District Kickoff Day

Kickoff Day Schedule

Tuesday, August 29, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 
Hopkins High School Theater, 2400 Royals Drive, Minnetonka. 

Please join us for the 2023 District Kickoff - our theme this year is Growing in Community, and what better way to honor this theme than by gathering as one staff. Starting at 8 a.m., we will ease into the morning with a social hour that includes beverages and conversation followed by a presentation co-anchored by Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed and West Middle School's Kim Campbell. We will then transition to a large breakout session focused on wellness and restorative practices. Afterwards, enjoy a world-class meal prepared and presented by our nutrition staff, and an afternoon of engaging learning opportunities. We can't wait to kick off another successful school year with YOU!

Hourly staff not contracted to work on August 29 will be compensated. Complete this form to enter your hours of attendance.  Paras WILL enter their hours for August 29 in True Time.

8:00 - 8:50 a.m. 
Restorative Culture Table, Check-in with Admin/Supervisors
Hopkins High School Cafeteria

Join us for a casual morning coffee chat event where you can mingle and connect with administrators, supervisors and peers. It's a great opportunity to check in, have conversations, and build relationships in a relaxed setting.

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Welcome Message: Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed and Kim Campbell
Main Auditorium

Join us in the auditorium for a special welcome session designed exclusively for our dedicated staff. As we embark on another year of growth and learning, this session serves as the perfect opportunity to come together, reconnect, and set the tone for the exciting journey ahead.

Get ready to be inspired and motivated as we hear from our esteemed speakers, Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed and Kim Campbell!

10:15 - 11:30 a.m. 
Restorative Culture Presenters: Jake Kirchner, Donna Philippot

Growing in Community: “The stories we tell determine the direction we go.”
Every new school year is an opportunity for us to connect with each other and articulate who we want to be. In Hopkins, we aspire to build a Restorative Culture—one of healing and hope. Restorative Practices are not intended to be used only as responses to harm or to address disciplinary issues; they are about owning and understanding who we are and how we are to and with each other. 

In two sessions, focusing on connection to self and connection to others, we will explore the heart of restoration as we move toward transformation.  

11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. 
All Hopkins Employee Lunch at the Royals Activity Center

A special lunch at Hopkins High School is available for all staff prepared by our fabulous Nutrition team! Menu is below.

12:45 - 3:30 p.m. 
Department and Grade Level Meetings 

All certified and non-certified staff are invited to attend employee group breakout sessions. Most of these sessions will be at the high school. Please refer to the schedule to determine your session location.

Special Services Staff will receive further information from Fhonda Contreras and/or Brian Stanley.

Workshop Schedule

3:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Chat with Leadership: Your Aspirations for the Year and How can we Assist?
Hopkins High School Cafeteria

As we wrap up this productive day of discussions and planning, we want to express our gratitude for your thoughtful insights and collaborative spirit. We're here to listen. Tell us your goals for the year and how we can support you best. Your perspectives provide us with valuable guidance as to chart the course for the year ahead.