1. family and parenting
2. children

Volume 20, No. 8
Director’s Corner
Newsletter
May 2015
Help Make Summer Count
My Director’s Corner for May is going to be different. I and skills learned during the school year. It is proven
am using this opportunity to once again ask our readers that students tend not to regress when they have an
to join me in helping our children over the Summer.
opportunity to study core subjects across the summer.
For the past ten years, Glover-Crask Charitable
Ten years ago the teachers and I looked at a very
Foundation has given us a $10,000 grant to help defray
serious “unmet need” that caused our children a great
deal of stress. We noticed that on the last day of school the cost of our Summer Program. Many private
individuals have also come forward to help cover
every year most of the children were clinging to us in
tears. As a child, I loved school, but there was no way I expenses. This year, we are expanding the program to
cried when summer vacation started. I couldn’t wait for offer specific programs for high school students as
those days to start. For our students, dreading summer well as elementary students beginning July 6th and
vacation was not a “fluke” that happened just one year. ending on August 14th. The Summer Program consists
of 3 two-week sessions (6 weeks total) and students
It happened every year, so I decided to talk with the
can sign up for one, two, or all three sessions.
students about what was going on.
Elementary students will delve into two week sessions
In September, when the students returned I found that
of math, science, reading, creative writing, computer
most of them “hated” summer vacation. I found out
skills, physical education, art appreciation, drama,
that:
woodworking, nutritional cooking, dance, book club,
 Because most of our children live in the Northwest
and music appreciation.
and Northeast sections of the city, areas with a large
rate of gang activity and violence, they had to stay High school students who may need extra time and
inside every day while their parents were working – additional support to meet the New York State
standards for graduation will be referred as needed to
just to be safe.
take part in six week course offerings, depending on
 Because many of our families struggle just to make
the subject.
ends meet, day care or camps were not options. Our
The Summer Program for grades 3-8 is every day from
students were cared for by older siblings or
8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The Summer Program for
relatives, or they themselves were the ones taking
grades 10-12 is every day from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
care of younger children. Since our students have
We end earlier for the High School so that our students
issues around impulsivity and attention to details,
who have part-time jobs can get to work, but still
summer meant that they were frequently “getting
participate in our Summer Program if they need to do
into trouble” because there wasn’t a consistent
so. Parents can drop children off between 8:00 and
structure in their lives, or the ones providing a
9:00 a.m. We feed them a good, healthy breakfast in
structure didn’t understand the needs of our
the morning and a healthy lunch each day at 11:15 a.m.
children.
 Many of our children didn’t feel free to play in their We anticipate minimally 50 students will be
participating in this year’s six week sessions. The cost
neighborhoods, even if they could, because they
per student for grades 3-8 is $100 per session/$300 for
were bullied by other kids.
all three sessions (totaling six weeks). Some of our
 Our students couldn’t wait to get back to school
families will not be able to afford the total cost. If you
where they felt understood and accepted.
can help by sponsoring one or more students for the
When Hope Hall students participate in summer
summer, simply complete and send in the reply form
programs, they are able to build upon the knowledge
PAGE 2
HOPE HALL
VOLUME 20. NO. 8
Director’s Corner Continued
below. To learn more about the Summer Program,
please contact Shaunta Collier-Santos, Director of
Development at (585) 426-5824, ext. 107 or
[email protected]. I truly appreciate any
help you can give us in helping our children to have a
safe, happy summer filled with learning.
------------------------------------- Yes, I/We want to help Make Summer Count.
Enclosed is $_________ to sponsor one or more
students for the summer program.
