WOH, Tuesday January 14, 2025
Teaching Art or Teaching to Think Like an Artist? by Luz Bratcher, Art Specialist
Last summer, I stumbled upon a video that profoundly impacted me as an art educator. It was a TEDxTalk by Cindy Foley, Director of the Grand Rapids Museum, entitled Teaching Art or Teaching to Think Like an Artist? She delves into the role of art as a fertile ground for learners who are creative, curious, persistent in seeking questions, unafraid to develop ideas, and play—rather than limiting creativity to just artistic skill. It made me reflect on the number of adults I know who claim they’re not creative—usually meaning “they can’t draw.” Meanwhile, the World Economic Forum’s The Future of Jobs Report 2025 noted that “creative thinking and resilience, flexibility and agility…along with curiosity and lifelong learning” are some of the key skills needed for our future economy to thrive. While not everyone may develop artistic abilities, the skills employed by artists are absolutely for everyone.
In our art classroom, this means transitioning to an open studio model this month. This model is designed to cultivate an environment where creativity thrives beyond traditional artistic boundaries. By allowing students to choose their projects and materials, we’re encouraging them to explore their interests and develop problem-solving skills in a hands-on manner. This approach not only nurtures artistic talents but fosters a mindset geared towards innovation and adaptability.
Here’s what it looks like: students will now focus on exploring art materials and open-ended play. They can choose from two tables with medium-specific themes, like drawing and painting, and two tables for material exploration like textiles, fiber arts, and sculpture. We begin our class time with a demonstration, which could introduce a new medium, an artist, or skill-building (such as threading a needle, safely using a glue gun, or cutting cardboard easily). Our students work on projects of their choosing for the day or over weeks. I’ve also introduced “studio management” (i.e., tidying up the classroom) to help empower students to care for their tools and our beautiful art space. Initial complaints have faded since all our pens and markers now work!
Let’s create a vibrant learning environment where everyone can discover the joy of thinking like artists. Your involvement is key to fostering creativity as an essential skill for success in life. Thank you for being part of our artistic community!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Tues, 1/14 6:30pm: Preschool & TK Open House (main campus)
Tues, 1/14 – PTH Auction Meeting from 6:30pm – 7:30pm in the View Room.
Now – 2/23 – Aloha Auction Ticket Sale (link below)
Thurs, 1/16: ParentEd Talk from 12–1 p.m. Navigating Neurodiversity: Strength-Based Support for ADHD Kids
Fri, 1/17: PS/TK Conferences; No school for PS & TK only (FD & HD). ESC Open
Mon, 1/20: No School; MLK, Jr. Day; all closed
Tues, 1/21: Re-enrollment for current families opens
Tues, 1/21: Second PTH General Meeting in the Sanctuary from 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Weds, 1/22 – Post ParentEd Talk Discussion via Zoom at 7:00pm (link below)
Sun, 1/26 – Fri, 1/31 National Lutheran Schools Week
Weds, 1/29 8:15 am – 8:40am: PTH hosted: Donuts with Grownups in the Commons
Thurs 2/13-Fri 2/14: No School; LEST/Midwinter Break (HD closed; TK, FD and ESC open)
Mon 2/17-Wed, 2/19: No School; Midwinter Break (all closed)
SCHOOL NEWS
Admissions
Re-enrollment for Fall 2025 will start on January 21st for all preschool to grade 8 students. Information on how to re-enroll will be sent home in the yellow envelope January 21.
We are excited to offer preschool parents up to 48 full time spots in preschool and PK next year as well as 16 in transitional kindergarten. We encourage you to share with friends who also might be looking for full day preschool or transitional kindergarten and invite them to tour our program or attend our Preschool and TK open house January 14th at 6:30 pm. Applications are due January 31.
Preschool parents, don’t forget to schedule a conference with your child’s teacher for January 17th.
If you have a student who will be NEW to Hope in Fall 2025, please fill out an application. If you have a CURRENT student, please fill out the re-enrollment tab when logged into GradeLink beginning January 21. DO NOT fill out a new application.
