December 17, 2015

December 2015 | Volume 91, Issue IV | Honolulu, Hawai‘i A Voice for Students Since 1923

Picking up Programming

A New Generation of Programmers A

BySean Callahan ’18

lmost everyday, we use complex technology. What we sometimes don’t realize is that somebody has to create and program all the technology that we use. The Hour Of Code program, recently implemented at ‘Iolani, will help to develop a new generation of programmers.

“The Hour of Code is an international event that aims to introduce children to programming and brings awareness programming and engineering,” said Technology Integration Specialist Michael Fricano, coordinator of the Upper School events. “We live in a

Matthew Hockenberger-Leong ’20 and Tiana Conching ’19 review the steps to programming the robot to complete an obstacle course.

Erica Li ’19 and Alexa-Rae Simao ’19 collaborate to program a robot during Tuesday’s Hour of Code event on the 4th Floor Sullivan.

world where almost everything we use on a daily basis involves some form of engineering and coding and it’s important to understand those basic skills.”

The program started at ‘Iolani last year with just a few simple activities. This year, a week-long program of events attracted many eager participants. Highlights included guest speaker Albert Chi, medical director at Johns Hopkins Hospital, who shared his experiences with prosthetics.

On Tuesday, an exciting workshop allowed students and staff to try their hand at programming a robot.

“It’s impressive that students not

only built the robots, but that the robots are so easy to program,” noted Davey Huang ’18. Several teachers who stopped by to check out the event shared a similar sentiment.

Through the Hour of Code activities, Mr. Fricano hopes people will realize that coding is as important as learning about the layers of the earth, or how electricity works. He encourages those who have never tried programming to attend other workshops.

“Just give it a try! You might be surprised by what you learn, or how enjoyable and fascinating it can be,” he said.

Lower School Navigates the Stars

ByNoah Brigoli ’19 week before the Upper School Hour of Code began, the Lower School had their own programming activity. “This is the second year our

A

Lower School has participated,” said Education Innovation Lab Tech Patti Nagami, who helped to coordinate the program. The Lower School program placed an emphasis on fun with a Star Wars maze.

The students formed a two-person team; one student took on the role of a “robot”, and the other a programmer.

The programmer’s job was to tell the “robot” basic directions like “Go Forward” and “Step Right.” The “robot” was blindfolded and had to trust the proA blindfolded Luke Yoshiyama ’23 navigates his way through the grammer to successfully maze during a programming activity in the Lower School.

NEWS2

DEC_P2_V1.indd 1

guide him through the maze. After the switched roles and navigated the maze again.

“The maze was a kinesthetic opportunity for the students to understand instructions,” said Mrs. Nagami, “and [that] it involves logical thinking, persistence, and trial and error.”

According to coordinators, the maze was a huge success. Even students who did not have the chance to participate could still enjoy watching their classmates move blindly through a crowded maze while learning the importance of cooperation, teamwork, and trust.

DECEMBER2015

12/10/15 8:04 PM

Band Lights Up the Night Vatican?

ByArupa Poudyal ’18 VatiCAN’T. T ByAlec Tam ’20 A fter much thought and research, ‘Iolani School administrators decided to cancel the much-anticipated Orchestra and Halau trips to New York and the Vatican that were scheduled for winter break. The November 13 terror attacks in Paris spurred the administrators to re-evaluate the trip due to “reasons of safety and precaution.”

The FBI has established high alerts for historical monuments in the Vatican City, Rome, and Milan. The U.S. Department of State has issued a worldwide travel alert for Americans to remain cautious of increased terrorist threats in crowded places during the holiday season. Other schools nationwide that planned to perform at the Vatican also canceled their trips.

“It’s a real shame that the world is in the shape that it’s in,” said Headmaster Dr. Timothy Cottrell. “We understand how disappointing this is to all involved and to our entire ‘Iolani community, which wholeheartedly supports all of our outstanding performing arts students.”

News of the canceled trips traveled quickly through the ‘Iolani community. “It’s very disappointing that, given all the effort, work, and support from inside and out of our community, the circumstances have resulted in the cancellation,” said Performing Arts Director Kevin Pease. Jeffery Pak ’16 reminisced, “The last time we went on a trip to London, I remember all the fun we all had. On this trip, I wanted to relive the fun, and it’s a bummer that the school has now canceled it.”

Seawind Tours & Travel, Inc. has given students and their families the chance to proceed with their travel plans, excluding the previously planned school performances.

