#RoyalFam Newsletter
November 9, 2023
Message from Principal Ballard
Dear HHS Parents and Caregivers,
I hope this letter finds you well and ready for the excitement that Term 2 brings to our school community. As we embark on this new phase of the academic year, I am delighted to share some important updates and information that will help us ensure a successful and productive term for all our scholars.
I want to express our enthusiasm for the start of Term 2. We are looking forward to another period of growth, learning, and achievement for our scholars. The dedication and hard work demonstrated by our scholars in Term 1 has set a positive tone, and we are eager to continue this momentum.
Effective Friday, November 17, final grades for Term One will be available in Infinite Campus. We encourage you to review these grades with your scholars celebrating their success and discussing areas for improvement. Open communication between home and school is vital for the success of our scholars. Scholars who have failed a class may need to attend summer school. Information will be shared later this school year regarding summer school.
A key aspect of academic success is punctuality and regular attendance. It is imperative that scholars are present in all classes on time. To reinforce the importance of this, scholars found in the hallway without a pass or who have missed three or more blocks of class unexcused will be required to participate in before-school or after-school intervention. Parents/caregivers and scholars will be notified via email. Your support in reinforcing these expectations at home will contribute significantly to our collective effort to prepare our scholars for success. Scholars who are chronically absent will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities at HHS. This includes things like athletics and dances.
As we strive to guide our scholars toward graduation with a meaningful post-secondary plan, whether their future includes a gap year, military service, trade school, or a two/four-year college, we believe in providing our scholars with the tools and support they need for a successful and fulfilling future.
On a celebratory note, I am thrilled to share that six of our student-athletes have committed to colleges during signing day this week. Join me in congratulating Avery Petty (soccer- University of Minnesota), Amaya Jennings (volleyball-Bethune-Cookman University), Beck Hagen (lacrosse-North Central College), Liv McGill (basketball-University of Florida), Fiona Chinavare (soccer- University of Minnesota-Morris), and Abbi Carter (softball- Concordia University- St. Paul). Their achievements are a testament to their hard work and dedication, and we are proud to have them represent Hopkins High School.
Finally, I want to emphasize the importance of strong relationships between parents and the school in achieving high academic standards. Your involvement and support make a significant impact on your child’s educational journey. We encourage you to actively monitor attendance in Infinite Campus and daily grades in Canvas to stay informed and engaged in your scholar’s academic progress.
Thank you for your continued partnership in creating an environment where every scholar can thrive. We are excited about the possibilities that Term 2 holds for our scholars and look forward to working together to make it a successful and rewarding experience.
Counselor's Corner
BOGO Offer from ACT
As the December ACT registration deadline is quickly approaching, ACT has a limited time offer available for HHS scholars. They understand the importance of standardized testing for college admissions and want to make it more accessible for all scholars.
For those who register for the December ACT, they are excited to offer a free test in the form of a credit awarded to their MyACT account. This credit can be redeemed for any ACT test, including both the online and paper versions, through July 2024. Please note that this offer is not applicable to registrations covered by fee waivers.
This is an excellent opportunity for scholars to save on future testing fees and have more flexibility in choosing their preferred testing method. But they must act fast as the registration deadline is this Friday, November 3rd, with late registration until November 17th. Click here for more information about the BOGO offer.
For Our Black Parents and Scholars
College Board's Big Future has put together several series called, "Real Talk" that are pertaining specifically to the empowerment of Black high school scholars and future Black college scholars and professionals. Please see the link below to learn more.
HHS College and Career Center - Upcoming College Visits
College Rep Visits are continuing. Below you will find the colleges registered to visit in November with the college rep’s name. Please have your scholar sign up for meetings on their Naviance account (bottom right-hand side) through Classlink.
National Apprenticeship Week is November 13-17
One company that HHS partners with for apprenticeship opportunities for our scholars is Bühler Inc. We would like to share this opportunity with you and your scholar. Also, for more information on apprenticeship week or apprenticeship opportunities please visit, apprenticeshipmn.com and learn more.
Buhler Apprentice Academy Open House
Chicago Premieres This Friday
Join Royal Productions, Hopkins High School Theatre, as we proudly present a mesmerizing production that will take you to a world of glamour, scandal, and intrigue - Chicago. Roxie Hart commits a daring act, is convicted and facing death row. She and another captivating "Merry Murderess," Velma Kelly, both vie for the spotlight and the headlines, and their paths converge in the pursuit of the quintessential "American Dream": a life of fame, fortune, and the elusive quest for acquittal.
