It is becoming increasingly important to incorporate the use of technology to enhance all curriculum areas. HEF has partnered with the District on many technology initiatives, such as a pilot to provide iPads to junior high scholars, interactive whiteboards in classrooms, and digital studios to allow students to produce content. During the COVID-19 transition to distance learning, HEF stepped up to help the District with several important technology grants. The table below lists HEF grants to support technology in the District.
Learn more about the range of grants HEF provides across the entire curriculum.
| Title | Description | Year | Schools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eisenhower Network | Purchased a networking system for Macintosh Computer Lab. | 1996-1997 | Eisenhower |
| Success Maker Program | Supported purchase of interactive computer program shown to significantly increase student achievement in math and reading. | 1996-1997 | Eisenhower |
| Stock Market Game | Purchased computer software incorporating the use of technology in the study of the stock market, a hot dog stand business, and supply and demand theory. | 1996-1997 | Katherine Curren |
| Success Maker Software | Purchased Success Maker, computer courseware to increase student achievement in math and reading. | 1997-1998 | Katherine Curren |
| Success Maker Software | Purchased Success Maker, computer courseware to increase student achievement in math and reading. | 1997-1998 | Tanglen |
| Leveraging the World-Wide Web | Updated and enhanced the HHS Web page. | 1999-2000 | HHS |
| Reading Resource Lab | Creating computer program and trained reading teachers to track reading progress of each student. | 1999-2000 | Alice Smith |
| Community Computer Program | In an effort to offer all students equal educational opportunities both in the classroom and at home, HEF awarded a grant for a pilot community computer program. The program provides 30 computers for at home use to families unable to afford them, allowing students to complete research projects, papers and homework during non-school hours. The selected families have the option to purchase the computers at a reduced price when they leave West Junior High. | 2000-2001 | WJH |
| Calculator-Based Learning | NJH Calculator-Based Learning | 2000-2001 | NJH |
| Math Calculators | NJH Math Calculators | 2001-2002 | NJH |
| Get Connected Program | Expanded the “Get Connected” computer program which provides computers and mentors to families unable to afford them. | 2001-2002 | WJH |
| Mobile iBook Computer | Due to the increasing demand for computer lab time and the desire to maintain school-wide availability of the four existing computer labs, HEF awarded a grant to develop a mobile mini-lab of wireless network-access laptop computers. The minilab can be wheeled into and set up in any classroom and impacts courses in science and mathematics that have become particularly computer-intensive. Also benefiting from the program are low-enrollment classes such as ESL, special education, basic skills classes and advan | 2001-2002 | HHS |
| Mobile Elementary Computer Lab | Helped fund the purchase of a wireless mobile computer lab allowing the use of computers for smaller groups of students. | 2001-2002 | Glen Lake |
| Westside Apartments Education Center | Supported the Westside Apartments Education Center, which provides tutors and wireless laptops for students. | 2001-2002 | NJH |
| Online Learning Program | Provided funds to allow students to access coursework online. | 2001-2002 | District-wide |
| Mobile Teaching Station | Funded a mobile multimedia teacher's station to allow for flexibility in instruction. | 2001-2002 | Alice Smith |
| KHOP Upgrade | Upgraded KHOP to High-Definition Television technology. | 2001-2002 | HHS |
| Multimedia Projector | Purchased a multimedia projector to allow teachers to demonstrate technology to an entire class. | 2001-2002 | Gatewood |
| Mobile Elementary Computer Lab | Helped fund the purchase of a wireless mobile computer lab allowing the use of computers for smaller groups of students. | 2001-2002 | Gatewood |
| Read Naturally | Provided funds for software for the reading support program Read Naturally, which improves reading fluency and comprehension. | 2002-2003 | Katherine Curren |
| Computer Building | Supported the purchase of computer components for the Technology class to build and sell two home computers allowing this educational opportunity to become self-sustaining. | 2002-2003 | HHS |
| Palm Pilots for Special Needs | Granted funds for the purchase of Palm Pilots with keyboards for students with specific learning disabilities to use in all classes and at home. | 2002-2003 | NJH |
| Yearbook Technology | Matched funds to replace and upgrade hardware and software used for publishing the yearbook, increasing efficiency and reducing costs in the production of the yearbook and giving the students real world journalistic and publishing skills. | 2002-2003 | HHS |
| PLATO Software | Provided for the purchase of PLATO software for the Hopkins Alternative Program (HAP) allowing students to work at their own pace and level to improve the skills necessary to meet graduation requirements. | 2002-2003 | HHS |
| Success Maker Software | Purchased Success Maker, computer courseware to increase student achievement in math and reading. | 2002-2003 | Katherine Curren |
