The following is an e-mail from the Hopkins School District:

Welcome to Hopkins E-News for Friday, Aug 15, 2008. Please note that back-to-school information, including information on open houses and orientations (times and dates have been changed for Hopkins North Junior High and Hopkins High School from those published in the printed calendar) can be found by clicking on the Back-to-School Information 2008-09 link on the left-hand side of the district’s website home page at www.hopkinsschools.org.

Outstanding Students & Staff

Hopkins North Junior High principal chosen as finalist for National Middle Level Principal of the Year

Upcoming Events, Activities, & Deadlines

Do Less . . . Be More: Eat. Talk. Connect!
Preschoolers needed for Playschool
Hopkins West Junior High needs volunteers for all–school community service project
Facing Autism Challenges Together (FACT) offers support groups
Adult Community Education brochure coming soon
Harley Hopkins Vehicle Vehicle Fair, Friday, Sept. 5
Registration open for Adult Options in Education’s classes, which begin Monday, Sept. 8
Register now for Champions Fund Golf & Tennis Tournament, Monday, Sept. 8
Minnesota House conducts hearing on education issues in Hopkins, Thursday, Sept. 11
Senior Planning Night, Monday, Sept. 15
Get in the Know about College Planning, Wednesday, Sept. 24

Inside Hopkins Public Schools

Connect–ED® messaging system
Reduce the Use has new name & logo
Adult Options in Education seeks volunteers
Hear it again . . . No! Why Kids of All Age Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It
EcoFamily Initiative at Harley Hopkins Family Center
Hopkins Education Foundation appoints new executive director

Community Programs

OceanTech sponsors free electronics drop off, Saturday, Sept. 20

School Board

Upcoming Board discussions

Outstanding Students & Staff
Hopkins North Junior High principal chosen as finalist for National Middle Level Principal of the Year
Patrice “Pat” Schmidt, Ed.D., principal at Hopkins North Junior High in Minnetonka, is one of three finalists for the National Middle Level Principal of the Year, which is a program sponsored by MetLife and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

A middle level and high school principal are selected annually from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity. Earlier this year, the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) named Schmidt as the 2008 Minnesota Middle Level Principal of the Year.

>From the state winners, six finalists are chosen—three middle level, and three high school level—by a panel representing various education associations and organizations to be considered to the national honor. Schmidt and the other finalists were interviewed, Aug. 9–11, in Arlington, VA,, by a panel of judges who will select the two national winners.

The National Principal of the Year Award program recognizes outstanding school leaders who have succeeded in providing high–quality learning opportunities for students. The finalists are acknowledged by their peers for the exemplary contributions that they have made to the profession. The program honors school principals who have demonstrated excellence in a number of areas, including:

collaborative leadership—providing direction and focus to the school community to achieve the goals of the school;
curriculum, instruction, and assessment—improving teaching and learning by implementation of programs that encourage student achievement; and
personalization—establishment and maintenance of a positive school climate that reflects high student and staff morale.

Schmidt was selected based upon her use of collaborative leadership in implementing reforms that enhance student achievement and personalization efforts to improve school climate. She has encouraged students and staff alike to feel more validated and involved with the school, its programs and each other.

The center of HNJH’s focus is a site plan created by staff members who establish specific goals in the areas of academic achievement, academic achievement gap, and equity and achievement. Through data retreats, staff members have bench marked their success by examining student data. After thorough examination of standardized test scores, grade distribution, attendance, behavior, and surveys, HNJH annually develops clearly defined academic goals. Programs are designed to provide students with additional rigor and relevancy in their learning experiences.

Not all changes at North deal with an enhanced curriculum. Staff members at HNJH have worked to build solid relationships with both students and parents. “Homebase” provides students and parents the opportunity to make a solid connection with at least one staff member, the Freshman Academy provides students academic assistance and builds community among students and staff, and increased time for grade level team meetings have created a welcoming and comfortable place for the entire school community.

