List of 11 items.

• 

  A Letter From President Skula

  Hello Hopkins Community.
  
  It is stunning how quickly we find ourselves nearing the end of the school year. Time seems to follow its own accelerated schedule here. Serving as your Student Council President was an incredible, often unexpected journey. It was a true honor, a role that constantly pulled me beyond my nerdy boundaries of math proofs and robots. Looking back over the past months, the feeling
  of our shared experiences stands out more than just a list of events. We felt the energy under the stars during the Back to School Bash. We shared the cozy relief when Ski Lodge Day turned
  campus into a warm haven during the cold pre break grind. The dances buzzed with excitement, Pumpkin Bowl brought its unique brand of chaos with tons of new successful events, and the
  seniors poured impressive creativity into 5 Golden Rings. These moments were far more than calendar entries to me but genuine connection points where we could pause the academic rush
  and simply enjoy being the Hopkins community, together. Seeing that collective spirit shared by students, faculty, and staff, has been deeply rewarding. And let’s be real: 5 Golden Rings was pretty amazing this year.
  
  This year, Student Council really tried to operate with open ears, constantly trying to figure out how to make things work better for everyone. It felt a bit like iterating on a design, taking your
  feedback from one event, analyzing what clicked and what didn't, and applying those lessons to the next. We saw how adjusting the layout could make a crowded event feel more welcoming, or
  how rethinking the snack situation (we learned, guys) could smooth out an evening dance. It was about creating spaces where people felt genuinely comfortable, whether that meant letting loose on the dance floor or bravely sharing talent at Off to Summer Bash. For me, personally, navigating the human dynamics of it all – the collaborative brainstorming, the logistical hurdles,
  the shared enthusiasm – has been a masterclass in a different kind of problem-solving than I was used to. Leading StuCo showed me that community building requires less precise calculation and
  more active listening, empathy, and channeling the incredible energy already present. It’s a lesson I wouldn’t trade.
  
  Now, the Connecticut Foodshare Benefit Fundraiser presented its own unique set of challenges this year, a real mix of conflicting data points. On one hand, the sheer number of you who
  stepped up to volunteer was outstanding. Participation nearly quadrupled, which speaks volumes about the heart of this community, and seeing the Class of 2025 lead that charge was inspiring. But translating that fantastic effort into the fundraising totals we’ve seen in the past proved tougher. We’re navigating a changed landscape where fewer people carry cash, impacting street fundraising. Furthermore, a significant variable has shifted: direct parent donations, which historically boosted totals significantly (sometimes over 70%), are no longer solicited through
  StuCo due to conflicting interests with the school’s auctions and parent events. And while adapting and mobilizing volunteers is important, we have to face reality squarely. The most
  critical variable is the actual amount raised, because the need for food assistance in our state only grows each year. So, despite the incredible participation and effort, seeing the final dollar amount
  fall short of historical numbers is a difficult outcome. While it's tempting to view it solely as a failure against a key metric, perhaps the more grounded perspective is to acknowledge the
  reality, understand the constraints we operated under, and focus on the value of the community mobilizing for a vital cause – even when the desired financial target proves elusive. We control
  our actions and intentions, not always the final tally dictated by outside forces. And most importantly, I am confident that future student councils will figure out how to adapt, modernize,
  and move on to reach new heights with whatever fundraising ventures we should to partake in moving forward.
  
  As we are now in the midst of StuCo elections, with dozens of our peers bringing new perspectives and energy into these roles, I feel overwhelmingly grateful. Grateful for the trust you placed in me, grateful for the dedication of my fellow student council members, and grateful for the chance to learn and grow alongside all of you this past year. While my term is winding down, the enthusiasm this experience has sparked for serving our school community is definitely sticking around. Change is healthy, and I have absolute confidence in the next wave of student leaders and in the proud spirit of Hopkins. Let’s finish this year strong, support the candidates stepping forward, and keep contributing, each in our own way, to making this place so special.
  
  Thank you, truly, for everything. I also hope you all managed to tolerate my rather flat delivery during assemblies this year; dialing up the emotional range isn't exactly my primary function.
  
  With sincere appreciation,
  Alexander Skula
  Student Council President
• 

  Eggstravaganza!

