Hopkins Public Schools is proud of the accomplishments of its students whether that be achievement on their daily coursework, standardized test scores, or in academic, activity, or athletic challenges. We are equally as proud of Hopkins’ outstanding staff members who make wonderful things happen for students.

Among top in the state for number of Advanced Placement Scholars

In 2008, a record number—950—of Advanced Placement (AP) exams were taken. Sev-enty-five percent of Hopkins’ students scored three of higher on the exams. One hundred and fifty-seven students earned 159 AP Scholar honors from the College Board in recogni-tion of their exceptional achievement on the exams.

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program provides motivated and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful perfor-mance on the AP exams. About 18 percent of 1.6 million students worldwide who took the AP exams performed at a sufficiently high level to earn an AP Scholar Award.

Hopkins High School offers one of the most extensive AP programs in the state, and has the highest number of teachers in the nation on the National Advanced Placement Board.

The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ perfor-mance on the AP exams.

National AP ScholarTwo students qualified for the prestigious National AP Scholar Award by earning an

average grade of 4 or higher on a five-point school on all AP xxams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. The students are Marc Geisner, a 2008 gradu-ate, and Alexander Weir, a current senior. Hopkins has had 11 National AP Scholars since 2003—a record number among metropolitan school districts.

AP Scholar with DistinctionThirty students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an aver-

age grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of those exams. Four current seniors earned this award, including Noah Berman, Madeline Epping, Jack Wanderman, and Alexander Weir.

Graduates who earned this honor as seniors include Kristen Allison, Sara Baldvins, Sean Becker, Matthew Bick, Laura Bodine, Ethan Burkner, Jane Domino, Michael Downey, Ky-lie Dummer, Timothy Englert, Sarah Fobes, Marc Giesener, Lesley Gustafson, Siri Jorstad, Jason Ketover, Alison Key, Edward Long, Colette Meller, Samuel Menzies, Kathryn Schmidt, Tyler Starr, Scott Steinberg, Gauri Subramani, Elizabeth Thomson, Karl Wicks, and Carmen Wood.

Scholar with HonorThirty-nine students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an aver-

age grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of those exams.

Sixteen current seniors earned this honor, including Nathan Cera, Julie Christensen, Madison Dunitz, Nathan Gilbert, Ruth Goins, Kathryn Haapala, Caroline Hedberg, George Hicks, Nathan Keysser, Christian Kramer, Jenna Lillemoe, Eli Mallon, Idil Oksuz, Max Perkins, Dana Rancour, and Krishna Shankar.

Graduates who earned this honor as seniors include Sydney Arnold, Jasmine Berymon, Hans Birkeland, Anna Campbell, Thomas Dienhart, Katherine Edmond, Matthew Freeman, Jennifer Friedman, Noah Greene, Benjamin Kline, Peter Larson, Andrew Marshall, Corinne McNichols, Jillian Merkle, Nils Persson, Katherine Peterson, Nicholas Prince, Kaycee Reynolds, Paige Robson, Nicholas Samardzija, Lauren Ward, Andrew Weaver, and Noah Wheeler.

AP ScholarNinety students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP

exams with grades of 3 or higher.Forty-nine current seniors earned this honor, including Rachel Abrams, Alexander At-

more, Colleen Batty, Jacqueline Baumgartner, Edward Beck, Brooke Burton, Greta Chizek, Matthew Chodosh, Rebekah Cornish, Huy Do, Conor Doherty, Clayton Doyle, Kristin Eng-dahl, Daniel Giesen, Rebecca Gillett, Esau Gotlieb, Henry Greene, Jacob Grogan, Charles Hacker, Evelyn Jensen, Emily Johnson, Caroline Jones, Michelle Kaminsky, Britt Keller, Rose Kelly, Tesserae Komarek, Gregory Kufahl, Kya Laulainen, Moira Lenox,

Continued on Page 4

updatefor residents in hopkins public schools www.hopkinsschools.org December 2008

Points of Prideof

k

kHopkins High

School celebrates100th anniversary

All community residents, alumni, and friends are invited to attend a celebra-tion of the 100th anniversary of Hopkins High School scheduled for 4:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, and Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the school, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka.

