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Inside Hopkins

Hopkins Public Schools

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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20 episodes
Avg 21 min
English

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S4 · E1
Monday · 19 min
Listening to Our Students
As we kick off season 4 of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Michael Thomas, Superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools, sits down with Hopkins High School seniors Prathiksha Babu and Tristan Ray-Taylor for a conversation about the student experience. As Dr. Thomas...
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S3 · E11
June 8 · 20 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...
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S3 · E10
May 4 · 24 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...
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S3 · E9
April 13 · 23 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...
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S3 · E8
February 26 · 20 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...
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S3 · E7
February 16 · 17 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...
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S3 · E6
February 2 · 18 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...
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S3 · E5
Dec 8, 2025 · 25 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...
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S3 · E4
Nov 24, 2025 · 24 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...
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S3 · E3
Nov 10, 2025 · 20 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...
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S3 · E2
Oct 27, 2025 · 21 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....
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S3 · E1
Oct 13, 2025 · 20 min
Blueprints for Belonging
What does a classroom designed for the future look and feel like? In this first episode of the school year, we explore how Hopkins Public Schools is transforming learning spaces to support safety, inclusivity, and engagement for every student. Host...
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S2 · E15
Jun 5, 2025 · 15 min
Senior Spotlight: Isaac Winkler
As we celebrate the Class of 2025, we’re excited to share the story of Isaac Winkler. Isaac was captain of the lacrosse team and a dedicated member of the hockey team. Beyond sports, he’s made history as the youngest delegate in the entire country to...
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S2 · E14
May 22, 2025 · 14 min
Senior Spotlight: Mia Osman
As we wrap up this season of Inside Hopkins, we’re celebrating the Class of 2025. In this episode, we’re shining the spotlight on one senior’s story. Mia Osman is a student board representative, part of the Muslim Student Association, Somali Student...
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S2 · E13
May 8, 2025 · 21 min
Every Student has a Talent
What happens when a school district stops asking “Who is gifted?” and starts asking “How can we nurture the gifts in every child?” In this episode of Inside Hopkins, we explore how Hopkins Public Schools is transforming teaching and learning through...
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S2 · E12
Apr 24, 2025 · 20 min
From Hopkins to Havana
In this episode of Inside Hopkins, we journey over 1,800 miles to the heart of Cuba. This spring, students from the Hopkins High School band, choir, and orchestra experienced a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience designed to promote global...
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S2 · E11
Apr 10, 2025 · 20 min
Transition Plus
What does a pathway to adulthood look like for young adults with disabilities? In this episode, we talk about Transition Plus—a collaborative program between Hopkins Public Schools and St. Louis Park Public Schools designed to prepare young adults...
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S2 · E10
Mar 13, 2025 · 21 min
Outdoor Adventures Await
In this episode, host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed and our two guests explore the impact of nature in education. With Minnesota’s students spending more time on screens and less time outdoors, our conversation gets into why outdoor experiences aren’t just...
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S2 · E9
Feb 27, 2025 · 26 min
The Black Student Alliance
What happens when students take the lead in shaping their school community? In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the Black Student Alliance (BSA) at Hopkins High School—a student-led organization dedicated to empowering Black students, fostering...
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S2 · E8
Feb 13, 2025 · 25 min
Assume Nothing, Design Everything
What if the most important skill we can teach students isn’t what to think, but how to think? In this episode, we explore the dynamic world of the International Baccalaureate (IB) design cycle — a hands-on, inquiry-driven approach that challenges...
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