What's Up @ West
April 24, 2026
Principal's Message
Dear West Middle School Families,
In recent weeks our school community has been navigating a serious situation that originated outside of school and caused distress for some students and families. This began when school staff received reports of inappropriate use of AI-generated images.
While the circumstances did not occur during the school day or through school‑connected systems, the emotional impact has been felt by members of our community.
At this time, administrators have not seen or verified the materials connected to the concerns that were shared. What has become clear, however, is the effect that continued discussion, assumptions, and rumor‑sharing can have on students. Some students have felt uncomfortable or embarrassed, while others have experienced stress related to being talked about or associated with unverified information. In situations like this, harm can occur even when facts are unclear.
We encourage students to resist engaging in rumor or speculation and instead choose actions that reflect care, empathy, and respect for others. Limiting discussion when information is unclear is an important way students can contribute to a safe and supportive school environment for all.
This experience also highlights an important reality for all of us as adults. Much of students’ social and digital activity happens outside of school, but the effects often follow them into the school day. As technology and online tools continue to evolve, students benefit greatly from guidance, boundaries, and open communication at home.
We strongly encourage families to:
- check in regularly with your student about their online experiences
- talk openly about digital responsibility and respect
- stay aware of the online spaces and social groups your student engages with
- build communication with other families when concerns arise
When families maintain strong connections and open lines of communication, it becomes much easier to respond supportively and constructively when situations outside of school affect students.
As always, our priority is supporting students and maintaining a school environment where every individual feels a strong sense of belonging and dignity. If your student has been impacted or needs additional support, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for your continued partnership and care for the West Middle School community.
With deep appreciation,
Principal Mattei
Hopkins School Board selects Dr. Michael Thomas as next superintendent
Hopkins Public Schools is pleased to announce that Dr. Michael Thomas has been selected as the district's next superintendent. Dr. Thomas currently serves as superintendent of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools and brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to student success. The board voted unanimously in his favor following a community-driven search process that included surveys, focus groups and a day-long school tour.
The board will formally approve his contract at the May 5 board meeting, with Dr. Thomas joining Hopkins on July 1, 2026.
Please mark your calendar:
Apr. 27: Coffee with the Principal
Apr 30: 6th Grade Field Trip
May 4: Orchestra Spring Concert
May 6: Bike to School Day
May 7: No School - conferences
May 8: 6th grade - no school (5th graders at West)
Apri 14-15: FastBridge Math
May 15: Career Day (8th Grade)
May 18: Spring Band Concert
May 19-20: FastBridge ELA
May 25: No School - Memorial Day
May 28: Community Project Presentations
June 10: Last Day of School
Coffee with the Principal
When: Monday, April 27 at 9:30 a.m.
Given recent events our community has been navigating related to AI-generated content, Monday’s Coffee with the Principal will focus on how exposure to explicit online content can impact middle school students and how caregivers can talk with their children about what they may encounter online.
This will be an opportunity to learn about common ways students are exposed to explicit content, discuss the emotional and social impact this exposure can have, share practical strategies for starting age-appropriate conversations at home, and connect with other caregivers in a supportive setting.
Our goal is not to alarm families, but to provide information, tools, and space for partnership as we continue working together to ensure our students feel safe, respected, and supported. We hope you will consider joining us for this important conversation.
Spring Targeted Conferences
On Thursday, May 7, 2026 we have a non-school day designated as a targeted conference day. On this day, all CREW teachers will be reaching out to families by phone between 8:30 AM and 12:00 PM for an end-of-year conversation. Each family will receive one of two types of calls:
1. End-of-Year Check-In Call
Most families will receive this type of call. The purpose is to:
Celebrate your student’s progress and growth
Share moments of connection and success
Answer any questions you may have
For 8th grade families: provide an update on the Community Project
These check-ins are meant to wrap up the year on a positive note and keep families informed.
2. Academic Concerns Call
If your student is currently receiving a score of 0, 1, or 2 in one or more classes, you will receive a call focused on academic support. This conversation will include:
A summary of the areas where your student is struggling
Information about missing assignments or concerns
Guidance on how to access Canvas and communicate with teachers
Strategies for finishing the year strong
For 8th grade families: a Community Project update
These calls are designed to provide clarity, offer support, and partner with families to help students end the year successfully.
Be on the look out for a message next week with additional information.