The event will feature displays of historical memorabilia, decade-by-de-cade photo collages, and tours of the award-winning programs and cutting-edge classroom technology in the current facility. A free pasta dinner will be available in the school dining room until 6:30 p.m. A winter Gala Concert at 7:00 each night will feature the Hopkins High School orchestras, bands, and choirs. Ticketing for the Gala Concerts is sepa-rate and seating is limited.

Hopkins High School was founded in 1908 in downtown Hopkins as the first high school serving the western sub-urbs. It moved to a new state-of-the-art building on Highway 7 in 1955, which closed as a high school in 1982. The cur-rent Hopkins High School on Lindbergh Drive in Minnetonka was completely remodeled again in recent years for 21st century world-class learning.

Contributions of memorabilia are from the Golden Valley Historical Society, Hopkins Historical Society, and Hopkins High School Archives.

For more information, check Hopkins Public Schools’ website at www.hopkins-schools.org, or call 952.988.4024.

Please check out additional details about the celebration on Page 2.

By Board Chair Sandy Forster &Superintendent John Schultz, Ph.D.

With a rap of the gavel and a call to order, the Hopkins School Board of-ficially kicked off this school year with its first workshop and meeting in August. Exciting things are happening within our school walls, and the board’s agenda plan is rich with studies, initiatives, updates, and reviews, all of which are aimed at continuing to provide our learners with excellent educational experiences and to improve their achievement, and to do so while remaining fiscally responsible. There is much to be done, and students, parents, staff, and administration will log numerous hours to accomplish the many tasks at hand. One might wonder what is the board’s role in all of this? How do the superintendent and staff fit in? When and how are the opinions of all stakeholders considered? Running a successful school district like Hopkins requires a team of committed players, including community members since all voices are crucial in the board’s decision-making process.

Preparation is keySome of you may have attended a

board meeting, or even watched the pro-ceedings on local cable or via the district website (www.hopkinsschools.org). While the official business of the board is conducted during these meetings, the ma-jority of the work does not fit within the time constraints of a two- to three-hour meeting. In most instances, by the time a topic reaches the board table—similar

to that of any other board in private and public sectors—days, weeks, some-times months, and occasionally even years have been spent by staff research-ing, studying, and preparing a report for board consideration. In turn, board members spend massive amounts of time studying the abundance of information, gaining clarity, seeking feedback, and if necessary, conducting workshops to engage in further discussions. All of this is done prior to the topic being presented at an official meeting for an official vote.

School BoardSuperintendent

PartnershipThe school board and superinten-

dent—as guided by the strategic plan and district policy—work together to develop annual goals. The goals of the superin-tendent are directly linked to those of the school board. The goals of the school board directly correlate to the district’s strategic plan. The role of the superinten-dent is to manage the action and imple-mentation process. The role of the board is to provide leadership and support from a more global vantage point—a ten thou-sand foot view—of district operations, and most importantly focused on what is best for all kids. A clear and constant line of communication between the board and superintendent allows the superintendent the authority and flexibility to implement

Partnerships Essential: To Page 3

Partnerships essentialto educational excellence

Hopkins High School’s100th Anniversary

V1908-2008V

Monday, Dec. 8 & Tuesday, Dec. 9 4:30-6:45 p.m.

VDisplays of historical memorabilia Walk through photo collages of the decades

VTour today’s world-class high school Award-winning programs State-of-the-art classrooms

VDemonstrations by students & staff

7 p.m. VGala Concerts Band, Choir, and Orchestra Seating is limited. Available tickets will be on sale from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. starting Monday, Dec. 1 Spirit Shop (Hopkins High School) 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka $7 adults $4 students & seniors A few tickets will be available for purchase each night.

