Kohala Middle School
April 2015 Parent Newsletter
“Strive For the Highest”
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
This is the time of the year when we analyze school data, both demographic and academic performance data, to help us determine our next steps as a school. One thing that really stands out to me is our diversity. We have a lot of ethnicities, a wide range of incomes and an incredible range of ability represented at Kohala Middle School. The question is; what do we do with this information? The short answer is we do everything we can to help all of our kids get a little better each and every day.
But what is the payoff? Wouldn’t it be better to have all the best kids competing at their own level in a school just for the “smart kids”? Recently I read an article discussing just this idea. It was written by the Deans of two well known Law Schools. In the article they both agreed that diversity is of utmost importance when they are selecting Law School applicants. They feel that in order for a Law School class to be effective it must be a mix of ethnicities, wealth, ability, and gender. Without diversity, they feel that Law School students would not be able to become effective lawyers. They need to have a well rounded understanding of dealing with people from all walks of life.
Now I am not saying that all of our kids are headed to Law School. But isn’t it nice to know that one of the things that makes teaching a challenge in Kohala, is something that is nationally recognized as a needed quality for University students.
E kuliai ka nu'u
Strive for the highest
Principal Alan Brown
Important Upcoming Events April– May 2015
8th grade Registration at Kohala High April 15
Hale Aloha field trip (J.Brown, Preston, Henderson)April 16
5th Grade Orientation at Kohala MiddleApril 21
7th Grade Guest Speaker – Kawika Eyre, author of “Kamehameha” and illustrator Brook Parker April 30
May Day at HalaulaMay 4, 10:30 am
Halaula Chess Tournament beginsMay 5
Algebra End of Course ExamMay 7
Smarter Balanced Math and ELA Assessments May 12 - 22
MAY DAY AT HALAULA
Monday, May 4, 10:30 a.m., Halaula Field
The public is invited – recommended that spectators bring lawn chairs or mats to sit on, and umbrellas for shade
Students - Aloha Attire (dress code appropriate please!)
2015 KMS May Day Court
King DawstinHoopai & Queen SadeyAlip
Hawaii – Kayla Francisco & AzariahJavillonar
Maui – MyaBartschJaromKaimi Hook
Kahoolawe – Aliyah Page & Timothy Lorenzo
Lanai – Shania Fuertes & Chayden Osaki
Molokai – KamaileGusmanCristianCedillos
Oahu – TaisaMasalosalo-Masuda & Uriah KanoaDela Cruz
Kauai – Gabrielle Tomas & Joe Pasco
Niihau – Sydney Cochran & Isaiah Salvador
Ladies In Waiting – Cheylin Imai & ReyannaSavedra
Emcees – KaiwahanawahanaEmeliano-Solomon & Daejha Rivera
Kahili Bearers – LaakeaMamala (King), Hokani Maria (Queen)
Spearsmen – Jordan Redican-Bortmas, Duncan Anderson
Conch Shell Blowers – JonardAsencion, Mitchell Canniff, RaydenBaldos
TEENBIZ NEWS AT KMS
Congratulations to the students in Ms. Janet Weiss’s Health and Teen Biz classes! All 6 classes qualified for 3rd Quarter “Read to Succeed” Contest by scoring 75% or better on more than 8 TeenBiz articles. Data from Achieve3000 shows that increasing reading lexile levels through regular use of activities like TeenBiz can prepare our students for college and careers. All students have a TeenBiz account and are asked to log on at home. The website is TeenBiz3000 and all students know their user names and passwords. Please call the school at 889-7119 if you have any questions.
Carver and Artist James KananiKaulukukui, Jr. talks to KMS students MahaKaneali‘i and John Enloeshare their life experiences as a mechanic and captain
KMS CAREER FAIR HELPS YOUTH EXPAND POSSIBILITIES
On March 31, Kohala Middle School hosted 21 visiting community members who donated their time and energy to help youth learn about their careers. Students were able to select four of sixteen varied career sessions offered during the morning.
Most speakers were from Kohala, representing a wide variety of professions. Canoe builder Tiger Taylor brought a canoe to show while he talked about the details of his work. Former Kohala students BreannKapeliela, a Cosmetologist, and Maria BunyiMundell, a Registered Nurse, provided students with hands on experiences while they shared about their training and jobs. Lorna Lim talked about aloha and how it relates to music and her travels; these lucky students also got to listen to this gifted singer.
Business owner Traci Figueroa, a former health aide at the school, taught her groups how to act at a formal dinner. North Kohala’s community Police Officer John Kauahikaua as well as Fire Captain Scott Crozier and the B Crew also spoke with youth about their careers and how they serve our community.
Returning to share about her job of Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager at the Hawaii Wildlife Center was Judi Ellal, who is always of interest due to her enthusiastic presentation style and the slides of her patient birds. Another enthusiastic and appreciated return presenter was Mikail Carrillo, whose multiple talents as massage therapist, performer, and DJ are always of interest to the students. Some of the youth also learned about reading blueprints and the work of a plumber from first time presenter Vince Canniff.
Other presenters included KealaKahuanui and Keali’iMaielua from Na KalaiWa’a, who talked about the lifestyle of a Voyager. Kohala resident John Enloe and Kawaihae resident Roger (Maha) Kaneali’i partnered up to show pictures and share about their work as a Captain and Mechanic on Enewetak Island when they were younger.
Other presenters came from out of town, including Waikoloa artist James KananiKaulukukui, Jr. who shared about his creations and the meanings behind his drawings and carvings. Attorney W. Kumu Belcher came from Waimea and talked about the work of different kinds of lawyers and what it took for him to become one. Sign Language Interpreter Jan Fried, who was visiting from O’ahu at the right time, shared about her training and work as an Interpreter. She also taught students some simple signs.
The Kohala Middle School students and staff want to express their appreciation to these community members who took time to prepare and share with these youngsters, enabling them to see expanded future possibilities.
KMS students also attended afternoon sessions offered by teachers and staff who shared about their hobbies and interests. The youngsters learned about recording music, caring for horses, how to make ti lei, origami hats, and macramé bracelets, and much more. Appreciation is also shared with Curriculum Coordinator Wendy Nickl and teacher Jenny Stevens and her homeroom, who helped organize this annual school event.
Vince Canniff (Mitch’s dad)explains blueprints to Mr. Henderson and students Lorna Lim (Wehi’s mom)shares her musical talent and mana’o at KMS