WOH Tuesday, December 13, 2022
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WOH December 13, 2022
The Magic of Christmas by Anna Zetzsche, First Grade Teacher
Most of us can close our eyes and remember the magic of Christmas time in elementary school. We would walk in one morning, and the classroom and hallways would be filled with decorations. We could make snowflakes and do Christmas coloring sheets. There would be a big countdown of how many days were left until our break. Candy canes would be given out. We would watch a Christmas movie and drink hot chocolate. There might even be a big Christmas party on our last day of school.
One of the most special things about being a teacher is getting to relive that magic all over again with my students. We experience all those special treats together, and I get to watch as their eyes light up with excitement.
Along with all the fun treats and events in first grade, we also spend a lot of time talking about the importance of giving around the holiday season. While it may not always feel like there’s a lot to give as a first grader, we narrowed it down to several things we could give, even if the piggy bank is running a little low.
We can give the gift of joy! Sometimes giving a smile or cracking a joke is exactly what someone needs during the holidays. Our first graders worked hard to joyfully offer the Christmas program put on by the first through fourth grade. It was something we knew would bring joy to everyone in our families who were able to attend.
We can give the gift of our time. We recently put together booklets of “coupons” to give to someone in our family. Those coupons mostly included ways that we can spend our time to help and give to our family. Some of the ideas that kids had included baking cookies with their mom, pulling the weeds at their house, or watching their dad’s favorite movie with him.
We can give the gift of love. My absolute favorite thing about first graders is the endless reserve of love they have for the people in their lives. Every kid wanted to put a free hug or snuggle into their coupon book for their families. Telling someone we love them – in words or in a card – is one of the best gifts that can be given.
Christmas is a magical time of the year, and if you need to be reminded, just ask any first grader. Maybe you can relive some of your own magical memories through them.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
12/13/22 Sounds of Winter Concert – Grades 5-8 at 7:00 pm*
*PTH will have a photo area set-up in the Commons after the Christmas concerts to help you take a DIY family picture.
12/16/22 Pizza Order Forms Due; Early Dismissal 11:50 am/Noon
12/19/22 – 01/02/23 No School, Christmas Break
1/17/23 General PTH Meeting 6:00 pm- 7:00 pm
2/4/23 7th/8th Grade School Dance
SCHOOL NEWS
Eagle Excellence Fund Supports our Exceptional Educators!
Hope teachers are exceptional! Over the past 2 1/2 years, our teachers showed up to provide in-person learning for students, remained in Seattle when some moved away to less expensive areas, and they continue to give their best to our students day in and day out.
Between now and December 31, 2022 we aim to raise $60,000 for our Eagle Excellence Fund to invest in teacher compensation for our amazing teachers. We have raised $33, 745 towards our goal! We are 56% of the way there, but need your help to get to $60,000. Will you join us by making your best gift? It’s easy to give on our website or by submitting a check to the school office. Thank you for your generosity!
COVID-19 Safety Update
With the anticipated rise in COVID-19 rates as we move into the Christmas season, we are encouraging everyone to consider wearing a face mask at school and at crowded indoor gatherings. This is not a mandate. Hope School is not currently experiencing a high rate of COVID-19 cases, and we really appreciate the continued vigilance of our families. Thank you!
Additionally, all Hope students are going home today with a 2-pack of COVID-19 rapid tests in their yellow envelopes. In an effort to keep all of us safe and healthy, please test your child before returning to school on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. We do not need test results submitted to us; this is just an additional tool for our school safety toolbox. If you would like more rapid tests, just let us know in the school office.
ADMISSIONS
Re-enrollment for Fall 2023 will begin January 16-31, 2023. Current families will re-enroll for the following year through GradeLink and submit the $200 registration fee/child at the end of the registration process. If you need to enroll a sibling new to Hope, please fill out an application for them through this link. This would include students entering preschool or new to the elementary or middle school programs. Beginning February 1st, new applications will be processed and placed into programs, so in order to secure a spot for your child next fall, please make sure to apply or re-enroll them before January 31st.
STUDENT COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Hope Christmas Dress-up Days Coming
The Student Council is excited to sponsor spirit days coming up December 12-16! Show your school and community spirit by dressing up in the theme for each day. Students not wearing spirit day apparel must be in school uniforms except for Dec 16 which is a free dress day.