Name:_______________________________________
Address:_____________________________________
City, St, Zip:__________________________________
Phone:_______________________________________
E-Mail:______________________________________
This gift is  In memory of  In honor of:
Name:_______________________________________
Please Notify:
Name:_______________________________________
Address:_____________________________________
City, St, Zip:__________________________________
Method of Payment:
Check enclosed (payable to Hope Hall)
Credit Card (circle): Visa | MC | Discover | Amex
____________________________________________
Cardholder Name
____________________________________________
Card Number
____________________________________________
Expiration Date
CVV#
____________________________________________
Billing House #
Billing Zip Code
____________________________________________
Signature
____________________________________________
Date
Fighting the “Modern Day Play”:
by Kara Eaker
It is no news that we live in a world dominated by
technology and electronics. Much of our daily lives revolve
around the use of technology; watching the news or our
favorite reality show on TV, using our cell phones to make
calls, text, access the internet, and so much more. There is
no denying that technology makes our lives easier however,
it is greatly impacting the development of our children cognitively, emotionally, and socially, and it’s also
impacting the dynamic within our families.
Most of the children in today’s world have cellphones,
iPods, computers, iPads, video games, or other electronics
that consume much of their time. Instead of “playing,”
children have their focus locked on their electronics.
Meaning, they are not interacting with their peers or family
members face-to-face, they are not being exposed to real life
experiences that will shape their understanding of the world,
and they are not engaging in activities that will help develop
their brain and body. As a community, our children need to
get back to a more basic style of play. Play in which there is
no electronics involved; where children interact and work
with others, create and build things, and have the freedom to
be creative and lead the play.
Here are some ways to help support your child in
experiencing a positive play experience without electronics.
 Set firm rules regarding your child’s/family’s use of
technology.
 No TV on or electronics used during dinner or other
family meals.
 Meal times are a perfect time to talk with one
another and find out how a person’s day was.
 Have a central charging station.
 This is a place where the electronics are left at
night in order to charge.
 Develop a routine.
 One hour each day, all electronics will be turned off
or put away. It will be the expectation that the
family will do an activity together or this will be
used as “free-time” for children to play.
 Game or movie nights-rotate who picks the game or
movie each week.
 Play outside, go to a park or rec center.
 Especially with nice weather knocking on our
door…let’s get our kids outside!
If there is push back from your child, take their electronic
away. Initially, the electronic may act as an incentive for
your child to participate in unstructured play.
HOPE HALL
VOLUME 20. NO. 8
PAGE 3
School News
Transitioning To College:
By Vanessa Crans
This is the time of year when the Class of 2015 is finalizing their future plans, and for some of our students, this
means exploring the world of opportunities that college has to offer. In working with the Seniors, I have been able to
talk with many of them and learn about their goals and how they are feeling, knowing their time at Hope Hall is
coming to an end.
I was able to sit down and talk to one of the students in the Class of 2015, Sha-Ron Bates, and find out more about
his time at Hope Hall, his goals for the future and what he has learned during his time as a high school student. It
was an enlightening conversation that showed me just how much students appreciate the opportunities they have at
Hope Hall, and how excited they are for what the future holds.
Q: What are your plans for after graduation?
A: I will be attending Monroe Community College to study Criminal Justice.
Q: Do you feel prepared for the path you have choosen after high school?
A: Yes, I do. I am a motivated person and that will carry over into college.
Q: What was the most challenging part of the college application process?
A: Registering for classes. I wanted to find classes that I knew would be helpful, but
not too difficult for my first semester.
Q: What are you most looking forward to at Monroe Community College?
A: The overall experience- it is something I have worked hard to accomplish, and I have overcome many
obstacles to get to this point. I hope to continue to set goals and reach them once I get there. Going to
MCC is a big accomplishment for me.
Q: What was the most enjoyable part of being a student at Hope Hall?
A: Being an ambassador. I was able to meet new people and tell them about the school. It helped me
understand how many different people in the community really reach out and help.
Q: What was one thing you would change about your Hope Hall experience if you could do it over?
A: I would get involved more… maybe run for Student Council and make a bigger impact within the
student population.
Q: Do you have any advice for current Hope Hall students to help them prepare for their futures?
A: Take your time when deciding what to do. Try not to stress about the decisions you will have to make
and be sure to ask for help when you need it.
Choosing a career path for after high school can be a daunting task, but many of our students are up to it and look
forward to the future with eager anticipation. It has been a pleasure working with the Seniors this year and learning
about their ambitions. Speaking with students like Sha-Ron gives great insight as to how Hope Hall has helped them
in preparing for their futures.
