Daddy & Me EventFree event at the Hopkins Police Station for dads, grandpas, uncles, and family friends with children ages birth to 5 years.

May 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m.Minnetonka Police & Fire StationJune 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m.Hopkins Police StationInformation: 952-988-5046

UpdateHopkins Public Schools

May 2016

d a t e s i n t h e c o m m u n i t y

XinXing students travel across the world as part of the first-ever, eighth-grade trip to China

XinXing@West eighth-graders spent the better part of the school year preparing for their two-week trip to China. They watched cultural videos, listened to lectures from their Chinese teachers, and memorized customs like accepting gifts with both hands and saying thank you at least 10 times. However, in many ways, these students and their parents have been preparing since kindergarten. The trip is a rite of passage for students in the Hopkins Chinese immersion program, and this year’s eighth-grade class is the first to experience it.

“This trip has always been the vision of the parents,” said Molly Wieland, XinXing coordinator. “Our hope is that this will be a stepping stone to college-abroad experiences.”

Strong parent support from the beginning An international trip of this scale may not have been possible without the support of Bei Dou Xing, a parent group dedicated to the success of the Hopkins’ Chinese immersion program. The group fundraises tirelessly and has established a cultural exchange fund for each kindergarten class. These funds cover miscellaneous expenses related to the eighth-grade trip, including chaperones, uniforms for students, gifts for the home stay families, and the student exchange with China. Parents are required to pay the travel expenses for their children.

“When I think about my child going to China, I get teary because of the awesome opportunity that it is,” said Betsy Lindquist, a parent of a child in the program. “I have never been to China, and I may never go, but I am so thankful that my daughter had the opportunity to do this.”

Two weeks in China On March 20, 27 students, three chaperones, and one principal boarded a plane for a 12-day trip to China. Within 15 minutes of being in the country, students had their first Chinese conversations going through customs.

The experience was fast-paced and eye-opening, but exactly what they needed.

“It was so important for students to speak with native Chinese speakers,” said Meng Wang, a seventh-grade Chinese teacher and chaperone. “In the classroom, we slow down for them and repeat, but when they were in China, students had spontaneous and authentic conversations.”

XinXing students spent the first five days of the trip touring Beijing, visiting a number of tourist hot spots like the Great Wall, Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the site of the 2008 Summer Olympics. The second half was spent in Shanghai, where students lived with their home-stay families and were immersed in the culture. Pushing both students and parents out of their comfort zones was the most challenging part of the trip.

Although excited for her daughter, Lindquist was apprehensive about the home stay. Using a service called WeChat, a Chinese version of Skype, she

was able to meet her daughter’s host family prior to the trip. This simple conversation helped put her mind at ease. WeChat also made it possible to check in with her daughter throughout the trip.

“I think you have to realize that you are taking a leap of faith, and most people are good,” she said. “I was nervous, but I got over it as soon as I was able to meet the parents.”

The home stay: Immersed in culture and languageIt was during the home stay that students experienced a range of emotions, from joy to extreme homesickness, as they navigated a world that is much different from theirs. The food was different. The school culture was different.

The community’s guide to the District.

Hopkins High School teacher Kelly Dirks was honored with the Barnes & Noble “My Favorite Teacher” award. Dirks received the award after her student, Katie Hoffman, wrote an essay describing why she was a favorite teacher. The winning essay was read in its entirety during a short ceremony at the Ridgehaven Barnes & Noble in Minnetonka on April 16. Dirks teaches German at North Junior High, West Junior High, and Hopkins High School. She has been with the District since 2008.

The Hopkins High School boys’ basketball team continues to revel in its recent state championship following a decisive win during the class 4A division over Lakeville North. The Royals have met the Panthers in the postseason several times, but a game-winning point streak led Hopkins to a 64-55 victory. The state title is the school’s seventh since 2002 and ninth overall.

Boys Basketball Nets Ninth State Title

XinXing students pose with their Chinese classmates outside the Cosco Experimental School in Shanghai, China.