  Alright Hopkins, let's address the elephant... or rather, the bunny... in the room. You know, the famous one supposedly responsible for hiding eggs this time of year? Yeah, we haven't seen him either. Ever. Honestly, does this guy even exist, or is he just "working from home"? Who knows. But you know who isn’t working from home? StuCo! Get ready for our Spring Eggstravaganza, kicking off the week of Tuesday, April 22nd! We'll be the ones actually hiding colorful eggs filled with sweet treats and maybe a few other fun finds all around campus. So keep your eyes peeled while you're walking around – these goodies won't magically appear thanks to some arbitrary rabbit. Look for more specific details coming your way soon.
• 

  Winter Dance Recap

  Winter Dance
  The winter dance was a huge hit this year, with Heath proving to be the perfect spot for everyone to let loose and have fun. Thanks to all the amazing parents who stepped up to help, we were able to offer free snacks and drinks - though next time we'll definitely make sure to stock up on more cups! The real star of the show was Ivy Lewis, who absolutely killed it as our DJ. So many students were raving about how the dance floor was actually packed this time around, especially during the second half when everyone really got into the groove. And let's not forget Brock Bowen, who was there capturing all those priceless moments - those photo backdrop shots are definitely going to be some great memories to look back on! The decorations were on point too (those snowballs were a crowd favorite!), and we have our wonderful parent volunteers to thank for transforming Heath into such a festive space. The whole Student Council team worked super hard to make this happen, and it really showed in how smoothly everything ran. The best part? All the money we raised is going straight back to the students through free events like field day and the pumpkin bowl. Sure, there are some things we can work on for next time - maybe adding more games and making sure we don't run out of supplies - but overall, it seems like everyone had a blast. It was awesome seeing so many people feeling comfortable enough to just be themselves and dance!
• 

  Seniors Steal the Show in "5 Golden Rings"

  In what might be remembered as one of the most ambitious student productions in recent Hopkins history, the Class of 2025 somehow managed to pull off the impossible. While juggling college applications and the general chaos of senior year, our class came together to create “5 Golden Rings,” a collection of eight skits to the namesake Christmas song.

  The weeks leading up to the performance were a flood of activity that showed just how committed everyone was to making this work. Seniors were found cramming rehearsals into every spare moment of H Block, while 40 people showed up at 7:30 AM multiple mornings to perfect the choreography for the final skit in the athletic center. On the day of the performance, some teachers voiced concerns when we still were not rehearsing an hour into the school day. But after three weeks of preparation – squeezing in rehearsals at every possible moment – we knew we were ready. The entire show came together in just two dress rehearsals, a testament to everyone's commitment and hard work behind the scenes.

  What really set this year's performance apart wasn't just the clever writing or humor – it was the incredible level of collaboration among seniors during what's traditionally the most stressful time of our high school careers. “We're the best,” declared Kaitlyn Miller, and that confident energy carried through to the final performance. Despite looming college deadlines, countless seniors stepped up to write, perform, and support the production in ways that went far beyond what anyone expected. The creative team behind the skits reads like a who's who of senior talent: Sarah, Kaitlyn, all four Claires (Billings, Banks, Corwin, and Russell), Violet, Shreya, Ethan, Krish, Maggie, Nora, Julia, Saki, James, and Logan all contributed their unique voices and perspectives to create something truly special.

  None of this would have been possible without James Liu, our intrepid class president, who somehow managed to coordinate this entire production while juggling his own college applications and regular student council duties. His leadership turned what could have been just another assembly into something our class will remember long after graduation. In a year when it would have been easy to let senior traditions slide, the Class of 2025 instead gave Hopkins five golden reasons to remember us – proving that even in the most stressful times, there's always room for creativity, laughter, and bringing our community together.
• 

  CFBF 2024 Wrap-up

  As Student Council members, we're still catching our breath from the whirlwind that was the 2024 Connecticut Foodshare Benefit Fundraiser (CFBF). For six incredible weeks, we watched our Hopkins community transform into a powerhouse of giving, with an unprecedented 137 students joining our cause – nearly four times last year's participation!

