Alice Smith Scoop

Alice Smith Caregivers,

Last week, we shared how consequences at Alice Smith are designed to teach—not shame—and how important it is for children to feel valued even when they make mistakes. Building on that idea, we want to highlight one of the most practical tools we use at school to support students when emotions start to take over: a safe place or calming corner.

At Alice Smith, every classroom includes a spot where students can pause, breathe, and reset when they’re feeling overwhelmed. We see daily how powerful it is when children are given a space that helps them regulate, reflect, and return ready to learn.

A calming corner teaches an essential life skill: recognizing when our bodies and feelings need a break and choosing a healthy coping strategy. This is not a punishment or “time-out”—it’s a supportive tool that helps children feel safe, in control, and respected.

Creating a similar space at home reinforces what children experience at school and strengthens their ability to manage big emotions in any setting.

Action:
Set up a cozy spot with a pillow, stuffed animal, or calming tool where your child can go to reset.
👉 This gives them a safe place to practice calming strategies—just like they do at school—and helps connect last week’s message about teaching through moments of struggle.

Sabrina Schmidtke
Alice Smith Elementary Principal
952-988-4201

Follow us on Social Media

Facebook: @AliceSmithElementarySchool

This Week

Wednesday, November 19: ICA Food Pantry, 3:00-6:00pm

Friday, November 21: Read-a-Thon Celebration with Guest Readers, time TBD

Read-a-Thon: One Week Left

Restaurant Night at Panera
On Thursday, Nov. 20, let Panera cook for you. From 4-8 p.m. that evening, 25 percent of sales at the Knollwood Mall location (8452 Highway 7) will go to Alice Smith for field trips, teacher supplies, enrichment activities, and more. Enjoy a delicious meal and help our school at the same time! Be sure to show this flyer below if you’re in-person, or use the code FUND4U if you order online.

Hopkins Public Schools is now accepting enrollment forms for the 2026–27 school year. All new students must complete an enrollment form – even if they currently attend preschool in Hopkins or have siblings enrolled in Hopkins Schools.

Families interested in Open Enrollment, In-District Transfers, or Chinese and Spanish Immersion programs must submit their applications by January 15, 2026. Reminder: If you are an open-enrolled family or part of a choice program, you still need to complete an application for any incoming siblings.

Find enrollment forms, program applications, and detailed information on our Enrollment page.

Give to the Max Day is Thursday, November 20. Consider the Hopkins Education Foundation (HEF) when you give on Minnesota's biggest day of giving. Even $30 can help — 12 people donating $30 each can fund a grant like Tanglen Elementary's recent "Brewed Awakening Expansion" Spark Grant. You can also support HEF and check teacher appreciation gifts off your list when you order Gratitude Gifts this month. With a $25 donation, each gift includes a mini loaf of bread from Breadsmith, a gift card to Craft & Crew restaurants, and a card from you. Order yours before the end of the month at HopkinsEducationFoundation.org/Gratitude-Gifts

MANY of you have been asking... and here it is! The annual Hopkins Pride gear order!

https://hopkins-high-school-spirit-shop.square.site/

We have the traditional Rainbow Pride Lion design! Very popular! And we have a new addition — the lion with the trans flag colors behind it!

A few important details:

1. NO DISCOUNTS APPLY ON THIS ORDER. Please do not include any discount codes, as this will create more work for Julie Anderson.

2. You must order by Sunday, November 16! Every year, people email me weeks later, some in tears, asking if it is too late... do not be this person. Order NOW! Put a reminder on your phone or computer. Do not be left swagless.

3. Orders are nonrefundable and nonexchangeable.

Purchases support the middle school Gender and Sexuality Alliances!

Please reach out to Kristin Lutz- School Counselor via email: kristin.lutz@hopkinsschools.org or call at 952-988-4214 if you need help getting your child(ren) coats, snowpants, boots, hats, mittens for Winter.

Recently, our school partnered with district math coaches, administration, and members of the Instructional Design and Learning Team to conduct math walkthroughs focused on how well we are implementing our new math curriculum. These visits highlighted many strengths, including strong evidence that teachers are consistently using the curriculum and embracing its structure.

The walkthrough data also helped us identify a key area of growth: fully leveraging the wide range of resources available to support differentiation and meet the diverse needs of all learners. In response, teachers spent time during our professional development day—and again during our most recent collaborative team time—exploring and planning with these resources to better tailor instruction. We are committed to continuing this work so every student receives the access and support they need to thrive in math.

Recently, students and staff participated in a survey to help us understand how our school community experiences belonging at Alice Smith. Our PBIS and Restorative Practices team reviewed the results and identified some fun and meaningful ways to strengthen connection and inclusion across the building.

You’ve already seen some of this work come to life through our new assemblies and our school-wide collection of P.A.W. tickets for community-wide prizes. These efforts are just the beginning—stay tuned for more updates and exciting opportunities ahead!

Thank you to all of you that were able to vote and voted YES for our referendum!

Here at Alice Smith this means lots of exciting changes on the horizon. This includes:

Please take a look in our Electronic Backpack to find a variety of offerings & information for our scholars:

Parent Night Out flyer

Readathon Kick Off flyer

Website: https://hopkinsschools.org/schools/elementary-schools/alice-smith-elementary
Location: 801 Minnetonka Mills Road, Hopkins, MN 55343, USA
Phone: (952) 988-4200
Facebook: facebook.com/AliceSmithElementarySchool