer, Mosow dabbled in jobs that required first-responder skills. During his senior year, he got to go behind the scenes

in the world of medicine and shadow a cardiologist at North Memorial Hospital. This experience is part of ProPEL, a mentorship program at Hopkins High School that pairs students with mentors and real-world career experiences. Since winter break, Mosow has observed his fair share of open-heart surgeries and heart-related procedures. He is

The community’s guide to the District.

Spring Production‘Our Town’

Hopkins High School’s Royal Productions presents Thornton Wilder’s classic American play, set in the fictional town of Grover’s Corners. May 16, 17, 18, 7:00 p.m.Hopkins High School Little TheaterTickets: hhstheater.org or at the door

Hopkins High School Graduation

Congratulations to the class of 2013!

June 6, 7:30 p.m.Lindbergh Center2700 Lindbergh DriveMinnetonka

Hopkins High School named one of America’s Most Challenging Schools

Hopkins High School was named one of America’s

Most Challenging Schools by The Washington Post. Hopkins ranked 22 in the state and 183 in the Midwest region. Nationwide, only 9 percent of the 22,000 high schools evaluated made the grade. Hopkins earned a place on the list by offering challenging courses and welcoming all students to take those courses. Hopkins has 15 AP classes and six College in the Schools classes, and is growing both programs.

On Earth Day , Meadowbrook families collaborated with Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church to serve those in need. Activities ranged from making sandwiches for the hungry to tying fleece blankets for shelter cats. Community members, St. Louis Park Target, St. Louis Park Costco, Crystal Mill End Textiles, and Meadowbrook Girl Scout Troop 13766 all donated items.

Meadowbrook raised $110 for the Kuchanga Foundation. Community members prepared 210 bags of toiletry items, 191 bags of diapers, 195 bags of laundry, and donated 491 pounds of food.

Fatuma Ali became the first Hopkins student to be named a Dell Scholar.

After a ProPEL mentorship experience, Benji Mosow is more sure than ever he

wants to pursue medicine.

I built the foundation of

who I was going to be at the high

school — I decided I was going to be a smart student

who was taking hard classes and who wanted to

do well.

See Looking Back inside

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Meadowbrook’s First Community Service Night

Hopkins Community Education Building a great place to live

Hopkins North Junior High science teacher, David Beckman, has been selected to join an elite group of 40 secondary teachers nationwide to participate in the prestigious STARs (Siemens Teachers as Researchers) fellowship program. Beckman will become part of a team that will advance

science and technology, and deliver solutions to America’s most intractable problems in energy, the environment, and national security.

“David Beckman is a powerhouse teacher; his enthusiasm and passion for inspiring students to love science is evident the second you walk

Hopkins Teacher to Participate in Leading-Edge Science Research through Siemens Foundation

Looking Back continued from cover

also working on a research project designed to improve efficiencies in the operating room.

Mosow credits his ProPEL advisor, Jesse Theirl, for helping him make the most out of his high school experience.

“I really look up to him,” said Mosow. “He directed me in my life choices. He was always there, encouraging and supportive.”

Mosow’s high school career has many highlights. Being inducted into the National Honor Society Hall of Fame stands out, as does going to State with DECA. On a personal level, he has enjoyed volunteering with Israeli teen advocacy group MZteen, which helps teens and young adults travel to Israel.

Next year, Mosow is off to either the University of Pittsburg or the University of Washington. As he looks back on his high school career, he is proud to have triumphed and overcome stress. He credits the teachers at Hopkins for setting him up for a path of long-term success.

“Without the teachers, I would be in a much different place,” he said. “They helped me set high expectations, and encouraged long-term thinking.”

The sky is the limit: Sid GopinathTo the outside world, Sid Gopinath may appear like one of those students who is effortlessly good at everything. He has a variety of talents and

interests, and throughout his time at Hopkins, he has dabbled in just about everything. A National Merit Scholar, Gopinath is a strong student. He has taken 11 AP tests, and sometimes he takes the class, too. He estimates that he has earned up to 32 college credits as a student at Hopkins High School.

Having so many talents, Gopinath is keeping his options open. Although he suspects he will end up pursuing a science-related field, he has listed “undecided” as his major on his college applications. Regardless of where he studies — it’s between Duke, Vanderbilt, Cornell, and the University of Southern California — he plans to be in it for the long haul. In five years, he intends to be enrolled in a graduate program.

