Kaimuki Middle School December 2007

A Place With Heart http://kaimukimid.k12.hi.us Volume 2007, Issue 4

The Kaimuki Middle School Newsletter is published for our families, faculty and community supporters. Questions and comments may be addressed to Kaimuki Middle School Attn: PCNC 631 18th Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii 96816

Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, and Friends of Kaimuki Middle School, A poem to think about.... Working with kids we hold so dear, 'Tis the season to be of good cheer. We celebrate as they learn and see the light, 'Tis the season to be bright. Educate each girl and every boy, 'Tis the season to share joy. Knowledge and thinking we must increase, 'Tis the season to celebrate peace. Mind, body, spirit twined like rope, 'Tis the season to give hope. A place with heart is what we speak of, 'Tis the season for warmth and love. To strive for excellence, a school without lids, 'Tis the season to appreciate your kids!

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season! -Mr. Frank K. Fernandes, KMS Principal

Clarification about Transition for Middle Level Promotion This is in response to questions regarding the number of units required for students who are caught in the transition between old and new Promotion and Retention Regulations 4500.1. The former regulations required students in grades 7 and 8 to pass language arts and mathematics along with two core or non-core classes for a total of four or more units every year. At least eight units were required for promotion to grade 9. The current regulations require students to pass the four core areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies every year. For promotion to grade 9, students must pass an additional three units in core or non-core courses for a total of 15 or more units. All students who are sixth graders in School Year (SY) 2007-08 and beyond must take and pass the core content areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies every year (total: 12 units) and earn an additional three core or non-core units for a total of 15 units in order to be promoted to grade 9. Students who are currently seventh graders in SY 2007-08 must take and pass the core content areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies in the 7th and 8th grades (total: eight units) and earn an additional two core or non-core units for a total of 10 units in order to be promoted to grade 9. Students who are currently eighth graders in SY 2007-08 must take and pass the core content areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies in the 8th grade (total: four units), have passed language arts and mathematics in the seventh grade (total: two units), and earn an additional two core or non-core units for a total of eight units in order to be promoted to grade 9. Source: Office of the Superintendent (11/23/07) Ms. Patricia Hamamoto, State Superintendent