  Our fundraising strategy mixed the usual with creative twists. Our now-legendary waffle sales became the talk of campus, while events like our debate showcase and sustainable art sale brought fresh energy to the cause. Fellow students braved the winter weather to collect donations outside local businesses, while our virtual food drive continued to open new channels for giving.

  We couldn't be prouder of the Class of 2025, who defied expectations by winning the grade-wide competition despite juggling college applications and rigorous academics. They've maintained an impressive winning streak in school competitions since 2019, and this victory feels especially sweet. Here are the full results:

  
  

  12th Grade (Gryffindor) — 29.77%

  9th Grade (Ravenclaw) — 19.44%

  11th Grade (Slytherin) — 17.33%

  10th Grade (Hufflepuff) — 16.67%

  J School (House Elves) — 13.70%

  
  

  “The work that Student Council put in behind the scenes was absolutely insane,” noted Alexander Skula during the wrap-up assembly, recognizing StuCo’s dedication. As class presidents and J School representatives, we – James, Terrell, Ashvin, Ellie, Miles, Teddy, Harper, and Maya – poured countless hours into making this event successful.

  The results speak for themselves: six weekends of fundraising, three packed waffle sales, seven dynamic club events, and thousands of dollars raised for food-insecure Connecticut residents. This year's CFBF showed what the Hopkins community can achieve when we come together for a cause bigger than ourselves. Special congratulations to Andrew Keisman, our individual winner, who earned a well-deserved school store merchandise haul.

• Looking Forward

  With the busy fall season wrapped up, StuCo is excited to shift focus toward strengthening student involvement in school decision-making. Plans are underway to create and build the proposal system, making it easier for students to share their ideas and contribute to positive changes at Hopkins. The council is also working to build stronger connections with faculty members to help turn student suggestions into reality.
  
  StuCo takes pride in listening to student feedback and using it to improve future events. From serious suggestions about better microphone systems to humorous requests for "more drinks" and "foooooooood please," every comment helps shape our events. For example, this year's successful CFBF restructuring came directly from student input, and the new percentage-based system has already doubled participation rates. Similarly, feedback from previous Pumpkin Bowls led to this year's addition of the popular cider mile and pumpkin bowling events.

• CFBF: A New Name with the Old Mission

  
  

  
  Perhaps the most significant change this fall was the transformation of the Connecticut Food Bank Fundraiser (CFBF). While the organization we support is now called Connecticut Foodshare, we kept the familiar CFBF acronym – it's become part of Hopkins tradition, with a ring to it that resonates throughout our community.
  By shifting from counting volunteer hours to measuring grade participation, we aimed to make the fundraiser more inclusive and engaging. The results speak for themselves – participation more than doubled, with over 10% of students in most grades getting involved, compared to previous years' 5% average.
  
  

  “We wanted to create a system that encouraged everyone to contribute, even in small ways,” explains Student Council President Alexander Skula. “With traditional street fundraising becoming more challenging – fewer people carry cash these days, and many stores have new policies about fundraising outside their locations – we needed to adapt. Whether it's organizing a team dinner at a participating restaurant or helping at a food bank, every effort counts toward fighting food insecurity in our state.” While CFBF at its core remains the same, Student Council is rolling out gradual changes and partnerships to evolve the initiative in the post-pandemic landscape, ensuring CFBF can continue making a difference for years to come.
  
  

  Speaking of CFBF, it is running through Friday, December 20th! Fundraising for just 1 hour will add you as a contributor for your grade, raising your class’s percentage. Additionally, we will be selling waffles every Friday before break (and Thursday, December 19th), and if you can not make it out to street fundraising, you can sign up to volunteer to sell waffles and still have your name counted for your grade. 

• Pumpkin Bowl: Games Old and New

  
  
  

  The beloved Pumpkin Bowl tradition continued to delight the Hopkins community with a perfect blend of classic activities and creative new additions. Students showcased their artistic talents at pumpkin painting stations and competed in the always-entertaining donut-on-a-string challenges. The event wasn't without its memorable moments and constructive feedback. Students particularly loved the new "cider mile" relay race, which one participant enthusiastically described as "chaos, but in a good way!" The sight of classmates attempting to sprint after chugging apple cider provided plenty of entertainment, though some suggested implementing stricter rules to prevent what one student playfully called "if you're not cheating, you're not trying" tactics.

