Note: this is the third of a four part series that introduces our readers to each of the Rossmoor elementary schools. You can read the full article here
Every school we visited had its own personality and direction, and the focus on empowering and engaging people towards excellence in their programs at Hopkinson Elementary School was evident from my first telephone contact in setting up the lunch. Hopkinson Elementary School, which opened in 1963, was named for another US statesman and signatory to the Declaration of Independence, Francis Hopkinson.
Principal Evelyn Garcia leads her Hopkinson Huskies by encouraging and inspiring, with a focus on providing each student, teacher, and staff member unlimited opportunities to reach for the sky and excel by doing their best work. An excerpt from her welcome letter to her parents epitomizes everything she does:
“We believe that ALL children can learn and prosper. Our signature instructional practices provide students with a rigorous and fulfilling academic experience. The infusion of collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills arm our students for success in a rapidly changing global society.”
She understands how to find resources, recognizes their importance, and intuitively knows where all the pieces fit. If I only had two words to describe her, those words would be “can do.”
The Hopkinson PTA oversees many of the activities that happen on campus, in addition to their general fundraising. Some of the programs they support are the annual Book Fair, May Carnival, Family Nights at local restaurants, Spirit Gear sales, School Cents at local malls and School Supply Packages.
The Friends of Hopkinson (FOH) program is working to put together essential technology components to ensure student success. Through funding from FOH, Hopkinson provides funding for a dedicated full-time credentialed media center teacher. Currently, they are working on modernizing their computer lab, raising funds to support a new iMac lab.
It was an especially thrilling day as our lunch was interrupted by the students’ zeal during their outside lunch hour, at they were surprised by a mini air show, with the Blue Angels flying across the horizon, practicing for their upcoming airshow. So Fun!
