Picture Design by Maddie G., Grade 8
Christmas Spirit by Kristen Okabayashi
Last night, I felt very blessed to attend a concert here at Hope performed by Michael and Lisa Gungor, of the Grammy nominated band “Gungor”. Hope’s contemporary music director (and Hope School parent) Amy Kopecky contacted Gungor upon hearing that they wanted to perform in several small alternative locations this Christmas season, and somehow they ended up choosing our sanctuary as one of the venues. It was magical! Gungor’s performance seemed like something you would see if you asked your musically gifted cousin to perform a song or two after Christmas dinner; it was interactive with lots of discussion. They performed to a sold out crowd, many of whom were not Hope families, which was fun.
As I was listening last night and admiring the beautiful background of our sanctuary, I was thinking of how many different people had performed in that same venue throughout last week. Last Wednesday morning our first grade class led us to learn about different signs of Christmas during chapel, and then our first through fifth graders performed beautiful Christmas songs that evening. Friday night, our preschool and kindergarteners took the stage to perform “Christmas is Coming!” Students shared the story of baby Jesus’ arrival in a charming fashion. Sunday morning, Hope church youth shared the story of Christmas, and then of course last night, we had Gungor perform Christmas carols and a few other songs for us. As much as I loved the Gungor performance, at the same time the other groups were so amazing too, and what a blessing our sanctuary can be used in this fashion!
As we prepare for Christmas, may God’s love be with you. Merry Christmas!
Calendar of Events – Click Here
Wed. 12/14: 7:00 PM Sounds of Winter Concert / Note no Chapel Today / ESC Closing at 4:00
Fri. 12/16: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Kindergarten Class – He’s Here! Luke 1-2 / Noon Dismiss / ESC “XTRA” Open
December 19 to January 2, 2017 – No School & No ESC – Christmas & New Year Break
Chapel Offerings
Our December Chapel Offerings will support Living Water International whose mission is to build clean water wells in South America and India. As a family, consider taking the challenge to buy a few less gifts this Christmas so that families on the other side of the globe can have clean water. Click here https://vimeo.com/94040591 for a short video explaining more.
Last Hope School Christmas Performance – Dec. 14 @ 7:00 PM
Hope’s middle school musicians will perform in our annual “Sounds of Winter” concert tomorrow Wednesday, December 14 at 7:00 PM. The concert will feature our middle school chapel band and choir, handbell choir, and glee club performing with the Seattle Lutheran High School band. We hope you can join us for our last festive event held in the Hope Church sanctuary. Merry Christmas!
Extended School Care & Sand Dollar Club
Please note that our Extended School Care and Sand Dollar Club will be closed during Christmas/New Year’s break starting Monday, December 19 through Monday, January 2, 2017. Both programs will resume on Tuesday, January 3, 2017.
PIP Opportunities – Click Here
Volunteers needed at our Pacific Science Center Van – Friday, Jan. 6
Visit SignUpGenius and search by pth@hopeseattle.org.
School Athletic Calendar of Events – Click Here
School Clubs – Click Here
New Drama Club starting January 11, 2017 at Hope afterschool on Wednesday’s.
Christmas Spirit Dress-Up Days Continue – Dec. 14-16
Wednesday Dec.14-Holiday socks & tights worn with your school uniforms
Thursday Dec.15-Holiday hats, antlers, headbands worn with your school uniforms
Friday Dec.16-“Festive Friday!” Red/green clothes, Christmas sweaters & sweatshirts
Please note that Friday is a free dress day for Christmas Spirit dress up. If you chose not to participate on Wednesday or Thursday, school uniforms must be worn.
Santa Grams – Sold Through Thursday
Student Council will be selling Santa Grams the week of Dec. 12-15 before and after school in the school lobby for 50 cents 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 they will be delivered to classrooms on Friday, Dec. 16th.
Re-Enrollment for Fall 2017 – January 16-27
Christmas break will fly by and before we know it, it will be time to re-enroll for the fall 2017! Re-enrollment will begin January 16th to the 27th for currently enrolled families. You will receive more information on the re-enrollment process the second week of January. On January 30th we will begin processing new applications from the community. If you have any questions about re-enrollment, please email or call the school office or admissions director.
Preschool Open House – January 10th, 6:30 pm
We invite families to visit our play-based preschool program, meet our teachers, and play a bit in our 3’s and 4’s classrooms. It is never too early to begin looking at preschool options and what programs best fit your child. Bring your questions and little ones to learn more about Hope School preschool.
Handbook Updates
Updates to the school handbook have been made and can be viewed on our website under “Students” link http://hls.hopeseattle.org/home/students/. Updates/changes to our school handbook that were made are under information for our musical performances, East Coast trip, tardy policy, and Uniform policy/enforcement. Please contact the school office with any questions.
Parents and Teachers of Hope handbook can also be viewed on our website under “Parents” link http://hls.hopeseattle.org/home/parents/.
Get Busy Cleaning Those Closets!
It’s time for Winter Cleaning! Why not donate that gently used clothing, shoes, and handbags to Hope Lutheran School! Bring your clothing donations to your child’s classroom between January 3 through January 11 and a special prize will be given to the classroom that brings in the most donations (determined by average articles of clothing per person).
Hope Church & Youth Events – Click Here
Christmas Services at Hope Church
Please join us at any of our Hope Church services during this Christmas Season!
Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24: 5:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. (Contemporary Family Service) & 11:00 p.m. (Candlelight and Communion Service).
Christmas Day: 10:30 a.m. Traditional Worship Service
