As we enter the month of October, we are beginning to experience a change in the weather. Mornings especially are cooler and we shall soon see the appearance of the beautiful autumn foliage. Take a family drive!

We wish to thank everyone who attended our Back-to-School Night last Thursday. Sixty-three percent of our families were represented. We look forward to a good collaborative relationship with you throughout this year. We invite you to be part of New Hope’s Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) whose first meeting will be sometime in November. In addition, thank you for volunteering to help us in some of our school’s activities. We will be in touch with you about these.

Next Friday, Oct. 6, at our monthly assembly we are honored to have the Mayor of Clifton Ray Grabowski come to speak to the students on our Virtue-of-the-Month: Perseverance (see below). Parents are also welcome starting at 9:30 am. At the same time, we will be kicking off our first service project of the year—a clothing drive. Please bring in old (but in good condition) shirts, pants, hats, gloves, coats, blankets, shoes, sweaters, sweatshirts, etc., and drop them off in a box that will be in the hallway starting Monday, Oct. 2. The clothing will be given to St. Peter’s Haven for distribution to needy families.

As mentioned above, October is a month for celebrating Perseverance. By October, school is starting to be hard. Some of the September back-to-school-blush is coming off the rose. Even for the most dedicated students, classes, homework, and daily routine are no longer quite so alluring. Students are challenged to dig in and wade their way through various challenges that are sure to come up. Please note that throughout the year we will be announcing our Students of the Month at our monthly assemblies.

As you know, our first field trip of the year, apple picking, will be on Thursday, Oct. 12. Also, we plan to have our schoolwide Harvest Festival on Friday, Oct. 27, 1:00-3:00 pm. Children are welcome to come in Halloween costumes for that day (but not too scary!). Parents also are welcome to come and support either event.

Finally, Thursday, Oct. 26, will be Picture Day when individual, class, and whole school photos will be taken of the students. Be sure your child is dressed extra nice that day.

Let’s have a great autumn together!

“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”

Charles Spurgeon