Hopkins High School

Salutations!

I hope that the holiday break we are just coming off was a great time to connect with family and friends. We are currently in the middle of our second trimester and there are a few things in the hopper that I feel you will want to know about.

• We are approaching our midway mark of the trimester and Parent/Teacher Conferences are just around the corner. They will be held on Wednesday 1/17 in the high school gym from 4:00-7:00. Please join us.

• Last year we held SAT (testing) Seminars for our Junior class. Our students went on and scored above the State averages in Math and ELA! We will be doing this again. More information will be sent to Juniors, parents and guardians early next month.

• Senior parents… mark your calendar… your students will not need to attend school on Tuesday, April 9th. All the other grade levels will be taking the SAT suite of tests.

• There are many groups, games, and performances at this time of the year. Join us at one of our sporting events. Come to a concert in February. The FFA and Robotics groups are in full swing preparation for their competitions. We have a Quiz Bowl Team this year. There is a startup Viking Volunteer group this trimester. Our House Council and NHS are always up to something (like the NHS Blood Drive on 1/15).

It is a great time of the year! Join us in some way.

Yours in Education,

Ken Szczepanski, HHS Principal

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Hopkins High School Cafeteria

Monday, January 15, 2024

10AM - 4PM

HPS is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Outstanding People for Education through March 1, 2024. The purpose of the "Outstanding People for Education" recognition is to honor and recognize people in public education who are excelling in their field and/or making an impact on the quality of public education at Hopkins Public Schools. If you'd like to submit a nomination, please use the following link: https://forms.gle/nEi1tjZE1AG2s4km8 Please limit your nominations to a maximum of two.

Last Names A - K Ms. Wagenfuehr

Last Names L - Z Mr. Crook

Do you know the 3 main areas School Counselors work with students are …

1. Academic - talk about any academic concerns, study plans, organizational skills, academic plans, Tech Center, AP classes, and more.

2. Personal/Social - concerns with friendships, family, other interpersonal concerns, anxiety, stress, coping skills and more

3. Career/College - deciding after high school plans and what to do when students are in high school to make those plans happen. Will a student go to trade school? 2 or 4 year college? Military? Apprenticeship? Other?

We meet with students during individual appointments, by conducting small groups, and when visiting classrooms. We also talk with parents/guardians on the phone and in person.

SCHEDULE CHANGES -

Sometimes students want to ask their school counselor about a possible schedule change because they no longer need a class or are in the wrong class, etc.

Possible schedule changes for the entire school year can be discussed and requested with your school counselor at Orientation.

For Trimester 1 requests, they need to be made at Orientation and up through the 1st Day of School.

For Trimesters 2 requests, by November 10th and for Trimester 3 by March 1st.

Feeling overwhelmed, working through a problem situation, having anxious thoughts, want to decrease stress?

Click here and keep scrolling down to connect with a variety of mental health tips - particularly the “I’m Feeling” and “Tips for Navigating” sections.

Information for ALL students:

• Requesting Classes for next school year - In January, students will begin thinking about what classes they would like to take for NEXT school year. Students and Families will receive an email approximately around mid-month with the Course Catalog indicating class options for next school year. Please review. Any questions can be directed to your school counselor. Within the school day, school counselors will visit classrooms 2 times in January/February: the first time to meet individually with students to make a plan for required classes and to talk about elective options; then, the second classroom visit will be when the students submit their requests into PowerSchool. *note 9th graders will meet individually with Mrs. Robrahn in January and then will have school counselors visit their classroom to submit requests into PowerSchool.

• XELLO for Career Planning - In December, students were introduced to Xello, the new program we are using for students to work on their EDPs (Educational Development Plans.) Ask your student to show you Xello on their Chromebook - it is one of the apps and can be found within the waffle. Students have access to Xello at any time, and can view their plan, research career options, change their plan, take interest surveys, etc. Trade School and 2 and 4-year college information also is found on Xello to help with planning. There is SO MUCH information - view it today or soon with your student.

• Did your student fail a class Trimester 1? Have your student see their school counselor so that they can make a plan to re-take that class and earn that credit for graduation. Students can make an appointment with their school counselor by requesting a meeting through email, stopping by the office to see them, or submitting a green Appointment Request Form found in the Office.

• Have a quick question for your school counselor or want to set up a meeting time? EVERY WEDNESDAY at Lunch, the school counselors have a table in the cafeteria and are there to answer your questions. We also have information sheets on a variety of topics. Stop by the table on Wednesdays!

