Hopkins High School
March 2022
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Salutations!
It is hard to believe that we are finishing the second week of the third trimester of the 2021-22 school year. Entering this year there were many uncertainties and challenges to be addressed. I am extremely proud of the work and service our staff has put into making this year as “normal” as possible. The efforts that have made me the most proud was our staff’s dedication to building relationships with our students, being able to reteach students what it means to be working on high school curriculum and earning credits, the positivity generated by House events, and the social events like being at games, dances, etc…
We are still a work in progress. What we have experienced this year with a large number of kids (compared to pre pandemic school years) includes issues of wellness- physical, emotional, and academic. Often these affect students in multiple areas. Allow me to share with you what we have seen, have done, and will do into the future.
Physical Wellness- There has been an effect on attendance. We have had many students out or quarantined. As you can guess this has had an impact on their learning. In their absence we continually reached out to students and tried to keep them up to date via Google.Classroom. We were fortunate that we did not experience an extended shut down. As we move forward we still utilize the appropriate cleaning protocols and depend on families monitoring the child’s health. Feeling well is being well. Being here and engaged is paramount to education.
Emotional Wellness- The number of students who have experienced anxiety or other mental health issues is a large concern. The amount of uncivil and unnecessary social media posts have spiked recently. We have addressed the stressors on emotional health with school counselors, outside counselors, homeroom relations, parents and police. We are in the process of expanding our counseling office. We look for, and depend on, families to monitor their child’s emotional health so that we can work collaboratively for the best outcomes.
Academic Wellness- Last year we had many students fail classes and not engage in their education. This year, through a lot of effort, there are fewer students experiencing defeat in their studies. But as mentioned above, this is still a work in progress. Our teachers continue to work hard to engage students in the classroom. We have structured time in the day for help- Homeroom. We will be having a summer school program for credit recovery in June. We will work with students to assist them to get back on track to graduate with their peers.
Allow me to continue my mixed message of “yikes” and “okay” by saying Hopkins High School also has a large population of students who have performed to, or exceeded, their abilities. These students have found “their code” for being successful. We want to thank you at home for the major influence you have had on their success.
In closing, our promise to you is this - whatever work there is in progress, we will strive to have a positive impact on those who are performing, those who need a boost, and those who need guided support. The pandemic tipped our apple cart. The cart is upright. We are organizing the product. We are looking for great gains in the near future. We appreciate our customers and employees. Thank you!
Yours in Education,
Ken Szczepanski, Principal
Hopkins FFA Chapter Receives High Honors at State Convention
At the Michigan FFA State Convention held at Michigan State University March 9-11, the Hopkins FFA Chapter was named the top chapter in the state of MI through the National Chapter Award Program. Hopkins was named top three based on their award application highlighting unique projects within their program of activities under three specific areas – growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. The top three chapters were then invited to present to a panel of judges. Gracie Langlois and Mary Wells represented the chapter for the presentation. The presentation along with the application earned Hopkins the title of State Winner. In addition, 14 members received state recognition in leadership contests and/or state level awards while at convention.
Several members were recognized with a state level award based on their academics and FFA involvement. Gracie Langlois and Carson Schricker received their Outstanding Junior award based on their Supervised Agricultural Experience project, FFA involvement, and academics. Ashton Dorman, Jessica Harvey, Sam Miller, Tyler Moored, Caleb Tucker, and Mary Wells received their State FFA Degrees. This is the highest degree bestowed upon an FFA member at the state level based on income earned from their Supervised Agricultural Experience project outside of class, FFA involvement above the chapter level, and academics. Tyler Moored was also recognized with a silver award for his State FFA Degree for ranking within the top 40 in the state and Caleb Tucker received a gold award for his State FFA Degree for ranking in the top 20 in the state.
Hopkins qualified in four state leadership contests by placing either first or second at the district and regional level in February. We had two speakers compete individually and a job interview candidate. Ashton Dorman received a silver award and placed in the top 10 in the Job Interview Contest. In the Greenhand Public Speaking Contest, Kaden Petroshus was named the State Runner-Up with his speech on titled, “Digesting into the Future” which focused on anaerobic digesters. In Prepared Public Speaking, Jessica Harvey was named the State Winner with her speech titled, “Supplements to Secure Sustainable Cattle.” Her speech focused on supplements to help reduce methane production in cattle. Harvey will represent Hopkins at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN this upcoming October. Hopkins had one team compete at state as well. Allie Coffey, Emma Langlois, and Lena Germain earned a silver award and placed in the top 10 in the Demonstration Contest with their demonstration titled, “No Hoof, No Horse” which focused on horse hoof care.
In addition to the above awards, Baleigh Schricker and Carson Schricker participated in the State Choir and Tyler Moored participated in the State Band. Hopkins High School graduate, Olivia Coffey, represented the chapter as the MI FFA Region I State Vice President. Coffey along with her team of eleven other individuals from across the state have spent the past year traveling the state, conducting workshops, interacting with chapter members, and were responsible for hosting the MI FFA State Convention. Coffey will conclude her year of service on June 30th, 2022.
The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The Michigan FFA Association operates as a state affiliate under the federally chartered National FFA Organization.
Hopkins High School
Ken Szczepanski, Principal
kenszcz@hpsvikings.org ext. 1509
Jessica Robrahn, Assistant Principal
jessrobr@hpsvikings.org ext. 1507
Amanda Weaver, Counselor
amanweav@hpsvikings.org ext. 1510
Andrew Mains, Athletic Director
andrmain@hpsvikings.org ext. 1511
Email: highschool@hpsvikings.org
Website: hpsvikings.org
Location: 333 Clark Street, Hopkins, MI, USA
Phone: 269-793-7616
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HopkinsHighSchool