North Middle School News

Dear NMS Families,

Happy Friday! I hope you’ve had a wonderful and productive week.

This week, we held our first conferences of the year, and we were thrilled by the incredible turnout. It was such a pleasure connecting with you and hearing your ideas and hopes for your students. I had the opportunity to speak with several families who shared that they would like to better support their students at home - especially when it comes to using iPads, Canvas, and other digital tools.

To help with this, we’ll be adding a new section to our newsletter called Student Support Videos. Each week, we’ll share a short video that walks families through how to complete or navigate a specific digital task that regularly impacts student learning. Our goal is to make these tools more accessible and reduce frustration for both students and parents.

Lastly, I’d like to turn your attention to an important community issue—rising food insecurity. We are proud to provide breakfast and lunch for our students every day, but many families in our broader community continue to face challenges in accessing consistent meals. Local food shelves play a critical role in meeting that need. If you’re able, I encourage you to consider donating to a local food pantry. I’ve included links below to a few that serve our community.

https://www.icafoodshelf.org/

https://www.stepslp.org/

https://westonkacommunityfoodshelf.squarespace.com/

https://www.thefoodgroupmn.org/groceries/fare-for-all/schedule/

Thank you for your kindness and support.

With Deep Appreciation,

Principal Eromosele

• Important Dates

• Student Support Videos

• WIN Attendance

• Turkey BINGO

• IB Parent Education

• Drop-off and Pick-up Instructions Update

• From Our Health Office

• Athletics

• District Information and Opportunities

• Beyond School

November 25: Turkey B-I-N-G-O

November 26-28: Thanksgiving Break

December 1: No School - Staff Development

December 21-January 3: No School - Winter Break

Here are some practical iPad use tips that students reviewed during today's Advisory lesson. iPad support is available to students through the iPad Help Desk in the Media Center.

WIN (What I Need) at North begins promptly at 8:40 a.m. Now that we are a month into the school year and routines are established, students are expected to be to their WIN on time. Students will be marked tardy if they arrive late to WIN. The only exception will be for students whose bus arrives late. Please plan accordingly to ensure your student is on time each day.

Please consider donating to the Turkey BINGO prizes, gift cards are a HUGE hit. The scholars love this activity and it is so much fun to kickoff the Thanksgiving break.

We would also like the help of 1-2 more parents to hand out prizes.

At the start of the school year, it's helpful to ground ourselves again in a couple of the basics as you navigate supporting your student. Here's an overview of how our assignment names tell you more information about what students are working on, and then a quick overview of what IB scores and criteria are!

Click the link to explore this resource:

Https://drive.google.com/file/d/14wWtXJjEHjDoV2frFLEZoviLbckVxcqj/view?usp=sharing

If you have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to Angela Wilcox, North's IB Coordinator

Angela.wilcox@hopkinsschools.org

(952) 988-4762

We Belong at Hopkins North Middle School!

Be Authentic - Be Open Minded

Here at North, we’ve named three ways of being with each other that will help every human feel safe, seen, included, and ready to thrive: Be Authentic, Be a Learner, and Be Thoughtful. The work of middle school - for young people and their adults - is to figure out how to become more of who we are. Not different, not “better,” but discovering what it means to be fully ourselves.

Over the three seasons of our school year (fall, winter, and spring), we’ll explore these Three Be’s. This fall, we’ll explore what it means to Be Authentic: what do authentic people practice? How do they show up?

Last week, we explored the idea of being Principled. This week, we’ll explore how being Open-Minded can help us learn how to be more of who we are. The practice of being Open-Minded is about being willing to try to see things in new ways, and asking questions instead of judging. It’s harder than it sounds, but it’s so cool when you start doing it!

Here’s the invitation: as a family, think about what it looks like and sounds like when you practice being open-minded at home. What’s a time you had to stop and ask more questions because you heard about something that felt new or strange or uncomfortable? What are ways you’ve seen your child practice being open-minded that made you proud of them? How are you open-minded when your child comes home with new ideas, new friends, and new interests? Consider naming that as you realize you’re doing it!

To ensure the safety of all students and staff, please follow these guidelines:

Where to Enter and Exit

• Use the Visitor Parking Entrance (between the stoplights) for all parent drop-off and pick-up.
  

• Do NOT use the Staff Parking Entrance at the stoplight—this area is reserved for staff and buses only.
  

• No parent parking is allowed at the Free Wheel Shop (located west of the staff lot). They have asked that our parents do not use their lot.
  
