Inside Hopkins Podcast
Inside Hopkins is a biweekly podcast where we unravel the stories of innovation and education in our district.
Hosted by our superintendent, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, our podcast offers an exclusive peek behind the scenes, featuring conversations with staff, students, experts, and partners, giving you an insider's view of the inner workings of a school district.
Our audience is as diverse as our content – parents, students, district residents, alumni, staff, and even fellow education leaders from different districts. Join us on this journey as we push the boundaries of education and lead the way in innovation. Inside Hopkins is your passport to the future of education.
Episode Guide
Season 2
- Episode 13 - Every Student has a Talent
- Episode 12 - From Hopkins to Havana
- Episode 11 - Transition Plus
- Episode 10 - Outdoor Adventure Await
- Episode 9 - The Black Student Alliance
- Episode 8 - Assume Nothing, Design Everything
- Episode 7 - It's Not Magic: True Inclusion is Hard Work & Heart Work
- Episode 6 - The Power of Projects
- Episode 5 - There Are Two New Mascots in Town, and You’re Going to Hear Them Roar
- Episode 4 - Unplugged: The Connection Between Phones and Teen Mental Health
- Episode 3 - Challenge Accepted: Why All Students Should Take an AP Class
- Episode 2 - The Power of Yes!
- Episode 1 - Dr. M-R’s Youngest Bosses
Episode 13 - Every Student has a Talent
What happens when a school district stops asking “Who is gifted?” and starts asking “How can we nurture the gifts in every child?” In this episode of Inside Hopkins, we explore how Hopkins Public Schools is transforming teaching and learning through its innovative, research-driven Schoolwide Talent Development model.
Host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by Dr. Leanne Kampfe, Jillian Myers, and Kathleen Roller. All three guests are dedicated educators who are leading this work across the district. Together, they unpack the shift from traditional, exclusive gifted programs to a personalized, affirming approach that nurtures exceptional abilities in every scholar.
This episode is a must-listen for educators, families, and community members who believe in the unlimited potential of every student!
Guests:
Dr. Leanne Kampfe - Principal on special assignment for Hopkins Public Schools
Jillian Myers - STEAM specialist at Alice Smith Elementary
Kathleen Roller - Enrichment specialist at Meadowbrook Elementary
Episode 12 - From Hopkins to Havana
In this episode of Inside Hopkins, we journey over 1,800 miles to the heart of Cuba. This spring, students from the Hopkins High School band, choir, and orchestra experienced a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience designed to promote global citizenship through the universal language of music. Superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed and our guests reflect on what it meant to travel abroad, how Cuban culture shaped their perspectives, and the role of music in building connections and serving as a universal language.
You’ll hear how this trip reinforced core values we champion in Hopkins: empathy, confidence, and being well-traveled and globally-minded. A fair warning, though…this episode may make you want to salsa dance, book a flight, or join the Royals band!
Guests:
Nora Tycast - Hopkins High School band teacher
Cristian Cisneros - sophomore at Hopkins High School
Isabelle Mayer - senior at Hopkins High School
Episode 11 - Transition Plus
What does a pathway to adulthood look like for young adults with disabilities? In this episode, we talk about Transition Plus—a collaborative program between Hopkins Public Schools and St. Louis Park Public Schools designed to prepare young adults with disabilities for life beyond high school. More than just academics, Transition Plus focuses on real-life readiness. It equips students with the skills they need for employment, independent living, community participation, and postsecondary planning.
Together, Superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhirirpiri-Reed and our guests discuss a typical day in the program, the challenges and triumphs of transitioning into adulthood, and the powerful role of local business partnerships … and you hear from two amazing students who are also twins!
Guests:
- Alaina Martin - Transition Plus Coordinator and Unified Special Olympics Liaison
- Fhonda Contreras - Director of Special Services at Hopkins Schools
- James and Jacob Martinez - Transition Plus scholars
Resources
Episode 10 - Outdoor Adventure Await
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In this episode, host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed and our two guests explore the impact of nature in education. With Minnesota’s students spending more time on screens and less time outdoors, our conversation gets into why outdoor experiences aren’t just refreshing—they’re essential for student health, well-being, and academic success—especially when students engage in activities like the school’s renowned ropes course.
Whether you’re an educator, parent, or just want to hear tips on how to get your family outside, this episode offers a fresh perspective on learning and living beyond the screen.
Guests:
- Karl Schroeder – Physical and Health Education teacher at Hopkins High School
- Robb Trenda – Fifth grade teacher at Glen Lake Elementary and Technology Integration Specialist
Episode 9 - The Black Student Alliance
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What happens when students take the lead in shaping their school community? In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the Black Student Alliance (BSA) at Hopkins High School—a student-led organization dedicated to empowering Black students, fostering connection, and driving meaningful change. Host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed sits down with BSA leaders to discuss the power of affinity spaces, the joy of Black culture, and the importance of advocacy in education.
