End of year musings…. By Kristen Okabayashi, Hope Principal
As we wrap up this school year, as usual at the end of the year, I’m sorting through my thoughts on the year. Every school year is different, and so what stands out about this past year? Here are some of my highlights:
- Adding new science kits – I have been longing for FOSS kits since I started serving at Hope seven years ago, and so it was a dream come true to have funding to finish adding these hands-on kits into our curriculum this year. Thank you to all who donated for this at last year’s auction!
- Dedicated teaching staff – this past year stands out to me for the loyalty and commitment of our teaching staff. Our teachers and staff go above and beyond on a daily basis to help our students learn and grow in so many ways, and not just the classroom. From coaching and leading after school clubs to spending time talking with parents at a moment’s notice to praying for our students and families, our teachers give us their all and it’s noticed and appreciated, including the addition of new art teacher Mrs. Manuta.
- Relationship with Hope church – our school has partnered more with Hope church’s service projects over the past year or two, working in conjunction with Family Life director Patra Mueller and Human Care Director Elissa Sommer on projects to benefit those around us.
- Parent volunteers – from the leadership of PTH chairman Sonjia Barker and “interim” vice chair Meagan Slawson to 10 year cross country coach Sharman McAllister and 7 year basketball coach Scott Okabayashi to many other countless parent volunteers, we had a truly extraordinary group of dedicated parents who helped shape our students for years to come.
- Working with students – on a personal note, I miss teaching in a classroom at times, and this year I was blessed to teach an elective to our middle school students, as well as lead the 7th and 8th graders on the East Coast trip in April. Teaching students directly has been a joy to me and was definitely a highlight of the year.
As we prepare to launch our graduates and get ready for summer, keep our school theme close to your heart, Loved2Love based on 1 John 4:10-11. Remember that just as God loves us, we are directly called by Him to love our neighbors and the community around us. Thank you for a fantastic school year!
Free Dress this Friday
Student Council is sponsoring a free dress day this Friday in honor of the last day of school, so students may wear free dress according to the usual guidelines. Happy Summer from student council!
Calendar of Events – Click Here
Wed. 6/7: No Chapel
Thurs. 6/8: 9:00 AM P4 Graduation, 1:00 PM P4 Graduation, 2:00 PM Kindergarten Graduation
Fri. 6/9: Free Dress Day / 8:40 AM Closing Chapel led by Pastor Peter / 10:00 AM Dismiss – Last Day of School / ESC “XTRA” Open / 7:00 PM 8th Grade Graduation
Mon. 6/12: Wild Waves Enchanted Park Day / School Office Closed
Week of June 12 – 16: No Summer Camp or ESC
Week of June 19: Summer Camp Open with Pre-registration
Enchanted Parks / Wild Waves Tickets
Families that ordered tickets for our Enchanted Parks day for Monday, June 13th, will be receiving them today in your Tuesday communication packet with the oldest child. Contact Mrs. Wallace with any questions at 206-935-8500.
Yearbooks Have Arrived!
Our annuals have arrived and will be distributed tomorrow, Wednesday, by your homeroom teacher. We do have extra yearbooks so if you haven’t placed your orders yet don’t miss out! Download an order form here or call the school office to place an order at 206-935-8500. Yearbooks cost $25.00 each.
Closing Chapel Service, Friday – June 9
Family and friends are welcome to join us Friday morning at 8:40 AM for our end of the year chapel service (please note, no Wednesday chapel). This service will be led by Pastor Peter Mueller. We will be announcing our 8th grade Valedictorian and Salutatorian. Our students will be honored for exemplary school and church attendance as well as memory work.
Medications Kept at School
All student medications kept and administered at school will be returned with your student on Friday. A new medication consent form will need to be completed for the fall if your child is required to take prescription or non-prescription medicine during school hours as stated in the parent handbook. Please call the school office with any questions at 206-935-8500.
Outstanding Tuition & Fees
Please note that student transcripts, report cards and diplomas will be withheld at the end of the school year until all outstanding tuition and fees (includes library and text book fines) are paid in full. For tuition information contact SMART Tuition Management at 1-888-868-8828.
Health Screenings
State law requires health screening annually for public school students in Washington State; Hope Lutheran School has also adopted the policy of screenings. Unfortunately we were not able to provide health screenings this year but plan to have the resources in place by fall.
PIP Opportunities – Click Here
PTH Board positions open for secretary and treasurer. Contact Sonjia at sonjiabarker@hotmail.com.
Summer Help
I am reaching out to let parents know that I would love the opportunity to be available as an occasional babysitter for any of the kids here at Hope! I will be working at the school summer camp which goes Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 5:30 pm from June 19th – July 21st but could be available outside of this time commitment. If you should find yourself looking for a date night sitter, help on weekends, or help with house sitting while gone on family trips, please don’t hesitate to be in touch! Here is my phone number and email contact info: (206)963-4427, Kclark@hopeseattle.org. Thank you, Kelsey Clark, Hope K-8 grade PE Teacher.
Hope Church & Youth Events – Click Here