XinXing students participate in science class at the Cosco Experimental School.

When I think

about my child

going to China, I

get teary because

of the awesome

opportunity that it

is. I have never been

to China, and I may

never go, but I am

so thankful that my

daughter had

the opportunity

to do this.

Hopkins High School Graduation

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2016!

June 2, 7:30 p.m.Lindbergh Center2400 Lindbergh Drive,MinnetonkaTicket is required for admission.

Orchestra Spring Concert

All ensembles perform in this beautiful evening of orchestral music.May 19, 7:30-9 p.m.Lindbergh Center2400 Lindbergh DriveMinnetonka

see Trip of a Lifetime inside

Hopkins teacher named Barnes & Noble ‘Favorite Teacher’

A Trip of a Lifetime

Almost everything was different. The experience was disorienting for American teenagers who were used to a Western world, but cultural immersion was an important part of the learning.

“I thought I was prepared before I went, but I was not,” said student Madison Meyer. “Everything is so different.”

Almost every student experienced some degree of culture shock, which was not a surprise for their Chinese teachers, who knew that no matter how much the students studied in the classroom, the culture would have to be experienced to be understood.

“It’s a very different lifestyle,” explained Chinese teacher Victoria Urbina. “In China, everybody saves money. You don’t run the heat in your house unless you need to. You wear layers. The education system is focused on academics, not on sports or arts, and unity is stressed. Western cultures focus more on the individual.”

Although discombobulated, XinXing students were more prepared than they realized. In fact, everything they had learned over the past eight-and-a-half years had been leading up to this trip. Linguistically they were able to keep up with native speakers, even in Shanghai where the dialect is different from what they learned.

“I was expecting the language to be a lot harder than it was,” said student Ellie Munger. “It felt good to remember some words that I had not used for awhile.”

School in China As part of the trip, XinXing students attended school at the Cosco Experimental School in

Trip of a Lifetime continued from coverShanghai. Their 10-hour school days were filled with recreational and academic activities. Students tried their hand at calligraphy and martial arts, conducted science experiments, and even took a Chinese standardized test.

After spending a week in the Chinese education system, the students had a good understanding of what school was like in China. Academics are approached with a competitive spirit that the Western world reserves for athletics. Much more homework is assigned, and the recreational activities have academic themes. Many students had a new appreciation for their American school.

“The person I was staying with did three hours of homework on a typical night,” said student Evan Komschlies. “At home, I do much less than that. I realized that I should not complain about homework.”

Upcoming China exchangeXinXing students were able to stay with Cosco Experimental School families because of a sister-school partnership that West Junior High principal Shirley Gregoire secured in the summer of 2014. This partnership has resulted in many shared learning experiences between Hopkins and Shanghai. In early May, students from the Cosco Experimental School plan to visit XinXing Academy and XinXing@West. The Chinese students will stay with the students they hosted in China.

The China exchange not only benefits the Chinese immersion program, it benefits the entire West Junior High school, which became an International Baccalaureate World School in 2015. The real-life learning opportunities provided by an international visit is an exciting prospect for a school that is focused globally. West plans to continue to leverage the deep, international

Students traveled from Beijing to Shanghai on a high-speed train.

Students blow off some steam outside the Summer Palace in Beijing.

Hopkins Community Education Building a great place to live

Questions about summer options? Call us at 952-988-4070 or visit www.HopkinsCommunityEd.org

Enrichment heats up in the summer – discover great summer options to get fit, engage your child, and more!Adult Enrichment

Our classes continue in the summer! Dance, art, pottery, fitness, yoga, wellness, hobbies — there is summer fun,

socializing, and learning for everyone.

Early ChildhoodEngage and play with your baby in Summer Infant & Parent classes starting June 6. Join us for Fun in the Sun August 18, an

outdoor family favorite, and more!

Experience summer fun and learning at Hopkins Community Education!

