Dismal Autumn? November 4 , 2005

I came across some poetry with Fall and November being the subject. This time of year is thought to be
dreary, crisp and full of the death of vegetation.

Not so this year. During this first week of November, it has been sunny and warm. My lawn still requires water and mowing.

The school business has also been a little different than
usual for this time of year. I can blame some of that on
the weather. Students tend to go out for lunch more
often. They tend to be tardy or absent more often. That
creates a few problems when it comes to student grades.
I see a direct (and understandable) correlation between
those with good attendance and positive grade reports.
Students with little or no chance to pass classes this
semester are being encouraged to modify or “scrunch”
their schedules for the remainder of this semester. The
aim is to salvage some of what has already been lost. It
is yet another opportunity for kids to benefit from the
accommodating design of our program of studies here at
Hope Street Academy. A number of schedules have been
changed from 8-3 to Noon to 5 p.m. These schedules
may revert back to a traditional 8-3 schedule to begin
the second semester, providing progress is made from
now until then.

Parent conferences have passed. All families were formally
invited to attend via a mailed postcard. It is never too late
to set an appointment if you missed the scheduled dates.
I think it is no mistake that students perform and behave
better at school as parents communicate with schools. I
would also remind you that our primary focus is to help
kids. Even when dealing with negative situations, we
are looking for the good. Trust me on that.

I‘d like to invite you to visit me at www.BillBagshaw.
blogsot.com. This is a blog where you can keep up
on current happenings at Hope Street. You may even
comment there. The Parent Portal is also available for
you to check grades and attendance online. Call us if
you need more information about that service which is
available to families.

Students have the opportunity to benefit from a wide
range of courses offered for credit recovery. We have
Online, CD-ROM, and Extended Day classes available to
accommodate whatever situation a student may require.

For more information on those courses contact:

Jay Clevenger at 438-4288
jcleveng@tpeka.k12.ks.us

OR

Shely Shade at 438-4287
sshade@topeka.k12.ks.us

November also begins the holiday season. Students are
out of school for extended vacation days, teacher inservice,
and personal illness due to colds and flu. Please
keep us informed on issues that effect your student’s
education. We can be of help.

I don’t anticipate anything becoming “dismal” about
Autumn.

Respectfully,
Bill Bagshaw
Principal-Hope Street Academy

To apply to Hope Street Academy, just print and fill out the Enrollment Application. Then mail it to the address below.

To speak with someone about our programs please contact:

Hope Street Academy 
1900 SW Hope Street
Topeka, KS 66604-3599
Telephone: (785) 438-4280