Student of the Month
PHOTO
The Student of the Month for April was Tatyana Diaz. Tatyana is in
the 8th grade and truly met all criteria for Student of the Month.
Congratulations Tatyana! Your leadership makes each of us very proud.
HOPE HALL
PAGE 4
VOLUME 20. NO. 8
School News
Fine Arts Festival
Our students have been working diligently at mastering music, dance, singing and
visual fine arts throughout the year. They now would like to show you, their family
and friends, what they have been able to accomplish. We hope that you can join us
at our Fine Arts Festival on Friday, June 5, 2015 at 1:00pm. The festival will be held
in the gymnasium at Hope Hall, 1612 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY 14624. To
reserve your seat(s), call (585) 426-0210. Reservations are needed for this event
and seating is limited, so call in to make your reservation(s) today.
First Ever Euchre Tournament a Great Success
In an effort to raise additional funds for Hope Hall’s operating budget, 8 women who are the Leadership Team of
our PTSO (Parent Teacher Student Organization) got behind the idea of hosting a Euchre Tournament. These
women are Tina Conroy (who proposed the idea), Kirsten Minor, Nikki Pagani, Pam Wentworth, Mary
Beth Bauler, Mari Fiore, Stacey Jones, and Michelle Rooksby.
The event took place on April 18th and 40 people attended and played great Euchre. These 40 players, with the
help of some great donations for raffle prizes and food, raised $1,208 for our school. Very special thanks go to the
following who made this $1,208 possible.
Perri’s Pizza
1.Parri’s
Pizza who gave us a 50% discount on the sheet pizzas, and one of our families who anonymously paid the
balance of the bill.
2.Tom Marsella of Ridge Donuts who gave us a great discount on 6 dozen donuts, and Lou and Darleen Pulvino
who paid the balance of the bill.
3.Wegmans Lyell which donated 10 cases of veggie snacks and 5 cases of water.
4.Yvonne Lovenguth from Starbucks who donated all of the coffee, cups, creamers and sugar.
5.Valerie Green, Margie Loman, and Stacey and Ron Jones who donated 5 raffle baskets and 4 cases of water.
6.All of the workers who made set up, clean up, and everything in between so easy:
Tina, Mike, Marissa, Paul and Joe Conroy
Pam, Todd, and Allyson Wentworth
Nikki, Dominic, and Aaron Pagani
Kristen Minor
Mary Beth Bauler
Mari Fiore
Linda’s Cupboard continues to help an average of 40 Hope Hall families in need because of
the goodness of those in our community. Our families visit the Cupboard twice each
month all year-round. Thank you for all that you do for our students and their families.
For a complete list of current needs, please visit our website at www.hopehall.org. If your
group would like to organize a fundraiser to benefit Linda’s Cupboard, or hold a food and
personal hygiene drive, please contact Shaunta Collier-Santos, Director of Development, at
585-426-5824, ext. 107 or [email protected].
Current Needs for Linda’s Cupboard: Health supplies (shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, soap, etc.) ● Paper
products (paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, Kleenex) ● Soup ● Pasta products, boxed macaroni and cheese, rice,
instant potatoes, hamburger helper, ramen noodles ● Canned baked beans, kidney beans, black beans ● Ketchup,
mustard, mayonnaise ● Cereal (low sugar) ● Juice (low sugar) ● Cleaning supplies (dish soap, detergent, softener,
toilet bowl cleaner, etc.) ● Peanut butter and Jelly
HOPE HALL
VOLUME 20. NO. 8
PAGE 5
Development News
Dolce Society Benefits and Fiscal Year-End Giving
“Hope Hall is the first school I have visited in the United States
that resembles the Japanese education system. Sister Diana and
her staff are obviously making a profound impact on education
by teaching children that had difficulty in other environments.
CNN should do a one hour documentary to tell the world about a
local nun working to make a difference in education by teaching
children, respect, discipline and academics in Rochester.”