From organizing the Royally Speaking Black History Month celebration to engaging in important conversations about equity and inclusion, BSA members are making their voices heard—on campus and beyond. They share their personal experiences, reflections on Black identity, and aspirations for the future.
Join us for an inspiring discussion about leadership, resilience, and the impact of student-led movements!
Guests:
- Dallas Downey – 12th Grade, BSA President
- Azariah Barrows – 12th Grade, BSA Event Coordinator
- Onika Miller – Special Services Supervisor and BSA Advisor
Episode 8 - Assume Nothing, Design Everything
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What if the most important skill we can teach students isn’t what to think, but how to think? In this episode, we explore the dynamic world of the International Baccalaureate (IB) design cycle — a hands-on, inquiry-driven approach that challenges students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and unleash their creativity.
Through stages of inquiry, ideation, creation, and evaluation, IB design empowers students to take ownership of their learning, connect classroom concepts to real-life applications, and develop future-ready skills. Whether it's building prototypes, brainstorming solutions, or refining ideas through feedback, this episode highlights how design thinking transforms traditional learning into something truly impactful.
Get ready to be inspired by these educators who are shaping the problem-solvers of tomorrow!
Guests:
- Kurt Carlson – Design Teacher, North Middle School
- Julius Eromosele – Principal, North Middle School & 2023 Hennepin County Middle School Principal of the Year
- Jeremy Reichel – Design Teacher & Instructional Coach, North Middle School
Episode 7 - It's Not Magic: True Inclusion is Hard Work & Heart Work
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Inside Hopkins is back! In the first episode of 2025, we take a deep dive into the heart of the COMPASS program, a district-wide initiative based at Glen Lake Elementary that serves students with disabilities and complex medical needs. Host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by three incredible guests to explore the power of inclusion, compassion, and the importance of building meaningful friendships among all students.
Compass students are a "kind of big deal"—not just because they helped spark fundraising for a $1 million inclusive playground, but because they embody the true spirit of inclusion. They teach their general education peers to look beyond disability and see the friend. Through daily interactions, they help shape a school culture rooted in acceptance, kindness, and genuine connection—one where every student feels valued and included.
Get your tissues ready. This episode will pull at your heartstrings!
Guest Bios:
- Kelly Becker - Hopkins parent and advocate
- Karin Brinkhoff - 3rd and 4th grade teacher, Glen Lake Elementary
- Sher Unruh-Friesen - COMPASS teacher, Glen Lake Elementary
Episode 6 - The Power of Projects
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Project Based Learning (PBL) is learning that you can’t google to get the answers. And its presence in Hopkins classrooms creates powerful learning experiences. From ensuring academic rigor to helping students develop confidence, empathy, and critical thinking, this episode highlights how PBL empowers students to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Listen in as our PBL experts share their classroom expertise and insights, and even sing a little Rick Astley.
Guest Bios:
- Ryin Carreras – Meadowbrook first-grade teacher
- Ben Dickens – Hopkins VirtualEDU educator
- Mary Kornmann – Instructional coach at Meadowbrook
Episode 5 - There Are Two New Mascots in Town, and You’re Going to Hear Them Roar
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Why are most mascots male-presenting? That’s a question that Principal Jim Hebeisen and Hopkins Transition Plus graduate and designer Mia Carter explored and eventually led to the creation of two new mascots, one male-presenting and one female-presenting. Hopkins might now be one of the only districts in the nation to have both a male- and female-presenting mascot. In this episode of Inside Hopkins, we tell the story of these beautiful lions and how they are connected to Hopkins’ commitment to inclusivity and Vision 2031. Funded by a $10,000 Hopkins Education Foundation grant and thoughtfully crafted, Carter shares the inspiration, symbolism, and careful design choices that shaped these mascots and explains why she believes they will make a meaningful impact on the Hopkins school community.
Guest Bios:
Jim Hebeisen – Principal of Tanglen Elementary, who worked closely with Mia to incorporate Vision 2031’s core values into the mascot design.
Mia Carter – A Hopkins Transition Plus graduate whose artistry brought the mascots to life, embedding character strengths and inclusivity.
Clare Scott – A member of the Hopkins Education Foundation Grants Committee who mentored this grant application, supporting the vision of these inclusive mascots.
