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

Welcome to Hopkins E-News for Friday, May 9, 2008.

Outstanding Students & Staff

• Hopkins High School senior chosen as 2008 United Nations Association Hero Youth Ambassador to Africa
• Hopkins High School students inducted into National Honor Society
• Hopkins art students win awards in 3rd Congressional District High School Art Competition
• Hopkins students win awards in jewelry competitions
• L.H. Tanglen 6th graders earn second place in Math Masters regional competition
• Carleen Gulstad named Minnesota Teacher of the Year 2008
  

Upcoming Activities, Events & Deadlines

• Parent Forum--Diversity, Race, and Student Achievement: the Parent Piece
  

Inside Hopkins Public Schools

• Hopkins Schools to fly the state’s sesquicentennial flag, beginning Monday, May 12
• Hopkins Public Schools to test Connect-ED® message system, Tuesday, May 27
• Adult Options in Education: Volunteers make a difference; diploma possible at any age; seeks donations of black caps and gowns
  

Reminders about Previously Published Activities, Events & Deadlines

• Community invited to long-time teacher’s retirement celebration, Wednesday, May 14
• The Depot Coffee House announces youth award for creativity; applications due, Saturday, May 31
• Registrations for Champions Fund Golf & Tennis Tournament due, Saturday, June 1
• Teens Alone conducts Surf’s Up! fund-raiser, Saturday, June 21
  

School Board

• Upcoming Board discussions
  

Outstanding Students & Staff
Hopkins High School senior chosen as 2008 United Nations Association Hero Youth Ambassador to Africa
Carly Ettinger, a senior at Hopkins High School was recently chosen as a 2008 United Nations Association (UNA) USA Hero Youth Ambassador to  Africa. The UNA-USA Campaign in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is an awareness-building and fund-raising initiative dedicated to providing comprehensive, school-based support to orphans and vulnerable children living in HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Africa. Carly will be traveling this summer to Namibia and South Africa with UNA. For additional information, visit www.unausa.org/Herotrip2008CarlyEttinger.

Hopkins High School students inducted into National Honor Society  
One hundred and fifty-five Hopkins High School students were recently inducted into the National Honor Society. Students apply for the National Honor Society during their junior year at Hopkins High School. Applicants must have and maintain a 3.667 grade point average, demonstrate that they are of good character with a recommendation from a non-family member, document a minimum of 40 hours of community service since beginning 9th grade, and document leadership activities or positions held.    
 
This year’s NHS activities have included food drives for Intercongregation Communities Association, working at Early Childhood Family Education events, Families Moving Forward, judging the science fair, ushering/hosting events at the Old Log Theater, helping with the Hopkins Education Foundation Gala, working at the Parent Fair, March for Babies, and the Gatewood Elementary Kindness Retreat.  
 
NHS officers for 2007-08 are Carolyn Watkins, Katie Saffron, Adrianna “Anna” Pulver, Sierra Shahidi, and Jaclyn “Jackie” Schneider. Officers for 2008-09 will be elected this May. Dawn S. Hansen is the National Honor Society adviser at Hopkins High School.