The decisions made by ‘Iolani’s administrators are meant to benefit the students. “It is often the case that the right decision doesn’t always make people happy,” said Dr. Cottrell, “but it is the responsibility of leadership to make such decisions.”

DECEMBER2015 V13_pg3.indd 1

he ‘Iolani Marching Band has participated in Christmas parades for years, including parades held in Manoa and Kaimuki, but taking to the streets of downtown Honolulu in the city’s ever-popular Electric Light Parade capped their 2015 season on a high note. Marching in perfect unison and carrying instruments that glittered in tinsel and twinkled with lights, the band students performed impressively before tens of thousands of spectators, playing Christmas favorites like “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” ‘Iolani was the first school in the line up, marching sixth overall.

The 62 Marching Band students and three Concert Band students prepared rigorously, practicing their formation and marching speed, and memorizing their music.

“The last few practices were a little more intense as we tried to mimic the pace of having to play continuously

Blaise Aranador ’16 and Shannon Pan ’17 pose during the parade. // Photo Courtesy Manny Dayao

for minutes on end without chances to rest,” said Band Director Manny Yadao.

Alto saxophonist Jennifer Park ’16 said she enjoyed participating in the Electric Light Parade because “it is really exciting playing music for families, especially when kids’ faces light up when they hear the music or catch candy.”

The Marching Band’s performance was broadcast on December 5. Rebroadcasts are scheduled for December 20, 21, 25, and 26 on OLELO54.

Poets Slam Opponents ByKanalu Monaco ’20

R

eading a poem aloud in front of an audience can be terrifying, but the ‘Iolani Poetry Slam Club recited with confidence and triumphed over reigning champion Farrington High School to win their first Interscholastic Poetry Slam on November 22nd. “Slam poetry is one of the few places where people truly listen to what kids have to say,” said Dane Nakama ’17, president of the Poetry Slam Club. “It is that special connection we wanted to address in our poems.”

The team, comprised of Juniors, performed three original poems.

Nakama performed a group poem entitled “Too Young” with Maia Ito and Emma Kojima about what we can learn

Slam Poetry Winners Photo courtesy Micheline McManus

Open-Mic Poetry Slam January 29 ‘Iolani School Doors open at 5:30pm Top two winners will advance to the state-wide poetry Grand Slam.

Teachers are invited to perform.

For more information contact Dane Nakama at dhn1701@iolani.org from kids. Ariel Pruyser performed a solo composition about bullying, police brutality, and the struggle of African-American life in America.

Caryssa Kim and Amy Nakamura recited a piece called “Touch,” which addressed issues of domestic abuse and sexual assault. Their poem received the highest score of that night based on performance quality and originality: 39.7 points out of 40 for the round.

“The thing about slam poetry is that when you feel really passionate about something, then you use writing as an outlet to get all that emotion out,” said Kim. “You can perform it and touch other people with whatever you’ve written.”

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT3 12/11/15 9:00 AM

Introducing the New iPad Pro: Bi iPad

10:05 AM

The New iPad Pro

By Samantha Masca ’17

S

tarting this spring semester, ‘Iolani will introduce the new iPad Pro to the third and ele its benefits to the school community. The new iPad is bigger, better, and faster. It inc as keyboards and styluses, clearer graphics, and stronger sounds.

“It’s moved from this first generation about organization, information access, and efficie and general productivity tools,” said Head of School Dr. Timothy Cottrell.

The iPad Pro is more innovative, with more capabilities than the iPad 4. Microsoft Wor into the device’s settings. Also, a new feature allows the iPad user to access two applicat “What that means is that students won’t have to shift back and forth and can take notes reading . . . That kind of thing is going to be fantastic,” said history teacher, Mr. Russell M who initiated the one-to-one iPad experience.

The new updates will hopefully allow students to work more collaboratively and creative organize their assignments and research information.

“It’s evolved to a point where we would add general productivity in terms of what you th top computer to the device,”said Dr. Cottrell. “We are ending up with the next generation be more productive. I think our biggest question is how does it physically hold up becaus The size also raises concerns of Information Technology Services, especially for Comp Ricky Okazaki. “It’s more just figuring out things that will impact us from the support stand the things students want to do with new devices?” said Mr. Okazaki.

Even though the size is in question, students look forward to the new features that the i enable students to have keyboards and Microsoft Word, and retain the current settings th Rather than move a step backwards by taking away the touch screen and other essentia tops do not, school administrators hope they will improve student education and technolo “This is all about students and professionals being asked to be more productive, be mor done, and to be able to handle more information,” added Dr. Cottrell. “How do we equip s Even though the use of iPads will allow students to access information more convenient go, it also raises the question of how video games, watching TV and movies, and other n tions can be prevented. Has productivity ironically been sacrificed by using iPads? `Iolani’s administration has considered these negative aspects of the iPads.

