If you’re over 30, you may be surprised by how different math instruction looks for our students and teachers. Like in the past, there is a strong emphasis on basic skills, but today’s math instruction has become so much more.

“Our goal is to prepare our students for the future with a challenging and high-quality mathematics program,” said Michele Luke, Hopkins’ math curriculum coordinator, “You will see higher expectations for when students learn concepts and the extent of their understanding.”

A Strong Math Background for LifeHopkins’ elementary teachers provide students with a strong background on the math basics such as computation, geometry, algebra, and data. “These are the building blocks that students need to be successful in more advanced math classes, as well as preparing them for how math is used in daily life and into the future,” said Sandra Cowing, a 6th-grade teacher at Alice Smith Elementary School.

“Math basics are practiced frequently. However, today’s math focus is also about helping students understand what they are doing,” said Tina Housker, a 2nd-grade teacher at Glen Lake Elementary School. Student math skills are built by linking exploration, computation, understanding, and application.

“Mathematics is so much more than an isolated list of skills involved in solving problems,” said Regina Johnson, a 7th-grade math teacher and Math Department chair at Hopkins West Junior High. “Mathematics is about understanding patterns, explaining reasoning, and thinking abstractly.”

“This approach gives students a deeper understanding of math, and lets them make mathematical connections to every day life,” said Jodi Markuson, a 9th-grade math teacher and Math Department chair at Hopkins North Junior High School. “The goal is to help students think in a mathematical way.”

Learning Through VarietyAt Hopkins High School, students continue the active learning of mathematics with a variety of whole-class activities, small-group investigations, individual tasks,

and technological applications.

Connecting the Classroom to the WorldA critical component of Hopkins’ math program is teaching students how to collect, organize, and analyze data to determine what it means. “We want them to realize the relationship between the data and the world around them,” said Luke.

Another aspect of our math instruction is how we work with students to see the relevance of math and make instruction apply to the real world. Students use the foundation of basic math skills as a springboard for solving real-world problems.

“Our high standards and expectations ensure that our children are engaged in 21st century learning, which means that they will be prepared for future success in a global economy,” said Luke.

Try your math skills on page 2

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

Basic Skills + High Standards + Strong Instruction2 = Hopkins’ Outstanding Math Program

Fishing Frenzy & Fun

Here We Grow

Fun for all ages at Glen Lake Elementary

Saturday, April 10Noon-4:00 p.m.

Details inside....

d i s t r i c t e d u c a t i o n i n a c t i o n

A festival of family fun!Saturday, April 249:00 a.m. - Noon

Details inside....

Come DanceWith Me

“I think geometry is interesting. I really

like learning about angles.”—Aaron

Raskin, a geometry student at Hopkins

North Junior High

From the basics to real-world problem solving, Hopkins’ rigorous math program prepares students for college, the workforce and life.

Cody Bursch, a junior at Hopkins High School, took first prize in the Junior Composers Contest administered by the Minnesota Federation of Music Club.

Cody’s piece “Time,” written for chamber orchestra, won for the oldest age group (16-18 years old). His piece will now be submitted to the country’s regional contest.

Music Award

A team of students from Hopkins North Junior High finished second in the Minnesota Academy of Science’s Minnesota State Regional Science Bowl. Team members are Synneva Druskin, Mary Gertner, Margaret O’Neil, Christian Peterson, and Paul Vogt.

The team spent months preparing for the Science Bowl which featured a fast-paced question and answer format, quizzing them on various science disciplines including biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, math and astronomy.

Science Bowl Award

H o p k i n s P u b l i c S c h o o l s

April 2010The community’s guide to the district.

Community Ballroom Dance

Friday, April 30Event starts at 7:00 p.m.

Details inside....

Update

Update

New Teens Alone walk-in service available in HopkinsTeens Alone, a free counseling service for teens and their families who live and/or go to school in the Hopkins School District, has a new walk-in service with a counselor available from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, at 915 Mainstreet (ResourceWest building), Hopkins. The counselor will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For additional information about Teens Alone, its services and counseling please call 952-988-TEEN, or visit: www.teensalone.org

Parent Education ClassesHopkins’ Community Education Department is offering a number of parent education classes in April. For complete information, registration, and fees, go to www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org.

Depression and Anxiety in Teens Wednesday, April 14, 7:00-8:30 p.m.Eisenhower Community Center, Room 233

Stress and Anxiety in Children (ages 5-12)Tuesday, April 20, 6:30-8:00 p.m.Eisenhower Community Center

Addressing Bullying with Restorative Practices (grades K-12) Wednesday, April 21, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Eisenhower Community Center, Room 223

College Admissions & the Financial Aid Process Tuesday, April 27, 7:00-8:30 p.m.Hopkins High School, Room W230

2010-11 Calendar Reflects Important ChangesHopkins Public Schools’ 2010-11 and 2011-12 school calendars have been adopted, and there are some important changes.

