There's a whole lotta "HOPE" in local Catholic elementary schools. On Sept. 15, several principals and school staff members gathered at the Archdiocesan Catholic Center in Los Angeles to showcase innovative early childhood education programs being honored as 2004 HOPE (Helping Our Principals Excel) recipients.

Established locally in 2002 in what may be the only (arch)diocesan model program forum of its kind in the country, the annual HOPE awards provide a way for Catholic educators to identify and share successful elementary school curricular and extra-curricular activities. Programs highlighted this year ran the gamut from developmentally-based reading curriculums to activities promoting Catholic spirituality.

"Our real purpose is to share good programs, said Patricia Livingston, archdiocesan superintendent for elementary schools. Livingston, who helped start the HOPE awards along with Good Shepherd School principal Terry Miller (Beverly Hills) and the late Marion F. Falchi, founder of The Teacher Internship Program, credited former elementary schools superintendent and current archdiocesan chancellor Sister of Charity Mary Elizabeth Galt for her support of HOPE. "She was a real inspiration in getting the program going," declared Livingston.

"As principals, we're always looking for good programs," said Miller. "I've heard some really good ideas."

Thirteen schools representing every region in the archdiocese were identified as having HOPE model programs this year. Winning programs must have been in operation for at least three years and must be able to be adapted in other schools. Staff running HOPE programs agree to provide training as needed to adapting schools.

Schools with 2004 HOPE programs include Holy Family Elementary School, South Pasadena, "Virtue of the Month;" Holy Trinity Elementary School, San Pedro, "Buddy Program;" Notre Dame Academy Elementary School, West Los Angeles, "A Thanksgiving Celebration;" Notre Dame School, Santa Barbara, "Notre Dame Preschool;" and Our Lady of Loretto School, Los Angeles, "Sharpening the Mind and Filling in the Spirit."

Also honored as HOPE model programs were Our Lady of Lourdes School, Northridge, "Early Fives;" Our Lady of Lourdes School, Tujunga, "Mission Awareness;" St. Anastasia School, Los Angeles, "The Rosary Learning Experience;" and St. Charles Borromeo School, North Hollywood, "Primary Program."

Other HOPE winners included St. Elisabeth School, Van Nuys, "Developmental Reading for Grades 1 and 2;" St. Louise de Marillac School, Covina, "Kindergarten Mommy Helpers;" St. Mary of the Assumption School, Whittier, "Kindergarten Breakfast for Veterans;" and St. Paschal Baylon School, Thousand Oaks, "Reading Club."

Schools interested in submitting an application for consideration as a 2005 HOPE program must apply by Nov. 1 to the Department of Catholic Schools. For further information, contact Terry Miller, (310) 275-8601.