Around & About KMS Getting to Know…

Mrs. Lorraine Hotoke “Arriving at KMS after 22 years of teaching in various schools has been a breath of fresh air. I moved here from Liholiho Elementary, right down the road, and am tickled to see my former students blossoming as middle schoolers. At KMS, I am currently in two half time positions. As the librarian, I am charged with maintaining the library building, its collection and servicing patrons. As the Student Activities Coordinator, I am charged with organizing the student officers, the homeroom representatives and the SAC school wide activities. My life outside of the education field revolves around my family, church, tennis and of course reading. I am one who believes that reading gives us power and one of my favorite quotes is: The more you read, the more you know. The more you know, the smarter you grow. The smarter you grow, the stronger your voice, for speaking your mind and making your choice.” Mrs. Hotoke is such a wonderfully positive, enthusiastic and very energetic addition to our school and we warmly welcome her to the KMS family! Mrs. Sandra Cramer Mrs. Cramer and her husband (a biology teacher) live in the Kaimuki area. She was born and raised in Hawaii, grew up on the Windward side of Oahu and has two older brothers that she is very close to. Mrs. Cramer has been a counselor at KMS for 6 years. She currently heads our KMS Counseling Department and is the 8th Grade Counselor for Team Holomua. Prior to joining the KMS family, Mrs. Cramer was a counselor at Washington Middle School. When asked about her interests, Mrs. Cramer shared: “I am very much an outdoor person. I like to go surfing (when I have the time), ride my bike (when I have the time) and go running (when I don't make excuses!!). I also enjoy traveling (when I have the money AND time). Some places that I have visited: Paris, Japan, Alaska, Canada as well as different cities in the continental United States.” Mrs. Cramer’s Top Tips to share with our students: 1. Do your homework. 2. Ask questions when things are not clear. 3. Treat others how you want to be treated. 4. Learn from mistakes, don’t dwell on them! When asked about the best part of KMS: “There are many ‘best parts’- We have awesome teachers and staff, great kids, supportive parents, a beautiful campus, my list could go on and on…!” Mrs. Cramer is definitely included on that “awesome” list and KMS is very fortunate to have her here at our school! Miss Catherine Kidani Miss Kidani was also a counselor at Washington Middle School before joining our KMS family over four years ago. She is currently our 7th Grade Counselor for Team Hui Ho’oulu and also volunteers her time after school as one of our extramural sports coaches. Miss Kidani enjoys spending time helping her family, playing indoor and outdoor soccer, and exercising when time allows. (You see, Miss Kidani’s extra time is presently “pleasantly occupied” with planning her upcoming wedding! Our Congratulations Miss Kidani!) When asked what advice she’d give to our students, Miss Kidani shared these special quotes: “If you think you can, you can, if you think you cannot, you cannot...in either case, you are right! Your mind and attitude in life is very powerful. Think positively, act in a positive way and you will find you CAN do anything with the effort! You cannot change the past, but you CAN change your future. Despite the choices you have made in the past and their outcomes, you can always still have a different and BRIGHT future if you decide to make changes NOW.” Wonderful quotes for our students and for us all to consider and remember! Mrs. Minette Fernandez-Cabral Mrs. Fernandez-Cabral’s first year of teaching was in 1990-1991 at Niu Valley Middle School and since then she has been at Kaimuki Middle- December marks 17.5 years! She is so grateful for her wonderful family- her two children, Kupono (a high school junior at Kamehameha Schools) and Reis (a 6th grader at KMS), her husband and best friend, Jeff (a KMS teacher too!) and her two loving dogs (purebred beagles) Pumana and Ola. Mrs. Fernandez-Cabral’s interests include: making jewelry for her own jewelry line, running a website wedding business, working on building a family house on Kauai and lifting weights. She enjoys quiet drives, Saturday walks with her dogs, soulful music, and watching any kind of competitive sports. When asked about the best part about being at KMS she replies: “Well I live in Kaneohe and make the drive every day so the reason for doing this for 17 years has got to be good. For me, the best part about being at KMS is administration. I always say that I love my boss (Mr. Fernandes) that's why I make the drive. I believe in his direction, his character and his style sets the tone of our school. It's a safe place to be, I'm respected for who I am and what I bring to the school, and most of all, I know he genuinely cares about the staff and the kids.” When asked what she would like to share with our students: “The best advice I could give kids today is to go to college to further your education, work out (exercise) every day, work hard at what ever you do and don't ever stop dreaming!” Mrs. Fernandez-Cabral is a great example of someone that lives and follows her own advice!

Important Reminders from Our Office Staff Dropping off of student school materials: Recently, the office staff has been overloaded with requests from parents to deliver forgotten school materials to the students. Please remember that the office staff cannot be

responsible for the delivery of forgotten school materials to the students.

It is the responsibility of each child to make sure

that they bring the necessary materials (books, basic supplies, homework assignments, musical instruments, PE uniforms, etc.) needed for school each day.

Messages to your child: In the event of an emergency, please contact your child's counselor. Off-campus passes: If it is necessary for a student to leave campus during the school day, please send a note with the student to get an off-campus pass at the Attendance Office. The student is to report with their pass to the front office at the requested early dismissal time, where they are to be picked up and signed out before being released. (According to the state law, students who are authorized to leave campus during the school day must have an off-campus pass. If detained by a police officer, the student should show the pass and his/her student school ID card immediately.) Front Office Telephone Use: For emergencies only- students may be allowed to use the counselors' telephones with permission during recess, lunch, and before and/or after school. Parents, please make arrangements beforehand with your child for such things as pick up times and meeting locations for after school activities. Campus Hours: Students are encouraged not to be on campus earlier than 7:15 a.m. and to leave the school grounds by 3:00 p.m. unless under direct supervision of a KMS staff member.

PARENTS: Mealtime Account Reminders

If your child buys a wiki lunch at recess, then at lunch break, purchases ANOTHER meal, the cost for this second meal will be $4.00.

The cost for breakfast is $.35 for the first meal

and $1.50 for a second breakfast. Mealtime accounts are also used to purchase

snacks during recess at costs that vary from $.50 to $1.00.

