Hopeful Happenings
Christensen Elementary | SEPTEMBER 2022
We Believe - We Connect - We Time Travel
KIDS AT HOPE PLEDGE
I am a Kid at Hope!
I am talented, smart, and capable of success.
I have dreams for the future, and I will climb to reach those goals and dreams every day.
All kids are capable of success, no exceptions!
TREASURE HUNTER PLEDGE
As an adult and a Treasure Hunter, I am committed to search for all the talents, skills and intelligence that exist in all children and youth. I believe that all children are capable of success, no exceptions!
Hope Happens Here!
Kids at Hope 101
Kids at Hope is a strategic, cultural framework designed to engage entire communities to support success for all children, no exceptions. Organized in the early to mid 1990s, Kids at Hope shifted popular thought regarding personal and societal barriers that plagued the lives of youth. Labeled as "youth at risk," much of the focus was on what got in the way of kids experiencing success. Kids at Hope flipped that around, refocusing on what made the way for kids to succeed. Through extensive research, they learned it was not the presence of risk factors, but the absence of hope, that more significantly impacted success. Research also showed that hope was more than a good feeling; it was a skill that could be taught, learned, and strengthened. From that, they found there are three ways to grow hope: through belief, connection, and mental time travel.
When you believe that all kids are capable of success, no exceptions, you seek out the strengths of children, helping them to see and develop their potential. You never give up on kids, and you never allow them to give up on themselves.
This belief is articulated through meaningful and sustainable relationships with children. You intentionally connect with kids in ways that make them feel supported, encouraged, and important. You serve as a mentor and safe haven for kids as they navigate their way through different challenges.
When children feel connected and encouraged, they are able to envision a future for themselves. Using mental time travel, they can picture their life as they want it to be. Once they know where they want to go, they can make a plan to get there, setting goals for themselves and making healthy choices that help them reach their goals.
While Christensen students are Kids at Hope, this is really about us, the caring adults in their lives. It is our awesome responsibility and privilege to guide, encourage, and support our kids as they discover who they are and what they are capable of. What better way to do it than with hope?
We look forward to a strong, positive partnership with you this school year!
Happy New Year!
Monthly Focus: Get Your Hopes Up!
An important and necessary part of growing hope in our lives is setting goals. Setting goals gives us something to look forward to and work towards. Goals motivate us to make choices that will help us feel successful, confident, and proud. When working towards our goals, we are often guided by the support of those who believe in and encourage us. Believing in yourself, connecting with those who care about you, and planning for your future all lead to higher hope!
During this first month of school, Christensen students will be setting lots of goals for themselves, specifically as learners, planners, and contributors.
As learners, students will set academic goals for this school year; as planners, students will explore potential education and career choices for their future, often inspired by their skills and interests; as contributors, students will be thinking of ways they can help their community, be it at school, home, or in their neighborhood.
Students will share these goals at their conferences in the fall (October 3rd-6th). What can you do to support and encourage our students as they work to reach their goals?
Cultural Connections: "All Are Welcome"
What's Your Hope Score?
Kids at Hope Have Strong Character!
Scared and brave can go together.
It's strange but yet it's true.
Think of the times that you were scared
but did what you needed to do:
doing things you'd never done,
facing someone mean and strong,
telling when you made mistakes,
deciding what was right or wrong.
Think of things you were scared to do
or things you were scared to say.
Then think about how brave you were
to do them anyway.
~Unknown
Kids at Hope Come to School! On Time, All Day, Every Day
- When it comes to absences, 9 or less is best. Research shows that students who miss 5% or less (0-9 days) of the school year feel more connected to the school community, establish stronger relationships with their peers, and are more prepared for the next grade level.
- Routines help maintain good attendance. Have a bed time, have a wake-up time, and make enough time for getting ready and eating breakfast. You can also eat breakfast at school!
- A healthy diet and plenty of sleep are important for getting to school every day. Both build a strong immune system, which means you're less likely to get sick and miss school.
- Excused or unexcused, an absence is an absence. When students are not at school, they are missing out, and we are missing them.
- "Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them." -James Baldwin. Lead by example. School will be important to your students if they see it is important to you.
School Start Time: 8:55am (Campus opens at 8:40am) | School End Time: 3:25pm