Kaimuki Middle School
March 2009
A Place With Heart
http://kaimukimid.k12.hi.us
Volume 2008, Issue 3
A Message from Our Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians, Students and Friends of Kaimuki Middle School,
One of the really great things about being a principal is that I get to work with our special kids! Working with young
adolescents allows me to be surrounded by energy and optimism. I see this everyday of the school year whether it be
watching kids race their way to lunch (as I ask them to slow down), displaying the energy to actually run and the
optimism that school lunch will be good enough to hurry to or observing groups of students in amicable, good-natured
conversation as they purposefully trek to classes, again combining the energy of an animated, often playful
movement with the optimism that attending class will bring something positive. I see it when I visit classrooms and
note with satisfaction, that pupils are truly engaged with their teachers and peers in the topic of the day with the
required energy to do this for six periods a day and the accompanying optimism that this "stuff" as they say, is going
to help them some day.
Staying energized and remaining optimistic are necessary requirements for optimal learning, successful teaching,
healthy school cultures, and, yes, for being an effective principal. We try, with grit and guts, to consistently mark our
school practices with energy and optimism. It takes grit and guts because, at times, the challenges sometimes seem so
great!
The challenge of realizing our vision that every student and adult find KMS to be "a place with heart that challenges
and strengthens the mind, body and spirit"; the challenge of meeting every student's needs through differentiating
curriculum, instruction and assessment; the challenge of keeping school relevant to our kids in a rapidly changing,
technologically focused world, and finally, the very real challenge of providing a first rate education in a cut-rate
economy. Indeed, we go into the 2009-10 school year faced with having over $400,000 less in funding as available for
the 2008-09 year. How we plan to meet these and other challenges are laid out in our school's Academic Plan. How
we plan to utilize funds to support the Academic Plan forms our Financial Plan. Both plans are available online at our
school website (http://kaimukimid.k12.hi.us) for public review.
We also plan to meet the challenges with an energy and optimism that were tremendously boosted on November 18,
2008. On that day, at the Hawai'i Distinguished Schools Program luncheon, Kaimuki Middle School was one of only
three schools selected from a group of only ten Distinguished schools, to be recognized by the State of Hawai'i
Department of Education and Frito-Lay of Hawai’i as a Blue Ribbon School of excellence. This is a truly great honor
that brings the exciting opportunity for KMS to be further recognized, through a rigorous qualifying process, as a
national Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education.
I thank and commend our staff, students, parents, and community for the effort that lead to this recognition. I ask
that you all be energetic and optimistic in supporting your kids and our school.
Best wishes,
Frank K. Fernandes
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
To All Kaimuki Middle School Families
Tell Us What You Think
KMS Principal Mr. Frank Fernandes and the KMS Parent Group
Want to Turn Your Requests Into Reality!
What: After School Enrichment Programs
How: It starts with YOUR feedback
Please complete the following survey and turn in to our school front office by March 16th.
************************************************
□ Yes, I’m interested in supervised After School activities for my child
□ No, my child is already participating in supervised care after school
(Please skip to the bottom of the survey and return this form with your child)
What kinds of programs are you interested in?
Please check all that apply and provide descriptions:
□ Educational Opportunities
o Tutoring (list subjects): __________________________
o Foreign Languages: _____________________________
o Arts & Sciences: ________________________________
o Other: ________________________________________
□ Sports & Physical Activities: ____________________________
□ Community Services
□ Social Interaction: _____________________________________
□ Study Hall
How often would you like the activity to meet?
o Once a Week
o M-W-F or T-Thu
o Daily
o Other _______________________________________________
We will do our best to make all offerings as economical as possible. How much would
you be willing to pay for the above programs?
o $_____ per class
o $_____ per semester session
o $_____ per month
o Other: $______ per _______________________.
_____ Yes, I’m willing to volunteer to help set-up the programs.
************************************************
Child’s Name: _________________________HR Teacher: _____________ Grade: ____
Mahalo!
KMS School-Community Council Needs You
Kaimuki Middle School is looking for interested parents and other interested individuals from the
Kaimuki area to run as candidates for positions on the School Community Council for the upcoming
school year. The term of office is two years, so it would be ideal for parents of a current sixth grader or
an incoming sixth grader to consider being a candidate.
The council also consists of the school principal, two teacher representatives, two student representatives,
and one representative from the non-teaching staff. Meetings are held once a month from 3:00-4:30pm in
the school library. The council’s main duties are to review and approve the school’s academic and
financial plans, conduct an annual evaluation of the principal, and propose waivers and exceptions to
Department of Education policy and collective bargaining procedures when such changes would be of
benefit to the school.