  

Drop-Off & Pick-Up Instructions

• Pull up all the way to the orange cone around the corner from Door A before letting your student out or picking them up. This helps keep the line moving and ensures safety for everyone.
  

• Drive slowly and be alert—students, visitors and staff are walking through the parking lot.
  

• Additional staff will be present during the first few weeks to assist with traffic flow.
  
  

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping everyone safe and ensuring a smooth drop-off and pick-up process.

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. 952-988-4810

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

Please be on the look out for a letter sent by email to families of students not compliant with the mediatory vaccines.

Minnesota law requires that all school-age children be updated on all recommended immunizations to attend school unless the child has written proof of an exemption.

This fall, the Hopkins School District will be enforcing the No Shots, No School Immunization Policy, and will be excluding students who are not compliant with their immunizations.

Please ensure your student is up to date with all needed immunizations for the return to school Fall 2025. Incoming 7th grade students will need a Tdap (tetanus booster) and a Meningococcal vaccine. All Hopkins students will need proof of a complete immunization record, or a notarized conscientious form.

If you have any questions about your scholar's immunization status, please contact your

healthcare provider, and if immunization is needed, schedule an appointment with your child's clinic to obtain the needed immunization(s).

Please contact Nurse Ann Salzer at 952-988-4804 if you have any questions regarding immunization.

The following are offerings by Hopkins Schools and outside clubs.

https://athletics.hopkinsschools.org/

Winter Athletic Opportunities:

Sports physicals

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

myHealth also offers physicals 952-474-3251.

The 2025/26 Hopkins High School Clay Target Team has opened its pre registration link for new members. For Spring 2026 only 5 openings are available and will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Any new athlete wishing to participate on the team this season must fill out the pre registration form in order to be considered.

Membership is open to all Hopkins students grades 7-12 who have completed a Hunter/Firearm Safety Course through the Minnesota DNR by March 15th 2026 and meet the criteria listed on the teams web page. Due to the limited number of openings, registration will close on DECEMBER 1 or when all openings are filled.

Additional questions can be answered by viewing the team web page located at https://athletics.hopkinsschools.org/ Using the menu bar navigate to Athletics and Activities - Under Spring click on Clay Target - at the bottom you will see a link to the teams web site. OR you can contact the head coach directly - all questions are welcome - HHS Clay Target Team Head Coach - Mark Czech at 612-270-5627 or
email: czechtpt@gmail.com

HHS Trap Team Pre-registration Link

https://forms.gle/yGsGjeR1ANgGy2HS7

Additional information regarding the club can be found at:

https://sites.google.com/view/hhstrapteam/home

The Hopkins School Board approved the 2025-26 calendar. Over the next few weeks, we will add these dates to our digital calendar.

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.

Give yourself some time to relax and let your children enjoy an evening full of fun activities and new friends. Our Parents Night Out event offers a safe and welcoming space where kids can unwind and have a great time.

Drop off and pick up your child anytime between 5:30 and 8:30 in the evening. Activities will include movie screenings, arts and crafts, sports, and gym games. Pizza will be served at 6:30 p.m. along with snacks and refreshments. Please let us know about any allergies or special needs ahead of time.

All children must be signed in and out by a parent or guardian. Parents Night Out will be offered on November 14 and December 12.

ake a Well-Deserved Break While Your Kids Have FunPreregistration is required. $35 each. More information and registration can be found at https://hopkins.ce.eleyo.com/course/14956/youth-fall-2025/parents-night-out

Gratitude Gifts are on sale. With your $25 donation to the Hopkins Education Foundation, you can send a teacher and staff appreciation gift and support our grants that kickstart classroom projects. We recently awarded more than $57,000 to Hopkins teachers to fund 13 innovative classroom projects. This round of Spark Grants pushed us past $4 million in total funds awarded to Hopkins Schools since 1995. Your generosity makes these projects happen. Order Gratitude Gifts and read all about our recent Spark Grants at HopkinsEducationFoundation.org

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!

Items or activities not administered or sponsored by the district but might be of interest to your family.

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: Nov. 14

Time: 10-11:30 a.m.

Place: Hopkins Public Library, 22 11th Avenue, Downtown Hopkins

Upcoming meeting dates: December 12, January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10, and May 8

Principal email: julius.eromosele@hopkinsschools.org
Website: https://hopkinsschools.org/schools/secondary-schools/hopkins-north-junior-high
Location: 10700 Cedar Lake Road, Minnetonka, MN 55305, USA
Phone: (952) 988-4800
Facebook: facebook.com/HopkinsNJH/
Twitter: @HopkinsNJH270