In 2010-11, school begins on Monday, August 30, rather than the day after Labor Day. Starting the school year on August 30 in 2010-11 will allow Hopkins’ students and families to have the customary two-week Winter Break (December 20-January 31), a one-week Spring Break (March 28-April 1), and the last day of school on June 3.

Download a calendar online: www.HopkinsSchools.org/Calendar2010

Are You Smarter Than.... Test your math skills with these Hopkins Schools’ math problems

Grade 4a. Calculate: 5% of 80 = _________

b. Store X is selling bathing suits at 20% off the regular price of $35. Store Y is selling the same suits for 1/4 off the regular price of $32. Which store is offering the better buy? Show how you solved the problem.

Grade 7a. Solve the equation. Check your answer. 3(x + 2) = 12

b. The International Links phone company charges no monthly fee but charges 18¢ per minute for unlimited phone calls. The World Connections phone company charges $50 per month plus 10¢

per minute for unlimited phone calls. Compare the World Connections calling plan to that of International Links. Under what circumstances is it cheaper to use International Links? Explain your answer.

Geometrya. Find the area of an equilateral triangle whose sides measure 26 meters.

b. Maggie’s daughter is away at college. Maggie wants to mail her flute to her. The flute is 24 inches long. Will it fit diagonally within a box whose inside dimensions are 12 by 16 by 14 inches? Explain your reasoning.

AnswersGrade 4: a. 4b. Store YGrade 7: a. x = 2 b. The cost for both companies is the same per month when you talk for 625 minutes. International Links would be less expensive unless the customer talks more than 625 minutes per month. Geometry: a. 169√3 m2 b. Yes, the space diagonal of the box has a length of √122 +162 + 142.

“I can see how learning about the areas

of shapes would be helpful in a number of ways, including construction and carpentry.” -Maggie Abel, a

geometry student at Hopkins North

Junior High.

21st Century Teaching and LearningBrent Herring, Hopkins High School math teacher, is one of many Hopkins Public Schools’ teachers providing our students 21st century teaching and learning experiences. Brent says it is all about caring for the individual learner and providing support during class, as well as before- and after-school.

Brent supports his classroom instruction using an Interactive Whiteboard to make lessons more engaging and effective for our students. Brent discovered that the Interactive Whiteboard software allows him to record digital video of his lessons. Students are able to watch these videos via the Web at home to review the day’s lesson. He also has recorded countless examples of step-by-step videos about solving math problems and equations. Students use these videos, outside the school day, to develop problem-solving skills and perform better on tests.

Brent regularly puts ActivExpressions (student response systems) in the hands of his students to see how well students understand a skill or concept. He is able to change or reteach skills right away and not wait for the unit or chapter test results.

Brent is a great example of our Hopkins teachers and their dedication to students by making instruction relevant, effective, and accessible through the support of technology tools.

W h e r e a r e t h e y n o w ?

It is not too late to graduate with a GED in 2010

2002 graduate I went to one year at Normandale Community College and two years at The Institute of Production and Recording. I have currently applied to Columbia College in Chicago for the fall of 2010.

Currently, I own and work for Glacier Studios, during the summer months I work for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.My experience at Hopkins High School was enriched with diverse classes and subjects that gave me a well-rounded education, which allowed me to pursue, at my own pace, the things I am most passionate about. For additional information about Glacier studio, visit: http://www.myspace.com/glacierstudiosmusic

David Hedding1995 graduate

I received my bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on marketing from Carroll College in Waukesha, WI.Currently, I am the Executive director for the Bowling

Proprietors Association of Minnesota. My experience at Hopkins High Schooltaught me to study hard, which got me ready for the college of my choice. I used the same work and study habits from high school to get good grades in college. Those good grades in college got me the internship I wanted at the American Diabetes Association which led to my succeess at the job that I have and love now. I don’t know that anything in my life would be the same right now if it weren’t for my experiences at Hopkins High School.

Josh Hodney

Spring is just around the corner and so is graduation; however, it’s not too late for adults to pass their

GED tests and participate in GED graduation.

Adult Options in Education offers both GED preparation classes and GED testing. The free preparation classes are available in the mornings,

afternoons, and evenings at sites in Hopkins and St. Louis Park. Online GED preparation also is available

through GED-i. With GED-i, students prepare for the GED exams using web-based preparation tools while still having the support of a local Adult Options in Education teacher.

To register for classes or to find out more about the five GED tests, please call: 952-988-5343 or visit: www.adultoptions.org

Excellence. Every School. Every Student. Every Day.

A festival of family fun GROW!Here we

Saturday, April 24 • 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noonEisenhower Community Center, 1001 Hwy 7, Hopkins

Free family fun for families with children birth-8 years old. Donations will be accepted. Fun includes:• Family open swim • Art activity stations• Gym time fun • Entertainment • Art & silent auction• Food

Early Childhood

Youth

Adult

Join us this summer for three weeks of full day (M-Th) summer camps, perfect for your tween or teen.

New camps start every Monday: • June 14, June 21, June 28 • A variety of themes: Adventure, Media, Arts, and much more... Look for your registration brochure in backpacks early April! Online registration begins March 22: www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org.