As a Hopkins student, Gopinath has had ample opportunities to explore his passion for music. He plays violin in the Hopkins Orchestra. He also plays guitar in an alternative band called Clear Recognition. One of his favorite classes was AP Language and Composition. Writing is something he wishes he could have explored even more in high school.

“I really liked that it was a small writing class, and that there was time for discussion,” said Gopinath. “If I had more time, I would have liked to study journalism.”

He is leaving high school with the highest regard for his teachers. The longer he reflected on his

high school experience, the more teachers he credited for helping make the experience so positive. However, he still remembers Mr. Knaus, the first teacher that made a big impression way back in elementary school.

“He was the first teacher to inspire me,” said Gopinath. “He helped me view teachers as not just authority figures, but also as mentors.”

Gopinath has accomplished a lot during his high school career, but he says it’s his ability to grow personally that he has found the most significant. This year, he joined the downhill ski team, and was “tricked” into joining the cross country running team (he wanted to start running with a friend in the morning, but his friend insisted that he join the team first). Like many students, Gopinath believes that it’s the good times and the friends that will be missed the most.

“I’ve really grown as a person,” he said. “I interact with all types of people, and have made a ton of great friends.”

Sid Gopinath (lower left) with the band Clear Recognition. Photo courtesy of Lisa Persson.

Questions about summer options? Call us at 952-988-4070 or visit www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org

Enrichment doesn’t stop in the summer – discover great summer options to get fit, engage your child, and more!Adult Enrichment

Our classes continue in the summer! Zumba, art, pottery, belly dancing, yoga — there is some summer fun and

learning for everyone.

Youth EnrichmentAdd summer sizzle with Hop-Kids preschool-age camps, Camp Royal K-6 youth day camps, L.E.A.D. and BLiNK

programs for grades 5-8, and more!

Early ChildhoodEngage and play with your baby in Summer Infant classes starting June 11; join us for Fun in the Sun August 22, an outdoor family

favorite, and more for summer!

in his room,” said Becky Melville, North Junior High principal. “He is relentless in his pursuit of knowledge, and instills that in his students.”

Now in his 25th year of teaching, Beckman is excited to jump into research and learning that he will bring back to the classroom.

“To be quite honest, I was surprised I was chosen,” said Beckman. “The selection process is extensive. I had to write several essays, provide a detailed lesson plan, and send in video of me working with students. This is a real honor.”

The two-week STARs fellowship takes place in July, and is designed to empower teachers to bring the excitement of authentic research into their classrooms and inspire students to pursue

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. During the program, Beckman, along with the other educators, will work alongside some of the nation’s top scientists on short-term projects focused on the most current and innovative scientific research.

In addition to conducting research side-by-side with leading scientists, Beckman and the other STARs fellowship participants will also benefit from a number of facility tours and seminars, aimed to assist teachers in effectively incorporating research into their science and math classrooms. Each teacher will also receive a grant to purchase equipment and supplies for their classrooms.

Experience summer fun and learning going on at Hopkins Community Education!

Scott Stillman Receives Fox 9 Top Teacher Award

At 2:15 p.m. on April 8, Alice Smith sixth-grade teacher, Scott Stillman, was surprised to find Jeff Passolt, the Fox 9 crew, as well as his wife and family at his classroom door. Along with the recognition as Top Teacher, Stillman received a $900 giant check from Royal Credit Union and a party for 100 people provided by Subway.

Maren Longfellow, a parent of one of Stillman’s students, decided to nominate him for the award in February. “I instantly knew I wanted to nominate Scott Stillman. He is one of the reasons Alice Smith is such a great school and my son strives to work hard, and reaps the benefits of his work,” Longfellow said.

Stillman consistently generates creative lesson plans. For example, instead of having students bring in cards and candy for Valentine’s Day, he organized the students to make blankets for community hospitals.

Reaction to the AwardOne of Stillman’s favorite results of receiving the award has been reconnecting with people from his past. “My eighth-grade English teacher at North Junior High emailed me saying how proud she was of me,” Stillman said.

Both Principal De St. Hubert and Stillman emphasized how the award represents the outstanding staff and students school-wide at Alice Smith. “There are many Alice Smith teachers who are so deserving as well,” said Stillman.