NHS inductees are: Rachel Abrams, Jonathan Alter, Micah Altman, Melissa Amon, Cory Anderson, Jake Anderson, Jamie Anderson, Lauren Anderson, Gregory “Greg” Arenson*, Sara Baldvins*, Kathryn Baratto, Colleen Batty, Jacqueline Baumgartner, Edward Beck, Sean Becker*, Sophia Benson, Laura Bodine*, Cassandra Burke, Brooke Burton, Colin Camp, Christina Caouette, Jeffrey Cartwright, Greta Chizek, Matthew Chodosh, Julie Christensen, Jillian Cohen, Perri Cohoes, Brian Cook, Riva Corey, Sarah Crook, Alyssa DeRubeis, Ross Destiche, Logan ******, Danica Diver, Huy Do, Conor Doherty, Evan Dressel, Madison Dunitz, Anna Eames, Juan-Ita Effiom, Kristin Engdahl, Madeline Epping, Ian Erickson, Brittany Fitzpatrick, Rose Friederichs, Margaret Gillen, Rebecca  Gillett, Jeremy Ginsburg, Emilio Giuliani, Mark Golob*, Simon Gottlieb, Mallory Grams, Kathryn Haapala, Charles Hacker, Zahra Halfal*, Rebecca Hanscom, James Hanson*, Carrie Hatcher, Caroline Hedberg, Andrew Hedding, Angela Henry, Arielle Herman, Kaila Holmquist, Justine Howe, Shannon Hoye, Chantise Hunt, Zachary Ivins, Nicole Janssen, Weston Jasmin, Caroline Jones, Siri Jorstad*, Richard Kakach, Michelle Kaminsky, Steven Kannenberg, Jonathan Kanter, Britt Keller, Courtney Kelley, Rose Kelly, Kristin Klein, Tesserae Komarek, Rebecca Kortum, Christian Kramer, Gregory  Kufahl, Anne L'Heureux, Maia Lapic*, Greta Larson*, Kya Laulainen, Ryan Lehrman, Moira  Lenox, Brittany Levens, Shaun Levin, Jenna Lillemoe, David Link, Angela Lokken-Hopkins*, Edward Long*, Andrew “Andy” Lonning*, Kristen Lunde, Samantha Magnuson, Artem Malkhasyan, Kayla Martin, Joshua “Josh” McGowan*, Metok Metok, Whitney Nelson, Eric Nycklemoe, Idil Oksuz, Joseph Olson, George Ostrom*, Kelsey Parsons, Jennifer Pass, Tina Patel, Tess Pederson*, Meghan Peterson*, Catherine Pollock, Andrew Pope, Dana Rancour, James Raymond*, Zachary Ringer, Matthew Rochat, Thomas Rosengren, Matthew Rowley, Jake Sachs, Alexandra Salzer, Daniel Sather, Allison Schlaeger, Daniel Serviss, Krishna Shankar, Beth Sicheneder, Nicholas Stender, Arthur Stillman, Ryan Strand*, Adam Sveum, Meghan Sweeney, Evan Tarshish, Lillian Torrison, Michael Tradewell, Angela Ugorets, Joelle Van Valkenburg, Melissa Vavra, Lauren Vickers, Jack Wanderman, Johanna Warren, Amanda Weinstein, Alexander Weir, Allison Weisman, Jordan Werre, Karl Wicks*, Anna Wiens, Sara Wilkerson, Ian Wilson, Stephanie Wilson, Liesl Wolf, Carmen Wood*, Daniel Woodstra, Elyssa Yesnes, and Sarah Younger. (*Inducted fall 2007)

Hopkins art students win awards in 3rd Congressional District High School Art Competition
Hopkins High School seniors Lily Harris and Lily Tebedge recently won awards in the prestigious 3rd Congressional District High School Art Competition. Lily Tebedge won an honorable mention for her mono prints. Lily Harris won first place with her drawing, which includes a cash award. Her work will be on display at the Wells Fargo Office in Minnetonka for one year.

Hopkins students win awards in jewelry competitions
Sophie Krupp, a senior at Hopkins High School, received an honorable mention at the state high school jewelry competition hosted by the Minnesota/North Dakota Jewelers' Association and the Jewelry program at Minneapolis Community and Technical College.

Hopkins High School Junior William Meeks won first place ($75), and sophomore Sarah Snyder won second place ($50) in the Veberod Gem Gallery contest.

L.H. Tanglen 6th graders earn second place in Math Masters
A team of 6th graders--Taylor Beckenbach, Alina Dain, Roxy K., Trenton Tagessen, and Kyle Terrell--recently earned second place in the regional Math Masters competition. Trenton also won individual awards in the facts drill and individual problem-solving rounds.

The Math Masters of Minnesota competition is designed to promote excellence in thinking skills pertaining to mathematics. The purpose of the program is to challenge students and schools to use higher-order thinking skills and problem-solving abilities and to give recognition for academic effort and achievement.

In March and May, more than 4,000 5th grade and 6th grade students gathered at 32 sites around Minnesota as teams and individuals. These challenges are the culmination of a year-long preparation as team members work to improve their math skills. Math Masters includes individual and team competition in a wide range of math areas.

Carleen Gulstad named Minnesota Teacher of the Year 2008
Carleen Gulstad, a language arts at Hopkins North Junior High (HNJH), was named Minnesota Teacher of the Year 2008, Sunday, May 4.