All these “additional costs” may especially affect

students on the Free and Reduced Meal program. If a balance is not kept on their mealtime account, the student’s account will then go into the minus due to the $4.00 cost for a second lunch meal, the $1.50 cost for a second breakfast meal or the varying costs for recess time snack purchases.

Regularly check and ask your child for their

mealtime account balance. Be sure to deposit enough funds in their account to cover the cost of all meals and snacks.

When adding funds to your child’s account,

personal checks work well to assure that your child will deposit the full amount in their lunch account. We have had instances where a parent sends in cash with their child only to learn that their child did not deposit the entire amount.

Special note: Students must present their

school ID cards to have meals served to them. If your child has lost their school ID card, a replacement ID card will cost $5.00, and may be obtained in the Health Room.

Please feel free to contact me at 733-4803, extension 225, with any questions regarding your child’s meal account balance or our school’s mealtime program.

-Mrs. Cherie Navarro, KMS Mealtime Clerk & Health Aide

KAIMUKI MIDDLE SCHOOL UNIFORM DRESS POLICY 2007-2008

Please note the recent updates and revisions to our uniform dress policy. Updates and revisions are noted in bold print. If you should have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact our Counseling Department at 733-4803. Thank You!

PURPOSE The policy will support students, teachers and families in the following ways:

• Support our school’s mission “to provide a positive learning environment that meets the unique needs of adolescents and their supporters.”

• To ensure that the standards of excellence are upheld at Kaimuki Middle School.

• Promote school pride and unity.

• Improve student behavior and safety.

• Help students focus on work and increase their academic achievement.

• Identify non-Kaimuki student visitors on campus.

• Identify Kaimuki students on field trips and off campus activities.

• Reduce dress competitiveness, cliquishness and gang affiliation.

REGULAR UNIFORM DRESS DAYS

The Kaimuki Middle School Community Council has adopted a Mandatory School Uniform Dress Policy beginning this 2007-2008 school year. All students attending Kaimuki Middle School are required to wear the school uniform t-shirt or long-sleeve t-shirt effective the first day of school. Students are required to wear a clean school uniform t-shirt daily. Uniform t-shirts will be worn as designed. The form and design of these t-shirts shall not be changed or altered in any way. The following also applies:

• All clothing and accessories must be free of messages relating to drugs, gangs, sex or profanity. • All gang related fashion is prohibited. • Only jackets and sweaters with open front top-to-bottom buttons or zippers. These items are

considered outer garments only and not to be worn in place of, but must be worn with a KMS uniform shirt which must be visible. Hoods must not be worn during school.

• Baseball caps, visors, stocking caps or head covers, wristbands, sweatbands, headbands and leg bands of any kind are not to be worn on campus.

• Hems of shorts and skirts must not be shorter than the tip of the middle finger when the student is standing with arms down.

• Appropriately sized pants must be secure at the waist with no undergarments showing. • Alternate uniforms for PE, Extramurals’ and Band/Orchestra should be worn only in

their respective activity. Students should be in KMS uniforms when attending classes and while on campus (before, during or after school).

Exceptions: • Event is at the start of the school day, in which the alternate uniform (for PE,

Extra murals’, Band/Orchestra) can be worn to school. If students are returning to the school campus and attending classes, students should change into KMS uniforms. If there are no classes to attend, students should either remain in their alternate uniform or change into the KMS uniform.

• Event is at the end of the school day, in which the KMS uniform is worn up until the event. Students should change into their alternate uniform (Extramurals’, Band/Orchestra, PE) and leave campus. If returning to campus and attending no classes, students should either remain in their alternate uniform or change into the KMS uniform.

• Event is in the middle of the school day, in which the KMS uniform is worn up until the event. Students can change into their alternate uniform (Extramurals’, Band/Orchestra, PE) and upon return to campus; students should change back to the KMS uniform if attending classes. If not attending classes, students should remain in their alternate uniform or change into the KMS uniform.

