WOH For Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019
Learning to be a student! by Jennifer Neafcy, Kindergarten Teacher
We are several weeks into the new school year, and the Kindergarten class has been hard at work! The beginning of Kindergarten can be both exciting and a little intimidating for these new learners. The days are longer and more structured, and the learning activities look different than in preschool. New friends are being made as we introduce children from our two pre-k classes with students brand new to our school. For me, it is an exciting time of the year watching all of it come together!
Children at this age have so much energy, and they need to move their bodies. I’m always looking for new research-based ideas to implement in the classroom to give students that opportunity to move, but still be productive in their learning. Two of these ideas that we use in Kindergarten are flexible seating and brain breaks. Flexible seating allows students to choose where they want to sit and to choose tools to help them focus on their work. Some examples of this are lap desks, scoop rockers, wobble seats, and couches. Students learn how their bodies focus on their work best and are guided to make the choices best for their learning. Brain breaks are used every day and sometimes several times a day. A brain break is either a physical activity or a mind stimulating activity that lasts 1-3 minutes. The purpose of a brain break is to give the brain a “break” from the heavy work in order to be able to refocus on the task at hand. While it may seem like a small thing, it has a huge impact on learning and focus.
If you ever peek into the Kindergarten classroom and see students dancing around, trying to balance on one foot, or lying on the floor while doing independent work, we are working hard to listen to our bodies and to become the best learners that we can.
Tues. 10/1: Chess Scholars Class Canceled Today / 6:30 PM Auction Kick Off Meeting
Wed. 10/2: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Grade 8
Fri. 10/4: Free Dress Day
Tues. 10/8: All Grade School Pictures
Wed. 10/9: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Grade 5
Upcoming October Events
Fun run scheduled for October 4th will be rescheduled – a date is to be determined
Tuesday, October 22 – Kindergarten Information Night – this is intended for current preschool families and prospective families
Hope Auction Kick Off Meeting – Tonight – Tuesday, Oct. 1
Planning for THE most important fundraiser has begun. Come join us tonight for our Auction kick off meeting in the commons at 6:30 PM. Are you a planner? Do you like organizing? Even if you don’t I am sure there is a volunteer opportunity available for you! Volunteers needed to assist with projects, procurement, childcare, check-out, advertising, and many more opportunities for general volunteers. Contact Heather Leaman at pth@hopeseattle.org for more information.
School Pictures – All Grades – Tuesday, Oct. 8
Tuesday, October 8 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 will be sent home today in your yellow envelope and should be brought in on picture day. Our picture ID number with Lifetouch is LS119064Q0. Simplify Picture Day by ordering online at mylifetouch.com. 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 Thurs., November 14.
Lost & Found Items
Our lost and found bin, located in the school lobby, was already over flowing! Thanks to parent volunteer Amy for taking these items, cleaning and organizing in hopes of finding their homes. Please see the album for lost and found: https://photos.app.goo.gl/9Cwyotz5MKgetPHZ9. Items will be available to claim through Monday, October 7th.
Hope School Apparel
Our apparel order is expected to be delivered by October 14th. Items will be sent home with the oldest student in your family. Thank you for your orders.
School Clubs at Hope – Visit Here
Visit our school website for updated information on our school clubs at www.hls.hopeschool.org.
Chess Club & Lego Club – Chess club will meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 3:00-3:45 in the sixth grade classroom upstairs, beginning this Wednesday, October 2. This club is open to K-8 students who play chess or would like to learn chess.
Lego club will meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, also from 3:00-3:45 in the Kindergarten classroom on the main floor of the school, beginning Wednesday, October 9. This club is open to K-5 students and features unstructured Lego play.
Glee Club is has started! This club is offered to students in grades 5th – 8th meeting every Wednesday morning from 7:45 to 8:15 AM.
Middle School Book Club meets on Thursdays 3:00-4:00 p.m. in the View Room. No sign up required. We will read and discuss books from a variety of genres. Led by Hope graduate Eva Tanis-Likkel and Hope teacher Emily Tanis-Likkel. Contact Emily at rev.emilyjoy@gmail.com for more information.
Parent Involvement Program or PIP Opportunities
Join the 60th Anniversary Planning Committee – Meeting Tonight Tuesday, Oct. 1 @ 6:30 PM
Need some PIP hours? The 60th Anniversary Planning Committee could use some extra hands to help with upcoming events and database work. Interested? Email Sally Heit for more information at sheit@hopeseattle.org.
Lunch Room Parent – It’s a great way to connect with kids mid-day, see the lunch room in all its fun and flurry, and it’s a short weekly (or biweekly) commitment from 11:40 am to 12:50 pm. Help our teachers get the mid-day break they need.
Recess Parent – Come play outside! Even in the winter months you can get some Vitamin D and a quick hug on the playground. Hours are 12:00 to 1:05 pm. One day a week or more!