Our Favorite Activities

Learning is so much fun.  We just wanted to share our favorite activities as Summer School is coming to a close.

              

Aloha Parents,

Well, here it is! This is the last week of Summer School. Wow, it was a GREAT! I am writing you one last time to thank you for sharing your keiki with me these past 6 weeks. It seems just like yesterday you were dropping them off for the first day in K-1. I have enjoyed working with such a great group of amazing students and supportive parents!

I hope that along the way the students have gained more knowledge, tips on organizing themselves,
enhanced their collaborative skills, and learned to be more flexible. They also made a few new friends too. 

Over the next few weeks of summer before school resumes, I strongly encourage you to have your keiki read, write short stories, and practice skip counting. Doing one or two of these activities each day will help to keep your child's skills sharp. Please remember that your keiki also have access to myON and IXL until July 24th.

Malama pono,
Mrs. Lee

Our Dream Hats

Jennie's Hat by Ezra Jack Keats, was a funny story about a girl named Jennie, who thought she would be receiving a beautiful and wonderful hat with big colorful flowers from her aunt. But when she opened the box, the hat inside was plain and white. Jennie was so disappointed,but received a surprise from some special friends who helped her decorate her hat with flowers, pictures, and ribbons.  We had the chance to create our own dream hats this week.  

Free picture collage customized with Smilebox Aloha Parents, This week the focus was on a famous American author, Ezra Jack Keats. This author wrote and illustrated about 25 children's books. Because he experienced poverty and anti-Semitism as  a child, he felt sympathetic to city children from different races and backgrounds.  So Ezra Jack Keats wrote simple stories about concerns children had: the joys and sorrows of a snowy day, inviting friends to a party, the problems created by a new sibling, expecting a perfect birthday gift and realizing it wasn't very nice, etc. The students enjoyed the stories. They compared the problems the characters had with situations in their lives. Each story was followed up with  crafts which are part of our classroom's wallpaper. You are invited to visit and see their fabulous and delightful work! Math concepts this week included: Telling Time, Subtraction, Fact Families, and Shapes (Solid and Plane). Your home is full of great opportunities to explore these Math topics and more with your child throughout the summer. It would also, at the same time, build his or her self-confidence and understanding of mathematical ideas.  Please have your child bring in a recyclable bag by Wednesday, July 15th.  They will be using it to carry all their Summer School treasures home on Friday, July 17th. I know they'd love to share their classwork with their family and friends.  Dates to Remember: Wednesday, July 15th - myON reading assignment due (minimum of 10 books) Wednesday, July 15th - Recyclable bag due Friday, July 17th - Summer School ends Friday, July 24th - Last day for free access to MyON and IXL A hui hou, Mrs. Lee

Clumsy Crab

Nipper, a loveable crab has huge, clumsy claws. He loves to play games with his friends but his claws always get in the way. While playing hide and seek, Nipper has to find Turtle and Jellyfish, but there is no sign of Octopus.  Poor Octopus is tangled tight in seaweed.  Nipper rescues Octopus with his big claws. What a great friend Nipper is!
Listen as we share our thoughts about crabs and how they could use their claws.



Aloha Parents,

The students are enjoying the hot summer days in the air conditioned classroom!  Within the 4 walls of K-1 they are learning about nouns, adjectives, compound words, consonant blends, digraphs, etc.  Our last activity of the Camping Unit was about enjoying a traditional campfire treat, S'Mores! They loved every bit of this perfect combo of graham crackers, marshmallow, and chocolate.

Basic Math Concepts of Time and Money were practiced and enriched through instruction, partner activities, and manipulatives.  Hands-on activities and lots of practice at home can also reinforce and help so your child will feel comfortable telling time and counting coins.

Dates to Remember:

• Monday, July 6th through Friday, July 10th - Scholastic Book Fair in the Library
• Wednesday, July 15th - myON reading assignment due (minimum of 10 books)

Have a cool weekend,

Mrs. Lee

We're Not Alone at Camp

Learning about owls, frogs, and bears were the highlight this week. We might have a slim chance seeing a Barn Owl around sugar cane fields, but we could see frogs in ponds.


Forest Animals on PhotoPeach


Aloha Parents,

The keiki have been  learning some interesting facts about wild animals and other things associated with camping.