FREE DRESS DAYS There will be designated “Free Dress Days” that will be announced and determined by the uniform committee yearly when students are not required to wear school uniform t-shirts. However, students are expected to wear appropriate clothing to school and any school-sponsored activities. Therefore, the following additional rules apply to student dress on “Free Dress Days.”

• All tops shall not be low-cut and must cover the midsection of the body. • Sleeveless tops must have straps one inch or wider and be fitted under the arms. • All undergarments (including camisoles) shall not be visible nor show through clothing.

SCHOOL UNIFORM WAIVER Parents wishing to exempt their student from the school uniform policy because of medical, religious, or other serious concern must submit a Uniform Waiver form available in the School Administration Office within one week or five (5) school days of your child’s start date. Approval by Administration will be done on a case-by-case basis and valid only for the current school year and must be renewed at the beginning of each year.

SCHOOL UNIFORM ASSISTANCE Families needing assistance for purchasing school uniforms due to financial hardship may apply in person at the School Administration Office. Uniform assistances will be offered for families with financial need. Financial eligibility will be determined based on Free/Reduced Lunch eligibility.

LOANER UNIFORM T-SHIRTS Any student not wearing a school uniform will be sent to the Counselor’s Office, to borrow and sign out a school loaner uniform where said student will be expected to use a loaner uniform for that day. Other consequences may follow for continued uniform policy violations.

Hooray! Hooray! KMS Corn Sale a Great Success

A BIG MAHALO to all of our KMS students, teachers, staff, administrators, friends and families that contributed to make our fundraiser such a success. (Fundraising prizes and drawing winners will be announced and awarded later in December over the KMS morning broadcast show.) Two very BIG MAHALOS- the first goes out to KMS staffers, Ms. Robin Naope, Ms. Dionne Asui, Mr. Tony Chen and Mrs. Kelly Chun, for handling, processing and accounting for all of the orders along with distributing all of the tickets; the second goes out to the 50 KMS parents, students, teachers, faculty and staff that helped to bag and distribute the corn. Together these awesome volunteers bagged 19,200 ears of corn in less than two hours! Once again our KMS Ohana has demonstrated how we can all come together to support our great school. I hope everyone enjoyed their fresh sweet corn for Thanksgiving! Aloha,

-Mr. Roger Izuka

KMS Fundraising Chair & Community Member

KMS WISH GRANTERS Our appreciation goes out to the students & their families for their thoughtful & generous donations. You have provided much needed items to our classrooms, which directly benefits our teachers, our school & all of the students here at KMS!

Anonymous -DVD Blanks & art containers to Mrs. Maii -Classroom supplies, pencils & liquid hand soap to Ms. Tanji -Pencils & red pens to Ms. Tanji -Tape rolls & liquid hand soap to Ms. Tanji -White board cleaner to Ms. Miike -Pens & sanitizing wipes to Ms. Tanji -Mr. Sketch pens to Ms. Kirio -Three-hole punch to Ms. Kikudome -5x8 Index cards to Mrs. Mai’i -Mr. Sketch pens to Ms. Kirio -Healthy snacks to Mrs. Maii’s Class

-School supplies to Mrs. Maii’s Class

OUR TEACHER CLASSROOM WISH LISTS Many families have asked how they can help our teachers and our school

and one way is to “Grant-A-Wish” ! Shown below are teachers Wish Lists of items-

Items that each wished they had, yet aren’t able to obtain through their classroom budgets.

If you, your business, or a community contact, would like to ful f i l l a wish , and make a donation of a new or gently used item, please complete this form

and return it along with your donation to our school front office.

Name: Daytime phone:

KMS Student name(s): Grade(s):

Please place a check mark next to the item(s) donating:

Thank you for supporting our school & making a wish come true! Your donation will be used to directly benefit the students at Kaimuki Middle School

Any questions, please contact our PCNC, Mrs. Chun at 733-4800 or by email at Kelly_Chun@notes.k12.hi.us Office use only Date received:______________ Rec’d by:__________________ Date to teacher:______________ Date acknowledged:______________

Mrs. Ajimine “Unwanted” Craft-type Items:

Yarn or String or Thin Wire Little bottles of acrylic paint Pipe cleaners/tissue paper

