Proud Principal by Kristen Okabayashi
As a principal, my job is challenging at times but always interesting and rewarding, and NEVER boring! There are some moments that really make me feel like I have the best job in the world. I don’t want to brag, but at the same time I want you all to realize that we have some AMAZING kids at Hope!
One of those moments came a couple weeks ago, when our cross country team traveled to a meet on Bainbridge Island. Our team finished strong and had a great performance, but what I was so proud about is that several other coaches and adults at the meet commented on how supportive and encouraging our team was. And not just to Hope runners, but to everyone! I was told that a group of Hope girls on our team was cheering loudly for every runner who came through the finish line. This warms my heart!
Another proud principal moment happens almost on a daily basis, as a small group of our 8th grade boys consistently stacks up the lunchroom chairs that have not been put away, without anyone asking them or giving them any type of reward besides the occasional “thank you”. In some ways, middle schoolers probably have the most challenging reputation of any age group, and yet I am here to tell you that these young men serve willingly and joyfully every day.
Yet another moment happened for me watching our students in chess club. To begin with, chess club is led by a student from Seattle Lutheran High School, Mark Brumberg, who has a heart for both chess and service, and so he dedicates his time every Monday afternoon to help our kids learn chess. Open to all ages and abilities, it is a treat to watch our students encourage one another while they learn and teach each other how to play chess.
While our students are not perfect, just like we as adults are not, we have many joy filled moments as staff here at Hope, and so I wanted to share just a few with you. Have a great week!
Believe PTH Fundraiser
Packets are coming home TODAY, Monday, November 10th.
With your help, PTH (Parents and Teachers of Hope) would like to raise $5,000 for programs and projects for the school and children through our Believe fundraiser. We are asking every family to participate. Please sell at least 10 items so we will hit our goal. We are counting on these funds for the benefit of each and every child. This funding does not come from other sources so your participation is critical. Thank you for your help & support!
How to Participate: Sell or purchase 10 or more items. Complete order form & collect money as you sell. Return orders to the school office by Tuesday, November 25th. Make Checks Payable To: Hope Lutheran PTH
What You Get: Participants can win lots of prizes from the prize envelope and online! Check out www.BelievePrizes.com and enter to win 100’s of awesome prizes!
Contact Kacie Christensen with any questions or if you would like assist with this fundraiser at chriskaciec@hotmail.com.
Calendar of Events
Tues. 11/11: No School & ESC Closed – Veterans Day
Wed. 11/12: 8:40 AM Chapel – Led by Pastor Peter – Parents Welcome to Attend
Thur. 11/13: 9:00 to 11:00 AM – Preschool 3 Pictures and Re-Take Day
Tues. 11/18: Quarter 1 Report Cards Sent Home / 6:30 PM All Grade Open House
LEST Reminder
This is a reminder to students in grades 5-8 to turn in your LEST registration forms whether you plan to attend or not. We are sending home another form today to students we have not heard back from. Thank you!
School Picture Portraits – Retake Day Thurs. Nov. 13
If you are not satisfied with your child’s portrait, return your portraits ON RETAKE DAY and Lifetouch will re-photograph free of charge.
Christmas/Spring Musical Important Date Change
For a variety of reasons, we have an important calendar change this year: we will offer a Christmas Musical for grades 1-5 on Tuesday, December 9 at both 1:30 PM and 7:00 PM. We will not have a Spring Musical on May 13 although we will still host Grandparents Day that day. Families of Grades 1-5 students, please make a note of this change.
Peanut Allergies Reminder
This is a reminder to refrain from sending anything with nuts for lunches. While students in some classes may bring an item with nuts for snack time if your child’s teacher says that is okay, if you choose to send these items, your child must know it is for snack time only and not to bring it or open it at lunch. We have had several students recently bring items with nuts to lunch. This includes candy with nuts, most granola bars, or anything with nuts. Again, we have more than one severely allergic child so we appreciate your support on this!
Lost and Found
We are in the process of cleaning and sorting all of our lost and found items from the first quarter. If there are clothing items that your child is missing, please contact us at 206-935-8500 by this Friday as all items will then be donated. Thank you.