Heads up for families traveling on I-394
Starting April 27, MnDOT construction at Interstate 394 and Hopkins Crossroad in Minnetonka will close westbound ramps through early July. If your route to school takes you through that interchange, here's what to know:
The westbound I-394 exit ramp to Hopkins Crossroad will be closed. Detour: Use the Ridgedale Drive exit, then take eastbound I-394 to Hopkins Crossroad.
The Hopkins Crossroad entrance ramp to westbound I-394 will be closed. Detour: Take Wayzata Boulevard to Ridgedale Drive to access westbound I-394.
We recommend building a little extra time into your morning routine during this period. For full details, visit the MnDOT project page at dot.state.mn.us.
Bike to School Day
Wednesday May 6th is Bike to School Day!
Dust off your bike this weekend and fill up those tires!
Walking and biking to school gets kids fresh air and exercise which boost learning.
English
Ready Set Smile
Spanish
Dirt needed. Yes, dirt!
Our center based programs are currently working to expand our school garden (provides hands-on learning opportunities in science, sustainability, and nutrition to our students with unique needs). We use many of the items that we grow in our cooking classes.
We are in need of donations of 20 bags of soil (garden soil, topsoil, or potting mix). Any contribution—large or small—would be greatly appreciated and would directly benefit our students’ learning experiences and enhance their hands-on learning in the kitchen, garden, and science class.
Thank you for considering supporting our school garden. Please feel free to contact Becca Lewis (Becca.Lewis@HopkinsSchools.org) with any questions.
Thank you for your support!
Resource West Winter Coats & Supplies Drive
Starting Monday, until April 30, West Middle School will host a ResourceWest donation bin in the Welcome Center. We invite families to donate lightly used winter gear such as coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and boots to support local community members in need.
Your generosity helps ensure every family is prepared for Minnesota winters and strengthens the spirit of care that defines our West community. Thank you for supporting this important effort! ❄️🧤🧣
PTO Updates
See attached for needs, fundraisers, and more.
Developing Open-Mindedness through Global Contexts
As we celebrate open-mindedness this month, we’re highlighting an important part of IB curriculum design: global contexts. You may have heard this term before, but may not know exactly what it means—or how powerfully it supports students in becoming thoughtful, open-minded learners.
IB global contexts are themes that help students connect what they are learning in class to the wider world. Instead of studying content in isolation, students explore ideas through lenses such as: identities & relationships, globalization & sustainability, orientation in time & space, fairness & development, and more. Global contexts help students understand that learning isn’t just about facts—it’s about how those facts shape people, cultures, systems, and communities around the globe. In this way, global contexts act as a bridge between academic content and the real human experiences behind that content.
For example, in a 6th‑grade science unit on the water cycle, students might explore the global context “Globalization & Sustainability.” Rather than simply memorizing evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, students could consider questions such as: how does climate change impact the water cycle in various regions? What sustainable water practices are used in different cultures, and what can we learn from them?
They begin to understand that access to clean water is not the same everywhere—and that cultural practices, infrastructure, and environmental policies all play a role. By examining the water cycle through global systems and real-world contexts, students learn to think beyond their immediate experiences. They become more open‑minded as they explore how others live, how global challenges are interconnected, and how solutions require collaboration and empathy.
IB global contexts help create learners who are not just knowledgeable—but globally aware, culturally responsive, and ready to engage respectfully with the world around them. By pairing these contexts with our focus on open-mindedness, we nurture Hopkins Scholars who are prepared to thrive in diverse communities and contribute meaningfully to our interconnected global society.
*This newsletter blurb was written with the assistance of Microsoft’s AI, Copilot*
Spring Sports
Summer Sports
Hopkins Education Foundation
Join Hopkins Education Foundation at events this spring. HEF will have a booth at Strib Unbound on Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Theodore Wirth Regional Park in Golden Valley. Strib Unbound is a free event celebrating the great outdoors of Minnesota.
HEF is the new host of the Mainstreet Day Arts & Craft Fair. The free one-day event is Saturday, May 16, in downtown Hopkins from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Stroll artisan booths, dine at food trucks, enjoy live entertainment, and take the kids to the Royal Family Fun Zone.
Registration is now open for the second annual HEF Golf Scramble on June 8 at Oak Ridge Country Club in Hopkins. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual player, this event promises a day full of fun, friendly competition, and great company. Register as a solo golfer or as a foursome. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Details at HopkinsEducationFoundation.com/Events
Hopkins West Middle School
Website: https://west.hopkinsschools.org/
Location: 3830 Baker Road, Minnetonka, MN, USA
Phone: (952) 988-4400
Facebook: facebook.com/hopkinswjh/