Hopkins Public Schools: Tanglen Staffer Builds Hand-Made Throne For Sixth-Grade Class

Press release from Hopkins Public Schools:

March 15, 2022

It started out as an inside joke, but turned into a demonstration of how student voice and a little collaboration can create an innovative end product. Jacob, a sixth-grader in Dani Hovanetz’s classroom, likes to joke around with his favorite teacher. He and the rest of the class have an inside joke with Ms. Hovanetz in which they call her “your majesty”—the class even gave her a name plaque. Jacob didn’t think the plaque was enough so when he heard about another staff member’s woodworking skills, he had a bright idea.

Building substitute Chip ten Bensel or Mr. T—as the kids like to call him—does woodworking in his free time. He has generously built functional bookshelves for a couple kindergarten teachers, so when he received a new request from Jacob, he went all in.

“I try to foster empowering kids—for them to be empowered by what they do and their actions,” Mr. T said.

Jacob said he was surprised to see the end result. The throne is painted purple with gold accents. It has the letter ‘H’ carved into the back to represent Hopkins and Hovanetz. Mr. T even added a couple cushions on the seat to make it comfy.

Mr. T revealed the throne to Ms. Hovanetz’s class on March 7. The sixth graders oohed and awed and were very excited to see their teacher sit on the throne. Mr. T reminded them that a throne is for someone who is well revered and Ms. Hovanetz is someone who is well revered by staff and students.

This press release was produced by Hopkins Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.