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Hope Happenings

No School THURSDAY (10/2)

There will be NO SCHOOL this Thursday, October 2nd due to staff development. School will resume as normal on Friday, October 3rd.

Last chance to schedule your Home Visit!

Schedule your Home Visit before sign-ups close on Wednesday, October 1st! As you sign up, keep these details in mind:

  • Home Visits are October 15-17th
  • Have multiple scholars? It's fine to schedule all your appointments at once if you'd like all the teachers to come at the same.
  • Upper School scholars will be signed up by grade and Lower School scholars signed up by teacher. 
  • There is NO SCHOOL during Home Visits
  • Home Visits are a required parent covenant event

Sign-Up for Kindergarten Parent Groups!

Kindergarten parents: Join us for monthly parent groups! These are required groups that meet the first Tuesday of the month for an hour at Hope Academy or virtually on the first Wednesday of the month. Classes are led by Dr. Darrell Gillespie and cover topics like sibling rivalry, tough conversations, community building and much more! They will go from October - May. Students do not need to attend. One or both parents may attend the sessions. Sign up below!

Upcoming dates: Tuesday, October 7th & Wednesday, October 8th (zoom)

Please note: We do not yet have translation for these classes. If you are in need of translation, we will be announcing the class times for Spanish speaking families soon. Thank you for your patience!

Reminder: Lower School Uniform Policy

At Hope Academy, our school uniform reflects unity, belonging, and a commitment to excellence. Wearing the correct uniform each day communicates a readiness to learn and fosters community.

This year, we want to emphasize one area in particular: shoes. For Lower School students. As stated in the Lower School Parent Handbook, students must wear solid black athletic shoes every day. Please see the attached Uniform Flyer for details and images.

We recognize that this has been a challenge in the past, and that enforcement has not always been consistent over the years. Moving forward, we will be more intentional in upholding this standard. To support families, we are providing a grace period. All Lower School students must have the correct all black athletic shoes by Monday, January 5, 2026 (the first day after Christmas break).

We appreciate your partnership as we work together to uphold consistent expectations for all students.

MAP Testing (2nd-9th Grade)

This week September 29-30, and October 1st, 6th-9th graders will be taking the Fall MAP tests in reading and math. This test is an important way that we track students' academic growth.

Here are a few reminders for scholars about testing:

  • Please be on time for school.
  • Eat a good breakfast.
  • Come ready to give your best effort.

Additionally, fall reading and math MAP testing for 2nd-5th graders will be taking place October 6-9.

Here are a few reminders for families:

  • Help your child to get a good night sleep (limit technology & spend time outside, if you can!).
  • Please be on time to school.
  • Encourage your child to eat a good breakfast.
  • Encourage your child to give their best effort!

Join Men of Hope

Join other Hope Academy dads at our Men of Hope Monthly huddles! This is a time of fellowship led by Mr. Bugg and Dr. G. Fathers and students are welcome! The next meeting is Saturday, October 4th from 10:30a.m. -12:00a.m.

Interested in learning more? Fill out the form below to receive text/email updates!

From the Desk of Dr. G: Why We Do Home Visits

Home Visits are a cornerstone of fostering strong relationships between teachers and families at Hope Academy. As an institution that prioritizes relationships, we recognize that understanding your student's home life and cultural background is integral to their education. These visits aren’t about academics, but about understanding your child’s world more fully. We see this as part of our covenant commitment to walk alongside you in your child’s educational and spiritual journey. When teachers and parents come together in partnership, scholars thrive not just in the classroom, but in life.  

This alignment is essential in our Family Ministry, where we strive to cultivate impactful relationships among parents, children, and the broader community. Home Visits serve as a vital link in this process, bridging the gap between home and school, encouraging collaboration, and ultimately fostering growth both academically and spiritually. In doing so, we embody our core value of relationships, ensuring that every student feels supported and connected in their educational journey.

As Deuteronomy 6:6–7 reminds us: "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."  

This verse beautifully reflects our desire to engage with families in meaningful conversations that nurture both learning and faith. We’re honored to step into your world, listen to your hopes, and celebrate the journey we’re on together. Thank you for opening your home to us!


~Dr. G

Stay tuned for more features in the Hope Happenings from Dr. G, Head of Family Ministry!

