Parent Connection Aug 18, 2011

Parent

August 18, 2011

Connection

Breaking News

Welcome to a new school year!

A New Look for the Island School Website

If this is your first visit to our new website, take a few minutes to browse around. It was overhauled this summer by I.S. alum, Nick Seymour, ‘06, who is studying graphic design at University of Hawai‘i. It’s got lots of fun features, including the magazine style format for the Parent Connection that you’re using now.

There’s a long list of things on the “To Do” list, which are being completed as quickly as possible. In the meantime, let us know if you see any typos, broken links or problem areas of which we should be aware. Email sean@ischool.org.

Happy, Healthy, LocallyGrown Lunches

We have 174 students signed up so far for our healthy lunch program. You can still sign your child up. Lunch rates per trimester are as follows: PK-5 - MWF - $150 6-12 - MWF - $200 PK-5 - M-F - $250 6-12 - M-F - $300 Stop by, email (lulu@ischool.org), or phone the office for more information, or visit http://ischool.org/AtAGlance/ lunch.html

School Pictures Wednesday School portraits this year are being taken

by Lifetouch next Wednesday, August 24, during school hours. Order forms have been distributed

to students and should be returned to their homeroom teachers or class advisors no later than Wednesday, August 24. Parents may pay via cash, credit card or check. Instructions are listed on the order form. Visit the Life Touch website, www.lifetouch.com, for more information.

Host Family Needed

The Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is trying to place a 17 year old junior from Spain with a family on Kaua‘i. Bosco is a surfer and also likes to skateboard and kite surf. He’s a straight A student and speaks English fairly well. He’d love an opportunity to spend a year here and attend Island School. If your family would like to take advantage of this opportunity, or need more information, please contact Sean Magoun as soon as possible. (sean@ischool.org).

Health Forms Turned In?

Please check and make sure you’ve filled out and turned in all the health forms you received from us early in the summer. If you’re not sure, call the Office and someone will assist you.

Pick Up Your Logowear and PE Uniforms Your orders are ready and awaiting you in the front of the Office. Stop by and pick them up.

SAT Prep Courses Begin Aug. 31

These courses are recommended for seniors who plan to take the SAT this fall and for juniors and sophomores

Click on the Calendar tab on our website. as excellent preparation for the PSAT they will take on October 12.

Enrollment is limited. Students may sign up for one or both classes: Math - taught by Susie Massaro: covers test-taking strategies, including some review of Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. Registration limited to students who are enrolled in geometry or higher.

Wednesdays, August 31, September 7, 14 & 21, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. $130 including materials.

Critical Reading/Writing - taught

by Lindsay Kamm, covers testtaking skills and strategies to discern the meaning of a sentence and the purpose of a passage.

Mondays, August 29, September 12, 19 & 26, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. $120 including materials.

Registration will be on a first-come, first served basis; registration will be confirmed when payment is received.

This course typically fills up very quickly, so please sign up as soon as possible to ensure your space.

Checks should be made payable to the individual instructors. Questions? Call Joan Shaw at 246-0233, ext. 232 or email joan@ischool.org.

Parking

Please kokua and do not park on the grass.

Other areas off-limits for parking are behind Purdy Hall or at the Weinberg Building. Help us keep our campus looking its best and keep your vehicles in designated parking lots. Mahalo.

To contact the publisher of Island School’s Parent Connection, email peggy@ischool.org

Breaking News

Middle and Elementary Parent Volunteers Needed

We’re looking for a few parents to join Mike Goto’s cooking crew at the High School retreat. (High School parents need not apply!) If you’re available on Sept. 1 and 2, to spend two days and one night at Waipa on the north shore, please contact Mike at mike@ischool. org, or 246-0233, ext. 252. Mahalo.

Island School Band

Students in grades 5-8 are invited to sign up to be in the new Island School Band! I.S. parents, Larry and Minde Hine, have recruited a family friend with 30 years of experience as band director. Mickey Gautney, recently retired on Kaua‘i, is eager to get our band started. The plan is to meet after school for an hour, Monday thru Thursday. Students can choose from typical band instrumentation: clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, etc.