Mr. Aldover Box or Pedestal Fans for classroom AA size batteries

Ms. Farris Transparency sheets for overhead

projector/copier printable

Mrs. Hotoke Bean Bag Chairs for the students

to use in the library 2- Rug Remnants 6’X9’ dark color,

preferably indoor/outdoor for easy storage Counter top sanitizing wipes

Ms. Kirio Counter top sanitizing wipes Stapler “Mr. Sketch” markers

Mrs. Kumabe

Electric pencil sharpener Working or Non-working Mac G4’s

Mrs. Mai’i Sheet protectors Tabbed manila file folders Ink cartridges for Epson Stylus 780 Printer, black #T007, color #T008 201 Ink cartridges for LEXMARK X1185 Printer, black # 17, color #27 Ink cartridges for LEXMARK Z35, black #16,

Ms. Miike White Board Cleaner

Mrs. Nakachi Elmer’s Liquid Glue Boombox with CD player/radio Liquid Hand Sanitizer Dishwashing/antibacterial soap 409 or other All Purpose Cleaner

Ms. Tanji Tape (invisible or cellophane) #2 Pencils Red ink pens Counter top sanitizing wipes Liquid hand soap HP black print cartridge #45

Mr. Watabayashi Paper towel rolls

KMS Sporting News -Mr. Doug Brown, KMS Teacher & Extramural Sports Athletic Director

Cross Country Kudos! Thanks and congratulations to the cross-country team that had a terrific season under head coach Mr. Jason Masuda (KMS teacher) and coaches Mr. Clyde Ibara (KMS counselor), Mr. Brad Kusunoki (KMS counseling assistant) and Mrs. Kylee Nakamura (KMS teacher). The team scored high in each of the meets they ran in, including having KMS named in the Honolulu Advertiser! Although the season started a bit late due to unforeseen circumstances, a few of the events they participated and did well in were the prestigious Iolani, Kaiser and King Intermediate Invitational runs. Big love and proper recognition to all the runners for representing our school with such pride and dignity. As many of the student athletes are in the 7th grade, coach Masuda is looking forward to an exciting team with a lot of “experienced” runners to make Kaimuki Middle a definite force to be reckoned with! Be on the lookout for some of these names “in the newspaper” for years to come! Volleyball Kudos Thanks and congratulations go out to the volleyball team led by head coaches (and KMS teachers) Ms. Kelli Miike and Mr. Daniel Akemoto and coaches Mr. Brian Poppinga (KMS teacher) and Ms. Catherine Kidani (KMS counselor). The KMS teams includes both 7th and 8th graders that went to four Saturdays worth of volleyball tournaments at King Intermediate with games against King, Kahuku, and Kawananakoa middle schools just to name a few. The student athletes formed two teams and competed in two different pools each week in which they were competitive in every game. All the while working hard in practice, and getting better and stronger as the weeks flew by. They won a few games, lost a few games, and most importantly, represented Kaimuki Middle with sportsmanship and dignity! As a reward for keeping their grades up and in order, as well as being dedicated to practice and weekly training regimens with Miss Nani Cockett and the P6 training program, the 8th graders hosted a four team invitational tournament. This event took place on Friday, November 30th and included teams from Niu Valley and Kawananakoa middle schools. The tournament was an all day event held in Kilauea gymnasium and culminated in a championship game. The winners received a perpetual “Champions” trophy and a “Sportsmanship” trophy was also awarded!

P6 Strength and Conditioning Program Kaimuki Middle School was fortunate to have an athletic conditioning program visit our school last year known as “The Hawaii Speed and Quickness Clinic” run by Miss Nani Cockett (and KMS teacher, Mr. Doug Brown). Many students joined and participated in the various agility, strength and conditioning activities that ‘The Clinic’ taught them; not to mention, hanging out and learning from, guest trainers such as University of Hawaii athletes Mr. Davonne Bess and Mr. Matt Inouye! This year, a new program has come our way in the form of the “P6 Strength and Conditioning Program” run by none other than Miss Nani Cockett herself, a former University of Hawaii basketball All-American. After finishing her career at the University of Hawaii, she went on to play professionally overseas and also earned a spot on the Los Angeles Sparks reserve team. Throughout her career Miss Cockett credits a combination of weight room, core and agility exercises as reasons for success. Since completing her competitive career, she has worked with, educated and trained numerous athletes and non-athletes in the benefits of the P6 program. During the 2006-2007 school year, Miss Cockett also served as a Kaimuki Middle School 7th grade Physical Education teacher. Throughout this school year, the P6 program will run three 8-week progressive training cycles. Each cycle will build on the cycle prior; therefore, benefits of the program will depend on consistency of the participant. We encourage participants to attend every workout in order to see and feel the wonderful benefits. If the participant misses more than 4 training days, we would ask he or she to come back for the next cycle. The program is now finishing up the “first cycle”, and will begin again in January 2008, with cycle 2.

