Inside Hopkins

What does a classroom designed for the future look and feel like? In this first episode of the school year, we explore how Hopkins Public Schools is transforming learning spaces to support safety, inclusivity, and engagement for every student.

Host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by three district leaders at the forefront of reimagining what modern learning looks and feels like. Together, they discuss how space influences learning outcomes, what makes a school feel safe and welcoming, and why thoughtful design can improve focus, collaboration, and belonging.

Guests:

• Dr. Ann Ertl – Director of Innovative Design and Learning
  
  
• Dr. Tiffany Nielsen-Winkelman – Assistant Director of Instructional Design
  
  
• Brian Stanley – Assistant Director of Special Services

Resources: 
More information about the upcoming referendum and voting options 

As we celebrate the Class of 2025, we’re excited to share the story of Isaac Winkler. Isaac was captain of the lacrosse team and a dedicated member of the hockey team. Beyond sports, he’s made history as the youngest delegate in the entire country to attend the Democratic National Convention.

Isaac will be attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison next year, where he plans to pursue his future goals in politics.

Please join us in congratulating Isaac on his impressive achievements in Hopkins Public Schools and wishing him the very best as he begins on this next chapter!

As we wrap up this season of Inside Hopkins, we’re celebrating the Class of 2025. In this episode, we’re shining the spotlight on one senior’s story. Mia Osman is a student board representative, part of the Muslim Student Association, Somali Student Association, and National Honors Society. She also co-founded two new groups at Hopkins High School: Immigrating to Success and Youth in Government.

Mia will be attending the University of Minnesota next year with the aim to major in political science on a pre-law track and minor in history. She has a clear vision of becoming a civil rights lawyer and a politician. 

Please help us congratulate Mia on her incredible achievements in Hopkins Public Schools and wish her all the best on her future endeavors!

What happens when a school district stops asking “Who is gifted?” and starts asking “How can we nurture the gifts in every child?” In this episode of Inside Hopkins, we explore how Hopkins Public Schools is transforming teaching and learning through its innovative, research-driven Schoolwide Talent Development model.

Host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by Dr. Leanne Kampfe, Jillian Myers, and Kathleen Roller. All three guests are dedicated educators who are leading this work across the district. Together, they unpack the shift from traditional, exclusive gifted programs to a personalized, affirming approach that nurtures exceptional abilities in every scholar.

This episode is a must-listen for educators, families, and community members who believe in the unlimited potential of every student!

Guests:
Dr. Leanne Kampfe - Principal on special assignment for Hopkins Public Schools
Jillian Myers - STEAM specialist at Alice Smith Elementary
Kathleen Roller - Enrichment specialist at Meadowbrook Elementary

Resources:
More information about Schoolwide Talent Development at Hopkins
More information about Confratute

In this episode of Inside Hopkins, we journey over 1,800 miles to the heart of Cuba. This spring, students from the Hopkins High School band, choir, and orchestra experienced a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience designed to promote global citizenship through the universal language of music. Superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed and our guests reflect on what it meant to travel abroad, how Cuban culture shaped their perspectives, and the role of music in building connections and serving as a universal language.

You’ll hear how this trip reinforced core values we champion in Hopkins: empathy, confidence, and being well-traveled and globally-minded. A fair warning, though…this episode may make you want to salsa dance, book a flight, or join the Royals band!

Guests:
Nora Tycast - Hopkins High School band teacher
Cristian Cisneros - sophomore at Hopkins High School
Isabelle Mayer - senior at Hopkins High School

Resources:
Project Por Amor
Music at Hopkins

What does a pathway to adulthood look like for young adults with disabilities? In this episode, we talk about Transition Plus—a collaborative program between Hopkins Public Schools and St. Louis Park Public Schools designed to prepare young adults with disabilities for life beyond high school. More than just academics, Transition Plus focuses on real-life readiness. It equips students with the skills they need for employment, independent living, community participation, and postsecondary planning.

Together, Superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhirirpiri-Reed and our guests discuss a typical day in the program, the challenges and triumphs of transitioning into adulthood, and the powerful role of local business partnerships … and you hear from two amazing students who are also twins!

