WOH For Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021
Celebrate Lutheran Schools by Jennifer Neafcy, Kindergarten Teacher
I vividly remember sitting on the floor in an empty living room when I was 7 years old. I had just completed first grade, and my father had just gotten a new job. Our family was moving from Austin, TX to Arlington, TX, and I was overwhelmed and crying because of all of the new opportunities coming our way. The doorbell rang, and my mother let me answer the door. Upon opening the door, I see my beloved first grade teacher, Miss Rex. She had come to my house to say, “Good-bye.” We sat on the floor and talked and talked until it was time for her to leave. How special it was for Miss Rex to take the time to visit with me and to wish our family well in our new adventures. I had been attending Redeemer Lutheran School, and it was there that my family got the first glimpse of how Lutheran schools are more than just a place for education, but how the teachers, staff, and the church genuinely cared about our family. There was not a Lutheran school where we were moving, so I was about to embark on the new adventures of attending a public school.
Fast forward 11 years. I had decided that I was going to be a teacher in a Lutheran school. I hadn’t attended a Lutheran school since I went to Redeemer, but I had met enough teachers and youth workers throughout my high school years that encouraged me to go into Lutheran education. I was now a freshman at Concordia Lutheran College. Each year, the education department would hold a retreat at one of our camps for those entering the education program. While I was at the retreat, I heard a voice behind me saying, “Jenny Matthys, is that you?” I turned around and there was my beloved first grade teacher, who was one of the speakers on the retreat. She had remembered me all of these years, and was still teaching first grade at Redeemer. How great it was to be able to catch up with her! Years later, I began teaching at a different Lutheran school in Austin. I would see my kindergarten and first grade teachers regularly at teacher’s conferences, school gatherings, trainings, and social events. Even though she is retired and no longer teaching, we still keep in touch today.
This week is National Lutheran Schools Week, and Hope is celebrating the ministry of Lutheran Schools with other Lutheran schools across the nation. Lutheran schools make up the third largest organized school system in the nation behind only the public schools and the Catholic schools. There are over 1900 schools, 180,000 students, and 21,000 teachers in Lutheran schools across the nation. There are even schools in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Hanoi.
We have many activities planned this week including dress-up days, an online mission trip to Thailand, craft activities, and service projects. What a great joy it is to be a part of Lutheran schools! We are also blessed that your family is a part of our school!
Calendar of Events – Click Here
Jan. 26-30: Lutheran Schools Week / Spirit Week
Wed. 1/27: 8:40 AM Online Chapel led by Mrs. Neafcy, Kindergarten Teacher
Wed. 2/3: 8:40 AM Online Chapel led by Mrs. Mueller, Family Life Minister
Fri. 2/5: Free Dress Day
Wed. 2/10: 8:40 AM Online Chapel led by Mrs. Neafcy, Kindergarten Teacher
Fri. 2/12: No School – Start of Mid-Winter Break / ESC & Sand Dollar Open
Re-Enrollment for Fall 2021-2022
Re-enrollment runs through today, January 26 for currently enrolled families. We have mailed all families their re-enrollment packet with information on enrolling through K12online. All students will receive a new student number and access key. If you have any questions about re-enrollment, please email or call the school office or admissions director at sheit@hopeseattle.org.
On February 1, 2021 we will begin processing new applications from the community.
Hope Spirit Dress-up Days Continue
Join us as we continue to celebrate the rich heritage of Lutheran Schools during Lutheran Schools week! Students are invited to participate in spirit days every day; students not choosing to dress up should be in uniform as usual.
Wednesday Jan 27 – Wacky Tacky Day
Thursday Jan 28 – Sports Team Day – wear sportswear from your favorite college or professional team, or your own sports team
Friday Jan 29 – School Spirit Day – show us your Hope Eagle blue and gold pride
1st Trimester Honor Roll – Congratulations to the following students for achievement of Honor Roll during the 1st Trimester:
Sixth Grade
Scholastic Merit – Mackenzie C. and Joshua H.
Honor Roll – Georgia C., Dominic C., Darlene C., Joshua D., Lyla F., Isaac R., and Kennady R.
Principal’s List – Lily D., Ellie F. and Tessa Y.
Seventh Grade
Scholastic Merit – Gracie D., Truwe E. and Lachlan J.
Honor Roll – Anna Marie C., Addison H., Ezra K. and Oscar R.
Principal’s List – Luke B., Jacob B., Daniel F., Jim M. and Ira P.
Eighth Grade
Scholastic Merit – William L. and Kadence P.
Honor Roll – Bryson A., Atticus C., Jhana H., Travis L., Makenna M., Noah T. and Sawyer Y.
Principal’s List –Analise B., Chelsea B., Audrey D., Mia G., Isaiah G., Grace M., Hannah M., Jurgen P., Seth R., Delainey S., Declan S., and Day T.
Rainbow Parrot Art offers fun and engaging online art classes for kids. Each week, kids have the opportunity to create a new, super fun project and share with the group. This space has a collaborative feel. Kids are encouraged to share their ideas and get inspiration from each other. There are (optional) opportunities for fun breaks, games, movement activities, social connection, listening to music, dance, costume parties, and snack time. Join a free trial class or sign up for a 6-week session. Visit www.rainbowparrotart.com