Schmidt has been principal of Hopkins North Junior High since 2001. She has a doctorate in education from the University of St. Thomas; a specialist degree in educational administration from Minnesota State University in Mankato; a master’s degree in English literature from the University of San Francisco; and a bachelor’s degree in secondary teaching, English, and history from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash. She was a fellow in the Bush Principals Leadership Program, and a participant in the Hickory Tech Leadership Institute.

Prior to coming to Hopkins, Schmidt was principal at Mankato East Junior High School. Her previous work experience also includes serving as a secondary teacher mentor with the Mankato State University Laboratory District Education Center, teaching at the Minnesota State University in Mankato, and completing an administrative internship at Mankato West Junior High School. She was a secondary English teacher for 18 years, teaching at junior and senior high schools in Colorado and Alaska before moving to Mankato in 1978.

While at Hopkins, Schmidt has provided leadership to a number of districtwide committees including strategic planning, and Marketing Advisory Committee.

Schmidt credits the staff members at Hopkins North Junior High for this honor. “This honor is not about one person, but is about this amazing school and its teachers, staff members, and families. There are so many teachers at North who have worked hard to make this possible, and for that I am humbled and say thanks,” said Schmidt.

“We are fortunate in Hopkins to have amazing staff members like Pat who focus their time and energies on doing what is best for students,” said Superintendent John Schultz, Ph.D. “I am proud of what Pat and her staff have accomplished and, most importantly, am grateful for the differences that they have made in the lives and education of our students. I congratulate Pat on this wonderful honor.”

The National Middle Level Principal of the Year will be named in September and recognized in Washington, D.C., during the Principals’ Institute for State and National Principals of the Year, October 24–26, 2008. As a finalist, Schmidt will receive a $1,500 grant. If selected as the national winner, she will receive an additional $3,500 grant. The grants are used to promote the advancement of learning opportunities for students or other related investments, such as capital improvements, technology–related equipment, or specific educational programs.

Upcoming Events, Activities, and Deadlines
Do Less . . . Be More: Eat. Talk. Connect!
Eat. Talk. Connect! is back for the third year in Hopkins Public Schools. The 2008 initiative will focus on a month–long awareness campaign during the month of September. The goal is for families to eat five to seven meals together, focusing on conversation and connecting.

Family mealtimes are one of the best ways to build connections and to transfer values to the next generation. Research shows that children who share meals with their families—without the distraction of TV or technology—benefit in the following ways:

They have greater academic success.
They are 40 percent to 50 percent less likely to smoke, use drugs or alcohol, or engage in sexual activity.
They eat more nutritionally and have fewer problems such as obesity, anorexia or bulimia.
They experience less stress and are significantly less likely to be depressed.
They incorporate family values into their lives.

Go to www.hopkinscommunityed.org under Parent for creative ideas, or watch for more details coming to schools about ways to Eat. Talk. Connect!

Preschoolers needed for Playschool
Hopkins North Junior High is gearing up for Playschool, and applications are being accepted now for Sept. 22, enrollment. The Playschool is part of a 9th grade family and consumer sciences class called Working with Children. The Playschool is planned and implemented by 9th grade students with supervision by the teacher. Parents with preschoolers, ages 3 to 5, who are interested in more information, are encouraged to contact Jane Martin at 952-988-4725 or jane_martin@hopkins.k12.mn.us.

Hopkins West Junior High needs volunteers for all–school community service project
All students at Hopkins West Junior High in Minnetonka will be participating in community service projects, Oct. 21–23. Currently, parent volunteers are needed as chaperones to work with the students on site at the school, or with the students at community–based charities. For additional information, please contact Helping Hands co–chairs Kimber Jorgensen at sejorgen@earthlink.net or 952-949-2502, or Jill Tigner at jill@tigners.net, or 952-933-6575.

Facing Autism Challenges Together (FACT) offers support groups
Facing Autism Challenges Together (FACT) offers two support group meeting opportunities on the second Tuesday of the month—1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in Room 207A at the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins. Meeting dates are Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9, Jan. 13, Feb. 10, March 10, April 14, and May 12. FACT is an open support group for parents, individuals, families, friends, or community members to share support, resources and ideas on life with an autism spectrum disorder. Learn more about FACT at http://HopkinsFACT.home.comcast.net, or send an email to HopkinsFACT@comcast.net.