Mujeres de Esperanza (Estudio Bíblico de Mujeres Latinas)

Mujeres de Esperanza (Estudio Bíblico de Mujeres Latinas)
Te invitamos a unirte a nosotras todos los viernes a las 10:00 am para nuestro estudio bíblico y tiempo de oración. Después de orar, compartimos un refrigerio, donde cada una trae algo de comida, mientras yo me encargo del café y el agua.

Este es un tiempo especial para compartir nuestras necesidades, orar, apoyarnos y crecer juntas en la fe. Aprendemos de testimonios, nos ayudamos como comunidad y fortalecemos nuestras relaciones entre mujeres latinas.

¡También invitamos a todas las mamás latinas a nuestro almuerzo de Navidad!


Acompáñanos el sábado 6 de diciembre a las 11:30 am para celebrar juntas con alabanzas, predicación y un intercambio de regalos. ¡Será un evento muy especial y significativo!

Para más información o si tienes alguna pregunta, por favor comunícate con:

  • Gloria Reyes al 612-703-6180
  • Vilma Barrera al 612-540-2039

Mujeres de Esperanza (Latina Women’s Bible Study)
We invite you to join us every Friday at 10:00 AM for our Bible study and prayer time. After prayer, we share a light meal together — everyone brings a dish to share, and I provide the coffee and water.

This is a special time to share our needs, pray for one another, and grow together in faith. We learn from personal testimonies, support each other as a community, and build strong relationships among Latina women.

We also want to invite all Latina moms to our Christmas Lunch!


Join us on Saturday, December 6 at 11:30 AM as we celebrate together with worship, a message, and a gift exchange. It will be a meaningful and joyful event!

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact:

  • Gloria Reyes at 612-703-6180
  • Vilma Barrera at 612-540-2039

Women of Hope Bible Study

Hi, I’m Danielle Svobodny! I’m a mother, grandmother, and Family Ministry Advocate at Hope Academy and I’d love to personally invite you to join us for Bible Study! It’s a welcoming space to grow in faith, ask questions, and connect with other moms on their faith journey. We will be meeting weekly on Wednesdays 10am-12pm. Click below to sign up!

Breakfast & Lunch Menus

Click below to see the menus for August & September!

Have an allergy? Fill out our special diet form and send to our Nutrition Director janettetakata@hopeschool.org

Fall Reading Challenge

Join us in our K-5th grade fall reading challenge! Students who submit their completed sheets to their teachers by Fall Break (October 14th) will receive a medal!

K-2nd Grade: Sunshine Reading Tracker

Read at home and complete your sun sheets reading tracker!  Click here for the reading tracker (English & Spanish).

3-5th Grade: Reading Bingo Board

Read at home and complete the reading bingo board! Complete the entire board, with student and parent signatures confirming completion.  Click here for the Bingo Card (English & Spanish).

Sign-up your 6th-12th grade student for REVIVE!

REVIVE is an after-school youth ministry for students at Hope Academy. Each week we share a meal, play games, and study God's Word. We meet on Tuesdays from 4:30–7:00pm @ Hope Academy starting on September 30. Open for youth in grades 6–12.

Our goal is to help youth grow as followers of Jesus, build healthy friendships, and connect with godly mentors. Our exceptional team of volunteers come from various local churches in Minneapolis.   Find more information and register for FREE below!

Contact Frank Schmidt with questions: frankschmidt@hopeschool.org or (715) 937–0064

Parent Pick-up & Drop off Reminders

As we enter a new school year, please read below as a reminder of what each entrance is for:

Peavey Doors (22nd St.): This entrance is for parent drop off and pick up (including before school care).  Access this door by heading north on Park Ave. and take a right on E. 22nd St.

Chicago Ave Entrance: This entrance is for bus drop off ONLY. There is NO entry through this door other than busing.

Main Entrance (24th St): Use this entrance for school events, late drop offs, and after school care pickup.

South Loop: All Upper School Students exit the school through the South Loop for Parent Pick-up ONLY.

Save these numbers to your phone!

Be sure to save these numbers in your contact list:

Save 67587 as "Hope Academy" for:

  • Hope Happenings & parent announcements
  • Important reminders and updates

Save 443-842-7197 as "SchoolPass" for:

  • Event QR codes for event sign-in

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