WFWP USA: HerStory Podcast Episode 12: Elizabeth Deshotel Raising Hearts and Minds

“I find that teaching is a parental role. You’re almost like a second parent…some kids needed more mother and some kids needed more father…It was an extension of my parenting, my mothering instinct for my own children came into the classroom.”

In this episode of the HerStory Podcast, host Adia Lancaster sits down with Elizabeth Deshotel, an accomplished educator, administrator, and devoted mother and grandmother, to explore her inspiring journey of faith, family, and leadership. Elizabeth shares her early life growing up in a Roman Catholic family and her search for meaning as a young adult, culminating in a profound spiritual experience at the age of 22 that transformed her life. She reflects on how this encounter with God shaped her personal path, leading her to embrace parenting, education, and service to others as central elements of her life mission.

Elizabeth dives into her professional journey, discussing her long career as a teacher and principal, where she combined her mothering instincts with educational expertise to nurture students both academically and emotionally. She emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive classroom environment, respecting boundaries, and investing in each child individually. Elizabeth also shares her perspective on feminine leadership, explaining how empathy, compassion, and collaboration with men in professional settings have been essential in her roles. Her approach highlights the balance between care and firmness, as well as the significance of grounding her work in faith and a sense of higher purpose.

Beyond her professional life, Elizabeth reflects on the joys and challenges of raising five children and now guiding seven grandchildren, describing grandparenting as a “whole other world” filled with love and fulfillment. She offers heartfelt advice to young women today, encouraging them to seek God’s guidance in life decisions, including the choice to become a parent, and to recognize the profound joy that can come from nurturing others. Elizabeth’s story underscores the transformative power of faith, intuition, and living a life rooted in love, service, and God-centered purpose, offering listeners both inspiration and practical wisdom for their own journeys.

Learn more about New Hope School here: www,newhopeschoolnj,com

Learn more about the Bridgeport Hope School here: www,bridgeporthopeschool,org

f ~ 973-473-4144 BOOK A TOUR

What makes us special?

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where over 80 languages are spoken in local homes. Our school proudly reflects this diversity, with families representing more tlian 25 countries from around the world.

We offer: • An international student body High academic standards • Small class sizes for personalized attention • A strong emphasis on character building and social developme • A safe and secure learning environment • Clean, bright, and spacious facilities • Active parent involvement • A comprehensive Core Knowledge curriculum • After-school care and extracurricular clubs • Affordable tuition rates

At New Hope School, we are committed to fostering academic excellence, cultural appreciation, and personal growth in evef1 student.

New Hope School is committed to the high standards of academic excellence and independent character development by teaching God-centered universal values and services to others as the basis for personal integritv. h armonv i n the familv. and oeace in the world.

New Hope School is now accepting applications.

We know it’s not easy to select the right school for your child. Our 3-step admissions process makes it easier!

1. Submit an Inquiry Form, Schedule a School Tour (In-person) or an Information Session (virtually) 2. Complete Tour or Information Session 3. Follow-up Interview, Submit Enrollment Package

Parent Testimonials

“Many occasions have enabled me to meet and interact with the faculty and staff, who are responsible for the education and shaping of our most precious and cherished children. Articulate, accomplished, dedicated and energetic are only a few of the adjectives that best describe the teachers of New Hope School. This school has stood the test of time for 20 years. I am sure that all parents and guardians are most appreciative of New Hope School’s ability to continually inspire its students to excel in their endeavors to obtain a sound foundation for their further education.”

Grandmother of New Hope Graduate

“Now in high school, I have been in all of the highest possible levels of classes I can have. Even in these classes, I have felt as though I have just been reviewing content I have already learned in New Hope School. The school has given me a tool box (of sorts) and helped be build a sturdy foundation for the rest of my years of school, and I am very grateful for that. Additionally, there is little to no peer pressure to do bad things at New Hope School, which is amazing because children are very impressionable during their middle school years. This is because New Hope School has an excellent moral standard, and I believe that attending the school from a young age really creates almost a sixth sense of morality. There are no blurred lines when it comes to morality in New Hope School, which is good because it ingrains a sense of right and wrong into children. This is very important for impressionable middle school students to have in their lives.”

