Hopkins School District announces extensive summer programming for students of all ages

The Hopkins School Board meeting on April 22, 2025, focused on the upcoming summer programming initiatives for students in the district. The meeting highlighted various educational opportunities designed to engage students from early childhood through high school.

Dr. Mary Pirie Reid, along with program leaders Paris Timmons and Jalisa Smith Breedlove, presented an overview of the summer offerings. The Royal Learning Academy will serve students who have completed grades K-4, with 374 enrollments supported by 19 teachers and 10 AmeriCorps fellows. The program will run from June 16 to July 25 and will incorporate hands-on, project-based learning to enhance literacy and math skills.

The high school credit recovery program, set to take place at West Middle School, aims to assist around 400 students in earning up to four credits over 18 days. Last summer, the program successfully enrolled 593 students, who collectively earned 626 credits.

Additionally, the Freedom School will expand its reach this summer to include students from kindergarten through eighth grade, with 225 scholars currently enrolled. The program will focus on integrated reading curricula and will feature partnerships with organizations like Junior Achievement for financial literacy. Feedback from last year's participants indicated high satisfaction, with 85% of scholars maintaining or improving their reading levels.

Jalisa Smith Breedlove provided updates on community education programs, including early childhood classes and Camp Royal, which will offer 287 camps this summer. The program has seen significant growth, expanding to 52 camps for secondary students. New offerings include swim lessons and hands-on experiences related to emergency room procedures.

The meeting concluded with a call for community engagement, emphasizing the importance of after-school professionals and the upcoming Royal Family Fund Day on May 18, which will feature activities for families.

Overall, the summer programming initiatives reflect the district's commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities that cater to the needs of students and their families, fostering a supportive learning environment throughout the summer months.