


Hopkins Middle School Newsletter
May 9, 2025
Congratulations to the 2025 HMS Photo Contest Finalists!
Three professional Michigan photographers were gracious enough to lend their time to judge this year's competition. The judges were asked to look for the very best water photos that included the following: clarity and image quality, advanced lighting techniques, composition and artistic student voice.
Out of the 115 photographs submitted, the top HMS finalists are:
Kimberly DeWeerd, 7th grade
Olivia Halloran, 7th grade
Phoenix Haralson, 7th grade
Conner Harrington, 8th grade
Ellery Johnston, 6th grade
Kellan Mays, 6th grade
Lana Medemar, 7th grade
Lillian Moerdyke, 8th grade
Skyla Shiels, 7th grade
Parker Symko, 8th grade
Olivia Vogt, 6th grade
Austin Walker, 7th grade
Wyatt Wolbrink, 8th grade
Mackenzie Woolam, 6th grade
Abree Young, 7th grade
Congratulations to the finalists!
Also, thank you to ALL the talented artists that submitted photos to this year's contest. The top winners will be announced through email on May 15th.
1st prize-$50, 2nd prize-$30, 3rd prize-$20, Honorable Mention- $10
Please take a minute to watch the slideshow of this year's top finalists and their photographs below. Please download for best picture quality
Please join us in congratulating our April Students and Citizens of the Month!!
Left to Right:
Natalie Williams, Savanna Peterman, Holly DeVries, Cole Erickson, Kemper Pedala and Zeke Penning.
Good job!!
HOPKINS VOLLEYBALL
2025-2026
All Volleyball Players and Parents
The high school volleyball program will be offering Junior Varsity and Varsity teams for the 2025 season. If numbers are there, possibly a freshman team as well. For purposes of summer activities, all Freshmen and Sophomores (unless previously moved up to Varsity last year - 2024 season) will participate in Junior Varsity team activities and fall tryouts. Only in situations where there may not be enough team members on the Varsity signed up for summer activities will younger players be asked to help fill the rosters for those specific activities. A decision to move a player to a higher-level team for the 2025 season is decided by the coaching staff (with support from the school administration) during the tryout process in August. The criteria for the team selections remains the same- our goals are to evaluate and select the best athletes (volleyball players) who are also good students that have a strong work ethic, have dedication toward the success of our program both on and off the court, and girls that are fun and coachable.
Below are the tryout dates and times as well as a few summer activity options. We try to offer a wide selection of dates and none of them are mandatory for attendance. We try to offer a variety as we know there are several summer vacations, other sport activities, and youth group activities that take place throughout the summer. Our hope is that our athletes will attend as much as possible, but again none of the activities are required to be considered for a team in the fall. Many have asked about dates for family vacations and if it is helpful the summer dead periods are 6/29-7/6 (for all Hopkins athletes) and 8/2-8/10(for volleyball programs as mandated by the MHSAA).
The intent of this 2025 season letter is to provide the summer plans and the fall tryout information. If any individuals need more time to submit money for any of the camps, please contact the coaches and we will work something out. We hope everyone has the opportunity to attend as much as possible throughout the summer. If the cost of any camp or transportation is a problem for any athlete please contact the coaches so arrangements can be made. It is our goal to help prepare all our athletes and provide an opportunity of growth for everyone.
Please complete all camp information and submit the forms needed (as outlined below) by June 2 and place them in the volleyball mailbox located in the high school.
Any questions should be directed to Amy Funk (616) 566-8959.or Holly Bishop 616-366-1728
The 2025/26 Season starts Monday, August 11th
All players must complete Final Forms (which require a physical) prior to August 11th
Summer Activities:
-Open Gyms/Skill Development—
TBD- there are typically 3 open gyms prior to the summer camps but those will be determined at a later date. Players will be notified via band app.
-Camps/Scrimmages
July 14-16
Ferris State University Fresh/JV team camp
Please provide/complete: Medical Release and Concussion Form, and provide $275 Check made out to Ferris State University. We need volunteers to help get the girls to and from the camp. Please pay by May 30th.
Impact Clinic for Varsity Only July 15,16,17
10:30-12:30 pm. Players will need to find a ride to and from. Cost $105. Sign up ahead, but bring money the first day. This is FREE to anyone going to TEAM CAMPS.
Summer Slam tournament July 18th (Fresh/JV and Varsity) @ Aquinas and MVA Starting at 8am. NO COST TO YOU
July 23-25 HOPE COLLEGE TEAM CAMP For Varsity $300 per player. Write Checks to Hope College. This is overnight. We need volunteers to help get the girls to and from the camp. Due by May 30th
All-Skills Clinic (@ Hopkins) open to all grades - ($40/athlete) - July 28-30
Free to anyone attending team camps
3rd-7th grade: 2-4pm (will need HS helpers)
8th-12th grade: 4:30-6:30pm
Hopkins Summer Camp form (if using this form return to the volleyball mailbox in the high school office) or use the Hopkins universal summer camp information form (provided by Hopkins Athletic Department – if using this form follow instructions on the form). Clinic is FREE if you participated in the Ferris or Hope Camp.
We need help getting the girls to and from the summer activities. Please contact the coaches if you can assist with transportation.
-2025/2026 Tryouts
Tryouts for 2025/26 season are August 11-13
Freshmen, Junior Varsity and Varsity 4-7pm Aug 11
Aug 12th and 13th 4-6:30pm
Please allow for extra time on August 13th for team selection. Please note that the Varsity team plays in a scrimmage on Saturday, August 16th at Battle Creek Lakeview High School.
