Santa and His Helpers

Santa and His Helpers is a story we made together.  It is so funny.  We enjoyed working on it and hope you like it too.
(Due to technical difficulties, click on the link to read it.  After Storybird moderates the story, all parties will be able to read it here.)
http://storybird.com/books/santa-and-his-helpers/

 A note from Mrs. Lee:

Can you believe that our 100th day of school will be on  Friday, January 25th? I am sure you and your child have been brainstorming what 100 items they would like to collect for their free-standing project board. After making a decision, s/he should count, arrange and display the items in an interesting way. Your child should write the title and the numbers from 1-100 near each item. Displays can be brought in anytime before Thursday, January 24th.
The Kindergarten grade level will also celebrate this monumental day with a snack party. More information will be given in January.

The thing I like best about this holiday season is that it gives me an opportunity to tell all of you how much you mean to me. Mahalo nui loa for being such special and supportive parents who have managed to make our year wonderful. I hope your home is bright with love and joy at this time of the year!  Thank you for the great memories in 2012!
Wishing you and your family good health, love, and happiness in 2013!

Tidbits to remember:

• Thursday, January 3rd - Return to school.
• Thursday January 3rd - Myohoji Temple Field Trip Consent Forms due. Chaperones are appreciated!
• Monday, January 7th - Library books due.

A hui hou,
Mrs. Lee

Who is Santa?

Santa is about the spirit of giving, putting smiles on little people's faces, and bringing joy and hope to their lives.  It is wonderful that this magic is kept alive in the home as long as possible.  When your child realizes the truth, your household might change, and you will long to have those magical days back again. Listen as our keiki share their ideas about who Santa is.

Customize your own picture collage A note from Mrs. Lee:   Mahalo to our Room Parents for organizing a wonderful event following our Winter Program. There were so many exciting activities for the children to participate in.   What child doesn't love to decorate cookies, especially holiday ones? Now that they have mastered the techniques of decorating cookies, you can have more fun at home during the holiday break decorating your own cut out cookies!   The grab bag game with a 'left and right' switch twist was hilarious. But they were all tickled to receive a little gift to remember this day.   The potluck was simple and filled with great food.  The leftover fruits, noodles, and pizza were given to the Office Staff who enjoyed it immensely. Thank you for bringing all the delicious food.   Having you attend our class event made it a memorable day for your child!! They love these special times with their parents.   I appreciate your thoughtfulness in remembering me with the Christmas tree with all those gorgeous homemade ornaments that will be keepsakes. It is a great way to share the holiday spirit with the children.  The holiday gift is also much appreciated and will be opened at Christmas.   If you and your child wish to share holiday goodie bags with their classmates, please bring them in by Thursday, December 13th.  All goodie bags will be sent home in the blue recyclable bag on Friday.    Dates to remember: Monday, December 10th - Library books due. Wednesday, December 12th - Last day for Fort Gakuen Thursday, December 13th - Deadline for those who wish to share goodie bags. Friday, December 14th - 11:30am, Early dismissal. No after school care.  Please pick up your child from our classroom. Cheers, Mrs. Lee       

Gingerbread Children

Gingerbread Baby, by Jan Brett is a delightful story about a spirited and bouncy Gingerbread Baby created by Matti in his kitchen in a Swiss village. This 'baby' was chased by many people and animals, including Mother, Father, cats, dogs, goats, villagers, etc. The Gingerbread Baby was able to stay just out of reach from being caught, but finally ended up in the best home he could ever ask for.
This story was a perfect introduction for a literature based activity creating gingerbread children.


Gingerbread Children - slideshows


If your child wishes to decorate and print a Gingerbread House of their own, click here.

A note from Mrs. Lee:
 It is hard to believe that December is upon us! Can you also believe that we've been in school for 75 days?  Time just flies by!

All the keiki are confident skip counting by 10's.  However, please continue to practice skip counting by 2's and 5's with your child whenever possible.  It takes time for them to master these math skills and practice makes perfect.

Mahalo nui loa for the generous donations received for the Lokahi Tree-Laulima Giving Program the Preschool and Kindergarten classes have chosen this holiday season.  There is still another week to take the opportunity to brighten these needy families' holidays. All donations are truly appreciated!

There will be no Book Sharing for the month of December.  It will resume in January.

Dates to remember:

• Monday - Friday, December 3rd-7th - Collection of canned goods by the 7th Grade Paramitas Promoters
• Monday, December 3rd - Library Books due.
• Wednesday, December 5th - Bodhi Day Service.  Please dress your child in appropriate attire.
• Friday, December 7th - Donations for the Lokahi Tree-Laulima Giving Program due.
• Friday, December 7th -  Winter Program
• 8:00 - The Kindergarteners are asked to be in their classrooms.
• 8:30 - The PreK and K Winter Program in the Social Hall begins.The K classes will be the 3rd group of performers on stage.
• 9:30 - The class activity, cookie decorating, and Potluck will commence.
• Attire - Girls: Party dress, Boys: Collared shirt with long pants/jeans.

Cheers,
Mrs. Lee

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for all the good things we are lucky to have.  We wish to share our thoughts at this time of year along with some pictures of our turkey cookies.