Gulstad has taught language arts to students in 7th grade through 9th grade for 14 years--nine of those years at Hopkins North Junior High. She has also taught a number of elective courses, including drama, advanced composition, women’s studies, and film and media. She serves in many leadership roles including 8th grade team leader, and on a number of committees such as strategic site plan, data retreat, equity team, staff development, and site instructional leader focusing on culturally responsive instruction. Gulstad is the adviser to student groups, including student council, and Advocating Diversity and Promoting Tolerance (ADAPT). In addition, she has made presentations about HNJH’s staff development plan at several conferences and for University of Minnesota classes, focusing on assessment, culturally responsive instruction, and student portfolio reviews.

Gulstad believes the differences among her students represent strengths, not weaknesses. She taps her students' cultural experiences and crafts lessons that are appropriate and relevant to their individual backgrounds.

"Our schools are becoming more diverse over time, and that's a very good thing. Don't give in to the human tendency to be fearful of difference. . . . Seek out and celebrate new ways of doing things, new ways of thinking, and new ways of communicating. Assume every kid can learn; assume every kid can teach you something," Gulstad said.

Gulstad's commitment to teaching students good communication skills as well as how to interact positively in a diverse and changing world are among the reasons she was chosen Teacher of the Year.

"Her talent in tapping the strengths of every individual student with the goal of building a collaborative, responsive classroom is remarkable. As just one example of her work, this fall she led her students through a journey of self-discovery in which they uncovered and then shared their truest identities with each other. Carleen has the courage to lead discussions focusing on racial identity, religious affiliations, cultural/ethnic customs, family membership, etc.," HNJH Principal Pat Schmidt, Ed.D. wrote in a letter of recommendation.

A former student wrote, "You actually take the time and effort to get to know every student you have every year, and it really helps. You were more than a teacher this year for me ... you were a mentor and a friend."

“Carleen is everything that a great teacher should be, “ said Schmidt. “She is passionate and compassionate. She is dramatic and funny. She is serious and filled with a great sense of humor. She is quite simply and completely an astonishing woman and teacher.”

Gulstad earned bachelor's degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, and her master’s degree in education from St. Mary’s University. She first taught in Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton. She lives in Maple Grove with her husband and son. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, music, film, travel, time at the family cabin, and going on adventures with her husband and son.

Gulstad was among 10 teachers from across the state named as finalists in the 2008 Minnesota Teacher of the Year program. A selection panel of 24 leaders in the areas of business, government and non-profit organizations selected the finalists from a group of 28 semifinalists. There were 115 Teacher of the Year candidates for this program year. The selection panel met, Saturday, May 3, to conduct individual interviews with the 10 finalists and to cast votes for the 2008 Minnesota Teacher of the Year.

Education Minnesota organizes and underwrites the Minnesota Teacher of the Year Program. Gulstad will serve as a spokesperson for teachers and teaching in Minnesota, and will be Minnesota's nominee for National Teacher of the Year for 2009.

Hopkins has the unique distinction of having had three Teachers of the Year, including Barb Stoflet in 2001-02, and Rita Wigfield in 1992.

Upcoming activities, Events & Deadlines
Parent Forum--Diversity, Race, and Student Achievement: the Parent Piece
A parent forum, Diversity, Race, and Student Achievement, will be conducted from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, in Room 215 at the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins. This forum is free, and open to all interested parents and staff members. A representative from West Metro Education Program and Hopkins' administrators and principals will lead the discussion. How are demographics changing in the Twin Cities? How does that impact schools? What opportunities and challenges does that present to Hopkins schools? What role do parents and our community play? Free child care will be available; however, registration for child care is needed by Friday, May 16. Send child care requests to cathy_rude@hopkins.k12.mn.us or call 952-988-4081.

Inside Hopkins Public Schools
Hopkins Schools to fly the state’s sesquicentennial flag, beginning Monday, May 12
This may, Minnesota will reach its 150th anniversary as the 32nd state in the United States of America in May. Statehood Week Festivities are scheduled statewide for the week of May 11-18. On Monday, May 12, all of Hopkins’ schools will raise the sesquicentennial flag for the first time to commemorate the event. The flag will continue to be flown from that date forward.

“Social studies classes will highlight this anniversary by learning about a variety of topics about our past and connecting all of us in creating a thriving, innovative future for Minnesota,” said Dee McCarthy, Hopkins social studies curriculum coordinator who obtained the special flags for Hopkins’ schools.

A number of activities are planned for Statehood Week Festivities, and additional information is available at http://www.mn150years.org/.

