Hopkins announces a big change coming soon. Find out the exciting news inside this week's Royal Report.
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.
Governor Walz announces an important update to the Minnesota Department of Education’s School Safety Plan
On Dec. 16, Governor Walz announced updated guidelines that loosen the restrictions that have been in place since August for our youngest learners and would allow public school districts to begin in-person learning for early childhood, preschool, and elementary students starting January 18. Hopkins principals and leadership teams will need a few days to analyze the new guidelines and plan for our next phase of safe, in-person learning for E-6 students. We will communicate a more detailed announcement no later than January 4. Read full announcement
KARE11: The Gratitude Project | Meadowbrook Elementary students remind us there’s still plenty to be thankful for
On the last day of Hopkins' hybrid learning, KARE 11's Ben Garvin asked students at Meadowbrook Elementary what they were grateful for. The students gave honest, heartwarming, and hilarious answers. Watch
Dr. Brown receives MnEEP Ron McKinley Award
Dr. Stanley Brown, Coordinator of Educational Equity and Inclusion, was honored for his work advancing racial equity and justice by the Minnesota Education and Equity Partnership (MnEEP) on Dec. 11. MnEEP transforms systems, structures, and public narratives to advance race equity and excellence in education. Brown was among five people honored for their work shaping and advancing a racially just education system in Minnesota.
Don't forget: New website will launch over break
Over the winter break, Hopkins will launch a new website. The website will have a new navigation structure, which will change how you access your email and many of the links currently listed under "quick links for staff." There are a few things you can do right now that your future self will thank you for:
Bookmark your email in your website browser of choice.
Save this spreadsheet, containing all the "quick link for staff information" in your google drive.
Watch the video posted above or set it aside to watch later. The video will walk you through how to access all this information on the new site.
Please keep in mind, we are launching the website in phases, and not all content is coming over in phase one. We own our existing website and all the information on it, which will be archived — if you don't see your information on the new site and you need to reference it, it's not lost!
School Board Member Chris LaTondresse says goodbye
The Hopkins School Board gave Chris LaTondresse a virtual standing ovation at his last School Board Meeting on Dec. 8. He was recently elected to serve as Hennepin Commissioner for District 6 and is unable to serve in both roles at the same time. LaTondresse has served on the Hopkins School Board since 2017 contributing lots of his time and energy to Vision 2031. We thank you, Director LaTondresse, for your service to Hopkins. We wish you well in your new role. #RoyalsForever#RoyalPride
Help Hopkins schools and scholars — Meal Benefits Application deadline extended!
Hopkins scholars receive free student meals this year, but we encourage parents/caregivers to still apply for free meal benefits — there are many benefits for qualifying families beyond meals. Based on the number of eligible free meal applications, our school receives important funding to pay for teacher positions and school resources. Many families are surprised to learn that they qualify. Please apply by Jan. 4, 2021 to help our schools and scholars! Apply now
Eisenhower Elementary + Language Immersion
Did you know that Eisenhower Elementary + XinXing Academy has three different pathways for language.
Students can learn in our Spanish or Chinese Immersion programs, or enroll in our amazing Eisenhower Community School that teaches our students in English. All three classrooms interact and collaborate with each other to create a rich cultural school experience developing global-minded scholars. Enroll today!
No-Cost At-Home COVID-19 Testing For All Minnesotans
Minnesota now offers COVID-19 saliva testing for any person who wants to be tested, with or without symptoms, at no cost. This saliva test is just as accurate as the nasal swab test and is available at no cost for every Minnesotan, whether or not you have insurance. More information about this partnership with Vault Medical Services is available on the Minnesota Department of Health’s website, including information on how to order test.
Winter Break
Monday, December 21-Friday, January 1
Special School Board Meeting
Tuesday, December 22, 7 p.m.
This is an online meeting — join the audience when it is broadcast live on YouTube.
School Board Meeting
Tuesday, January 5
Workshop: 5 p.m.
Meeting: 7 p.m.
This is an online meeting — join the audience when it is broadcast live on YouTube. A link to the broadcast will be posted with the meeting details on the Board Meeting Packets page — go to the new HopkinsSchools.org and search for "School Board Packets."
Registration for Hopkins Community Education adult and youth classes is open with many new classes added! There are exciting online and in-person experiences waiting for you — register today. ECFE registration is open with new in-person and virtual classes added. We look forward to making safe and engaging experiences to support your child’s early learning. Join our family-centered early learning community today! Call 952-988-5000 or register online.
Virtual early childhood screenings
We are now offering online early childhood screenings. Screenings are a simple check of your child's development and supports kindergarten readiness. Schedule your child's screening appointment today. Hopkins Spanish immersion preschool has space available. ¡Bienvenidos! We are excited to offer half-day Spanish immersion preschool with morning and afternoon options at our Eisenhower site this year. Families are welcome to register at any time space is available. Select Kaleidoscope Spanish Immersion, Sections 2 and 4.
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!
The next edition of the Royal Report will come out Jan 8, 2021.