Free scrapbook made with Smilebox   A note from Mrs. Lee:   Please remember: Monday, November 26th - Library books due Wednesday, November 28th - Book Share due Thursday, November 29th - Deadline for each child is asked to bring in a 7"x10" piece of Christmas wrap for a class activity.   Thanksgiving words of wisdom: Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.Theodore Roosevelt   Happy Turkey Day to you and your families, Mrs. Lee   

Potpourri

Have you wondered what we do in some of our other classes? Watch this slideshow with a collection of pictures taken in Music, Drama, Computer class, and at lunch!
If you have trouble viewing this show, click on this link.
http://www.photoshow.com/watch/QS2HG2KE

 

A note from Mrs. Lee:

Mahalo for all the canned goods that will be donated at the Thanksgiving Service in the Temple.  Prior to bringing the cans to the Temple, the Kindergarten classes will be sorting and graphing the various types of canned goods. This should be loads of fun because there will be over 80 cans of soups, vegetables, fruits, meats, etc. Photos of this activity will be shared!

Many thanks for all the empty Campbell soup cans brought in for our Christmas project.  I didn't know so many people liked to drink soup, mm good!

The annual Winter Program is scheduled for Friday, December 7th in the Hall beginning at 8:30 a.m. You may want to arrive early as parking is sometimes a challenge. All parents are invited to our K-1 class for some holiday events after the program. The activities include: creating a gingerbread house picture frame, decorating a holiday cookie, and a potluck luncheon.  Hope to see everyone!

The students will be learning to count from 1-100, as well as skip counting by 2's, 5's, and 10's in the coming weeks. Look for a hundreds chart in your child's school folder next week which will help as they practice counting. Have fun with your child while practicing this math skill!

Please take note of the following:

• Friday, November 16th - Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Monday, November 19th - Presentation of Learning, 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the K-1 classroom.
• Monday, November 19th - Library Books due
• Wednesday, November 21st - Thanksgiving Service in the Temple.  Please have your child dressed appropriately, i.e. girls - dresses or tops with pants or skirts, boys - collared shirts and long pants.
• Thursday and Friday, November 22nd-23rd - Thanksgiving Day, No School
• Wednesday, November 28th - November Book Share due

Happy Thanksgiving,
Mrs. Lee

Thanksgiving

We are excited to show you what we have learned in school.  Hope you are able to attend our second Presentation of Learning!!!! It will be exciting!

Invite card customized with Smilebox   The Pilgrims were very brave people who left England many years ago. They were helped by the Native Americans who taught them how to plant, hunt, and fish.  We have created and written about these people from the past.  Drop by our classroom and we'll show you our work. 

Native Americans - slideshows

A note from Mrs. Lee:

K-1 is collecting empty Campbell Soup cans (10-1/2 or 11-1/2 ounce size) for our Christmas project.  We have a need for at least 6 more soup cans.  Mahalo.

Dates to Remember:

• Friday, November 9th - Living Art Marine Center Field Trip.  Attire - HMS t-shirt, shorts or pants, and athletic shoes with socks.
• Monday, November 12th - Veterans Day, No School.
• Tuesday through Thursday, November 13-15 - Donation of canned goods.
• Thursday, November 15th - RSVP for Presentation of Learning. 
• Friday, November 16th - Parent-Teacher Conferences.  Emails were sent out a few weeks ago regarding your scheduled conference time.
• Monday, November 19th - Presentation of Learning in K-1.
• Wednesday, November 28th - November Book Share due.

Have a Happy Veterans Day weekend,
Mrs. Lee

It's Spooktacular

Halloween was the best day in school.  It was fun to walk around at the parade and show everyone our costumes. Then, the party began!!!!  We played 'Pin the Tail' on this scary black cat. There was Halloween music and lots of dancing.  Finally, we created cookies that looked like spiders. They tasted really good! We can't wait for the next exciting day like this.

Customize your own free picture collage A note from Mrs. Lee:   Mahalo for the generous Halloween goodie bags shared with the students. Everyone was jumping about and thrilled to receive all the treats.  Aren't you glad this celebration only occurs once a year?   Please remember: Monday, November 5th - Library books due Tuesday, November 6th - Election Day, No school Thursday, November 8th - Japanese homework due Friday, November 9th - Living Art Marine Center field trip.  Please have your child wear the HMS t-shirt, shorts or long pants, and athletic shoes with socks.  A sunscreen rub down is suggested. Tuesday - Thursday, November 13-15th - Thanksgiving Canned Goods Donations - 2 canned goods per child Have a safe weekend, Mrs. Lee     

Happy Halloween!

Decorating huge pumpkins with our 7th grade buddies were so much fun.  Besides working together in their big classroom, we got to know our tall pals. They are the best because every one of them helps us and are so kind. We're anxious to view our two silly pumpkins and the other pumpkins from the different grades in the 'Gallery of Pumpkins' in our Aloha Garden.



What is Halloween? Here are our thoughts.......

(click to enlarge)

A note from Mrs. Lee:

There are a number of educational apps available for a small fee or free that you may have downloaded on your iPad.  When you select apps, consider those that teach or practice curriculum and skill, are interactive, provide immediate feedback, and possibly with multiple users.
Here are a few top picks from my collection:

1. Bob Books Reading  Magic Lite - Reading with this phonics-based intereactive game
2. Toontastic - Create Cartoons
3. Futaba - game for 2-4 players

myON Reader is also available for your iPad.  You can download up to 20 books for your child to read without  quizzes. Isn't that convenient for you and educational for the children?