Adult Community Education brochure coming soon
Hopkins Community Education’s adult brochure is scheduled to be delivered to residents the week of Aug. 28. The youth brochure is available now. For additional information, please visit Community Education’s website at hopkinscommunityed.org.

Harley Hopkins Vehicle Vehicle Fair, Friday, Sept. 5
The Harley Hopkins Vehicle Fair is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at the Harley Hopkins Family Center, 125 Monroe Ave. S., Hopkins. All families are invited to attend this free event, which will feature police, fire, and numerous city maintenance vehicles, in addition to face painting, classroom activities, and refreshments from Coldstone Creamery, Caribou Coffee, Great Harvest, Cub Foods, and McDonalds. The Hopkins and Minnetonka police departments are providing a free car seat check clinic. This also will be the kickoff for the EcoFamily Initiative. For further information, please contact Kathryn Moore at 952-988-5046. This event is sponsored by Hopkins Public Schools’ Early Childhood Family Education.

Registration open for Adult Options in Education’s classes, which begin Monday, Sept. 8
Registration for Adult Options in Education’s classes is open at Eisenhower Community Center. Classes begin, Monday, Sept. 8. Adult Options in Education offers classes for adults who need English-language skills (ESL classes); a refresher in math, reading, or writing; or general education development (GED) preparation. All Adult Options in Education classes are free and confidential. Transportation and childcare assistance may be available for registered students. Registration is available in Room 228 at the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins. To schedule a registration appointment, or to find out more about the many learning opportunities, please call 952-988-5343. 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 Correctional Facility. For more information about Adult Options in Education, call 952-988-5343, send an email to adult_options@hopkins.k12.mn.us, or visit its website at www.adultoptions.org.

Register now for Champions Fund Golf & Tennis Tournament, Monday, Sept. 8
The Hopkins Champions Fund Benefit Golf & Tennis Tournament will be conducted, Monday, Sept. 8. Golf will be a scramble format with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. Tennis will be a round robin tournament beginning at 9:30 a.m. Both events are hosted by the Oak Ridge Country Club in Hopkins. The event is open to all supporters of the Champions Fund and Hopkins Public Schools’ athletic programs. The cost of participating in the golf event is $150 per player or $600 for a foursome. Tennis is $50 per player, and corporate and individual sponsorship options are available. A buffet lunch will be provided to all participants. There are a limited number of foursomes available for golfers as well as a few twosomes that are looking for another golfer or two. Tennis players are also needed. Proceeds will go toward participation opportunities for students and families that require financial assistance. During the past few years, the Athletic Department provided more than $60,000 annually in financial aid to families needing assistance to cover the cost of participation fees. For further information, please contact Hopkins Athletic Director Dan Johnson at 952-988-4692 or dan.johnson@hopkinsschools.org, or visit the Champions Fund website at www.hopkinsschools.org (go to the school menu/Hopkins High School/athletics).

Minnesota House conducts hearing on education issues in Hopkins, Thursday, Sept. 11
The Minnesota House of Representatives K-12 Education Finance Division is seeking citizen input on public schools, and will be conducting a hearing at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, in Room 215 at the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins. Testimony will be taken about the challenges Minnesota schools are facing, and the successes that have resulted in student achievement. The hearing will include an update on education–related results of the 2008 legislative session, including highlights of the education finance reform legislation—House File 4178 or the New Minnesota Miracle—that will be a focus of the 2009 session. The proposed New Minnesota Miracle simplifies and increases state public school funding, reduces property taxes and lays a foundation for every student to succeed when they graduate from high school. The hearing will also include an opportunity for members of the public to provide information about the challenges and successes of their public schools, and their hopes for the future of K-12 education in Minnesota. For additional information, Committee Administrator Shannon Patrick, 651-296-5098, or shannon.patrick@house.mn, or Hopkins Public Schools’ Public Relations Director Eileen Harvala, 952-988-4024, or eileen.harvala@hopkinsschools.org. Information on the New Minnesota Miracle or HF 4178 is available at
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/bills/billnum.asp?Billnumber=hf4178&ls_....