March 20th - March 31st 38 Travel Hours, ~15,300 miles27 Students, 3 Chaperones, 1 Principal

• Cosco Experimental School

• Chinese standardized testing

• Chinese studies• Observe classes• Live with host families • Cooking• Calligraphy• Martial Arts• Yu Yuan Garden

SHANGHAITRIP SUMMARY

• Tian’anmen Square• Forbidden City• Prince Gong Mansion• Old Beijing Hutongs• Wangfujing Street• Temple of Heaven• Summer Palace• Yonghe Temple• Great Wall• Ming Tombs• Stone Arch• Great Red Gate• Dragon Gate • Phoenix Gate• Ding Ling Tomb• Olympic Campus

BEIJINGTRIP SUMMARY

• 40-minute classes• 10-hour days• Limited technology• Weekend school• Formal classroom• Th ree hours or more

homework

Chinese Schools:STUDENT IMPRESSIONS

• Chicken feet• Pigs feet• Sheep intestines

Food Sampled:

XinXing students write their name on a sidewalk in Beijing using a large calligraphy brush.

experiences that the Chinese immersion program brings.

“This is the beginning of a real partnership between West Junior High and China,” Gregoire said. “This international relationship will strengthen the learning experience for everyone in our school.”

All North Junior High students went on field trips in March. They traveled to places like Jerusalem, the Galápagos Islands, or to one of the U.S. monuments, and they all made it home in time for dinner.

These field trips were made possible by Google Expeditionstm, a new product that allows teachers to take their students on virtual field trips using a Google Cardboard Viewer and a smart phone. Using this technology, students experience virtual reality panoramas and travel throughout the world without leaving the classroom.

“Going on Expeditions enriches learning for our students and gives them a unique and fun experience that helps them see the world in a new way,” said Debbie Hahn, a social studies teacher at North Junior High.

Using a tablet, teachers control the type of virtual field trips that students go on. Teachers can also program learning cues and narration into each location point, providing a direct link back to classroom learning.

Hahn took her social studies students to several World War II landmarks like Pearl Harbor, the

Battle of Midway, Auschwitz, and the Peace Gardens in Hiroshima. As the students explored, Hahn read facts about the location and why each was significant to the history of World War II.

In addition to North, Google visited Glen Lake, Gatewood, and Eisenhower elementary schools. Representatives from Google were on site for each of the visits to help teachers with their Expeditions.

Virtual Technology Allows Students to Experience the World

Things heated up in the West Junior High kitchen as students competed in a cook-off “Chopped”-style during the first-annual Royal Chef competition held April 4.

Hopkins nutrition department chefs teamed up with students to prepare savory, creative, kid-friendly meals, which were critiqued by a seven-person panel comprised of local chefs, West Junior High staff, administrators, and professionals.

The grand prize went to Alyia Brown and Daniel Clark. They were teamed up with chef Kerry Crawford to make turkey croquettes with lemon basil sauce, an herbed ruby wild rice blend, and sauteed baby bella mushrooms, red bell peppers, kale, red onion, and garlic. As the winners, their dish will be in rotation on the West Junior High lunch menu.

Hopkins Students Compete in the First-Annual Royal Chef

Royal Chef champions Alyia Brown and Daniel Clark won with a turkey croquette and lemon basil sauce.

Holocaust Survivor Teaches Lesson in Humility and Humor

Dr. Robert Fisch likes to joke and admits he takes “humor very seriously.” He is a lifelong artist, published author, former University of Minnesota professor, renowned pediatric physician, and immigrant from Budapest, Hungary. He is also a Holocaust survivor who spent nearly a year behind the razor wire inside a Nazi labor camp. But his story outside the camp is one of fortitude, generosity, and tolerance — a story he shared with Eisenhower Elementary/XinXing Academy students on March 14.

“History is meant to teach us. The only thing we need to do with history is learn from it,” he explained. “If you don’t learn from it, if you don’t find ways to be better than what happened, you cannot change.”

Fisch, 90, talked with fifth- and sixth-grade gifted and talented reading students about World War II and the Holocaust — a unit they were studying. Eisenhower/XinXing teacher Scott Stillman, who helped facilitate the dialogue, said the opportunity to hear from a survivor helps students better understand the humanity behind the horrific events of the Holocaust.