Historical displays courtesy of Hopkins Historical Society and Hopkins High School archives.

page 2 update december 2008

InsideHopkins Public Schools

Celebrate 100 years of Educational Excellence

FREEPasta Dinner4:30-6:30 p.m.Our MenuYour choice of Whole Grain Rotini or Bowtie PastaTopped withRed Marinara Sauce with Seasoned Chicken Breast or Creamy Garlic Parmesan SauceAdd aCreamy Caesar Lettuce Salad with Homemade Croutons& Warm French Bread SlicesComplete withItalian Cream Cake, Coffee & LemonadePrepared and Served by Hopkins Royal Cuisine.

School startsAug. 31, in2009-10

Due to construction, the 2009-10 school year will start, Monday, Aug. 31.

August 200924-28 Workshop of professional meetings31 First day of school (1-12)

September 2009 1 First day of school (kindergarten) 7 Labor Day (no school E-12)22 Late start (all schools start two hours late)

October 2009 1 Early release conferences (7-12)12 Elementary conferences (no school K-6)13 Elementary conferences (no school K-6)14 Elementary conferences (no school K-6)15 Education Minnesota Convention (no school E-12)16 Education Minnesota Convention (no school E-12)20 Late start (all schools start two hours late)30 End of first term

November 2009 2 No school (7-12)17 Late start (all schools start two hours late)24 End of first trimester25 No school (K-12)26 Thanksgiving holiday (no school E-12)27 Thanksgiving holiday (no school E-12)

December 200910 Early release conferences (7-12)21-31 Winter break (continues through Jan. 1)

January 2010 1 Winter break 4 School resumes18 The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no school E-12)19 Late start (all schools start two hours late)25 Make-up day (no school 7-12)

February 201012 End of second trimester15 Presidents’ Day (no school E-12)16 Late start (all school start two hours late)25 Early release conferences (7-12)

March 2010 9 Late start (all schools start two hours late)18-19 Elementary conferences (no school K-6)25 End of third term26 No school 7-1229-31 Spring break (continues through April 2)

April 2010 1-2 Spring break (no school E-12) 5 Classes resume April 5

May 2010 6 Early release conferences (7-12) 7 Junior high and high school conferences (no school 7-12)25 Late start (all schools start two hours late)31 Memorial Day (no school E-12)

June 2010 4 Last day of school

End of last term End of third trimester

7 Teacher workshop or professional meeting

page 3 update december 2008

CommunityBuilding it together

From Page 1

of communication between the board and superintendent allows the superintendent the authority and flexibility to implement the activities necessary to accomplish his goals while simultaneously keeping the board appraised. Through a successful partnership of the board and the superin-tendent, annual goals are accomplished, which results in a stronger school district.

School BoardCommunityPartnership

Input from community members—par-ents, students, residents, district staff as well as members of the business and faith communities—is instrumental in guiding the board through the decision-making process. Stakeholders in the Hopkins School District remain strong advocates of quality education, and the district overall. We are blessed to have a contingency of parents and non-parents alike who follow the work of the board. We continue to value their input—re-gardless of being in agreement or dis-agreement with board decisions, because we know that translates into community members who care deeply about their schools, the education provided, and the future of our programs and services.

As a school board, we want to encour-age communication/involvement regard-ing your schools and your students. Please consider:• attending a Board meeting;

Board meeting dates are posted on the district’s website and noted in the district calendar.

• speaking at Open Agenda to share your thoughts/concerns/questions;Open Agenda is a time set aside at the beginning of each board meeting for community members to address the Board on concerns. Although the board cannot respond at that time, the superintendent or a letter will give a response within one week of the meet-ing.

