Hope Week Events Start Today

is kicking off a number of events for their annual Hope Week celebration this week.

The purpose of Hope Week is to “send a powerful message that we, as a community, stand united in our willingness and our resolve to help and support our youth.” All events are open to the public, and they begin today with an educational symposium sponsored by the NAACP. The symposium will discuss topics related to student success, and runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the .

The other events happening during Hope Week are:

• An “Effective Leadership Discussion” with community leaders and eighth grade students, hosted by Curtis Goodwin of I AM ME Studios; 8:30 a.m. on Monday at .
• “Get A Grip!” student assembly, 10 a.m. on Tuesday at ; a 40-minute multimedia presentation to help students “understand that positive self-control leads to satisfying relationships, academic success, and positive feelings about one's self and others.”
• “Get A Grip!” community presentation and discussion, 7 p.m. on Tuesday at New London High School.
• Student Fun Night, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Science and Technology Magnet High School; inflatable obstacle course, basketball competition, and more. Hosted by City Councilor Anthony Nolan.
• Science, Art, and Community Partners’ Fair, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Science and Technology Magnet High School; science and art projects, including senior presentations, as well as a raffle drawing.
• New London High School Band Spring Concert, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the New London High School
• Fishing trip excursion, hosted by School Resource Officer Max Bertsch, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday. Open to New London High School students only. Students should sign up early, as space is limited, and one student will receive a fishing pole handmade by Bertsch.
• Children’s concert for elementary school age children, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday at ; hosted by Steve Elci & Friends, sponsored by and the ’s School Resource Centers
• Student performances, noon to 2 p.m. on May 19 at ; performances by youth dance and music groups, hosted by Curtis Goodwin and presented in partnership with I AM ME Studios
• Reading of Further Adventures of the Giant Squid & the Seagull by author Sgott MacKenzie, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on May 19 at the
• Candlelight vigil in honor of Memorial Day, 7:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. on May 27 at Parade Plaza

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.