NEWSLETTER #4
DECEMBER 1999
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
As always, we
were delighted that so many parents attended our advisement conference days
before Thanksgiving. As we move toward the end of the first semester, your continued
interest in and support of our school is much appreciated.
Tim Reichert
Principal
SCHOOL CALENDAR
December 8: Boys
Basketball @ Thornton
10:
Dance -- 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
(Please
pick up students promptly.)
14: Boys Basketball v. Centerville
15: Band Concert -- 7:30 p.m. --
Gym
16: Boys Basketball v. Horner
17: Minimum Day -- 12:25
p.m. Dismissal
20
- 31: Winter
Vacation
January 5: Boys
Basketball @ Walters
PFA
Board -- 7:00 p.m. -- Library
7: Boys
Basketball v. Thornton
12: English Language Learner
Advisory Committee--
7:00
p.m.-- Library
13: Boys Basketball @ Centerville
17: No School -- Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day
18: Minimum Day -- 11:33
Dismissal
28: End of 1st Semester
TRAFFIC
CONCERNS
As we move into the
heart of the rainy season, safety and traffic congestion around our school
become an even greater concern. We ask parents to observe the following:
… The
parking lot is a one-way loop. Do not make u-turns.
… Observe
a 5 mph speed limit in the parking loop.
… Avoid
double parking or otherwise blocking the traffic flow.
… Yield
to pedestrians.
… After
school, do not park in the red zone in front of school which is reserved for AC
buses.
CITIZEN OF
THE MONTH
Congratulations
to Grace Lee who has been named our November Citizen of the Month. Grace was
nominated by her math teacher, Mrs. Seaman, for her assistance to a
limited-English classmate.
Please use the
enclosed form to nominate worthy candidates for future consideration for this
honor.
VISITS TO
OTHER CAMPUSES
Hopkins students
are not to go on any other school campus without an invitation. This is
especially true during minimum days when our students may be free while classes
are in session at other schools. Thanks for your help in reinforcing this message
to students.
HOLIDAY
GIFTS TO STAFF
In past years,
many students have given thoughtful holiday gifts to staff. During this time of
tight budgets, however, department heads and the administration recommend that
students and parents consider a donation to our school in honor of a staff
member as an option to gift giving. Donations in lieu of gifts would benefit
the school and remind us of your appreciation of our efforts long after the
holidays are gone.
THE
SPORTING SCENE
Boys basketball
is underway. The following are participating under the direction of Coach
Richards:
Esmond Ai Andre Alcon Daniel
Avon
Brad Benedict Jason Cain Eric Chase
Aaron Eyre Kevin Fox Wen-Shin Lee
Kevin Leitner Elmer Lin Tyler Nelson
Travis Palmerino Jasper Rose Craig
Shimizu
Devon Wright Allen Yeh
CHANGE OF
RESIDENCE
District policy
requires parents to notify the school office within five days of a residence
change. Failure to do so will result in revocation of the student’s placement
at the school. If you have questions or concerns about this matter, please
contact Mrs. Berney, our vice principal.
LONG-TERM
ABSENCE
At times, parents
pull students out of school for vacations or other reasons. When such occasions
are necessary and the student will miss three or more days of classes, it is
important that the school be contacted well in advance so that staff can
consider assignment options to compensate for missed work. In general, we
advise against such absences as no form of academic compensation substitutes
for in-class instruction.
FIRST
QUARTER GRADES
First quarter
grades indicate that most students are working hard with good results.
Schoolwide grade distribution was:
A-- 3000 B-- 2425 C--810 D--223 F--94
The GPA for all students
was 3.2. 825 students maintained an average of B or better and are to be
congratulated. Another 474 students qualified for Honor Card with four or more
#1 (excellent behavior) comments!
