Hopkins Approves Junior High International Baccalaureate Program

Both junior highs will begin implement IB’s Middle Years Programme in the 2014-15 school year.

Hopkins junior highs will become International Baccalaureate schools starting in the 2014-15 school year. The School Board on Thursday approved a budget package that anticipates spending $109,000 on bringing IB to the junior highs. The program will change the junior high schedule and eliminate study halls, according to the school district. "This vote to move forward with the International Baccalaureate Program Middle Years Program in Hopkins Junior Highs affirms our commitment to providing an internationally recognized quality education and with a staff of teachers that have the skills and talents to meet this challenge and stand with the best," a news release West Junior High Principal Shirley Gregoire. IB’s Middle Years Programme …

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North Junior High Students Prepare for ‘Science Bowl’

The seventh and eighth graders will be tested on their science and math skills this weekend.

The bell has rung at North Junior High, and school is out. But Max Arneson, London Lowmanstone, Ben Serstock and Jacob Youakim are still in one of the science classrooms this Tuesday afternoon. This isn’t detention or study hall, though. The boys—along with Lucca Mancilo, who’s not present today—are in the midst of intense preparation for Saturday’s Science Bowl. They trade science facts, offer each other math tips and listen to their three coaches explain particularly thorny problems they encounter. “I’m feeling pretty confident because we come here twice a week,” says Arneson, a seventh grader. Teams at the Minnesota State Regional Science Bowl for Middle School Students—as it’s officially called—go head-to-head in a quiz-show-style …

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‘Rachel’s Challenge’ Builds Kindness, Compassion at Hopkins Jr. Highs

The national program is based on the writings and life of 17 year-old Rachel Scott, who was the first student killed at Columbine High School in 1999.

  Editor's note: The following announcement comes from Hopkins Public Schools.   Hopkins junior high students will be working with Rachel’s Challenge, a national program designed to create a culture of kindness and compassion, during the month of January. On Jan. 24, North Junior High and West Junior High will present Rachel’s Challenge to the Hopkins community. The free presentation is at 7:30 p.m. at Hopkins High School in the large auditorium. Everyone is welcome. Rachel’s Challenge exists to equip and inspire individuals to replace acts of violence, bullying, and negativity with acts of respect, kindness and compassion. Student leadership teams at both junior highs will work with representatives from Rachel’s Challenge during the …

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Greatest Person

Richfield Woman Turns—and Gives—40

The mother and English teacher marks her 40th birthday by helping homeless women.

For many women turning 40, a weekend away from the kids may be at the top of their birthday gift list. But for Jen Behnke, a Richfield resident and Hopkins North Junior High seventh-grade English teacher, the gift at the top of her list is one that will benefit others. “I have everything I’ve ever wanted,” Behnke told Patch. “I have a husband, a wonderful family, a great job, a house that I picked and could pay for—I don’t need anything else.” Behnke turns 40 on Dec. 27. Rather than accepting formal gifts, Behnke invited friends and family members—and her entire e-mail address book—to help her collect hundreds of household necessities. Her goal? To make 40 gift baskets for homeless women transitioning into stable living through Simpson …

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