• They listened to books about bears, including Bear Snores On, which is about a bear who suddenly wakes up  to discover a host of different animals and birds in his cave. The students created a fun little bear craft and wrote how they feel when they wake up.
• Non-fiction books about owls served as reference information when the keiki cut and glued cute owls and wrote facts underneath the little 'chest fluff' on their bellies.
• They connected this activity to a math craftivity.  After drawing a camping scene, they used paint on their fingers to place owls in their picture. The keiki then wrote two fractions about the owls that were in the different parts of their scene.  A paper bag owl was also added to their 'Owltraction' craft.
• Frog and Toad are Friends, a story about friendship,  was shared. After creating a bright green hand-print toad, a text to self connection was made about how they can be a friend to someone else. Text to self connections occur when a book that you are reading reminds you of something from your own life. Their thoughts were written on the toad's stomach.
• Fractions using jumbo and mini marshmallows and graphing of favorite camping food were also incorporated in this week's activities.

Positive feedback regarding MyON  has been shared by the students.  Continue to encourage your child to read as it is so important! Reading is also necessary for them, as well as for everyone, because it:

• develops the mind
• helps them to discover new things
• develops the imagination
• improves spelling
• helps to expand their vocabulary
• are the building blocks of life

The next MyON reading assignment  is to read a minimum of 10 books by Wednesday, July 15th.

Dates to remember:

• Monday, June 29th - Progress Reports will be emailed to you
• Wednesday, July15th -  myON reading assignment due ( minimum of 10 books)

Warmest regards,

Mrs. Lee

Skunks or Porcupines

Which animal would make a better pet? Do you think the skunk would make a better pet animal than the porcupine? Or would the porcupine make a better pet animal than the skunk? We thought a lot about our two choices and decided which would be a better pet animal.

Aloha Parents,

Since the keiki have been learning about skunks and porcupines, it seemed like a perfect opportunity for them to reflect and share which animal they would like as a pet. They worked in small groups, then as a class to share their ideas before these short videos were taken.

In Language Arts, concepts reinforced, practiced, and/or enriched included: silent e words, digraphs: sh, ch, th, and wh, synonyms, compound words, etc.  Students were also involved in interactive writing, oral reading, and writing which correlated to the craftivity.

Some of the Math concepts practiced and extended were: addition word problems, more and less than, place value with numbers larger than 100, and fact families.

Dates to remember:

• Wednesday, June 24th - 2 pieces (about 12"x8") of everyday gift wrap with a pattern (no holiday of birthday wrap, please) due
• Friday, June 26th - myON reading assignment due (minimum of 5 books)
• Monday, June 29th - Interim Progress Reports emailed to you

Have a nice weekend,

Mrs. Lee

Summer Time Fun

Watch us as we had a funtastic week in Summer School!



Aloha Parents,

Wow! I can't believe the first week of Summer School has come and gone! Our mornings are fast paced and fun. All the keiki are excited and motivated to learn.

Our camping unit began with the students answering the question, "Have you ever been camping?" Everyone has been listening to stories, writing campfire tales, learning to alphabetize using words related to camping, etc. in Language Arts.  Math skills are also related to camping.  They have been using a camping visual for graphing, tallying, and creating a bar or picture graph.

Weekly Assignment sheets will be distributed on Mondays. Please leave the Assignment sheet in their folder. All the students have been completing their homework assignments in class. I know you review it in the evening, which shows your support for their learning.

Summer reading is the perfect way for your child to pursue his/her individual interests and at the same time maintain and strengthen important reading skills such as vocabulary and comprehension. Reading is crucial to a child's success in all school subjects and in the world outside of school.

I am certain you encourage your child to read as often as possible.  You won't need to visit the public library or purchase books because HMS students have access to myON, the on-line digital library. It is a great site for students as they are able to select from over 8000 books anytime and anyplace.

Besides their daily homework, each child will be required to read a minimum of 5 books using myON, by Friday, June 26th. All usernames and passwords will remain the same. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Dates to remember:

• Friday, June 26th - myON assignment due

A hui hou,
Mrs. Lee

My Hope for Next Year

We are so excited that summer will be starting, but also think about what we want to learn next year.                                                                                                                                                                    

Aloha Parents,

Everyone is excited about Thursday! Hope to see you at:

• 9:50 - 10:15 - 'Our Last Day in K-1' Presentation in our classroom
• 10:30-11:30 - Stories at Sunrise skits in the Dojo 

Smiles,

Mrs. Lee

Polynesian Cultural Center

Our  Polynesian Cultural Center Learning Trip was lots of FUN!