Let’s go Kaimuki Middle School! Join us and let’s work together to get fit and stay healthy!

Student Activity Council News -Mrs. Loraine Hotoke, KMS SAC Advisor, Librarian & Parent (Reece, Grade 8)

Our student council has been busy this year with several events taking place that have promoted the school’s visions by creating a place with heart that challenges the mind, body and spirit. October was a busy month with two committees hard at work. Our Aloha United Way Committee created a beautiful fall tree full of autumn colors. Each leaf on the tree represented one dollar and the committee collected $392 to give to Aloha United Way. Way to go students! We also had 5 lucky winners for our prize drawing who received a $5 gift card to Jamba Juice. Thanks to all who donated! Another committee that organized a quick

and fun activity was our KMS costume contest committee. On October 31st the students were given the opportunity to dress in costumes. Those who participated were judged by their peers in their homerooms. The winners for each of the homerooms were judged again by staff members during the morning recess. This time the students were competing against their team. Even though all students who participated were winners by showing their spirit, we did have five overall team winners.

In November several student council members assisted many other volunteers with the distribution of corn from our school fundraiser. They helped with the bagging, selling and “corn to car” delivery assistance. These students demonstrated what it means to be a community contributor by giving their weekend time to help the school. December activities were also designed by the committees to build character in our students. The first activity was our Community Service donation drive. This year the committee decided to do a donation drive for the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Organization. We received large barrels to collect items in, and our collection occurred in the mornings before school in our parking lots. We were also honored to have Ms. Matro, a KMS parent, come on campus to share information about the organization on our morning broadcast. Our second December activity planned for the week of the 10th-14th, will be a fun way to share the spirit of gift giving with others. The committtee will be selling Candy Cane Gift Grams, where students can send their friends, teachers and staff members special candy cane notes that will be delivered on December 19th. The committee hopes that the sweetness of the gift will bring the spirit to all!

8th Grade Wheel Activities On November 13, the 8th grade elective wheel students attended a play at Kamehameha Schools. It was hit with our students and the entire audience that included students from public and private schools. The facilities, lighting, sound effects, music, songs, dance, costumes, props, hair and makeup were fantastic additions to the acting abilities of these talented students. In subsequent discussions our students were able to identify, evaluate and give clear thought out comments about the technical and acting aspects of this play. On December 3, the 8th grade elective wheel students participated in a service learning activity that used talents and skills learned and refined in the Art/Drama/Hawaiian classes. An artificial tree was obtained and decorated with a variety of handmade ornaments crafted by the students. In addition, yarn leis were made and given to the 23 residents and 34 day clients of Lunalilo Home, a care home for the elderly supported by the Lunalilo Trust. The students also sang carols and Hawaiian songs. Kupuna Chasmine Sokoloski, Kupuna Loke Mareno and Makua Kamahana Kealoha added to the music and aloha shared that day. -Mrs. Susan Akau-Naki, KMS Teacher

Artists Make A Difference The 8th grade art classes entered the 2007 Castle and Cooke "Make a Difference" Poster Contest. KMS student, Rachel R. is the Honorable Mention Winner in the Grades 6-8 category (roughly 4th place). Her poster was selected out of 6,866 posters submitted by 101 schools on O'ahu. Rachel, her family and I attended the Civic Responsibility Recognition and Awards Ceremony at the Hawaii State Capital on November 28, 2007. Rachel's poster may be featured in a special edition 2008-2009 calendar to share the message of how we can all make a difference in our island community. I am sure that the parents and family of Rachel as well as her classmates, teachers and our principal, Mr. Fernandes, are very proud of this accomplishment. -Mrs. Corey Ajimine, KMS Teacher

