WOH For Tuesday, May 26, 2015
What is Hope? by Sally Heit, Admissions Director
We have three weeks left until the end of school (for those of you that are counting). We are in the homestretch when parents, students and staff dig deep and push to the end.
I have served as Admissions Director for three years, and as I told the grandparents visiting on Grandparents day, it is my privilege and honor to be a part of this school and the growth of these students. I get to come to work every day to be a part of something greater than me. I love seeing the smiles on the student’s faces and receiving hugs and high fives at lunch time just because. I enjoy watching the teachers engage their classes with enthusiasm, patience, love, constructive guidance, and dedication. I have seen our kids “Be the Change” for themselves, their school, and their world this year. They have reached personal goals and records, raised their grades, put themselves in front when they would normally be in back, grown in faith, tried a new sport, made a new friend, comforted a classmate, given their own time and money to those in need, prayed more, rejoiced in victory and were resilient in defeat. I have watched them become “the change” God wanted for them this year, and I know as parents you see it, too.
I ask the families that I tour through the school how they hear of Hope school. The majority of their responses go something like this, “Oh, I hear great things about you from my friends,” or “You have a great reputation in the community.” Of course, this makes me very happy. It also reassures me that Hope is doing something right. Are we perfect? No. Can we improve? Of course we can. And we will. But for all the reasons I love coming to work every day, I tour these families through our school to show them why Hope is such a special place. I introduce them to teachers and students, show them our renovated facility, talk about our technology and IPad Air Device program, point out the amazing art on the walls and the instruments in the music room, show them our awards and sports photos, and the chapel where the seed of faith is planted and nurtured. At the end, many parents tell me, “I want my child to be like the students we spoke to today.” Not to brag, but who wouldn’t! We have great students! Of course, I don’t say it in quite that way, but I’m not afraid to speak to them as a parent of three who attend this school and tell them that I couldn’t imagine my kids anywhere else.
As we hit the homestretch of this nine month marathon, think about the milestones your child(ren) have achieved this year and the memories that have been made. How have they grown? What has changed? What are your hopes for them next year? I am proud to show off our school, and I appreciate the referrals and positive feedback I receive from visiting families. If you would like to share some thoughts about the year with us feel free to write us an email or note, or continue to spread the work about the great things going on at Hope by taking a moment to write a review at www.GreatSchools.org or www.yelp.com/seattle.
Blessings on the weeks ahead, blessings on your summer, and thank you for being a part of our Hope family.
Calendar of Events
Wed. 5/27: 8:40 AM Chapel & Special Baptisms Service
Wed. & Thurs. 5/27 & 5/28: 3:15 PM Cheerleading Tryouts
Wed. – Fri. 5/27 – 5/29: 3:00 PM Student Council Bake Sale
Fri. 5/29: Deadline to Order Yearbooks / Library Closes
Sat. 5/30: 8:30 AM Golf Tournament @ Foster Golf Links
Wed. 6/2: 8:40 AM Chapel w/ 8th Grade
Hope School Year Book
Don’t miss out on this wonderful yearbook that includes ALL grades, including preschool, along with Hope’s programs. Order forms are due by this Friday, May 29th, cost $25.00, and orders will be filled on a first come, first served, basis.
Annual Book Exchange for All Grades – June 4 & 5
We will be having our annual book exchange this year on Thursday June 4 & Friday June 5. Please help your student to pick out up to 10 books at or around their reading level to bring in for the exchange. Please bring the books in a brown paper bag clearly marked with your student’s name and number of books brought by Thursday, June 4th. There is no criterion for participation as in the past; all students P3 through 8th grade are welcome to participate.
Drama News!
You are warmly invited to Hope’s Drama Elective and Drama Club Performance on Sunday, June 7th in the Church Commons beginning at 2:30pm. We will be featuring 3 plays this year starting with “The Velveteen Rabbit”, the classic tale with a happier ending. “Downtown Zombie” is next – a hilarious parody of the beloved TV show “Downton Abbey – you will be sure to recognize all your favorite characters! We will end the afternoon with “Murder Most Fowl” – the funniest Hill Billy murder mystery you will ever see! We look forward to seeing you!
Labels for Education
Want an easy way to support our school? Please send in any Labels for Education labels you may have. Hope has a chance to double our points to buy needed supplies for the school. Please send them into the office by the end of the school year and we will get them sent in. Thanks for your continued support!
Afterschool Activities – After School Clubs
Parent Involvement Program Opportunities – PIP
Need help the mornings of our book exchange from 8:15 to 9:15 am, June 4 & 5
Parent Involvement Program Ends May 31st
Parents, please note that our Parent Involvement Program (PIP) runs through May 31st. All PIP hours need to be fulfilled by May 31st to apply towards this school year. All unfulfilled hours will be billed at $20 each, based on 1/4 hour increments.
Free Piano
A former Hope teacher and current church member has a Kimball Spinet piano that she is willing to give away – just need to pick it up! Contact the school office if you are interested at 206-935-8500 or visit Craigslist for more info.