If you would like to be considered as a candidate please complete the form below and turn it in to the
school front office attention: Mrs. Kelly Chun, KMS PCNC by Tuesday, April 7, 2009.
Should you have questions relative to this matter, kindly call Mr. Frank Fernandes, principal, at 733-4800.
Kaimuki Middle School
SCC Parent/Community Representative Nomination Form
Please return to our school front office attention: Mrs. Chun, KMS PCNC, by Tuesday, April 7, 2009


Self Nomination or
Nominated by:
Name: _______________________________________ Daytime phone: ____________________
PARENT REPRESENTATIVE
COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE
Nominee Name:
Nominee Name:
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
KMS Child’s Name:
Link to our community:
_____________________________________
____________________________________
Grade/Homeroom:
_____________________________________
____________________________________
Daytime phone:
Daytime phone:
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Email:
Email:
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
KMS Parent Group News
‐Mr. Roger Izuka, KMS Community Volunteer & Supporter On behalf of Kaimuki Middle School and our Parent Group, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported our Kaimuki Middle School Fall Fund‐Drive. volunteers. The volunteers included members from the Koko Head Lions Club, Kalani High School Band and Alumni, a National Guardsmen, a parent, and scouts from Troop 130. Our Fresh Corn and Smoked Turkey Drumsticks fundraiser was a great success! Thank you to the many volunteers that came out on a rainy day to help pack and distribute these items. A BIG MAHALO these volunteers for giving up two Saturdays during the busy holidays to help our school. A SPECIAL MAHALO to Mr. Delwin Dang (alumni) for being the engineer for the project. Our 76 volunteers consisted of parents, teachers, students, alumni and members from our community. A SPECIAL MAHALO goes to Ms. Robin Naope from our KMS front office for doing all the accounting for this fund‐drive. The Department of Education is proposing large budget cuts next school year, the significance of our KMS Parent Group and its ability to provide additional support will be a critical component. We need your continued financial support and involvement. Our Spring project will be the resurfacing of our badly worn basketball courts. We will need volunteers for this project so please contact us if you can help. We raised over $10K and this combined with a small balance from last year, and a donation of $5K from a former KMS PTA group will provide funding for special projects this year. Each of our six teams will receive $1K for team activities. When our students returned from Winter Break they were greeted with many new benches and tables throughout the campus. These benches were purchased for $7K with monies from our fund‐drive and were installed by a few hard‐working Thank You for your support! The KMS Parent Group meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month in the KMS Library at 5:30 pm. NEXT MEETING: Thursday 3/19 Contact us at: [email protected] STUDENT TIPS Reading Strategies
for the Home
Why Does
Attendance Matter?
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
6:00pm-7:30pm
Waialae Elementary School Library
Your teachers and your school have rules on the number of days you can be absent. That’s because they want you to attend class! Here’s why: You’re likely to get better grades. You can’t learn if you aren’t in school. Research shows a clear link: students who come to class do better in school. Featuring Literacy Expert Ms. Becky Koesel
Learn strategies to help your child read, improve their
literacy skills and build their oral language
Admission is FREE
This is an adult only presentation please.
Sorry, childcare is not available.
666
FREE Infant & Child
CPR Workshop
You’re likely to get a better job. The habits you set now‐ attending class every day and coming to school on time‐ will carry over into the workplace. Tuesday, March 17, 2009
6:00pm-7:00pm
Wilson Elementary School Cafeteria
You’re likely to stay out of trouble. One study found that 78 percent of those who ended up in prison had a first arrest for school truancy. Great for all parents & caregivers!
Learn valuable information covering topics such as
Infant/Child CPR techniques and
what to do when an infant/child is choking.
NOTE: Childcare will be available
with a fee of $2 per child.
You’ll be more likely to graduate. Missing too many classes is often the first step toward dropping out. Students who drop out of high school have a higher rate of unemployment. 666
To reserve your space at these presentations
please contact Mrs. Kelly Chun, KMS PCNC at 733-4800
or by email at [email protected].
A Student’s #1
Responsibility is to Learn!
FAMILY RESOURCE FAIR
Cyber-Bullying-Internet Safety-Character Development
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
McKinley High School Cafeteria & Auditorium
5:00pm-6:00pm Registration, exhibits
6:00pm-8:00pm Presentations
Mr. Chris Duque, Internet Safety/Cyber-Bullying Expert,
Retired Hawaii Police Detective & Mrs. Patricia Hamamoto,
State Superintendent, Department of Education
Free & Open to All
RSVP to Community Children’s Council Office at 586-5363 or
email Mr. Chad Domingo at [email protected].