Lost and Found
Please check out this Lost and Found link for any of your student(s) items:
Lost and Found Link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jUGRJtg30bS_FVjbd6HQpLj1bE7ZE1uo/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101271320301846275735&rtpof=true&sd=true
All items will be at the school.Thank you for claiming your item(s). Unclaimed items will be donated after noon on Friday, 1/31/25!
Chapel offerings for the months of January and February are being designated to the Pacific Southwest District of the Lutheran Church for wildfire relief in Southern California. Donations will be given to the emergency relief fund that assists the churches, schools, people, and community to support those in need. We thank you for your continued chapel offerings to help those in need in our local community and beyond.
Attendance and Hope North Campus Info:
If your student will be absent or tardy for any reason, please email office@hopeseattle.org. The information will be checked by both campuses.
Main campus direct phone line: 206-935-8500
North campus direct phone line: 206-590-2545
IMPORTANT LINKS:
School Milk – Milk and Bible Link
SCHOOL EVENTS
Thank you to our Awesome PTH for the Science on Wheels experience provided to our students last week. The kids loved the hands-on activities in the Fellowship Hall, as well as the in classroom workshops. We are so blessed to have such an active and generous PTH!
MAP Testing
K-8 will be MAP testing the weeks of January 20th and January 27th. If possible, please try to plan any appointments around this schedule.
NATIONAL LUTHERAN SCHOOLS WEEK is coming January 26-31! Students will participate in all kinds of special activities including an online Mission Trip to Kenya! We will kick off the week at our worship services on Sunday, January 21. Preschool students are invited to sing at the 8:30 am worship service, and students in grades K-5 are invited to sing at the 10:30 am service. K-5 students that come to sing will receive a free dress pass from Mrs. Okabayashi. Mark your calendars and join us for this special celebration!
Bible Study for Moms: Thursdays, 8:30-10:00 am in the Youth Room. Everyone is welcome. Stop by for coffee from 8:30-9:00. Contact Amy Kopecky at akopecky@hopeseattle.org.
Fourth and Fifth Grade Morning Bible Club will meet on Thursday mornings, January 16 & January 30 at 7:50 am in the Club Room, contact patramueller@hopeseattle.org.
Club 45 will meet on Wednesday evenings, January 22 and February 26, 6:30-8:00pm at the North campus. Questions or if you would like to help out, contact patramueller@hopeseattle.org.
PARENTS & TEACHERS OF HOPE (PTH)
Tues, Jan 14th – PTH Auction Meeting from 6:30pm – 7:30pm in the View Room. Come help us plan our auction and earn your PIP hours! (Auction will be on March 8, 2025) There are many opportunities to work from home as well. The Auction Committee meets on Tuesdays (unless otherwise posted).
Now till Feb 23rd – Aloha Auction tickets on sale
The Aloha Auction will be on March 8, 2025. Regular ticket pricing of $90.00 per ticket https://hopeseattle.ejoinme.org/aloha_tickets
Tuesday, January 21st: PTH General Meeting 6:30pm – 7:30pm in the School Sanctuary
Please join your PTH Board, room parents, teachers and staff for our second PTH General Meeting. We will be sharing information about the upcoming events and volunteer opportunities which you don’t want to miss. Earn PIP hours for attending. Hope to see you there!
Aloha Auction Donations: We are looking for the donation of items and experiences that YOU would be excited to bid on: vacation homes, theater tickets, hotel stays, sporting event tickets, hosting buy-in parties, restaurant gift cards, connections to winery’s and/or breweries. Before reaching out to a business for a donation, please email pth@hopeseattle.org Please use link for information about how to donate https://hopeseattle.ejoinme.org/aloha_itemdonation Please submit your donation form no later than Friday, January 31st, 2025.
