WOH For Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020
Inch by Inch, Year by Year by Julie Hartley, 2nd grade teacher
“I can’t believe how much you’ve grown!” I have found myself saying this (or at least thinking it!) so many times this year that I couldn’t begin to keep track. We are so blessed to be in a tight-knit small school community where the teachers know all of the kids even though they might not be currently in their class. We get to see our students blossom and grow over many years and in many arenas such as sports, drama, art, robotics, and various academic subjects. The power of this really struck me as I watched both of the Christmas concerts we had at Hope before leaving for the winter break. I saw kids who displayed true gifts of musical talent combined with hard work; I remembered fondly how it seems like just yesterday they were little first graders, with their skills and talents just starting to emerge and flicker. Now they are stars whose lights shine brightly for all to see, being brave and confident during their instrumental or singing solos. I was blown away by their performances and was so proud of them, and couldn’t help but beam and say to a few of them, “I knew you back when…” and “look at you now!”
As the coach for Student Council, I find that to be another blessing in my life, for many of the same reasons. I get to lead an incredible group of kids who have grown up so much since being in my class. It’s amazing to see the growth that can take place in even a few short years and I love that I have known many of them since they started here at Hope. Some started out as shy, quiet kids who are now using their voices to confidently share ideas and lead discussions. Others have learned to use their abundant energy to volunteer tirelessly at school events or promote school spirit through fundraisers and spirit dress-up days. It’s especially rewarding when kids do multiple years of Student Council because I love to see their God-given gifts grow even bigger and bolder. Enjoying our school’s close family-like feeling is something I appreciate so much about Hope as a teacher!
As I watch the kids around school grow and learn and change over time, the biggest joy this year has been to be able to “loop” with my class from last year as I moved from teaching first to second grade. What a gift it has been to have already established a foundation and then be able to continue building onto that as we entered our second year together. Everyone showed up in September excited to be reunited with their friends, but without any of the usual anxiety over what a new classroom or teacher might bring. I knew each and every one of them and where their strengths and challenges lie. I was excited to welcome them back and since they already knew the routines and procedures, they were eager and ready to learn right out of the gate. Talk about a smooth transition! After previous experience with looping during my days teaching in public school, I knew what a unique and special situation I had to look forward to and it has truly lived up to my expectations and then some.
As many other teachers do, I have always affectionately referred to my class as “my kids” because we truly are a family. And once you’re my kid, you’re always my kid. In the wise words of Winnie-The-Pooh (a favorite of our previous 2nd grade teacher, Ms. Tagge), “you may be gone from my sight but you will never be gone from my heart.”
Tues. 1/7: 6:30 PM Auction Meeting in Commons
Wed. 1/8: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Mrs. Mueller
Jan. 14 to Jan. 24: Re-Enrollment for Current Families
Tues. 1/14: 6:30 PM Preschool Open House
Wed. 1/15: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Mr. Kopecky
Fri. 1/17: Free Dress Day
Re-Enrollment for Fall 2020 – January 14-24
Re-enrollment will begin January 14th to the 24th for currently enrolled families. You will receive our re-enrollment packet next Tuesday, January 14th in the communication envelope with information on enrolling through K12online. All students will receive a new student number and access key.
On January 27, 2020 we will begin processing new applications from the community. If you have any questions about re-enrollment, please email or call the school office or admissions director at sheit@hopeseattle.org.
Preschool Open House, Tuesday, January 14, 6:30 PM
Invite your friends, neighbors and family members to check out our Preschool Open House on Tuesday, January 14 at 6:30 pm. Hope School offers a 3 year-old and 4 year-old play-based programs with two to five day options and an option for extended care. Bring your little one and see first-hand the learning and fun students have here at Hope.
School Clubs at Hope – Visit Here
LEST Events –Click Here
Information about our LEST event is coming home today in your Tuesday communication envelope. You can visit our event page on the school website or through this link: http://www.cu-portland.edu/admission/lutheran-elementary-school-tournament
Janet Manuta Art Show
Hope Lutheran art director, Janet Manuta, will be showcasing her work at Cupcake Royale through the month of January as part of the West Seattle Art Walk. Her work will be displayed Thursday evening at Cupcake Royale and she will be there so stop by and say hi!
Parent Involvement Program or PIP Opportunities
Lunch & Recess Help Still Needed – Tuesdays & Fridays
Hope Auction – Please consider signing up to make this the best auction yet and EARN PIP!!
Auction Meeting – Tuesday’s at 6:30 PM
Church News & Activities – Click Here
Bible Study – Join The Story in 2020! Have you ever wondered what’s in the Bible or wanted to read it? Join Hope beginning in January 2020 as we begin reading the “Story” together. It is an abridged version of the Bible arranged in a chronological format written to read like a novel. For more information click here. Join the Facebook discussion group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/HLSeattle.TheStory
Purchase your copy of the Story for $5 in the church office during the week or in the Commons on Sunday morning!