| Get Connected | Awarded a matching grant to both Junior High Schools to expand the Get Connected program to North Junior High School which provides computer training and a mentor for those families that do not have access to a computer and the Internet. | 2002-2003 | NJH, WJH |
| Online Learning Program | Online Learning Program | 2002-2003 | District-Wide |
| Get Connected Collaboration | Get Connected Collaboration | 2002-2003 | WJH |
| Home Access for Homework | Purchased an Xserve file server giving students access from home to their password-protected file folders on school computers. | 2002-2003 | HHS |
| Graphic Design Software | Supported the acquisition of graphic design software and peripherals for the computers in the art computer lab allowing students to use computers as an “art tool”. | 2002-2003 | HHS |
| Online Learning | Online Learning | 2003-2004 | HHS |
| Multimedia Cart for Current Events | Supported the purchase of a multimedia cart for AP Government and US History courses in order to seamlessly integrate current events into the classroom, accommodate students’ learning styles and expand the classroom beyond the school day through technology. | 2004-2005 | Hopkins High School |
| CADCAM Engraver | Provided funding for the purchase of a laser engraver allowing students to produce a high-quality product while developing basic skills in 3D modeling, pattern making, prototyping and engraving. | 2004-2005 | NJH |
| Capture 20-20 | Capture 20-20 - 6 Cameras - all 5th grade | 2004-2005 | All elementary |
| Online Learning | Online Learning | 2004-2005 | District-wide |
| AP Euro Project | A technology grant for a laptop and projector allows AP History teacher, Carrie Lucking and her class to use pictures, video, music, and interactive online activities. They experience technology as they will when they get out in the real world. | 2005-2006 | HHS |
| Computer Aided Design | High school engineering, woodworking, carpentry and construction students benefit from using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and an industry standard programmable router table to create three dimensional projects. This software and equipment exposes students to the engineering design process, using a model that is considered state of the art. Read more. | 2005-2006 | HHS |
| Digital Cameras | Digital Cameras enable students to demonstrate the concepts they are learning in language arts, math, science, and other classes. By integrating digital photography into the lessons, more learning styles are addressed. Students and teachers alike gain experience with digital technology. | 2005-2006 | Tanglen |
| ActivBoard --Interactive Whiteboards | This grant expands the inventory of interactive whiteboards to all the 8th grade science classrooms at West Junior High. Read more. | 2006-2007 | WJH |
| Classroom Performance System | With the Classroom Performance System, every student in the classroom will hold a clicker to answer questions. The system immediately identifies who answered correctly and who responded incorrectly or not at all. This technology enables the instructor to adapt her teaching to the classes’ needs and identify students needing more challenge or help. Read more. | 2006-2007 | WJH |
| Geography in the 21st Century | Seventh grade social studies students are learning about geography through using GPS units. This technology provides an engaging way for grant writer Anne Sateren and her colleagues to teach map reading skills as well as introduce all their students to a useful tool. | 2006-2007 | WJH |
| ELMO Digital Cameras | Students and teachers' discussions are enriched with ELMO digital cameras that project books, papers, original documents and other items onto classroom screens. | 2007-2008 | Gatewood |
| ELMO Digital Cameras and Activotes Personal Response System | This grant funds 1) three ELMOTM digital cameras to be used with the carts in Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade and 2) two sets of ActivotesTM, integrated personal response systems used with interactive whiteboards. They are designed to encourage student participation and enhance learning. | 2007-2008 | Alice Smith |
| Online Newspaper | This project creates an online presence for the HHS newspaper. It also allows student journalists to provide a more immediate publishing service to the school. It integrates photography, video and graphics. It more closely aligns the journalism program with what professional and scholastic journalists are doing around the country. | 2007-2008 | HHS |
| Language Learning Through Laptops | This pilot program further enriches the 4th grade One-to-One Laptop Program. Using an online world language program, Rosetta StoneTM, students learn Spanish at their own pace and can take their laptops home at night to complete activities with their families. | 2007-2008 | Glen Lake |
| Technical Education: Web Design and Business Marketing | This project creates an opportunity for Hopkins High School students to design, create, and maintain an actual web-site for a spirit wear embroidery business. In addition, students will learn how to manage all aspects of a small business. Funds raised by the business will be returned to the students through Spirit Shop grants and sponsorships. | 2007-2008 | HHS |