Hopkins Public Schools to test Connect-ED® message system, Tuesday, May 27
Hopkins Public Schools will test its Connect-ED® message system, Tuesday, May 27. A message from Superintendent John Schultz will be sent to home phones and email addresses of parents with students in Hopkins Public Schools. The message will be sent at 7 p.m. Between now and then, parents can doublecheck that the school district has their correct primary phone numbers and email addresses through Infinite Campus. 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.

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.

Anyone who receives the test message in error because they do not have children in the school district, should call 952-988-4128, or send an email to connect.ed@hopkinsschools.org.

Adult Options in Education
The following articles on an Adult Options in Education’s volunteer and graduate are published in the May edition of the Update newsletter, which is being distributed to all Hopkins Public Schools residents. The articles were written by Jessica Foster, marketing manager for Adult Options in Education. For additional information about Adult Options in Education, please visit www.adultoptions.org, call 952-988-5343, or send an email to adult_options@hopkins.k12.mn.us.

Volunteers make a difference in Hopkins Public Schools
Each week, Bob Mattison spends two mornings on the third floor of Eisenhower Community Center doing, he says, “his part to make the world a better place.”

A volunteer with the Adult Options in Education program, Mattison leads a citizenship class for low–level English language learners.

A corporate attorney by trade, Mattison makes complicated subjects such as the three branches of government, the Bill of Rights, and American history accessible to future Americans.

“I am constantly struck by the difficulty of their quest and the energy and dedication they put into it. I really admire people who come to this country and pursue the English language,” he said.

Mattison started with Adult Options in Education in 2005, first as a volunteer helping adults learn English. Later, because of his background, Lead Teacher Margaret Genereux asked if he would be interested in leading the citizenship class.

“The learners really appreciate him,” Genereux said. “I think he’s genuinely interested and concerned about our new Americans.”

The class, which for many students is a valuable piece in their quest to become Americans, has been a good fit for Mattison’s skills.

“The reason I do it is because it gives me a chance to meet the people and talk to them, get to know them. I want to have lunch with every one of them once they get much better at English so I can learn more about them and their experiences,” he said.

Mattison is a familiar face in Hopkins Public Schools. He and his wife, Sharon, live life with a commitment to giving back, making the world a better place. Bob served as chairman of the Boundary Task Force, is on the Education Services Advisory Committee, the Legislative Action Coalition Steering Committee, the Superintendent and Parents Learning Academy, and the Strategic Planning Committee. Each week, he tutors at Meadowbrook Elementary School and for several years, he was involved in the girls traveling basketball program at Hopkins High School. Sharon Mattison is actively involved with the Hopkins Education Foundation and works at Hopkins High School’s Spirit Shop.

“Both my wife and I, whenever we’re associated with something, whatever it is, we tend to get involved. We try to make it better,” he said. “We’re just trying to do our share. It’s fun. We’re doing our bit to make a difference and to make the district better for everybody.”

Residents of Golden Valley, the couple chose Hopkins Public Schools for their family, taking advantage of the open enrollment option so they could send their children to school here. Their oldest is a junior in college, their youngest is a junior at Hopkins High School.

“Ever since our oldest was in kindergarten, we’ve been very happy all the way through,” Mattison said.

Diploma is possible at any age
Marilyn Graham is focused on two upcoming dates. On May 10, she will take her fifth, and hopefully final, general education development (GED) exam. On June 3, she prays, she’ll finally don a graduation gown and mortar board, walk across the stage at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, and accept her GED diploma from Superintendent John Schultz, Ph.D.

“I know I can do it,” said Graham, 63.

At Adult Options in Education in Hopkins, Graham said she finally has found a supportive learning environment where she is conquering subjects that eluded her in the past.

“I just got lost in the shuffle before,” Graham said. “Here I can get one–on–one help from teachers and volunteers. I never had that before.”

Graham’s family moved a lot, she attended several schools, was often teased, and lived in the shadow of a brother who earned high marks with seemingly little effort.

Coming to Adult Options in Education has made educational success possible.

“It was really scary to start coming to class, but it’s really exciting because I have learned so much that I didn’t know before. Fractions, algebra, geometry . . . I used to run away from those subjects before,” she said.

That elusive diploma is within Graham’s grasp. After passing the social studies, writing skills, reading, and science exams, she only needs to pass the math exam.

“It just seems so exciting, yet so far away. It’s within my grasp,” she said. “I want to be a part of that ceremony.”

