WOH For Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017
First Impressions by Kelsey Clark, Hope PE and history teacher
As I began writing this newsletter, I started by brainstorming all the attributes that come to mind when I think of Hope Lutheran’s students, families, and faculty. The word I kept coming back to is community. I have been very blessed to become part of a school as welcoming and full of life as this one. The ways that I observed students and teachers interact on a daily basis at the beginning of the year reminded me of a family. When I began meeting different students and parents, finding out which students were siblings, and learning the long history of classmates who have grown up together in the classroom, I realized that this could not ring more true. All the experiences I have been a part of and witnessed so far this year, both joys and challenges, have contributed to my understanding of how this school functions as a loving community united in God.
Having come from a public school environment last year, I was unsure of what I might expect or encounter in a religious school setting. I was excited to be able to pray with students, and rely on God more as a teacher. I was unprepared to interact with students who are so full of life and love. God is so alive in the students at Hope Lutheran. As a specialist teacher, I am thankful to have met each and every one of them this school year at an accelerated pace. I have had some especially moving moments when I have seen kids show each other compassion, encouragement, and companionship in ways that demonstrate their closeness to each other in Christ. Specifically during Chapel time every week I love seeing the students eagerly engage with whomever is leading in the message, raising their hands and singing at the top of their voice to songs like the current favorite for some of the younger grades, “My Lighthouse”. I love seeing their smiling faces walk through the front doors of the school, giving high fives or fist bumps, and witnessing them try their best while walking with their peers in the footsteps of the Lord.
I especially enjoyed joining the girls basketball team on their journey to LEST, where I was able to be a part of a Hope tradition that I have been curious about ever since starting in August. I enjoyed spending time with the kids outside of the classroom and school environment in a way that allows their personalities to shine, and certainly lets their energy out! I also loved spending time with staff members as well as getting to know parents in a new way. This definitely emphasized my understanding of the Hope community in terms of family, as well as the bonds that tie so many people in the Lutheran community across the Northwest region. Watching the 5th -8th grade students of Hope perform and participate in so many different events throughout the course of the weekend reinforced and reminded me of the multitude of talents they possess. These talents are not restricted to robotics, glee club, basketball, or cheer. Their God-given talents of kindness, joy, compassion, humor, perseverance, and so many more of the attributes that make them who they are should be celebrated routinely by those around them, including myself!
Calendar of Events – Click Here
Wed 3/1: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Pastor Peter – Ash Wednesday – Imposition of Ashes
Fri. 3/3: Free Dress Day / 9:45 AM Middle School Play at SLHS
Wed. 3/8: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Grade 8 – Treasure Hunt – Matt. 13 / Drama Club Registration Deadline
Middle School Play “Hoodie” – Friday, March 3
We would like to extend an invitation to watch a performance by our drama middle school elective students called “Hoodie” by Lindsay Price. Hope 5-8 grade students just returned from attending LEST (Lutheran Elementary Schools Tournament) in Portland, OR where our drama performance received “Outstanding Drama Performance!” These students will be performing for our entire student body and parents are more than welcome to attend. Most seating will be on the gym floor. Friday, March 3rd held at Seattle Lutheran High school Gym at 9:45 am.
PTH Board 2017-2018
There are over 3 months left of school, but it is never too soon to start planning for volunteering during next school year. Parents and Teachers of Hope (PTH) are looking to fill two board positions for next school year:
- Secretary – Responsibilities include attending at least 80% of meetings and participating in discussions and decision making; record and timely distribute minutes of board meetings and general meetings; maintain a file of all approved minutes, agendas, and materials, distributed at any PTH meeting; send correspondence, as needed, on behalf of the PTH; assist with PTH events as needed.
- Treasurer – Responsibilities include attending at least 80% of meetings and participating in discussions and decision making; know how to use Excel and QuickBooks or be willing to learn; post all financial transactions to our financial system as they occur throughout the month; draft monthly reports; reconcile the checkbook; write checks as needed (two signatures and proper paperwork required); assist with PTH events as needed. Most of the work can be done on your own schedule – after the kids are in bed, during the day, after work, whatever suits you.
For your successful service in an officer position, you will earn 100% of your PIP requirement for the school year. If you are interested or have questions, please contact PTH President Sonjia Barker at sonjiabarker@hotmail.com
PIP Opportunities – Click Here
Don’t forget to check out SignUpGenius for PIP Opportunities! Just go to http://www.signupgenius.com/ and search by pth@hopeseattle.org.
Save the Date: Donuts with Dad, March 15th @ 8:15 AM
School Clubs – Click Here
Note that Lego Club K-2 will meet today February 28th.
Admissions Re-enrollment Reminder
Thank you to everyone who has reenrolled. If you have not reenrolled for Fall 2017 please click on this link to register through our online system. You will need your student’s access key which was sent home in January. Online forms need to be completed even if registration fee has been paid. Tuition contracts will be sent out in April. Please call the school office if you need assistance.
Hope Church & Youth Events – Click Here
Thursday Morning Bible Study – Join us for a new study on the Epistles of John. All ladies are welcome from 8:30-10:00 in the Commons. Contact patramueller@hopeseattle.org
“Love and War” marriage enrichment class continues this Sunday March 5 at 9:30- 10:20 in the Multipurpose Room. Join us for this DVD marriage enrichment course produced by Ransomed Heart Ministries in a relaxed setting. Contact patramueller@hopeseattle.org.
Save the Date: VBS is coming July 24-28 – Registration will open online in Mid-March!
Welcome Baskets of Supplies for Refugees: Hope Lutheran Human Care Ministries, in conjunction with Lutheran Community Services Northwest’s refugee settlement program, is collecting supplies to create welcome baskets for local refugee families. New or Like New Items Only Donations Needed: Kitchen Kit: pots & pans” cutlery, plates, bowls, drinking glasses, cups, tea kettles Household Kit: warm blankets, dish towels, hot pads Hygiene Kit: feminine products, toothpaste, soap, razors’ Bring items to the Commons this week or on March 4,2017 @ 9-Noon
Contact: Elissa Sommer at esommer@hopeseattle.org
Date Night Challenge” Marriage Event This Saturday, March 4
A night of fun and laughter for couples of all ages! Featuring: comedian Michael Jr, Pastor Ted Cunningham, music by Mark Schultz, and bestselling authors Dr. Greg & Erin Smalley. This annual marriage event begins at 5 p.m. with a social time of appetizers and beverages, followed by dinner at 6, and an entertaining video presentation at 7 p.m. Evening ends by 9 p.m. Cost is $15/person, $30/couple. To register go to hopeseattle.org, church home page and click on events. Location: the American Legion Hall, 3618 SW Alaska St. This Focus on the Family Presentation is sponsored by Family Life Ministries. “Prioritizing marriage in the family” and more! Reserve your spot at hopeseattle.org/events by Wednesday, March 1.