Love thy Neighbor and Yourself, By Sally Heit
This is our first full week back to school, and it feels great! After spending the summer with empty classrooms, dark hallways and the occasional visitor, it feels good to have students walking the halls and see teachers in the classroom. As with every academic year we have new families joining us. We are excited to welcome 40 new families to the Hope community this fall! Hope is a small family focused on meeting the needs of all our families, so if there is anything that you need from us please let us know in the office. We want to help make the start back to school as smooth as possible for everyone.
Our theme this year is “Loved2Love” based on the verses from 1 John 4:10-11. To summarize, the message calls us to love others as God loved us. He loved us first in order that we may take that love and love others just as He loves us. A few days before the start of school I walked into a classroom and the teacher had created a “selfie” mirror. She put it in front of my face and said, “Say something nice about yourself.” Crickets. Rolling eyes. Nervous laughter. Avoidance. It was so hard to stare at myself and say one nice thing. I felt awkward, selfish, self-conscious, and embarrassed. Why? How silly of me. I could rattle off a dozen things that I loved about this particular teacher, but to have to look at a reflection of myself and say something good about me was so hard. In the interest of not having to stare at myself any longer, I blurted out that I thought
I was nice to people and then hastily rushed out.
As I contemplated this later, I realized that God also wants us to love ourselves, too. I think we forget sometimes because our focus is on giving, serving and loving others which is all wonderful. We don’t want to appear prideful or boastful by acknowledging our gifts. But, we also have to remember that God works through us and wants us to also include ourselves in the “loving.” We are his children; a reflection of everything good in Him, so shouldn’t we be able to look at ourselves and say something positive? I think so. So I challenge you (and myself) that if you are taking a selfie or brushing your teeth in front of the mirror to say something nice about yourself. It doesn’t have to be grandiose or complicated; just simple and from your heart. Include yourself in the loving.
Curriculum Night – Tomorrow, Wed., September 15 @ 7:00 PM – K -8 Grades
We invite parents and guardians of students in our kindergarten through 8th grade to learn more about our curricula, as well as take the opportunity to talk with teachers, this Wednesday night at our Curriculum Night, September 15, 2016 at 7:00 PM. We will all begin in the sanctuary for a school-wide presentation and introduction of staff, followed by two classroom sessions. During the first session, families of middle school students will remain in the sanctuary for information from middle school teachers, while families of K-5 students can tour classrooms. During the second session, all families will visit classrooms. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Calendar of Events – Click Here
Wed. 9/14: Glee Club Begins 7:45 AM / School Chapel led by Mrs. Okabayashi 8:40 AM / Curriculum Night K-8 Grade 7:00 PM
Fri. 9/16: Free Dress Day / Chinook Books Order Deadline
Wed. – Fri. 9/21-23: 6th Grade Outdoor Education at Miracle Ranch
Wed. 9/21: Chapel Led by Mrs. Mueller 8:40 AM
School Athletic Calendar of Events – Click Here
Before & After School Clubs – Click Here
Please note that our Robotics club is full for this trimester. There is still room to register for the Stone Soup Drama Club. Hope’s concert band program begins on September 28th and registration forms are coming home today. All other clubs are free and no registration is required. Glee club starts tomorrow!
Hot Lunch Programs
Our Café Stellina or NEST hot lunch is under way and you can still place orders. Register here: http://www.cafestellinacatering.com/NEST-School-Lunch-Program.html.
Our WA D.C. group will offer lunch options on Monday’s and Friday’s beginning Friday, September 23. Order forms can be found here and deadline is Sept. 20. Please contact Kevin McFeely at kevinm425@comcast.net with any questions.
Chinook Book – Deadline Friday, September 16
Do you like to save money doing things that you enjoy or trying new things? Why not buy a Chinook Book, Chinook Book App, or Combo? Chinook Book helps you save money at local businesses that do good things for the environment and the community. PTH earns up to 50% of all proceeds to help fund things like extra classroom supplies, Science Van, Grandparent’s Day, and much more! A second drawing will be held on September 19. In addition, the grade with the highest average per student on September 19 will win a classroom party!
Job Opportunity at Hope School
Would you like to work on an occasional basis with a fun and caring group of teachers and kids? Hope School is looking for subs to work in our preschool program, extended care program, and the K-8 program. Applicants should have some experience working with children, and K-8 applicants should have experience teaching and/or a teaching certificate. Work around your schedule as a sub at Hope! Fill out an application http://hls.hopeseattle.org/home/about/job-opportunities/and return to the school office or principal Kristen Okabayashi at kokabayashi@hopeseattle.org.
Family Friday Bowl-A-Rama – September 30
The Bowl-A-Rama is here! Join us for a fun night of bowling, pizza and drinks at West Seattle Bowl from 4 to 6 p.m! Shoe rentals, pizza and drinks are included in the $25/bowler fee, and there will be fun prizes raffled off. Don’t miss out on the fun! Sign up your family or team by September 23rd to secure your lane. All proceeds benefit the Washington D.C. enrichment program. Visit our website here to learn more about this wonderful educational program for our 7th & 8th grade students. Contact Sally Heit or Jacinda McFeely for more information.
School Directory & Handbook
Each year the school prints and distributes a school directory for our school families. Every effort is made to publish a complete and accurate directory. If you have had a change of address, phone or email since completing your registration form for 2016-17, please notify Mrs. Wallace by email at swallace@hopeseattle.org ASAP. Our directory will be distributed by the end of the month. Our handbook is in the process of being updated but can be viewed via our website here and any changes will be communicated through our newsletter. Please note that our Uniform Guidelines have been updated for this school year.
Parent Involvement Program or PIP Opportunities – Click Here
WESTFEST – Holy Rosary’s Fall Family Festival – Wristband Deadline Thur. 9/15
Friday, September 16 from 6-10 pm and Saturday, September 17 from 10 am – 10 pm. Save money by ordering wristbands in advance through their website here or contact Irene Merz at 206-769-7117.