• contacting individual board members;Chair Sandy Fostersandy.forster@hopkinsschools.org952.988.6047Vice Chair Stan Berrisstan.berris@hopkinsschools.org952.988.6046Treasurer Yvonne Selceryvonne.selcer@hopkinsschools.org952.988.6054

Director Irma McIntosh Colemanirma.mcintosh-coleman@hopkinsschools.org952.988.6049Director Wendy Donovanwendy.donovan@hopkinsschools.org952.988.6050Director Ellen Dustmanellen.dustman@hopkinsschools.org952.988.6051Director Betsy Scheurer at betsy.scheurer@hopkinsschools.org952.988.6048

• attending and/or speaking at the annual budget information/input meeting;The board will consider preliminary approval of the 2009-10 budget in early March. Preliminary approval allows administration to begin plan-ning for hiring staff for the next school year. The board will have a budget information/input meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, in the Boardroom at the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins.

• attending and/or speaking at a Listen-ing Session:The board has implemented two Listening Sessions, and the remaining session is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, in Room 215 at the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins. The intent of these sessions is to provide another avenue for stakeholders to be heard. We invite you to share com-ments, questions, concerns, and ideas with three board members and the superintendent. In response, we will ask clarifying questions and along with Superintendent John Schultz, respond to issues being presented. The Listen-ing Session will be summarized and shared with the entire board at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

Excellence:Every School.Every Student.

Every Day.Our school year is filled with innova-

tion, new technology, continuous im-provement, enthusiastic staff members, and eager learners. The school board and superintendent team have rolled up their sleeves and are ready to partner with students, staff, and stakeholders to make decisions that are best for all learners and that will continue to bring excellence to every school, every student, every day.

Partnerships essential

Winter Wearneeded

The Hopkins Minnetonka Family Resource Center needs new or gently-used clean coats, snow pants, and boots for boys and girls, toddler to teen sizes. Drop off items at the Family Resource Center, 915 Mainstreet, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.

Our Community ReadsComing in February 2009

Spark: The Revolutionary new Science

of Exercise and the BrainBy John Ratey, M.D.

This book redefines the power of exercise. Learn the latest research connecting exercise to our brain’s performance. Even with moderate physical activity, people can improve their ability to learn, increase focus, enhance memory, beat stress, and much more. The positive effect it can have in our schools is great. John Ratey’s message will change the way you look at physical active forever.

Start reading now. Books are available for $20 in Room 127 at the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 High-way 7, Hopkins. For additional information, please call 952.988.4070.

Get Connected! Join the new

ParentConnect e-newsletterThe most powerful tool you have against your child using tobacco, alcohol

or marijuana is you. Studies show that teens are greatly influenced by clear, consistent communication between you and them. Subscribe to our free month-ly newsletter for tips, strategies, and resources to keep you in the know about parenting teens. Sign up today to stay connected. Go to www.hcconevoice.org.

page 4 update december 2008

Update1001 Highway 7Hopkins, MN 55305952.988.4024www.hopkinsschools.orgTIME VALUE

Serving the communities of Eden Prairie, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Plymouth, and St. Louis ParkAn Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Educator and Employer

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 160Hopkins, MN

55343Update is a joint publication of

the Hopkins Public Schools Public Relations Office and

Community Education Department.

For additional information, call:

Public Relations 952.988.4024

orCommunity Education

952.988.4070

Or visit our websites at:www.hopkinsschools.org

orwww.hopkinscommunityeducation.

org

Or send an email to the editor at:eileen.harvala@hopkinsschools.org

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Parent conversation night, Monday, Dec. 8Dr. Mary Wilkins will lead a parenting conversation night, Parenting Teens: The Power of

Parental Influence, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, in the media center at Hopkins North Junior High, 10700 Cedar Lake Road, Minnetonka. This parent conversation night is de-signed to connect parents of teenagers with other parents so they can learn more about the world of their youth, and learn tips and strategies for effectively talking to teenagers about sexuality, chemical use, and other risky behaviors, and about values and home rules. There is no fee, and registration is not required.

Saturday Open Gym (ages 0-5)Open Gym at Harley Hopkins Family Center gives parents and children a place to move, play,

and get out those winter wiggles! The entire class is devoted to parent/child activities in the gym and classroom. Open Gym classes are drop-in classes. The cost is $5 per child. Registration must be made 24 hours prior to the date of attendance by calling the Harley Hopkins Family Center at 952.988.5000. Sibling care is not available. Open Gyms are scheduled for 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 10-March 28, at the Harley Hopkins Family Center, 125 Monroe Ave. S., Hopkins.