  

Aloha all,

Upcoming events:

• Friday, May 22nd - MyON and IXL (Categories M. [Time] and R. [Money]) due.  May Book Shares are optional
• Monday, May 25th - Memorial Day, no school
• Tuesday, May 26th - Kroc Center Hawaii Fun Day 8:30-1:30
• Your child might need a substantial breakfast before school
• A sunblock rubdown before school
• 8:15 - Please be in school by this time
• Wear - Slippers and swim gear to school under clothes.  (Girls - only if a two piece suit is worn.) Girls should have their hair tied in a ponytail.
• Pack - Water bottle, towel, change of clothes, etc. in a swim bag.  Kindly label all items. 
• An afternoon snack to be eaten when we return to school (optional)
• Tuesday, May 26th - RSVP to 'Our Last Day in K-1' Presentation
• Tuesday, May 26th - Sleeping mats will be brought home. Blankets are not needed for this week. Naptime has ended. 
• Wednesday, May 27th - End of the Year Goodie bags (optional) should be brought in by this date
• Thursday, May 28th -
• 9:50 - 10:15 - 'Our Last Day in K-1' Presentation
• 10:30 - 11:00 -  'Stories at Sunrise' skits in the Dojo
• 11:30 - Dismissal

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend,

Mrs. Lee

You're Invited and Our Memories

        

This free invite customized with Smilebox We've had many memories about our time in K-1. We are nearing the end of this school year and will soon be ready for a new one. We wanted to share one fond memory of this school year.                                                      Another digital collage by Smilebox Aloha Parents, Dates to Remember: Friday, May 15th - Polynesian Cultural Center Learning Trip, 8:15 - 1:30 7:50  - Please be in school by this time 8:00  - Walking to the Temple Attire - HMS t-shirt, shorts, socks, and shoes Sunblock rubdown Tuesday, May 19th - Library Books due Friday, May 22nd - MyON and IXL (Categories M. [Time] and R. [Money]) due. May Book Shares are optional. Monday, May 25th - Memorial Day, no school Tuesday, May 26th - Kroc Center Hawaii Fun Day 8:30-1:30 8:15 - Please be in school by this time Wear - Slippers and swim gear to school under clothes Pack - Water bottle, towel, change of clothes, etc. in a swim bag.  Kindly label all items. Tuesday, May 26th - RSVP to 'Our Last Day in K-1' Presentation  Thursday, May 28th - 9:50 - 10:15 - 'Our Last Day in K-1' Presentation 10:30 - 11:00 -  'Stories at Sunrise' skits in the Dojo 11:30 - Dismissal Malama pono, Mrs. Lee

A Bad Case of Stripes

A Bad Case of Stripes is about a girl who loves lima beans but doesn't want to eat them because her friends dislike lima beans and she wants to fit in. At the end of the story she starts eating them even though her friends think she is weird. She enjoys being different and enjoying different things. We learned each of us is unique and that makes us special.


Aloha Families,

It was a pleasant surprise to receive your special gift, lei, and most of all the videos of the keiki expressing their feelings about our K-1 class. I sincerely appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity as I thoroughly enjoyed this year with your children. Mahalo nui loa!!!!!

K-1 will be able to enjoy a 'Free Swim' on Thursday, May 14th from 1-2 p.m. Labeled towels, slippers, etc. should be brought to school.  They can wear their swim attire under their school clothes. This will replace their PE period on Wednesday, May 13th.

Important Dates:

• Tuesday, May 12th - Gotan-e Service in the Temple at 9:00 a.m. Gotan-e celebrates the birth of Shinran Shonin, the founder of Shin Buddhism. Please dress your child appropriately for this Temple Service.
• Tuesday, May 12th - Library books due
• Friday, May 15th - Polynesian Cultural Center Learning Trip, 8:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
•  Please be in school by 7:50 a.m. 
• Attire - HMS t-shirt, shorts, socks, and shoes
• Sunblock rubdown
• Friday, May 22nd - MyON and IXL (Categories M. [Time] and R. [Money]) due. May Book Shares are optional.

Happy Mother's Day,

Mrs. Lee

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever. Anonymous

Help Us Save Our World

What happens if we don't throw our trash away properly? We certainly do not want to be a Trashy Town! Listen as we share our thoughts about this.

Hi Parents,

The keiki have been practicing their skit, Mongoose, Mongoose, Stop! Don't Run for their 'Stories at Sunrise performance.  A copy of their script was send home a few weeks ago.  Please have your child practice their parts at home.  All three Kindergarten classes will perform in the Dojo on Thursday, May 28th beginning at 10:30 a.m. for parents and friends.

For the month of May, students should continue to read a minimum of 10 books on myON.  In IXL, Categories M. [Time] and R. [Money] are assigned. Book Shares are an option.

