
#RoyalFam Newsletter
1/13/25
Message from Principal Ballard
Scholar Spotlight
Important Dates to Remember
Mark Your Calendar
01/16 - Digital Learning Day (Scholars access learning online)
01/16 - Principal Tea: Chemical Dependency Among Scholars
01/20 - Martin Luther King, Jr Day - No School
01/24 - Grading Day - No School
02/17 - Professional Development Day - No School
02/20 - Digital Learning Day (Scholars access learning online)
02/27 - Conferences - No School
03/20 - Digital Learning Day (Scholars access learning online)
03/28 - Grading Day - No School
03/31-4/4 - Spring Break - No School
School Calendars
Upcoming Safety Drills
02/05/25 Lockdown, 2:30pm (block 4)
03/14/25 Fire Drill, 2:40pm (block 4)
04/15/25 Fire Drill, 12:45pm (block 3)
04/24/25 Fire Drill, 1:00pm (block 3)
05/01/25 Tornado/Severe Weather, 9:20am (block 1)
This Week at HHS
Principal Tea
Join Principal Ballard for our monthly Principal Tea from 5:00-6:00pm this Thursday, January 16, 2025. The topic for this meeting is Chemical Dependency Among Scholars.
Sojourner Shelter Drive, 1/13-2/28
HHS for Choice will be hosting a donation drive for the Sojourner Shelter over the next three weeks. The Sojourner Shelter is an emergency housing facility for women and children who are unsafe in their homes, and they are often in need of basic necessities. These are the items they currently need:
Toiletries
Paper products (plates, cups, etc.)
Baby items (diapers, wipes, etc.)
Cleaning supplies
Gently used women's and children’s clothing
Gently used linens (towels, wash clothes, bedding, etc.)
Gently used toys
If you have any of these items to donate we will have a labeled bin in the main front entryway of the school to put them in. Thank you for your support!
From the Sr. Party Planning Team: 2025 Senior Class Party
We have five short months to finish planning the 2025 Senior Party. Much of what will be planned is dependent on the money raised. The intent for the party is to be funded 100% by donations, so that we can keep it free to all students.
We have asked families who can, to donate toward a goal of $15,000. The planning committee is raising the balance of the money for the total cost of the party, through a variety of activities. If every family of a graduating senior were to donate $30, it would help us reach our goal.
Unfortunately, we are running significantly behind, having only received $2,300 toward the $15,000 goal to date.
Every donation counts and it doesn’t need to be a big donation to make a difference. Please make a direct donation today via:
GoFundMe at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/2025-HHS-SeniorParty
OR
Venmo at:
Hopkinsseniorparty25.
Is there an opportunity at your company for your employer to match contributions? Please email HopkinsSeniorParty@gmail.com
Counselor's Corner
Scholarships
Glen Lake Optimists are launching both an essay and oratorical contest for seniors. You can find the applications here https://glenlakeoptimists.org/essay and here https://glenlakeoptimists.org/oratorical-contest
ACT Test and Preparation
The Hopkins District ACT test will be held on Tuesday, April 15 at the high school. ALL juniors are automatically registered to take the examination. If you wish for your child NOT to take the ACT, please email Dr. Kuhl by February 14, 2025.
We are offering a practice ACT on Thursday, January 16th (DLD day). It is done online so as to practice in the format their district test is taken in. If they choose to take the test, they will not be responsible for attending class or doing homework in their regularly scheduled classes. The sign up sheet has been emailed to them and will be given to them in a class meeting held on Tuesday, January 14th. They need to sign up by Wednesday, January 15th at 10 am. Instructions for accessing the test will be sent by 2 pm on Wednesday.
We are using a new online ACT test prep platform called Winward Academy. Your scholars will be introduced to it starting next week. If you wish to learn more about the platform, you can attend a Zoom meeting, LINK HERE, with Dr. Jennifer Winward on Thursday, January 16th at 7 pm. We will record it as we know there are many other events going on and post it on the Hopkins High School Counseling website.
