Newsletter: March 2008
Jumprope For Heart 2008
Photos by Alan Takano
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Aloha e nā Mākua a me nā Haumana!
I am happy to report that all is well at KES as we begin parent conferences and the Spring Vacation, during this second week of March, 2008. This is to remind everyone that the Spring break will be for two weeks this year, from March 15th through March 30th. We are all looking forward to starting school again on Monday, March 31st.
Mahalo nui loa to all who attended the parent night on March 4th, where Mrs. Kopp, Mrs. Sato and I had the chance to talk about the KES school program, share curriculum endeavors and standardized test initiatives. To view the March 4th power point presentation please click here. We plan to hold regular parent meetings at least twice a year during the fall and spring semesters. Our next parent meeting will be in the fall semester, 2008. Mai poina, don’t forget to save April 25th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. for the elementary school’s famous Ho‘olōkahi Celebration. On this occasion, all of our KES children from grades kindergarten thruough sixth will be showcasing their performing arts talents. We hope to see you all there!
Finally, please take a lot of time during the next two weeks of vacation to talk, play, laugh, and have a lot of fun with your child(ren). May God bless you all as we celebrate this Easter season. May He guide you, care for you and keep you all healthy.
Mahalo nui loa a hui hou kākou,
Mr. Holoua Stender, Principal
GOLDEN PENCILS UPDATE!!
Aloha Parents!
MAHALO NUI LOA for supporting the first GOLDEN PENCILS, INC. “Children Publishing Books!” sale. It was a huge success and every book was completely sold out! Over 200 students wrote & illustrated books. As a result, $477 was raised to purchase phone cards for U.S. soldiers in Iraq. These cards were truly special as they allowed troops to stay in touch with `ohana and loved ones during the holidays. Ms. Mara Bacon, KES 5th grade teacher (currently deployed in Iraq), distributed the phone cards for us! Students and families may visit our website at http://blogs.ksbe.edu/golden-pencils to view a video clip and photos of the action.
If you click on the “BOOK COMMENTS” link, you can write comments to authors about their book/s. They’d love to hear from you! When students write for an authentic audience, they are far more engaged and motivated to write, revise, and edit—sparked by the pride of individual authorship. We hope your child will continue to write and illustrate more books for our next sale on May 5-6! Deadline to submit books for the sale is April 22, 2008. If you have any questions, please call Anna Sumida at 842-8861 or send an email to ansumida@ksbe.edu. IMUA KES WRITERS!!
Mahalo nui loa,
Golden Pencils Editorial Board
BUS ID’s & MORE
As we head into the second semester of the 2007-2008 school year, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of those bus riders who have worked hard to make the ride a safe and comfortable one for all! Many of our students have done very well with remembering their ID’s and in following expectations for riders. We strongly encourage all families to review bus expectations and consequences for infractions with your children as a refresher for the second semester.
Important to know: Beginning Tuesday, January 22, 2008, all students will have a second copy of their ID card kept in their file in the school office. Should they not have their ID for boarding the bus in the morning, the following procedures will be followed:
1. student’s name will be reported to the office
2. student will be asked to come to the office to sign out their secondary ID
3. student will use the ID to board the bus for their return trip home
4. student is responsible for returning the ID to our office within 24 hours
5. if ID is not returned within the 24 hour period, the student’s account will be charged $10.00 (the standard replacement fee for student ID’s)
We hope that students will continue to be responsible for carrying their ID’s with them to board buses daily.
COMMUNITY BUS MEETINGS
We have met with several parents in various communities during the first semester to collaborate on strategies for providing a safe and comfortable ride for students and drivers. These meetings have been very helpful and we will continue to meet with the remaining communities over the next couple of months. Attendance at one of these meetings is mandatory, so please watch for upcoming information regarding the scheduled dates, times, and locations.
MAHALO VOLUNTEERS!!
Mahalo to the many parents who generously donate their time to assist us with the daily breakfast program. We truly appreciate the support you give to ensure our keiki have a great start to their day!Mahalo also to the parents who have been providing coverage for our after school late bus supervision, car pick up, and study hall areas so that all of our staff can attend monthly Home Ho`ona`auao, Hawaiian culture and language staff development lessons. E lei nö au i kö aloha. (I will wear your love as a wreath. I will cherish your love as a beautiful adornment.)
JUMP ROPE FOR HEART
A BIG MAHALO for all your support for the Jump Rope for Heart program. We had another very successful year, raising over $57,000.00!! Seven hundred and fifty students participated in this heart pumping event!! A special mahalo to Mrs. Hawley Cappo, Mrs. Georgie Chock and their team of merry money counters who gave up their mornings to help with the collection of donations as well as all the parents and staff who joined in on the fun of the Jump Rope event. Mahalo for your part in helping fight heart disease and stroke in Hawaii. See you again next year!!