Red Letter Dates:

• Friday, May 1st - HMS Field Day at Ala Moana Beach Park, 8:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. The Pimentals will be setting up a tent for the K-1 ohana near the concession area/restrooms across the street from Magic Island. Be on the look out for the K-1 sign! It will mark our 'SPOT'! 
• Students need to be in school by 7:45 a.m.
• Attire - Special 'K' teal colored t-shirt, shorts, and sport shoes
• Home lunch, drink, and water bottle
• Tuesday, May 12th - Gotane Service at 9:00 a.m. Please dress your child appropriately for this Temple Service
• Friday, May 15th - Polynesian Cultural Center Learning Trip, 8:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Students need to be in school by 7:50 a.m.
• Attire - HMS t-shirt, shorts, and sport shoes
• Friday, May 22nd - MyON and IXL (Categories M. [Time] and R. [Money]) due

Hope to see you on Friday,

Mrs. Lee

Saving Water Begins with Me

When we save water, we save life and save the world! That is important so we want to make sure that every drop counts.

   

             

Aloha families,

Are you ready for some fun in the sun? Our All-School Field Day, slated for next Friday, May 1st, is around the corner. Our designated area for a tent and/or tarp is the picnic area near the restrooms across the street from Magic Island. Please let me know if you would like to volunteer to save a tree/area for our K-1 ohana! You might plan on bringing your keiki home lunch and drink, plus their water bottle with you. If you won't be attending, your child must bring his/her own lunch and drink, plus a water bottle to school which they will take to the park.

Please bring your own things to sit on. I'll be bringing a large tarp too.

The schedule for the day:

• 7:45: Please have your child in school by this time
• 8:15: Buses depart HMS, school side
• 9:00: Welcome Message from Mr. Randall, time to get settled
• 9:30-11:25: Bouncers, Bubbles/Play Time, Backyard Game, and Shave Ice/Free Time
• 11:30: Lunch and Clean Up
• 12:15: Leave Ala Moana Beach Park

It should be an awesome and relaxing day. Hope that many of you can join us!


Important dates to remember:

• Friday, April 24th - 'Magical Moments from Disney' Spring Program, Social Hall, 8:30am. 
• Students will perform on the right side of the stage (when you are facing the stage).
• Attire: 
• Girls - Party dress, hair half up, half down, with a ponytail on the right side of their head
• Boys - Solid black shirt (inside out is fine) and dark colored bottom,  hair slicked with gel
• Optional - They may change to more comfortable school clothes after the performance 
• Wednesday, April 29th - April Book Share, MyOn, and IXL (Categories I.[Addition] and J.[Subtraction]) due
• Thursday, April 30th - Kroc Center Hawaii Parental Consent form due (Form to be distributed on Friday, April 24th)
• Friday, May 1st - HMS Field Day, Ala Moana Beach Park, 8:15am-12:15pm
• Attire - Special 'K' teal colored t-shirt, covered shoes

A hui hou,

Mrs. Lee

Eat Your Colors!

We learned that fruits and vegetables come in lots of different colors.  We could make a rainbow with all of the beautifully colored fruits and vegetables we discussed. It is good to eat all kinds of fruits and vegetables because they make us healthy.  

 
Aloha,

Celebrated annually on April 22nd, Earth Day is the largest environmental event in the world. Millions of people, including students, participate in Earth Day activities. K-1 keiki will also be learning and celebrating environmental respect, action, and behavior changes that lessens their impact on the Earth. To show support of Earth Day, please wear your HMS Earth Day t-shirt to school, if you purchased one, on Wednesday, April 22nd.

Important dates to remember:

• Tuesday, April 21st - Library books due
• Friday, April 24th - 'Magical Moments from Disney', HMS Spring Program to be held at the Social Hall  beginning at 8:30 
• Attire: Girls - party dresses. Boys - solid black shirt and dark bottoms
• Wednesday, April 29th - April Book Share, MyOn, and IXL (Categories I. [Addition] and J. [Subtraction])due
• Friday, May 1st - HMS Field Day Consent Forms and payment due Wednesday, April 22nd.
• Attire - Special 'K' teal colored t-shirt with shorts and covered shoes

A hui hou,

Mrs. Lee

Signs of Spring

Spring is here! A few signs of spring are the weather is warmer, flowers bloom, and the sun rises earlier in the morning.We enjoyed watercoloring our beautiful spring pictures.

