WOH, Tuesday April 23, 2024
“Oh The Places You’ll Go”
Embracing Change and New Beginnings by Sara Kunkel, 8th grade Teacher
As I look back on my time teaching at Hope, I find myself reflecting on the journey we’ve
shared. It’s been 11 years filled with laughter, learning, and growth—marked by both
challenges and triumphs, obstacles and growth. And now, as we stand on the brink of new beginnings, I am reminded of the timeless wisdom found in Dr. Seuss’s “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.”
In this beloved children’s book, Dr. Seuss takes readers on a whimsical journey through life’s ups and downs. He describes life’s changes as a journey into the unknown with “your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet” headed down “long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace.” Through playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, he imparts invaluable lessons about resilience, courage, and the beauty of embracing change. As this chapter at Hope Lutheran School nears an end, I can’t help but draw parallels to our experiences shared.
Life is often characterized as a story with many chapters—a winding path filled with unexpected twists and turns. Just as Dr. Seuss’s story encounters obstacles and challenges along the way, so have we all faced difficulties. From navigating the complexities of academics to making daily decisions about friendships, passions and values, each of us has embarked on a journey of growth and self-discovery.
As a teacher, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the journey I’ve shared with countless middle school students and families. From the first day of school photos with embarrassed students to emotional graduation ceremonies, I have watched students grow and evolve into remarkable individuals. Students’ resilience, courage, and unwavering determination inspire me every day. As we embark on this next chapter of our lives, I have no doubt that we will all continue to shine brightly and make a positive impact on the world around us.
In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of being a teacher at Hope. As we set forth on our next great adventures, remember to embrace life’s changes with open hearts and open minds Have courage, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in your own potential. “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so… get on your way!” Dr. Seuss
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Tues, April 23: ECT Spaghetti Dinner; 6-7pm; Fellowship Hall
Tues, April 23: Academic Fair at 7:00 PM
Fri, April 26: 7th & 8th grade Dance; 7:30-9:30pm (See PIP sign-up link below)
Tues, April 30: Financial Assistance Applications Due
Tues, April 30: Cheerleading Parent Info Session; 6-7pm; Commons
Sunday, May 5th- 10th: Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week (see PIP sign-up link below)
Fri, May 31: PIP Hour submissions due
SCHOOL NEWS
Financial Assistance for 2024
Applications for financial assistance are due April 30th. More information and applications can be accessed through this link.
Tuition Contracts will be EMAILED April 5th with DocuSign to both parents. Please review and fill out the tuition agreement by April 19th. A parent from each household needs to fill out a contract. Signing the tuition agreement will enroll your child(ren) for Fall 2024. All families must re-enroll in Blackbaud unless you are paying tuition in full by July 1st. If you have any questions, please email Sally Heit.
2024-2025 Blackbaud Fee Increase
As of the 2024-2025 school year, Blackbaud’s Annual Admin Fee will increase to $56.00 across all payment plans and credit card users will see fees increase to 3.12%.
Spaghetti Dinner: Tuesday, April 23; 6-7pm TONIGHT!
Let us do the cooking! Come join your friends and classmates for a delicious dinner before visiting the classrooms for the Academic Geography Fair. The East Coast Trip Group is doing the cooking and preparation as a fundraiser. Tickets can still be purchased at the door tonight for $12/ticket. Dinner will include spaghetti (with or without meatballs), garlic bread, salad, beverage and dessert.
Academic Fair – Tuesday April 23 at 7:00 PM TONIGHT!
It has been fun seeing all of the Academic Night Geography projects come in. We are looking forward to sharing our students’ hard work with all of you tonight. Come join us, learn something new and enjoy the Fair!
Hope School Staff Openings
Hope has several exciting teaching opportunities for the coming school year to work in our vibrant and nurturing learning environment! You may click on the links below for job descriptions.
- First Grade Teacher – full-time position teaching a class of up to 24 elementary students in all core subjects
- Fourth Grade Teacher – full-time position teaching a class of up to 24 elementary students in all core subjects
- Fifth Grade Teacher – full-time position teaching a class of up to 24 elementary students in all core subjects
- Middle School Specialist – part-time position teaching either language arts or history to 3 middle school classes
- Pre-Kindergarten Lead Teacher – full-time position teaching prek students
- Pre-Kindergarten Assistant Teacher – full-time position assisting in teaching prek students
Applicants should fill out the Application for Employment online and submit a resume to office@hopeseattle.org by May 13, 2024 for first consideration. Please call the school office at (206) 935-8500 with any questions.
Chapel Offerings – Only $90.87 more needed to purchase a heifer! One week left!
