Inside Hopkins

Celebremos Juntos

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 [https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCSG1w] More information about our Juntos Spanish Immersion program [https://www.hopkinsschools.org/academics/language-immersion]

The Referendum Passed. Now What??

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 [https://www.hopkinsschools.org/about/referendum-2025]

Stronger Together: The Impact of Hopkins Education Foundation

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 [https://www.hopkinseducationfoundation.org/] HEF Events [https://www.hopkinseducationfoundation.org/events] #HopkinsStrong [https://www.hopkinseducationfoundation.org/hopkins-strong]

Happy Lunar New Year!

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 [https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCJDgA] Learn more about our XinXing Immersion Program [https://eisenhower.hopkinsschools.org/immersion/chinese-immersion]

Taking Center Stage with Royal Productions

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 [https://highschool.hopkinsschools.org/activities/performing-arts] Royal Productions Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/hhsroyalproductions/?hl=en]