At the beginning of Term 3, your junior scholar will receive weekly emails and videos from Dr. Kuhl to their school email detailing a study plan for that week's ACT preparation. Please make sure you talk to your scholars' about their Winward Academy assignments.
If scholars have any questions, they can stop by and see Dr. Kuhl. michelle.kuhl@hopkinsschools.org
Appointments with Counselors
Parents/Guardians: If you wish to meet with your scholar’s counselor, please schedule an appointment by emailing the counselor to ensure they will be available to meet with you. School counselors' schedules fill up fast. Thank you for your understanding, partnership, and cooperation.
Upcoming at HHS
Course Registration for 2025-2026 School Year
We are excited to share important information regarding the course registration process for the 2025-2026 school year. Below are the key dates and events to help you and your scholar navigate this process successfully.
KEY DATES AND ACTIVITIES
Week of January 27th:
Registration information will be shared in Royals Connect and classrooms.
January 28th: Scholars will review registration materials.
January 29th: Scholars will begin requesting courses and begin discussions about class selections. Scholars are encouraged to consult with family members, teachers, counselors, and friends.
Registration Information Night:
February 5th, 6:00-7:30 PM (HHS Auditorium)
This is a key event for incoming scholars and their families. We encourage your attendance to learn more about the registration process, ask questions, and gather resources.
February 7th:
Registration window closes for middle school scholars.
February 14th:
Registration window closes for HHS scholars.
INTRODUCING THE ACADEMIC PLAN TOOL IN INFINITE CAMPUS
We are thrilled to announce the introduction of the Academic Plan tool in Infinite Campus, available during this year’s registration process!
This new feature allows scholars to plan out all four years of their high school journey. The tool is designed to guide students by:
Alerting them if course requirements and prerequisites have not been met.
Notifying them if they haven’t registered for enough credits for the academic year.
Below is a preview of the Academic Plan interface that scholars will see in Infinite Campus when registration opens:
More detailed information about the Academic Plan and the registration process will be shared as we approach the registration period. This tool is an excellent resource to ensure students are on track for a successful high school experience!
Thank you for your engagement and support in helping your scholar make informed decisions about their academic journey. We look forward to seeing you at Registration Information Night!
HHS Culture Night on January 27th
Student Council and Immigrating to Success present HHS Culture Night which will occur on January 27th from 6:00-8:30 PM. The event will consist of a fashion show, cultural dance exhibition, and a potluck where students have the option to share a cultural dish. The event is HHS Students only; however participants can bring up to five guests. Entry is free but requires a ticket. Students can pick up tickets at the table during lunches starting on 1/15.
HHS Yearbook Info
Senior Yearbook Tributes Due February 1
Honor your graduate with our tradition of senior tributes in the yearbook with a short message and photo of them from their younger years. Click here to enter your message, upload your photo, and submit your payment.
Yearbook Presales End January 31
Order your yearbook before the end of the month before we put our final order numbers in, so you can ensure that your name is on the list. Starting Feb. 1 the yearbook price will increase and you will not have the option to personalize the cover.
Global and Well-Traveled
Current, Past or Next Year’s AP African American Studies Scholars
We are taking an amazing trip over spring break in 2026! We are doing a civil rights/HBCU tour to Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana. We will be visiting famous sites like the Edmund Pettus bridge and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and we’ll tour the Whitney Plantation and Lafayette Cemetery. We will tour Spelman and Morehouse Colleges and more! I will host some information nights beginning in November, so stay tuned. Meanwhile, you can view the entire itinerary and see the price at www.explorica.com, enter tour ID Heimlich-8408 You can sign up to pay monthly payments too. Students, you can always stop by Ms. Heimlich’s room, W112, with any questions. Families, you can email me with any questions at jennifer.heimlich@hopkinsschools.org
Hopkins Schools Information and Opportunities
Attention Hopkins Boys Tennis Players
If you are planning on playing tennis this Spring, please order your uniform from this link https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/HOPTENN25
The shop will be open NOW - February 14th. The uniform consists of the WHITE Nike Men's Team Legend Short Sleeve Tee. You will need to buy your own BLACK shorts with pockets. All other apparel is optional.