The following
students earned straight-A’s:
Seventh Grade
Jillian Bauer Gagan
Biyani Veronica
Brant
Valerie Chan Benjamin
Chang David Chen
Daniel Cheng Veronica Cheung Eric Ching
Witton Chou Jasmine
Chung Scott Claassen
Daniel Cowan Megan Dai Laura
Doan
Julia Falk Sara
Festini Ryan
Foley
Dan Gui Ashley
Harmon Cathy Hu
Lucie Huet Yukie
Isobe Ruth
Jao
Mu-Qing Jing Jennifer Johal Erica Julson
Teresa
Kennerknecht Neera Khattar Alexander Kozachenko
Frances Kwong Benton Lau Tsun
Lau
Curtis Lee Joyce
Lee Tiyuan Lee
Trevor Lee Kevin
Leitner Jessica
Lin
Joyce Lin Gary
Liu Tiffany Liu
Katherine Mak Suhasini Mandiga Michael
McLaughlin
Jennifer McRae Shannon Nishimura Annie Oh
Neha Rajkanan Kavya Reddy Polina
Rubanova
Kiran Sachdeva Rajeev Sekhri Cheryl
Sheh
Stephanie Skala Hari Subramaniam Amy Sun
Jessica Sun Melody
Sun Ming
Tai
Michael Taylor Kyle Teague Fabien
Thayamballi
Christine Tsay Alexander Tseung Michael
Tsiang
Pavan Vaswani Rebecca Vu Elaine
Wang
Henry Wang Katherine
Wang Albert Wu
David Wu Wiggin
Wu Karen
Yan
April Yang Michelle Yung
Eighth Grade
Allison Barton Stephanie Chen Alvin
Chow
Zechariah Feng Johanna Gan Rosanna
Gan
Lisa Hisaw Ajay
Krishnamurthy Jocelene
Kwan
Matthew Lave Grace Liang Judy
Liao
Daniel Lin Elmer
Lin Christine
Liou
Calvin Lui Kenneth
Mak Brian
Mark
Galina Melamed Julianna Moats Edward
Peng
Rosemary
Robertson Jennifer Souza Monica Versigan
Christina Vu Ke-Jun Wang Daria
Won
Kai Xue Susan
Zhang
BENCHMARK
STANDARDS
The District has
implemented requirements that students must meet certain academic standards in
Reading/Language Arts and Mathematics before they can earn an FUSD diploma.
These standards are monitored through grade-level benchmarks which are aligned
with rigorous state standards. The following are benchmarks for acceptable
achievement at each grade:
Reading/Language
Arts
… Fifth
stanine or better on SAT-9 Total Reading
… A
rubric score of 3 or better on District Writing Assessment
… An
English grade of C or better
Mathematics
… Fifth
stanine or better on SAT-9 Total Math
… A
Math grade of C or better
Benchmark
assessment will receive particular scrutiny at grades 3, 6, 8, and 10. Student
performance which does not meet the standards at these grades could result in
retention.
Hopkins’
counselors have already begun implementation of the selected intervention
programs for students who are in danger of not meeting grade-level benchmarks:
Supervised Study.
Math classes
organized by skill proficiency.
Group counseling
programs.
An after-school
Study Club.
Summer school.
Learning style
assessment.
Peer tutoring.
TUTORS
NEEDED
If you are
interested in volunteering as a tutor for a new after-school program for
students in need of assistance, please contact Mrs. Rothbach at 656-3500.
Volunteers will be asked to tutor from 2:30-3:45 p.m. one day per week.
HOPKINS’
WEB PAGE
Hopkins’ web page
is maintained by students under the direction of Dr. Ricks, our science
department head. Our web page can be visited at go.to/hopkinshawks.
FROM THE
PODIUM
One hundred and
forty musicians will take part in Hopkins’ Winter Band Concert on Wednesday,
December 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the Gym. The beginning, concert, symphonic, and
jazz bands under the direction of Mr. Kruse will be featured. Musical
selections will include a salute to Hollywood composer John Williams. The program
will also include traditional holiday favorites.
On December 10,
the symphonic and jazz bands will perform at Weibel School, and the jazz band
has been selected to perform for the Tri-City Women’s Club on December 14.
GOLDEN
STATE SPANISH
On last spring’s
Golden State Spanish examination, Hopkins’ students performed very well with 18
earning High Honors, 25 Honors, and 19 Recognition awards.
GEARING UP
FOR SPRING FLING 2000
Auditions for
Spring Fling 2000, our annual talent show, will be held at the beginning of
second semester. Students will be required to audition a two to three minute
act. Since only four MC’s will be selected from the eighth grade class,
students auditioning for MC are also encouraged to prepare a talent audition.
Singers and dancers will need taped or instrumental accompaniment to audition.
Students will be able to attend an informational meeting a week before
auditions.
Spring Fling 2000
production dates are April 7 and 8. Mark your calendars and plan to attend the
best little talent show in Fremont. Previous Spring Flings have been featured
on local cable television, and this year promises to be just as spectacular. If
you have questions regarding this event, contact Mrs. Kendall at 656-3500, ext.
3333.
MULTICULTURAL
EVENTS
One of our school
goals is to celebrate Hopkins’ multiculturalism with events throughout the year
sponsored by staff, students, and parents. In November, several parents put
together an informative, week-long Indian cultural exchange, and Mrs. Chidester
assisted by Mrs. Hunt and Mrs. Kendall produced our stunning multicultural
fashion show. We encourage parents to consider how they might sponsor similar
events, which foster appreciation for our various and diverse cultural
backgrounds.
COUNSELORS’
CORNER
Thanks to all the
seventh grade parents who attended our November presentation on the Learning
Styles Inventory. What a great message you send to your child when you attend
school programs. Remember that studying is your student’s job, but you can help
by encouraging his/her learning predispositions during home study time. There
is no "best" way to learn so capitalizing on one’s personal learning
style preferences will promote success at school and throughout life.
