Épisodes

  • Who Decides the Snow Day?

    Who Decides the Snow Day?
    Dec 8 2025
    When snow, freezing temps, or even summer storms hit Minnesota, one question rises to the top for every family: Is school still on?In this episode of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed and her guests walk us through what really happens during those late night and pre-dawn hours, how communication moves quickly once the call is made, and why the classic “snow day” looks different today.

    Guests:
    • Dr. Nik Lightfoot — Assistant Superintendent and Director of Human Resources
    • Jolene Goldade — Director of Communications
    • John Wetter — Director of Information Services and meteorologist
    Resources:
    More Info on Hopkins Inclement Weather
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    26 min
  • Robotics

    Robotics
    Nov 24 2025
    The Hopkins High School robotics team, The Technocrats, is fueled by far more than competition. It’s a safe place where students can be themselves and grow as engineers, strategists, communicators, and leaders. In this episode, the team shares what it takes to go from a challenge announcement to getting a working robot on the field, how new students find their place on the team, and why robotics is one of the most exciting ways our students prepare for a future in STEM and beyond.

    Guests:
    • Jason Herzog — Mentor and machine design engineer at General Mills
    • Amelia Carriveau — HHS senior, team captain
    • Kaitlyn Ditzler — HHS junior, team captain

    Resources:
    www.hopkinsrobotics.org

    Upcoming Events:
    • MinneTrials, Tanglen Elementary School, Dec 6-7, 2025, www.minnetrials.org
    • Middle School Competition, Eisenhower Elementary School, Jan 10-11, 2026
    • Technocrats Open House, March 14, 2026 at Hopkins High School
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    24 min
  • The Hopkins American Indian Education Program

    The Hopkins American Indian Education Program
    Nov 10 2025
    November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Native peoples. In this episode of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed sits down with our American Indian Education Program leaders to learn how we support Native students in building cultural pride, identity, and belonging.

    Together, they explore the history and purpose of the program, the importance of representation in schools, and the ways Hopkins partners with Native students, families, and tribal communities to help every learner thrive.

    Guests:
    Debb Andreen – American Indian Cultural Associate
    Katy Solko – American Indian Education Coordinator

    Resources:
    Learn: More about the program at Hopkins
    Visit: Dakota Sacred Hoop Walk at the Arboretum
    Read: Everything you Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask
    Hike: Bdote
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    21 min
  • Cybersecurity in Our Schools

    Cybersecurity in Our Schools
    Oct 27 2025
    In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, especially in our schools. In this episode, we explore how Hopkins Public Schools protects students, staff, and families in an era where technology touches every aspect of learning.

    Host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by three members of the Hopkins technology and information services team who are leading the charge to keep our systems safe and resilient. Together, they discuss how the district responds to technology disruptions, what cybersecurity looks like in an E–12 setting, and how every staff member plays a role in protecting information and learning continuity.

    Guests:
    • John Wetter – Director of Information Services and Technology
    • Scott Van Vleet – Assistant Director of Technology and Information Services
    • Keshan Singh – Enterprise Information Specialist
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    21 min
  • Blueprints for Belonging

    Blueprints for Belonging
    Oct 13 2025
    What does a classroom designed for the future look and feel like? In this first episode of the school year, we explore how Hopkins Public Schools is transforming learning spaces to support safety, inclusivity, and engagement for every student.

    Host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by three district leaders at the forefront of reimagining what modern learning looks and feels like. Together, they discuss how space influences learning outcomes, what makes a school feel safe and welcoming, and why thoughtful design can improve focus, collaboration, and belonging.

    Guests:
    • Dr. Ann Ertl – Director of Innovative Design and Learning

    • Dr. Tiffany Nielsen-Winkelman – Assistant Director of Instructional Design

    • Brian Stanley – Assistant Director of Special Services

    Resources:
    More information about the upcoming referendum and voting options
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    20 min
  • Senior Spotlight: Isaac Winkler

    Senior Spotlight: Isaac Winkler
    Jun 5 2025
    As we celebrate the Class of 2025, we’re excited to share the story of Isaac Winkler. Isaac was captain of the lacrosse team and a dedicated member of the hockey team. Beyond sports, he’s made history as the youngest delegate in the entire country to attend the Democratic National Convention.

    Isaac will be attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison next year, where he plans to pursue his future goals in politics.

    Please join us in congratulating Isaac on his impressive achievements in Hopkins Public Schools and wishing him the very best as he begins on this next chapter!
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    15 min
  • Senior Spotlight: Mia Osman

    Senior Spotlight: Mia Osman
    May 22 2025
    As we wrap up this season of Inside Hopkins, we’re celebrating the Class of 2025. In this episode, we’re shining the spotlight on one senior’s story. Mia Osman is a student board representative, part of the Muslim Student Association, Somali Student Association, and National Honors Society. She also co-founded two new groups at Hopkins High School: Immigrating to Success and Youth in Government.

    Mia will be attending the University of Minnesota next year with the aim to major in political science on a pre-law track and minor in history. She has a clear vision of becoming a civil rights lawyer and a politician.

    Please help us congratulate Mia on her incredible achievements in Hopkins Public Schools and wish her all the best on her future endeavors!
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    15 min
  • Every Student has a Talent

    Every Student has a Talent
    May 8 2025
    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

    Resources:
    More information about Schoolwide Talent Development at Hopkins
    More information about Confratute
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    21 min