Episodes

  • Unplugged: The Connection Between Phones and Teen Mental Health

    Unplugged: The Connection Between Phones and Teen Mental Health
    Nov 7 2024
    In this episode, Dr. M-R dives into the important topic of mental health among middle and high school students. Anchored around the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, the conversation features insights from two Hopkins High School students and three educators, exploring the complex relationship young people have with their phones—a key way they connect socially. Could this shift in behavior be fueling a mental health epidemic? Or maybe it’s more nuanced. We hear directly from our high schoolers on a potential cell phone ban in secondary schools and discuss how such policies might impact student mental health across middle and high school.

    Guests:
    Kim Campbell, West Middle School Dean of Students
    Jeff Matchette, Hopkins High School Counselor
    Yulonda Royster, Student Support Specialist
    Doyhup Anderson, High School Senior
    Sabrina Scott, High School Senior

    Show Links:
    The Anxious Generation
    https://www.kimcampbellconsulting.com
    Meet the Minneapolis ‘violence interrupters’
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    24 mins
  • Challenge Accepted: Why All Students Should Take an AP Class

    Challenge Accepted: Why All Students Should Take an AP Class
    Oct 24 2024
    What does it take to thrive in college-level coursework while still in high school? In Episode Three of Inside Hopkins, we explore the world of Advanced Placement (AP) courses at Hopkins High School, where nearly half of Hopkins High School students are stepping up to this challenge. Hear from high school staff and scholars as they share their experiences with AP classes, discuss what sets the Hopkins program apart, and offer advice on how all students can take advantage of these opportunities.

    Guests:
    Crystal Ballard - Hopkins High School Principal
    John Sammler - AP Coordinator, Science Educator
    Lucy Ferro - High School Senior
    Bruce Lowmanstone - High School Senior

    Resources:
    Advanced Placement Courses at HHS
    AP College Board
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    20 mins
  • The Power of Yes!

    The Power of Yes!
    Oct 10 2024
    Have you ever asked for something big—really big? $1 million big? What if the people you asked dared to say yes, even if they were not sure it was possible? And what if it happened? That’s the power of yes, and that’s what we will be talking about in Episode Two of "Inside Hopkins."

    Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed highlights an extraordinary student-led initiative from Glen Lake Elementary that started with a simple idea and a jar of change. The students aimed to build an accessible playground to ensure kids of all abilities could play together. With the support of their teacher, Betsy Julien, and Glen Lake Elementary Principal Jeff Radel, these young changemakers rallied the community, reaching out to local businesses and securing partnerships that led to national recognition. Their determination and creativity resulted in an impressive $860,000 raised, transforming their dream into a reality.The episode features two inspiring students, John Buettner and Mimi Priere, who were part of the fundraising efforts. They share their personal experiences, the challenges they faced, and how their idea turned into a movement that captured the nation’s attention.

    Guests:
    Betsy Julien, Design Teacher at West Middle School
    Jeff Radel, Principal of Glen Lake Elementary
    John Buettner, West Middle School Student
    Mimi Priere, West Middle School Student

    Resource Links:
    Hopkins Education Foundation – The driving force behind funding innovative projects in Hopkins Public Schools
    Glen Lake Playground Donor List [April 2024]
    CBS Sunday Morning story
    The Kelly Clarkson Show story
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    25 mins
  • Dr. M-R’s Youngest Bosses

    Dr. M-R’s Youngest Bosses
    Sep 26 2024
    Hopkins Schools was one of the first districts to have student board reps on its school board—and it’s a tradition we continue today. The Hopkins School Board includes three (soon to be four) Hopkins High School students and one VirtualEDU student.

    Our guests—Mia Osman, Praise Akinyele, and Manuel Wahyu—are all returning school board reps. They talk about what it is like to be part of the governing board, the biggest issues facing young people today, and how they feel about a potential cell phone policy at the high school.

    Guests:
    Praise Akinyele - 12th Grade
    Mia Osman - 12th Grade
    Manuel Wahyu - 10th Grade

    Resources:
    Hopkins School Board
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    23 mins
  • The Class of 2024

    The Class of 2024
    Jun 6 2024
    They started their high school experience in the pandemic and are entering a world that is rapidly changing and sometimes feels more polarized than ever. What does the Class of 2024 think of their high school experience and what the future might hold for them? We sat down with three seniors who talk about everything from globalization, phone addiction, social media’s impact on relationships, and even their favorite sandwich. They have a lot to say! They’re articulate, well-rounded, intelligent, and kind. Class of 2024, the world is yours and we were lucky to have known you! Congratulations!

    Guests:
    Adina Locketz
    Tara Paschke
    Shaheim Porter


    Resources:
    Senior Spotlight Series
    Graduation
    The Class of 2024 Reflects Back
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    23 mins
  • Preview: Celebrating Hopkins Graduates

    Preview: Celebrating Hopkins Graduates
    May 23 2024
    Get ready for our upcoming episode airing on June 6! In this special Graduation Day episode, our host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Redd will talk to graduating seniors about their Hopkins journeys, favorite memories, and future plans. Don't miss out on this special episode celebrating the milestone of high school graduation and the exciting paths that lie ahead!

    Resources:
    HHS Graduation Day Information
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    2 mins
  • Thank you, Chef!

    Thank you, Chef!
    May 9 2024
    What’s for lunch? It’s a common question, but the answer really matters. And in Hopkins, what is for lunch (and breakfast) is delicious. All of our kitchens produce meals from scratch, partner with local farms for fresh ingredients, and cook meals that incorporate diverse culinary traditions. In this episode we talk about the impact of universal free meals and explain why it’s still important to fill out meal benefits applications every year.

    Guests:
    Andrea Schaak, Assistant Director of Nutrition
    Sarah Wohlforth, Cook Supervisor
    Brenda Nichols, Cashier

    Resources:
    Minnesota Department of Education - School Meal Applications
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    21 mins
  • I Love You More Than Pickles

    I Love You More Than Pickles
    Apr 25 2024
    In this episode of Inside Hopkins, we are sitting among greatness. Out of 159 candidates from across Minnesota, these four remarkable educators advanced to the semifinals for the 2024 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award. And just before this episode was recorded, we learned that two of our guests made it to the finalist stage. In this conversation we explore our guests' unique “why” for choosing to teach, the importance of relationships, the challenges and joys of the classroom, and why our students love our teachers more than pickles! The Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be named on May 5 at a recognition banquet in Saint Paul.

    Guests:
    Laura Jensen, Reading Teacher, North Middle School
    Ellen Wu, Kindergarten Teacher, Alice Smith Elementary
    Sarah Gleason, Third-Grade Teacher, Meadowbrook
    Donghong Wang, Kindergarten Teacher, XinXing

    Resources:
    Minnesota Teacher of the Year
    13 Hopkins Teachers Nominated for Teacher of the Year
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    28 mins