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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Reminders for Parents

Aloha kakou Parents,

Five students from K-1 volunteered to participate in a presentation to the HMS board members on Wednesday, March 28th. They were so excited to shared their story about a leprechaun as well as their wee folk artwork.  Many thanks to these students and their parents for staying late during a school night.

R.Y., A.Y., M.M., and S.M. were very pleased with  this Wordle (Word Cloud) they created.  All the words were typed onto the blank canvas themselves.

There are many activities happening over the next few weeks so stay tuned to our blog.

• Tuesday, April 3rd - Honolulu Theater for Youth play 'May Day is Lei Day' from 9-11am. Attire: HMS t-shirt and sport shoes.  Swimming is cancelled.
• Tuesday, April 3rd - Please bring in at least one empty metal can (eg. soup can, vegetable can, etc.  No soda cans)
• Wednesday, April 4th - Buddha Day Service at the Temple, 9:00am. Please dress your child appropriately.
• Wednesday, April 4th - If you would like to share Easter goodie bags with the class, please bring them in by this date.
• Thursday, April 5th - Field Day at Ala Moana Park.  Be in school by 7:45am. Wear the Kindergarten lime green "Sun" t-shirt and sport shoes. Pack a home lunch, drink, and water bottle. A map of the location of our field day will be distributed before Thursday.
• Friday, April 6th - Buddha Day. (Also called Buddha's Birthday) No School
• Monday, April 9th - Dole Plantation Field Trip.  Be in school by 7:45am. Attire: HMS t-shirt and sport shoes.

 As I mentioned before, please ask if you have any questions about anything.

Malama pono,
Mrs. Lee

Reminders for Parents

Aloha kakou,
Spring Break has arrived! Hope you and your keiki enjoy the next week playing and having fun.

A few bits of information:

• Tuesday, March 27th -  Swim class continue. Please write a note to Mr. Kimura and Ms. Whitney if your child will not be able to participate.
• Wednesday, March 28th - Ohi`a play, Voices of the Rainforest performance in the Social Hall. Hau`oli, the happy-face spider will introduce the students to the forest inhabitants of Hawai`i's past and present. Through their stories the keiki will learn the valuable lesson of maintaining balance and harmony in nature to preserve what is left of our precious rainforest.
• Monday, April 9th - Dole Plantation field trip. Please have your child in school by 7:45am.

To celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day, K-1 entered an Earth Day Project  collaborating with classrooms around the World to create a recycled material monster or sculpture. Meet Keola, (the life, the health, the well-being) our Hawaiian monster robot.  It was named because it represents what the students knew they must do to preserve our planet. They want to protect our plants, air, animals, and water.  Pictures of Keola and the class were submitted to the coordinator of this project, an Art teacher from Hartland North Elementary in Hartland, Wisconsin. The point of contact was Mrs. Julia Atliano, whose Kindergarten class has been Skyping with us . What a great way to learn about global Earth Day inspired creations.

Malama pono,
Mrs. Lee

Reminders for Parents

Aloha Parents,
Elon and his family brought in a special present for the class this week... a caterpillar and a chrysalis. The children were thrilled witnessing the job of the caterpillar which is to eat and eat. It grew quite long. When the caterpillar was full grown, and stopped eating, it became a pupa, also called a chrysalis.
The chrysalis that was brought in changed from green to a black color. Big changes were happening inside the silk cocoon. The legs, wings, eyes and other adult butterfly parts were developing. Slowly the butterfly emerged while some keiki were present. A few hours later, the butterfly was released to fly away.  Mahalo to Elon and his family for sharing this priceless experience with everyone!

Project Earth Day

To celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day in April, several classrooms around the United States and the world decided to create a monster or sculpture using recycled materials.  This is a wonderful opportunity for the K-1 keiki to collaborate and  participate in this global project. Therefore, each student is asked to bring one item that is recyclable, i.e. newspaper, plastic milk container, empty soda can, etc. After our class has completed their creation, a picture will be sent to the host school, Hartland  North Elementary located in Hartland, Wisconsin.  Please have your child bring in their recycled item (and please be creative) by Thursday, March 15th.