| Music Technology Lab | This grant is part of a larger project to add a Music Technology Lab at Hopkins High School. The music technology lab builds upon the current instrumental and vocal music offerings to include skills necessary for success in today’s digital music industry. While utilizing GarageBandTM, students will create compositions, learn the art of recording, develop mix down techniques, and create end products such as original CDs and Podcasts. | 2007-2008 | HHS |
| Resident Video Curriculum Development Specialist | This technology pilot project at WJH increases curricular engagement with students through the medium of video. The Resident Video Specialist will work with classroom teachers to illustrate classroom topics through the use of video, many times featuring Hopkins students. Through writing and participating in the videos, students will have the opportunity to become teachers of their peers. | 2007-2008 | WJH |
| TI-Navigator System | The TI-NavigatorTM system provides a wireless communication between the student’s calculator and the teacher’s computer. Students work results can be displayed anonymously and simultaneously on one screen to view. This system improves the quantity and quality of responses, classroom interaction and time on task. | 2007-2008 | NJH |
| Math Intervention Technology | Using the nationally recognized Larson’s Math program teachers create a totally individualized approach for students who struggle with math. The interactive and engaging software program uses diagnostic assessments to show where each student’s skills are lacking, then teaches each skill to the student before providing formative and summation assessments and any necessary help or instruction. | 2007-2008 | WJH |
| 21st Century Digital Classrooms | Effective integration of technology requires well-equipped classrooms with laptop computers, LCD projectors, interactive whiteboards, document cameras, audio enhancement systems, and more. Pilots for most of these initiatives in the Hopkins District have been funded by HEF grants. Read more. | 2013-2017 | District-wide |
| ActivBoard Interactive Whiteboard | Our 2008 Special Appeal funds provided an ActivBoardTM Interactive Whiteboard for each of the nine schools in the District. Read the MinnPost article. | 2007-2008 | District-wide |
| Calculator Library for Students | This grant funds 25 HP graphing calculators for students to checkout at the Media Center. | 2008-2009 | HHS |
| Activotes | Activotes for all Hopkins public schools | 2008-2009 | District-wide |
| One-to-One Mobile Learning with Apple iPods | Learning extends beyond the social studies classroom with Apple iPod Touches. This one-to-one mobile learning dramatically increases creativity, comprehension and collaboration within the classroom setting. | 2009-2010 | NJH |
| TeacherMate Hand-Held Computer System | The TeacherMate program is an integrated learning system specifically designed to meet the needs of K-2 students. Programmed to adapt to Hopkins core math and reading curriculum, this system effectively delivers differentiated instruction for all levels of learners with intriguing learning activities. | 2009-2010 | Alice Smith |
| Classroom iPad Pilot Project | With 30 new iPads and training for teachers, Meadowbrook is testing a new computing model. The iPads provide opportunities to select and download educational “apps” and eBooks. | 2009-2010 | Meadowbrook |
| Teaching Science with Technology | A combined grant and special appeal funded hand-held and desktop computers in science labs in both junior highs and the high school. With these computers, our students are able to analyze data, research online and understand which sources are credible, interpret the information, connect with scientists around the world and then develop multi-media presentations, just like our “real world scientists.”echnology | 2009-2010 | NJH,WJH,NNS |
| Teaching Science with Technology | A combined grant and special appeal funded hand-held and desktop computers in science labs in both junior highs and the high school. With these computers, our students are able to analyze data, research online and understand which sources are credible, interpret the information, connect with scientists around the world and then develop multi-media presentations, just like our “real world scientists.” | 2009-2010 | NJH,WJH |
| Teaching Science with Technology | A combined grant and special appeal funded hand-held and desktop computers in science labs in both junior highs and the high school. With these computers, our students are able to analyze data, research online and understand which sources are credible, interpret the information, connect with scientists around the world and then develop multi-media presentations, just like our “real world scientists.” | 2009-2010 | NJH, WJH, HHS |
| Nooks "4" Books | E-book pilot. Teachers can engage students by giving them quick access to popular new books. This 21st century technology helps disguise the difficulty level of books to reduce the embarrassment some students feel who are reading below grade level. | 2010-2011 | NJH |
| Nooks: Any Book, Any Kid, Any Time | E-book pilot. Teachers can engage students by giving them quick access to popular new books. This 21st century technology helps disguise the difficulty level of books to reduce the embarrassment some students feel who are reading below grade level. | 2010-2011 | Glen Lake |
