WOH January 19, 2016
Words of Hope for Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Resiliency Part 2, by Kristen Okabayashi
One or two months ago, you may remember that I wrote about “resiliency” and how I feel like God has really placed that word on my heart, both as a principal and as a parent, as we try to build up this character trait in our students and children. The ability to manage disappointment and to “go with the flow” is important for all of us!
It has become increasingly apparent why God placed that word in me this year. To give some history, some of you know that my oldest son Ryan tore the ACL in his right knee last spring, went through surgery and a long recovery of physical therapy and training, with the hope that while he would miss the track and football seasons, he could play his favorite sport again, basketball, for his senior year this year.
Ryan trained for 7 months and was finally released to play sports again in mid-December and we were so grateful! He hit the ground running and looked great in practice and games. And then in his 3rd game back over Christmas break, that same knee buckled during a game as he was pivoting on it. It didn’t feel too bad at the time, but a healthy knee should not buckle and so we took him in to get it checked. To our surprise, he re-tore his ACL again, which was so disappointing. This means he will need to go in for ACL surgery AGAIN, with months of physical therapy and rehabilitation ahead of him, and basically miss his entire senior year of playing sports.
To be honest, I feel like my son has handled all of this better than I have, which may be why that word has been on my mind so much this year. As parents (and teachers), we have so many hopes and dreams for our kids, and so many hopes and dreams for ourselves too. In handling the loss of those hopes and dreams, we have to dig down deep and work through the initial sadness and grief and move on. Ryan’s surgery is scheduled for February 1, and so I will be out of the school most or all of that entire week as he recuperates. Prayers and good thoughts appreciated for him and for all of us!
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Calendar of Events – Calendar
Wed. 1/20: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Grade 5
Fri. 1/22: Re-Enrollment Applications Due
Sunday 1/24 – Friday 1/29: Lutheran Schools Week
Tues. 1/26: Open Enrollment Begins / 6:30 PM Parent Workshop
Wed. 1/27: 9:30 AM Chapel Service at Seattle Lutheran High School (For Lutheran Schools Week)
Feb. 17: PTH General Meeting moved to February 17 at 6:30 p.m. in conjunction with Lent Soup Supper
Sports Events Calendar – Sports Calendar
Find 7/8 grade basketball schedules here as well as Cheerleading practice schedule.
5th and 6th grade Basketball Coaches Needed
Hope Lutheran is currently looking for those interested in coaching basketball for our 5th and 6th grade season. The season runs from the middle of February to the end of March and usually involves 3-4 days out of a week of commitment along with two Saturday events. The number of interested students is looking like we might have 2 boys teams and 1 girls team. We already have some interested in being a coach for the boys, but need more for both teams! If you are interested please contact Mr. Kapels at Bkapels@hopeseattle.org
Your Feedback is Needed – Access the Parent Survey Here
If you have not had a chance to fill out the 40-question survey the survey is still open. It has been created in order to gather your opinions on topics of interest by the NLSA and Hope School. It should take approximately 15 to 20 minutes and will be available to complete for the month of January. You may remain anonymous; however you may fill out your contact information at the end of the survey (optional) should you like us to respond back to you on a certain questions or issue.
Your feedback is not only important to the accreditation process but important to the administration at Hope so that we may continue to improve upon the many opportunities, curriculum, and enrichment programs we provide. We realize that you have many choices when it comes to where your child is educated, and we are honored that you have chosen Hope school. Thank you for helping us with this important process.
Parent Workshop – Tuesday, January 26 at 6:30 – 8 p.m. Hope Commons
All parents are invited to this special event – It’s way bigger than puberty. Greg Smallidge of Great Conversations will lead a conversation about staying connected with your children and not getting fired from being their sexuality educator. Please RSVP for this worth-your-time complimentary event to pth@hopeseattle.org.
PIP Opportunities on the Weekend! – Saturday, February 20
PTH is hosting a Mid-Winter Dance for the 7th and 8th grade students of Hope, Holy Rosary, OLG, Holy Family, St. Bernadette, St. Francis, and St. Joseph. As such, PTH has multiple PIP opportunities in the late afternoon and evening. Check out the Current PIP opportunities here or Sign Up Genius.
Other PIP Opportunities
Occasionally PTH needs assistance in planning events. Check out PTH’s signupgenius page and search by the general PTH email address (pth@hopeseattle.org) for other opportunities.
Recycle Your Shopping Bags
Do you have extra shopping bags lying around? Instead of putting them in your recycling bin for biweekly pick up with your garbage, why not donate them to the PTH and know that they are going to be reused! A recycling container will be conveniently located in school lobby.
Afterschool Activities – Click Here
Auction News & Opportunities – Click Here
Parent Involvement Program Opportunities – Click Here
Hope Church Next Steps Class – Saturday, January 23, 9 A.M. – 2 P.M.
Does God have a mission? What is God up to in my everyday life? Does God care about this world – animals, mountains, trees, rivers, lakes, cities, neighborhoods, homes, families? How did I see God at work this week? What good can I do in my neighborhood?
Join Pastor Kris Kunkel as he helps guide and facilitate us. We’ll dive in to initiate steps toward proactively engaging our community. Meet with us on Saturday, January 23, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Church Commons. Become equipped to engage disinterested friends and family to walk in the Hope of Jesus! Sign up now to reserve your spot and lunch. Email Patrice at church@hopeseattle.org or call 206-937-9330.
Seattle Lutheran High School Open House
Please join us Thursday, January 28, 2016 for our Open House. We’ll begin in the gym at 7:00 pm where you will see projects completed during J-Term and meet our teachers, students and parents. Continue upstairs on tours of classrooms where you’ll learn how SLHS incorporates teamwork and iPads into our program. Questions? Contact Rachel Bigliardi in the Admission Office – 206.937.7722.
No Chili Left Behind Cook-off – February 6, 2016
Beans or no beans? Ground beef or steak? Chicken? Spicy or mild? Chili has more variations than the best pizza or the ultimate bagel, and we are interested in seeing how your version compares. The Class of 2016 at Seattle Lutheran High School is holding the first No Chili Left Behind Cook-off to raise funds for Grad Night 2016. There will be cash prizes, live music and a Bid-On-A-Kid service auction to round out the fun. The cook-off begins at 6:00 pm, Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the Seattle Lutheran High School gym, 4100 SW Genesee Street, Seattle, WA 98116 Call the school office to register, 206-937-7722.