Any questions, email boys.tennis.hhs@gmail.com
Join Us for Literacy Night
Hopkins Public Schools invites parents, caregivers, and community members to ESAC Literacy Night: Literacy Instruction in Hopkins – Beyond the READ Act, Part 1 on Thursday, Jan. 16, 5:30-7 p.m. in the ESC Board Room.
This interactive session will highlight our Hopkins Literacy Plan, the challenges scholars face in learning to read and write, and ways you can support young learners. Save the date for future sessions on February 20, March 20, and April 17 to dive deeper into literacy and math instruction. Full event details are available on our website.
Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) meeting
Purpose:
If you are a caregiver of a student with a disability, you are invited to join us for our SEAC (pronounced seek) meetings. We will share Hopkin's Special Education Department updates with you and create space for you to advise us on how to best serve you and the community.
https://www.pacer.org/parent/parent-leadership/seac/
Dates:
Tuesday, January 21, 2024, from 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Tuesday, March 18, 2024, from 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Location: Eisenhower Community Center, Board Room #233
If you have any questions, please email Ryan.Simenson@Hopkinsschools.org
Canvas Information Night for Families: Tuesday, Jan. 21, 5:30-7 p.m. at Eisenhower Community Center
Canvas is our district-wide learning management system used in grades E-12. It’s the main platform for all secondary courses.
Families, did you know you can access Canvas to stay up-to-date on your student’s learning and progress? Join our district Technology Integration Specialists for an informational session to learn more about how Canvas works, including:
Setting Up Your Parent/Caregiver Account: Get support setting up your Canvas Parent account and pairing it with your scholar’s account.
Viewing Assignments and Grades: Stay updated about what your scholar is working on and how they are performing.
Communicating with Teachers: Easily reach out to educators for any questions or concerns.
Accessing Learning Resources: Find helpful materials to support your scholar’s learning journey.
Q & A: Get all your Canvas-related questions answered.
Can’t make the session? Access these video tutorials to learn about creating and pairing your Canvas Parent account:
Hopkins Education Foundation News
Celebrate and support Hopkins students this January! The Hopkins Education Foundation (HEF) is the Cause of the Month at the Vine Room in downtown Hopkins — 5% of their Featured Wine Flight & 5% of The Vine Shop's Featured Producer and NA fan fave, Dry Wit Drink, support HEF. Shop and support! Join us at the Vine Room on January 18 for VINE-O (wine BINGO) from 2-3p. A portion of BINGO card sales will also support HEF. More info at https://www.vineroom.co/
Tickets are now on sale for our big fundraising gala on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley. The Royal Bash will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Hopkins Education Foundation and feature a seated dinner, presentation, entertainment, games, live music from Watson, and more. We will raise funds for our annual special project and Spark Grants for Hopkins teachers. This year, our Outdoor Opportunities special project will help Hopkins students develop outdoor and leadership skills, build community, and experience joy and connection to the natural world with activities like camping, hiking, canoeing, and more. When you join us at the Royal Bash, you'll have a chance to learn about HEF’s 30-year history of helping Hopkins schools and help us acknowledge this milestone! We hope you will join us. Tickets are on sale now. If you can't attend, consider becoming a virtual bidder in the silent auction or donating to our special project. Tickets and info: HopkinsEducationFoundation.org.
Hopkins Ultimate Community Night!
Join us for Hopkins Ultimate Community Night on Sunday, January 26th from 5-6:30pm at the North Junior High Structure. Come learn about the sport, our team, connect with current players and families, and enjoy PIZZA! Hopkins Ultimate is open to all in grades 5th-8th (co-ed Middle School League) and 9th-12th grades (male and female matching Varsity).
All new/interested and current players and families are welcome, especially anyone wanting to learn more about the sport of Ultimate Frisbee! There will be opportunities for new players to throw the disc around and for families to connect with current players and current team families.
Please RSVP by January 20th by using the link below. And for more information or season registration, check out our website hopkinsultimate.com.
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