The Depot Coffee House celebrates 10th anniversary, Saturday, Sept. 13
The Depot Coffee House, located just west of Highway 169 on Excelsior Boulevard in Hopkins will be celebrating its 10th anniversary, Saturday, Sept. 13. The celebration begins with tours of the Depot, beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by a 6:30 p.m. dinner and silent auction at the Wetlands Café in the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins. Tickets are available from Jo Clare Hartsig at 952-548-6309 or jchartsig@gmail.com.

Senior Planning Night, Monday, Sept. 15
Senior Planning Night is planned for 7 p.m. Monday, Sept, 15, in the auditorium at Hopkins High School, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka. Sponsored by the high school’s guidance counselors, this evening is focused on planning information for all seniors and their parents. Learn about the final year and process for graduation. No fee. No advanced registration required.

Get in the Know about College Planning, Wednesday, Sept. 24
Get in the Know about College Planning is set for 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, in Hopkins High School’s College and Career Center, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka. This discussion will cover the differences between college entrance exams; financial aid—college grants vs. scholarships vs. loans; similarities and differences between two– and four–year colleges and how to select the right college; and benefits of a Career Interest Assessment. There is no fee for this workshop; however, reservations are needed by Tuesday, Sept. 23, and can be sent via email to donna.friedman@hopkinsschools.org.

Inside Hopkins Public Schools
Connect–ED® messaging system
Hopkins Public Schools has launched its new Connect–ED® messaging system. Connect–ED® will enable the school district to personally communicate with parents about emergency situations, school events, and other issues that have an impact on their children such as attendance and school lunch balances. It will allow the school district and its schools to send personalized voice messages to a family’s home, work or cell phones, and to send email messages. With this system, the district and its schools will be able to reach all parents in the district within minutes. Parents can double check that the school district has their correct primary phone numbers and email addresses through Infinite Campus. Parents are urged to activate their Infinite Campus accounts. Parents who do not have log–in for Infinite Campus, should send an email to portal@hopkinsschools.org. Parents can correct their own email addresses, but need to contact their school to correct any wrong phone numbers.

Reduce the Use has new name & logo
Hopkins’ seven–year–old Reduce the Use program has a new name, Hopkins Community Coalition: ONE VOICE For Reducing Youth Chemical Use, and new logo. The mission and goals of this coalition remain focused on reducing the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by youth. The coalition’s mission is: “We will live in a community where more of our youth will choose not to use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; and where the community speaks out with one voice regarding illegal chemical use.” A new mini–grant opportunity is available to community members who have a project plan that will support the mission and goal of Hopkins Community Coalition: ONE VOICE for Reducing Youth Chemical Use. Grants of up to $1,000 may be awarded. For additional information, please contact coordinator Brenda Badger at 952-988-4323, or brenda.badger@hopkinsschools.org, or visit www.hcconevoice.org.

Adult Options in Education seeks volunteers
Adult Options in Education, the adult basic education program serving adults in Hopkins Public Schools, is in need of volunteers. Adult Options in Education offers free general education development (GED) preparation classes, and English language instruction to adults from 85 countries. Volunteers are needed to help adults learn the English language and prepare them to take the five GED exams. Volunteers are needed for weekday morning, afternoon and evening classes, and Saturday mornings. Volunteers also are welcome to assist in the Adult Options’ administrative offices during the week. Last year, 51 volunteers donated 2,107 hours of time to Adult Options in Education. Training is provided and the schedule is flexible. Volunteers will be given tasks that best meet their skills and interest. For more information, please call Adult Options in Education at 952-988-5343 or send an email to adult_options@hopkins.k12.mn.us.

Hear it again . . . No! Why Kids of All Age Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It
As part of last year’s Community Book Read, David Walsh, Ph.D., spoke to the Hopkins community about his new book, No! Why Kids of All Ages Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It. That program is now available for check out on DVD, and is available from Room 127 at the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins. Complete details are online at www.hopkinscommunityed.org under Parent Education. Sponsored by Parent Education and Hopkins Community Coalition: ONE VOICE for Reducing Youth Chemical Use. For additional information, please call 952-988-4089.