Parents who want
to request a Weekly Progress Report prior to Winter Vacation are reminded that
Monday, December 13, is the last day to do so.
ASB NOTES
FROM JODY CHENG, ASB SECRETARY
Every month, we
hold a Sweet Tomatos fundraiser. If you go to Sweet Tomatos to eat and present
a flyer distributed at school, Hopkins will receive 20% of the profits. Our
November funs for students who are in danger of not meeting grade-level
benchmarks:
Supervised Study.
Math classes
organized by skill proficiency.
Group counseling
programs.
An after-school
Study Club.
Summer school.
Learning style
assessment.
Peer tutoring.
TUTORS
NEEDED
If you are
interested in volunteering as a tutor for a new after-school program for
students in need of assistance, titutes will work school hours on an
"on-call" basis. The District will do its best to work with
applicants’ schedules. If interested, call Classified Personnel at 659-2545,
ext. 381.
ACADEMIC
MENTORS SOUGHT
Patterson
Elementary School is looking for caring adults and high school students to
volunteer one hour a week to help a struggling student with basic reading or
math skills. Classroom and after-school hours are available. If interested,
contact Susan Dunsford at 793-0420 or sdunsford@mail.fremont.k12.ca.us.
ATTENTION
NATIVE AMERICANS
The Native
American Studies Propgram has many things to offer FUSD’s Native American
students. Having trouble with schoolwork? We offer tutoring. Would you
like to know more about your heritage? We offer weekly culture classes. Would
you like a tour of the Native American Studies Program Museum? Yes, we do
have a museum, and you are welcome to see it. Interested in attending a
powwow? Mark your calendars: Powwow-- March 4, 2000. We hold many field
trips throughout the year! We have a lot to offer!
Interested Native
American families are eligible for all these services. All that is required is
your signature on a "506" form. A tribal number is not necessary;
however, to qualify for the program, you must be of Native American heritage.
Please call Eden Adams at 252-0575 for more information or ask for a
"506" form at your school. Take advantage of your Native American
Studies Program. Sign up now!
STANGER
DANGER PROCEDURES
Whenever the
District is aware of inappropriate conduct by a stranger toward a student
(usually between school and home) in the MSJ attendance area, a Stranger Danger
letter describing the incident will be sent home with students ASAP. When such
incidents occur, we take them very seriously and encourage parents to discuss
them with students so that necessary precautions can be taken.
COMMUNITY
SERVICE RECOGNIZED
We’re proud of T.
J. Kearney, an eighth grader, who was recently selected as Hopkins’ nominee for
the Prudential Spirit of Community award based on his volunteer work as a guide
at Ardenwood Farm.
ACADEMIC
INTEGRITY
Hopkins’ has a
no-tolerance policy regarding cheating on any class assignments. Students who
are discovered giving or receiving inappropriate assistance and/or
misrepresenting another’s work as their own will receive an F on the
assignment in question and a Saturday School disciplinary consequence.
PARENT
WORKSHOP PLANNED
Mark Wednesday,
February 16, on your calendar when Hopkins’ PFA will sponsor an informative
parenting workshop on the "10 Best Gifts for Your Teen." Further
details will appear in the February newsletter.
COMMUNICATE
WITH HOPKINS
Here is your
chance to write us how you think we're doing, ask questions you'd like answered
in future newsletters, and offer suggestions on how we might better work
together to facilitate your child's learning.
Dear
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature
(Optional) ___________________________________
HELP US
RECOGNIZE SOMEONE SPECIAL
The Hopkins staff
wants to recognize special students who may go unnoticed--students who go the
extra yard for others, perform school or community services, or shine in some
other way above and beyond the call. To this end, we have our "Citizen of
the Month" program.
If you know a
student who positively stands out in one way or another, you are encouraged to
nominate him/her. Nominations should be returned to the Registrar’s Office by
the last Monday of the month. The Citizen(s) of the Month will then be selected
by a committee of staff who will review the nominations.
Students chosen
as Citizen of the Month will receive a certificate and be honored at the end of
year.
To nominate a deserving
student, please do the following:
1. Complete the
information below.
2. Attach a brief
explanation (200 words or less) which tells why you feel the student merits
consideration.
Student Name:
______________________________________
Nominated By:
______________________________________
Selection
Criteria (Check One or More):
_____ Service to
School_____ Good Deed/Thoughtfulness _____
Leadership
_____ Service to
Community_____ Special Achievement _____
Other
_____ Positive
Attitude (Please attach a more detailed explanation.)
Thanks for your
assistance in our efforts to reward student excellence of all kinds!