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Students, faculty, and staff have all returned to school for the second semester with renewed energy, refreshed outlooks, and relaxed attitudes. What with the stress of crunch times and multiple events, it is often easy to forget that a school year creates many peaks and valleys. And then everyone goes on a break. Much has happened the past few months. In November the Upper School put on an excellent production of The Importance of Being Earnest, with much thanks to the entire GHS community but especially to US teacher Ned Washburn, Director, and Middle School teacher Kenley Smith, Producer. Middle School parents hosted a giving-of-thanks feast on the day before Thanksgiving; it was so bountiful that much of the entire campus enjoyed the good fare. In fact, with the preparation of numerous holiday meals, especially in Spanish classes, we seem to be eating quite a bit of delicious home cooking at The Good Hope School. In keeping with this health theme, the Upper School was privileged to hear an excellent presentation by doctoral candidate, Edward Jones, on the rise of diabetes in Virgin Island adolescents. In fact, many of our students have volunteered to join in Mr. Jones research project. The Upper School also hosted their "homecoming" dance in December with many alumni/ae in attendance. The final tally for the Lower School 's Halloween Parade was an amazing $537.00 which they raised through the Trick or Treat for UNICEF program in support of children worldwide. Our first grade class put on a wonderful production of the Polar Express. This multi-dimensional lesson was created by Charlene McGowan, along with first grade teacher Jean Buck. This year's Lower School Winter Concert was a selection of pieces adapted from The Nutcracker Suite. Many Kudos go to music teacher Tatiana Breger and all the Lower School faculty. The Middle/Upper School Winter Concert presented both vocal and instrumental performances, directed by Ms. Breger and band director, Jared Leaderman. Good Hope School librarian, and former pre-kindergarten teacher, Cat Austin Franks, has begun a weekly Morning Story every Thursday morning . This hour is a mix of reading and story-telling for pre-school students and parents. It is open to the general public, and is scheduled to begin on our East End campus as well. On December 27, over 100 alumni/ae gathered for the Second Annual Alumni Holiday Reception. It was good fun, and many thanks to Sasha Brady and Morgan Dale, who used the event to start a GHS alumni/ae e-letter. Finally we have instituted an All-School Field Day. The first one was great fun, with some students wanting to schedule them every month; we will hold out for an annual tradition. The entire student body is now either a member of the Blues or the Golds, and they will remain in these "schools" throughout their Good Hope career. This first field day went to the Blues, so the record now stands 1-0, in the years to come I am sure that Gold will not permit their rival to remain undefeated! Sincerely,
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