This slideshow design generated with Smilebox

Aloha Parents,

On Friday, April 10th, K-1 and our 3-8 buddies will be walking to Kuakini Health Center for the Annual Open House. Please dress your child in the HMS t-shirt with shorts/skirts/pants, socks, and sport shoes.  Classroom doors will open at 7:55. Students will leave the campus by 8:10. You child may need a substantial breakfast as there will not be any mid morning snack.  

Our annual Spring Program will be held Friday, April 24th in the Social Hall.  The first program, which will include students from Preschool through the 1st grade will begin at 8:30. The Kindergarteners will perform a Mary Poppins Medley. As for their attire, this is what the three Kinder teachers decided on:

• Girls - party dresses
• Boys - solid black shirt (inside out is okay) and dark bottoms

You are all invited to our HMS Field Day, set for Friday, May 1st from 8:30-12:30 at Ala Moana Beach Park. In the past, many families attended. There is always a scramble to save the shadiest tree for their child's class before the school buses arrive with the students. So, if you expect to be at Ala Moana Beach Park early, kindly save the area under a shady tree, and wave other K-1 parents over. The picnic area on the Ewa side of the concession (across from Magic Island) has been reserved. Additional information will be coming your way. Mahalo!

Stories at Sunrise are short plays performed by each class and directed by Mrs. Carolyn Lee (Drama Teacher) at the end of the school year. The three Kindergarten classes hope to perform their plays (about 10 minutes each) in the Dojo on Thursday, May 28th at 10:30. The keiki have begun practicing Mongoose, Mongoose, Stop! Don't Run in Drama class, but need additional assistance. A copy of their play will be sent home in their folder so you can  help them at home.

Dates to Remember:

• Friday, April 10th - Kuakini Health Center Open House.  
• Friday, April 10th - Due date for the $5.00 donations used toward the Kindergarten gift basket for our HMS 65th Anniversary Gala's Silent Auction
• Tuesday, April 21st - Library Books due
• Wednesday, April 29th - April Book Share, MyOn, and IXL (Categories I. [Addition] and J. [Subtraction]) assignments due

Have a nice weekend,

Mrs. Lee

Hoppi Easter

It's Spring! We listened to The Easter Egg by Jan Brett. This was a great book about Hoppi, a bunny hero who saved a blue robin's egg that tumbled out of its nest.  After making construction paper rabbits, we wrote an opinion about what we thought about Hoppi.
We also shared what we felt was the best part of Easter in a Word Cloud!


The Hoppi Easter on PhotoPeach

Aloha Parents,

K-1, along with their Buddies in 3-8, will be fortunate to experience walking to Kuakini Health System to attend their annual Open House on Friday, April 10th. There will numerous opportunities to learn about health care --- i.e. ways to stay healthy, stepping through an ambulance, how to wash their hands, etc.
Please dress your child in their HMS t-shirt, shorts, and socks with sport shoes. Kindly bring your child a little earlier to school as we need to leave our classroom promptly at 8:10 am. You might also consider preparing a substantial breakfast for them as there won't be any morning snacktime. Mahalo!

The IXL Math assignment for April is:

1. I. Addition
2. J. Subtraction

The students have commented how this online learning experience is interactive and fun! Each math concept has an abundance of problems for every learning style and your child can't help but build lasting skills and confidence.

Mahalo for those who donated Easter 'goodies'.  They will be distributed on Thursday, along with their recent work in the blue Walmart recyclable bags. Please have your child return the Walmart bags by Tuesday, April 2nd.  

Dates to remember:

• Thursday, April 2nd - Ronald McDonald show 'On the Inside' in the Social Hall
• Friday, April 3rd - State Holiday, no school
• Tuesday, April 7th - Buddha Day Service.  Please dress your child appropriately for this Temple Service.
• Wednesday, April 8th - Buddha Day, no school
• Thursday, April 9th - Polynesian Cultural Center Learning Trip Consent Form and payment due (Form will be distributed on Monday, April 6th)
• Thursday, April 9th - Lifetouch portraits/payment due
• Friday, April 10th - Kuakini Open House Learning Trip with our Buddies in 3-8 
• Wednesday, April 29th - April Book Share, MyOn, and IXL Math (Categories I.[Addition] and J. [Subtraction]) due

Have a fun weekend with the Easter Bunny,

Mrs. Lee

Our National Symbols

We have been studying about symbols that represent the United States of America.   Some of them were the Statue of Liberty, the Bald Eagle, the Liberty Bell, and the United States Flag.