- Junko Mills, Ph.d., Rochester, New York
As we enter the final quarter of our fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), we are reviewing Dolce Society achievement levels for every donor
to ensure that you are listed correctly in our upcoming annual report. There are special benefits associated with the various levels of
your annual giving in the Dolce Society, such as tickets to various events, VIP seating at events, listing in the annual report, etc. You
will be notified of the benefits you have earned in association with your giving for the fiscal year by mail or email. Because of tax
implications, you will have the option to accept or decline the benefits associated with the various levels due to the taxable impact on
your 2015 charitable tax contribution.
Hope Hall has reached a significant milestone this year with your help – twenty years of providing access to education for students
who were left out of other systems. This year, fifteen seniors will walk across the stage to receive their high school diploma because
of the effort they put into gaining an education to allow them to take control of their future. These fifteen students were NEVER
supposed to make it. Many were counted out of other systems and branded with labels that meant they would not learn, some were
placed in classrooms where all they were expected to do was color all day. Those same students not only learned but thrived at Hope
Hall. Those same students are now ready to enter into the workforce and into two year colleges because of our multi-sensory
approach to teaching and all of the other support given to them. We teach our students that they are important and that they do matter.
Each time you make a donation to our school, you can feel good knowing that you are helping us to keep our doors open to students
who would not be learning, let alone graduating in the eighteen school districts they previously attended.
As we finish out this last quarter of our fiscal year, we have a gap to fill in our budget and can use your help. Please help us spread
the word about the great work we are doing here. Below are just a few quick and easy ways to help us finish our year strong.







Purchase a brick in honor or in memory of someone special.
Become a corporate partner by sponsoring one or more events.
Become a member of our Provider of Hope Club with a commitment for $100 a month for twelve months.
Donate a vehicle to Hope Hall through our Vehicles for Charity partner.
Designate Hope Hall to receive funds from your company’s dress down days.
Drop off your cans and bottles at Flower City Cans and Bottle (2374 Chili Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624) to benefit our Walk
for Hope Fundraiser, just mention Hope Hall, or bring them right to school.
Make Hope Hall a charity beneficiary for a fundraiser you already have planned for your professional, civic or religious group.
To learn more about how to implement any of these ideas or to discuss other partnership ideas, please contact Shaunta Collier-Santos,
Director of Development at (5850 426-5824, ext. 107 or email [email protected].
B. Thomas Golisano Foundation
Committee of 25
Kids Need to Read
M&T Bank
Ministry Foundation Board of the
Sisters of St. Joseph
Stella Matutina Foundation
The Eleanor and Ralph Cantisano
Family Foundation
HOPE HALL
PAGE 6
VOLUME 20. NO. 8
Development News
The Walk for Hope fundraiser will take place on May 21, 2015
Our 2015 Walk for Hope Fundraiser has officially begun. The students, faculty, staff and Board of Trustees are working
hard to raise their individual goals of $100. Our goal this year is to raise $28,000. If we raise $28,000, Sister Diana will
die her hair the school colors (teal & black) for a day. We have already raised $3,510 as of April 23rd, which is great, but
we have a long way to go and we need your help. There are some students who may have a more difficult time reaching
this goal, so we are seeking individual donors that would be willing to make a donation to help these students out. Each
student who raises his/her $100 will be given a prize. They will also receive a prize for each additional $100 that they
raise. To ensure that we have enough prizes, we are looking for iTunes gift cards, movie
tickets, etc. to be donated to use for our older students as prizes.
We are also looking for corporate sponsors to come on board to support our walk. We
have several different levels of sponsorships, with a NEW Platinum level added on this
year. If you have any questions or would like to review our Sponsorship Benefits sheet,
please contact Christina Westmiller at (585) 426-5824, ext. 111.
As you can see, we have a many ways that you can help make this year’s walk a HUGE
success. Any help that you can give is much appreciated.
Experience Italy
Our 11th Annual Experience Italy event was held at the Italian American Sport Club on March 21,
2015. Our 207 guests helped us raise over $10,500. Everyone enjoyed a delicious five course meal
that included a remarkable Pork Loin Marsala, Eggplant Parmesan, Pasta, and Greens & Beans,
wine, raffle prizes, a 50/50 drawing, music and dancing. It was a wonderful evening enjoyed by all.