Fisch documents his extraordinary story of struggle, starvation, and survival in his book “Light from the Yellow Star: A Lesson of Love from the Holocaust,” and his connection with students in another book, “Dear Dr. Fisch: Children’s Letters to a Holocaust Survivor.” While he didn’t get into specifics with the students of what he witnessed, Fisch recalled fixating on food and how hard it was to get even a small morsel.

Eleven months after being forced into the concentration camp, Fisch said American soldiers liberated the camp and its fewer than 120 survivors. Following the liberation, Fisch reunited with his mother in Budapest and received word that his brother was safe in Switzerland. He never saw his father again and many of his relatives had vanished.

In his books, he tells the story of coming across a German soldier shortly after being liberated. The soldier was hungry, sick, and begging for food. He made a choice, one prompted by the caring nature of his father, to help the soldier. Even in the face of incomprehensible adversity, Fisch did what he felt was right. Now more than seven decades later, he continues to stand up for those persecuted and speak out against hatred and revenge.

“If you walk away today with anything, I want it to be these two sentences: Remain humane even in inhumane circumstances, and respect others as you want to be respected,” he said. “No one is more important than anyone else, just different. We are here for a short while in this life, and we have to make the most of it.”

Despite spending almost a year in a Nazi concentration camp, Dr. Robert Fisch, who faced unimaginable horrors, is spreading his message that love overcomes hate.

Where are they now?

Donghong Wang has been a driving force behind the Hopkins Chinese immersion program, XinXing Academy, since its inception in 2007. Her dedication to student success is second to none. As a Chinese language arts and kindergarten teacher, as well as the curriculum coordinator for the immersion program, Wang helped curate the foundational learning material that has made XinXing a premier Chinese immersion program.Through her efforts, the more than 350 immersion students have age-appropriate textbooks and other academic literature, a guided reading library with a 10,000-book collection, and an inclusive learning environment that fosters global citizenship.

“She is a trusted leader and mentor of all of our staff,” said XinXing Academy/Eisenhower Elementary principal Paul Domer. “Our teachers look up to her not only because of her great expertise in the classroom, but because she truly cares for each of them and wants XinXing to be a place where they can stay long term. There is a lot of work on her end getting students to learn a new language. She’s a super impressive teacher.”Wang is passionate for the Chinese immersion program, and this passion is passed on to her students year after year. She most appreciates her students’ excitement about learning the language or diving into new material. Her hands-on approach to teaching instills a strong foundation for lifelong learning and sparks a curiosity for learning about cultures. Background: While in China, Wang taught at both the college and elementary level, and moved to Minnesota in 2003. She began teaching at Yinghua Academy in Minneapolis three years later, and in 2007 started at XinXing Academy. Wang is one of the founders of the nonprofit Mingzhou Huaxia Chinese School in Eden Prairie. In this role, she has developed preschool and kindergarten Chinese curriculum, taught kindergarten, and is still the long-time principal and board director. What do you love most about working at Hopkins Public Schools? I enjoy working at Hopkins because of the wonderful, supportive administrators and friendly, cooperative co-workers. Proudest moment? My prouder moments always come from my students. Each fall, on the first day of school, my kindergarteners come to my classroom with curiosity and puzzlement. They understand almost nothing I am talking about. But in a couple of days, they start understanding my Chinese instruction and gradually start responding to me in Chinese. Teaching philosophy? I have been teaching in China, Singapore, and the United States for nearly 20 years. I believe in creating a fun and respectful learning environment and strive for success for every student. I also believe in combining the best teaching practices from both English and Chinese. Based on the feedback from students, parents, peers, and principals, I am proud that my teaching style works very well for my students.