Aloha Parents,

The children were so delighted and excited that you took time to visit as they presented their learning about 'Plants and Me'.  Their awesome work and knowledge was recognized by you. Thank you for being a part of such a wonderful Learning Showcase experience. There is nothing more powerful than when parents and families come together to share the learning that goes on in the classroom. I hope that it was informative, as well as fun (as all learning should be!) for you.

Over the past two weeks the keiki have practiced the concept of combining numbers up to 10 (addition). They have been totally engaged, using a variety of manipulative and games when they work with a partner or in a small group.
Subtraction will be introduced next week.  Many more games and fun activities are planned so they can learn and practice this concept.

Please support your child's learning by playing math games and/or practicing math facts at home or while you are out and about.

Over the Spring Break, since your child may have extra time, s/he can begin one of the next IXL Math assignments. The category is: I. (Addition)

If you wish to donate any of your old magazines with pictures of food, K-1 could certainly use them. Please bring them in the week after Spring Recess. Mahalo!

Upcoming  events:

• Monday-Friday, March 23rd-27th - Spring Recess
• Monday, March 30th - March Book Share, MyOn (minimum of 10 books), and IXL (Categories K{Positions} and Q{Measurement}) due
• Wednesday, April 1st - If your child wishes to share Easter Goodie Bags, please bring them in by this date
• Friday, April 3rd - State Holiday, school closed

Wishing you a safe and fun Spring Recess,

Mrs. Lee

'Plants and Me', A Student Led Learning Showcase Invitation

Aloha Parents,

The focus these past few weeks  has been about plants! The children listened to literature, watched videos, and painted vegetables for their garden.  Best of all, they grew their own plants. Your keiki are beyond excited to share their knowledge and craftivities at our annual Student Led Learning Showcase: The World Through Our Eyes.

Invitation card made with Smilebox

A few reminders:

• Thursday, March 12th - Spring Higan Service in the Temple.  Please dress your child appropriately.
• Monday, March 16th - 'How do we use plants?' pictures due
• Monday, March 16th - RSVP due for 'Plants and Me', A Student Led Learning Showcase
• Tuesday, March 17th - Library books due
• Thursday, March 19th - Kuakini Health Center Open House Learning Trip Parent Consent Form due. (Parent Consent Forms will be distributed on Monday, March 16th)
• Friday, March 20th - 'Plants and Me', A Student Led Learning Showcase in the K-1 classroom. School dismissal at 11:30.
• Monday-Friday, March 23rd-27th - Spring Recess
• Monday, March 30th - March Book Share, MyOn, and IXL (Categories (K {Positions} and Q {Measurement}) due

A hui hou,

Mrs. Lee

Celebrate Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss wrote many books filled with rhyming words and silly characters.  But he taught many great lessons in his stories so we can live a better life. His birthday was on March 2nd.



Aloha Parents,

All the students are amazed at their plants that are growing so quickly! Some of them are a bit overwatered, but that's okay.  On the weekends, the little plants can dry out a bit. The plan is to watch and write about the growth of their plants until Friday, March 20th, when the students will have the opportunity to explain about 'Plants and Me' at the Learning Showcase.  Hope you will be able to attend one of the two sessions: 9:30-9:50 or 10:30-10:50.

We will be creating a map to show things we get from plants. Each child is asked to bring in 1 or 2 pictures from magazines or their own drawings about 5x5 inches in size.  For instance, from corn we get gas, oil, adhesives, wax paper, Softsoap, Windex, etc. From tomatoes, we get ketchup, salsa, etc. From trees, we get pencils, wooden spoons, paper bags, etc. Your child will be sharing and explaining their pictures to their classmates. Pictures are due by Monday, March 16th.

Friendly reminders:

• Tuesday, March 10th - Spring Portrait background choice form due. Individual pictures taken in the Gym.  Please dress your child appropriately.
• Thursday, March 12th - Spring Higan Service Temple Service. Please dress your child appropriately.
• Monday, March 16th - 'How do we use plants?' pictures due.
• Friday, March 20th - Learning Showcase - 'Plants and Me'.  School dismissal at 11:30.
• Monday, March 30th - March Book Share, MyOn, and IXL (Categories K {Positions} and Q {Measurement}) due

Smiles,

Mrs. Lee

“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.” 
― Dr. Seuss

Jump Rope for Heart

It was a lot of fun jumping rope today with all the HMS students! Our hearts were pumping.  We know how important it is to be active.

