WOH Tuesday, March 3, 2020
The New Kid by Erika Alba, First Grade Teacher
She had barely slept the night before, restlessly tossing and turning and exhausted by excitement. She met her family with enthusiasm at breakfast but felt the silent aching pain of uncertainty, as her mind wandered, thinking of what was to come. When she arrived, her hair was neatly parted and she felt proud in her new flower-print shirt. She had new pencils and pens, a new notebook and erasers. She had her lunch and snack packed in her favorite lunchbox. She had everything she needed for the first day of school. What could possibly go wrong? But still… she was the new kid after all.
What if she couldn’t make friends? What if she got lost in the building? Where was the lunch room? Oh no! Was there a lunch room? “Mrs. Hartley! Mrs. Hartley!” she said, rushing into the second grade teacher’s classroom. “I’m sorry to bother you. I should probably already know this being as though school is starting… well… today…. But… uh….is there a lunch room?”
The second grade teacher smiled a kind smile and offered to walk the new first grade teacher to the lunch room. Her calm demeanor and gentle conversation put the new teacher at ease during their walk. The second grade teacher had spent the past month helping the new first grade teacher set up her classroom and answering all of her questions from, “where is the bathroom?” to “how do I work the laminator?” She always came from a place of love and kindness that made the new first grade teacher feel welcome.
You’ve probably guessed by now that the “new kid” is me. As many of you may know, my family and I have recently relocated to West Seattle from Los Angeles, California. Although we relocated with excitement, I left behind a city that I loved and a school that I adored. Naturally, I felt a little nervous about being the “new kid” at a new school. However, what I found from the moment I interviewed at Hope Lutheran School was nothing less than love, kindness and a feeling of being welcome. This support came not only from fellow teachers, but the entire Hope staff. As the school year began, I had the pleasure of getting to know the Hope families and was pleased to find that same warmth and love from Hope families. In the fall, my family and I began attending Hope Lutheran Church, where my entire family was made to feel loved and welcomed.
I can truly say that there is something so very special about the Hope community. It’s difficult to think of another time in my life where I have been made to feel so welcomed. I truly feel loved and supported by our staff, school, and church community. I am truly grateful to be part of this amazing community. And I can honestly say, it’s not so bad being the “new kid.”
Calendar of Events
Fri. 3/6: Free Dress Day
Fri. 3/6: 60th Anniversary Reunion Celebration, 4:30 pm
Sat. 3/7: 60th Anniversary Auction, 5:30 pm
Wed. 3/11: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Mrs. Richardson/5th grade
Fri. 3/13: No School, Teacher Grading Day
Purchase Auction Tickets Now
Purchasing tickets is really very easy! This handy link – https://hopeseattle.ejoinme.org/tickets – will take you straight to the ticket page.
Auction News & Opportunities – Click Here – Next Meeting Tonight March 3 @ 6:30 PM
The last auction newsletter is in your student’s yellow envelope today. It contains event details and parking information. Read it here: Auction Newsletter Vol 7
We are still in need of volunteers to clean up; we need TWO more people!
Visit the sign up genius at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0545ada823aafa7-60th
- Dress code- cocktail attire/date night with sparkle. Wear your bobbles and bits, sequins, strappy shoes or whatever clothing feels sparkly, comfortable and fun for you! After all- it’s a (fundraiser) party!
- Doors and silent auction open at 5:30.
- Tickets will be sold at the door and are still available online (https://hopeseattle.ejoinme.org/tickets)
- Auction ends at 9:00 pm
- After party ends at 10:30 pm
Talent Show Applications due today, March 3
Hear ye, hear ye, all you aspiring thespians, musicians, dancers, and generally goofy people: the much-loved annual Hope Talent Show is coming up in three weeks, on Wednesday, March 25 at 1:15 PM! The Application forms are due TODAY and while we can extend the deadline to this Friday, March 7, 2020, applications must be turned in by then to be in the show. Auditions are March 4, March 10, and March 12. If you have questions please call the office at (206) 935-8500 or email Mrs. Okabayashi at kokabayashi@hopeseattle.org. Application forms can be accessed by clicking here.
School Clubs at Hope – Visit Here
Visit our school website for updated information on our school clubs at hls.hopeschool.org.
Parent Involvement Program or PIP Opportunities
Lunch & Recess Help Still Needed – Tuesdays & Fridays
Hope Auction – Volunteers to help clean up. Earn PIP Hours!
Auction Meeting – Tuesday’s at 6:30 PM
Church News & Activities – Click Here
Mid-Week Lenten Services, Wednesdays at 7:00 P.M. – We gather for a short worship experience featuring traditional hymns, contemporary worship songs, and inspiring messages to take us deeper into Jesus’ amazing love.
Lenten Soup Suppers – Come to the Fellowship Hall at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays evenings for an informal meal of a variety of soups, green salad, and bread. It’s a wonderful way to connect! Wednesday, March 11th will be hosted by your Hope School Teachers and Staff!
Come to the 5th Annual St. Paddy’s Dinner
Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 15th at 5:30 PM. Margaret and Greta will cook a traditional meal and the youth will be serving. This is a fundraiser for the Mexico Mission Trip 2020 (MMT 2020). RSVP online here: http://hopeseattle.org/next-steps/youth/ or follow that link if you can’t make it but would still like to make a donation towards our trip! Thank you for your support and hope to see you at the dinner!