WOH for Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015
Orange Ruler Fun Run by Heather Paar, Parents and Teachers of Hope (PTH) Board Member
If you are new to Hope, as I was last year, you may be surprised to find that the first fundraiser is underway even before we have finished the first month of school. The same questions that came from my husband’s mouth, may undoubtedly be passing through your mind: “Why do we pay tuition?” “Why can’t the tuition cover those expenses?” And so on. I’m still waiting to meet the parent who is eagerly looking forward to the next round of magazine sales. Instead, we all cajole our colleagues, neighbors, and grandparents to buy some more wrapping paper, cookies, or in this case, just write a check. When the Fun Run happened last year, I found myself struggling with the pitch. It sounded something like this: “Oh hey, my daughter just started kindergarten at this really awesome school, and they are raising money for a bus…No, I don’t know if they actually have a bus, or maybe it’s just an old one? No one rides to school on the bus, so I’m not really sure…..maybe you could just give $5-10, so her class can win a cool prize? I think there are sno-cones on the line…”
Fast forward one year- I’m now on the PTH Board. I have learned that the Orange Ruler Fun Run was a big win last year. Kids had fun and funds were successfully raised. (Apparently older kids had a better pitch than we did.) Fear not new parent. I’m here to help. Why on earth do we need to have all these fundraisers? Because our kids thrive at Hope. Enriching their learning and schooling beyond what our basic tuition can cover is a win for all of us. From funds for teachers and administration to purchase extra supplies to fellowship events- Back to School BBQ, Grandparents Day, Class Parties, Eight Grade Reception, to special assemblies- PTH makes it happen. When the Yearbook Elective class asks if they can have extra funds for better and newer camera equipment, we can say “Yes!” When I look at the amazing ceramic mask that my kindergartener made while studying the Story of Creation in the Artist in Residence program last year, I remember, “Yes! PTH made that happen.”
They say sometimes it’s the “little things” that count. The PTH painstakingly fundraises each year to add those “little things” that so enrich our children’s school experience. Oh yeah, and that one big thing too- THE BUS. It’s a big expense, and we still need to save a bit more for it, but this year we’re focusing on all those “little things” that add up too.
The awesome news about the Orange Ruler Fun Run- no unhealthy products to sell, no kitchen gadgets you didn’t know you wanted. Our kids get excited about working together, supporting their school, and moving their bodies. Expect your kiddos to come home today excited after the kick-off assembly. They have 2 weeks to work to become the top-earning class, and then everyone will celebrate in the school-wide fun run. Come and join us and cheer on our kids!
Calendar of Events
Today: 2:15 PM Fun Run Kickoff Assembly
Wed. 9/30: 8:40 AM Chapel w/Mrs. Norton 3rd Gr.
Fri. 10/2: Free Dress Day / 1:00 PM Fall Olympics
Mon. – Fri. 10/5 – 10/9: Scholastic Book Fair
Wed. 10/7: 8:40 AM Chapel w/Mr. Allen 6th Gr. Class
Thur. & Fri. 10/8 & 10/9: No School / Parent Teacher Conferences / ESC “XTRA” Open
After School Clubs – Volunteers Needed
For the past several years, we have had staff, parents, or high school students volunteer to provide after school study hall and chess club leadership. This year, our teachers are involved in other volunteer activities and our high school students graduated and are in college. We would like to continue to offer after school study hall in addition to our middle school elective, along with chess club either weekly or monthly. If you are able to help with either of these, please contact the school office. PIP hours apply!
Chapel Offering
Tomorrow’s chapel offering will be our last week of donations to the victims of the Eastern Washington fires. Thank you students and families for bringing in money to donate, and we will let you know how much we were able to give. Beginning next week and for the month of October, our chapel offerings will be donated to Church World Service (CWS), in conjunction with CROPWALK which will be coming up on Sunday, October 4. The CROP Hunger Walk is a community event to help end hunger in the greater Seattle area and also globally, sponsored by CWS. All donations will go to help provide food and water to those who need it, as well as resources that empower people to meet their own needs. For more information, visit their website here.
School Pictures – October 13
Tuesday, October 13, will be picture day! We will offer students the choice to wear uniforms or “Classy Dress”. Please help your child select clothing they would like to wear for their picture, following the free dress day guidelines. Order forms can be found in your Tuesday envelope next week and should be brought in on picture day. Our picture ID number with Lifetouch is LS115363Q0. Simplify Picture Day by ordering online here. No need to send cash or flyer back to school when you order online. See more options available online and you can use a credit card or PayPal on their secure site.
Preschool 3s Wednesday – Friday only students will have picture day on Thursday, November 19.
Spring 2017 East Coast Trip News
Families of 6th and 7th grade students – we have placed the link to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Hope School website for your convenience, in case you have questions as we get ready to kick off our fundraising and planning for the spring 2017 trip.
Pizza & Teriyaki Lunches – Deadline Thursday, 10/1
Parents please note that we will not be able to accept any more orders for Pizza and Teriyaki after this Thursday, October 1st. Next chance to order for the 2nd half of the school year will be in January. Thank you for your support of our 2017 East Coast trip!
Parent Involvement Program – PIP Volunteer Opportunities
Auction volunteers needed –Thank you everyone who attended the Great Gatsby Gala kick off meeting last Wednesday! If you were unable to attend you can find a recap of the meeting in your yellow envelope or on our event page. We need everyone’s help to make this event a success! PIP hours apply. Contact co-chairs Sarah Nicol and Sally Heit for questions or to volunteer.
Lunch and recess volunteers still needed – contact Mrs. Wallace at swallace@hopeseattle.org or (206) 935-8500.
Office Assistance – help is needed to put together our directory this week. If you have an hour or two to spare please call Mrs. Wallace at 206-935-8500.
Book Fair Volunteers Needed: Dates: October 5-9, 2015
Help is still needed to make our Book Fair a memorable reading celebration. We appreciate your support in whatever form it takes.
Contact: Shari Wallace 206 935 8500 or swallace@hopeseatte.org or here to sign up.
Join ParentMap and the Seattle Mariners for BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT Friday, October 2nd, 7:10p.m. – Oakland A’s vs. Seattle Mariners – Deadline To Purchase: Thursday, October 1 – 5:00 p.m. Let’s make the summer last just a little bit longer and celebrate Back to School Night with the Mariners. Bring out your family to Safeco Field and watch the Mariners take on the A’s! All fans take home a team poster, plus there will be prizes, surprises and more throughout the game for Fan Appreciation Night! Tickets are only $12 View Level by visiting their link here and entering the promo code: SCHOOL