      

Aloha Parents,

The keiki participated in the annual Jump Rope for Heart campaign today under perfect weather conditions. Through Jump Rope for Heart, they learned jump rope skills and how their hearts work. They also raised money, through your generous donations, to help other children with special hearts. There were several heart healthy events today; jumping rope, a balance beam, an obstacle course, jump rope competition between the grade levels and even among several teachers!
Let's continue to keep active every day to build strong hearts and to stay healthy. Mahalo to the friends, relatives, and families who showed their support to this cause.

The IXL assignment for March includes the following:

• Category K - Positions
• Category Q - Measurement

Please remember:

• Tuesday, March 3rd - Library books due
• Tuesday, March 10th - Spring Picture Taking.  Please choose the background for your child's pictures and return the form to me by Tuesday, March 10th.   All forms will be given to the photographer.
• Thursday, March 12th - Spring Ohigan Service in the Temple. Please dress your child appropriately.  
• Monday, March 30th - March Book Share, MyOn (minimum 10 books), and IXL assignment (Categories K and Q) due

Have a great weekend,

Mrs. Lee

Lyon Arboretum

Our Lyon Arboretum Learning Trip was super.  We saw, tasted, and touched many plants and flowers. It was a great way to spend the day!

Lyon Arboretum - Kizoa Video Maker

Aloha kakou Parents,

K-1 is gearing up for the much anticipated HMS Fun Fair! Decorated paper cupcakes are on the walls around the campus advertising our event and many sweet treats have arrived to be priced and displayed in our classroom. Weather reports are favorable, too! HMS will be transformed with tents offering tasty foods, games, etc. for everyone to enjoy. See you at the Fun Fair!

A few friendly reminders:

• Tuesday, February 24th - Library books due
• Wednesday, February 25th - February Book Share, MyOn (10 book minimum), and IXL (Categories N, O, and P) are due
• Wednesday, February 25th - American Heart Association Participant and Sponsor Forms due
• Friday, February 27th - Jump Rope for Heart, 8:45-10:45.  Wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle!

Regards,

Mrs. Lee

President Washington

President Washington was our first President. We honor him every February.

President Washington: Father of Our Country on PhotoPeach
 Aloha Parents,

Mahalo for sharing Valentine Goodie Bags with K-1!  The children enjoyed the treats!

Please note the following dates:

• Friday, February 13th - Teacher In-service.  School closed.
• Monday, February 16th - Presidents' Day. School closed.
• Tuesday, February 17th - Lyon Arboretum Learning Trip 
• Attire:
• HMS t-shirt
• long pants
• rain jacket/jacket
• old shoes and socks
• mosquito repellent and sunblock 
• Wednesday-Friday, February 18th-20th - Parent Teacher Conferences
• Friday, February 21st - HMS Fun Fair, 9am-1pm.
• Wednesday, February 25th - Book Share, MyON (minimum 10 books), and IXL (Categories N,O, and P) due
• Wednesday, February 25th - American Heart Association Participant's and Sponsor forms due
• Friday, February 27th - Jump Rope for Heart event, 8:45-10:45am on the Greenspace and asphalt area

Enjoy the long weekend,

Mrs. Lee

Dental Health

February is Dental Health Month.  We're learning how to take care of our teeth since they are so important.

Aloha Parents,

The HMS Fun Fair is right around the corner!  Mahalo for those who signed up to donate sweets and treats and/or volunteer to work a shift in K-1.  If you haven't, don't worry...there is still time to add your name to the Fun Fair Sign-Up Google doc! Please contact Mrs. Hirata, our Room Parent, if you have any questions.

Please remember:

• Tuesday, February 10th - Library books due
• Wednesday, February 11th - Valentine's Day Goodie Bags due (optional)
• Friday, February 13th - Teacher In-service. School closed.
• Monday, February 16th - Presidents' Day. School closed.
• Tuesday, February 17th - - Lyon Arboretum Field Trip
• Attire:
• HMS t-shirt
• long pants
• rain jacket/jacket
• old shoes and socks
• mosquito repellent and sunblock
• Wednesday - Friday, February 18th - 20th - Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Saturday, February 21st - HMS Fun Fair from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Wednesday, February 25th - February Book Share, MyOn (minimum of 10 books) and IXL (Categories N (Sorting, Ordering, and Classifying), O (Data and Graphs), and P (Probability) due

Warmest regards,

Mrs.  Lee

Kualoa Petting Zoo

Ranch living is the life for us!




Aloha Parents,

The HMS Fun Fair is on Saturday, February 21st! Our Kindergarten Room Mothers have been busy as bees planning  this event.  Please remember  that you can sign up for bake sale donations and work shifts by clicking on http://goo.gl/ZbMOCE.