Did you know that many Hopkins students are the kids of Hopkins teachers and staff members? This semester, a group of teachers approached the communications department about organizing a photo shoot of Hopkins staff members who have children who attend — or will attend — Hopkins Schools. The end result was this photo, which of course was assembled in the shape of the letter H.

Hopkins Staff and Families Show Hopkins Pride

From the Superintendent, John Schultz, Ph.D.

As I am sitting down to write my year-end article, I am listening to the radio announce that we have a chance of getting four to eight inches of snow tonight (April 22). For many reasons — weather being one — it is hard to believe that we are closing in on the end of another school year. Although regular classes are not in session in the summer, Hopkins Public Schools

continues to offer learning experiences year-round.

Learning does not stop in the summer We know that when children remain engaged in learning throughout the summer, whether in school, family, or work activities, their student achievement is enhanced. I have learned as Superintendent that Hopkins Schools are busy places, with many offerings that can supplement the learning experiences families enjoy in the summer.

Our Community Education Department is offering engaging learning experiences that include Youth Enrichment, Camp Royal, and Hop-Kids preschool-age program. Basic skills opportunities for summer learning will also be available at several sites.

Planning for 2013-2014As we approach summer, the Hopkins Public School staff will pursue learning and professional development as we create the Spanish World Language program for our elementary schools. Our junior high schools will continue to develop digital curriculum and instruction, to give all seventh- and eighth-graders the opportunity to experience digital curriculum next year. Junior high staff will also continue the development of the International Baccalaureate program, which will begin in 2014-2015.

And remember… fall is just around the cornerPlease take time to relax and unwind with your family this summer. Before you know it, the calendar will flip to September, and the excitement of another school year will be here. I wish all of you a summer filled with learning and relaxation.

Hang Around for the Summer

Eisenhower Elementary’s dream of a new playground is about to become a reality. The only thing the school needs is some elbow-grease. This is where you come in. Show some Hopkins spirit, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get ‘er done! Athletic teams and other school organizations are encouraged to sign up for a shift.

The dates of the Community Build are Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19. The four-hour shifts start at 8:00 a.m. and wrap up at 8:00 p.m. on both days. Participants must be at least 14 years old. To volunteer for a shift, please call the Eisenhower school office at 952 988-4300.

If you have some mechanical skills and are interested in being a team lead, please contact Paul Buschmann at paul.buschy@gmail.com, or call 952-848-7630.

Eisenhower students, parents, and staff members voted on

three different playground designs. The design (right)

was chosen as the playground that would bring the most

enjoyment to the community.

Help Build the Eisenhower Elementary Playground

Update May/June 2013

Gatewood Elementary has a volunteer powerhouse — Katy Stanoch. She serves as volunteer co-coordinator for the school, Student Wellness Council representative, Book Buddies coordinator, and a classroom concert performer. Yet, Stanoch credits the Gatewood volunteer team — Jen Cords, Toni Hofstad, Kari Bartholet, and Kathryn Hernke — for serving as her inspiration, refusing to take sole credit for her many outstanding volunteer accomplishments. “Volunteering is a team effort,” said Stanoch. Proudest moments volunteering? I was recently asked to accompany the students as they performed a song for the Peace Assembly. It was such an honor for me. What person has influenced you most?My parents. They taught me that play is children’s work. Skiing or Hiking?Hiking — because you can stop and discover things along the way. People would be surprised to learn... I wrote a book, Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden, about breast cancer for young children. I volunteer because...I want to be involved in my sons’ lives at school — the big smiles, fist bumps, and hugs from students are pretty great, too!

Community Spirit Katy Tessman Stanoch

Benji Mosow: 2013 graduateFatuma Ali : 2013 graduate Sid Gopinath: 2013 graduate

Where will you be in five years? I should be just about ready to enter medical school.Proudest moment at Hopkins Public Schools?Being inducted into the National Honor Society Hall of fame, and going to State with DECA. What song is playing on your MP3 player? “One Day,” Matisyahu.What do you love about Hopkins Public Schools?The teachers led me on this path where I can be very successful. I may not have explored medicine if not for them. They set high expectations for me. In particular, Jesse Theirl was always there for me.If your life was a movie, which actor would you want to portray you?Tom Hanks — he is an upbeat, funny guy, who can play a serious role in times of need.Name one item on your bucket list:I’d like to go skydiving or fly an airplane one day.