“We shouldn’t shy away from this as a school,” said Dr. Cottrell. “We should actually hel well and to manage it.”

Students like Kylee Kim-Bustillos ’17 expressed a different concern. “I feel like the iPad because it’s bigger and it’s harder to carry around. I feel like it’s easier to drop, and it’s g Overall, the positive aspects trump the negative. With technology improving at an ever and business professional will undoubtedly incorporate the latest electronic devices in the One of ‘Iolani’s goals as a college preparatory school is to ensure its students gain exper ceed in their future aspirations. Exposure to technology provides opportunities for studen and to gain the most out of their educational experiences.

“I think it [the iPad Pro] is very impressive and I’m very excited that we are receiving new our learning,” said Tanner Shimomoto ’17.

Dr. Karen Neitzel, Associate Head of School and Dean of Studies, agrees. “I hope we ca forefront of what’s happening in technology, in a way that supports student learning.”

DEC_P4-5_V1.indd 1

1/4/16 12:01 PM

Pro: Bigger, Faster, and Better 78%

smartamp.com Imua

he third and eleventh graders as a test of nd faster. It includes new upgrades such

ess, and efficiency to now include creation

Microsoft Word has been incorporated ss two applications at one time. can take notes on a document they are , Mr. Russell Motter, one of the leaders

ely and creatively, rather than to simply

of what you think of as a laptop or deskext generation of the iPad so that we can old up because it’s bigger?” cially for Computer Support Specialist, Mr. e support standpoint; how do we support

atures that the iPad Pro provides. It will rent settings that iPads currently have. other essentials the iPads have that lapn and technology experiences. ductive, be more efficient, to get more do we equip students to do that?” ore conveniently and type papers on the es, and other non-school related applicag iPads? ds. uld actually help students learn to use it

el like the iPad Pro is more inconvenient drop, and it’s going to just shatter.” ving at an ever-increasing rate, colleges c devices in their studies and research. ents gain experiences to help them sucnities for students to immerse themselves

e receiving new technology to help further

s. “I hope we can always be on the learning.”

SMARTamp?

SMART amp: Good or Glitchy?

ByWinston Wei ’18

I

s SMART amp worth using? Many teachers across the campus, like Ms. Amy Yonashiro, head of the SMART amp program at ‘Iolani, have advanced the use of the program this past year. “Amp allows our students to collaborate outside of school time,” said Ms. Yonashiro. “With after school commitments such as practices and rehearsals, it’s often difficult for students to get together to work on class projects and assignments. With amp, students can work remotely on group projects or assignments, rather than having to physically meet to discuss, construct, develop, create anytime and anywhere they have an Internet connection.”

However, a number of people still are unfamiliar with SMART amp. SMART amp is an interactive workspace that allows for multiple students and teachers to collaborate on what is basically a downsized version of Notability.

“SMART amp makes collaboration really easy among students,” said history teacher Mr. Kam Monaco. Using their iPads, students can put up their math or word problems into the workspace, discuss questions, and find solutions while the teacher monitors their activity.

AP U.S. History teacher Dr. Debbie Hall has used SMART amp quite extensively throughout the first semester. “I was introduced to it last summer,” said Hall. “It is a great way to bring in all the information and put it on one page. I used it quite a bit in the first quarter. [However,] students said they didn’t like it because it was slow, it wasn’t an app, and they didn’t remember much by typing out the information.”

While SMART amp does have some flaws, its popularity continues as a result of its versatility and options for collaborative learning in the classroom.

*actual size EDITORIALS5 DEC_P4-5_V1.indd 1

1/4/16 12:04 PM

Imua Voices: Winter Woes Finals Before or . . .

By‘Auli‘i McClellan ’18

T

he holiday season is traditionally a hectic and exciting time. Christmas festivities, last-minute shopping, and gatherings with family and friends fill the holiday season.

It is stressful to think about adding “studying for finals” to this list; however, if finals were administered before winter break, students could enjoy their two-week vacation without unnecessary stress and start their new year feeling rested and rejuvenated.

Since ‘Iolani is a highly academic school, students must study at a fast pace to keep up with their assignments. A lot of material is covered each quarter, and subsequently, the semester. Taking finals before winter break would allow students to review classes’ content while it is still fresh in their minds. Trying to recall what was learned in the first weeks of the quarter for any core class is challenging.

