Happy New Year! And what a year it will be!
News from HOPE -  January 2017 
A note from our Executive Director

It's a new year with so many possibilities!

It is also National School Choice Week and we are blessed at HOPE and across the state and nation to provide our parents with choices and options for the type of full and lasting education that they want for their child and their family.

School choice is truly about families—giving parents educational options that align with their family values. And with that comes an awesome responsibility for all of us at HOPE Christian Schools. It is humbling to be part of such a unique ministry that is opening up so many new doors and new opportunities to families across southeastern Wisconsin.  Parents that entrust us with their children are looking for Christ.College.Character. in the school day, and we promise to bring it every single day.

Our great God blessed us immensely in 2016, and now as we look to the possibilities ahead, we continue to turn to our Lord for wisdom and guidance.  I can’t wait to see what He has in store for us next!

God’s richest blessings on your 2017!
HOPE Hallways
In Ms. Vierheller’s College Math class, seniors had the opportunity to become the teachers. Ms. V and her students have started a brand new approach to learning and understanding math concepts they will be expected to do in college next year.
In December, HOPE Fortis turned the gym into a giant movie theater. They watched Home Alone with hot chocolate and Christmas cookies! 

Principal Johnnies motivates her HOPE Caritas scholars during the lower grade assembly.
HOPE Semper scholars during  Upper Elementary Chapel focused on becoming fishers for Jesus through an interactive activity. 
HOPE Hawks display fire and drive on the court
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wrote a nice feature about the HOPE High boys' basketball team as HOPE pulled into first place in the Midwest Classic Conference with a win over Brookfield Academy. Check out both our boys ' and girls' basketball team schedules.

“This is a time when we have to prove ourselves. It’s a moment in our career that we have to step up and rise and play. It was just the fire inside of us that was burning.”
- HOPE Senior Courtney Good, quoted in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Alumni News
HOPE Prima was honored to have Taleavia Cole, a graduate of both HOPE Fortis and HOPE High School, work as a teaching fellow in the weeks prior to Christmas break.

It's great to see former HOPE scholars pursuing educational careers and coming back to serve HOPE. Thank you for your commitment to HOPE scholars, Taleavia! 
Growing people with lasting character
Character has become a big focus in education. 
Many schools have named character-building as one of their goals. At HOPE Christian Schools, “character” is more than an academic add-on. It’s woven into everything we do.

We use lessons and programming from the Character Formation Project as the basis for helping our scholars form character. It is our goal that the character they shape here will last beyond the classroom walls and shape a lifetime of virtuous living. 

Here are some key reasons why of our character formation programming is unique: 
  • It’s built to last. There is a difference between forming character through external motivations (“behave this way and you’ll get this reward”) and forming internally driven      character (“what is the right choice for me in this situation?”). Our unique approach is focused on building character from the inside out.
  • It’s for everyone. In our schools, teachers and scholars are traveling together on their character formation journey. Character formation discussions are woven into our faculty meetings and are a part of our performance reviews. It’s more than activities for kids… It is part of who we are as an organization of people.
  • The stories are diverse and vivid. Our library contains hundreds of stories of heroes who were challenged in some way. Our character formation discussions invite Character Growers to stand in the shoes of these heroes, imagine what it was like to be there, and reflect on their own situation. We discuss our own Identity and Purpose in light of the hero’s experience. The connections are powerful!
How powerful it is for scholars, teachers and family members to grow character together! After all, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said,  “Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.”         
Get to Know HOPE Team & Family

Diana Petraitis is one of the rock star K5 teachers who is in her first year at HOPE Prima, and has 12 years of teaching experience. She is a graduate of DePaul University. Diana’s boyfriend, Jarvis, lives here in Milwaukee and is one of the reasons she moved here. One of Diana’s favorite things about Milwaukee is Kopp’s (so delicious!). She also loves that she is close to Jarvis and is enjoying meeting new friends!  
Sarah Oldenburg is the lead teacher for 4th grade at HOPE Caritas. Sarah’s motivation each day is her desire to be a stable and trustworthy role model in the lives of her students. Sarah loves to act and has performed with a few local playhouses. She hopes to get in a few auditions over the summer break. Another passion of hers is enjoying the local music scene in Milwaukee and the surrounding areas. Sarah radiates positivity and has a go-getter attitude!

Becky Hallebach is the first grade teacher at HOPE Via. She is currently working on her Masters and Principal’s License through Wisconsin Lutheran College. In her free time, she like to run and workout, as well as play with her dogs!

Lucas Van Norman is a second year teacher, who graduated from the University of Dubuque. He has experience teaching in both Houston and Milwaukee which has fueled his passion for urban education. Recently married this summer, he and his wife Tessa love to eat, sing, dance, and play beach volleyball. He looks forward to helping his students grow academically and in Christ.
Important Dates and Upcoming Events

  • February 1, First Day to Enroll for 2017-18 School Year 
  • February 2-3, Parent Teacher Conferences for K-8 Schools
    *February 3, No School for K-8 Schools
  • February 11, HOPE HS Service Saturday at Hunger Task Force
  • February 11, HOPE Fortis Pancake Breakfast 
  • February 16, HOPE Caritas Black History Program 
  • February 17, HOPE Prima Black History Program
  • February 20-21, HOPE Winter Break (No School) 
About Us
HOPE Christian Schools is a network of seven Christian college preparatory schools serving more than 2,000 scholars and their families in Milwaukee and Racine.

Each HOPE school focuses on the “3 Cs” – Christ. College. Character. HOPE scholars in K4-12th grades receive a values-based education that develops knowledge and cultivates character – the fundamental traits they need to become inspirations to their families, leaders in their communities, and successes in the workplace. 

HOPE Christian Schools are supported and managed by  Open Sky Education, an entrepreneurial, not-for-profit organization in tireless pursuit of a full and lasting education for all children. 

Now is a great time to join our growing team!    
Feedback is a gift!
If you have comments or questions, contact Community Relations Director
Melanie Johnson at 414-233-3433.