Aloha Auction Sponsorship: Consider becoming a sponsor of the Aloha Auction to elevate your impact and gain valuable community visibility. Sponsorship opportunities include unique benefits such as VIP seating, branded event recognition, and year-round exposure. Please use the link for information about Sponsorship Opportunities https://hopeseattle.ejoinme.org/aloha_sponsorship Please submit your donation form no later than Friday, January 31st, 2025.
ParentEd Talks:
Join us for the upcoming FREE ParentEd Talks – a dynamic series of parent education webinars featuring renowned parenting experts, these 12 virtual sessions will dive into essential topics such as building resilience, navigating screen time, fostering independence and youth mental health. Register for the entire series now, then join any live talk throughout the year. Plus, you’ll receive access to the event recordings to watch anytime, anywhere. To redeem your complimentary tickets ($120 value), sign up here and enter promo code HOPELUTSCH.
Thurs, Jan. 16, 2025 12–1 p.m. ParentEd Talk:Navigating Neurodiversity: Strength-Based Support for ADHD Kids ParentEd Talk with Dr. Ned Hallowell, psychiatrist and New York Times best-selling authorLive Q&A webinar streamed on Zoom.
ADHD kids: Unique brains, amazing power. Join ParentMap and Hope School on Jan. 16 as we speak with groundbreaking ADHD psychiatrist, researcher and best-selling author Ned Hallowell, M.D. Learn to navigate neurodiversity with the strengths-based approach necessary to help your kid (and family) finally thrive.
In this live ParentEd Talk, Dr. Hallowell will explore:
The latest brain science on ADHD, Strategies to help kids with ADHD, dyslexia and other syndromes harness their strengths, Tips to identify and celebrate kids’ unique talents and How to tap into creative outlets for growth
Post ParentEd Talk Discussion Group with Hope Parents (Jan. 22nd at 7:00pm)
Have you been tuning into the ParentEd Talks? Have you enjoyed them? Learned valuable pieces of information or knowledge to help you in your parenting journey?
We are providing an opportunity for you to discuss these past ParentEd Talks with each other on January 22nd at 7 pm via Zoom. Password: sweet.
Hope parent, Jacquelyn Phillips is hosting this discussion on Zoom. This is a great opportunity to share ideas, comments, and experiences with other parents about these parenting topics.
Previous ParentEd Talks:
10/15- The Anxious Generation
11/16- Level Up
11/19- Raising Digital Natives
12/4 – All in a Day’s Play: Boosting Brain Power Through Play
1/16 – Navigating Neurodiversity: Strength-Based Support for ADHD Kids
PTH 2024-2025 Volunteer Sign up List and Event Calendar
Your PTH has been busy planning events and need your help! Many hands make light work! Let’s work together to create and help make this year a fun one! Start planning your volunteer/ PIP hours early. Please use the link and review the upcoming events you would like to help with. Your PTH will contact you with more details. Thank you!
PTH 2024-2025 Volunteer Sign up List and Event Calendar (Dates and Times subject to change – please see WOH for details and updates)
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES (PIP hours apply!)
Please see volunteer opportunities under PTH events also.
Art Classroom Volunteers: No art experience is needed—just an open mind. You’ll learn something new, expand your creativity, and have fun while fulfilling your PIP hours. To get involved, email me to coordinate a schedule that works for you. lbratcher@hopeseattle.org
Lunch volunteers needed for K-5 on Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:45am – 12:30pm. Please contact Mrs. Shelver at office@hopeseattle.org
Lunch/Recess helpers still needed for middle school:
We are looking for volunteers to help out at the middle school lunch and recess. All days need covering, with the exception of Thursdays. We are looking for volunteers who can help out once or twice a week from 12:20-1:00 pm. Please email Ms Mead at smead@hopeseattle.org.
CHURCH NEWS
Join us for worship on Sundays at 8:30am for Traditional Worship and 10:30 for Contemporary Worship with Children’s Church and a staffed nursery. For more information about Hope Church Click here
Marriage Enrichment Event – Friday, January 31, 6:30-9:00 pm in the Commons. Childcare provided. Everyone is welcome. CLICK HERE for details and register.