Tidbits to remember:

• Friday, March 9th - Dole Plantation field trip postponed due to the storms and heavy rains.
• Monday, March 12th - Please complete Mathletic assigned activities.
• Tuesday, March 13th - Spring pictures. It's a great way for you to mark the passage of time and see how your child has grown in one school year. Pictures will be taken before Swim class.
• Wednesday, March 14th - Spring Higan Temple Service.  Please dress your child appropriately.
• Thursday, March15th - The Lorax movie field trip
• Thursday, March 15th - Recycled item due
• Monday, March 19th-23rd - Spring Break
• Monday, March 26th - Prince Kuhio  Day 

Warmest Regards,
Mrs. Lee

Reminder for Parents

Aloha kakou Parents,

Please help your child log on to Mathletics.  Several activities have been assigned.  The due date for completion is Monday, March 12th.  Let me know if you need the Mathletics log in information.
Just a few tidibits to remember this week:

• Tuesday, March 7th - Swim class continues.  Please be sure your child has all their swim gear in a large bag.  Rubber slippers are needed too.
• Wednesday, March 8th - Ohi`a Play in the Social Hall. (Due to unforseen circumstances, the play will be rescheduled.)
• Thursday, March 8th - Keiai students (from Japan) visiting HMS.  Kindergarten classes will perform.  Students are asked to wear the lime green 'sun' Kindergarten t-shirt and any shorts/pants of their choice.
• Thursday, March 8th -The Lorax Parent Consent form and payment due. All parents who would like to chaperone are welcome to join us.  However, I must submit a head count (of parents) by Monday.
• Friday, March 9th - Dole Plantation Field Trip. A reminder will be distributed on Thursday in their school folder.

Warmest regards,
Mrs. Lee

Reminders for Parents

Aloha Parents,

K-1 will be remembering Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss)  whose birthday is March 2nd.  He wrote about 46 children's books which have imaginative characters and rhyme.  Some of his most popular books include Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, Horton Hatches the Egg, and Oh, the Places You'll Go.  Many literature-based activities are planned during the week.   If your child wishes to play some Seuss-tastic games, they can go to Symbaloo (on the gadget bar) and click on the tile - Dr. Seuss.

Mahalo nui loa for attending the Parent-Teacher Conferences on Friday. It was a pleasure to meet and speak with you. I am certain your child will benefit from our conversation and cooperation between us.  Please continue to keep our lines of communication open.

Many students have been improving their reading skills through myOn Reader.  There are several reports that are available which gives you a glance at their Reading Growth, Reading Activity, etc. To do this, log in, go to 'Account' and 'Your Profile'.  You'll be able to view your child's  progress.
Continue to provide your child with the opportunity to choose books (that are on their reading level),  listen to the audio as books are read, and grow as they complete the short quizzes and benchmark tests.  Happy Reading!!!!!

Just a couple of things to remember:

• Tuesday, February 28th - Swimming classes begin.  Be sure all items for swim class are labeled.  Students can come to school wearing their swim attire under their school clothes.
• Wednesday, February 29th - Jump Rope for Heart donations due
• Wednesday, February 29th - February Book share due. Please practice with your child at home their presentation of a book they have read and would like to share with their classmates.
• Friday, March 2nd - Dr. Seuss' birthday

A hui hou,

Mrs. Lee

Reminders for Parents

Aloha Parents,

Mahalo nui loa for a successful Kindergarten Sweets-n-Treats Bake Sale at the HMS Fun Fair today!!  Would you believe all the mochi, cookies, brownies, cupcakes, cheese sandwiches, Chex Mix,  pretzels, and other homemade yummies you donated were sold out by 3:00pm?  Your hard work in the classroom and your contributions were truly appreciated!  It was nice to see everyone working together so well to make this a successful event.