The cost is $100 per trimester, plus instrument rental fee, if needed. Dave Greenberg at Kaua‘i Music and Sound is willing to help us get our program going by making instrument rental and beginner music books available to our students for a modest fee. A price schedule will soon be available. To sign up, fill out the form (available in the Office). Practices will begin soon after Labor Day.

Palena‘ole Hall Now Open

Two new classrooms are now in use in our new building, Palena‘ole Hall. For those of you who saw the building in June, you will be amazed at the transformation. A debt of gratitude goes to Unlimited Construction Services, for whom the building was named. Palena‘ole can mean “unbound” or unlimited.

Special thanks to Peter Robson and Randy Finley, owners of the company and former I.S. parents, for making the purchase, move, design and renovation affordable. Thanks also to board members, David Proudfoot, David Pratt and Kathy Richardson, for moving the permitting process

through the proper channels. A huge mahalo to I.S. parents Jay Manzano and Kaleo Smith and their work crews for powering out on this project so it was ready for the first day of school!

The two classrooms, Ulu and Noni, are being used for a variety of middle and high school classes.

Policy for Electronic Devices

For many, use of cell phones and other electronic devises at school has been a matter of intense discussion. At our recent faculty meeting, time was taken to come to agreement on how Island School will handle this issue. A letter was sent to parents prior to the beginning to school that outlines our position during school hours, which is, briefly: Elementary: possession use MS: in class ( w/ teacher supervision for educational purposes) breaks HS: in class (w/ teacher supervision for educational purposes) breaks (for educational purposes) Parents who need to reach their children may contact the Office and leave a message. Students in violation of this policy will have their electronic devices confiscated for pick-up in the Office. Further action may be taken should this continue to be a problem.

Please note that all forms of social networking at school is against school rules. Please refer to the letter from Mr. Springer dated August 12, for more details, or contact the Office if you have questions or comments.

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Shop & Save at Times

Each year the Kraft Foods “Shop and Score” program allows parents, students, alumni and members of the community to earn points for their favorite high school by purchasing Kraft Foods, and other designated products, at Times Supermarkets.

Based on the percentage of total points earned, each participating high school will receive a share of $200,000 credit from The Sports Line Company to buy Adidas uniforms and equipment. All participating

schools are guaranteed a minimum of $500 worth of sports uniforms and equipment. Buy Kraft brand items at Times or Big Save Market and you score big for Island School’s Athletic Department. From Aug. 24 through Oct. 4, as you check out, tell your cashier that your Kraft purchases should be credited to Island School.

Watch for special Times & Big Save ads in the newspaper.

Art Department Collecting Got wipes? The art department is collecting cylindrical containers the kind that dispenses disinfecting wipes. They are using them as yarn dispensers to keep their many balls of yarn from getting tangled. If you use these and would like to donate them, please bring them to the art room or leave them in the teachers’ workroom.

Middle School Retreat Needs Helpers

Students in grades 6-8 will head to Salt Pond Beach Park for a one-day retreat on Sept. 2. They could use volunteer parents to help out. Please email Eric Devlin at ericd@ischool. org if you are available.

Gift Wrap Sale Begins Monday

On Monday, students in PK-8 will receive their packets for this year’s Parent Association sponsored class fund raiser. This year’s catalog from Great American is filled with gifts, wrapping papers and magazine subscriptions. More details on Monday.

Booster Club Off to a Great Start

The spirit this year is unbelievable!

Before the school year started, we had as many members as last year and four new banners in process to hang in the gym. Our athletic department and athletes are going to be so very happy and know how much our ‘ohana supports them this year.

I.S. Chronicles to join Island School Keiki Chorus. ISKC students rehearse during school hours 2-3 times weekly for 30-minute periods learning and rehearsing choral music.

Island School Keiki Chorus performs at public concerts and at various school functions throughout the year; no Second graders are already reading and auditions are required. taking spelling tests Mr. Steinbacher will be dropping by the fourth Fourth graders begin their unit on ecosystems.

CHORUS – Performance and fifth grade classrooms Opportunities for Singers - High An important meeting for those on August 23, to personally school students are invited interested is scheduled for today at invite students to join.