| Buzz for Learning | Electronic buzzer systems encourage quick answers and a fun way to learn. Buzzers are used for academic teams to practice for competitions and are available to high school classroom teachers for games to help students review for tests. | 2010-2011 | HHS |
| Kindle the Love of Learning | E-book pilot. Teachers can engage students by giving them quick access to popular new books. This 21st century technology helps disguise the difficulty level of books to reduce the embarrassment some students feel who are reading below grade level. | 2010-2011 | Alice Smith |
| Mathematics Lab: Real-World Applications | Interactive labs will increase academic performance because students can apply concepts from each unit to real world mathematical situations. Using TI-Nspire CX math technology, the program provides concrete applications so students understand how the study of math is relevant to their life beyond school. | 2010-2011 | HHS |
| Mobile Film Lab | A mobile, dedicated film lab with laptops and cameras will provide interdisciplinary tools for students to learn to create and publish their work in this visual age. Current computers do not have the processing and memory power to handle new video formats. This rolling cart will allow people to effectively use the lab school-wide as students plan, act, film and edit projects from English to science. | 2010-2011 | WJH |
| Unleashing the Power of iPad | From pilots beginning in 2010 to Special Appeals at Royal Bash 2011 and 2012, HEF has funded over $60,000 in iPads and related software. Our support has enabled the Hopkins School District to develop a plan to use the technology more strategically and effectively. Read more | 2010-2012 | NJH, WJH |
| Touch the Future of Learning -- iPads | Royal Bash 2011 Special Appeal, year one of a two-year initiative. This Special Appeal funded a large iPad pilot for incoming seventh graders. Read more | 2010-2011 | District-wide |
| Lexia Reading Program | Lexia software provides reading assessment, lesson plans and teaching tools that adjust to students’ progress and individual needs. Students at home can also access the web-based technology. Read more | 2011-2012 | Tanglen |
| Roll 'Em -- Video Cameras for Language Assessment | Small groups of world language students can now easily record their conversations with Flip cameras. Read more | 2011-2012 | HHS |
| Making All of Us Published Authors | Students create, illustrate and publish their own book in Language Arts class. The project helps students develop writing, illustrating, editing and technology skills. Read more | 2011-2012 | Off-Campus Pavilion |
| Unleash the Power of iPads | Royal Bash 2012 Special Appeal, year two of this initiative. This Special Appeal focused on the software and infrastructure necessary for a full deployment of iPads to all incoming 7th graders. Read more | 2011-2012 | District-wide |
| Enhancing Teen Literacy via eBooks | Students in grades 7-12 will have 24/7 online access to 900 titles of popular fiction and nonfiction e-books. Read more | 2012-2013 | NJH, WJH, HHS |
| Technology Links to Language Learners | iPads to accelerate English language learning. Read more | 2012-2013 | Tanglen |
| iPod Listening Centers | Books with audio CDs for iPod to enhance the Daily Five. Read more | 2012-2013 | Meadowbrook |
| Google Apps Collaborative Hive | Collaborative Google Certified training for 30 Hopkins 7-12 teachers in the engaging, exciting, and creative uses of Hopkins Apps. Read more | 2012-2013 | District-wide |
| LabQuest2 Technology Update | Next generation hand-held data collection tools for 'Real World Scientists.' Read more | 2013-2014 | NJH, WJH |
| Green Gatehouse Structural Plan | HHS Earth Club designs 'green' parking attendant structure. Read more | 2013-2014 | HHS |
| Mobile Music Recording and Production Lab | Music technology students can produce high quality recordings. Read more | 2013-2014 | HHS |
| Bee Bots: Creating a Buzz with STEM | Programmable Bee Bots in 1st and 2nd grade classrooms. Read more | 2013-2014 | Glen Lake |
| Microscopy in the 21st Century | Digital microscopy cameras connected to iPads. Read more | 2014-2015 | NJH, WJH |
| Creativity Unbound -- MakerSpace | A welcoming space for students to explore hands-on projects. Read more | 2014-2015 | NJH |
| Lights, Camera, Action! | Movie-making software for iPads and movie-making equipment for WJH media center. Read more | 2014-2015 | WJH |
| Fab Lab | A flexible Design-Test-Build space for NJH with central lab stations and movable tables. Read more | 2014-2015 | NJH |
| Powerful 3D Printing | A state-of-the-art 3D printer enhances the NJH Maker Space - a creative retreat of hands-on experiences in the Media Center. Read more | 2014-2015 | NJH |
| Minecraft After-School Club | In this fun extra-curricular enrichment program, junior high students play MinecraftEdu, a school-ready remix of the popular game Minecraft. They’ll learn programming and coding, planning, asset management and critical thinking skills. Students will be able to use what they learn in Minecraft Club for projects in nearly any subject area. Read more | 2015-2016 | NJH,WJH |
