Inside Hopkins

Hopkins Schools was one of the first districts to have student board reps on its school board—and it’s a tradition we continue today. The Hopkins School Board includes three (soon to be four) Hopkins High School students and one VirtualEDU student. Our guests—Mia Osman, Praise Akinyele, and Manuel Wahyu—are all returning school board reps. They talk about what it is like to be part of the governin...

They started their high school experience in the pandemic and are entering a world that is rapidly changing and sometimes feels more polarized than ever. What does the Class of 2024 think of their high school experience and what the future might hold for them? We sat down with three seniors who talk about everything from globalization, phone addiction, social media’s impact on relationships, and e...

Get ready for our upcoming episode airing on June 6! In this special Graduation Day episode, our host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Redd will talk to graduating seniors about their Hopkins journeys, favorite memories, and future plans. Don't miss out on this special episode celebrating the milestone of high school graduation and the exciting paths that lie ahead! Resources: HHS Graduation Day Information

What’s for lunch? It’s a common question, but the answer really matters. And in Hopkins, what is for lunch (and breakfast) is delicious. All of our kitchens produce meals from scratch, partner with local farms for fresh ingredients, and cook meals that incorporate diverse culinary traditions. In this episode we talk about the impact of universal free meals and explain why it’s still important to f...

In this episode of Inside Hopkins, we are sitting among greatness. Out of 159 candidates from across Minnesota, these four remarkable educators advanced to the semifinals for the 2024 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award. And just before this episode was recorded, we learned that two of our guests made it to the finalist stage. In this conversation we explore our guests' unique “why” for choosing t...

You are bigger than your biggest mistake. How does it make you feel to hear that? It might give you the feeling that you can start over or try again. It might cause you to reflect or feel relieved. Restorative practices in our schools help our students understand each other and where they are coming from. While restorative practices can be used as a strategy for conflict resolution, they’re also u...

VirtualEDU is the only online school in the state of Minnesota to offer both fully online and blended (in-person + virtual) pathways. School leaders at VirtualEDU have turned the concept of online learning on its head by creating virtual learning environments that are supportive, community-based, and culturally affirming. Our guests, who all taught in in-person environments prior to joining Virtua...

The Hopkins Public Schools Legislative Action Coalition (known as LAC) is a grassroots advocacy group of parents, community members, school board members, and high school students. But it’s also more than that. Within the group is a legacy that includes and involves many of the legislators who are currently in office today. The Hopkins LAC is the birthplace and powerhouse for Minnesota legislators...

Okay. That’s not true. But a robot could have. That’s what we are talking about in this episode – the evolution of AI technology and the growing need for expertise in computer science and coding. These skills will be in high demand in the job market and are changing quickly. According to our guests, AI advancements like ChatGPT are the biggest technological shift that adults will see in their life...

In Hopkins, we call ourselves an E-12+ system because we know and believe that early childhood learning is an essential component of the school experience. In this discussion, we explore why those early years are so crucial for child development. According to our guests, it is in early childhood and through preschool programs that students develop a love of learning and begin to develop skills lik...

There is no such thing as a “math brain.” And yet, it’s common for people to say, “I am not a math person.” According to our guests, you ARE a math person. Everyone is. In this episode, we explore people’s unique relationship with math and offer strategies for addressing math phobia. Math is more than simply ticking the boxes and moving on. Hopkins educators integrate creativity and conceptual lea...

Hopkins has two language immersion programs - Spanish Immersion and Chinese Immersion. At Eisenhower Elementary, these two pathways operate alongside an English pathway with a robust International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) framework connecting concepts and curriculum. Hopkins’ immersion programs follow a 90/10 model, meaning 90 percent of the content is Spanish or Chinese with...

This teaser provides a sneak peek into our upcoming podcast episode focusing on our Chinese and Spanish language immersion programs within Hopkins Public Schools. As the holiday season unfolds, we're taking a brief pause to recharge our podcasting spirits. Join us back on January 11 as we venture into the captivating world of language immersion education. Resources: Learn More About Our Chinese an...

In our last episode of 2023, we explore the development of our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Hopkins High School. The program will be offered in January in a state-of-the-art lab at the high school designed to simulate a hospital setting. The program not only offers real-world experience in the medical field, it also offers scholars CNA certification - a value of around $1,500. Scho...

In this episode, we dive into the immersive outdoor education program at Gatewood Elementary. Discover how this innovative curriculum not only connects children with the environment, but also enhances academic skills, fosters teamwork, and ignites a lifelong love for the outdoors. Guests: Dr. George Nolan, principal, Gatewood Elementary Ellen Dischinger, Kindergarten teacher, Gatewood Elementary

In this episode of Inside Hopkins, join our host, Superintendent Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, in a thoughtful conversation with Laura Jensen, the dedicated LGBTQ+ Community Liaison for our school district. Diving into the heart of inclusivity and diversity, this episode sheds light on the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community within Hopkins Public Schools. Guest: Laura Jensen Read...

In this episode, we take you on a fascinating journey through the Science of Reading and the transformative impact of LETRS training at Hopkins Public Schools. Join us as we speak with Hopkins experts and educators who are contributing to a brighter future for scholars through the power of effective literacy instruction. Guests: Anne Baird, Elementary Instructional Coach, Tanglen Elementary Lori O...

Many schools across the nation were built in the industrial age to prepare students for factory work. We know this is an outdated model, and redesigning schools is a complex task. What should schools of the future physically look like, and what are the steps we can take to get there? In this episode, we dive into the future of education by exploring the present state of our schools and the adjustm...

Hopkins High School prioritizes post-secondary success through the Royals College and Career Center (RCCC), funded by the Hopkins Education Foundation and led by Dr. Michelle Kuhl. The RCCC offers integrated programs and personalized support, helping students explore their future paths and navigate systems for success, while fostering intentional post-graduation planning. Guest: Dr. Michelle Kuhl,...

Freedom School provides research based and multi-cultural curriculum for scholars and their families. Paris Timmons, Executive Director of Freedom School at Hopkins, shares the history, impact, and vision that Freedom School brings to our community. Guest: Paris Timmons, Summer and Extended Learning Coordinator, Executive Director of Freedom School – Hopkins Public Schools Background reading and w...

Welcome to Inside Hopkins, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the Hopkins Public School District! Join us as we explore the heart and soul of our community's educational system, uncovering the inspiring stories, innovative programs, and dedicated individuals that make Hopkins a hub of educational excellence. Every first and third Thursday of the month. Staring September 21.