Going with the Flow by Kristen Okabayashi
In January, I was invited to attend a conference for Principals of Large Schools (POLS), conveniently located next door to one of my very favorite places, Disneyland. I personally think Hope is a little borderline to be considered a “large” school, but for Lutheran schools in general, we are approaching that kind of label with our enrollment size. The conference was an amazing getaway, with fantastic sunny weather (I had to dig out my shorts!), a wonderful visit with our former 5th grade teacher Kim Hood who now teaches at St. Pauls Orange, and of course a trip to Disneyland.
And on top of all that was the conference itself! I enjoyed the speakers and workshops very much, but most of all I enjoyed getting to know some other Lutheran principals and learning from them. Every school principal at the conference has a school that is doing well, which is not easy in the current economic climate. Probably the biggest nugget I took away from the conference is not to be afraid to change things up to meet the needs of your families and your school.
This nugget was all the encouragement I needed to take a closer look at our sixth grade enrollment for next year. This winter, we have been very blessed to have a high number of current and new applications for next year’s sixth grade class. After much thought, discussion, and planning, we have come up with a plan to split up the current fifth graders and create two sixth grade classes in the fall. Both classes will be departmentalized as usual in our middle school, with students traveling to our different teachers who instruct in their area(s) of specialty.
Due to space limitations, this will not be a model we can duplicate anywhere else in the school, but we are excited to try it out on this group of sixth graders next year and throughout their middle school experience. Thank you for your prayers as we continue to finalize this plan!
Staff Changes for 2014/2015 School Year
Looking ahead to next year, we are sorry to announce that Carol Christian will be stepping away from her preschool 3s assistant position. Our youngest students have been fortunate to benefit from Mrs. Christian’s nurturing, loving, and creative ways for the past three years, but she has run into scheduling difficulties with her own daughter moving up to high school. At this time, this is the only change for next year that we anticipate, and we will update you on the hiring process for a new assistant in our preschool 3s class.
Calendar of Events
Wed. 4/2: 8:40 AM Chapel w/ Mr. Kapels / 9:30 AM Assembly – 5th Ave. Theatre
Fri. 4/4: Free Dress Day
Tues. 4/8: Qtr 3 Report Cards sent Home / 6:30 PM Academic Fair & Move Up Night
Wed. 4/9: 8:40 AM Chapel w/Grade 3 and Honor Roll Recognitions
Thurs. 4/10: 3:15 PM Track Practice Begins
Tuition Materials for 2014 – 2015
Tuition materials for our 2014-2015 school year are being sent home today!
The following items must be completed and returned to the school office by Tuesday, April 15th.
Tuition Invoice – This shows your total tuition owed for the 2014-2015 school year (Two copies are provided – one to return and one “copy” to keep for your records).
Tuition Contract – This states the school’s policies regarding tuition payments and PIP requirements; it must be signed by each responsible party.
SMART enrollment form (provided only to new families and those that enrolled mid-year with SMART in the current school year).
Please call Mrs. Wallace if you have any questions regarding these materials at (206) 935-8500.
Academic Fair/Move-Up Night
Your family is invited to attend our upcoming Academic Fair/Move-Up Night next Tuesday, April 8, 2014 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. This year’s theme will be science! All K-8 students are strongly encouraged to attend this fun night, both to show off the project they created, and to spend time in the classroom they will be in next year (“Move-Up Night”). Our middle school art students are creating a card that students can get stamped in each class, and turn in at the end for a special prize. Parents can also spend time visiting with teachers in their child’s classroom for the current and upcoming school years.
Family Pizza Night Event Wrap-up
Thank you to all for making the Talarico’s Dinner event a huge success! There was a great mix from the community, Hope Lutheran Church and School that attended. Having dinner with friends and family was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday night and support our amazing Hope Lutheran Middle School enrichment trip to Washington DC. We are excited to announce our prize winners: Ken McKim, Bruce Channer and Hope student David L., Arthur Kranich and Gretchen Schmidt.
Seattle Lutheran H. S. Drama Club will stage Midsummer/Jersey by Ken Ludwig
When: Friday, April 4 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, April 6 at 2:30 pm
Cost: $5 Adults, $2 Children ages 7 – 13 and under 7 are free.
Performances will be staged in the SLHS Gymnasium at 4100 SW Genesee Street
For more information email the school at www.SeattleLutheran.org
PIP Opportunities
Track and Field Coaches Wanted
Are you short on PIP hours? Do you have a lot of energy and enjoy working with children? We are looking for individuals to help us with our track team this year and no experience is necessary. Practices are held during the week 2 to 3 days after school with track meets on Saturdays. If you are interested please contact Mr. Kapels at Bkapels@hopeseattle.org.
Greeter/Mentors/Baked Goods Needed
Looking for a few greeters to be on hand at our Academic Fair night to guide our visitors and help answer questions. Also need a few baked goods or store bought items for the small reception following. If this is something you would be interested in please contact Sally at admissions@hopeseattle.org.
