Alice Smith Scoop

Alice Smith Caregivers,

At Alice Smith, we know that helping children understand and manage their emotions is an important part of their growth — both in and out of the classroom. One simple but powerful way to support this is by acknowledging children’s feelings before trying to problem-solve or redirect.

When children feel seen and understood, they often calm more quickly and are better able to move forward. For example, instead of saying “It’s time to stop crying,” try:

“You look really sad that playtime is over. It’s hard to stop when you’re having fun.”

This small shift helps children learn that all feelings are okay, while also teaching empathy and emotional awareness. Thank you for partnering with us to help our students grow not only as learners but as kind and caring people.

Action: Say: “You look really sad that playtime is over. It’s hard to stop when you’re having fun.”

In Partnership,

Sabrina Schmidtke
Alice Smith Elementary Principal
952-988-4201

Follow us on Social Media

Facebook: @AliceSmithElementarySchool

This Week

Wednesday, October 29: ICA Food Pantry, 3:00-6:00pm

Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and treasures at a festive indoor event! Make your own personalized gifts, browse the wares of local artisans, and enjoy a cozy treat all in one place. The Winter Makers Market will take place on Sunday, November 29th, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Royals Athletic Center. Entry is free! Click here if you are interested in being a vendor, and click here if you are interested in volunteering.

Join us Tuesday, October 28, 5-7:30 p.m. at Eisenhower Community Center for a Tech-stravaganza!

This open-house event features interactive stations exploring the tools, thinking patterns, and technologies that support student learning. Come explore topics including computer science, AI, Canvas, digital literacies, and tips for tech at home. Ask questions, get hands-on experiences, access troubleshooting support, and more!

Whether you're tech-savvy or tech-curious, there's something for everyone.

We can't wait to see you there!

The Kiddywampus Give Back is next Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. Get some of your holiday shopping done early during kiddywac 7mpus' special after-hours shopping event, which benefits the Hopkins Education Foundation. Keep your kids entertained while you shop with our free kids' activities in the back room! 20% of in-store sales during the event will go to the Hopkins Education Foundation (gift cards, past purchases, and service purchases not included). HopkinsEducationFoundation.org

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 October 10, November 14, and December 12.

Preregistration 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

Parents take the afternoon off and let your dancers spend the afternoon with us! Dancers will learn a routine from the royelles to perform at the Hopkins Dance Show on Saturday, November 15. Register here.

Cost: $50.00

Time: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Where: Hopkins High School (Old gym), 2400 Royals Dr., Minnetonka

Age: Grades 1-6

Contacts: Stephani Hunter - stephijo42@gmail.com or Becky Beerling - beerlingrebecca@gmail.com

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

This year, we’re excited to bring Imagine IM to our classrooms — a new math curriculum that helps students learn through hands-on activities, conversations, and real-world problem solving.

In an Imagine IM math class, you might see students:

• Working together to build and test ideas with cubes, number lines, or drawings

• Talking through different strategies to solve a problem

• Using games and movement to explore math concepts

• Sharing their thinking and learning from each other’s ideas

The goal is for students to see math as something they do and discuss, not just something they listen to. Through interactive learning and conversation, students develop confidence, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of math that will grow with them for years to come!

Subject: Your Right to Request Staff Qualifications

Dear Families,

Federal law gives you the right to request information about the professional qualifications of your child’s teachers and paraprofessionals.

If you would like to request this information, please contact Principal Schmidtke at sabrina.schmidtke@hopkinschools.org

Thank you,
Principal Schmidtke

At Alice Smith, we believe that kindness is the foundation of a strong school community.

Through daily reminders, class discussions, and positive recognition, we’re encouraging students to notice and celebrate acts of kindness—from helping a classmate to using kind words or including others at recess. When students show these positive behaviors, they can earn small acknowledgments and classroom celebrations that reinforce that kindness truly counts!

Together, we’re building a school culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and proud to be part of the Alice Smith community.

Our Lost & Found is overflowing! If your child is missing a jacket, sweatshirt, lunchbox, or water bottle, please stop by and take a look. All unclaimed items will be donated at the end of the month, so now’s the time to check for anything that might have gone missing.

Tip: Labeling your child’s belongings with their name makes it much easier for us to return lost items in the future. Thank you for helping us keep our Lost & Found manageable!

Volunteers Needed!

The PTO is looking for volunteers for the following upcoming events and activities. E-mail kmgabbert@gmail.com if you are interested in helping out.

• Yearbook Design: Use your creative skills to help design the Alice Smith yearbook.

• Parents' Night Out Co-Coordinator: Help plan and execute Parents' Night Out, a beloved Alice Smith event and fundraiser. On December 12, the PTO and staff will host a pizza and movie night at school to raise money for Alice Smith.

Save the Date

The next PTO meeting is Tuesday, November 11 from 6:00-8:00 in the media center. Join us to hear Alice Smith updates from Principal Schmidtke and staff and discuss upcoming events and activities. All are welcome!

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

Parent Night Out 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