The chapel offering is collected during our weekly Wednesday chapels. Students will find offering envelopes in the weekly Yellow Envelopes.
For the months of March and April, offerings will go to Heifer International. Heifer International is on a mission to end hunger and poverty in a sustainable way by supporting and investing alongside local farmers and their communities. It begins with a seed investment of livestock or agriculture, followed by mentorship to help project participants build a business, and ultimately gain access to supply chains and markets. Some of the livestock that can be purchased are heifers, goats, sheep, chicks, and honeybees. We have set a goal of $500 to purchase a heifer. Any additional offerings will be used to purchase additional animals.
Summer Camp 2024 Registration
Summer Camp 2024 is open from June 24 through July 26, 2024. Families can sign up for multiple camps by the week, fill out forms and pay camp fees beginning today, Tuesday, 3/5. Camp hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Weekly themes listed below. Sign ups will go fast so do not delay in getting your forms in.
Registration activation link open!
- June 24 – 28 Art (also VBS Week)
- July 1 -5 (7/4 closed) Sports Week
- July 8 – 12 Animal Week
- July 15 – 19 Drama Week
- July 22 – 26 Science Week
ADMISSIONS
Preschool Admissions: We have a few half day spots available in each of our preschool classrooms and space in our new Transitional Kindergarten program. If you know of friends looking for half day preschool or considering transitional kindergarten please refer them to Sally Heit for a tour and more information.
We also have spots available in elementary and middle school.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
Payment Portal
Sports, Milk and Bible Link- https://bngn.blackbaud.school/?id=xnxrcid4vjy
SCHOOL EVENTS
Hope Praying Parent Group: Thursdays, 2:30-3:00 pm
Can you come a little early before pickup and join us as we pray for our Hope students and teachers? You don’t have to be an expert at praying out loud to come. You can listen and pray silently as well. We will gather in the sanctuary to pray. Questions contact patramueller@hopeseattle.org.
4th & 5th Grade Bible Club will meet on Thursday morning, May 2 & May 16 at 7:55-8:20 am in the View Room.
2024 Summer Art Camps are being offered at Hope North. All rising first through sixth graders from all schools are welcome to attend. Dates: July 8-11 and July 15-18. We may also offer a third week of art camp in August at Holy Rosary – stay tuned! Each camp offers a totally new and unique set of projects. These camps are taught by Lacey Reuter. More info and registration here: www.rainbowparrotart.com
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Important Notice about 2023-2024 PIP Hours – Please Read!
We have entered our final trimester of the year and the school year will be over before you know it. It is time to check on your PIP hours.Unfulfilled hours will be billed at $30/hour. All PIP hours for the 2023-2024 year must be completed and entered into Gradelink by 5/31/24. If you have any questions, please contact the school office here.
PIP hours – we need volunteers to run the concession stand at the Hope sponsored Track Meet on May 21st. It will be held at the West Seattle stadium. Please contact Mark Goodspeed for further information.
See the PTH events below for more PIP opportunities.
PTH Events and PIP Opportunities:
7th and 8th Grade School Dance – Fri, April 26, 7:30-9:30pm
We need lots of volunteers to make this happen .Get your PIP hours and sign up today: Hope 7th and 8th Grade Dance Volunteer Sign-Up
Hope Lutheran’s 7th and 8th grade School Dance. Theme: 80’s and 90’s Throwback. It will be held at the Menashe Family Gym at Hope North. Tickets are $20/each. There will be a DJ, photo booth, glow necklaces, light snack and refreshments included in the admission fee.
Please Sign-up to helpTeacher and Staff Appreciation Week Sign- Up
Sunday, May 5th: Door Decorating from 12pm- 4pm
Monday, May 6th – Friday, May 10th: Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week
CHURCH EVENTS
A NEW CLASS ON PRAYER entitled The Prayer Course is being offered on Wednesday nights and Thursday mornings beginning 4/17 & 4/18. Everyone is welcome! Sign up at https://hopeseattle.org/link-hope
Wednesday Night CONNECT has resumed from 6:00-8:00 pm with Dinner and Programs for all ages.
CLUB45: Wednesdays during CONNECT, All 4th and 5th grade students are invited to participate in this fun evening including dinner, Bible study and games. Questions of would you like to help?
Contact patramueller@hopeseattle.org.
Vacation Bible School- June 24-28. Registration is now open for participants entering 1st-4th grade in the fall, as well as Middle school volunteers. Click here.
SUNDAY NIGHT BASKETBALL for adults started Sunday, April 7th at 6 PM. Stop by the Hope North Gym for a pick up game or to just shoot around. Questions, contact David Knittel or the church office.