What's Up @ West

• Principal's Message
  
• Important Dates
  
• Shout Outs
  

• WMS Things to Know

• Events/Announcements
  
• Opportunities for Parents to Connect and Support
  
• Policies/Expectations
  
• Resources
  

• IB: What is Criterion, Anyways?

• and more..

We’re thrilled to celebrate Kim Campbell, who was recently awarded an HEF Spark Grant for her innovative 8th grade Crew curriculum, “Things I Wish They Taught in School.” Born from student feedback, this project empowers learners with real-world skills like resume writing, goal setting, financial literacy, job readiness, budgeting, and effective communication—preparing students not just for school, but for life beyond it.

A huge shoutout to all the teachers and students who joined in the Halloween fun at West! Your creativity, costumes, and school spirit brought so much laughter and energy to our halls. Moments like these—when we can be a little silly and see a different side of one another—help strengthen the connections that make our school community so special. Thank you for keeping the magic of childhood alive and showing that joy and learning can go hand in hand!

Huge thank you to all who have volunteered to contribute thus far, so we can Taco 'Bout Our Amazing Teachers during conferences this Monday, November 3!

If you did not get a chance, no worries! We still have several opportunities that are open and available, and we cannot do it without you!

Help us provide a meal to our wonderful teachers, as they help us learn about our student(s) during conferences: Hopkins West PTO: Teacher Conference Dinner Meal!

Lions Club members from St Louis Park and Hopkins will be providing a free vision screening for students at WMS on November 10th & 11th. Members of the Lions clubs have been certified in the use of a vision screener. Read on for more information.

Ready, Set, Smile (RSS) is coming to WMS on November 17th, 2025. If you are interested in having your child participate, then please see the informational flyer, complete the consent form, and return it to RSS or our nurse, Jana Balfany at jana.balfany@hopkinsschools.org.

Smudge is our school resource dog. The flyer has details about what a resource dog does, who trained her, what she'll do at school, and more.

West Middle School will be holding in-person Family/Student/Teacher Conferences on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 11:15 am to 6:45 pm. Interpreter services will be available.

The time with teachers is first come first served with conversations limited to 10 minutes. Lines can be especially long after 4 pm, so if possible come early to make sure that as many parents get the opportunity to speak with their scholar’s teachers. The teachers will start their last conference at 6:45 pm.

Our teachers are very much looking forward to the opportunity to connect with you about your scholar's progress for the semester, although there is no expectation to visit every teacher. If you find that you need more than the time allotted, you can email the teacher to set up a follow up meeting with them.

Teachers will have a rotating dinner break between 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm but there should be someone to talk to in other departments. Lines will be paused for teachers at the time of their department’s dinner break.

Dinner Schedule:

3:30 - 4:00 Language & Literature, Design , Phy Ed,, French

4:00 - 4:30 Math, Social Studies, Music, Xing Xing, Drama

4:30 - 5:00 Science, Spanish, Special Ed, EL, Visual Arts

Please prepare for conferences by talking with your child to get their schedule and see if there is anything they want you to discuss with their teacher(s). Scholar’s schedules are also available in the parent portal. Scholars are welcome to attend.

Kim Campbell, Behavior Specialist, will present on The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt at West Middle School. This insightful book examines how social media and smartphones affect today’s youth—contributing to increased anxiety, depression, and social disconnection.

The session will explore key themes such as:

• The shift from outdoor play to screen-based interaction

• The impact of constant connectivity and comparison

• How adults can foster healthier environments

• Practical ways to reduce screen time and encourage real-world engagement
  
  

Join us for a meaningful discussion and actionable strategies to support student well-being in the digital age. If you’re interested in joining, please complete this Google Form to indicate the time that works best for you.

We will take time for members to meet and greet, reconnect after the summer break, as well as provide SPED Department and SEAC updates. ALL caregivers in the Hopkins School District with school-age children are welcome. If you have questions, please contact Erika at 612-840-7900.

• Date:Next meeting is Nov. 14th
• Time: 10a-11:30am
• Place: Basecamp Coffee & Provisions; 14635 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka, MN 55345
  
• Upcoming meeting dates: December 12, January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10, and May

At West Middle School , the safety and security of our students and staff are a top priority. See our protocols here.

We understand that sometimes early pick-ups are unavoidable. However, please keep the following in mind:

• Early dismissals disrupt student learning. Please schedule appointments before or after school whenever possible.

• Avoid picking up your student during the last 30 minutes of the school day—this is the busiest and most disruptive time for the school.

• If an early pick-up is necessary, please notify the school in advance. 952-988-4410

Thank you for supporting our students’ learning by minimizing disruptions during the school day.

West partners with ICA Food Shelf to provide a market here at West.

Market hours will be Thursdays 3p-6p. See the flyer for how to sign up.

Does your child need a vaccine or a sports physical?

Whether you are insured or uninsured, you are invited to make an appointment for your child by calling myHealth at 9582-474-325

Sports physicals

TRIA is offering free physicals. Find info here: tria.com/physicals

myHealth also offers physicals 9582-474-3251.

​Did you know sixth graders can go to MNHS historic sites or museums for FREE? Every sixth-grade student during the 2025-26 school year is eligible for a 6th Grade MN History Pass. Request passes for your sixth graders today! Not valid for field trips.

Read here for details on what is offered for Winter athletics

Spirit Store Hours:

Tuesday - Thursday : 3:30pm - 4:30pm

On days the High School is in session

More info here.

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone, and we’re here to make it special. Join us on Thursday, November 13, from 5:30–7 p.m. at Hopkins High School for an evening designed for families with children entering kindergarten in Fall 2026.

You’ll have the chance to meet principals, connect with other families, and talk with district staff about everything from transportation to enrollment. Don’t miss the 6 p.m. presentation to hear how Hopkins nurtures curiosity, confidence, and belonging from day one.

Bring your future kindergartener along there will be fun, interactive activities available.

Registration is required. We can't wait to see you there.

Start brainstorming about which Hopkins teachers and staff you want to thank this year. Starting Monday, November 3, the Hopkins Education Foundation's Gratitude Gifts will be available for purchase. For a $25 donation to the foundation, you can send someone who is making a difference in your child's life a personalized card, mini loaf of Breadsmith bread and a $15 gift card to Craft & Crew Hospitality (including Pub 819, Duke’s on 7, Stanley’s NE Bar Room, The Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar, The Block Food + Drink, The Bar Draft House, WELLS Roadside, and Green 2 Go). We know you are busy. Let us help! You order. We deliver. Show appreciation to Hopkins teachers and staff with treats and a sweet personal note, and help HEF fund our next big idea. Orders close November 30. http://bit.ly/HEFGratitudeGifts

2025-26 District Calendar.

WMS Family Handbook

WMS Student Handbook

WMS School Supplies

Transportation

Website: https://west.hopkinsschools.org/
Location: 3830 Baker Road, Minnetonka, MN, USA
Phone: (952) 988-4400
Facebook: facebook.com/hopkinswjh/