AP Exams May 2024

For those students taking an AP class this year, note the following dates of the AP Exams. Please plan doctor appointments and other school absences around these dates so that students will be in attendance for the exams. These dates are set in stone and set by College Board and all test-takers around the world take these tests on the same day:

Monday, May 6 8am - US Government

Monday, May 6 12pm - Chemistry

Wednesday, May 8 8am - English Literature and Composition

Thursday, May 9 12pm - Psychology

Friday, May 10 8am - US History

Monday, May 13 8am - Calculus AB

Monday, May 13 12pm - PreCalculus

Tuesday, May 14 8am - English Language and Composition

Thursday, May 16 12pm - Biology

Seniors

• Senior Packet -please read and refer to throughout the school year - the Senior Packet can be found here: Senior Packet

• Financial Aid letters from colleges and trade schools —- Have you already been accepted to colleges and are you receiving Financial Aid letters from them indicating your financial options? Not all letters are the same - different colleges have different forms/options, and each one can be a little confusing if you are not familiar with the format of those letters. See your school counselor who can help you review them and understand what you are being offered, so you can make an informed decision.

• Continue to Apply - Check the individual deadlines, but most colleges and trade schools will still be accepting applications now through the early spring (and some beyond that timeframe!) So, finish or start those applications today. See your school counselor about how to get started or with any questions along the way.
  

• ACCEPTED FORM - This form has been emailed to all Seniors. As soon as you are accepted to a Trade School, 2 or 4-year college, Military, Apprenticeships, etc., complete this form. School Counselors have a treat for you and want to congratulate you!! Complete this form EVERYTIME you receive an acceptance if you receive more than 1.

• Apply on website or through the Common App? Check your college or trade school website to find out how they want you to apply ….some will have you apply on their website, while others want you to apply via Common App.

• APPLICATIONS - you might need to write an essay and/or obtain recommendation letters for your college and trade school applications. Make sure you give yourself enough time to write and obtain these parts of your application.

• FAFSA - Students applying to 2-year colleges, 4-year colleges, and trade schools are encouraged to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be eligible for scholarships, grants, and federal aid. Most post-secondary schools participate with federal student aid programs, however, you can check with each school to be certain. Schools also sometimes use the FAFSA information to determine eligibility for their own in-house scholarships and grants. Students and Families can obtain FAFSA ID beginning in October 2023 (this is the 1st Step) and then the FAFSA opens later this school year on DECEMBER 31, 2023 for students and families to complete - the sooner you complete, the more opportunities students are eligible for. See your school counselor with questions. You can also refer to: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

• Scholarships - Periodically look at the Scholarships link on the Counseling Office Virtual Office. Scholarships for college and trade school - updated throughout the school year - can be found on the School Counseling Virtual Office link: Scholarships-Hopkins School Counseling Office Ms. Wagenfuehr also emailed you the link. Scholarship deadlines vary, some deadlines are approaching and some are not until early spring. ALSO ask your college or trade school about their own Scholarships once you have been accepted - they have their own for admitted students. See you school counselor for more information.

• Michigan Achievement Scholarship - Click here / Scholarship Link - Many seniors will qualify for this scholarship from the State of Michigan. IT IS FOR MULTIPLE YEARS !!! First step is to complete the FAFSA - then complete next steps.

• This is the school year you will start to make more solid post-secondary plans - what you will be doing after high school graduation! This planning can be exciting as well as sometimes a little daunting. Your school counselor is here to help. Also, refer to the Junior Packet of information. The Junior Packet can be found here: Junior Packet

• This year you will continue to grow and develop as a high school student as well as think about and plan for any Tech Center programs, AP classes, and more. Your school counselor is here to help. Also, refer to the 10th grade packet of information. The 10th Grade Packet can be found here: 10th grade Packet

• Remember your school counselor is available to answer any questions and provide support - stop by to see us in the Office and if we are not available, complete a GREEN appointment request sheet. We will then call you down to meet.

• 9th Grade Packet can be found here: 9th grade Packet

Michigan Career Pathfinder

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's Office of Employment and Training (LEO-E&T) created this online career planning tool to help connect Michigan residents with high-quality, in-demand degrees and credentials. We encourage students and families to explore this useful tool:

Michigan Career Pathfinder

Students and families looking for help paying for college are encouraged to register for a Virtual Financial Aid Presentation provided by the MI Student Aid team. Participants will be able to gather information on the following financial aid topics:

• FAFSA application information

• Federal financial aid programs

• State financial aid programs

• Scholarship searching resources

Also, high school students and families interested in learning more about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship are invited to register for an informational Webinar provided by the MI Student Aid team. Participants will be able to gather the following information:

• Michigan Achievement Scholarship eligibility requirements

• Michigan Achievement Scholarship award amounts

• Important action items for students and families

• Additional resources and program information

All sessions are free of charge and open to the public. Register for one session only, as space is limited.

