Fall 2025
The Community’s Guide to the District
Strong community confidence in Hopkins educators
Ninety-five percent of Hopkins residents hold a positive view of our teachers and instructional staff, reflecting strong community confidence in the people who serve our students every day. Hopkins educators are known for their dedication to high-quality instruction and for fostering a love of learning in their classrooms.
'Inside Hopkins' podcast is back for season 3
Hopkins music program hits the right notes with opportunity and innovation
Left: Hopkins Band brought the energy on stage. Right: Hopkins Choir filled the room with music and joy.
Step inside the Hopkins High School music wing, and you’ll immediately feel the energy. Every corner hums with the sounds of students perfecting their craft from ensembles in classrooms, to small groups in the practice rooms, and individuals making the most of every available space, even staff offices. Hopkins musicians are eager to create, collaborate, and grow. Their enthusiasm is reflected in the program's continued growth and expansion. With four distinct paths including band, orchestra, choir, and specialty courses, Hopkins offers a robust and inclusive music experience that is accessible to all students. “We want every student who takes music to be able to receive an authentic and innovative music education that is really responsive to their interest and creativity levels and how they perform,” said Band Director Nora Tycast. Since Tycast joined the program five years ago, enrollment in band alone has grown from 88 students to over 300. That growth, she said, reflects how Hopkins’ music department has evolved to meet the diverse needs of today’s learners.
Join Superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed every other Monday for thoughtful, inspiring, and sometimes surprising conversations about the topics that matter most to our Hopkins students, staff, and community. Each new episode offers an inside look at what’s shaping the future of Hopkins. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!
Hopkins’ four music educators — Tycast, Orchestra Director Alison Swiggum, Choir Director Melissa Hanson, and Music Electives Teacher Jonathan Feulner — have intentionally designed the music program to ensure all students receive a unified, high-quality music education, regardless of the path they choose. They’ve aligned their vision and standards and even developed a shared vocabulary so that every student can speak the same musical language. The program also creates spaces where students can be vulnerable, take risks, and feel safe doing so. In the choir room, for example, Hanson creates an environment that is both social and professional, allowing students to build confidence and develop their musicianship. “Singing is vulnerable — the instrument is you,” Hanson said. “You have to create a supportive space and environment. There has to be trust, otherwise you will never hear the full voice.” Expansive music programming Hopkins stands out among neighboring districts for its innovative specialty music courses mostly Hopkins music program, inside
DATES IN THE COMMUNITY
Kindergarten Information Night
Language Immersion Information Fair
Nov. 13, 5:30-7 p.m.
Dec. 4, 6-7:30 p.m.
Families with incoming kindergarteners for the 2026-27 school year are invited to explore kindergarten choices, meet their child's principal, and learn more about Hopkins. bit.ly/47BV39B
Families interested in our Spanish or Chinese immersion programs are invited to a fun and informational event at Eisenhower Elementary focused on answering all of your immersion questions. bit.ly/4ohaM3z