   

  The traditional donut-on-a-string competition sparked particularly lively feedback, with one student noting that "sharing donuts with siblings is gross!" and another pointing out that "you can never tell who wins, are they cheating, takes long to set up, messy. Audience can't see." While the event has been a longstanding tradition emphasizing senior-sibling bonds, StuCo is actively looking to replace it with something more engaging. "We'd love to hear ideas for new activities that still capture that special senior-sibling connection," says Alexander Skula, Student Council President. "Maybe a three-legged race or another cooperative challenge that's both more visible for the audience and more fun for participants."

• Homecoming Dance

  Our fall Homecoming Dance transformed the middle gym into a vibrant celebration space where Hopkins students came together for a night filled with music, memories, and snacks.  The photo booth was definitely a highlight of the evening, with friends lining up to capture both silly and sweet moments together. (Though some of you cleverly suggested adding Polaroids next time to avoid the lines – we love that idea!)
  
  You all shared some amazing feedback that's helping us plan even better dances for the future! Some creative suggestions included adding superlatives for categories like "best dressed" and "life of the party," creating a chill area where people can actually hear each other talk, and even having HopTV conduct interviews during the dance. The music sparked lots of discussion too, and we're excited to explore ways to incorporate more student input into our playlists for future events to keep the dance floor energy high all night long.
  
  Let's talk about the snacks and drinks situation – we saw all your comments about the $1 charge for refreshments on top of ticket prices (and yes, we caught that "greedy poopy faces" comment – we promise we're not trying to nickel and dime anyone! 😆). Here's the scoop: Homecoming is actually one of Student Council's main fundraisers, helping us provide free events throughout the year like those delicious Pumpkin Bowl donuts and Field Day activities. We charged for snacks and drinks mainly to prevent waste – in previous years, we noticed lots of unopened drinks and untouched snacks left behind when everything was free. That said, we hear you! We're brainstorming other solutions that could work better for everyone, like possibly including some refreshments in the ticket price while keeping extra snacks available for purchase.

• Spirit Week Sets the Tone

  
  October kicked off with an energetic Spirit Week that saw Hopkins' halls come alive with themed celebrations. From cozy PJ Day to creative Mismatch Day, students embraced each theme with enthusiasm. Beach Day brought summer vibes to autumn, while the traditional Maroon and Grey Day united the community in school pride. This year's participation soared thanks to an engaging social media campaign that awarded points for spirited photos with teachers and interactive Instagram polls. A special shoutout to the seniors who clinched a dramatic last-minute victory, edging out the determined freshmen by an astonishing 445 points.

• Back to School Bash: A Bash-ing Success

  
  

  
  The Big H came alive for our annual Back to School Bash, where student performances, tasty treats, and community spirit combined for a memorable evening under the stars. The variety of acts kept everyone entertained, from amazing musical performances to Peaches' improv games that had everyone laughing. And of course, the legendary Teacher Band closed out the night in style – a tradition many of us hope will continue!

  
  While the Big H has been our traditional spot because it creates that cozy, uniquely Hopkins atmosphere, this year's incredible turnout (yay!) made things a bit snug. "The area around the H is a little small and squeezing into it was a little uncomfortable," one student observed. Another reminded us that "BTSB in 2021 had performances on the Thompson steps area and everyone stood on the quad, and that was pretty cool/fun." Given the growing popularity of the event (which we love to see!), we're considering following the success of last spring's Off to Summer Bash by moving to the quad to give everyone more space to spread out and enjoy the shows.

  
  The performances themselves were a huge hit, especially the Teacher Band – "I think the teacher band should always be closing," one student insisted, and many agreed! Though we did have some technical challenges: "The mics were unreliable" was a common theme, and we're working to make sure the sound system is more functional next year. Some creative suggestions for future events included "more poetry/acting," "yard games like cornhole," and even "bouncy castles" (we appreciate the ambition!).

  
  Despite the room for growth, I think we can all agree that the Bash was an amazing time to spend the night as a school community. As one student summed it up: "The overall vibes from everyone and everything were all very positive, and I would go back again." That kind of student culture is what Student Council looks to encourage, and we are glad that people feel happy at our events.