Tanglen Update
September 12, 2025
School Safety and Saying Good-byes to Students
To maintain our secure building, we ask that all goodbyes happen outside the school doors, before students enter the building, and that adults do not enter the building with the children.
Keeping our building secure throughout the day is a top priority, and this small adjustment helps us ensure that safety.
Thank you for your support in making this transition—it truly makes a difference for our students and staff! If your child needs support getting to their classroom, know that we have staff in place to assist them to make it to their rooms.
Thanks to EVERYONE for Making our Block Party a HUGE Success!
Last night we had a wonderful time at our Tanglen Block Party. Many volunteers helped to assure the event was a success. THANK YOU if volunteered at the event or in the planning of this fun Tanglen Tradition.
Technology Reminder for Bus Rides
We encourage families to NOT send cell phones or other electronic devices to school, for they are not allowed to be out during the school day. If your child does bring a cell phone, please remind them that they are not permitted to make video or audio recordings on the bus. This makes others feel very uncomfortable and is not allowed. Thank you for reinforcing this expectation with your children. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to use their technology with INTEGRITY.
We Need a Tanglen Representative on the Educational Services Advisory Committee (ESAC) for 2025–26!
(It is important that we find a representative or two from Tanglen to serve on this important committee. Please consider serving our school community through ESAC. Thank you!)
We are seeking caregivers who are passionate about education and student success to join the Educational Services Advisory Committee (ESAC) for the upcoming school year.
What is ESAC?
ESAC is a collaborative group that advises and supports the Hopkins School District’s Innovation, Design and Learning (IDL) team in its continuous improvement efforts. Members work alongside teacher committees to review current state, set goals, evaluate progress, and provide input and feedback.
Why Join?
As a member, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Help shape district-wide curriculum and instruction aligned with Minnesota graduation standards
Contribute to recommendations to the School Board
Ensure community voices are part of district planning and decision-making
Meeting Dates
(Required) Orientation: Monday, September 29, 2025; 6:00-7:30
(Required) Fall Planning Session: Monday, October 27, 2025; 6:00-7:30
(Required) Spring Review Session: Monday, March 23, 2026; 6:00-7:30
(Optional) Presentation to School Board: May 5 & May 19, 2026 (time TBD)
Your voice matters. Join us in making a meaningful impact on our schools and students.
To express interest or learn more, please contact Ann Ertl (Ann.Ertl@hopkinsschools.org) and Andrew Whitworth (Andrew.Whitworth@hopkinsschools.org) or scan the QR code above.
Two Questions to Secure our Future
On November 4, 2025, the community will be asked to vote on two questions, including a once-in-a-generation bond that will provide safety and security upgrades and modernize learning spaces in all of our schools.
Q1: Secure our future. Voters will decide on a $140 million bond to support safety and security upgrades and to modernize outdated facilities. Average cost to home owners would be $7/month.
Q2: Protect what we've built. Voters will decide to renew a 2017 Capital Projects Levy to support technology infrastructure and cybersecurity updates. No tax increase.
Tanglen Spiritwear
The past few years, we have used this company to handle Tanglen spiritwear.
They currently are running a 25% off sale through this weekend only! I have many shirts and sweatshirts from the company, and I love the quality and the large selection. Check out the website if you are interested in getting some Tanglen clothing. They have some wonderful adult options for parents as well!
https://1stplacespiritwear.com/schools/MN/Minnetonka/L%20H%20Tanglen%20Elementary%20School
Hopkins Royals Spiritwear
Spirit Store Hours (at Hopkins High School):
Tuesday - Thursday : 3:30pm - 4:30pm
The spirit shop is located in the high school on the main level of the Royals Athletic Center
On days the High School is in session
Order Online: Visit our store website at https://hopkins-high-school-spirit-shop.square.site/.
We offer convenient delivery options. Ordering gear is easy
General Information: https://athletics.hopkinsschools.org/fans-central/shop
Shopping Appointment/Letter Jacket:
Visit us during shop hours or fill out the following form to request an appointment https://forms.gle/xE4R1uoLba5SP8VC7
Special Orders/Fundraising:
We can help with your group’s special order needs.
Follow the link to find out more information about special orders/fundraising. https://athletics.hopkinsschools.org/fans-central/shop/team-apparel
Contact Julie with any questions at spirit.shop@hopkinsschools.org
Please Attend this Important PTO Event on Technology
We’re excited to invite you to Kids & Technology – a special event hosted by the Tanglen PTO!
