This afternoon, students from our kula were entertained by the movie, Cars 2, as the first trimester Nā Koa Reward. 253 or 99% of our students earned at least two out of three punches on their punch card which got them to the movie. Students were comfortable in our Lunalilo theater seats as they were mesmerized by the large screen animation. After the movie, students enjoyed a delicious snack of candied popcorn.
On January 5, 2012 Kula Ha`aha`a will be hosting internationally acclaimed author, child psychologist, and consultant, Dr. Michael Thompson. Dr. Thompson has worked in more than 200 different schools across the US and is the co-author of Best Friends, Worst Enemies: Understanding the Social Lives of Children. (see shelfari) A dedicated speaker and traveler, Dr. Thompson has appeared on The Today Show, The Early Show, Good Morning America and Oprah.
Dr. Thompson will spend two days at Kula Ha`aha`a working with teachers, students, and parents helping us to understand the social culture of children. So remember to come out on Thursday, January 5th, to our `Ohana Night for your chance to hear Dr. Thompson speak about raising healthy children.
Students get to select prizes from the treasure chest.
Tuesday, October 25th, was the second punch day of the first trimester. 237 or 92% of our students earned a punch on their reward card. For some students, this may be their second punch meaning they earned their way to the movie day already. Others may need to earn one more punch on the last punch day of the trimester. In addition to earning a punch, students who meet the criteria have their names put in a container for a prize drawing during lunch. Two names from each class are drawn and selected students choose prizes from the treasure chest. Please encourage your child to keep earning their punches.
As part of our Guidance curriculum, Mr. Kudo and Mrs. Kāneakua will be presenting a lesson on personal body safety. The curriculum was created by Kapi`olani Medical Center for Women and Children and the lesson for each grade level will be taught in a simple, age-appropriate manner. The overarching concept is: My body is special and it belongs to me. A letter will be sent home within the next couple of weeks with more information.
Students wait at evacuation site while adults account for everyone.
On Thursday, October 13th, all students from our elementary and middle divisions participated in an alternate site evacuation drill. The purpose of the drill was to prepare our students for a real emergency that would require us to leave the campus. The drill involved students walking over to the field next to Pai`ea Stadium. It commenced with fire drill procedures, which our haumāna are very familiar with. After everyone was accounted for, we all proceeded to the evacuation area. Students and teachers got to see what a real campus evacuation would be like. After the drill, campus leaders conducted an evaluation and agreed that all of our students and teachers did a great job!
Friday, September 16th, was the first Nā Koa Punch Day of the 2011-2012 school year. 247 students, or 96% earned the punch on their bright pink punch cards that were securely attached to all students backpacks. Please look for the punch on your child’s punch card and give them a pat on the back for earning it. Remember, that Punch Day #2 is right around the corner. Thursday, November 10th, will be the Nā Koa Reward Movie Day. Wouldn’t it be great if all kula ha`aha`a keiki could attend?
Mr. Kudo and Mrs. Kāneakua go into the classrooms about once every other week to teach various Guidance lessons. The school year opened with the counselors reviewing school expectations and then on to Friendship lessons. Students learned the characteristics of a good friend and the importance of developing lifelong friendships. Most recently, the counselors have been in classrooms taking up the topic of bullying. Students explored what bullying is, types of bullying, and various ways to deal with it. The next subject that Mr. Kudo and Mrs. Kāneakua will tackle is conflict resolution, or strategies to solve problems.
Mrs. Oyama's class listens to a story about bullying.
You’ve probably heard about the new daily practice here at Kula Ha`aha`a – Greetings. It’s the new buzz, students are liking it and teachers are writing about it on their blogs. The purpose of implementing greetings is three-fold:
We’ve put together a short video that shows the kinds of greetings that teachers are using and how students feel about it. Enjoy catching a glimpse of how we begin each day here at Kula Ha`ha`a.
Greetings from Liana Honda on Vimeo.
Don't they look good?
Mahalo parents for putting forth the extra effort to ensure that your keiki come to school in full compliance to our uniform standards. At Open House, Mr. Kudo announced that time would be given to acquire all the right shoes, jackets, and belts. It appears that the extra time paid off. Students are definitely “looking good”!
If you still have questions regarding the uniform policy, please refer to The Student and Parent Handbook pp.21-23 or give us a call.
September is upon us and now that students are settled in their new classrooms, Mr. Kudo and Mrs. Kāneakua are ready to begin their individual and group counseling sessions. Counseling sessions are held during lunch and may focus on topics such as: Family Change, Making Friends, Grief, Self Concept, and Social Skills. If you are interested in having your child participate in counseling, please contact Mr. Kudo or Mrs. Kāneakua.