Episode 4 - Unplugged: The Connection Between Phones and Teen Mental Health
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In this episode, Dr. M-R dives into the important topic of mental health among middle and high school students. Anchored around the book The Anxious Generation, the conversation features insights from two Hopkins High School students and three educators, exploring the complex relationship young people have with their phones—a key way they connect socially. Could this shift in behavior be fueling a mental health epidemic? Or maybe it’s more nuanced. We hear directly from our high schoolers on a potential cell phone ban in secondary schools and discuss how such policies might impact student mental health across middle and high school.
Guests:
Guests:
Kim Campbell, West Middle School Dean of Students
Jeff Matchette, Hopkins High School Counselor
Yulonda Royster, Student Support Specialist
Doyhup Anderson, High School Senior
Sabrina Scott, High School Senior
Episode 3 - Challenge Accepted: Why All Students Should Take an AP Class
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What does it take to thrive in college-level coursework while still in high school? In Episode Three of Inside Hopkins, we explore the world of Advanced Placement (AP) courses at Hopkins High School, where nearly half of Hopkins High School students are stepping up to this challenge. Hear from high school staff and scholars as they share their experiences with AP classes, discuss what sets the Hopkins program apart, and offer advice on how all students can take advantage of these opportunities.
Guests:
Guests:
Crystal Ballard - Hopkins High School Principal
John Sammler - AP Coordinator, Science Educator
Lucy Ferro - High School Senior
Bruce Lowmanstone - High School Senior
Episode 2 - The Power of Yes!
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Have you ever asked for something big—really big? $1 million big? What if the people you asked dared to say yes, even if they were not sure it was possible? And what if it happened? That’s the power of yes, and that’s what we will be talking about in Episode Two of "Inside Hopkins."
Guests:
Betsy Julien, Design Teacher at West Middle School
Jeff Radel, Principal of Glen Lake Elementary
John Buettner, West Middle School Student
Mimi Priere, West Middle School Student
Episode 1 - Dr. M-R’s Youngest Bosses
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.
Guests:
Mia Osman
Praise Akinyele
Manuel Wahyu
Resources
Season 1
- Episode 17 - The Class of 2024
- Episode 16 - Thank you, Chef!
- Episode 15 - I Love You More Than Pickles
- Episode 14 - There Are No Weeds in This Garden
- Episode 13 - Not Your Pandemic Online Learning School
- Episode 12 - The Silent Powerhouse You've Never Heard Of
- Episode 11 - A Robot Wrote this Episode
- Episode 10 - Watch Me Grow!
- Episode 9 - You ARE a Math Person
- Episode 8 - The Gifts of Biliteracy
- Episode 7 - A Look Inside the Launch of Our Certified Nursing Assistant Program
- Episode 6 - Exploring Outdoor Immersion at Gatewood Elementary
- Episode 5 - LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in Our Schools
- Episode 4 - The Science of Reading
- Episode 3 - Designing Schools for the Future
- Episode 2 - Preparing for Post-Secondary Success
- Episode 1 - Welcome to Freedom School
Episode 17 - The Class of 2024
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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 even their favorite sandwich. They have a lot to say! They’re articulate, well-rounded, intelligent, and kind. Class of 2024, the world is yours and we were lucky to have known you! Congratulations!
Guests:
Adina Locketz
Tara Paschke
Shaheim Porter
Episode 16 - Thank you, Chef!
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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 fill out meal benefits applications every year.
Guests:
Andrea Schaak, Assistant Director of Nutrition
Sarah Wohlforth, Cook Supervisor
Brenda Nichols, Cashier
Episode 15 - I Love You More Than Pickles
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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 to teach, the importance of relationships, the challenges and joys of the classroom, and why our students love our teachers more than pickles! The Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be named on May 5 at a recognition banquet in Saint Paul.
Guests:
Laura Jensen, Reading Teacher, North Middle School
Ellen Wu, Kindergarten Teacher, Alice Smith Elementary
Sarah Gleason, Third Grade Teacher, Meadowbrook Elementary
Donghong Wang, Kindergarten Teacher, XinXing Academy - Eisenhower Elementary
Episode 14 - There Are No Weeds in This Garden
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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 used for community building and developing trust. Our guests explain why restorative practices are important and result in more learning happening in the classroom. We also explore how restorative practices can be used as a response to a new law that requires schools to use non-exclusionary practices PreK-3.
Guests:
Natalie Sawatzky - Principal, Meadowbrook Elementary
Maria Bearre-Boynne - Restorative culture coordinator
Suzanne Pakenham - Student success advocate, Meadowbrook Elementary
Episode 13 - Not Your Pandemic Online Learning School
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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 VirtualEDU, talk about how this type of learning environment is changing their beliefs about what is important and why they believe virtual learning is here to stay.