Please remember:

• Tuesday, October 30th - Book Share due.  Each keiki needs to bring a book s/he enjoyed recently to share with the class.  S/he will read the title and author of the book.  S/he will show an illustration and explain why it was their favorite part of the book. Please email me whether your child plans to share on Monday, October 29th or Tuesday, October 30th.
• Wednesday, October 31st - Halloween Parade, 8:30am. (Please have your child come to school dressed for the occasion.) The HMS ghosts, princesses, and other creatures will emerge from their classrooms at 8:30am. Each grade level, beginning with the PreK 3 year olds, will parade around the blacktop two times. At the end of the parade, the children will return to their rooms and change to school attire.  If you plan to attend this event, you might consider arriving early to place your chair in the coolest spot. You are also extremely welcome to assist your child in changing back to his/her school clothing after the parade and taking their Halloween costume home. 
• Friday, November 2nd - Scholastic Book Orders due.

Happy Trick-or-Treating,
Mrs. Lee

Halloween Pumpkin Decorating

Our 7th grade buddies, with their teacher, Mrs. Weisberger and our Japanese teacher Tamayo Sensei were delighted to share some time with us to decorate miniature pumpkins. Besides using Sharpie Markers, wiggly eyes, pom poms, and felt pieces to add some spice to our little pumpkins, our imagination emerged. Our creations are funny!!!!!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

A note from Mrs. Lee:

Reminders for the upcoming week:

• Monday, October 22nd - Flu Shots/Mist in the Library. Library class cancelled
• Tuesday, October 23rd, Wednesday, October 24th - Teacher Inservice, No School
• Thursday, October 25th - Fall Picture Retakes.  Pleasehave your child bring his/her picture packet to exchange for new photos.
• Thursday, October 25th - Fire Fighter Safety Booklets due
• Tuesday, October 30th - Book Share due
• Wednesday, October 31st - Halloween Parade, 8:30 am. on the blacktop.  Please let me know if your child wishes to share goodie bags with his/her classmates on this holiday. All goodie bags will be distributed at the end of the school day to take home and enjoy.  

We Know Apples!

Our first Presentation of Learning was so much fun!!! We really enjoyed all the moms, dads, grandpas, and grandmas who came to our class and shared time with us.  Didn't we teach you alot about apples?

This picture collage personalized with Smilebox

A note from Mrs. Lee:

 

Mahalo nui loa for attending K-1's Presentation on Apples. Your attendance meant the world to the keiki so they could share their knowledge and awesome work about apples.

The Aquarium Childrens Free Admission tickets sent home recently were courtesy of Eighla and her mom. We appreciate their generosity.

Kindly send an email or note if your child wishes to share holiday goodie bags (Halloween, Christmas, Valentines, etc.) with their K-1 classmates. There is much excitement and smiles when treats are received from their pals.
 

Please remember:

• Monday, October 15 - Library books due
• Thursday, October 25 - Fire Safety Booklets due
• Thursday, October 25 - Fall Picture retakes
• Tuesday, October 30 - Book Share deadline.  As mentioned earlier each child will share a favorite book they have enjoyed with their peers.  The title, author, and a favorite part of the book should be explained.
• Wednesday, October 31 - Halloween Parade, 8:30a.m.  Each class parades around the blacktop 2 times. If possible, please assist your child to change into school clothes after the parade. You may take their costume home with you.

Have a nice weekend,

Mrs. Lee

 

 

Hawaii Children's Discovery Center

Last Friday, the Kindergarten classes had the opportunity to visit the Children's Discovery Center and  explore three exhibit galleries. In 'Your Town' they could be anything they wanted to be as a grown-up such as a fireman, banker, mechanic, postal worker, and even a star in a theater production.

In 'Fantastic You', the keiki took an inside look at the wonders of the human body.

'Rainforest Adventures' taught the students the importance of rainforests around the world and even in Hawaii. They learned about our natural resources and taking care of the environment.

A digital slideshow by Smilebox     A note from Mrs. Lee:   Several students have mentioned how they enjoyed listening to stories on myON Reader.   I am glad they love this library of online books.   Continue to encourage them to read often and ask questions about any stories you read together.   Book sharing will begin this month.  Each child will select a book you have read to them and bring it to class.  To cultivate sharing in the classroom, they will: Show the book to the class, stating the title and author Explain their favorite part of the story Please practice this at home so they are comfortable with this oral presentation.  Kindly email or send a note when your child is ready for his/her book share.   Please remember: Monday, October 8th - Library Books due Friday, October 12th - Presentation of Learning in K-1 classroom at 8:30 -9:30 a.m. A hui hou, Mrs. Lee    

Silly Scarecrows

Halloween is around the corner and that means time to decorate! Our activity was to make a silly scarecrow. We listened really hard to Mrs. Lee as she gave us directions how to cut, glue, and decorate our scarecrows. Wouldn't you think they'd look just perfect in a cornfield to scare crows?

Silly Scarecrows on PhotoPeach


A note from Mrs. Lee:

The Discovery Center field trip was awesome as the children visited three galleries, each filled with hands-on interactive exhibits.  A slideshow, which captures the stimulating and sensory filled activities will be posted next week so you can see your child in action.

This week the students learned all about apples.  They listened  to stories, watched a video about Johnny Appleseed, and painted delightful pictures of him. They began an KWL (What do we know, What do we want to find out, and What did we learn) chart about Apples. After listening to The Seasons of Arnold's Apple Tree by Gail Gibbons, apple trees in the winter, spring, and summer were created by tearing construction paper. Fall trees need to wait until next week.

After watching Ten Apples up on Top  by Dr. Seuss on YouTube, they glued a number of different colored apples on top of their head. (Photos were taken of them with their hands above their heads, pretending to hold apples). The next task was to count how many apples and write the number next to them.  Next week will be a continuation of learning all about APPLES.