For February the following will be assigned:

• MyON - A minimum of 10 books 
• IXL - Categories N (Sorting, Ordering, and Classifying), O (Data and Graphs), and P (Probability)
• Book Share
• MobyMax - Continue working on the Language Arts and Math skills

Dates to Remember:

• Wednesday, February 4th - Lyon Arboretum Parent Consent Form, Assumption of Risk and Release, and payment due
• Friday, February 6th - Sign up for bake sale donations and work shifts by this date
• Friday, February 13th - Teacher Inservice - School closed
• Monday, February 16th - Presidents' Day - School closed
• Tuesday, February 17th - Lyon Arboretum Learning Trip
• Wednesday, February 25th - February Book Share, MyOn, and IXL due

A hui hou,

Mrs. Lee

Hip! Hip! Hooray! It's the 100th day of School!

Today marked the 100th day of school! There were many activities happening today and all throughout the week. The best part was when we paraded through the classrooms with our super duper 100th Day t-shirt creations!  Another awesome activity was our 100th day snack mix with 10 Skittles, 10 pieces of arare with nori, 10 marshmallows, 10 animal crackers, 10 pretzels, 10 chocolate crackers, 10 Cheese Nips, 10 Cheetos, 10 conversation hearts, and 10 pieces of mini chocolate chip cereal. What an unforgettable day!

    

Aloha Parents,

Please continue to support your keiki as they develop their learning skills.  Reading in particular stimulates intellectual development.  Listed below are other reasons why they should read.

• Reading expands a child's vocabulary.
• The act of reading works as an exercise to improve reading fluency and comprehension.
• Early reading skills directly relates to a child's future academic success.
• The more you read, the better you are at it.  
• It takes you to places you've never been to before, and enhances your imagination!
• Reading teaches you about grammar, sentence structures, and enhances your communication skills.

Dates to remember:

• Wednesday, January 28th - January Book Shares, MyON, and IXL (Categories F [Skip Counting] and S [Geometry]) are due
• Friday, January 30th - Kualoa Petting Zoo Learning Trip. Attire - HMS t-shirt, athletic shoes, and insect repellent rubdown (before school)

Warmest regards,

 Mrs. Lee

I have a dream...

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream to make the world a better place to live.  We have dreams so the world can be better too.  Visit our classroom to read what we wrote.




Aloha Parents,

Our 100th Day of School is quickly approaching. Time to celebrate! It will be loads of fun with everything 100. Your child should come to school wearing his/her special t-shirt.  Student events planned for the day include a snack party, games, parade, a pizza lunch (with a drink and fruit cup), and a movie. A flyer with additional information will be distributed on Friday.


Dates to remember:

• Monday, January 19th - St. Shinron Shonin Memorial Day and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  No School
• Tuesday, January 20th - Library Books due
• Thursday, January 22nd - 100th Day of School!
• Wednesday, January 28th - January Book Shares, MyOn, and IXL (Categories F and S) due

Have a nice week,

Mrs. Lee

Education is the key to unlock the golden doors of freedom.  

George Washington Carver

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou

Aloha Parents,

The keiki have been introduced to MobyMax.com, a new on-line learning tool that encompasses math (including fact fluency) and reading.  An informational letter with their username and password will be placed in your child's folder on January 7th. MobyMax is easy to navigate and your child will enjoy it.

Once you sign in, your keiki will take a pre-test.  MobyMax places them on their current grade level in that subject area, then it determines upcoming lessons for them to complete.  Lessons are places in sequential order from basic skills to more complex skills. As they pass a lesson they get to move on to the next one.

Each lesson begins with a short tutorial, then your child can practice with immediate feedback. If they need help with reading, there is an option for the computer to read aloud parts of the problem.

Your keiki will need some assistance in the beginning, but they will love it! The sky is the limit as to the amount your child completes. So let's MobyMax it up!!!!!!


Dates to remember:

• Friday, January 9th - Hoonko Service.  This is a holiday in the tradition of Buddhism that observes the memorial of the founder Shinran Shonin. Please dress your child appropriately for this service.
• Friday, January 9th - Kualoa Zoo Consent form and payment due
• Tuesday, January 13th - Library Books due
• Wednesday, January 28th - January Book Shares, MyOn, and IXL (Categories F [Skip Count] and S [Geometry]) due

As  2015 approaches us with hopes anew, I'm sending my best wishes to you and your families for a wonderful year ahead.  Happy New Year!

Mrs. Lee