Post-graduation plans: College, followed by law school. Eventually, a career in international politics. Her dream is to one day work in Somalia helping others get more opportunities, as she has had.fun facts

Where will you be in five years? Hopefully, I will be done with college and attending law school somewhere on the East Coast. I have hopes to go into international politics.Proudest moment at Hopkins Public Schools?When I received the Dell Scholarship. What teacher influenced you the most?Ms. Shannon Bailey. She helped me break down a lot of walls. She gave me strength that I am not sure I would have had without her support.What album is playing most on your MP3 player? Justin Timberlake, “20/20 Experience.”If your life was a movie, which actor would you want to portray you?Gabrielle Union. She is a strong, independent woman. Independence is important to me.Name one item on your bucket list:To go to Somalia – my family is from there. I hope to help the people there one day.

Where will you be in five years? Grad school is definitely in my future plans.Proudest moment at Hopkins Public Schools?Being part of the cross country team and starting a band. My band recently released the album “I’d Rather Stay.” What teacher influenced you the most?Mr. Knaus was the first teacher to really inspire me. He helped me view teachers as mentors. Mr. Sammler, Ms. Matts, and Mr. Shoger also stand out.What song is playing most on your MP3 player? ”Dustland Fairytale,” The Killers.If your life was a movie, which actor would you want to portray you?An older George Clooney (reminiscent of The Descendants).Name one item on your bucket list:To climb all the 14,000-foot or higher peaks in the nation. I would also like to buy my dad a Porsche.

Post-graduation plans: Deciding between Duke, Vanderbilt, Cornell, or the University of Southern California (USC). Plans include attending graduate school with a science-related focus.

fun facts fun facts

Post-graduation plans: College for pre-medicine. Plans to attend either the University of Pittsburg or the University of Washington.

Where are they going? 2013 Hopkins graduates blaze a trail to the future

District Life ChangerAfter a few years working in the business world after college, Scott Stillman realized his true calling was not in a downtown office building, but rather in a school classroom. He dropped out of the downtown business scene, and dropped back in to the familiar surroundings of Hopkins Public Schools, his alma mater. He began working at Alice Smith Elementary as a special education paraprofessional. Later, he completed his student teaching at Meadowbrook Elementary, and eventually, landed his sixth-grade teaching job at Alice Smith, a gig he has held for 12 years.

Scott Stillman

Stats: • B.S. Marketing, (minor in Clarinet Performance) Carlson School of Management, University of MN. • M.A. Teaching, Grades 1-6, University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, Minnesota.• A graduate of Hopkins Public Schools, Stillman’s wife attended Alice Smith Elementary, his kids attend Glen Lake Elementary — the Stillmans are Hopkins Royals through and through.

Stillman is known for his countless hours spent both in and outside the classroom. He is credited for helping develop the sixth-grade Gifted and Talented language arts curriculum. He is a basketball coach. Stillman is also the backbone of both the annual sixth-grade trip to Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center and the Hopkins Community Education Summer Field Biology Program at Wolf Ridge Environmental Center. “He puts endless hours into making the Alice Smith Eagle Bluff trip not only a possibility, but setting the students up for success on the journey,” said Jody De St. Hubert, Alice Smith Elementary principal.Parent Maren Longfellow recently nominated Stillman for the Fox 9 Top Teacher Award (see story at right) — which he won. “Scott goes above and beyond the call of duty for students,” said Longfellow. “He is a great role model, and provides students with guidance, motivation, and support.”Background: After breaking away from his early dream of being a professional clarinet player, and a stint in the world of advertising, Stillman discovered in short order that he loved working with kids of all ages and abilities, and pursued a master’s degree in teaching from the University of St. Thomas. A proud Hopkins graduate, and 15-year employee, Stillman can honestly say that he has spent over half his life at Hopkins Public Schools. What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? So many things... Being surrounded by colleagues who challenge me to do my best and support me in the process, the connections I have made with countless families over the years, and sharing the excitement of what is happening at Hopkins Public Schools. Proudest moments? Working with a student who came from a challenging family situation, who had an inconsistent attitude toward school and authority figures. After months of hard work, I made a connection with this student. Throughout his academic years he stayed connected with me. Now a 21-year-old man, he has made the decision to become a teacher. He inspires me to challenge myself when the going gets tough. It gives me great pride to see how much he has grown over the years. Teaching philosophy? Every student has amazing potential to learn, once kids get a taste for success, we can hook them into the infinite possibilities that come as a result of education.

