Inside Hopkins

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 teacherCristian Cisneros - sophomore at Hopkins High SchoolIsabelle Mayer - senior at Hopkins High SchoolResources:Project Por AmorMusic at Hopkins

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 LiaisonFhonda Contreras - Director of Special Services at Hopkins SchoolsJames and Jacob Martinez - Transition Plus scholarsResources:More information on Transition Plus

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 SchoolRobb Trenda - Fifth grade teacher at Glen Lake Elementary and Technology Integration SpecialistResources:Watch: Outdoor Adventures Class at Hopkins High SchoolLearn more: Hopkins Education Foundation - Outdoor OpportunitiesLearn more: Glen Lake Go!Learn more: Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning CenterGet outside: Free entrance days to all Minnesota state parks

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 PresidentAzariah Barrows – 12th Grade, BSA Event CoordinatorOnika Miller – Special Services Supervisor and BSA AdvisorResources:Hopkins BSA Instagram

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 SchoolJulius Eromosele – Principal, North Middle School & 2023 Hennepin County Middle School Principal of the YearJeremy Reichel – Design Teacher & Instructional Coach, North Middle SchoolResources:Empowering Students with Design ThinkingInternational Baccalaureate at HopkinsInternational Baccalaureate Curriculum 

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! GuestsKelly Becker - Hopkins parent and advocateKarin Brinkhoff - 3rd and 4th grade teacher, Glen Lake ElementarySher Unruh-Friesen - COMPASS teacher, Glen Lake ElementaryResourcesWatch: The COMPASSion Invasion at Glen LakeSupport: Play4AllRead: A Swing for Samara, inspired by the true story of the students at Glen Lake Elementary

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 Resources:PBL WorksProject Based Learning 

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.Guests: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.Resources:Story - Hopkins Public Schools mascot costume design revealed at Tanglen assemblyHopkins Education Foundation - What We FundMia Carter’s Business

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 by Jonathan Haidt, 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:Kim Campbell, West Middle School Dean of StudentsJeff Matchette, Hopkins High School CounselorYulonda Royster, Student Support SpecialistDoyhup Anderson, High School SeniorSabrina Scott, High School SeniorResources:The Anxious Generationhttps://www.kimcampbellconsulting.comMeet the Minneapolis ‘violence interrupters’

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:Crystal Ballard - Hopkins High School PrincipalJohn Sammler - AP Coordinator, Science EducatorLucy Ferro - High School SeniorBruce Lowmanstone - High School SeniorResources:Advanced Placement Courses at HHSAP College Board