Inside Hopkins

In this special season finale of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed hosts her final episode with a conversation that looks toward the future. She sits down with four graduating seniors who are all pursuing careers in education, exploring what inspired their paths and the unique skills they bring to the profession. In a meaningful role reversal, the students also turn the microphone on Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed, asking for her insights and reflections as she closes out her time in Hopkins.

Guests:
Pacey Johnson – University of North Dakota – Special Education
Rosalyn Gudmundson – Normandale Community College – Special Education
Emily Beaverson – University of Wisconsin-Madison – Elementary Education
Gabrielle Brown – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University – Child Development and Family Studies

Thank you to our listeners for tuning in throughout the school year and being part of the Inside Hopkins community. Wishing everyone a wonderful summer ahead!

What does it look like when language, culture, and community come together in one learning experience? In this episode of Inside Hopkins, we explore the impact of Hopkins Public Schools’ Spanish immersion program, Juntos, and how it fosters bilingualism, belonging, and global understanding for students.

Host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by three dedicated educators who bring the Juntos program to life each day. Together, they share how immersion education supports academic growth, builds cultural awareness, and creates meaningful connections across classrooms and communities. From the evolution of the annual Juntos performance to the everyday moments of student discovery, this conversation highlights the powerful role language plays in shaping identity, empathy, and opportunity.

Guests:
Juan Guajardo – Kindergarten Teacher
Edwing Llangari – First Grade Teacher
Pam Shrestha – Second Grade Teacher

Resources:
Photos from the Juntos Gala
More information about our Juntos Spanish Immersion program

This episode of Inside Hopkins focuses on what comes next following the successful bond referendum and capital projects levy renewal. Thank you to our voters for your strong support of Hopkins Public Schools!

Our guests share how decisions are being made, what changes the community can expect to see, and how these investments will support students in meaningful ways. The conversation explores new Pathfinder learning spaces, safety and security upgrades, outdoor learning areas, and other improvements across the district.

Guests:
Julius Eromosele - Principal, North Middle School
Geno Mazzali - Assistant Director of Buildings and Grounds, Hopkins Public Schools
John Wetter - Director of Information Services, Hopkins Public Schools

Resources: 
Your hub for updates on Hopkins construction and renovation projects made possible by the 2025 bond referendum

In this episode of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed shines a spotlight on the Hopkins Education Foundation (HEF) and the powerful behind-the-scenes role it plays across the district.

For over 30 years, HEF has partnered with Hopkins schools and community members to fund programs and experiences that fall outside of the district’s general budget. Classroom grants, student support, community-building initiatives like #HopkinsStrong, and signature events like the Royal Bash are all ways the foundation works to ensure that students and educators have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Guests:
Emily Wallace-Jackson — Executive Director, Hopkins Education Foundation
Betsy Anderson — Vice President, HEF Board of Directors
Ellie Siler — Marketing Coordinator, Hopkins Education Foundation

Resources:
https://www.hopkinseducationfoundation.org
HEF Events
#HopkinsStrong

As the Lunar New Year approaches (it begins February 17 in 2026), the XinXing community comes together through traditions, performances, and shared celebrations that honor Chinese heritage. Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by teacher Qian Xu and students Addison Brenk and James Zocchi to reflect on how the Lunar New Year is celebrated across Hopkins schools and how immersion education shapes students as learners and global citizens.

Guests:
Qian Xu — World Language Teacher, Hopkins High School
Addison Brenk — Sophomore, Hopkins High School
James Zocchi — Sophomore, Hopkins High School

Resources:
Photos from the 2026 Lunar New Year Performance
Learn more about our XinXing Immersion Program

What does it take to build an award-winning theater program while creating a space where every student feels they belong? In this episode of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by members of the Royal Productions team to talk about what makes the program so special, how students develop as artists and as humans, and how the community can support upcoming performances.

Guests:
Farrah Buffington — Theatre Program Director
James Buffington — Assistant Director
Jessica Alciati — Senior, Hopkins High School

Resources:
Royal Productions at Hopkins High School
Royal Productions Instagram 

When snow, freezing temps, or even summer storms hit Minnesota, one question rises to the top for every family: Is school still on?In this episode of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed and her guests walk us through what really happens during those late night and pre-dawn hours, how communication moves quickly once the call is made, and why the classic “snow day” looks different today.

Guests:

• Dr. Nik Lightfoot — Assistant Superintendent and Director of Human Resources
• Jolene Goldade — Director of Communications
• John Wetter — Director of Information Services and meteorologist

Resources:
More Info on Hopkins Inclement Weather

The Hopkins High School robotics team, The Technocrats, is fueled by far more than competition. It’s a safe place where students can be themselves and grow as engineers, strategists, communicators, and leaders. In this episode, the team shares what it takes to go from a challenge announcement to getting a working robot on the field, how new students find their place on the team, and why robotics is one of the most exciting ways our students prepare for a future in STEM and beyond.

Guests:
• Jason Herzog — Mentor and machine design engineer at General Mills
• Amelia Carriveau — HHS senior, team captain
• Kaitlyn Ditzler — HHS junior, team captain

Resources:
www.hopkinsrobotics.org

Upcoming Events:

• MinneTrials, Tanglen Elementary School, Dec 6-7, 2025, www.minnetrials.org
• Middle School Competition, Eisenhower Elementary School, Jan 10-11, 2026
• Technocrats Open House, March 14, 2026 at Hopkins High School

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Native peoples. In this episode of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed sits down with our American Indian Education Program leaders to learn how we support Native students in building cultural pride, identity, and belonging.

Together, they explore the history and purpose of the program, the importance of representation in schools, and the ways Hopkins partners with Native students, families, and tribal communities to help every learner thrive.

Guests:
Debb Andreen – American Indian Cultural Associate
Katy Solko – American Indian Education Coordinator

Resources:
Learn: More about the program at Hopkins
Visit: Dakota Sacred Hoop Walk at the Arboretum
Read: Everything you Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask
Hike: Bdote

In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, especially in our schools. In this episode, we explore how Hopkins Public Schools protects students, staff, and families in an era where technology touches every aspect of learning.

Host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by three members of the Hopkins technology and information services team who are leading the charge to keep our systems safe and resilient. Together, they discuss how the district responds to technology disruptions, what cybersecurity looks like in an E–12 setting, and how every staff member plays a role in protecting information and learning continuity.

Guests:

• John Wetter – Director of Information Services and Technology
• Scott Van Vleet – Assistant Director of Technology and Information Services
• Keshan Singh – Enterprise Information Specialist