May/June Events

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 161Hopkins, MN

55343

1001 Highway 7Hopkins, MN 55305www.HopkinsSchools.org952-988-4000Time Value

Residential Postal PatronECRWSS

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

Get Connected, Stay Connected

Hopkins High School Band Hot Club Jazz ConcertMay 11, 7:00 p.m.Hopkins High School Cafeteria, www.seatyourself.bizJUGHEADS Youth Juggling Company presents Juggle Jam 15 May 17, 18, 7:00 p.m.Hopkins High School Auditorium, more information at www.jugheads.comHopkins High School Spring Production, ‘Our Town’May 16, 17, 18, 7:00 p.m.Hopkins High School, Little TheaterHopkins Westwind Concert Band: Free concert gala event! June 2, 7:00 p.m.Hopkins Center for the Arts, visit www.HopkinsWestwind.orgLast Day of SchoolJune 6, grades 7-12; June 7, grades K-6GED Graduation CeremonyJune 4, 7:00 p.m.Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, HopkinsHopkins High School 2013 CommencementJune 6, 7:30 p.m.Lindbergh Center, 2700 Lindbergh Drive, MinnetonkaFirst Day of School 2013-14Grades 1-12, September 3; Kindergarten, September 4

Adult Options In Education’s GED Graduation ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 4 at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Adult students of all

ages will celebrate passing the GED (General Educational Development) exams.

Discover adult learning possibilitiesTo register for classes, or to find out more about GED test preparation, call Adult Options In Education at 952-988-5343, or visit www.adultoptions.org.

GED graduation event set for June 4

Free Summer Lunch and Camp Royal Combine for a Healthy and Fun Summer

Chef Oliver speaks often about how many chronic diseases can be prevented by proper nutrition — and learning cooking skills, using fresh foods, is fundamental to good nutrition.

Children can discover how fun cooking can be in a series of cooking classes this summer at Camp Royal. Camp Royal is offering 10 cooking camps — each camp will feature different recipes along with cooking preparation skills.

Participants will learn invaluable skills that teach independence, and can start a lifelong love of exploring the wonderful world of food preparation, from classes such as Bread Bowl and Recipes by You!

See the full selection and register today at: www.HopkinsSummer.org

Hopkins’ new food truck hits the streets for free summer lunches for kids, ages 0-18.

Hopkins Free Summer Lunch program and Camp Royal are teaming up this summer to provide a healthy, safe, and fun summer for our Hopkins and Minnetonka area youth.

“In Hopkins, we’ve worked very purposefully to expand our Hopkins Free Summer Lunch program. Children do not stop growing or learning in the summer, and their bodies require these meals to fuel a happy and healthy child,” said Barb Mechura, director of school nutrition.

New this summer, a mobile food truck, stopping at three community locations, will join the ongoing free lunches at Alice Smith, Eisenhower, and Katherine Curren elementary schools.

“The program gives us a tremendous vehicle to provide children with physical nutritional support, as well as social and academic growth, in a fun way,” said Mechura.

The new mobile food truckOne of the mobile food truck’s stops will be at 43 Hoops — the other two locations will be determined. The food truck gives Hopkins the ability to serve neighborhoods with large amounts of youth in the Hopkins School District who qualify for Free and Reduced services.

Hopkins received expanded funding on its grant through Second Harvest Heartland, to expand the free lunch and breakfast services with the food truck this summer.

DetailsJoin us — open to all, ages 0-18 — drop-in for a free, healthy lunch this summer! No registration or identification is needed.

Monday-Friday, June 17–August 16Locations:1. Eisenhower Elementary Breakfast: 8:00-9:00 a.m. Lunch: 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m.2. Alice Smith Elementary Breakfast: 8:00-9:00 a.m. Lunch: 12:00-1:15 p.m.3. Katherine Curren Elementary Lunch: 12:30-1:15 p.m.4-6. 43 Hoops and two locations TBD Lunch: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.www.HopkinsSchools.org/freelunch

“Every single American child should learn to cook!” — Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver

The public is welcome to celebrate student achievement at this inspirational event.