Access to ‘Iolani teachers is critical for exam preparation.

Studying for finals before winter break would allow students to ask questions, go in for extra help, and review material.

Teachers, as well as students, are busy during break; therefore, it is difficult for the students to get in touch with their teachers via email. Meeting in advance lessens the stress on both parties.

When exams are held after the break, students may procrastinate, leading to an uncertain exam grade. Taking finals before the winter break forces students to review their class materials while they are in a “study mode.”

Family and friends are a special part of Christmas. Rather than focus on earning a 95% score on an exam, we should cherish quality time with our loved ones. The cheery Christmas greeting “Happy Holidays” should remain just that—and not become “Study Holidays.”

. . . After the Break?

ByTiana Hannemann ’18

‘I

olani students are constantly competing against time to complete assignments and to study for upcoming tests, quizzes, and exams. Traditionally, semester exams are taken following winter break; this schedule is most beneficial for ‘Iolani students.

Although seasonal breaks are meant for vacationing and relaxation, with time management and efficient pacing, two weeks can put time on the students’ side when preparing for demanding exams. Oftentimes, cramming the night before an exam can lead to a short night’s rest and an exhausted body, which do not bode well when taking a two-hour final.

Studying for a semester’s material in one night does not allow students adequate preparation, considering that on that given night, much less material is studied than if spaced out over many weeks’ time.

“At the end of the quarter, things are too crammed to have enough time to study,” said Sean Yamamoto ’18. “We have ample time to study peacefully over break.”

Lengthy breaks before exams also give students opportunities to meet up to work together and utilize different studying strategies. If exams were to be taken before winter break, trying to set up study times with other students would be difficult. With a two- week break, students can plan out their studying, rather than feel the stress of reviewing just one night before an exam.

“I like how we can exchange ideas and meet up at Starbucks to study together,” said Mya Fuller ’18. “We get to kill two birds with one stone, by spending time together during our vacation and studying at the same time.”

January exams should not be questioned, because it helps students prepare well in advance for the semester finals.

The Pricey Memories of Winter Ball BySara Hui ’18

E

ach December, students in grades 9 through 12 look forward to Winter Ball—a time to have fun with their friends and dates, and take a welldeserved break from studying for finals.

Most importantly, Winter Ball leaves students with lasting memories. ‘Iolani’s dedicated Winter Ball Committee has been working hard since September to make the December 21st event a reality. But because of ticket prices, some students have decided not to attend.

The Winter Ball Committee reported that bid prices are determined based on the cost of the DJ, photo booth, picture taking, food costs, and past revenue.

EDITORIALS6 DEC_P6_V12.indd 1

“Tickets are more expensive this year because the food is a bit pricier, and bids are dependent on how much money we took in last year,” said Sammie Yee ’16.

Winter Ball tickets saw a 30% increase from 2012 to 2014. Bids that cost $50 in 2012 now total $65 per person for ‘Iolani students and $75 for guests. With a new DJ, an unforgettable photo book, and the opportunity to write letters to Santa, guests can expect to remember the festivities for a lifetime.

Do not forget to thank Sammie Yee, Caroline Kodama ’16, Carlee Hirano

’16, and Kaitlin Hori ’17 for working hard to make Winter Solstice the best Winter Ball yet!

Cartoon by Kyla Smith ’16

DECEMBER2015

12/10/15 8:30 PM

Maeda Sisters Take on the ‘Iolani Classic ByRachel Bowler ’16

E

very year, ‘Iolani hosts the ‘Iolani Prep Basketball Classic, one of the nation’s premier high school basketball tournaments that attracts the top basketball teams nationwide to compete for the championship title. This year, 16 boys teams from China, California, Indiana, West Virginia, Florida, Utah and Minnesota, and eight girls teams from Hawaii, Oregon, and California participated in the prestigious tournament.

For ‘Iolani Senior Brooke Maeda ’16, playing in the ‘Iolani Classic has provided some of her most memorable high school experiences over the past three years. But perhaps the most exciting moment just might have come on December 10 when Brooke’s sister, Tori Maeda ’19, joined her on the court for her last season of high school basketball.

“Having my sister by my side is going to be fun for both of us,” said Brooke. “It will also help to have someone you can put all your trust in on the court, and someone who will unconditionally have your back.”