| Digital Video Studio | Royal Roundup, NJH’s weekly video show presented to the entire student body, will get a big facelift. This grant enables North’s student Genius Team to take the lead in designing and remodeling the current outdated video studio. New equipment will be used for the Roundup, and will also be available to all students to create, edit, and share video productions with a school-wide audience. Read more. | 2015-2016 | NJH |
| RoboSquad – Bringing STARBASE to Elementary | Fourth and fifth graders across the District are attending STARBASE Minnesota, a Department of Defense program that utilizes a mission to Mars as the vehicle to introduce practical fun applications of engineering and science principles. RoboSquad brings STARBASE back to Hopkins. This pilot program consists of building and manipulating twelve Lego programmable robots. Read more. | 2015-2016 | Meadowbrook |
| Increasing Success and Rigor in Advanced Placement | This HEF grant funds initial access to Albert.io, online practice multiple choice questions with immediate results and feedback. This vehicle targets higher achievement by allowing students to practice fact-based knowledge at home. Read more. | 2015-2016 | HHS |
| 3-D Learning Through Virtual Reality | HEF is funding this curricular enrichment to give students the deeper learning and understanding made possible by an immersive 360-degree experience.Read more. | 2015-2016 | Glen Lake |
| A capella Enhanced with Technology | This grant funds equipment to enhance the overall quality of Hopkins’ renowned vocal music program. Read more. | 2015-2016 | HHS |
| Rocket Science | This grant provides re-usable launchers to get this exciting experiment off of the ground (up to 100 meters!) and delve students deep into the scientific method. Read more. | 2015-2016 | NJH |
| Designing a Coding Curriculum for K-6 | This HEF grant to Alice Smith Elementary will fund the design of a Coding Curriculum for grades K-6, building the necessary soft and hard skills needed for computer programming, and offering access to the vast opportunities awaiting our students in the future. Read more. | 2015-2016 | Alice Smith |
| Boogie Boards | Young hands learn through practice and class participation, and these Boogie Board Jot eWriters encourage both. Read more | 2016-2017 | Tanglen |
| ACT Online Test Prep | With this grant, every HHS student's Chromebrook will have Albert.io software, providing skill-strengthening activities and practice ACT tests. Read more | 2016-2017 | HHS |
| Yearbook Re-Imagined | The Royal Roar is everyone’s book, with two ambitious goals to take it to the next level. This NJH yearbook will include each student at least three times, and will be a true history of the rich diversity of the NJH community with a focus on purposeful storytelling in writing and photography. Read more | 2016-2017 | NJH |
| Mobile Makerspaces | Two Mobile Makerspace carts at Gatewood have the potential to reach every student as they provide both high-tech and low-tech experiences ranging from robotics and coding to sewing, cardboard challenges, and recycled projects. Read more. | 2017-2018 | Gatewood |
| A Force to Be Reckoned with -- Awesome Fund Grant | With HEF’s Awesome Fund grant, The Technocrats will build a West Coast Drivetrain, enabling their robot to be light and agile, more reliable, and reduce the overall number of needed parts. Read more | 2017-2018 | HHS |
| Backstage ‘Magic’ | The theater program at West Junior High is expanding its playbill of performances; this grant to provide stage lighting and a professional light board for student training will offer the opportunity for increased student involvement, both in and beyond the classroom. Learning theater technical skills is a detailed endeavor in ‘backward design’ – deciding how a finished product will look and then making that happen. Read more | 2018-2019 | WJH |
| Bicycle Repair Program | There’s a special pride earned in repairing something discarded and deemed trash-worthy. This grant provides (Setting IV) special education students with the tools and equipment to set up a ‘bike shop’ (at the Hopkins Pavilion Alternative Setting) to do just that. Read more | 2018-2019 | WJH |
| Technocrats Robotics Club | The Technocrats FIRST Robotics Club is taking their West Coast Drivetrain on the road to Alerus Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota for the Great Northern Regional Competition. The Technocrats will not find out the ‘game’ for the 2019 contest until January 5th, and then have six weeks to design, build and test their robot for competition. Read more | 2018-2019 | HHS |
| C4 (Challenge, Create, Construct & Connect) | Tanglen’s Media Center will use this grant to innovate into a hub of access - to digital information, to collaborative learning, and to a warm welcoming environment. Read more. | 2019-2020 | Tanglen |
| Cultivating Digital Health and Wellness | It’s difficult right now to screen less, but students can learn to screen well. All 970 students will benefit as NJH partners with Minnesota nonprofit LiveMore, ScreenLess to implement a deliberate culture of digital health and wellness. Learn more | 2020-2021 | NJH |
| Glowing Creativity with Glowforge | Glowforge is a powerful laser cutter and engraver that cuts materials such as cardboard, wood, leather, cloth – even chocolate! - and engraves on glass or wood, putting endless creativity into the hands of everyday users. Learn more | 2020-2021 | NJH |