New Hope Graduate

“In my 8 years at New Hope I always felt happy to come back after the summer because I wanted to accomplish more. Each year I wanted to do better than the year before. When I reflect on my time here I remember the pressure I felt getting my science fair projects done and having to talk about them in front of the whole school. I was always so relieved to be finished, but also I would feel very proud of what I had accomplished.”

New Hope Graduate

About Us Quick Links Contact Us Home If you have any questions or comments that you would like to About Us share w ith us, please feel free to Programs reach out to us directly.

Admissions 822 Cli fton Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07013 New Hope School welcomes students regardless of race, gender, national (973) 473-4144 If: (973) 473-2939 and ethnic origin, and is non- office@newhopeschoolnj.com discriminatory in all of its policies.

BRIDGEPORT HOPE SCHOOL

Serving K-Bth grades since 1996.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MAY 2 I Half-day MAY 26 I Memorial Day - School Closed MAY 29 I Field Trip - Lake Compounce JUN 13 I Last Day of School

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Bridgeport Hope School is a K-8th grade private elementary and middle school located in Bridgeport, CT. We

are dedicated to “Academic Excellence and the Cultivation of Heart and Character in a Caring Community.”

AT A GLANCE HIGHLIGHTS OF BRIDGEPORT HOPE SCHOOL

Our student consistently surpass national averages in math, reading, and vocabulary.

r I’ “ MUSIC, ART, SMALL CLASSES K-8TH GRADE FOREIGN IN A CLOSE-KNIT PRIVATE SCHOOL LANGUAGE, ENVIRONMEN T MUSICAL THEATER … .,, … .,J

,. CHARACTER FREE BUS ING EDUCATION, AVAILABLE TO AFTER-SCHOOL Fl ELD TRIPS, CLUBS BRIDGEPOR T PROGRAM AND SPORTS RES IDENTS

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE HANABETA DESHOTEL, M.ED.

“Are you one of the many parents seeking an optimal individualized school experience for your child? With its smal l class sizes, rigorous curriculum, and wide array of art and music instruction, Bridgeport Hope School may be just the place to provide that superlative experience for your child. The staff and I are committed to actualize our mission statement every day.”

WHAT PARENTS LIKE ABOUT BHS SOME SHARING TESTIMONIES WHY STUDENTS AND PARENTS LIKE BHS.

. their small We really appreciate . and family-like The program itself is very classrooms heir mixed grades enriching and since my son atmosphere. T “th children both ; _ _ _ .,…y#,.. “31’Tn ~--~ ct,,rlV WI .

started here some tour Yt’<IJ-” c;,-:,~, where student t:ou J•--, h m and share t11eir ·nrumand gerthan t e .. I have seen growth 1 older and youn . with a topic is t extra tune he’s developed and matured. knowledge or ge bey get extra time to I f tbeY need to, t a pus. 1 work at their own pace.

VISIT OUR SCHOOL Welcome to meet and greet at our school.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Tour the school • Take a diagnostic test • Experience a shadow day • Find out if we are a good fit for you!

REQUEST INFO PACKET APPLY FOR ADMISSION

LEARN HOW’Tl) .APPLY

WHAT WE DO NOW! FACEBOOK HIGHLIGHTS FROM BRIDGEPORT HOPE SCHOOL

~ Bridgeport Hope School ~ about 2 months ago Donate & Tuition Payment

We’ve officially wrapped up another successful and joyful year at Bridgeport Hope School. Congratulations to our 8th-grade graduates who are commencina from BHS todav! You’ve arown into thouahtful.

capable young leaders, and we are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished. As you move on to your next chapter, know that your Bridgeport Hope family is cheering you on every step of the way. CALENDAR Our students gave amazing performances during our year-end See our schedule for the upcoming celebration. Kindergarten t… See more school year.

2024-.2025 CALENDAR

BHS Slideshow 21/22 - “These Small Hours”

BHS Slideshow 18/19 - “Loosen Up” BHS Slideshow 17/18 - “Remember My Name” BHS Slideshow 16/17 - “Best Friend”

BHS Slideshow 15/16 - “Moments Like This”

GALLERY CORE KNOWLEDGE SAXON MATH WSRRT

BRIDGEPORT HOPE SCHOOL, 283 LAFAYETTE ST, BRIDGEPORT, CT,

06604 (203) 576-6773 CONTACT@BRIDGEPORTHOPESCHOOL.ORG

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