Inside Hopkins

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Inside Hopkins, where we unravel the stories of innovation and education. Hosted by our superintendent, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, our podcast offers an exclusive peek behind the scenes, featuring conversations with staff, students, experts, and partners, giving you an insider's view of the inner workings of a school district. Our audience is as diverse as our content – parents, students, district residents, alumni, staff, and even fellow education leaders from different districts. Join us on this journey as we push the boundaries of education and lead the way in innovation. Inside Hopkins is your passport to the future of education!

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46 recent

June 8, 2026Episode 1120 min

Class of 2026: Ready to Teach

In this special season finale of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed hosts her final episode with a conversation that looks toward the future. She sits down with four graduating seniors who are all pursuing careers in education, exploring what inspired their paths and the unique skills they bring to the profession. In a meaningful role reversal, the students also turn the microphone on Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed, asking for her insights and reflections as she closes out her time in Hopkins.Guests:Pacey Johnson – University of North Dakota – Special EducationRosalyn Gudmundson – Normandale Community College – Special EducationEmily Beaverson – University of Wisconsin-Madison – Elementary EducationGabrielle Brown – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University – Child Development and Family StudiesThank you to our listeners for tuning in throughout the school year and being part of the Inside Hopkins community. Wishing everyone a wonderful summer ahead!

May 4, 2026Episode 1024 min

Celebremos Juntos

What does it look like when language, culture, and community come together in one learning experience? In this episode of Inside Hopkins, we explore the impact of Hopkins Public Schools’ Spanish immersion program, Juntos, and how it fosters bilingualism, belonging, and global understanding for students.Host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by three dedicated educators who bring the Juntos program to life each day. Together, they share how immersion education supports academic growth, builds cultural awareness, and creates meaningful connections across classrooms and communities. From the evolution of the annual Juntos performance to the everyday moments of student discovery, this conversation highlights the powerful role language plays in shaping identity, empathy, and opportunity.Guests:Juan Guajardo – Kindergarten TeacherEdwing Llangari – First Grade TeacherPam Shrestha – Second Grade TeacherResources:Photos from the Juntos GalaMore information about our Juntos Spanish Immersion program

April 13, 2026Episode 923 min

The Referendum Passed. Now What??

This episode of Inside Hopkins focuses on what comes next following the successful bond referendum and capital projects levy renewal. Thank you to our voters for your strong support of Hopkins Public Schools!Our guests share how decisions are being made, what changes the community can expect to see, and how these investments will support students in meaningful ways. The conversation explores new Pathfinder learning spaces, safety and security upgrades, outdoor learning areas, and other improvements across the district.Guests:Julius Eromosele - Principal, North Middle SchoolGeno Mazzali - Assistant Director of Buildings and Grounds, Hopkins Public SchoolsJohn Wetter - Director of Information Services, Hopkins Public SchoolsResources: Your hub for updates on Hopkins construction and renovation projects made possible by the 2025 bond referendum

February 26, 2026Episode 820 min

Stronger Together: The Impact of Hopkins Education Foundation

In this episode of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed shines a spotlight on the Hopkins Education Foundation (HEF) and the powerful behind-the-scenes role it plays across the district.For over 30 years, HEF has partnered with Hopkins schools and community members to fund programs and experiences that fall outside of the district’s general budget. Classroom grants, student support, community-building initiatives like #HopkinsStrong, and signature events like the Royal Bash are all ways the foundation works to ensure that students and educators have access to the resources they need to thrive.Guests:Emily Wallace-Jackson — Executive Director, Hopkins Education FoundationBetsy Anderson — Vice President, HEF Board of DirectorsEllie Siler — Marketing Coordinator, Hopkins Education FoundationResources:https://www.hopkinseducationfoundation.orgHEF Events#HopkinsStrong

February 16, 2026Episode 717 min

Happy Lunar New Year!

As the Lunar New Year approaches (it begins February 17 in 2026), the XinXing community comes together through traditions, performances, and shared celebrations that honor Chinese heritage. Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by teacher Qian Xu and students Addison Brenk and James Zocchi to reflect on how the Lunar New Year is celebrated across Hopkins schools and how immersion education shapes students as learners and global citizens.Guests:Qian Xu — World Language Teacher, Hopkins High SchoolAddison Brenk — Sophomore, Hopkins High SchoolJames Zocchi — Sophomore, Hopkins High SchoolResources:Photos from the 2026 Lunar New Year PerformanceLearn more about our XinXing Immersion Program

February 2, 2026Episode 618 min

Taking Center Stage with Royal Productions

What does it take to build an award-winning theater program while creating a space where every student feels they belong? In this episode of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by members of the Royal Productions team to talk about what makes the program so special, how students develop as artists and as humans, and how the community can support upcoming performances.Guests:Farrah Buffington — Theatre Program DirectorJames Buffington — Assistant DirectorJessica Alciati — Senior, Hopkins High SchoolResources:Royal Productions at Hopkins High SchoolRoyal Productions Instagram

December 8, 2025Episode 525 min

Who Decides the Snow Day?

When snow, freezing temps, or even summer storms hit Minnesota, one question rises to the top for every family: Is school still on?In this episode of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed and her guests walk us through what really happens during those late night and pre-dawn hours, how communication moves quickly once the call is made, and why the classic “snow day” looks different today.Guests:Dr. Nik Lightfoot — Assistant Superintendent and Director of Human ResourcesJolene Goldade — Director of CommunicationsJohn Wetter — Director of Information Services and meteorologistResources:More Info on Hopkins Inclement Weather

November 24, 2025Episode 424 min

Robotics

The Hopkins High School robotics team, The Technocrats, is fueled by far more than competition. It’s a safe place where students can be themselves and grow as engineers, strategists, communicators, and leaders. In this episode, the team shares what it takes to go from a challenge announcement to getting a working robot on the field, how new students find their place on the team, and why robotics is one of the most exciting ways our students prepare for a future in STEM and beyond.Guests:• Jason Herzog — Mentor and machine design engineer at General Mills• Amelia Carriveau — HHS senior, team captain• Kaitlyn Ditzler — HHS junior, team captainResources:www.hopkinsrobotics.orgUpcoming Events:MinneTrials, Tanglen Elementary School, Dec 6-7, 2025, www.minnetrials.orgMiddle School Competition, Eisenhower Elementary School, Jan 10-11, 2026Technocrats Open House, March 14, 2026 at Hopkins High School

November 10, 2025Episode 320 min

The Hopkins American Indian Education Program

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Native peoples. In this episode of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed sits down with our American Indian Education Program leaders to learn how we support Native students in building cultural pride, identity, and belonging.Together, they explore the history and purpose of the program, the importance of representation in schools, and the ways Hopkins partners with Native students, families, and tribal communities to help every learner thrive.Guests:Debb Andreen – American Indian Cultural AssociateKaty Solko – American Indian Education CoordinatorResources:Learn: More about the program at HopkinsVisit: Dakota Sacred Hoop Walk at the ArboretumRead: Everything you Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to AskHike: Bdote

October 27, 2025Episode 221 min

Cybersecurity in Our Schools

In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, especially in our schools. In this episode, we explore how Hopkins Public Schools protects students, staff, and families in an era where technology touches every aspect of learning.Host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by three members of the Hopkins technology and information services team who are leading the charge to keep our systems safe and resilient. Together, they discuss how the district responds to technology disruptions, what cybersecurity looks like in an E–12 setting, and how every staff member plays a role in protecting information and learning continuity.Guests:John Wetter – Director of Information Services and TechnologyScott Van Vleet – Assistant Director of Technology and Information ServicesKeshan Singh – Enterprise Information Specialist