District Life Changer

Yasimen (Mimi) Aboubaker: 2012 graduate Stats: Student and entrepreneur • Studying finance, marketing, and social entrepreneurship at New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business

Alexander Young: 2003 graduate Stats: Professional musician • Bachelor of music in performance from McNally Smith College of Music

Hannan Yassis Aboubaker: 2011 graduate Stats: Student • Studying respiratory therapy at North Dakota State University

Kimberly Ruthenbeck is a volunteer champion. A longtime supporter of the local nonprofit Bei Dou Xing, she has been involved with promoting what is now a renowned Chinese immersion program in Hopkins for nine years. Kimberly has been a Bei Dou Xing board member since its inception and is currently the president. The group supports XinXing Academy by fundraising to enhance Chinese cultural experiences. Proudest moment volunteering?In the early years of XinXing, Bei Dou Xing was working on events that would incorporate Chinese culture outside of school. A few very dedicated parents were able to create a Chinese New Year’s Festival. It was a way for the kids to celebrate the Chinese language they were learning, and a very memorable day for all! What person has influenced you most?My dad. He was a very hardworking man but knew how to balance work with the joy of life. He always took the time to get to know each person he met and create a lasting connection. People would be surprised to learn?For 10 years, I traveled the world to compete on a womens Tug-of-War team. We won the gold medal at the World Championships in 2004. Book a flight or hit the road?Book a flight. I love to travel, especially when it is to see my family in California. I volunteer because …I love teamwork. There is no better feeling than a team of people making great things happen. The people I have met volunteering are truly exceptional.

Community SpiritKimberly Ruthenbeck

Stats: • B.A. in philosophy, Shaanxi Normal University in Xi’an, China; a Masters in law from Xi’an Jiaotong University in Xi’an, China. Wang also has an elementary teaching license from Hamline University. She has worked for XinXing since its inception in 2007.

The entrepreneurial spirit burns brightly inside Yasimen, learning the ropes as a summer analyst with Goldman Sachs in New York City, and recently founding an education technology company that aims to improve educational outcomes of disad-vantaged students. Yasimen also recently helped on a Refinery29 photo shoot with a Women’s Wear Daily stylist. Community development and men-torship will continue to be an important part of her life in the future. Favorite Hopkins High School hangout? The mall.Favorite Music Artists of 2012? Maroon 5 andOneRepublic.What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Ms. Dale and Ms. Wilcox are both great at seeing potential, and helped me cultivate intellectual vitality, a passion for community engagement, and the need to dream big!How did Hopkins prepare you? Hopkins taught me to work hard, dream big, and take risks!

Alexander Young has gone from a young prodigy exploring music in the Hopkins band room to a professional musician touring with the likes of Talib Kweli, Jeremy Messersmith, and the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. After studying at the University of Minnesota Duluth for several years, he left to learn alongside national music producers and graduated from McNally Smith College of Mu-sic in St. Paul. Young plans to continue his career as a freelance musician while exploring other outlets as a nutritional therapy practitioner.Favorite Band of 2003? The Bad Plus.What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Mr. Bell, Mr. Culloton, and Ms. Hawley were huge for me. They gave me so many opportunities to explore music.How did Hopkins prepare you? How did having the best music department in the state prepare me to become a full-time professional musician? I couldn’t say ... (is sarcasm allowed in these?).

Hannan Aboubaker is a community-oriented individual who has a passion for helping others. Hannan is the president of NDSU’s Panhellenic Council and a proud sorority sister. When she isn’t deep into her studies, Hannan volunteers every Thursday at a long-term care facility visiting with residents. Currently, she is interning at Sanford Health in the respiratory therapy department.Favorite Hopkins High School hangout? The graphic design studio.Favorite Music Artist of 2011? Rihanna.What Hopkins teacher made a difference? Mr. Klein was more than a fantastic professor, he was a great mentor and friend to me. How did Hopkins prepare you? Hopkins prepared me for college with Advanced Placement (AP) classes. By experiencing college level academics in high school, I was prepared and given a foundation for success.

fun facts fun facts fun facts

Donghong Wang

Know someone we should feature on this page? Email Carrie.Gerard@HopkinsSchools.org

