Feb 163 min read

Message from the Principals 2/16/2024

Good morning, Hope Community!

Today's Topics:

Important Reminders
Mar 22 PTC (3-way Conference)
Curriculum Focus - Teaching and Learning Policy
Learning Highlight - G7 Speeches
House Points
Photos of the week!

1: Important Reminders!

Feb 19 - Presidents Day (NO SCHOOL)
Mar 15 - Hope Family Day
Mar 22 - Student-Lead Parent/Teacher Conferences - REGISTRATION OPEN!
Mar 22 - Parent Workshop: Hope High School Program/College and Careers Guidance

2: March 22, Parent Teacher Conference - (IN-PERSON ONLY)

On Friday, March 22th we will hold our 3-way conference. This conference will be primarily run by the students!

Traditionally, parent-teacher conferences involve a one-on-one meeting between the teacher and the parent/guardian. The teacher discusses the student's progress, strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. The parent/guardian can ask questions and provide feedback to the teacher.

In a 3-way conference, the student becomes an active participant in the conversation. They will have the opportunity to share their learning goals, progress, and achievements with their teacher and parent/guardian. This approach allows students to take ownership of their learning, reflect on their progress, and set future goals. Students also gain more experience communicating their ideas effectively.

As parents and guardians, it is essential to attend these conferences and participate in the conversation. You will have the opportunity to hear directly from your child about their learning experiences, successes, challenges and new KSU's (Knowledge, Skills, Understanding). This conversation can help you understand how you can support your child's learning at home and encouraging their growth mindset. There is also the opportunity to talk with teacher.

Please see THESE SLIDES to view how to register. Parents can begin registering for the PTC HERE.

Please make sure to select March 22 and your child's Homeroom Teacher!

3. Curriculum Focus - Teaching and Learning Policy

Over the last couple of months, we have explored the Process to Facilitate Learning, which guides every unit in both the IPC and IMYC.

To support teachers in ensuring that every unit has a consistent experience and leverages the Process to Facilitate Learning to its fullest potential, every teacher follows the guidance outlined by our Teaching and Learning Policy.

Hope’s Teaching and Learning Policy follows the Seven Foundations of the IPC and IMYC. It provides guidance on expectations for assessment, learning goals, teaching strategies and the importance of planning for experiences that connect to a unit’s theme or Big Idea.

Following the policy allows for teachers to ensure the delivery of high impact, engaging and rigorous learning that connects to the theme being studied, as well as the world around us.

For more information about the seven foundations that inform day to day life at the school, you can find the policy here. There are two versions, one for IPC and one for IMYC. Many areas overlap but both curricula have their own distinct needs too.

We are open to feedback from our community on these policies. Please share your thoughts to us at: school@hopeoki.org!

4. Learning Highlight - G7 Speeches

Grade 7 had a speech performance for their unit "Communication" in ELA. The "big idea" for the unit is: When information is shared accurately and clearly, the end result is more effective. The class looked into different techniques to communicate ideas effectively through spoken language and used it to deliver their chosen speeches. Students explored vocal and physical aspects of delivery, including projecting their voice, modulating tone and pitch, and using body language to enhance their message and presenting their memorized speeches in front of the class. The class demonstrated their PLGs well through their resilience and communication skills!

Thank you to all the parents that attended!!