Fall Joy by Lucy Kuhn, 4th grade teacher and cross country assistant coach
Fall is my favorite time of year with vibrantly colored leaves, crisp air, and perfect weather for RUNNING! Hope just wrapped up another super fun cross country (XC) season for our 5th-8th grades. I was blessed to work with 15 motivated and positive runners, and three super parent volunteer coaches who were excited to share their love of running with Hope students. This was my second year assisting with XC and I love it!
Our team this year was heavy on the fifth/sixth grade end and light on the eighth grade side. This means next year our runners will have another year of growth and experience to build on, and we will lose only one awesome veteran runner. We also welcomed a new head coach this year, Coach Beth Baker- our resident professional running coach. Coach Beth did an amazing job of encouraging and focusing our young team and making group runs fun.
Our XC team ran to many local destinations during the months of September and October including Camp Long, Lincoln Park, Alki Beach, Hiawatha Park, and Fairmont Park. We logged many miles and our workouts were typically 3 to 5 miles on mostly sunny afternoons. We also ran in the rain, wind, and cold if that is what the day gave us. Our meets are shorter distances (1.5 to 2 miles), and our runners were prepared to run fast because of their longer practice runs. Hope took second in the league championship meet this year behind Concordia Tacoma. By the way we have at least one goal set for next year already; can you guess what it is?
One thing that our runners did was set goals for themselves before each meet. These goals were specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (S.M.A.R.T). One runner shared he wanted to run 30 seconds faster and pushed himself hard to attain that goal. Running is both an individual and team sport. We all encourage each other to push for new personal goals and to grow throughout the season. And we celebrate each other’s accomplishments.
I read an article this morning that cited a growth mindset as being one thing that can directly increase personal happiness and well-being. When individuals actively seek personal growth, they are more focused, less worried, and healthier all around. I know that when I am chasing a goal (even a small one), I am a happier person. I never come back from a run (or a walk) and feel grumpy, or think it was a waste of time. After every practice our runners were tired and happy!
I sit here now looking at the sunny afternoon outside my window as I write this piece and think I can’t wait to get outside and RUN! And I can’t wait for XC season next year, and I hope many of my current fourth grade students will join in the FUN and run with us too!
Calendar of Events – Click Here
10/31 – 11/2: Scholastic Book Fair
10/31 – 11/9: Standardized Testing
Wed. 11/1: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Grade 5 / Middle School Parent-Teacher Conferences – Middle School Not in Session
11/2 & 11/3: No School Parent-Teacher Conferences / ESC “XTRA” Open
11/1 to 11/3 – Parent-Teacher Conferences / Treats for Troops- Leftover Halloween Candy Collection
11/8: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Grade 7
11/10: No School and No ESC – Veterans Holiday
School Athletic Events – Click Here
Before & After School Clubs – Click Here
Parent/Teacher Conferences – Nov. 1-3
You will receive a confirmation of your date and time today, if you haven’t already. Contact your homeroom teacher with any questions or concerns.
Book Fair Is Here
Come and purchase books for kids, grandkids, yourself and/or donate a book to your classroom.
The fair will be open after school and during our parent/teacher conferences.
Dates and Hours: Oct. 31 & Nov. 1, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm, and Nov. 2 between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm.
Sharing Extra Halloween Candy – Nov. 1-3
Think you may end up with more Halloween candy than you need? Why not share your extra sweets with troops serving in our military? PTH will be collecting extra Halloween candy November 1 – 3. Bring your candy to your child’s classroom and during Parent/Teacher conferences and a special prize will be awarded to the classroom that brings in the most donations (determined by average weight per student).
Hope All School Open House – Nov. 14
It is open house season and we have an All School Open House coming up Nov 14th at 6:30. Help is needed to put up posters around the junction and spread the word. If you are in need of PIP hours please let the office know if you can help put up posters in the junction. Also, if you own a business and would like to display an 11×17 poster or 5×7 postcard, please pick one up in the office. Thanks for helping to spread the word about Hope School!
PTH & PIP Opportunities – Click Here
Scholastic Book Fair Volunteers Help STILL Needed
We need help today, Tues. & Wed. 11/1 from 2:45 to 4:00 pm, Thur. 11/2 from 8:00 to 10:00 am, 3:00 to 5:30 pm and 5:30 to 8:00 pm. Please sign up here or contact Mrs. Wallace at swallace@hopeseattle.org.
Church News & Activities – Click Here
Seattle Lutheran Fall Fundraiser “Show & Share”– Nov. 17
Please join Seattle Lutheran High School for our annual fall fundraiser on Friday, November 17th at 6:30 pm. An evening of fun featuring lively conversation, dinner, dancing, and a live performance by “The Machine” playing 70’s and 80’s rock hits. Tickets may be purchased for $25 at the door or online at www.seattlelutheran.org.
West Seattle Christian Trunk or Treat
Hope families are invited to attend WSC’s event tonight, Trunk or Treat, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. They will have decorated trunks, full of candy, parked in their lot directly behind their sanctuary (next to the gym). Inside the gym everyone can enjoy a warm beverage, cookie decorating, face painting, and a small bounce house for the youngest kids. Please invite friends, family and neighbors for a fun, safe and dry trick or treating experience! Located at 4400 42nd Ave SW next to Hope.