Please remember:

• Monday, October 1- Friday, October 5 - HMS Book Fair in the Library.
• Tuesday, October 2nd - Please have your child bring in one of his/her favorite type of apple on or before Tuesday.

Have a nice weekend,
Mrs. Lee

Apple Time

Do you recall who Johnny Appleseed was?  His real name was John Chapman, born on September 26, 1774 in Massachusetts. A thoughtful and gentle man, he slept outdoors, wore old clothing, and walked barefoot around the country planting and giving out apple seeds. He spent almost 50 years of his life in the American wilderness creating apple orchards in a number of states. Some of those trees still bear fruit.  His dream was for a land of blossoming apple trees so no one would be hungry.

It was enjoyable listening to a story and  watching a video about this amazing American pioneer nurseryman. We wanted to share one thing we learned about this generous man.

 

 

A note from Mrs. Lee:

Congratulations to Lauren for painting a prize winning HMS PTO Fundraiser Poster for the Kindergarten and Grade 1 Level.  She received a gift card for the Apple store. Go Lauren!!!

The Kindergarten grade level Ice Cream Social was a refreshing  get together enjoyed by many families.  Mahalo nui loa to all of the Room Parents for their help. I'd like to convey a special thanks to our two Room Mothers, Dr. Yagi and Mrs. Nakama, who stood manning the assembly table serving ice cream, strawberry sorbet, colorful sprinkles, and chocolate syrup for the entire length of the event.

Tidbits to remember:

• Monday, September 24th - Library Books due
• Friday, September 28th - Discovery Center Field Trip.  Students are asked to wear the HMS gray t-shirt, long or short pants, and sport shoes.

A hui hou,
Mrs. Lee

How Many Oreos Can We Stack?

Our 7th grade buddies joined us for an Oreo Stacking activity. The object was to stack as many Oreos as possible before they fell!! It was so much fun. We learned that we could stack just as many Oreos as our buddies could.  The person with the highest number of Oreos was from our class.....watch the video to find out who it was!




A note from Mrs. Lee:

To promote global awareness, the students will be creating cross cultural exchanges using technology and in some cases through snail mail. In addition, lessons will be developed about these national and international cultures. This will help our keiki to have a different perspective about others.
The following is planned:

1. Through United Classrooms Project, K-1 will connect with a school in Australia.  We will collaborate to complete a series of tasks. Additional information will follow.
2. An exchange of videos, photos, student work, and e-letters will be a uniquely powerful experience with a class from Terrain Academy in Kenya.  The students at this school are between 7-8 years old, but their English language skills are comparable to our students.
3. Skyping with Mrs. Gail Poulin and her Kindergarten class from Southampton, Massachusetts.  My previous K-1 classes have Skyped with her classes for the last 2 years. Mrs. Poulin and I exchange student generated questions prepared in advance before our Skype sessions. Our conversations are normally 20 minutes long and begin by 8:30am due to the time difference.
4. Epals with a preschool class in Mount Vernon, Washington.
5. Additional connections through Skype or epals to be determined as the year progresses.

It is the ideas that each person achieves humanity by connecting to other humans.  To deprive others is to deprive ourselves.

Dates to remember:

• Monday, September 17 - Library Books due
• Tuesday, September 18 - Peace Day Service in the Temple.  Please dress your child appropriately for this occasion.  Boys could wear collared shirts and long pants.  Girls could wear dresses, tops with skirts or long pants.
• Friday, September 21 - Ice Cream Social in the Cafe from 5-6:30pm

Hope to see you at the Ho`olaulea in Waikiki on Saturday evening,
Mrs. Lee

What is it?

Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young was a funny story about 7 different colored blind mice. On each day of the week, each mouse found a strange 'Something' and reported back to the group. To one mouse it was a pillar, to another a snake, to another a cliff, etc.  On the seventh day, the white mouse, remembering what the other mice found, realized it was an elephant.  The lesson is you need to see the whole picture, not just a part of it.
We had fun with our puzzling part.  Can you guess what the whole picture will be?

Customize your own free picture slideshow   A note to the Parents:   Every year on September 15th, teachers and students worldwide celebrate International Dot Day. It is a time to encourage student's creativity.  However, HMS is celebrating Dot Day on Friday, September 14th with students 'making their mark in new and exciting ways'. We'll be eating dot candy, wear clothing with dots, and  create dot pictures!   Please remember: Wednesday, September 12 - Picture Taking in the Gym. Photo orders and payment need to be brought in before or on September 12. Thursday, September 13 - Oreo stacking with our 7th grade Buddy class (a Dot Day activity a little early) Thursday, September 13 - Grandparent's Day program, 9:50-10:20am. All guests may wait outside of  the K-1 class until the doors open. Friday, September 14 - International Dot Day celebration.  Kindergarten students are asked to wear clothes with dots!   

All Alike, All Different

It is fun to see how we are all alike and different at the same time.



A note to the Parents:

Patterns, Patterns, Patterns....that has been the concept in Math this week.  Besides creating patterns using their bodies or manipulatives, the keiki copied, extended, and transferred patterns. They watched a short video called The Princess and the Pea.

The story begins when a young woman, drenched with rain, seeks shelter in a prince's castle for the night. She claims to be a princess, so the prince's mother decides to test her by placing a pea under many mattresses. After a sleepless night, she tells her host something hard was in her bed. Only a real princess would have the sensitivity to feel to a pea.