Junior Optimist News Help, Understanding & Group Support On November 10, twenty-seven students from the Kaimuki Middle School Junior Optimist Club participated in the Annual HUGS (Help, Understanding & Group Support- for Families of Seriously Ill Children) Thanksgiving Dinner on Kilauea Avenue. To begin the evening, everyone gathered together in what they call "The Circle of Life" to make announcements and recognize all those that made the event possible. It was a really heartwarming experience to share this time with families of the HUGS program. Students shared arts and crafts with the children as well as Thanksgiving Day cards. After a delicious dinner, Russell Yamauchi and some Junior Optimists coordinated games and prizes for all the kids. The UH Motor Board Honor Society also had 6 students that assisted with the event. The Cherry Blossom Queen and one of her court members also joined us in greeting and talking to the families of the HUGS program. To top off the evening, Mr. Ouchi entertained all with a great magic show! In addition to the KMS junior optimists, KMS teacher, Mrs. Maii and special guest, Mrs. Otsu, a former KMS teacher along with her two daughters, joined us in this annual project! Lastly, much thanks to Mrs. Victor, mother of Mariah Victor who helped the Optimist Club with the set up, food service and clean up. Lunalilo The next project will take place at Lunalilo Home on December 22nd. The residents at Lunalilo Home are of Hawaiian ancestry. The Optimist clubs visit the Lunalilo Home annually to talk story, do arts and crafts and sing Christmas carols. This year the KMS Band is also planning to join the Optimist Club to help bring the Christmas spirit to Lunalilo! This annual project brings cheers and smiles to the faces of all the residents at Lunalilo Home and to all of us JOC visitors too! -Mr. Harvey Ouchi, KMS JOC Advisor

Library READS -Mrs. Loraine Hotoke, KMS Librarian, SAC Advisor & Parent (Reece, Grade 8)

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle for the Library We have currently changed our recycling connection to the Cartridge World School Recycling Program, which is a company that makes recycling easy and convenient for schools and organizations. Not only is this an easy way to raise library funds, it also teaches our students valuable lessons about the variety of materials that can be recycled as well as help them develop life long patterns of recycling. If you have not done so yet, I hope you will start bringing your empty laser and inkjet cartridges to our school immediately to help us raise funds. In addition, please urge your neighbors, employer, church or civic groups to participate in the Cartridge World School Recycling Program. Typically the most popular laser and inkjet cartridges that provide us with the most value are HP, Canon, Sharp and Lexmark. Remember, don’t throw away your used cartridges in the trash, they are not good for the environment and use up our natural resources. Just drop off the cartridges by coming to the library and placing them in the recycle bin by the door, it’s that easy. If the library is closed just drop them off at the front office.

A Grateful Librarian! A big mahalo goes out to all of our parents and community members who stopped by the Barnes & Noble Book Fair to make a purchase and support the KMS library and teachers. There were many wishlist books that were bought for our teachers and our library has a whole new collection of current fiction reads. Many hands made the work light and I would like to thank the parents, teachers and students for their time and energy to make the event a success. Hawaii State Librarians Visit We were honored on November 19th to have two Hawaii State Librarians come to KMS to share information about the public library system with our 8th graders. They also enticed them to read by sharing the current fiction and non-fiction titles that are popular with young adults. The public library system is a school library’s best friend, providing additional materials, databases, and references that are not accessible on the school level due to limited budgets. I encourage all students to get a public library card to open their horizons of learning. Happy Reading and Researching!

1st Place Award for KMS Robotics Team Kaimuki Middle School participated in Hawaii’s FIRST (For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology) LEGO League Championship Tournament on December 1, 2007 at McKinley High School. Teams were judged in four areas: robot design, robot performance, research project and teamwork.