Parents or to audition for Island School 2:45 in the Main Hall. Contact Peggy students with Singers. ISS is for more information at peggy@ questions about a performance ischool.org. either ensemble ensemble which may contact Mr. meets after school, STUDENT GOVERNMENT Steinbacher at preparing a – Over the summer, both high philip@ischool. variety of musical school and middle school student org. literature for government groups donated $1000 performance at from the high school t-shirt sales, and DIVE CLUB – public concerts $500 from the middle school dance Marine Voyagers Simple stage to the Lutheran World Relief fund Dive Club is movement and which is raising funds for the Japan planning to hold a choreography is earthquake and tsunami disaster. certification class integrated into Many thanks to those of you who Third graders work on their math chart. in September performances. supported their fund raising events. for anyone 12 Membership High School Student Government and over who wants to become a is determined by audition, which class will be meeting on Friday SCUBA diver. Students will meet will be held in late August or early afternoons from 3-5 p.m., beginning several times after school, then September. Students in grades tomorrow, Friday, August 19th. practice in the water. Ocean dives four and five are encouraged will be on weekends. The cost of the SECOND GRADE – The class is certification class will depend on the learning about the hippopotamus. number of students who sign up. For One of their projects this week was more information, see Mr. Corbo or to make hippo sculptures, pictured email joecorbo@ischool.org. below.

HIGH SCHOOL PLAY – Peggy Ellenburg has announced that the fall high school production, It’s About Time, will be a series of short plays by playwright, David Ives. These will be sewn together with music and performed both here at Island School and at the first annual O‘ahu Fringe Festival in November. Rehearsals will be scheduled after school and Our salad bar is a highlight of lunch time! during study halls, time permitting.

Parent Page

Parent Association First PA Meeting Thursday, Sept. 1, 8:00 a.m.

Teachers’ Workroom

Interested in being a Room Parent Representative?

We’re looking for A FEW GOOD PARENTS to step up and support Island School’s efforts to make this year the best it can be for our children. Being a Room Rep is a fun way to be involved and get to know our wonderful parents. Reps are needed for grades 4, 6, 7, 8, 10 & 11.

If you have questions, contact Donna King at donna.king@outrigger.com.

The Circle of Friends event, scheduled for this Friday has been postponed.

Classified Ads

KAUA‘I COMMUNITY PLAYERS: The Language Archive,

by Julia Cho, opens tomorrow, Friday, August 19, at the Puhi Theatrical Warehouse. Laurel Petterson-McGraw directs an outstanding cast, including Aaron Martin, Delia Valentin and Morgan Liddell. George (played by Aaron Martin) is an expert in dying languages, but is unable to communicate with his wife Mary (played by Melissa Mojo), who leaves him. He doesn’t even notice that his lab assistant (played by Rowan McGrath) is in love with him. Alta and Reston (played by Delia Valentin and Morgan Liddell) are an old couple who are the last speakers of a language that has no words for anger, and they are so angry with each other they can’t speak their language to the great frustration of George. And it goes on from there… Runs through September 11, for four weekends: Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm and Sunday matinees at 4pm. Advance ticket prices are $20 general admission, $18 for seniors, and $15 for members and students, and are $2 more at the door.

TICKETS ARE DISCOUNTED $5 OPENING WEEKEND. Get your tickets now by calling 800-838-3006 or through the KCP website: www.kauaicommunityplayercs.org.

Mahalo to

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♥ ♥ ♥ Penny Nichols, Catherine Barale, Mark &

Barbara Hubbard, Jim Mayfield and Bill & Cynthia Wickersham for being the first to make their contributions to our 2011-2012 Annual Giving campaign.

♥ ♥ ♥ Mike and Scott Nagano of National Fire

Protection for donating two fire extinguishers for the new classrooms, Ulu and Noni, in Palena‘ole Hall.

♥ ♥ ♥ Myra Lewin for a donation to Hawaiian Studies. ♥ ♥ ♥ Rotary Club of Po‘ipu Beach Foundation for

their support of Kauaibots.

♥ ♥ ♥ the anonymous donor of a telescope for use in elementary science. ♥ ♥ ♥ Stephanie Ort for donating an assortment of

listening games to the elementary teachers.