The Michigan Department of Treasury is not affiliated with National Merit Scholarship Corporation or its registered trademarks National Achievement®, Achievement Scholarship®, or Achievement Scholar®.

2024 Scholarship Applications are now OPEN! ACCF offers a variety of scholarships to high school seniors and adult learners. For a complete list of available scholarships, please visit our website. If you have questions or need technical assistance while applying for a scholarship, please email scholarships@alleganfoundation.org

or call our office 268-673-8344.

Forms are available at all school offices.

Did you know that College Representatives and the Branches of our Military visit our schools throughout the year? If you would like to get more information about the options for your future please sign up on the attached Google Document. Please check often as representatives add frequently. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tMpI84_Xhsek4jkRebJVKIoAUrTmu8h6bND-77e_06E/edit?usp=sharing

When Hopkins High School returned from winter break, they participated in the inaugural wrestling assembly dual. Hopkins took on Kelloggsville for a dual that started at 1 PM. The high school student body, teachers, staff and many students and staff from our elementary and middle school's attended to cheer on the varsity wrestling program. Thanks to everyone that made this a great success!

Jason Babiak --------------- jasobabi@hpsvikings.org Ext. 2104

Alexandria Bosanac ------ alexbosa@hpsvikings.org Ext. 1110

Tara Burgess ---------------- taraburg@hpsvikings.org Ext. 1112

Erica Chamberlin ---------- ericcham@hpsvikings.org Ext. 2101

Jessica Couch -------------- jesscouc@hpsvikings.org Ext. 1104

Alexander Cross ----------- alexcros@hpsvikings.org Ext. 3129

Tim Dommenick ----------- timdomm@hpsvikings.org Ext. 1117

Kaitlyn Dudek --------------- kaitdude@hpsvikings.org Ext 1593

Rebecca Ellithorpe ------- rebeelli@hpsvikings.org Ext. 2111

Trenton Feyen -------------- trenfeye@hpsvikings.org Ext. 2110

Alyssa Figueroa ---------- alysfigu@hpsvikings.org Ext. 1119

Cody Francis ---------------- codyfran@hpsvikings.org Ext. 2109

Melissa Haverdink ------- melihave@hpsvikings.org Ext. 2119

Ben Herrick ------------------ benherr@hpsvikings.org Ext. 1103

Diane Kamps --------------- diankamp@hpsvikings.org Ext. 2108

Lindsay King ---------------- lindking@hpsvikings.org Ext. 1101

James Kiss ------------------ jamekiss@hpsvikings.org Ext. 1102

Zachary Miller -------------- zachmill@hpsvikings.org Ext. 2103

Phil Moerdyke -------------- philmoer@hpsvikings.org Ext. 1109

Lisa Nagengast ----------- lisanage@hpsvikings.org Ext. 2102

Matt Oeverman ------------ mattoeve@hpsvikings.org Ext. 1113

Jaclynn Rewa ---------------- jaclrewa@hpsvikings.org Ext. 1107

Casey Schoenborn ------ casescho@hpsvikings.org Ext. 2106

Susan Snoeyink ----------- susasnoe@hpsvikings.org Ext. 1108

William Spoelhof --------- willspoe@hpsvikings.org Ext. 2100

Russ VanDommelen --- russvand@hpsvikings.org Ext. 1118

Jessica Williams --------- jesswill@hpsvikings.org Ext. 3129

Amy Yuengert ------------- amyyuen@hpsvikings.org Ext. 2107

The 2022-2023 District and School Annual Education Reports are now available at www.hpsvikings.org. Hard copies are available in the school office.

Ken Szczepanski, Principal

kenszcz@hpsvikings.org ext. 1509

Jessica Robrahn, Assistant Principal

jessrobr@hpsvikings.org ext. 1507

Todd Crook, Counselor

toddcroo@hpsvikings.org ext. 1520

Christine Wagenfuehr, Counselor

chriwage@hpsvikings.org ext. 1510

Andrew Mains, Athletic Director

andrmain@hpsvikings.org ext. 1511

Email: highschool@hpsvikings.org
Website: hpsvikings.org
Location: 333 Clark Street, Hopkins, MI, USA
Phone: 269-793-7616
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HopkinsHighSchool

The Hopkins Public School District Board of Education complies with all federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, marital status, height, weight, or disability in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Mr. Scott VanBonn Superintendent of Schools, Hopkins Public Schools, 400 Clark Street, Hopkins, MI 49328 Phone 269-793-7261.

The Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), disability, age (except as authorized by law), religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes") that are protected by Federal civil rights laws in its programs and activities.