Join us as we unravel the drama, ambition and music of this unforgettable story. Get your tickets now and prepare for a night of entertainment that will leave you spellbound!
November 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18 at 7:30pm in the Hopkins High School Auditorium
Tickets are $12, $10 for students and seniors. Tickets are available online here: https://www.vancoevents.com/CBFI or can be purchased at the box office one hour before showtime. Hopkins High School students are free with their student ID.
The Winter Athletic Season is Here!
Click here for information on winter sports and registration or visit Hopkins-Royals.com.
Visit LakeConference.org for all game/match/meet schedules. Questions? Contact the Activities Office #952-988-4691.
Hopkins Spirit Shop - Online Sale
20% off your online purchase! Includes clearance!
November 10th - November 22nd 2023
Order here:
https://hopkins-high-school-spirit-shop.square.site/
Use code: onlinefriday
*discount limited to online orders only
Reading Aloud
What if there was one thing you could do each day that would have a significant, long-term, lasting, positive impact on your child(ren)? In as little as 5 minutes a day, reading aloud with your scholar:
builds vocabulary and working memory
improves communication, comprehension, and active listening skills
strengthens fluency
Nourishes your relationship, reduces stress, and improves happiness (yours and your child's!)
Reading aloud is often considered an activity for younger children, but older children and teens benefit from this shared time as well. It allows for chances to talk about hard topics, learn material and words beyond their independent reading level, and create an open dialogue opportunity. As the temperatures turn cooler, we encourage you to grab a book, cuddle under a blanket, and read together!
Books to check out this month:
We Are Water Protectors By Carole Lindstrom, ill. Michaela Goade
Ancestry Approved Ed. Cynthia Leitich Smith
Join Hopkins Community Ed for Free Introductory Skating Lessons with Brownbody
Hopkins Kindergarten Information Night
Calling All Seniors!
Your graduation cap and gown are ready to be ordered. Below you will find the site information from Josten's about all things graduation. You can order sweatshirts, announcements, or nothing but the cap and gown (this part is paid for by the school). Please measure carefully and order soon. Just a reminder, graduation is June 6, 2024 at Mariucci Arena at the U of MN.
Hopkins Class of 2024 Graduation Order Link
Important Senior Photo Information
Important senior photo information:
If you utilized Lifetouch for their senior photos, we will receive a photo directly from them. If you have your own senior photo you would like to submit, please follow these instructions, which include an upload link (Senior picture submission is due Dec. 1).
Please note: 1.) Upload only one photo. Make sure you choose the photo you like that meets our requests and upload ONLY that photo. If you upload more than one photo, we will not reach out to you, we will just guess which photo you want. 2.) Select a photo that is styled after a professional headshot. We will crop all photos so that faces are about the same size, and that means that any props, trees, cars, athletic equipment, instruments, or walls you may be peaking around will not be included in the photo and may only serve to distract from your head and shoulders shot once we crop it.
Senior Yearbook Tribute
We are proud to continue the popular tradition of the senior yearbook tribute. Here’s how it works:
Find an adorable photo of your graduate from a much younger age
Create a 40-50 word message honoring who they have become
Purchase and upload the yearbook tribute at jostens before January 31.
Yearbook Ordering Information
Order your yearbook during our fall pre-order season for the lowest prices. Yearbooks are available on a first-come-first served basis, and with the addition of the 9th grade, we cannot guarantee we will have surplus books at the end of the year.
School Calendars
Important Upcoming Dates
11/16 - Digital Learning Day (Scholars access learning online)
11/22 - 11/24 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
12/7 - Term 2 Conferences - No School
12/8 - Staff Professional Development Day - No School
12/14 - Digital Learning Day (Scholars access learning online)
12/25 - 1/5 - Winter Break - No School
Hopkins High School
Email: crystal.ballard@hopkinsschools.org
Website: https://hopkinsschools.org/schools/secondary-schools/hopkins-high-school
Location: 2400 Royals Drive, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305, USA
Phone: (952) 988-4500
Facebook: facebook.com/hopkinsroyals270/
Twitter: @HopkinsHigh270