Students surprise longtime school social worker with spring-break presentation

Miss Hoptoo, a school social worker with 17 years at the school, was surprised with a presentation on March 13, the last day before spring break.

Students and a school staff member gathered in the gym for a planned presentation. “This is the last day. Got to see the students before they go on spring break,” one student said as the event began. Dr. Carter, a school staff member, announced the presentation and called Miss Hoptoo forward; the honoree said she was “totally surprised” when family members entered the room.

The students described Hoptoo as a constant presence who helps with discipline and provides emotional support. “Social work is not just a job for her, it's a way of life,” one student said. Another student, who identified themselves in a written note as Kenny T., closed with: “I'll never forget about you. Sincerely, Kenny T.”

Speakers highlighted Hoptoo's work with English for Speakers of Other Languages students and her hands-on approach to resolving individual problems so students can attend and succeed in class. Students described her as “like the school mom” who arrives early, stays late and offers guidance for personal and academic challenges. One student said Hoptoo “gets them together from dress code violations to just making better choices,” and that even when she scolds students it is “with love.”

The presentation combined remarks by students with a brief announcement by school staff; no formal administrative action or policy change was discussed during the segment. The moment served as an in-school recognition of an individual staff member's long service and day-to-day role supporting students' social and emotional needs.

The school community did not discuss any follow-up actions, budget items, or formal personnel matters in the transcript segment provided. The comments recorded were expressions of appreciation and personal testimony about Hoptoo’s impact on students.