For Tori, sharing her first season and Brooke’s last is exciting and very sentimental. “I think this will grow a bond with us that no one else will have, and a memory that will last a lifetime,” said Tori. “I want to make it the best season that Brooke has ever had.”

The girls’ tournament started on December 10th and played through the 12th.

The boys Classic will tip off on December 17 and continue until December 22. Bailey Alabanza ’17 is anxiously waiting for the Classic to start.

“The Classic gives us a taste of what it’s like to compete against some of the best teams in the country,” he said. “I look forward to playing them, and seeing how we compare to these teams.”

Christmas in Cali for Girls Varsity Soccer ByRachel Bowler ’16

I

n the world of girls’ competitive soccer, spending Christmas break away from family and friends is painful. But for ‘Iolani’s girls varsity soccer team, the sacrifice is worth an opportunity to pull the sword from the side of its

DIVING

DECEMBER2015 DEC_P7_V1.indd 1

opponent at the prestigious Excalibur tournament, to be held in Orange County, California from December 27 to December 30.

The invitation-only tournament, comprised of 32 teams, showcases the best high school girls’ soccer teams in the country and exposes them to top coaches and coaching. The ‘Iolani team will make its second appearance in the tournament, in which they placed third two years ago.

The players have mixed Photo courtesy Reid Watanabe emotions about

“It took me two weeks fully of belly flopping just to master a basic dive.”

-Nikki Mossing ’18

traveling over Christmas break. Some are sad about spending Christmas Day away from family.

“This is my last year before I leave for college, so it’s sad to think about how I won’t open presents and go to breakfast with my parents and cousins,” said Senior Robyn Amano.

Others, however, welcome the thought of spending time with teammates away from home.

“I feel that it’s a big change from what I normally do for Christmas, and I’m looking forward to the colder weather and spending time with my team,” said Hannah Ford ’18.

Coach Kris Masunaga is excited to return to the Excalibur tournament.

“We will be challenged, and I hope to get better prepared for our games against Punahou and Kamehameha when we return,” she said.

Kehaulani Harpstrite ’16 twists in the air during diving practice.

SPORTS7 12/10/15 8:38 PM

All I Want For Christmas Is...

This is a wishlist of what several Lower School students hope Santa will bring them.

Proconsul Corner: Winter Ballin’

W

ith Winter Ball quickly rolling toward us, the Proconsuls have a few tips on how to make the most of your time and avoid experiencing a potentially awkward event. Although one may think that an evening out with a date is relatively simple, there are many temptations that may lurk in the corners of the Hilton Tapa Ballroom on Monday, December 21, between 5:30 to 10:30. (We know Winter Ball is on a Monday, and we know it’s not cheap.

We are definitely taking the additional $10 and going on a trip to the Bahamas.

Just kidding, it’s not our fault, so stop complaining already.) Here are some friendly suggestions from each of us.

Cole: You may want to consider and plan ahead on who you will sit with. There are ten people per table.

Gentlemen, you have to sit wherever your date wants. Just concede; there’s no hope. If, for some reason, you don’t get to sit where you want, be respectful of others and stay open to meeting new friends. One time, I sat next to people whom I had never met, and it actually turned out to be an extremely pleasant experience.

Drey: The night is pretty short; don’t waste your time and money by standing around. If you’re not dancing, be sure to check out the photo booth from 6:30-8:30 or make letters to Santa

for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Mike: Children, blind dates are blind possibilities. Taking someone from school may not end up like Cinderella. BUT it can be pretty awesome if you get to know the person. I have learned from experience that it will only be awkward if you make it awkward. Also, you are a representative of ‘Iolani School, so make sure your date leaves with a good impression of you.

Please remember that this should be a night of fun. Don’t ruin it with mistakes you’ll regret. The chaperones are armed with industrial-grade flashlights and fresh batteries. There will be a time-out corner for you wild baboons out there.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AMY NAKAMURA

PHOTO EDITOR REID UEKI

COPY EDITOR SEAN CALLAHAN

MANAGING EDITOR SARA HUI

ONLINE EDITOR WINSTON WEI

SENIOR EDITOR KYLA SMITH

SPORTS EDITOR RACHEL BOWLER

STAFF NOAH BRIGOLI TIANA HANNEMANN SAMANTHA MASCA ‘AULI‘I MCCLELLAN

NAGEM&TIANA8.indd 1

KANALU MONACO ARUPA POUDYAL ALEC TAM NAGEM UIAGALELEI ADVISORS MRS. LAURIE CHANG MR. TAYLOR WONG

12/10/15 8:46 PM