Episodi

  • Listening to Our Students

    Listening to Our Students
    Oct 19 2026
    As we kick off season 4 of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Michael Thomas, Superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools, sits down with Hopkins High School seniors Prathiksha Babu and Tristan Ray-Taylor for a conversation about the student experience. As Dr. Thomas gets to know the Hopkins community, the students share what they value most about their schools, what they think Hopkins does well, and where they see opportunities for growth. Together, they explore the importance of student voice and look ahead to the future.
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    20 min
  • Class of 2026: Ready to Teach

    Class of 2026: Ready to Teach
    Jun 8 2026
    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!
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    21 min
  • Celebremos Juntos

    Celebremos Juntos
    May 4 2026
    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
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    24 min
  • The Referendum Passed. Now What??

    The Referendum Passed. Now What??
    Apr 13 2026
    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
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    23 min
  • Stronger Together: The Impact of Hopkins Education Foundation

    Stronger Together: The Impact of Hopkins Education Foundation
    Feb 26 2026
    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
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    21 min
  • Happy Lunar New Year!

    Happy Lunar New Year!
    Feb 16 2026
    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
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    17 min
  • Taking Center Stage with Royal Productions

    Taking Center Stage with Royal Productions
    Feb 2 2026
    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
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    18 min
  • Who Decides the Snow Day?

    Who Decides the Snow Day?
    Dec 8 2025
    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
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    26 min