Featuring:Johnnie Kudja and his BandJoin us for an evening of dancing fun! At the elegant Oakwoods Room at Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins 6:15-7 p.m.: Ballroom Dance Lessons with Jay Dudding 7-10:30 p.m.: Dance

Register at: HopkinsSchools.org/dance

Friday, April 30, 2010Community Ballroom Dance

Hopkins Community Education Brought to you by:

Come Dance With Me

New in Summer 2010!Hopkins Summer Youth Enrichment is offering week-long summer camps!

Here We Grow! A festival of family fun

www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org

Graduation

Ceremony is

scheduled for

June 2, 7 p.m. at

Hopkins Center

for the Arts

Adult Options in Education is an adult basic education program supported through the community education departments of the Hopkins, Minnetonka, and St. Louis Park school districts, along with the Hennepin County Adult Correctional Facility.

Bring the family — ages 4+ Children must be accompanied by an adult

There will be lots of fun for all ages!

Mark your calendar!

Register today! Call us at 952-988-4070 or visit: www.HopkinsSchools.org/fishingfrenzy

$15 per family

1st AnnuAl

Saturday, April 10, 2010 Noon - 4:00 pmGlen Lake Elementary 4801 Woodridge Road, Minnetonka

FantasticFishing Frenzy & FunSponsored by Hopkins Community Education, Outdoor Knowledge and YourOutdoorDestination.com District Values

ExcellencePartnershipEquityInnovationInclusionFiscal Responsibility

Activities Include:• ‘Design-a-Line’• Knot Tying • Fish Identification• Boat Safety• Casting• Remote Jigging

and much more!

www.HopkinsSchools.org

CSDEA Used Tack SaleApril 16-17 at Eisenhower Community Center

Minnesota Knitters’ Guild Yarnover 2010April 17, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Hopkins High School

Minnetonka Choral Society presents Masterworks of the Romantic EraApril 17, 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium at Hopkins High School

Here We Grow! A festival of family funApril 24, 9:00 a.m. - Noon at Eisenhower Community Center

JazzMN Big Band presents Shew HornApril 24, 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium at Hopkins High School

Come Dance With Me: Community Ballroom DanceApril 30, 7:00 p.m. in the Oakwoods Room at Eisenhower Community Center

Apollo Male Chorus presents its spring concertMay 2, 3:00 p.m. in the Auditorium at Hopkins High School

Royal Productions presents Twelfth Night by William ShakespeareMay 13-16 in the Little Theater at Hopkins High School

JUGHEADS Youth Juggling Company presents Juggle Jam 12May 14 & 15, 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium at Hopkins High School

Treble Tones Celebrate 45May 15, 7:30 p.m. in the Theater at Eisenhower Community Center

For more information about these events, visit:www.HopkinsSchools.org or www.HopkinsConference.com

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 160Hopkins, MN

55343

1001 Highway 7Hopkins, MN 55305www.HopkinsSchools.orgTime Value

Residential Postal Patron

ECRWSS

H o p k i n s C a r i n g Y o u t h H o n o r e d

Community Events

Hopkins’ caring youth honored for outstanding community service Twelve students from Hopkins Public Schools were among those honored at this year’s Caring Youth Recognition event. Hopkins’ caring youth include:• Jordan Deguzman, Hopkins West

Junior High School, nominated for his volunteer work at Hopkins West Junior High.

• Hopkins’ representatives on the The Depot Coffee House Board of Directors, including Peter Boisclair, Olivia Mestad, Emily Nuckols, Maddie Smart, Nia Sotto, and Elisabeth Spry for their collective, exceptional volunteer

work at The Depot Coffee House in Hopkins.

• Nick Leeke, Hopkins West Junior High School, nominated for his volunteer work at Hopkins West Junior High.

• Catie Locker, Hopkins High School, nominated by St. Joseph’s Parish in Hopkins for her volunteer work at the church.

• Dan Mann, Hopkins High School, nominated for his volunteer work with the Big Brother/Big Sister program of Jewish Family and Children Services in Minnetonka.

• Rosie Mann, Hopkins High School, nominated for her volunteer work with the Big Brother/Big Sister program of

Jewish Family and Children Services in Minnetonka.

• Michelle Vohs, Hopkins North Junior High School, nominated for her work with Be the Change—Hopkins North Junior High’s student volunteer group.

The Caring Youth Recognition salutes young people in 7th grade through 12th grade who have unselfishly involved themselves in a cause or situation benefiting others. The Caring Youth Recognition event is a collaborative effort among the cities of Golden Valley, Hopkins, and Minnetonka, the Minnetonka and Hopkins school districts, and the Glen Lake Optimists of Minnetonka.

District ContactsDistrict Office 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/Services 952.988.4040Superintendent 952.988.4021 Transportation 952.988.4115

Top High School Hopkins High School named one of the top-performing high schools.

U.S. News and World Report. Dec. 2009