K-1 students were thrilled since they had the opportunity to paint their own patterns on the mattresses for the princess.  Check out our The Princess and the Pea bulletin board display! While you're out and about with your child, maybe they could identify a pattern for you. Patterns are everywhere!

Mahalo to Dr. Yagi (Sophie's mom) and Mrs. Nakama, (Tori's mom) who volunteered to be our Room Parents. I am sure we can be excited about some fantastic events the Room Parents are planning for the school.

Thanks to everyone's contribution to the HMS PTO Fundraiser. Your donation will help provide additional resources for our children.

Reminders:

• Tuesday, September 4 - Library books due.
• Wednesday, September 5 -  Five Chinese Brothers,  an HTY production at Tenney Theatre.
• Thursday, September 6 - Discovery Center field trip consent form and payment due
• Friday, September 7 - Flu forms due
• Friday, September 7 - RSVP for Grandparents' Day celebration due

Blooming Flowers

Leo, the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus, is a tale of a tiger cub who felt he couldn't do anything right.  He couldn't read, write, or draw. Daddy tiger watched him daily, hoping for him to blossom, while Mother tiger waited, knowing he would make it when he was ready. Finally, the time came when Leo could read, write, draw and speak in sentences. The lesson learned was that we must be patient as each of us blooms when it is our time.

We wrote and illustrated 5 things on the petals of our flower that we are proud to be able to do.  All of us have bloomed in different areas, and that's what makes us unique!


Blooming Flowers - making a free slideshow

A note from Mrs. Lee:

Our Kindergarten plans to design a t-shirt unique to our class so the our keiki will feel special and like a team.  The three Kindergarten teachers need your kokua as we are looking for a screen printing business who could help screen print the t-shirts. Please let us know if you do!

Mahalo for the Environmental Print that has been submitted.  Kindly continue to share any additional EP so our 'wall' will be filled with logos, brand labels, fast food signs, cereal boxes, etc. Mahalo!

Please remember:

• Monday, August 27 -Due date regarding your preference of receiving the Hongwanji Mission School monthly newsletter via our HMS website or a hardcopy. Please send a note or email me.
• Thursday, August 30 - RSVP for Ice Cream Social due.

K-1 On the Go

In Kindergarten we enjoy doing things in small or big groups. We are forever on the go and into everything.  We are active students involved in the going-ons.  That is our learning style!

Create a free picture collage

 

A note from Mrs. Lee:

In Social Studies we're learning about special things families and friends do and how they spend  time together.  Therefore, please have your child bring in 1-2 photos of fun times or events they have shared with their family or friends.  They will also be asked to describe why that time was important.  Kindly have them bring in their photos by Wednesday, August 22nd.

Environment Print (EP) is the print of everyday life and is everywhere.  It is a natural starting point to teach young students to read, write, and do math.  They have a concrete connection to everyday print. They read it within the context of their interests and backgrounds.  We would be most appreciative of any labels from packages, boxes, fliers, paper bags, snack bags, etc. that you could send in for our EP Wall.

Announcements:

• Show and Tell is on Wednesdays and Fridays.
• P.E. days are on Friday.
• Monday, August 20 - Student Council Snack Bar starts from 2:35-3:00 at the Middle School picnic bench.
• Monday, August 20 - Library books due
• Wednesday, August 22 - Family/friends photos due
• Thursday, August 23 - Permission form and payment due for 'Five Chinese Brothers'  Honolulu Theatre for Youth play. (Forms to be distributed on Monday, August 20)
• Friday, September 7 - Flu forms due

K-1, K-1, What Do You See?

We are now in Kindergarten! Each of us is taller, smarter, and older, than last year. During this first week as a Kindergartner, we were busy listening to stories, writing words, and learning where our right and left was.
Our favorite activity was listening to the story 'Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?' Afterwards we painted an animal that was looking at me.

K-1, K-1, What Do You See? on PhotoPeach

A Note from Mrs. Lee:

Aloha Parents,

Mahalo for your support in attending the Kindergarten Orientation on Monday, August 6th.  It is with your cooperation and support that we work together to help your child unlock their potential.

Dr. Yagi, Sophie's Mom, has graciously volunteered to act as K-1 Room Parent for this year.  Our hats off to her for taking on this duty.

A few dates to remember:

• Tuesday, August 14 - Scholastic Book Orders due
• Wednesday, August 16 - Kindergarten Japanese information from Tamayo Sensei due
• Friday, August 17 - School closed, Statehood Day (formally known as Admission Day)

Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or the same way.
-- George Evans

Have a fantastic weekend,
Mrs. Lee

Our Favorite Memories

We all have memories but the best ones are those that we cherish for a long time.  Please listen to us as we share our favorite memory using Voicethread.




A note from Mrs. Lee:
It was such a exciting summer session for all the keiki, including myself.  They enjoyed learning about themselves through various characters after listening to stories by Ezra Jack Keats  and the world's funniest Kindergartener, Junie B. Jones, who is now in first grade. Math was especially loads of fun when they practiced skills using fractions with goldfish, probability with M & M'S, and other daily collaborative activities. The children continued to develop  skills in Literacy, Math, social interaction, and critical thinking in preparation for first grade.
Wishing everyone much success in first grade and in the years to come.
A hui hou,
Mrs. Lee

How Tall is Jack?