Source: The Parent Institute #5018 Visit their website at: www.parent‐institute.com Got Baseball?
Attention 8th Graders
If you are attending Kalani High School
next year and are interested in playing
summer baseball please email coach
Mr. Shannon Hirai at [email protected]
to obtain more information.
Junior Optimist Club News
-Mr. Harvey Ouchi, KMS JOC Advisor
Spirit of Community Award
Kaimuki Middle School eighth grader Kristyn W, a third year Junior Optimist Club of
Hawaii member is the statewide Prudential Spirit of Community Award winner for 2009.
Her recent essay, titled "Spreading the Spirit of Volunteerism" was based on her
experiences in the many various service projects with the Junior Optimist Club and the
Optimist Club of Honolulu, which are affiliated with Optimist International, a nationally
recognized organization.
Kristyn was nominated by Mr. Harvey Ouchi, her JOC advisor, and submitted her
application through Kaimuki Middle School's principal, Mr. Frank Fernandes. Her
mother, Ms. Debbie Nakagaki was very supportive of the effort and Mr. Mel Yano, KMS
school counselor, also assisted in the coordination of the essay submittal. Kristyn worked
very hard on the essay. As a result of winning the statewide competition, Kristyn will be
traveling to Washington, D.C. in May accompanied by her mother. Good Luck to Kristyn
in the national competition!
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States' largest youth recognition
program based exclusively on volunteer community service. The program was created in 1995 by
Prudential in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) to
honor middle level and high school students for outstanding service to others at the local, state,
and national level.
The program's goals are to applaud young people who already are making a positive difference in
their towns and neighborhoods, and to inspire others to think about how they might contribute to
their communities. Over the past 13 years, more than 200,000 young Americans have participated
in the program, and more than 80,000 of them have been officially recognized for their volunteer
work. Learn more about this program at: http://spirit.prudential.com.
Semester Recognition Awards Dinner
In January the Junior Optimist Club held their annual Recognition Awards Dinner at the
KMS Library. Members were recognized for their active participation in club activities
and projects. Certificates, t-shirts and special awards were presented to members.
Mrs. Kamilla Maii and Mr. Mel Yano were present to represent the school, many thanks to
them and their fellow KMS educator, Ms. Michele Kirio, for supporting the club.
Top honors went to KMS students: Alex L, Nicholas L, Megan S, Himeno Y, Kristyn W, Julie
L, Lisa F, Thomas C, Megan A, Heidi C, Kelsie C, Vivian F, Adrian K, Andrea T, Annie W.
Congratulations!
Mighty Mo at Pearl Harbor
This community service project is always a popular one. The scenery is fantastic as the
trolley takes our group over the bridge to Ford Island. We normally swab the decks of
the Missouri and although it takes a lot of energy, everyone is rewarded with the feeling
of a job well done and delicious pizza to eat!
Mrs. Wakabayashi's
7th Grade Life Science Class During the second quarter the students wrote poems, raps, or songs related to the "Cell Theory". The benchmark that was addressed was: 7.4.1: CELLS, TISSUES, AND ORGANS: Describe the cell theory. For the activity, the students were to write a poem, rap, or song which contained the three parts of the cell theory. The only requirements were that it be original and creative and that by the end of what they had written their reader would know the three correct parts of the "Cell Theory". Multi‐Haiku Poem: Cell Theory by NIcholas L & Calvin L Hooke saw it all first. Hooke cut the cork and saw them. He named them all cells. Shleiden studied plants. He concluded plants have cells. It was the second. Virchow thought of it. Each had come from another. He thought of the third. They're all made of one. Some are made of millions. But, it's at least one. Basic of all things. They all need to organize... The organisms. Came from another. One to two to four to eight. Infinite right now. One or more of `em. Basic unit and all came... By one came another. So, how's the poem? Now that's the Cell Theory. Bye, everybody! The Way Cells Work In Me, Myself, and I by Kiana M Me, Myself, and I 3 three things, 3 people, and 3 parts Each made out of cells That comes from other cells Each cell holds the key To the unit of organization and each cell helps to make up the organisms These are the ways my cells work in Me, Myself, and I This is how I am 3 different things, of 3 different parts, of 3 different people Cell Theory Song by Jessica C & Tristen T (sang to theme song of Spongebob SquarePants) Are you ready? Aye aye, captain! Ohhhhhhhhh, What is made up of one or more cells? Or‐ga‐ni‐sms! What is the basic unit of organization in all organisms? The ce‐ll‐ll! What comes from every cell? Even more ce‐ll‐s! And that's our remake of Spongebob SquarePants! Duh‐duh‐duh‐duh‐duh‐duh‐duh‐duh! Cell Theory! The Cell Theory Poem by Tyler T The cell theory It has three parts It's the explanation That gives us smarts I have many Cells like the sun Or you could be like plankton That just have one Cells are the basic unit For all They keep us organized So we do not fall Without a cell You could not have another Just like without us We would not have each other Now that concludes The theory of a cell That's all there is to it Does it ring a bell? Here are a few examples of the excellent work that the students did. See if you can name the three parts of the "Cell Theory" when you are done! Enjoy! Student Activity
Council News
Living Healthy, Living Life Day
During the month of November our
Student Council chose to challenge and
strengthen the mind, body and spirit by
running a service-learning project
focusing on health awareness.
