WOH For Tuesday, April 24, 2018
The Fire of Literacy by Mary Norton, 3rd Grade Teacher
I might have a problem. I have books in boxes in the garage, and books in piles in my home, books on bookshelves, and books in the classroom. I even have books in my car. To me, this is not a problem, it is a collection.
There are students in our school that have books in their lockers, boxes, desks, and backpacks. We love books. But are we literate? Literacy is the ability to read and write. Literacy looks different at different stages and ages. The pre-reader is beginning to recognize shapes as letters and letters as words. The primary learner is putting sounds, words, and pictures into stories and ideas. The older learner can explain complex ideas and multilayered stories.
Third grade is an exciting time for a student author. They begin to think about characters, settings, and adventures. Ideas come from books, life events, movies, and screens. We get to spend time researching topics and people. We explore new worlds with imaginative creatures in our stories. We write about feelings, we think about our thinking. Third grade is about making mistakes in our writing and rewriting.
Third grade is an exciting time for a reader. Most of the decoding skills are learned and practiced. New ideas and worlds open the mind and imagination. Many third graders discover the kind of book/stories that capture their imagination. We read fiction and nonfiction. We read fantasy and realistic stories. We read current authors and relish the classics. The struggling readers and writers gain confidence through practice.
We are literate. We practice. We imagine. We write. We discuss. We read.
On May 1 we will celebrate literacy with an Author’s Night. Visit your child’s classroom to read and enjoy the stories, poems, and ideas created by our students. And if you ever need a book to read or a book recommendation…just ask. I might have it.
“The fire of literacy is created by the sparks between a child, a book, and the person reading.” –Mem Fox
Upcoming Save the Dates
Academic Fair “Authors Night” – Tuesday, May 1 @ 7:00 PM
Last PTH Meeting – Wed., May 9 @ 6:00 PM
Teacher Appreciation Week – May 7-11
Grandparents Day – Wed., May 16 @ 8:30 to 11:30 AM
Tract Meet No School for 5-8 Grades – Tues. May 22
Calendar of Events – Click Here
Wed. 4/25: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Grade 5
Tues. 5/1: 7:00 PM Academic Fair – Authors Night
Wed. 5/2: 8:40 AM Chapel led by
Fri. 5/4: Free Dress Day – See reminder below for Free Dress
Academic Fair “Authors Night” – May 1
Everyone is invited to join us this night at 7:00 PM for our annual Academic Fair.
An event for the whole family! Families are strongly encouraged to visit each classroom together so that everyone may enjoy the projects. Attending the Academic Fair is not required however strongly encouraged so that each student as an opportunity to shine. Look forward to seeing you!
Free Dress Days
Parents, please help your students follow free dress expectations and to use good judgment in the choice of their apparel. As stated in the school handbook, these guidelines apply to all free dress days;
- Clothing should not reveal underwear or undergarments.
- No skin tight or revealing items such as yoga pants or leggings.
- No spaghetti straps or tank tops.
- Shorts and skirts should be no shorter than the student’s fingertip length when arms are extended.
PIP Opportunities – Click Here
Our PTH storage closet needs some shelving. We are looking for someone to measure, build (or purchase) and install shelving in the closet so that it can be better organized.
Our track team needs your help! If any parents (in need of PIP hours or not) who are free Monday and Thursday afternoons (and maybe a Tuesday or two) through May (3:15 – 4:45), Hope’s track team is in need of more adult helpers during practices. Our head coaches are Kelsey Clark and Rod Briggs. This might involve engaging learning runners, transporting equipment to Hiawatha, and helping with non-running events. Contact Kelsey Clark at kclark@hopeseattle.org or Tim Allen at tallen@hopeseattle.org. Home track meet is May 22nd and always needs extra volunteers!
PTH Board 2018-2019
There are (only) 2 months left of school, but it is never too soon to start planning for volunteering during next school year. Parents and Teachers of Hope (PTH) are looking to fill three board positions for next school year:
- President
- 2 Members at Large
For your successful service in an officer position, you will earn 100% of your PIP requirement for the school year. If you are interested or have questions, please contact PTH President Sonjia Barker at sonjiabarker@hotmail.com.
School Clubs – Click Here
Financial Aid Information for 2018-19 Academic Year – Deadline April 30
We partner with School and Student Services (SSS) for our financial aid process each year. Instructions for applying for financial aid at Hope Lutheran School are available by visiting sss.nais.org/parents. Our school’s SSS code is 179833. Due date for completing the Parents Financial Statement to SSS is April 30, 2018.
Hope Lutheran School Open Positions 2018-2019
Hope Lutheran School in beautiful West Seattle, Washington, has several job opportunities for the 2018-2019 school year:
- Physical Education Teacher – full-time position working with K-8 students
- Preschool Lead Teacher – Part-time position teaching prek students in morning only program Monday through Thursday, with a Friday option
- Preschool Assistant Teacher – Part-time position assisting lead teacher in prek morning classroom Monday through Thursday
- Before and/or After School Care Teacher for K-5 students
- Recess Supervisor – typical hours Monday through Friday noon to 1:15
Qualifications: Candidates must hold a strong personal faith and a servant heart, and must be professional and strong communicators. Hope staff must be understanding of and supportive of the ministry of Hope Lutheran Church and School. Experience preferred. All positions begin August 22, 2018. Visit Hope’s website at http://hopeluthstg.wpengine.com/home/about/job-opportunities/for more information, job descriptions and an application form, or call the school office at (206) 935-8500. Applicants should submit a resume and application to Hope School Principal at kokabayashi@HopeSeattle.org /mail by May 13, 2018.
Church News & Activities – Click Here
VBS is July 23 -27, 2018 – Register here