We would like to thank the members of the Italian American Sport Club for another wonderfully
successful event.
Heather Corke’s
Family and Friends
Herb Spears, Kay Headly, Debby
Tourville, Sr. Diana Dolce,
and Bob Tourville
Sr. Diana Dolce and
Serafino Pavone
Toast for Hope Gala
Mark your calendars for this year’s Toast for Hope Gala that will be held on
Saturday, October 3, 2015 and tickets will be $100 per person. We are in
the process of finalizing the details for this year’s event so keep an eye out
for more information in our upcoming newsletters.
HOPE HALL
VOLUME 20. NO. 8
PAGE 7
Development News
Join us at our 20th Anniversary Golf Tournament and help
support our Scholarship Program. Once again, Shadow
Pines Golf Club will host our golf tournament, with an
11:00 a.m. tee time.
Our hole-in-one contest was such a huge hit last year that
our friends at Molye Chevrolet have decided to donate
another car this year! Watch for more information on this in
our June Newsletter.
To become a sponsor or register your foursome, contact
Christina Westmiller at (585) 426-5824, ext. 111, go to
www.hopehall.org or complete the form below and mail it to:
Hope Hall, 1612 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY 14624.
The tournament is selling out fast, so don’t delay,
register today!
GOLF & AWARDS DINNER RESERVATIONS
Name_____________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________
City________ ______________________ State __________ Zip ____________
Email Address_____________________________________________________
Return this form to:
High Hopes Golf
Hope Hall
1612 Buffalo Road
Rochester, NY 14624
Contact # _________________________________________________________
I can’t attend, but wish to donate $_______
SPONSORSHIPS
$3,000 Birdie Sponsor
$______
$750 Scholarship Sponsor
$______
$2,500 Dinner Sponsor
$______
$650 Bogey Sponsor
$______
$2,000 Cart Sponsor
$______
$350 Corporate Sponsor
$______
$1,500 Beverage Sponsor
$______
$200 Single-Hole Sponsor
$______
$1,350 Par Sponsor
$______
$600 Foursome
$______
$1,000 Lunch Sponsor
$______
$150 Golf for One
$______
$1,000 Hole-in-One Sponsor
$______
$35 Dinner Only
$______
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Rochester, NY
Permit No. 516
1612 Buffalo Road
Rochester, NY 14624
Phone: (585) 426-0210
Fax: (585) 426-3319
E-mail: [email protected]
www.hopehall.org
Do you have a car in your driveway or in storage that isn’t working? Follow this
link to donate your vehicle to Hope Hall. We are a Vehicles for Charity Partner.
Hope Hall receives 70% of the proceeds from the sales of your vehicle. Just
another way to help us make a difference in the lives of children who learn
differently. Please call 1-866-628-2277 or follow this link today!
HTTPS://WWW.VEHICLESFORCHARITY.ORG/DONATE/HOH.HTLM
Go Green!
We distribute over 2,450 printed copies and
e-mail more than 750 electronically each
month. Please send an email to
[email protected], if you would like to
receive an electronic copy of our newsletter.
Donate Online
Make your donation online. Simply go to our website,
www.hopehall.org, select the donation type from the
drop down menu, add a special note if you would like,
click the donate button and fill out the required
information. Thank you for your support.
Connect with and
share Hope Hall on
Social Media:
Don’t Miss the Alumni Reunion!
Send in your Alumni Updates
You have the most amazing stories to tell of your
experiences at Hope Hall. Help us spread the word about
how Hope Hall has helped you find success. People are
willing to invest in things that work. So, please write a
few sentences that describe your feelings about being
part of the Hope Hall community.
Tell us about Hope Hall’s impact on your life. Tell us
what you are doing now and how Hope Hall helped you
get there. As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary, we
want to be certain you are included. Please e-mail your
contact information to [email protected].
Please send all other newsletter feedback to
[email protected] or mail to:
Ms. Shaunta Collier-Santos
Hope Hall Development Office
1612 Buffalo Rd.
Rochester, NY 14624