Graham, who raised six children by herself and is a grandma to 13, (a 14th grandchild is due in June) said that her family is rooting for her, wanting to be sitting in the audience, Tuesday, June 3.

“My mom and dad would be very proud of me if they were still around,” she said. “But the important thing is, I want to show myself that I can do it. Before, I wanted to graduate, but I felt like I was too dumb to graduate, that I wasn’t smart enough to do the things other people did. I know I’m smart now.”

Adult Options in Education seeks donations of black caps and gowns
Each spring adult graduates, from 17-years-old to senior citizens, walk across the stage at Hopkins Center for the Arts and celebrate a major life accomplishment, earning the general education development (GED) through Adult Options in Education.

Adult Options in Education, the adult basic education program supported through the community education departments of Hopkins, Minnetonka and St. Louis Park school districts, along with Hennepin County Adult Correctional Facilities, is seeking donations of black graduation caps and gowns for its graduates. Adult Options welcomes donations of college or high school graduation gowns to be used yearly by its graduates. Baccalaureate and master’s gowns are appropriate to donate, as they can be altered.

Please send or drop your caps and/or gowns at the Eisenhower Community Center, 1001 Highway, 7, Hopkins, Room 225;  call 952-988-5342 or send an email to jessica_foster@hopkins.k12.mn.us with any  questions.

This year’s graduation ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, at Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins. Representative Ryan Winkler is the keynote speaker. The public is invited to attend. Admission is free.

Reminders about Previously Published Activities, Events & Deadlines
Community invited to long-time teacher’s retirement celebration, Wednesday, May 14
Community members, including current and former students and their parents, are invited to an open house in honor of Barbara Erickson’s retirement, which is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, in her classroom at Gatewood Elementary School, 14900 Gatewood Drive, Minnetonka.

The Depot Coffee House announces youth award for creativity; applications due, Saturday, May 31
In keeping with its arts mission, The Depot Coffee House is offering youth (age 14 to 20) the chance at up to $500 in funding toward their creative endeavors. An application is available on the homepage of www.thedepotcoffeehouse.com. The application deadline is Saturday, May 31. For additional information, please send an email to depotYAC@gmail.com.

Registrations for Champions Fund Golf & Tennis Tournament due, Saturday, June 1
Registration is now open for the second annual Champions Fund Golf & Tennis Tournament, Monday, Sept. 8, at the Oak Ridge Country Club, 700 Oak Ridge Road, Hopkins. All proceeds will benefit Hopkins’ student–athletes and the Champions Fund. Volunteers are needed. Tournament sponsorships and donor opportunities are available. The individual cost for golf & lunch is $150; a foursome is $600; and tennis & lunch is $50 per person. Registrations are due, Sunday, June 1. For more information about volunteering or donating, or to make reservations to play golf or tennis, visit the Champions Fund website at www.hopkins.k12.mn.us (go to the school menu/Hopkins High School/athletics/Champions Fund), or contact Dan Johnson at dan_johnson@hopkins.k12.mn.us, or call 952-988-4691.

Teens Alone conducts Surf’s Up! fund-raiser, Saturday, June 21
Teens Alone is inviting young people to celebrate the longest day of the year, Saturday, June 21, with a Surf’s Up! fund-raiser from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the St. Louis Park Aquatics Park, 3700 Monterey Drive. The cost is $3 per person or $7 per family with all proceeds going to Teens Alone. Children age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

School Board
Upcoming Board discussions   

• 7 p.m. Thursday, May 15--Performance plan for special education, and elementary reading implementation plans
• 6 p.m. Thursday, May 29--student recognition
• 7 p.m. Thursday, May 29—West Metro Education Program update, Early Childhood program strategic plan update, and presentation of 2007-08 budget
  

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/0.0.5.1.5.0.0.3.0.2.0.7.2.0.5.1. Or simply go to Hopkins Public Schools' website at www.hopkinsschools.org and click on School Board menu on the top right 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.
  

Video and audio streams of the meetings are available on the school board section of the district’s website at www.hopkinsschools.org (click on the School Board menu on the top right–hand side of the page, then select video/audio).

Eileen Harvala, APR
Public Relations Director
Hopkins Public Schools
1001 Highway 7
Hopkins, MN 55305
952-988-4024
952-988-4108 (fax)
eileen.harvala@hopkinsschools.org
www.hopkinsschools.org