Graduation by Kristen Okabayashi
The end-of-year flew by so fast; I feel like I blinked and it was over! I don’t know about you, but the end of the school year always feels a little bittersweet to me, and this year in particular. If we look at our students at the beginning of the year and compare them to the end of the year, the changes are remarkable! They mature so much in all ways: academically, spiritually, emotionally, and especially physically. Our kindergarten class arrives in the fall looking mostly like preschoolers still, a little hesitant to come in the school doors, nervously clutching their backpacks and lunchboxes (and sometimes parents). They end the year striding in the school confidently, greeting me by name with a smile. It is fun to see them graduate and be ready for first grade.
At the other end of the scale, we have our 8th grade class who graduated last Thursday night. This particular class is a very special class to me; with several students I have known almost their whole lives. Graduating them from Hope School was a joy because they are so ready to move on to high school, and yet of course there is sorrow as well, as we will miss them so much next year. This is a class that has had to overcome social dynamics, learning challenges, and has grown up to be a truly incredible group of kids who had a tremendous year of leadership. I am so proud of the progress they have made over the years! Sometimes the middle school years can be very challenging for kids to navigate through, and yet they made this 8th grade year look easy. Zahara, Leo, Evan, Izzy, Jordan, Alex, Alexander, Matthew, Da’Zor, Connor, and Ben, we will miss you.
Thank you all for spending the year with us here at Hope. It was a fantastic year! As we kick off summer vacation, I pray for safe travels, quality family time together, and a time of rest and relaxation for you all. Happy Summer everyone!
School Office Closure Dates
Our school office will be closed July 8-18 due to summer vacations. Usual summer office hours are Monday-Friday 9-3 so feel free to stop by and say hi!
Mark Your Calendars
Tues. 6/24: Quarter 4 Report Cards Sent Home
Tues. 7/1: Summer Mailing Sent Home
Sat. 7/19: West Seattle Grand Parade
Sat. 8/23: WS Outdoor Movie: Frozen – Sponsored by Hope
Report Cards
This week, all our teachers are finishing up grades for the year and we will send home report cards next Tuesday, June 24, 2014.
Statement of Your Account
Statements for those with a balance or PIP hours owing will receive an invoice in the mail. All outstanding fees are due to the school office ASAP. Student transcripts, report cards, and diplomas will be withheld until all outstanding tuition and fees are paid in full. Please contact Mrs. Wallace with any questions or concerns at 206-935-8500.
Yearbooks Still Available!
We still have a few copies of our yearbooks available. Call the school office by Thursday, June 26th to reserve yours at 206-935-8500. Yearbooks cost $25.00 each.
PIP Opportunities for Fall 2014/15
West Seattle Grand Parade Sat. July 19th – Come join us as we walk or ride the school bus, pass out candy and show our Eagle spirit to the West Seattle community! We are looking for parent and student volunteers to help decorate and drive the bus the morning of the parade, wear the Eagle mascot (perfect for a student), pass out candy, carry the school banner, wave poms poms and have fun! If you are interested, please call the school office or email Sally Heit @ sheit@hopeseattle.org for more information. Go Eagles!
Back to School BBQ – Scheduled for Tuesday, August 26th at 5:30pm.
PTH is looking for volunteers: We need: grillers starting at 3:30pm, set up starting at 2pm, food helpers by 5pm, greeters, and of course clean up. Volunteers can email PTH president Beth G at Beth@bethghomes.com. Thanks!
Office / Classroom Help – Help is frequently needed during the summer months in the school office and classrooms on different projects. If you are good at filing, copying or stuffing envelopes, or can assist with a classroom task, call Mrs. Wallace to let her know your availability at 206-935-8500.
