Hopkins High School distributes Class of 2020 lawn signs. Read about this and more.
The Royal Report is distributed every other Friday during the school year. In it, you will find stories about students who are going above and beyond, staff members who are making a difference, and events you will want to mark on your calendar. Send story ideas to: Jolene.Goldade@hopkinsschools.org. View email in browser.
Hopkins High School Class of 2020 Graduates During a Historic Time
On June 4, 476 seniors graduated from Hopkins High School in a format that was different from any other class that had come before them. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, traditional graduation was canceled and an alternative plan that included a drive-through graduation, mini car parades, and a virtual pre-recorded ceremony was crafted. More
WATCH: On June 4, the Class of 2020 returned to Hopkins High School one last time to receive their diplomas. The graduates were then led to their elementary schools, where they were met by their past teachers cheering them on! Later this week or early next week, watch for our Tribute to the Class of 2020 video on social media.
This year, 31 employees retired from Hopkins Public Schools. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, we were not able to celebrate in person. Instead, the Hopkins School Board hosted a virtual Retirement Recognition during the June 2 School Board Meeting. Meet the retirees and read their Hopkins biographies here.
What will school look like in the fall? No one quite knows, but one thing is certain, Distance Learning has changed us.
Superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed reflects on Distance Learning and contemplates what school might look like next year and beyond. More
NOTE: This column from Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed was written in April while school was still in session. It was included in the May 2020 edition of the Update newsletter.
Hopkins School Board Approves Balanced Budget for 2020-21
At the June 2 School Board Meeting, the Board approved a structurally balanced General Fund budget for 2020-21. The budget was presented by Tariro Chapinduka, Director of Business Services. The budget approved for the 2020-21 school year reflects Year One of a two-year process to right-size the budget. As a result, Hopkins cut approximately 2.5 percent of its budget. Due to careful analysis, we were able to minimize classroom and people impact, protect mental health and socioemotional health resources and learning supports, and protect special education services. Next year, Hopkins will once again need to make cuts of around the same amount. We will seek out community input to collaboratively design our model moving forward. More information will be available in the late summer or early fall.
End of year celebrations look a little different this year
It's been a wonderful — and unusual — year! Traditional last day of school festivities could not take place on June 5 due to Distance Learning, but that didn't stop our educators and staff members from celebrating with parades, virtual ceremonies, and more.
The video above is from the Alice Smith car parade, which several of our elementary schools and Harley Hopkins Family Center held to say goodbye to students for the year. The Meadowbrook Elementary community raised over $2,000 for the PRISM organization in honor of retiring principal Dr. Greta Evans-Becker.
Thank you, students and families, for being so resilient. We can't wait to see you next year!
The Loop is a resource created for Hopkins District community members that is filled with information regarding transportation, food, internet, parenting tips, and more. Explore the resources that are virtually available to you.
Kindergarten Bridge
Online event — available now!
Give your incoming kindergartener a connection to the classroom that will help your family get ready for this important milestone! This is a digital Kindergarten Bridge experience — you and your child will see and hear from your school principal and get a virtual tour of a kindergarten classroom. More information Hopkins Camp Royal K-6 summer program is open for registration!
Staff at Camp Royal are ready to welcome your kids this summer! Camp Royal will follow state recommended guidelines regarding small class sizes, sanitation practices, and physical distancing. We are looking forward to making safe and memorable summer experiences for our campers! Registration is now open. Reserve your child's space today!
Hopkins Community Education Adult Classes
Want to learn something new and engage with others without even leaving your home? Hopkins Community Education has a variety of digital programs for adults! Learn a new language, explore home fitness options, and more. There are exciting classes waiting for you — register online today! Summer ECFE Parent-Child Classes
Parent-Infant, Parent-Toddler, and Parent-Preschooler classes are online this summer! You don't have to wait until fall to enjoy the benefits of taking a class with your child. Connect with other families, engage with your little one, and enjoy discussions with a parent educator. Register today! Questions? Please contact Angela Sandok.
Connect with us online!
In the midst of physical distancing, it is now more important than ever to stay connected with our Hopkins community. We'd love to hear from you. Be sure to tag us in your social media posts. Teachers, we want to see your virtual engagement with your students. Students, we want to hear from you, too!
This is the last scheduled Royal Report of the school year, but you might see us once or twice in the summer if big news comes up. Have a wonderful summer, Royals!