Congratulations to our KMS Robotics Team for placing 1st in the “Research Quality” category. We would like to thank Mr. Trung Lam from Ba-Le for allowing our club to visit and do an energy assessment on his bakery. Also, thank you to all the parents for their time, support and help with fundraising by selling the brownies for the club.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! -Mrs. Rowena Kumabe, KMS Teacher & Robotics Team Coach

8th Grade Language Arts The KMS Literature Circle has been meeting after school on Monday’s and Friday’s with Mr. Milton Kimura (Community Volunteer), Mrs. Loraine Hotoke (KMS Librarian, SAC & Parent) and volunteers from Kapiolani Community College. Students in this first session read and discussed the Golden Compass, Speak, and Monster. We are taking a break and will resume in one or two weeks after the start of the second semester with a new book selection, possibly: Weedflower, Kite Runner or Song of the Exile. -Mrs. Kamilla Maii, KMS Teacher

KMS Student Community Contributors KMS teachers, faculty and staff have been asked to share news of our students that commit time outside of our school to participate in community groups or activities. Look for this section to be a regular feature in our newsletter. Holly F., Grade 7, Team Hui Ho’oulu Holly is a cadet with Girl Scout Troop 702 and enjoys being in this program because “you learn different things like how to be a leader, how to create crafts, (and you get to) do community service, and go to different places and sell cookies!” Holly also enjoys dancing, and since she was just 4 years old, has been a part of Drill Team Hawaii. “Dancing has been so wonderful...It mostly teaches you how to look and be sharp but dancing is also about teamwork and how you're supposed to work together. If you don't work together everything would fall apart. It also teaches you about depending on yourself!” Christine K., Grade 6, Team Na Po’okela Christine has been with the Hawaii State Ballet for 7 years, dancing since the age of 4. When asked if being a part of the Hawaii State Ballet program is hard work, she simply smiled and replied, “I really enjoy it!” Christine is very excited to be appearing at the Mamiya Theater in December for the Hawaii State Ballet’s Nutcracker Suite production. Through 3-day-a-week after school practices, with additional Saturday production rehearsals, Christine has earned herself a Junior IV level designation along with the part of a soldier that protects the Nutcracker and an ‘Arabian Coffee Bean’ in the Land of the Sweets!

Box Tops for Education Update

Our Goal – 3,000+ Box Tops 2,583 submitted 417+ Box Tops needed! 90 people have signed-up to support Kaimuki Middle as of 9/30/07

Thank you to all who have submitted box tops as well as those who have signed up to support Kaimuki Middle through the special promotion which ended on October 31, 2007. Please continue to clip and save! (Try to submit at least 10 box tops at a time. Turn in to your child’s homeroom teacher or place in the PCNC box in the office. Remember to label the envelope with your child’s name, grade and homeroom to be entered into the Consolidated Movie Certificate drawings.) Congratulations to Tiffany L. winner of our November Consolidated Movie Certificate drawing! Leap into the New Year! Submit at least 10 box tops by January 31, 2008, Thursday, to be entered into January’s drawing. Happy Valentine’s drawing in the month of February 2008!! Submit only 5 box tops by February 14, 2008, Thursday, to be entered into February’s drawing. The top three students submitting the most Box Tops will be awarded Consolidated Movie Certificates at the end of the School Year. (A separate flyer announcing the Box Tops for Education Program was printed on the backside of the Recycling Information Sheet.) Products of the Month: Country Hearth Bread (new), Kleenex Tissues, Pillsbury Refrigerated Create & Bake Cookie Dough Baking can be a fun and creative activity for your child(ren) throughout the Holiday Season! Buy the ready-made dough. Roll out dough and cut with cookie cutter and decorate or just roll into balls and follow the baking instructions. Remember to cut out the box top(s) and turn in to our school.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season! Remember to save all those box tops from your Betty Crocker, Pillsbury and General Mills Chex products as you prepare your holiday goodies.

-Mrs. Sandy Inouye, Box Tops Coordinator & KMS Parent (Cherie, Grade 8)

December 20: 2nd Quarter Ends 11:30am Dismissal for Students

Winter Recess: 12/21/07- 1/3/08

Winter Break Intersession: 1/4/08-1/10/08

Teacher Work Day: 1/11/08 No School for Students

Students Back to School: Monday, January 14, 2008