Just a few tidbits to keep in mind for the next few weeks:

• Monday, February 20th - Presidents' Day, no school
• Thursday, February 23rd - Voices of the Rainforest  play payment due
• Thursday, February 23rd - Dole Plantation Field Trip Parent Consent Form with payment due
• Tuesday, February 28th - Swimming classes  with Ms. Whitney and Mr. Kimura begin
• Wednesday, February 29th - Jump Rope for Heart donations due
• Wednesday, February 29th - February Book share due. Please practice with your child at home their presentation of a book they have read and would like to share with their classmates. 

A hui hou,
Mrs. Lee

Reminders

Aloha Parents,

Mahalo nui loa for your involvement in the upcoming HMS Fun Fair on Saturday, February 18th. Everyone has  signed up to work a shift and/or donate yummies for the 'Sweets 'n' Treats' bake sale.  Without your kind support, this event would not be successful and enjoyable.

And now, a few  things you may need  to keep in mind:

• Monday, February 13th - Saito Sensei's homework for Japanese class. Girl's Day color and cut worksheet due.
• Monday, February 13th - If you plan to share Valentine Goodie Bags with the class, please bring them in on Monday so I can distribute the treats in their recyclable bags.
• Tuesday, February 14th - PTO meeting, 5:30pm, schoolside
• Wednesday, February 15th - Jump Rope for Heart from 8:45-10:45am.  Please submit all donations  by Wednesday, February 29th.
• Saturday, February 18th - HMS Fun Fair, 10am-3pm

Reminders for Parents

Aloha Parents,

Mahalo for attending our second Presentation of Learning.  It meant so much to your child having you in our classroom supporting them. I also wish to express my appreciation for all the cardboard tubes I received.  It really helped make their 'From Here to There'  center a success.

Time has just been flying by.  Would you believe that this Friday, February 10th is the end of the second trimester?  Parent-Teacher Conference confirmations have been distributed.  If there is a schedule conflict, please let me know and we can arrange an alternate date.

The Kindergarten classes will visit Kualoa Petting Zoo  on  Thursday, February 23rd.  Parent Consent Forms, along with a bit of information about the field trip, will be distributed Monday, February 6th.  Please submit the signed form with payment by Thursday, February 9th.

Swimming lessons in our fabulous HMS pool will commence on Tuesday, February 28th. I thought I'd give you a heads up in case you needed to purchase items for your child.  They will need: (please label all items)

• Swimming attire
• Large towel
• Rubber slippers
• Sunblock and goggles (optional)
• Ziplock for wet clothing
• Large bag to hold everything

Be on the lookout for the invite to a 'Swimming Showoff' at the end of their swimming lessons in early May.

A hui hou,
Mrs. Lee

Reminders

Aloha Parents,

Just to remind you of the following tidbits:

• Monday, January 30th - Due date for Mathletics online activities and Book Sharing.
• Tuesday, January 31st - Presentation of Learning, K-1 classroom, 8:15-9:15am.  Classroom doors will open at 7:45 for the children to prepare for this event.
• Thursday, February 2nd - Open House beginning at 5:30pm
• Friday, February 3rd - Teacher Inservice, No School
• Saturday, February 18th - HMS Fun Fair. A Google doc was emailed to all parents about 2 weeks ago regarding our Kindergarten " Sweets-n-Treats" Bake Sale. All shift help and yummy donations are welcomed.