-Practice Times for the 2025 season starting August 14th
(Practice will be everyday M--F until school st:arts with the only exception being Friday before Labor Day and Labor Day)
Freshmen 5-7pm JV 5-7pm Varsity , Varsity 3-5pm
-Practice Times once school starts:
(There may be occasional changes, but these are the times we will be trying to adhere to)
Freshmen: 3-5pm JV 3:30-5:30pm Varsity 4:30-6:30pm. Friday’s Varsity will bo 3-5pm
The website also has season information available as the start of the season grows closer. (www.hpsvikings.org)
Again, if you have any questions, need any assistance, or can help with camp transportation please contact:
Varsity Coach Amy Funk (616) 566-8959
JV Coach Holly Bishop 616-366-1728
Thanks and hope to see you this summer!!!
Here are the attachments:
Deadline to drop Band or Choir is today!!
Advanced Manufacturing Camp (AMC) is a four-day hands-on immersive STEM experience for students entering 6th and 7th (this fall 2025 ONLY). Students will participate in sessions facilitated by GVSU staff, students, and industry professionals from around West Michigan.
Sessions will include hands-on activities in CAD, 3-D Printing, Design Thinking, and Automation that will provide a glimpse into the future of the largest industry sector in Michigan. Campers will also have the opportunity to participate in off-site industry tours.
Dates: June 23-26, 2025
Registration Deadline: May 16, 2025
Free Lending Library
We have a Free Little Lending Library in the trophy case by the gym full of FREE books. Take as many as you will read.
The Free Little Lending Library has been freshly restocked for March is Reading Month! Check out what is new when you get a chance.
This could be the job for you!!
Request Academic Support
The MIKIDS BACK ON TRACK (MIKBOT) Grant will provide expanded learning opportunities for all students next year through the IXL learning platform. Please see the details below. The MI Kids Back on Track grant funds (MCL388.1623g) will support any unfinished learning, provide additional academic assistance to students at risk of falling behind their peers, or help high school students prepare for postsecondary education. Students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade will have access to academic support through the IXL platform in reading, math, science and social studies. Students in grades 9th-12th will have access in reading and math
Link to Parent Request for Academic Support:
What's For Lunch?
Upcoming Events @ HMS:
Friday, May 9- 8th Grade Sorting Day at the High School
Thursday, May 15-"Grilllin' in the Grass" and Choir Concert
Thursday, May 15-HMS & HHS Art Show
Monday, May 28- Memorial Day NO SCHOOL
Monday, June 2-8th Grade Promotion Ceremony
The 2024-2025 District and School Annual Education Reports are now available at www.hpsvikings.org. Hard copies are available at the administration office
Additional Resources and Helpful Links
Hopkins Middle School
Email: scotstoc@hpsvikings.org
Website: hpsvikings.org
Location: Hopkins Middle School, 215 Clark Street, Hopkins, MI, USA
Phone: (269) 793-7407
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HopkinsMiddleSchool/
Twitter: @hpsmiddleschool
Contacts
Hopkins Middle School
Stockwell, Scott HMS Principal scotstoc@hpsvikings.org
O’Dell, Patrick HMS Assistant Principal patrodel@hpsvikings.org
Austin, Jennifer HMS Secretary jennaust@hpsvikings.org
Aleman, Kathleen: 6th Grade Science Teacher KathAlem@hpsvikings.org
Cross, Alex: Choir Director alexcros@hpsvikings.org
Dana, Katherine: Art Teacher KathDana@hpsvikings.org
Dangremond, Matthew: Network Administrator MattDang@hpsvikings.org
DeGood, Jennifer: 6th Grade Math Teacher JennDego@hpsvikings.org
Fisher, Mark:7th Grade Science Teacher MarkFish@hpsvikings.org
Hazen, Rick: Physical Education Teacher RickHaze@hpsvikings.org
Irwin, Julie: Education Intervention Teacher JuliIrwi@hpsvikings.org
Kerber, Brian: Custodian BriaKerb@hpsvikings.org
Klocke, Anna: Education Intervention annakloc@hpsvikings.org
Klumpp, Molly: Physical Education Teacher MollKlum@hpsvikings.org
Kok, Wendy: Food Service WendKok@hpsvikings.org
Maher, Jennifer: Food Service JennMahe@hpsvikings.org
Martinez, Ann: SRC Coordinator AnnMart@hpsvikings.org
Meerman, Megan: Resource Room Teacher MegaMeer@hpsvikings.org
Myers, Travis: 8th Grade Science Teacher TravMyer@hpsvikings.org
Ortega-Furgeson, Taryn: HMS Counselor Taryorte@hpsvikings.org
Osborn, Craig: Custodian CraiOsbo@hpsvikings.org
Pulaski, Vicki: 8th Grade ELA Teacher VickPula@hpsvikings.org
Reszka, Richard: 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher RichResz@hpsvikings.org
Ruegsegger, Sarah: 7th Grade ELA Teacher SaraRueg@hpsvikings.org
Rynsburger, TJ: 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher TJRyns@hpsvikings.org
Savage, Leanna: 8th Grade Algebra Teacher LeanSava@hpsvikings.org
Schoonveld, Missy: Media Center, Newsletter, Social Media MissScho@hpsvikings.org
Scudder, Mack: 8th Grade History Teacher MackScud@hpsvikings.org
Sterken, Lindsey: 7th Grade Math Teacher LindSchw@hpsvikings.org
Swainston, Vicki: Lunchroom Paraprofessional VickSwai@hpsvikings.org
Weick, Pat: 6th Grade ELA Teacher PatWeic@hpsvikings.org
Williams, Jessica: Band Director JessWill@hpsvikings.org
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 District shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected category in its programs and activities, including employment. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and shall likewise not be permitted with respect to students or employees. The District shall not retaliate against a person who reports or opposes improper discrimination or retaliation. The District shall fully comply with all applicable federal and state civil rights statutes, including, without limitation, Title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.