EcoFamily Initiative at Harley Hopkins Family Center
The Harley Hopkins Family Center has won one of six Hennepin County Environmental Services/Community POWER grants to implement the Environmental Education Toolkit in the 2008–09 school year. This tool kit was created for Hennepin County early childhood family education programs to teach families and children about waste and toxicity reduction in the home.

The kickoff for the EcoFamily Initiative will be during the Harley Hopkins Family Center’s Annual Vehicle Fair, which is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept, 5. The initiative will continue throughout the school year with the implementation of two strategic directions. In the fall, the focus will be on waste reduction. In the spring, the focus will be on toxicity reduction.

Through this curriculum, children and parents will have the opportunity to increase their awareness of how people affect the environment and how the environment affects people. The goal is that through these experiences, parents will make positive changes in their family practices and be encouraged to think beyond their front door to the larger community in which they live.

Rani Murdoch Zappa, a parent educator at the Harley Hopkins Family Center, secured this grant.

Hopkins Education Foundation appoints new executive director
The Hopkins Education Foundation (HEF) has appointed Valeng David Cha as its new executive director. Cha brings more than 10 years of nonprofit management experience to HEF, which includes serving as the executive director of three nonprofit organizations. He also worked at the Minneapolis Foundation and the Saint Paul Foundation.

Cha has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from St. Olaf College, a mini-master’s degree in nonprofit organizations from the University of St. Thomas, and is currently a master’s student, studying nonprofit management at Hamline University. His graduate coursework encompasses strategic planning, fund raising, marketing, and other areas of nonprofit management.

“The Hopkins School District is a unique community of dedicated school personnel, parents, volunteers, and giving donors,” said Cha. “I am honored to be entrusted in this important role. We are eager to work with all of our supporters to help bring additional resources to our classrooms and make a difference in the lives of children.”

Cha can be reached at 952-988-4097 or via email to valang_cha@hopkins.k12.mn.us. Additional information about the HEF can be found at www.hopkinseducationfoundation.org.

Community Programs
OceanTech sponsors free electronics drop off, Saturday, Sept. 20
OceanTech is sponsoring a free electronics drop off from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins. Acceptable items include computers, computer peripherals, CPUs, computer monitors, fax machines, televisions, VCRs, photocopiers, DVD players/recorders, printers, keyboards, cell phones, and PDAs. For additional information, contact OceanTech at 952-926-0451.

School Board
Upcoming Hopkins School Board discussions
Here’s what is scheduled to be discussed by the Hopkins School Board at upcoming regular meetings:

4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21—workshop
5:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21—organizational meeting
6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21—Survey results, partnership with Kinship, and board communications

Please note that Board agendas are subject to change.

For regular Board meeting agenda and information materials, go to the Hopkins School Board’s website at http://board.hopkins.k12.mn.us/cgi-bin/WebObjects/bms.woa/1/wo/0.0.5.1.5.... Or simply go to Hopkins Public Schools' website at http://www.hopkinsschools.org and click on School Board located in the top menu of the page. (Meeting information is typically posted on the website the Friday or Monday before the meeting.)

Hopkins School Board cable TV broadcasts, online video & audio streamings available
Hopkins Public Schools is now cable casting its school board meetings. Online video and audio streamings of meetings are available as well for viewing or listening. Broadcasts of recorded meetings are available for viewing on cable television channels in all seven of the communities served by Hopkins Public Schools:

Channel 17: In Eden Prairie, Edina, Hopkins, and Minnetonka, the meetings will be cablecast at 9 p.m. Tuesday, and 10 a.m. Saturday, on cable channel 17. Broadcasts of the most recent meeting will start on the Tuesday after the meeting.
Channel 96: In St. Louis Park, the meetings will be broadcast on cable channel 96 at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday the week after the meeting.
Channel 20: In Golden Valley and Plymouth, meetings will be broadcast on cable channel 20. Residents will need to check their local listings for broadcast times.