Regards,
Mrs. Lee

Reminders to Parents

Aloha Parents,

A few reminders for you:

• Monday, January 23rd - Due date for 100th day project. Would you believe your children have been in Kindergarten for 100 days (on January 24th)?  Time flies when we're having fun. I'm sure your child has reminded you working together to create a free standing poster with 100 things about themselves (photos, cutouts, actual items). The numbers 1-100 should be handwritten, labeling each item. Please advise if you have any questions. All posters will be displayed outside of the three Kindergarten classrooms.
• Monday, January 23rd - RSVP for HMS Open House  due.
• Tuesday, January 24th - 100th Day Party with the Kindergarten classes.
• Tuesday, January 24th - Scholastic Book Orders due.
• Monday, January 30th - January due date for students to share a book with their peers.
• Monday, January 30th - Completion of assigned Mathletics online activities. All students were given a sign in card with their current username/password. Please assist your child in logging into the website so they can complete the activities.  We know this resource is beneficial to your child's development.

Mahalo for all cardboard tubes that were donated.  It was truly appreciated.

Time is running out to sign up for the Kindergarten 'Sweets -n- Treats' Bake Sale  at the HMS Fun Fair on Saturday, February 18th. Please open  the google doc sent by Ms. T. to select a time to work, or contact me.

Kung Hee Fat Choy!
Mrs. Lee

Reminder for Parents

Aloha Parents,

Just a few items that should be brought to your attention.........

• Monday, January 16th - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
• Monday, January 23rd - 100th Day Projects due.  Each student is asked to create a free standing poster with 100 things about themselves (photos, cutouts, actual items). The numbers 1-100 should be handwritten, labeling each item. Please advise if you have any questions.
• Friday, January 20th - Due date for cardboard tubes, whether from wrapping paper or paper towels which  needed for an activity. I'd sincerely appreciate any donation.
• Monday, January 30th - January due date  for  students to  share a book with their peers.
• Monday, January 30th - Due date for Mathletics online activities. All students were given a sign in card with their current username/password.  Please assist your child in logging into the website  so they can complete the activities. I am very encouraged by the quick response on completing the  topic 'Getting Ready to Add and Subtract' by so many students. Wow! We know this resource is beneficial to your child's development.

"If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow." John Dewey

Regards,
Mrs. Lee

Reminders for the Parents

Aloha Parents,

Another year has come and gone in a blink of an eye.  I hope 2011 was a wonderful year for you and your family.  I wish you  happiness, health, prosperity, and bright dreams for 2012!

Please welcome Norika Christian who has joined our K-1 class. She is already getting adjusted to our routine and schedule with the help of the other students. Norika is a pleasant girl, always smiling, and willing to put her best foot forward.

Cardboard tubes, whether from wrapping paper or paper towels, are needed for an activity.  I'd sincerely appreciate any donation before January 27th. 

Please remember:

• Wednesday, January 11th - Hoonko Service at the Temple, 9:00am.  This memorial service observes the anniversary of the death of Shinran Shonin. Please dress your child appropriately.
• Friday, January 13th - Foster Garden Walking Field Trip. A reminder will be distributed on Thursday, January 12th.
• Monday, January 16th - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
• Monday January 23rd - 100th Day Project due. Each student is asked to create a free standing poster with 100 things about themselves (photos, cutouts, actual items). The numbers 1-100 should be handwritten, labeling each item. Please advise if you have any questions.

Regards,
Mrs. Lee

Reminders for Parents

Aloha Parents,

Your children were so excited and proud today when you  attended their Winter Program and Family Craft Activity. They were all smiles and full of life.  They performed well under the direction of Mrs. Ellis and Saito Sensei. We are very grateful to those two Resource teachers who are so passionate about their teaching.

Book Shares are  a wonderful opportunity for your child to bring a picture book and show their classmates an illustration from the story that is appealing to them. Some students have shared a book for the month of December.  The other students have until Thursday, December 15th for their turn to share with their peers.  Please help them to practice at  home.

On Friday, December 16th  the students will play  holiday games in the class and  goodie bags will be distributed in the recyclable bag.  If your child wishes to share any goodie bags, please bring them in by Thursday, December 15th.  Kindly remember dismissal is at 11:30am.

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. Wishing you happiness.
-- Helen Keller

Regards,
Mrs Lee