From the desk of Mr. Eric Stone

Welcome to West Hopkins School

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your child to West Hopkins School.  We have designed an educational program to meet the needs of each individual student.  Our school’s mission statement reflects just such a proclamation:

Our mission is to promote a consistent, cooperative, and positive environment for the West Hopkins community.

As the Principal at West Hopkins, it is an honor to have the opportunity to serve such an outstanding community. It is my desire to work with you, your child, and the staff to continue to foster a strong sense of community in order to increase student achievement. As your principal, I will work diligently to ensure a safe, clean and inviting environment where children can learn, parents feel welcome and community support is assured. Our children are our future; therefore, it is imperative that we model professional and family values. 

I am originally from the West Hopkins area community.  Where I grew up, attended high school, taught for 9 years, and was assistant principal for 2 years.  During my tenure in education, I have worked as an assistant principal, a science teacher, title I school level coordinator, teacher leader, and athletic coach.  From the varied experiences throughout my career, I have learned that the best method to increase and maintain high student achievement is to foster the development of a strong school community where the administration, staff, and parents collaborate in order to best meet the needs of our students.

Educating the students of West Hopkins begins with making your child feel comfortable, loved, and at home in our building.  I go to great lengths to make our school a fun, comfortable, and welcoming place that will facilitate a safe, secure feeling to ensure academic success.

I have always found parents to be supportive of good classroom behavior to ensure that their children receive a quality education.  In order for learning to take place, children must behave so that teachers can teach and students can learn.  I cannot allow any child's misbehavior to detract from our teacher's teaching or from another student's learning.  Please discuss the importance of proper classroom behavior with your child.

An integral part of student success is linked to attendance.  For students to have the best chance to achieve success at school, everyday is important.  When a student is absent from school, arrives late or leaves early, the student misses time participating in discussions, asking pertinent questions and interacting with teachers and peers.  It’s very difficult to get back lost time when a student misses school.  It is West Hopkins' expectation that all students maintain a high attendance rate to increase their success in school. We appreciate your support with student attendance. The home plays a major role in the education of children.  Your words of encouragement, a hug at the beginning of the day, your interest in your child’s work, and your involvement in school activities are all vital to show your child that you value his/her education. We must work together to make every year a successful year for your child.

I truly believe strong partnerships between parents and school lead to academic success for all students. Therefore, I invite you to visit our school, and to actively participate in your child’s education.  This participation may come in a variety of forms including: joining the PTO, working as a volunteer at the school, checking your child’s homework and agenda on a daily basis, attending school-wide events and communicating questions or concerns.

Your help and support are both needed in making this your child's best school year yet.  I am looking forward to a great year.  I consider it a great privilege and responsibility to be your child's assistant principal.  I also look forward to working closely with you and your child.  Thanks you in advance for your continued support and cooperation.

Respectfully,

Eric Stone

West Hopkins

Principal

eric.stone@hopkins.kyschools.us