Jack and the Beanstalk  is a fairy tale that was quite funny.  The story was about  a boy named Jack, who climbed a giant beanstalk into the magical clouds. He met a hen who could lay golden eggs, a  harp that sang by itself, and the funny ogre with his wife. Like all fairy tales, there was a happy ending. Jack married a princess, became even wealthier, and together they lived happily ever after.
Working in teams, we collaborated and produced our own life-size Jack.  We measured and labelled different parts of Jack. Our creations are hanging in our classroom.  Drop by to check it out!

Another picture collage by Smilebox

A note from Mrs. Lee:

The students are currently engaged in a unit on Junie B., First Grader (at Last). Many giggles have been heard as Junie B. was the world funniest kindergartener, but is now in first grade.  A chapter is read,  followed by a group discussion.  The students individually  compose sentences about key events  and add  an illustration in their 'booklet' daily. The culminating activity will be to retell the story to a peer, using their 'booklet'.
Everyone is given the opportunity to respond to the text before, during, and after the reading.  Eventually the students will develop the capability to focus on the text and increase their comprehension.

Shapely Jungle

Learning about solid and plane shapes has been a whole lot of fun.  One of our activities was listening to Color Zoo by Lois Ehlert.  We saw how animals in the zoo were  created using shapes and colors. So we made new animals for our zoo using flat shapes.


A note from Mrs. Lee:

Mahalo for sending in the wrapped empty cereal boxes.  They will be used  for a literature based activity later this week.
This Fourth of July, America will celebrate its 236th birthday. Celebrate it with firework displays, festivities, and parades.  Happy Birthday, America!

Our Favorite Stories by Ezra Jack Keats

We just completed our unit on children's books written by Ezra Jack Keats.  Mr. Keats wrote and illustrated many books and we enjoyed just a few of them these past two weeks. We wished to share our reasons for choosing our favorite story with you. Please click  below on the box ('Word it Out') to enlarge.

Learning Through Practice

This week we continued listening and discussing stories written by Ezra Jack Keats. Did you know he  wrote many children's books?  One of our favorites from his collection was Whistle for Willie.
In this story, Peter wishes he could whistle.  He tries and tries but nothing happens.  Finally it happens, he learns to whistle and his dog Willie, comes running to him.

Now, it was our time to share about something we learned to to do, but only after much practicing. After tearing pieces of construction paper to create a picture, we wrote about our experience in doing something difficult and talked about it in this video.



PT wanted to share her experience afterwards since she was camera shy.
"I had a hard time ice skating but my mom helped me at Ice Palace.  At first I used a walker, then I stopped using it.  I skated a little with my mom.  Later I was able to ice skate all alone!"

Besides working hard on literacy, we focused on our Math skills.   We learned about place value of numbers, as well as comparing them.  Some activities we played to help us learn these lessons were, Place Value Lotto, Bean Bag Toss, and Spin Off.  All the games were fun, especially  Spin Off. Each partner used the spinner to create a 3 digit number.The partners compared their numbers and the one with the larger number won a point. 

A note from Mrs. Lee:

Why is reading important? One reason is because it develops the imagination.  With reading, a person can travel anywhere in or out of the world. They can be a Prince, Princess, astronaut...the possibilities are endless .Reading requires thinking so continue to encourage your children to read, read, and read! 

A Time to Learn, A Time to Grow

It's been fun this week in Summer School.  Each day we listened to a story by the famous Ezra Jack Keats.  His stories are all about children, like us, who have a problem and solves it. We compared the different stories, characters, problems, and solutions using a story mapping organizer.  After discussing the story, everyone worked on an art and writing activity.

In Math, we practiced our addition and subtraction through games with a partner or with the entire class. The best Math game was 'Scrambled Eggs'. To play this game, we moved to different desks, looked at a card with a math problem, wrote the answer on our paper, and checked on our own answer by looking on the back of the card that had the math problem.

All our us loved to take photos, so here they are to show you some of the things we worked on this week.


A Time to Learn, A Time to Grow on PhotoPeach


A note from Mrs. Lee:

The week has been busy and fun for the students.  They've adjusted to the routine  and are extremely cooperative!
The myON online personalized literacy program  is engaging and is available to students in K-1. Please encourage your child to access the library of digital books so they can take charge of their reading growth!
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Aloha,
Mrs. Lee

A Closing Note

Aloha Parents,

Several students  worked diligently on creating a new picture book online and wish to share it with everyone.  Please click on the student's name to view their own book!

• Mari
• Jacob
• Jacob
• Drew
• David

Their work was excellent! Congratulations to all of them.

On a personal note......
It was wonderful for you to think of me at this bittersweet time of the school year.  The gift card for Pure Joy Day Spa was just the type of relaxing treatment in a serene atmosphere I was dreaming of and I'd like to thank you for your thoughfulness.  The beautiful orchid lei was absolutely exquisite. I've received many compliments while wearing it after school. I also appreciate all the kind words and thoughts in the card. 
It was a pleasure teaching all the students this year.  They are so special and each child is a gift in his/her own way. I hope this last day of school and the beckoning sun, brings forth a vacation full of fun.

I've worked with your flower,

And helped it to grow.

I'm returning it now,

But I want you to know...

This flower is precious

As dear as can be.

Love it, take care of it

And you will see

a bright new bloom

with everyday...

It grows in such a special way.

In August, a bud,

Midterm, a bloom, so they say,

Now, a lovely blossom

Comes home to you in May.

Remember this flower

As dear as can be,

Though rightfully yours...

Part belongs to me.

-Author Unknown-

Best of luck to all of my K-1 parents and students. Once again, wishing everyone a wonderful and safe summer!!!