♥ ♥ ♥ Michelle & Larry Dressler for donating a

refrigerator to the Athletic Department.

♥ ♥ ♥ Damarys and Stephen Baptiste for their generous donation of educational toys to the PK. CAROL CULVER DANCE ACADEMY: Fall term dance classes are now in session and accepting students. Classes include Tot Ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap - classes for ages 3-adult. Check out the schedule at http://www.dancekauai.com/.

O‘AHU RENTAL WANTED: Susie & James Massaro’s daughter & granddaughter (age 6) are looking for a place to rent near the Kaimuki or UH area to share or rent alone. They need a studio, 1, 2 or 3 bedroom, under $900/mo per adult. Safety and cleanliness are top priorities. If you know of anyone with a place to rent (for 6-12 months) please contact Susie at susie@ischool.org.

KAUA‘I DANCE CENTER: After school at Island School in Frear. Ballet & Hip Hop, Mondays ages 4-10; Wednesdays - ages 9-17. Check out times on website www.kauaidancecenter.com or call Jennifer Bell-Grey @ 808 823 9588. emailinfo@kauaidancecenter.com.

CHILD CARE: PATCH can help with your childcare needs and more. Dedicated to supporting and improving the equality and care for Hawai‘i’s young children. 246-0622 or www.patchhawaii.org.

Message to Students Bob Springer spoke to our middle and high school students this week at their Morning Meetings.

I wonder what is going through your minds just now, at the beginning of this school year. What are you thinking about? What are your expectations?

“In a survey taken several years ago at MIT, freshmen were asked if they expected to graduate in the top half of the class. Guess what the results showed? 97% responded that they expected to graduate in the top half of their class!

97%! These are students who had been successful in their high-school careers, at the top of their class. What are your expectations for yourself as we begin this school year?

A high-school student came home from school after the first trimester. He seemed rather depressed. “What’s the matter son?” his mother asked. “It’s my grades,” the boy replied, “They’re all wet.” “What do you mean, ‘all wet?’”

The mother was perplexed. “I mean,” the boy replied, “below C level.”

So here we are, the beginning of a new school year. The questions are, what does it mean for any of us, deep down, personally? Think ahead: How will you be different on June 8, 2012, the last day of this school year? How will you be affected by the 181 instructional days of this school year?

I raise these as serious questions, not to be answered frivolously, with casual put downs. You see, school is serious business. It’s the time in our lives when we define ourselves, find out what we are good at, discover things about ourselves and the world that will propel us into adulthood.

Another way to put this is to observe that education is an investment. The late John Wooden, certainly the greatest basketball coach of his generation, said it simply: “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” This is your time to prepare. It won’t last forever, and once gone it cannot be recovered.

This is a time of investment and also a time of life, day by day, a time that can be enriching or boring, enlightening or deadening. Each of us makes it so. We do this of our own volition, not someone else’s. We are defined by the choices we make, and we are responsible for these.

Don’t come to me with the comment, “I’m bored!” My daughters used to say this on occasion. My response to them is the same I will give to you: “If you are bored, enjoy it. Boredom is of your own invention and can be relieved by your own thoughts and actions.”

In summary, to be successful here at Island School do the following: • First, have high expectations and dreams about who you are and what you can do and become.

• Second, work hard. Satisfaction comes with successfully meeting challenging tasks, not just cruising, which is boring. John Wooden’s definition of success comes to mind: “Success is a direct result of knowing you made the effort to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” By the way, this is in comparison only with yourself, not against others. What others do is their business. What you do is yours and is under your control.

• Third, look for ways to experience fascinations of life, day by day, moment by moment. Don’t depend on others to make life rewarding for you.

• Fourth, be aware that these teenage years will pass; they are not forever. When they do pass, then what will you do?

Such a perspective will give you the gumption, the energy, to persevere when things bog down and seem especially difficult. Patience, persistence, resilience: these matter, especially when the chips are down.

Welcome, students. We’re glad you’re here. Together, let’s have a great year!

Island School 3-1875 Kaumuali`i Hwy Lihu`e, Kaua`i, Hawai`i, 96766

August 18, 2011 A weekly publication We’re on the web at www.ischool.org