Guests:

• Alaina Martin - Transition Plus Coordinator and Unified Special Olympics Liaison
  
  
• Fhonda Contreras - Director of Special Services at Hopkins Schools
  
  
• James and Jacob Martinez - Transition Plus scholars
  
  

Resources:
More information on Transition Plus

In this episode, host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed and our two guests explore the impact of nature in education. With Minnesota’s students spending more time on screens and less time outdoors, our conversation gets into why outdoor experiences aren’t just refreshing—they’re essential for student health, well-being, and academic success—especially when students engage in activities like the school’s renowned ropes course.

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or just want to hear tips on how to get your family outside, this episode offers a fresh perspective on learning and living beyond the screen.

Guests:

• Karl Schroeder - Physical and Health Education teacher at Hopkins High School
• Robb Trenda - Fifth grade teacher at Glen Lake Elementary and Technology Integration Specialist

Resources:
Watch: Outdoor Adventures Class at Hopkins High School
Learn more: Hopkins Education Foundation - Outdoor Opportunities
Learn more: Glen Lake Go!
Learn more: Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center
Get outside: Free entrance days to all Minnesota state parks

What happens when students take the lead in shaping their school community? In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the Black Student Alliance (BSA) at Hopkins High School—a student-led organization dedicated to empowering Black students, fostering connection, and driving meaningful change. Host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed sits down with BSA leaders to discuss the power of affinity spaces, the joy of Black culture, and the importance of advocacy in education.

From organizing the Royally Speaking Black History Month celebration to engaging in important conversations about equity and inclusion, BSA members are making their voices heard—on campus and beyond. They share their personal experiences, reflections on Black identity, and aspirations for the future.

Join us for an inspiring discussion about leadership, resilience, and the impact of student-led movements!

Guests:

• Dallas Downey – 12th Grade, BSA President
• Azariah Barrows – 12th Grade, BSA Event Coordinator
• Onika Miller – Special Services Supervisor and BSA Advisor

Resources:
Hopkins BSA Instagram

What if the most important skill we can teach students isn’t what to think, but how to think? In this episode, we explore the dynamic world of the International Baccalaureate (IB) design cycle — a hands-on, inquiry-driven approach that challenges students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and unleash their creativity.

Through stages of inquiry, ideation, creation, and evaluation, IB design empowers students to take ownership of their learning, connect classroom concepts to real-life applications, and develop future-ready skills. Whether it's building prototypes, brainstorming solutions, or refining ideas through feedback, this episode highlights how design thinking transforms traditional learning into something truly impactful.

Get ready to be inspired by these educators who are shaping the problem-solvers of tomorrow!

Guests:

• Kurt Carlson – Design Teacher, North Middle School
• Julius Eromosele – Principal, North Middle School & 2023 Hennepin County Middle School Principal of the Year
• Jeremy Reichel – Design Teacher & Instructional Coach, North Middle School

Resources:
Empowering Students with Design Thinking
International Baccalaureate at Hopkins
International Baccalaureate Curriculum 

Inside Hopkins is back! In the first episode of 2025, we take a deep dive into the heart of the COMPASS program, a district-wide initiative based at Glen Lake Elementary that serves students with disabilities and complex medical needs. Host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by three incredible guests to explore the power of inclusion, compassion, and the importance of building meaningful friendships among all students.

Compass students are a "kind of big deal"—not just because they helped spark fundraising for a $1 million inclusive playground, but because they embody the true spirit of inclusion. They teach their general education peers to look beyond disability and see the friend. Through daily interactions, they help shape a school culture rooted in acceptance, kindness, and genuine connection—one where every student feels valued and included.

Get your tissues ready. This episode will pull at your heartstrings! 

Guests
Kelly Becker - Hopkins parent and advocate
Karin Brinkhoff - 3rd and 4th grade teacher, Glen Lake Elementary
Sher Unruh-Friesen - COMPASS teacher, Glen Lake Elementary

Resources
Watch: The COMPASSion Invasion at Glen Lake
Support: Play4All
Read: A Swing for Samara, inspired by the true story of the students at Glen Lake Elementary