Update May 2016

Our Recipe to Fill Empty Bowls in our Community:

• 1,215 bowls created by our students, staff, and community potters

• 34 Hopkins art, music, and elementary teachers

• 253 volunteers

• 326 entertainers of all ages

• 75 artist bowls and fine art for the silent auction

• 1,509 servings of soup and bread

• 42 in-kind sponsors

May Events

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 161Hopkins, MN

55343

1001 Highway 7Hopkins, MN 55305www.HopkinsSchools.org952-988-4000Time Value

Residential Postal PatronECRWSS

Antigone – Hopkins High School Royal Productions presents its spring production of this classic Greek tragedy.May 12, 13, and 14 at 7 p.m.Hopkins High School Little Theater, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka.www.hhstheater.org

Hopkins High School Orchestra Spring ConcertMay 19, 7:30 p.m.Lindbergh Center, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka.

Daddy & Me Free Fun Event (kids birth-five years). Details: 952-988-5000May 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Minnetonka Police and Fire Station.June 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Hopkins Police Station.

Hopkins High School Choir Finale May 26, 7 p.m.Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka.

Hopkins High School 2016 GraduationJune 2, 7:30 p.m.Lindbergh Center, 2400 Lindbergh Drive, Minnetonka. Ticket is required.

Last Day of School for StudentsJune 3, grades K-12

2016 GED Graduation – details at www.adultoptions.orgJune 7, 7 p.m.Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins.

Find us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/HopkinsPublicSchools

Get Connected, Stay Connected

It was a record year for Hopkins Public Schools’ Empty Bowls fundraiser, as cumulative donations officially exceeded $1 million since the event began 18 years ago. This year’s event raked in $74,627, and counting. Since its inception, Empty Bowls has been an important part of supporting two local organizations — ResourceWest and the ICA Food Shelf.

Over 1,200 bowls were donated by local potters, community members, and students. Some of this year’s donation total is credited to longtime sponsor SUPERVALU, who once again promoted the “Challenge to the Community Fund” donation drive. Through this initiative, more than 178 leaders from the community, local businesses, congregations, city, and schools raised $61,328.

Fuel up with Free Summer Meals for Hopkins Youth

Hopkins Public Schools’ 2016 “Fuel for Active Kids” summer meals program kicks off in early June at Eisenhower, Gatewood, and Alice Smith elementary schools. Kids and teens can also catch up with the mobile

food truck at various parks and sites within the Hopkins Public Schools community. Any child age 1-18 is eligible and welcome to receive fresh, high-quality breakfast and lunch at one of the designated meals sites, served in a community setting throughout the summer.

Looking for a free meal site near you?Drop in at one of the six sites listed below.

Breakfast (8:30-9:30 a.m.) and lunch (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.)• Eisenhower Elementary: June 6‐August 17• Gatewood Elementary: June 9‐August 17Lunch (12-1 p.m.)• Alice Smith Elementary: June 9‐August 17

Mobile Food Truck: Lunch (times vary, check location)June 9‐August 17• Valley Park-801 7th Ave. S., Hopkins: 11:10-11:40 a.m.• 43 Hoops-1002 2nd St. NE, Hopkins: 11:55 a.m.-12:25 p.m.• Oakes Park-900 Lake St. NE, Hopkins: 12:30-1 p.m.August 1-17• Cottageville Park-439 Blake Rd. N, Hopkins: 1:35 p.m.

Find more details and summer meal menus at www.HopkinsSchools.org/freelunch

www.HopkinsSchools.org/emptybowls

Hopkins PreschoolsYour preschool choice does make a diff erence.Inside our preschools you’ll discover a stimulating learning environment designed to create excitement around learning for your child. Preschool enrollment is now open for summer and fall 2016. Start your child’s love for learning, register today!

More information: Call us at 952-988-5000 or visit HopkinsSchools.org/preschool

Ready for a world of discovery and learning?STEM curriculum

• Stepping Stones full-day • Kaleidoscope part-day • Ready4K for qualifying families