Dec 12 – Christmas Morning (Christmas pajamas and robes)
Dec 13 – Christmas Tree Toppers and Mistletoes (Christmas socks and tights, hats, headbands, antlers, and that type of thing with school uniform)
Dec 14 – Christmas Colors (Wear Christmas colors)
Dec 15 – Christmas Card Day (Christmas ugly sweaters)
Dec 16 – Christmas Explosion (all Christmas colors, themes, characters, etc.- go all out!)
Santa Grams – Sold Dec. 7-14
The Student Council will be selling Santa Grams Dec. 7-14 before school. Purchase in the school lobby for $1 per Santa Gram. These are special messages that can be given to peers, teachers, or family members. They are then attached to a candy cane and delivered to classrooms on Friday, December 16th. Merry Christmas from your Student Council.
Volunteers Needed! 5/6th grade Basketball Coaches & Track Assistant
We are looking for both a 5/6th grade Boys Basketball coach and a 5/6th Grade Girls Basketball coach; the season runs from mid February through the end of March. We are also looking for individuals with some track experience to join and help the coach in the spring. Please contact Mark Goodspeed at MGoodspeed@hopeseattle.org. Earn PIP hours.
EAST COAST TRIP FUNDRAISING
Pizza Fridays! — Final Orders due for the rest of the school year!
2nd half of the school year pizza order forms are going out today. Please fill out and turn these back into the school office as soon as possible. We must have all forms turned in before the Christmas Holiday Break on December 15, 2022.
This order form is for January 6, 2023 – June 2, 2023. This is for all Fridays where the full school is open. Continue to make Fridays easy and turn in your pizza order form. If you have any questions, please email ectfundraising@hopeseattle.org. We had a great PIZZA FRIDAY turn-out for the first session of orders. THANK YOU!!!! All proceeds from this fundraiser go to the Hope 7th and 8th Grade East Coast Trip! Eat some pizza and support our travelers!!!! Order forms are on the website.
Basketball TO-GO snack packs for all AWAY games!!! Order yours now for easy game day prep for games on the road. A quick snack ready for your player for before or after the game! Please fill out your form and turn into the office by January 4, 2023. ALL Home games at SLHS gym will have a concession stand. See you out on the court! Looking forward to a fun and competitive season! Lets GO EAGLES! All proceeds from this fundraiser go to the Hope 7th and 8th Grade East Coast Trip! Print Order forms from this website. If you have any questions please email ectfundraising@hopeseattle.org
PTH EVENTS
Tues, 1/3/22: Auction Meeting 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm in the Commons.
Tues, 1/17/23: General PTH Meeting – 6:00 pm- 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Earn PIP hours for your attendance.
Sat, 3/4/23: Celebrate Together Auction – the Hall of Fauntleroy
SIGN UP TO HELP WITH THE AUCTION- PIP Hours apply! Sign Up Here.
Classroom Art Project – Volunteers needed
Do you know someone artistic?
We are looking for a parent or family member to help with your child’s classroom art project for the Celebrate Hope Dinner and Auction!
*Please email Diana@tricomwebdesign.com or call 206-579-4222 Diana Palmer
*You’ll enjoy working with all the kids to create a fun and beautiful art piece to be auctioned off at the Spring “Celebrate Hope Dinner and Auction”
HOPE CHURCH EVENTS
Living Water International: Wednesday, 11/16/22, we had a special chapel led by Julie Hill from Living Water International. For the past ten years, our Hope community has raised $$’s every year to build fresh water wells all over the world. Our chapel offerings will be going to support Living Water for the rest of the calendar year. CLICK HERE to learn more about this awesome opportunity to change lives! CLICK HERE if you would like to donate through Hope and choose the “Joy to the World” fund.
Snow Team : As we transition from Fall, Hope is looking for a few more people to join the Snow Team. Volunteers would be responsible for shoveling sidewalks and walkways around Hope as needed. Please contact Jon Johnson. Snow shovel is not required. PIP Hours available.
Upcoming Church Services:
We invite you to join us in the celebration of the world-changing Good News that is coming!
Christmas Eve, December 24th, at 4pm or 5:30pm (contemporary services), or 7pm (traditional service)
Christmas Day, December 25th at 10am
New Year’s Day, January 1st at 10am (combined services)
