Representing Lutheran Schools by Kristen Okabayashi
This week, we celebrate Lutheran Schools Week. Across the nation, there are 1,885 Lutheran preschools, elementary schools, and high schools supported by 21,222 teachers and staff in 35 districts, all educating this next generation of students.
What is unique about Lutheran schools? Speaking for myself, I struggled to find a school that seemed like the right match for my oldest child. After visiting numerous schools, I first toured Hope Lutheran School as a prospective parent back in winter 2003. I really toured for my middle son who was in preschool, but loved the school so much that we ended up enrolling our then-kindergartener as well. I was drawn to Hope School because of the warmth, friendliness, and grace I saw in everyone I met during multiple visits.
Hope School was smaller in winter 2003, and guess who toured me back then? Our wonderful office manager Shari Wallace! I would dare to say that no one represents the warmth, friendliness, and grace you will find at Lutheran Schools, and Hope School, better than Shari Wallace. Shari is the opposite of the stereotypical cranky school secretary; instead, she is that soft and grandma-ish person who makes students, staff, and parents feel warm and cozy inside. She is the kind person who answers the phone with a smile in her voice and has a genuine laugh that makes you laugh too when you hear it. Even when she is doing tasks that we joke are “not in the job description” such as cleaning up vomit, plunging toilets, or doing numerous COVID-19 rapid tests, she is the voice of calm and patience and love.
Mrs. Wallace has served as our wonderful office manager for almost 19 years now, along with having her own two kids graduate from Hope. She was the glue that held the school together during a 3 year stage of interim principals and a large construction project just prior to my start in 2010. As Shari prepares to enter retirement from Hope, we wish her the best of luck and thank her for her commitment to Lutheran Schools. She is a true gem and we will miss her immeasurably.
Everyone is invited to join us this coming Sunday, January 30 at the 10:30 AM church service to honor her many years of service, and to say thank you to Mrs. Wallace. We love you Shari!
Calendar of Events – Click Here
Jan. 24 – 28: Lutheran Schools Week / Food Drive
Wed. 1/26: 8:40 AM Online Chapel for All Grades led by 5th Grade Class
Fri. 1/28: Deadline for Re-enrollment
Wed. 2/2: 8:40 AM Online Chapel for All Grades led by 1st Grade Class
Athletic Events – Click Here
Tues. 1/25: Girls & Boys Hope Basketball Game @ Menashe Gym (Genesee St.) 3:30 & 4:30
Tues 1/25: SLHS Boys Basketball Game, Saints vs. NW Yeshiva Lions @ 6:30 pm Menashe Gym
National Lutheran Schools Week
We have several activities planned as we celebrate Lutheran Schools. Some of these activities include an online mission trip to Zambia, crafts for our younger students, making cards for members of the congregation, and hosting a food drive.
Lutheran Schools Week Food Drive – help fill Hope’s food closet. Bring your non-perishable donations through Monday, January 31st. Items in higher need: granola bars, fruit, instant soups, soaps, hygiene items, etc.. Do you have old pairs of glasses lying around? Drop them off at Hope! The Derricks, missionaries with Living Bible Translators, will redistribute them to those they serve.
Re-Enrollment for Fall 2022 Continues through Jan. 28!
Enrollment materials went home last week in the Tuesday envelopes. Please note: you do not need to provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate or immunization record (unless it has recently changed). If you are applying for a new student, then you will need to upload a copy of their birth certificate and immunization record in the Attachments section of the Re-enroll process.
Hope is accepting applications now for 2022-2023 and will be processed beginning February 1. If you know of anyone looking for educational options, please refer them to our admissions director, Sally Heit. Current Hope families that refer a family to Hope and that family enrolls, will receive a $250 tuition credit.
If you have any questions about re-enrollment, please email or call the school office at office@hopeseattle.org or admissions director at sheit@hopeseattle.org
Important Rapid Test Update
Hope now has a finite supply of rapid tests we can send home to families due to a scarcity of rapid tests available through our partnership with the Department of Health. The program we are enrolled in to receive free tests has unfortunately run out of supplies and has cancelled all orders. While the DOH looks for an alternative, we encourage everyone to order free tests as soon as possible through the federal government to have on hand:
We still have a generous amount of rapid tests we can use in the school for rapid testing of our school athletes through basketball season, and for testing of close contacts identified at school. Unfortunately we are not able to send these tests home.
PIP Opportunity
Hope School is looking for volunteer(s) to change our reader board 2 to 3 times a month. This does require using a ladder. If you are interested please contact Patra Mueller at patramueller@hopeseattle.org to answer any questions. Thank you!
Parent Artist
With her work grounded in connection and relationships, Megan Prince is an interdisciplinary artist living and working in West Seattle, where her children have attended Hope Lutheran School since 2016. Beginning her artistic career in New York City, Prince has continued her practice in the Pacific Northwest by approaching no-waste methods of making with her sculptures Jean Bodies and with her works on paper entitled Communities. Pivoting from the duties of motherhood and geographic changes, Prince is continuing to build upon her process orientated sculptures that breaches the concepts of global humanity, understanding, and amplifying muted voices.
Megan Prince: Great Mysterious Heart
January 7 – February 12, 2022 – At the Kirkland Arts Center
Visit Megan’s website for pictures and more information: www.meganprince.com
Starting Point – A Hope Church Intro to Christianity Class
Have you ever wondered what Christianity is all about? What are the basic beliefs of Christians and why? Starting Point is an eight week experience in a safe and conversational environment where you can ask whatever questions you may have and discuss with others looking for answers as well. Whether you are wondering about Christianity or have a friend or family member who is, go to hopeseattle.org/linkhope to find more information and sign up today! Starts Thursday, February 3rd, in-person and online.