Guests:
- Dr. Tiffany Nielsen-Winkelman, Learning Design Futurist and Assistant Director of Innovation, Design & Learning
- Demond Johnson, Associate Principal
- Regina Johnson, Learning Facilitator
Episode 12 - The Silent Powerhouse You've Never Heard Of
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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 and a model for other districts. In this episode, our guests talk about the work they do behind-the-scenes to ensure that legislators understand the education priorities of Hopkins Schools and other districts in Minnesota and what bills they would like to see pass. We also discuss school funding and why school districts, including Hopkins, are needing to cut budgets after receiving increased funding from the state last year.
Guests:
Shannon Andreson - Hopkins School Board Chair
Catherine Callahan - LAC Liaison
Steve Adams - LAC member and former Hopkins School Board Chair
Episode 11 - A Robot Wrote this Episode
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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 lifetime and may even be the biggest technological shift our students will see in their lifetime. What is AI’s place in education, and how can we help our students use the technology for good? What are we doing in Hopkins to ensure that our students are not only developing technology mastery, but are also learning to become critical thinkers and problem solvers within the context of technology? And how can we bring more women and people of color into the field of technology? You don’t want to miss this powerful conversation.
Guests:
Jen Wallace - Media Specialist, Glen Lake Elementary
Carol Tracy - Media Specialist, VirtualEDU
Lorne Kelly-Collins - TechEd teacher at Hopkins High School
Episode 10 - Watch Me Grow!
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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 like curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. Early childhood provides community and connection to our families. In Hopkins, preschool programs are offered in all of our in-person elementary schools, creating a sense of belonging for little ones and setting the stage for positive school experiences. In this episode, we also discuss early childhood special education. Across the country, we are seeing an increase in students under the age of five who qualify for services. We discuss the reasons for this and also the ways in which Hopkins is meeting the needs of all scholars.
Guests:
Sara Chovan, Early Learning Assistant Director
Kathy Willett, Preschool Supervisor
Jennifer Muller, Early Childhood Special Education Lead and Teacher
Episode 9 - You ARE a Math Person
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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 learning into math, encouraging scholars to embrace mistakes and acknowledge the multiple perspectives within a math context. Our guests delve into the tangible benefits and potential drawbacks of accelerating math education, shedding light on the essential math skills scholars will need for the future. Whether you loved this subject as a child or not, this episode will have you rethinking your relationship with math.
Guests:
Mathew Bruflodt, Hopkins High School Math Teacher
Else Goll, Personalized Math Specialist
Sara Lacey, West Middle School Math Teacher
Episode 8 - The Gifts of Biliteracy
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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 English being introduced, or reinforced as biliteracy comes naturally to many students, in third-grade.
In this episode, we explore how learning a second language builds critical thinking and cultural competency in young children, the learning transference that occurs when you learn multiple languages, and the impact of the READ Act on immersion education.
Guests:
Melissa Ness, Principal of Eisenhower Elementary
Pamela Shrestha, second-grade Spanish immersion teacher
Yuqi Li, fifth-grade Chinese immersion teacher
Episode 7 - A Look Inside the Launch of Our Certified Nursing Assistant Program
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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. Scholars who enroll in this class will spend time in this simulated clinical setting and an actual clinical setting, offering them critical thinking skills, deep perspective, and empathy. Thank you to the Hopkins Education Foundation for helping support this important and relevant class.
Guests:
Kara LeVahn, Career and Tech Ed. Coordinator, Hopkins High School
Marit Lee-Dohse, B.S. M.S. NA-R, Health Science Educator, Hopkins High School
Episode 6 - Exploring Outdoor Immersion at Gatewood Elementary
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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
Episode 5 - LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in Our Schools
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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
Reading Teacher, North Middle School
Gender & Sexuality Alliance Advisor
Hopkins Schools LGBTQ+ Community Liaison
Episode 4 - The Science of Reading
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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’Neil, 2nd Grade Teacher, Tanglen Elementary
Nakiya and Raven, Students, Tanglen Elementary
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Episode 3 - Designing Schools for the Future
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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 adjustments we could make to promote a more modern style of education. We also discuss a visionary collaboration between Fielding International, an award-winning international educational design firm, and Hopkins Public Schools.
Guests: Randy Fielding, AIA, Founding Principal, Fielding International
Julius Eromosele, Principal, Hopkins North Middle School
Episode 2 - Preparing for Post-Secondary Success
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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, College and Career Readiness Coordinator, Hopkins High School
Learn more about the Royals College and Career Center in this article.
Episode 1 - Welcome to Freedom School
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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
Read more information on Freedom School at Hopkins and learn how to enroll.