Tuesday, October 7th We’ll hear from Arden Leali-Broberg, Tanglen’s Digital Literacy Specialist, who will lead a thoughtful conversation about technology—its impact on kids, how it can be used for good, and how to help prevent it from causing harm. We’ll also reference the book The Anxious Generation to share helpful insights and resources. Important information: Childcare and dinner will be provided by the Tanglen PTO for Tanglen students and their siblings. Please register here to reserve a spot: October 7th Childcare & Dinner We hope you’ll join us for this engaging evening of learning and connection. Your participation makes a big difference in building our Tanglen community!
6:00–7:00 PM
PCCD: Primary Caregivers of Children with Disabilities
Date: Friday, Sept. 12
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Place: Hopkins Public Library, 22 11th Avenue, Downtown Hopkins
Bus Numbers vs Route Numbers
If your child rides the bus, I want to help clear up some confusion.
All of Tanglen’s regular bus routes are run by the company MTN, so the side of the bus will say “MTN”—not “Hopkins Public Schools.” In addition, the bus number does not match the route number you received in your email from our district's transportation department.
To find the correct route, look for the Tanglen route number posted on the upper left side of the bus door.
I hope this helps make pick-up and drop-off a little smoother as you watch for your child’s bus in the mornings and afternoons!
Hopkins Bus Pass Policy
All requests for guest/friend bus passes must be pre-approved by the Transportation Department. With increasingly full vehicles, transportation must first ensure there is appropriate room for an extra scholar.
Please request a bus pass from the Tanglen office at least one day before the desired ride. It is NOT guaranteed there will be space on the bus. If it is approved, the Transportation Department will send a bus pass to the school for your child.
To request a bus pass, please send a note to the office or call 952-988-4900.
Picture Day is Coming!
Picture Day is Friday, September 19, 2025. All Tanglen students will have the opportunity to get their photo taken by Lifetouch photographers.
Photo packages can be ordered online on mylifetouch.com using Tanglen's Picture Day ID: EVT7D3TKW. Photo packages can be ordered by cash or check by turning in the paper order form to the photographers on Picture Day.
Questions pertaining to Packages/Payments? Call Lifetouch's Customer Success team at 1-800-736-4753.
There will be a re-take day on October 29, for any students who are absent on Picture Day.
Hopkins Girls Basketball Association Registration
HGBA offers a fun, competitive, and skill-building experience for players of all levels. Whether your athlete is new to the game or ready for advanced competition, HGBA provides high-quality coaching, team play, and opportunities to grow both on and off the court. The season includes weekly practices, weekend tournaments, and a strong focus on player development and sportsmanship.
Don’t miss out on a great season of basketball, teamwork, and community! Evaluations take place on 9/13, 9/15 & 9/17 and everyone who registers can attend our pre-eval clinics on 8/27, 9/4 & 9/11. The season runs from late Oct through Feb.
Learn more and register starting August 1 at:
👉 hopkinsgba.org/program/hgba-season-registration/24086
Go Hopkins!
Hopkins Boys Travel Basketball Registration Now Open (Grades 3-8)
Come be a part of the great Hopkins basketball tradition!
Visit www.hrbbabasketball.net for more information and to register for the 2025-2026 travel season. Open to all boys in the Hopkins district, grades 3-8.
Jottings from Jim (Our Principal, Dr. Hebeisen)
Hello!
The first few weeks of school can be tiring for children as they adjust to full days of learning. Here are some ways you can help your child build “school stamina”:
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Set a bedtime routine so your child gets 9–11 hours of sleep.
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As you are able, provide healthy meals and snacks to fuel energy throughout the day. Know that the state of Minnesota provides free breakfast and lunch for all students at school if they choose to take advantage of this opportunity.
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Keep after-school schedules light to allow rest and recharge time.
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Encourage independence with backpacks, shoes, and lunch routines.
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Talk positively about school and celebrate their efforts as they adjust.
With your support at home, students will gain the energy and confidence they need to thrive all year long!
A quick note about email communication:
Last week I discovered that some parent emails sent to me over the past couple of weeks have gone directly to my Junk Email folder. If you send me an email and don’t hear back within 24 hours, please call the Tanglen office at 952-988-4900 and ask to leave me a message.
I pride myself on responding promptly, and I’m working with our tech team to resolve this issue so messages reach me reliably. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Enjoy the weekend ahead!
Dr. Jim Hebeisen
Proud Tanglen Principal
Tanglen Elementary
Principal Email: jim.hebeisen@hopkinsschools.org
Website: https://hopkinsschools.org/schools/elementary/l-h-tanglen-elementary
Location: 10901 Hillside Lane West, Minnetonka, MN 55305, USA
Phone: (952) 988-4900
Facebook: facebook.com/tanglenelementaryschool
X (Formerly Twitter): @LHTanglenSchool