A hui hou,
Mrs. Lee

Reminders

Aloha Parents,

This Kindergarten school year has gone by quickly, but we aren't finished yet.  All the keiki are excited and speak frequently about attending first grade. 

A collection of  writing samples were sent home on Friday.  The children would love to share a giggle or two as you read them together. They will also be bringing home their clipboards, aprons, watercolors, etc, on Monday. You might consider keeping some of the items as they could be recycled and used in 1st grade.

Additional important items:

•  Monday, May 21st -Time is running out so please return any Library books.
• Tuesday, May 22nd - P.E. class in the gym.  A water bottle is essential.
• Tuesday, May 22nd - If you wish to share end of the year goodie bags kindly bring them in by next Tuesday. 
• Wednesday, May 23rd - Stories at Sunrise, a collection of skits by the Kindergarten classes in the Dojo, beginning at 10:00am. Your child may come to school in the attire worn for the skit. Ms. Kanayama, Mrs. Kina, and Mrs. Christian has volunteered to help with costuming prior to the performance.

Summer Fun

We had a fantastic year in Kindergarten and learned so much. But now it is time for a short break to relax and have time to swim, play outdoors, and/or even attend summer school. Here's what we plan to do for fun these next few warm and sunny months.

This photo slideshow generated with Smilebox

Reminders

Aloha Parents,

The students had an additional computer class since January where they have worked on Kerpoof and a picture book maker.  The following two students wished to share their book with you.  Don't you agree their work is outstanding?  Click on the link to view it.  If that doesn't work, copy and paste the link into the URL bar. Please be patient as it takes a little while to load. The site is a tad finicky so if all else fails, try to view the books at a later time.

Jackson:

http://www.artisancam.org.uk/flashapps/picturebookmaker/captures/stf/index.php?incomingNum=11809

Mari:

http://www.artisancam.org.uk/flashapps/picturebookmaker/captures/stf/index.php?incomingNum=11808

Mahalo to Sarah, Drew, Kylen, and Elon for participating in the PTO Language Arts Fair on Tuesday evening. They shared information about their writing pieces to our visitors.  They did a fabulous job.

Congratulations to Ryden as his artwork was selected to be featured in the Aloha Care Children's Art Exhibit at Honolulu Hale!  His work was exceptional!

The Library is now closed for the year in order that Mrs. Okamura can organize her collection of books.  She would appreciate it if all library books are returned as soon as possible. 

Practice will continue for our class skit - One Fish, Two Fish.  Continue to work with your child so s/he can remember their lines.  Would there be 2-3 parents who could assist me with costuming in the classroom about 9:30am that morning?

Tidbits for the week:

• Monday, May 14th - Musubi Making Day.  If you would like to share your musubi rice mold for this activity, please have your child bring it to school, labeled with his/her name.
• Tuesday, May 15th - Gotan-e Service (The celebration of Shinran Shonin's Birth) in the Temple.  Please dress your child appropriately for this special day.
• Tuesday, May 15th - P.E. will be held in the Gym.  Your child can change into their P.E. clothes after the Gotan-e Service.
• Wednesday, May 16th - Awards Assembly
• Wednesday, May 23rd - Stories at Sunrise performed by the Kindergarten students. Location in the Dojo, beginning at 10:00.

"There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it" Chinese Proverb

Happy Mother's Day

These videos are for all of our mommies.  We love you very much. Thank you for everything you do for us!

Reminders

It's already May and there is still so much to do but so little time.  We're looking forward to a busy and fun-filled next few weeks.

Your children are encouraged to read daily through books they have at home. HMS also offers an effective  personalized online reading program, myON Reader, so  please continue to support your child  to improve their reading skills.

All the students enjoy our online 'Mathletics' program which is a fun way to practice and challenge their Math skills.  Therefore, additional tasks have been assigned on a more challenging level.  Please help your keiki if they some assistance logging in.  Due date is Friday, May 11th.

Stories at Sunrise, short skits performed by the Kindergarten classes will be held on Wednesday, May 23rd in the Dojo at 10:00am.  K-1's  students have been practicing their skit One Fish, Two Fish . Each of them have an important role and  are getting quite excited to share their acting talents. Mrs. Cari Lee (Taira), HMS Drama instructor has been generous to allow the students to borrow some costumes from her collection. Therefore, please dress your child as follows:
Red fish - Jacob and Mari - red t-shirt/shorts or skirt
Blue fish - Drew and Kylen - blue t-shirt/shorts or skirt
Yellow fish - Jackson and Sarah - yellow t-shirt/shorts or skirt
Mr. Gump - David - black or gray t-shirt and long pants
Monkeys - Ryden, Aya, and Norika - brown t-shirt/any colored shorts
Wolves - Elon, Matson, and Trip - gray t-shirt/long gray pants

If your child doesn't have the particular color as suggested,  s/he can wear a similar color or you can be creative.  Any questions?  Please contact me.

Dates to remember:

• Tuesday, May 8th - Free Swim for Kindergarten classes from 1-2pm .  Your child needs to bring all swimming gear.
• Tuesday, May 8th - PTO meeting beginning in the Cafe at 5:30.  Language Ars Fair in the classrooms with informal student Presentation of Learning.  Elon and Sarah will represent K-1 to share their Reading and Writing masterpieces to our visitors.
• Wednesday, May 9th - MAPA musical 'We Call Dem Slippahs" parent consent form and payment due.
• Friday, May 11th - Last Library class and all Library books due.
• Friday, May 11th - Mathletics tasks due

Happy Children's Day,
Mrs. Lee

How Do You Like to Eat Watermelon?