To begin the Student Council held a
donation drive for the Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation. This organization
was selected this year because one of our
very own KMS students who has diabetes
has been greatly supported by JDRF.
The donation drive collected $1,232.04
over a five day period and the money was
given to JDRF representatives on
November 26 during our school wide
assembly.
In addition to the donation drive our 7th
and 8th graders participated with their
teachers in “The Amazing Walk”. This
walk, designed by our security manager,
Mr. Clay Cockett, had everyone walking,
talking, jumping, sprinting, cleaning, and
cheering, as well as, various other
activities. The students were also
engaged in an educational and
informational session about diabetes.
All together we were reminded to be
grateful for our healthy bodies and to
take care of them for the rest of our lives.
Talent Showcase
The next school wide activity the Student
Council will be working on will be the
Talent Showcase to be held in school on
March 20th.
Students are encouraged to perform
independently or with a small group to
showcase their special gifts.
-Mrs. Loraine Hotoke
KMS SAC Advisor & Librarian
KMS BOX TOP$ Update
•7,000 Goal• •3,379 Submitted•
Mahalo to those families who have
taken the time to clip and submit
Box Tops for Kaimuki Middle.
It only takes a minute to clip when you
think that each Box Top brings
our school library ten cents!
Thank you also to faculty and staff who
have recently donated: Mrs. Dyrensborg,
Mrs. Lau-Beach, Ms. Kamilla Mai’i,
Ms. Kelli Miike and Ms. Dionne Asui!
It is wonderful to have your support.
CONSOLIDATED MOVIE
GIFT CARD DRAWING:
Deadline to submit for the 3rd Qtr
drawing is March 20, 2009.
One entry will be given for every 10 Box
Tops submitted by the deadline.
MUSIC BOOSTER NEWS
-Mr. Roger Izuka, KMS Community Volunteer & Booster Vice President
Greetings from the KMS MUSIC
BOOSTERS! We just completed very
busy and successful fall and winter
seasons. I would like to begin by
thanking everyone for their tremendous
financial support for our fundraisers and
Foodland “Give Aloha” program.
Our KMS Music program is one of the
largest in the state with over 400
participants. Successful programs need
parent and community support to
continue to provide wonderful
opportunities for our students. I hope
everyone enjoyed the many concerts
performed during the holidays. A BIG
MAHALO to the many parent
volunteers and KMS alumni that came
to help at the numerous events.
As we begin our spring season we have
much to be excited about. In March 80
students from the advanced groups will
be traveling to Maui for a study tour
with Maui Waena Middle School. All
groups will be participating in Parade of
Bands and Strings events throughout
April and May. To close out our year
we will have our Music Banquet and
Aloha Concerts. We will need many
volunteers to conduct these events so
we look forward to your continued
support. Please consider attending a
booster meeting soon.
A Fond Farewell
Director Mr. Daniel Akemoto will be
taking a leave in March to study in Japan.
Mr. Akemoto’s contributions to the
KMS Music program are too numerous
to mention.
Through his exemplary dedication,
commitment, and sacrifice hundreds of
students have benefited. He has truly
touched the lives of many youths.
In addition to teaching at Kaimuki
Middle School Mr. Akemoto also plays
with the Royal Hawaiian Band, Honolulu
Community Band, teaches color guards
and ukulele, and is a member of the Kui
Lima and Ukulele Hale music groups.
Mr. Akemoto has certainly shared his
love for music with so many over the
years and he will be truly missed.
Mr. Akemoto we wish you well and
look forward to your return to Hawaii.
Thank you for all that you have done
and the many lives you have touched!
The KMS Band Boosters meet on
the 1st Thursday of each
month in the KMS
Library at 5:45 pm.
