On December 7, 2022, Tilahun Belete Gushish, our friend, former student, and an inspirational figure at Hope Hall passed away, due to the cancer he had fought since he was a child, living on the streets of Ethiopia.
In the video below, we pay tribute to him, in loving memory, using his own words, excerpted from his graduation speech, and photos and video taken of him during the four years we were privileged to have him as a student at Hope Hall.
For T’s obituary, and to learn of his journey that brought him to the United States, click here.
Just as everyone, including staff, students, and volunteers, is preparing for our Annual Holiday Woodworking and Craft Show on December 10 from 9 am to 3 pm, a group of mischievous elves have invaded our woodworking center! You can’t imagine the havoc they’ve created! Watch the video to find out how peace was made between the elves, the staff, the volunteers and the students!
And don’t forget to join us for this fun, free event in Hope Hall’s gym on Saturday, December 10th!
For this month, Sister Diana reflects on the dark days of December, when “the light in our northern hemisphere is very much diminished,” noting that it reflects a certain darkness surrounding us in our city, nation, and our world.
She points out that this makes it so important for each of us to become a point of Light and Hope.
Because we are all connected, we can spread that light and hope, and become a force for good. When we do something purposeful for others, and recognize the things in our own lives for which we are grateful, “We can make a difference. We can make someone else’s world better even in a small way.”
She also shares tips for bringing that sense of connection, light and hope into the lives of our children.
In this issue, you’ll also:
Meet our Student of the Month (Adelina, a.k.a. Addie Hunneyman) and discover how she was chosen for this recognition by the Rochester A.M. Rotary Club.
Discover the achievements of two of our Alumni
Learn about our new and upcoming Celebrate Hope Interactive Open House on February 17.
Check out how our Trailblazing Blackhawks did in the Pumpkins in the Park 5K run.
Read several of “The Animal in Me” poems from the 6th Grade Poetry Project. (To see all of “The Animal in Me” poems, Click here.)
Learn how our 2022 Annual Appeal makes a difference in the lives of our students
See our “Twelve Days of Hope Hall Values” Christmas and Holiday Greetings.
Click on the newsletter below to download and read the issue.
Join us in Hope Hall’s gymnasium on Saturday, December 10 from 9 am to 3 pm for our Annual Holiday Woodworking and Craft Sale!
We’ll have an extraordinary selection of high quality woodworking items, hand-crafted by Hope Hall staff and volunteers. You’ll find something for everyone, even those for whom shopping is challenging! Choose from among home and holiday décor, furniture, toys and games!
You’ll also discover a great assortment of craft items created by staff and friends within the Hope Hall Community.
We’lll definitely get you in the holiday spirits with our “select-a-gift” raffle, holiday décor and music!
Hope Hall is located at 1612 Buffalo Road in Gates, NY. The entrance is off the parking lot behind the school. This event is FREE and open to the public, so all are welcome!
In November’s newsletter, Sister Diana points out that, in spite of all that is happening in the world that may be bringing us down, focusing on things and people we are grateful for helps alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety and helps bring HOPE.
During the month of November, she will be encouraging our students to develop a habit of gratitude by listing 5 things for which they are grateful each night before they go to sleep, and by thinking of 5 things for which they are grateful before they leave school for home at the end of each day.
She encourages all of us to do the same to reinforce and bring Hope into our lives.
You’ll also find:
A spotlight on two of our alumni
An update on our Gala, and a thanks to all who contributed
An inspiring excerpt from our Gala Parent Speaker, Roxanne Henry
A Thanksgiving Blessing
An article on an innovative strategy one of our teachers is using to teach history
For the month of October, Sister Diana focuses on the value of Hospitality. She points out that hospitality is defined as the act of welcoming another person into our space, into our life, and letting the person know that s/he matters.
She asserts that Hospitality is a value that needs to be taught, nurtured, and cultivated in order to become a way of life, and she offers tips on how to incorporate it into our personal lives, as well as to make it a way of life for members of our family, including our children.
In this issue, you’ll also find:
An article about the Dewey Cafe, a “book tasting” that was organized by Ms. Combs and Mrs. Widera to introduce our students to different types of non-fiction.
An update on new staff, and employee changes at Hope Hall
Photos from the First Day of School
An opportunity to “participate” (at least virtually) in the annual “Burying of the I Cant’s” Ceremony.
Discover How Middle School Science Teacher Miss Kaitlin Hamilton put lab safety “under a microscope to teach her students about doing safe science experiments.
Read a thanks to all who helped ensure our students and teachers had all they needed in school supplies
Discover what’s in store for our Toast for Hope Gala online auction.
Learn how Alvah Halloran & Son’s Hot Rods for Hospice helped the community, including Linda’s Cupboard
A Save the Date for our Annual Woodworking Sale on December 10.
Click on the image below to download our October Newsletter.
Click to Download
For the month of October, Sister Diana focuses on the value of Hospitality. She points out that hospitality is defined as the act of welcoming another person into our space, into our life, and letting the person know that s/he matters.
She asserts that Hospitality is a value that needs to be taught, nurtured, and cultivated in order to become a way of life, and she offers tips on how to incorporate it into our personal lives, as well as to make it a way of life for members of our family, including our children.
In this issue, you’ll also find:
An article about the Dewey Cafe, a “book tasting” that was organized by Ms. Combs and Mrs. Widera to introduce our students to different types of non-fiction.
An update on new staff, and employee changes at Hope Hall
Photos from the First Day of School
An opportunity to “participate” (at least virtually) in the annual “Burying of the I Cant’s” Ceremony.
Discover How Middle School Science Teacher Miss Kaitlin Hamilton put lab safety “under a microscope to teach her students about doing safe science experiments.
Read a thanks to all who helped ensure our students and teachers had all they needed in school supplies
Discover what’s in store for our Toast for Hope Gala online auction.
Learn how Alvah Halloran & Son’s Hot Rods for Hospice helped the community, including Linda’s Cupboard
A Save the Date for our Annual Woodworking Sale on December 10.
Click on the image below to download our October Newsletter.
As the school year starts, Sister Diana shares her thoughts on the word culture, which she defines as a group of people who share ways of believing, thinking, and acting. It could be likened to a distinguishing philosophy or vision of the group.
She goes on to explain that anyone coming to Hope Hall for the first time immediately picks up on the school’s culture. They see and experience children who learn differently, most of whom come from families who struggle economically, fully engaged in learning and feeling very much at home in a school of their own whose culture is grounded in Community and Hope.
The environment at Hope Hall is nurtured through a Language of Hope, which has the possibility and power to change lives.
“The language of Hope is a way of speaking to another person, no matter what he or she has done, or finds it difficult to do, that says “I believe in you, I respect you, and I know that you are more than what I see right now.”
In the September Issue, you’ll also find:
A Thank You for supporting A Community Thrives
Photos and an update on the High Hopes Golf Tournament
Photos and an overview of Hope Hall’s summer camp, which was underwritten by Glover-Crask Charitable Trust
An article on the ASL Zoo and Capstone projects
An invitation and information on the Toast for Hope Gala
A piece on the financial benefit for charitable contributions
A post on the Summer Tidings campaign to students and parents from Hope Hall Teachers and Staff
As our way of staying in touch with our students over the summer, Teachers, Staff and Volunteers are sending video greetings out to our students, encouraging them to live, love and laugh often…and have fun this summer! We’ll be adding to this collection as more videos are recorded. Enjoy, and have a great summer!