Who likes Watermelon?  Who likes Sour Patch Watermelon candy?  Find out what we enjoyed most!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Reminders

Aloha Parents,

I am sure you'd agree that the Kindergarten class was fantastic at the Spring Program 'Aloha HMS'.  Their singing voices filled the Social Hall and their hand motions were a sight to see. I'm certain all of you took videos of the event, but maybe you might want to view them again. Arigato for supporting this celebration!

Free picture slideshow personalized with Smilebox

A few reminders:

• Tuesday, May 1st - Your keiki will showoff their swimming skills.   Be sure to meet them at the pool at 9:50am. Their 'show' will last about 35 minutes.
• Tuesday, May 8th - PTO meeting followed by Language Arts Showcase. Meet in the cafe at 5:30pm prior to visiting classrooms.  Are there 3-4 students from K-1 who would like to share their Language Arts work with parents and students who visit our classroom?   If so, 'please' let me know!
• Friday, May 11th - All Library books due.
• Wednesday, May 23rd - 'Stories at Sunrise', class performance of 'One Fish, Two Fish' in the Dojo beginning at 10:00am.  Actors' attire TBD. 

A hui hou,

Mrs. Lee

Fish Faces

Fish Faces by Norbert Wu is a book filled with colorful pictures of beautiful, fierce, and unusual looking underwater creatures that come in different sizes and shapes. After listening to the story, we created our own fish using construction paper and gave it a name. Then, we wrote what it ate and liked to do underwater.

Fish Faces - free slideshow maker with music

Reminders to Parents

Aloha Parents,

Just a few  important reminders for the upcoming week:

• Thursday, April 26th - Kuakini Open House.  Please have your child in school by 7:45am.  They should wear their gray HMS t-shirt and sport shoes. We are scheduled to leave school at 8:00 and return to school by 10:30am.
• Friday, April 27th - Spring Program in the Social Hall, 8:30am. Aloha attire.  Since parking is a premium I suggest you arrive early.
• Friday, April 27th - April Book Share due.

Earth Day, celebrated on April 22nd, is a day on which events are held worldwide to increase awareness and appreciation of our Earth's natural environment.  It is celebrated in over 170 countries every year. 

K-1 students responded how they will help our planet through this 'Word It Out" cloud. They understand it is extremely important to protect Mother Earth because she gave us life. Helping each other is working with each other so they will work together to keep our Mother Earth safe.

Happy Earth Day,

Mrs. Lee

Earth Day 2012

Earth Day is a day set aside for everyone to understand how to appreciate our planet. After listening to stories, watching videos, and discussing ways to keep our Earth beautiful, we know we make the difference.

Create a slideshow

Reminders to Parents

Aloha Parents,

On May 23rd, the Kindergarten students will showcase their 'Stories at Sunrise' at 10:00 am in the Dojo.  Please save the date.  K-1 will be performing 'One Fish, Two Fish'.  A copy of the script  was placed in your child's folder last week. Please help them rehearse so they'll feel comfortable with their lines as well as projecting their voices. 

Please remember:

• Monday, April 16th - Pupu recipes are due. Mahalo to Mrs. Miyasato for submitting her 'Broiled Sushi Rice' recipe.  Please send yours if you haven't yet done so.
• Monday, April 16th - Scholastic Book Orders due
• Thursday, April 19th - Kuakini Health Center Field Trip forms due

Mrs. Poulin and her Kindergarten students in Southampton, Massachusetts are one of the classes we have Skyped with this year.  In these photos, her keiki explained how their green bean plant is growing. They also showed us a chicken egg which was soaked in vinegar which helps it to grow.  It is wonderful Skyping with them and the children look forward to it.

Dole Plantation Field Trip

We had an adventure at Dole Plantation learning about the history of our pineapple plantations in Hawaii. The highlight of the day was the fun we had walking through the maze which was made of lots of bushes!

Dole Plantation Field Trip on PhotoPeach

Field Day at Ala Moana Beach Park

It was such a fantastic Field Day at Ala Moana Beach Park.  We enjoyed every minute of it! We hope to see you again next year.
 

Reminders

Aloha Parents,

Mahalo to those children who shared Easter goodie bags with their classmates! The keiki were very appreciative for the treats they received! They enjoyed some of the sweets immediately after school.  They know the routine......and that is to return the blue recycled bags on Monday.  We'll be using them again in the near future.

Our HMS Spring Program is scheduled for Friday, April 27th in the Social Hall beginning at 8:30am. The attire for all Kindergarteners will be:

• Boys - Aloha shirt with shorts/pants
• Girls - Muumuu or dress with a floral print

They'll be making headbands in class for this occasion. Please remember to save the date and prepare to arrive early for a good seat.

Please remember:

• Monday, April 9th - Spring photos/payments are due.
• Monday, April 9th - Dole Plantation field trip.  Be at school by 7:45. Attire is HMS gray t-shirt and sport shoes.  If your child is bringing home lunch, please use disposable containers and/or wrappers.

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter!
Mrs. Lee

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Even though it is warm all year round, we still are delighted since 'Spring has arrived'.  There is new life all around, especially in our classroom.  Elon's grandmother has been bringing in more caterpillars which have turned into chrysalises.  Very soon they will 'nibble' out of their cases and become butterflies. We created our own paper hungry caterpillars and wrote about the story.