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

Ever wondered what happens to the leftover food you scrape into the green trash can after lunch? Well, we have some exciting news! Hopkins is launching a new project aimed at enhancing waste management practices at Hopkins School!

Currently, our waste management system faces several challenges, including high levels of contamination in recycling bins due to improper waste segregation by students and the suspension of composting activities behind the APAC building due to the prior construction. 

To address these issues, Hopkins will be partnering with Blue Earth Compost and Quantum Biopower to ensure efficient collection and processing of organic waste, turning it into renewable energy and nutrient-rich compost, and re-establishing composting behind the APAC building to divert organic waste from landfills.

In addition, over the next few months, the Sustainability Board will be hosting informational campaigns to raise awareness about proper waste disposal. Specifically, we hope to distribute materials outlining what can and cannot be recycled or composted, utilizing resources from Blue Earth Compost's guidelines as well as clearly label the recycling and compost bins on campus for easier identification. We also aim to establish student-led "Compost Enforcement Officers (CEOs)," who are responsible for monitoring waste disposal during each lunch wave. All of this requires your involvement and help! Please stay tuned for updates and opportunities to volunteer as a "CEO!"

Pop up at Climate Action Subcommittee’s Climate & Law Discussion Panel with the Law Review on Wednesday, April 23 in the Weissman Room! This event will explore the latest climate issues through the lens of policy, including topics like the Paris Climate Accord and the Inflation Reduction Act. Whether it takes the form of a lecture, debate, or open discussion, it’s sure to be an insightful and engaging conversation.

Come join the Energy Subcommittee for a fun Vegan Ice Cream and Waffle-Making Activity during Earth Week on Thursday, April 24! Students will have the opportunity to churn their own vegan ice cream by rolling and tossing around a ball or whip up fresh waffles. Come by Upper Heath to learn more about sustainable eating habits—while enjoying some tasty rewards!

Check out The Waste Subcommittee and Sustainable Arts Club’s incoming Earth Week Art Gallery Exhibition in the Keator Art Gallery from April 21 to April 25! This showcase will highlight student artwork focused on environmental themes like plastic pollution while encouraging the creative reuse of materials. All pieces will incorporate recycled elements such as plastic bottles or cardboard, demonstrating how art and sustainability can go hand in hand.

To create, you can join the weekly art sessions every Wednesday during the Activities Block in T204, where materials and snacks will be provided. Already have a piece that fits the theme? Reach out to have your artwork included!

Furthermore, look out for The Waste Subcommittee’s Zero Waste Week and a Donut Eating Contest on Wednesday, April 23!

We are thrilled to welcome our Earth Day guest speaker: Professor Jordan Peccia, a leading researcher and an environmental engineer at Yale University! His work explores the application of molecular biology to environmental engineering, the microbiome of the built environment and human health effects, and how genetic tools can be used to improve biofuel development.

Alongside his team, he combines engineering fundamentals with advanced molecular biology techniques—including transcriptomics, metagenomics, and computational biology—to better understand and address environmental challenges. As a private consultant, he has advised the federal government and start-ups on photosynthetic biofuel production and microbial exposure in indoor environments. He’s also worked with federal, state, and local agencies to assess the health impacts of land-applied sewage sludge.

We can’t wait to hear his insights on science and sustainability. Join us in welcoming him this Earth Week!

Mark your calendars: this April, the Hopkins Impact-a-thon is back! We'll come together for two weeks to work on a different social issue, combining education, advocacy, and action to create meaningful change. 

Last year's focus, disability advocacy, highlighted the power of inclusion and community engagement, leaving a lasting impact on participants and beyond. Highlights included meal prep with Chapel Haven for Sunrise Cafe in New Haven, autism awareness training with Luv Micheal, and a Special Olympics luau-themed dance. This year, we're raising the bar with an exciting new focus—animal welfare and advocacy! 

Whether you're a returning advocate or new to the Impact-a-thon, there's a place for everyone to contribute and make a difference. Together, we’ll celebrate the power of student-driven solutions and build momentum for change.

More details coming soon—get ready to make your mark!

On Friday, April 4th, Hopkins came alive with wild energy as students and Special Olympics athletes gathered for a jungle-themed night to remember! From 7:00–9:00 pm in Upper Heath, party animals dressed in their fiercest prints and favorite wild creature costumes danced to tracks spun by a live DJ.

Highlights included the Safari Selfie Station 📸, fierce competitions for Best Dressed Animal and Wildest Dance Moves 🏆, and a heartwarming pet drive that collected food, toys, and treats for a local animal shelter 🐶🐱.

Thanks to everyone who showed up and showed out—it was a roaring success! 🎉

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be attending the last NYPDL tournament of the season on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in New York City — and we’d love to see a strong Hopkins showing to close out the year! 

This tournament marks the end of the 2024–2025 NYPDL circuit, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting event. It’s a perfect chance to build on our momentum:

✅ At our last NYPDL appearance, Hopkins won the Novice division
🏅 Last year, Hopkins teams have advanced to Varsity elimination rounds

Whether you’re new to debate or looking to cap off a strong season, this is a fantastic opportunity to compete, grow, and represent the team! 

Key Info:
📍 Location: Bard HS Early College Queens, New York City
📅 Date: Saturday, April 26
🏆 Divisions: Varsity & Novice
📝 Sign-up: Using link in Google classroom. 

In the past few weeks, Hopkins’ FIRST Robotics Competition Team, the Galvanized Goats (10266), has been competing in regional meets in the Connecticut area. Led by captains Jeet Bhatnagar, Michael Illuzzi, Wyatt Sloan, Albert Gan, and Jacob Ceisler, the team gained invaluable robotics experience in its inaugural year, and were even able to achieve the Rookie All Star Award and earn an interview at the New England Competition in the Big E for a chance to go to the world championships. While that didn’t necessarily pan out as hoped, the team enjoyed their time at the Big E, and took valuable strides this season in fostering an environment where collaboration can thrive and building a strong foundation for the future of Hopkins robotics.

Hi everyone! My name is Roselyn Shen and along with Emily Driscoll we are the heads of Sustainable Creations. Sustainable Creations is a club dedicated to raising awareness of waste pollution through art! During Earth week from April 22-April 25, we will be hosting a gallery for Earth Week, highlighting themes of marine animals, plastic pollution, etc. We hope that the whole Hopkins community will be involved in this, so if anybody has any artworks that they think would fit this theme, reach out to rshen27@students.hopkins.edu or edriscoll27@students.hopkins.edu. The artworks need to use some sort of recycled materials, such as plastic bottles, cardboard, even materials from nature like leaves. You could also come to our weekly meeting during activities block every Wednesday at T204!