NEXT MEETING:
Thursday, 3/5
OUR TEACHER CLASSROOM WISH LISTS
Many families have asked how they can help our teachers and our school
and one way is to “ Gra nt-A-Wish” ! Shown below are teachers Wish Lists of itemsItems that each wish ed they had, yet aren’t able to obtain through their classroom budgets.
If you, your business, or a community contact, would like to fulfill 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:
Mrs. Akau-Naki
 Used tennis balls
 Skeins/balls of yarn, any color
Mr. Choy
 Electric pencil sharpener
Mrs. Hotoke
 500 or 1,000-piece jig saw puzzles
 Chess board games
Ms. Kikudome
 Electric pencil sharpener
 HP black printer ink #15
 HP color printer ink #78
Ms. Lolotai
 Expo Dry Erase multi colored pens
 Colored paper, any color
 Crayola markers, crayons, colored pencils
 Sheet protectors
 Sanitizing wipes
Mrs. Maii
 Manila folders, letter size
 Sanitizing wipes
Mrs. Murayama-Abo
 Electric pencil sharpener
 Staplers
Mrs. Nakachi
 Post It notes, regular size
 Plastic Book shelves (used are fine!)
 Sanitizing hand gel
 Masking tape
 Scotch tape
Mrs. Okimoto
 Manila folders, letter size, 1/3 cut
 HP black printer ink #15
 HP color printer ink #17
 Paper towels
 Sanitizing wipes
Team Na Hoku, Grade 6
-Ms. Komeiji to collect for team

Reams of colored paper, any color,
20# letter size, for copying/printing
Thank you f or s upporting our s chool & making a wis h 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 [email protected]
Office use only
Date received:______________ Rec’d by:__________________ Date to teacher:______________ Date acknowledged:______________
What is eScrip?
eScrip is a hassle-free way for schools to
raise funds through everyday purchases
made at eScrip merchants.
How does it work?
eScrip and hundreds of merchant partners
have created a system that rewards
customer loyalty by contributing a
percentage of purchases to our school.
You shop the way you like to shop for
groceries, clothing, travel and
entertainment. It’s simple and convenient;
all you need to do is register.
Simple RegistrationRegister Today!
Log on to www.escrip.com
and go to "Sign Up".
Designate our school:
Kaimuki Middle School
Group ID # 7282516
Register your grocery club cards and
department store cards from participating
merchants -- and your debit, ATM and
credit cards if you wish.
That's it! Visit eScrip merchants and
shop. It's automatic! We can potentially
receive hundreds of dollars from your
participation alone!
Sign Up, Shop & Support KMS!
Or if you do not have access to the internet,
contact Mrs. Chun, KMS PCNC, at 733-4800
with any questions or to request a sign up form.
Kaimuki Middle School Upcoming Dates & Events
March 2009
May 2009
5
6
8
13
1
4-8
8
9
10
13
18-22
21
25
27
Band Booster Meeting 530pm KMS Library
Team Helu Ekahi Diamond Head Hike
JOC Car Wash
NO SCHOOL for Students/
Planning & Collaboration Day
Orchestra Joint Concert, Kaiser HS 530pm
18
Basketball Goodwill Tournament, Kilauea Gym
19
Parent Group Meeting 530pm KMS Library
20
Talent Showcase, Kilauea Gym
3rd Quarter Ends
21-23 Music Department Maui Study Tour
23-31 NO SCHOOL Spring Break
April 2009
1-3
6
6-24
9
10
15
16
NO SCHOOL Spring Break
Back to School
Spring HSA Testing
Band Booster Meeting 530pm KMS Library
NO SCHOOL Good Friday
3rd Quarter Report Cards sent home with students
SCC Meeting 3-430 KMS Library
Parent Group Meeting 530pm KMS Library
Deficiencies Sent Home
HAPPY TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
Elementary Feeder School Orientation
Band Booster Meeting 530pm KMS Library
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY
Frank DeLima Assembly
Benchmark Tracker Testing
Parent Group Meeting 530pm KMS Library
NO SCHOOL Memorial Day
Awards Assembly, Kilauea Gym
June 2009
1
8
9
19
21
Battle of the Books Begin
Last day of school for students
Last day of school for teachers
4th Quarter Report Cards Available for Pick Up*
HAPPY FATHERS DAY
*NOTE: Students may pick up their report cards from the
school front office beginning on this date. Or students may
have their report cards mailed home by submitting to the front
office a self-addressed, legal sized envelope affixed with a
first class postage stamp.