Early Childhood Family Education registrationOur high quality Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes are for you and your

young children—birth to pre-kindergarten age. Check out our many choices for you and your child by visiting www.hopkinscommunityed.org, or look for your catalog in early December. There are day and evening options for all age groups, and most classes offer sibling care. In-dis-trict ECFE registrations will be processed on a lottery basis. All registrations received by 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, will be included in the lottery. Lottery registrations are not taken by phone. If you are not receiving our catalog, please call to be placed on the mailing list. For more informa-tion, please call the Harley Hopkins Family Center at 952.988.5000.

Story Time & DinnerParents of babies (ages birth to 12 months) who are residents of the Hopkins School District,

are invited to Story Time & Dinner. Come for a free meal, a chance to visit with other parents from the Hopkins School District, and share a story and play time with the children. In addition, choose an new free book for each child to take home. Siblings are welcome. Story Time & Din-ner is scheduled for:

• 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, Feb. 24, March 24, April 28, May 26, and June 23 at the Hopkins Public Library, 22 11th Ave. N., Hopkins; and

• 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, Feb. 12, March 12, and May 16, at Gatewood Elementary School, 14900 Gatewood Drive, Minnetonka.

Reservations are required. Space is limited. Please contact Kathryn Moore at 952.988.5046 or send an email to kathryn.moore@hopkinsschools.org.

CalendarEvents for all agesPoints of Pride

of

k

k

From Page 1

Brittany Levens, Claire Mattison, Sonja Meintsma, Raymond Mestad, Kelsey Neis, Mari-anna Oliynyk, Joseph Olson, Kelsey Parsons, Jay Petersen, Anuj Saluja, Nicholas Stender, Meghan Sweeney, Michael Tradewell, Erin Tremel, Joelle Van Valkenburg, Marcus Van Hoven, Lauren Vickers, Eric Weisenburger, Mara Weispfenning, and Sara Wilkerson.

Graduates who earned this honor as seniors include Stuart Baker, Daniel Bernstein, Dan-iel Bloom, Grant Boerhave, Samuel Brickwedde, Erin Curme, William Eisenberg, James Elhardt, Thomas Elliott, Alexandra Erickson, Philip Eschweiler, Steven Fay, Kyra Friedell, Alexander Fuller, Kevin Gause, Mark Golob, Joseph Groom, Daniel Haberman, James Hanson, Lauren Harn, Megan Holle, Thomas Kessler, Callie Knaeble, Andrew Lonning, Scott Luisi, Joshua McGowan, Colleen O’Connor, Chelsea Rivett, Abby Rosen, Robert Rosenthal, Sean Shanahan, Austin Skoglund, Milton Stephens, Ryan Strand, Nicole Sylves-tre, Sarah Vande Kamp, Moriah Wald, Paige Waterous, Jess Weisman, Emily Wiemer, and Erik Williams.

Hopkins High School’s current seniors have one more year in which to complete the col-lege-level Advanced Placement work and earn the higher-level AP Scholar Awards.

Five Glen Lake Elementary students selected for honor choir

Five Glen Lake Elementary School students—Meredith Ackerson, Alex Campbell, Kon-stantinos Kochilas, Marie Olson, and Sydney Simpson—were selected for the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) of Minnesota Elementary Honor Choir 2008. The students are five of 120 outstanding young Minnesota musicians selected from more than 400 recorded auditions. Teri Larson is the vocal music teacher for the students. In Novem-ber, the singers performed at the ACDA of Minnesota convention.

what’s inside

Celebrate100 years

of educationalexcellence!

Hopkins High School’s 100th

anniversaryMonday, Dec. 8 & Tuesday, Dec. 9

Details: Pages 1 & 2