Welcome to the 8th Grade Homeroom newsletter!
In each newsletter this year, I am going to ask you to pray a specific prayer for your child. Our class prays everyday for others, including you parents, so I would like to invite you to pray for specific parts of your child’s school year.
The prayer for this week is: Ask God to give them wisdom.
We all teach our children to distinguish right from wrong, but in middle school, students tend to just go with what their friends are doing – even if their friends are making bad choices. Pray that God will give them the strength and the confidence to stand up for what is right, especially when everyone else is choosing wrong. Also, pray that your child will remember to turn to God if they have any doubts about what is right. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5.
Our school theme is “Connected” with our verse of “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.“–John 15:1-5.
Chapel offerings will go to Christmas Families for 2nd quarter. Please encourage your child to bring offering each week. It is a good way for them to remember the blessings they have and to share those blessings with others. “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” Proverbs 14:31.
Food Drive – Tomorrow is the last day to send canned or boxed food donations for our Food Drive. Please help if you can.
End of the Quarter – Tomorrow Friday, October 20 is the end of 1st Quarter! Grade Cards will go home next week. Please keep your child’s grade card, but sign the envelope and send it back to school. Please do NOT seal the envelope.
Chick-fil-a Night – Join us on Thursday, October 26 from 4:00-9:00 pm at Chick-fil-a (Oak Park Mall location) to raise money for the school.
Dental Screenings – On Thursday, October 26, dental screenings will start around 1:00 p.m. Dr. Bohaty will screen K-8. Toothbrushes will be provided.
Vision Screenings – On Thursday, November 2, vision screenings will start around 12:00 p.m. The Lions Club will bring their vision machine. This screening will include Kindergarten through 3rd, 5th, 7th, and all NEW students to the school.
If you do not want your child screened please contact Nurse Buckmaster directly at buckmaster@hopelutheran.org.
SMNW Tour – Shawnee Mission Northwest High School is offering a Parochial Schools Information and Tour on Tuesday, November 7th from 8 am to 9 am. Any 8th grade student enrolled in a parochial school can attend with a parent. No registration required. Please park on the east side of the building and check in at the school’s main office. Contact Lisa Jones at 913-993-7230 for more information
Operation Christmas Child – Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes are available at the school entrance. Shoeboxes are filled with toys, hygiene products, and other items that boys and girls from around the world need. An informational brochure was sent home in last week’s Thursday envelope. We are hoping to donate 200 boxes from our Hope students this year. Filled boxes need to be brought to school by Wednesday, November 8th so they can be blessed during Chapel before they are shipped.
Washington DC Scholarship – WorldStrides is a proud supporter SYTA Youth Foundation whose mission is to connect youth with the resources required to travel that will inspire them to be confident, connected and globally responsible citizens. Every year SYTA offers the Roads Scholarship to help students who otherwise may not have the resources to make educational travel happen. The application period has opened and it is simple- you can nominate a student or a group. Awards are up to $1,000 per individual or $5,000 per group. Guidelines, FAQ and the nomination form are available here: https://sytayouthfoundation.org/road-scholarship/ The deadline for applications is November 10.
High School Shadow Days – A reminder from the Middle School Policy Guide that was sent home at the beginning of the year:
“8th Grade students will be allowed to take up to four “Shadow Days” during the school year to attend potential high schools – one Shadow Day per quarter. Parents must notify the school of an upcoming Shadow Day at least one week in advance, otherwise the absence will be considered unexcused. Students are responsible for getting assignments prior to the Shadow Day.” Thank you for your cooperation.
Memory
October 25 – Memory test on Nicene Creed – Article 3
November 1 – Memory test on Nicene Creed – All
Reminders:
- Students should be keeping all tests and quizzes to help them study for finals in December.
- OUTDOOR RECESS POLICY
- Per our handbook policy on page 14, on most days, students will be expected to go outside for recess. If the following conditions exist, the students will not be taken out except to get a few minutes of fresh air:
- The temperature is 15 degrees F (-13 C) or below. The wind chill index is 0 (-18 C) or below.
- There is significant falling moisture.
- Teachers may take their classes out briefly for fresh air at their discretion.
- Students must have a jacket/coat to go outside to recess if the temperature is 50 degrees or below; hoodies are good for Middle School Students if it is 50 degrees or warmer.
This Week’s Events:
- Friday, October 20 – End of 1st Quarter / Half Day – dismissal at Noon
- October 20 -21 – Volleyball Tournament at MLA
- October 21-22 – Soccer Tournament
- Tuesday, October 24 – Lutheran High School visits
Important Dates:
- Thursday, October 26 – Chick-fil-a Night
- Friday, October 27 – Trunk or Treat 5:30-7:00
- Friday, November 3 – All Pro Dad’s meeting
- Saturday, November 4 – PAHS Auction
- Friday, November 10 – Veteran’s Day Program
- Wednesday, November 15 – Quarter Midterm
- November 22-24 – No School/Thanksgiving Break
