Words of Hope for Tuesday, April 15, 2014
God at Work by Sara Kunkel, Hope Middle School Teacher
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13
As I reflect back on my first year of teaching middle school Math and Religion at Hope Lutheran School, I can’t help but see a beautiful story that God has been unfolding. The story is of a powerful God doing amazing things in and through the community of Hope Lutheran School. I wanted to share just a few of the stories that I have been a part of but please know that every day God does amazing things throughout the school through each teacher and staff member. This is truly God’s place. God is at work!
- For Christmas this year, I challenged my students to give of their own money to buy animals for families in need in Africa through World Vision. These animals give poor families livelihood and hope. The students raised $420.00 of their own money. I was amazed by their generosity and their spirit of generosity. God at work!!
- For the Christmas Food Drive, the students from the entire school brought in more food than the food pantry of the Human Care Ministries of Hope could physically store, and we donated the extra to area food banks. Again, God at work!
- For Lent this year, I challenged my Religion students to “give something up” or “take something up” for 40 days to draw closer to Jesus. It was completely optional. I explained that they would need to depend on Jesus to be their strength when they were tempted. Every single student chose to be involved for the 40 Days of Lent! For many, it has been a difficult undertaking. But they have learned to depend on Jesus and their relationship with Him is growing deeper. God at work!
- At a recent chapel service, one of our middle school students was baptized. It was a GREAT celebration of new life and washing away of sins. We all rejoiced with him as he made this commitment to live in and for Jesus. The Spirit of God was and is working in his life. God at work!!
Sometimes, we look around and wonder if God is at work in our world. Every day, God is working through interactions with teachers and students and between friends at Hope Lutheran School. Jesus is surely ALIVE and WORKING! These are just a few of the stories that happen because of the ministry of Hope Lutheran School. And there are great opportunities ahead as we go forward into the community to share the love of Jesus with students and families. Please join me in continued prayer that God would change lives as He does His work among and through us at Hope Lutheran School.
Calendar of Events
Today, 4/15: Tuition Forms Due
Mon.-Fri. April 14-18: Holy Week – 8:40 AM Daily Chapel Services
Fri. 4/18: Noon Dismiss – Good Friday / ESC “XTRA” Open
Spring Break April 21 – 25: No School & ESC Closed
Wed. 4/30: 8:40 AM Chapel w/Gr. 4, Chapel Band & Choir / Financial Aid Application Deadline
Easter Welcome
Happy Easter from our Hope Lutheran Church and School staff! If you do not have a home church or would like to visit us here at Hope, you are invited to our Easter services on Sunday at 8:00 AM (a traditional service) or 9:30 AM or 11:00 AM (both contemporary services). Our youth group will also host a pancake breakfast in the fellowship hall form 7:00-11:00 AM if you don’t feel like cooking up a big breakfast. Come join us!
Middle School Honor Roll
Congratulations to the following students for achievement of Honor Roll for Quarter 3:
Sixth Grade
Scholastic Merit – Kylie B, Olivia H
Honor Roll – Simon C, Moselle H, Jake H, Spencer H, Luke M, Troy M, Brendan R
Principal’s List – Natalie G, Hudson H, Sarah J, Michael L, Nicky S
Seventh Grade
Scholastic Merit – Bryce H, David L
Honor Roll – Guillermo C, Sofie C, Callie G, Quin T
Principal’s List – Gavin D, Maddie J, Andrew K, Mikayla M, Hannah M
Eighth Grade
Scholastic Merit – Zahara B, Ben W
Honor Roll – Leo C, Izzy J, Alex O, Connor W
Principal’s List – Jordan M, Alexander S
2014-2015 Hope School Calendar
The calendar for next year is being sent home today in the communication envelopes. This is our basic calendar with days off, and as usual the more detailed calendar will go home with our July 1 summer mailing. You might notice that we have added hours to our school year next year compared to years past; the reason for this is that the state has recommended that students in grades 7-12 increase their total instructional time by 80 hours. Since we had about 40 extra hours already built in our calendar, we went ahead and made that change for all grades K-8. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us in the school office.
Financial Aid for 2014/15
Financial aid applications for the 2014/15 school year should be completed by April 30, 2014. We hope to make tuition awards in early May this year, so be sure to get your application completed by this due date. We continue to use SSS and you may apply online at sss.nais.org/parents and then click on the “apply now” button. If you need an additional flyer with application information, please stop by the school office.
12th Annual Eagle Classic Golf Tournament – May 31st
If the names Bubba Watson and Jordan Spieth mean anything to you, you have probably been glued to the TV watching the Master’s tournament in Augusta, Georgia. The Eagle Classic tournament in West Seattle doesn’t have quite the professional draw as the Master’s, but with competitions and prizes throughout the course, this is a great event benefitting the Hope Lutheran Athletic department. Registration is open online at www.HopeSeattle.org on the Church Home page (click the red ‘Donate’ button). Registration fee is $115/player or $460/team of four. Business sponsorships are available and a great way to support the student athletes! This money goes towards paying for athletic uniforms, transportation costs, valuable gym and field time, as well as coaches and referees. All skill levels are encouraged to join in. Registration deadline is May 16th so don’t delay!
Church Mega Rummage Sale – May 17
Save the date for Hope Church’s mega parking lot rummage sale on Saturday, May 17, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. All proceeds will benefit their Mexico missionaries Diane Mebust and Kaare Hagen. Collect your donations for drop-off on Friday, May 16th 3:30 to 7:30 pm to the lower parking lot.
PIP Opportunities
Are you still in need of PIP Hours? Here are several opportunities available:
- Track & Field Coaches – April & May: Contact Mr. Kapels at bkapels@hopeseattle.org
- Teacher Appreciation Week – May 5-9: Contact Beth at beth@bethghomes.com
- Grandparents Day – May 14th: Complete sign up form in last week’s Tuesday envelope
- Track Meet @ WS Stadium – May 20th: Contact Mr. Kapels at bkapels@hopeseattle.org
- Golf Eagle Classic Tournament – May 31st: Contact Mr. Kapels at bkapels@hopeseattle.org
All PIP Hours MUST be worked and submitted to the school by end of day May 31st. Contact Mrs. Wallace with any questions regarding your PIP statement.
