Want to submit a tech ticket? Have questions about Microsoft TEAMS or want to ensure your internet runs smoothly? Check out our new Technology FAQ’s page! https://hopeschool.org/technology-faq/
Click here to see the Hope Academy Parent and Student One-to-One Program Handbook.
New bus protocols include wearing a mask, siblings sitting together, buses being loaded back to front, buses being exited front to back, keeping the seat behind the driver empty, and leaving windows & overhead hatches open (weather permitting). There is also a new bus app this year! Download ‘Versatrans My Stop’ from the App Store to get bus stop information and live bus tracking updates. Please select “MN Charter Schools (MN)” for our school district Click here for more bus app information.
Gym entrance on E. 22nd Street
• Morning Drop-Off: 9:30-9:55 am
• Afternoon Pick-Up: LS: 4:15 pm and US: 4:25 pm
Late Pick-Up Fee: If any K-5 student (not enrolled in after care) is not picked up by 4:45 they will be sent to after school care and the family will be billed $10 for every 15 minutes late.
Transportation Changes: All changes in transportation for your students need to be called in to the office before 3 p.m.
We offer Before (7:45-9:45 a.m.) and After School Care (4:30-5:30 p.m.) for Lower School students. These are relaxed times of physically distanced social interaction and play. Fees are on a sliding scale based on tuition. Call the main office to register (612-540-2000). Click here for more information.
The Upper School Academic Support Center will be open before school Monday through Friday from 8:45-9:45 a.m. (or 7:45 a.m. by special arrangement). The after school Academic Support Center will also be open Monday through Thursday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. We will be taking extra precautions to make sure that students are following COVID-19 safety protocols […]
Type: Full-Time Position
*Very Important: Before applying please read and carefully review our Mission + Vision as well as our Faith & Life Covenant. All board members, faculty and staff are joining a covenant community in serving here at Hope Academy.
Position:
The purpose of this position is to serve as a noticeable community safety presence in matters relating to Hope Academy. The person in this position will act as a liaison between the school and the community, including Peavey Park.
The following reflects essential functions for this position but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Dear Hope Academy Friends,
If you are reading this letter, you are a beloved member of the Hope Academy community. And whether you are a parent, a staff member, a student, volunteer, or a financial partner in this pivotal moment in the life of our city, we are all in need of the healing power of God.
The last few weeks have been devastating, and I have grieved with the families of our city. My heart has been torn apart by the murder of George Floyd by officers sworn to protect and serve him. I will never forget watching George’s anguished plea for his life under the officer’s knee, and his repeated cry, “I can’t breathe.”
Most of all, I mourn my own sins of prejudice and racism, and my own contributions to George Floyd’s death. I lament my complicity of silence over previous unjust violence towards my neighbors of color, and my misplaced hope that things were improving. As Dr. King said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.”
As I’ve sat with our families in the ruins and grieved with them, and prayed and protested for life with them, I am determined to do four things:
I’ve forced myself to watch the horrific 8 minutes and 46 seconds recording of George Floyd’s death, and I am devastated by the defacing of the image of God in a fellow human being. I have visited the 38th memorial site to look upon the pain and anguish of my brothers and sisters.
Scripture commands us to be slow to speak and quick to listen. I have listened to my fellow African-American spiritual leaders pour out the pain in their hearts over this tragedy. I’ve heard their anger over the silence and indifference of their white brothers. I’ve listened to our parents question the safety of their children. I’ve heard their cries for justice, and pleas for change. I’ve heard the dignifying request of a black man in our city: “I simply want to be able to walk outside my home and not be afraid that I’m going to be attacked by police or die.”
Scripture calls us to mourn with those who mourn. I am on guard against the temptation to move on from this uncomfortable feeling too quickly. The Lord accused the false prophets, “They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. “Peace, peace,” they say, when there is no peace” (Jer. 8:11). Lament and grief are uncomfortable. Self-examination is painful. It takes time for lament to do its righteous work in the heart.
I believe this is a pivotal moment in my life. In many ways, this is the moment of a lifetime. And what I must do in this defining moment is lead with grace, humility and courage.
As one of our Hope Academy Board Members, Dr. Donna Harris recently said, “We cannot distance ourselves from the battle. Our Christian identity does not provide immunity from the layers of race-related trauma, institutionalized racism, and its effects. Our work is not done! We cannot be silent as silence often signals consent. We must courageously call out our own prejudice, arrogance, and pride, take them to the feet of Jesus, then work diligently toward harmony and peace in the space we own.”
A week ago, our teachers prayed a blessing from our Vision Statement over every one of our Hope Academy graduates. It is a vision that has served us well for 20 years. Over each of them we prayed: “Hope Academy has covenanted with your family to prepare you as a kingdom citizen. Now is your time to work for justice, economic opportunity, racial harmony, hope for the family, and joy in the community. And remember, Jesus came to serve and not be served.”
Now, more than ever, I call on the entire Hope Academy community to let Hope arise!
When I think back on my elementary years, one event that brings back both fond and disappointing memories is Valentine’s Day.
I attended a small, Catholic, school in Philadelphia, PA, and every year there seemed to be a competition around who would receive the most Valentines.
As you can imagine, this created a host of problems. The popular kids got showered in candy and cards, while quieter kids with less friends only received a few. It appeared as though Valentine’s cards were reserved for those with the most “friend value.”
This behavior created a divide in our class. Those with the most cards saw themselves as super loved and important. They were the chosen ones. Those with less, felt unappreciated and somehow less special than their peers.
Sadly, these same thoughts are still prevalent today. Many students (and even adults) believe that their personal value is achieved by receiving gifts or affirmation from others.
But…
The good news is we can be set free from this way of thinking! We are each uniquely loved and valued by God. We don’t have to wait for a Valentine’s Card to know that God loves us – He does so generously and has since the beginning of time.
In fact, God loved us so much, He didn’t allow our sinfulness to keep us from being united with Him. In the book of Romans chapter 5, verse 8 we read these words;
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
So, what’s our response? Our response is to love God with everything that we have! Our response is do what God instructs us to do. Our response is to love others in the same way that God loves us.
So, help your children know that there is a love that is greater than any Valentine’s Day card! Help them to know that God loves them, that He values them and that they’re not alone. And then partner with them to extend that love to family, friends, and even to strangers.
Because that’s exactly what God did for us.
Not sure how to keep your kids busy over Christmas break? Here are 7 FREE and local ideas for your family to try!
