revised 8/11
IS I0I
E Komo Mai! Welcome to Island School. We look forward to getting to know you, our newest members of the Island School ‘ohana.
IS I0I was originally created by parents to help new families navigate more smoothly through their first year at Island School. It provides insights into the people, programs and events that are integral to Island School. It will facilitate your participation in the Island School experience and enable you to be a full partner in the creation of a successful school experience for your child.
Your Parent Association
Treasurer: Corey Dobashi Secretary: Sandra Catlin Room Parent Coordinator: Monica King
entary
Co-President Charlene Steuri
Vice-President Leah Edwards
Elem
Meet the Island School Faculty
Co-President Donna King
First Cristy Peeren
Sue Macklin
Pre-K Aide Luci Mendoza
1st Aide Melissa Riopta
Second Connie Kakalia
Third Lynda Liesse
3rd Aide Anne Meyers
Instructional Support/English Joyce Flagg
Music Rosie Alfiler
Math/Technology Judy Byce
Drama Peggy Ellenburg
Physical Education Jackie Mierta
Photography/Art Diane Ferry
(also Publications)
(7th girls homeroom)
(also Bus Driver)
Hawaiian Studies/ Art Hula Penny Nichols Sabra Kauka
6th girls homeroom
Fourth Cindy Wortmann
Enrich
Fifth Jamie Metzger
Learning Specialist Elizabeth Scamahorn
K Aide Kindergarten Rachelle Alayvilla Shantelle Manibog
Pre-K
ments
Middle
and
High School
Social Studies/ English//Drama Jim Bray
Social Studies Ernie (8th boys homeroom) Blachowiak Social Studies Eric Devlin
Athletics Director Kaipo Kealalio
Assistant to Athletics Director Jen Pomroy
Math/Science Kate Mink
Math Susie Massaro
(7th boys homeroom)
Math/Science Jeff Kozak
(6th boys homeroom)
Math/Science Mary Castelanelli (9th class adviser)
Math/Science James Massaro
(11th class adviser)
(12th homeroom)
(11th class adviser)
Dept. Chairs
(10th class adviser)
Math/Science Joe Corbo
Jim Bray Social Studies & English Math & Science James Massaro Enrichments Philip Steinbacher Eric Devlin Middle School Cristy Peeren Elementary
Social Studies/ Chinese Catherine Barale
(12th class adviser)
Social Studies Reshela DuPuis
Spanish Robbi Contrades
Math/Science Chris Sweitzer
Spanish Lorena Wong
(10th class adviser)
(8th homeroom)
Technology/PE Nathaniel Evslin
English Kerith Edwards
(9th class adviser) (11th class adviser)
English Sierra Hampton-Eng (8th girls homeroom)
English/Music Philip Steinbacher
Journalism/ Media/Drama Ed Eaton (7th homeroom)
nistration
Meet the Island School Staff
Admi
Business Manager Mike Goto
School Secretary Sara Antone
Head of School Robert Springer
Assistant Head/ Director of Development Joan Shaw
Dean of Students Adrya Siebring
Executive Assistant/ Registrar Katie Magoun
Purchasing Coordinator Alice Pajela
Student Activities Coordinator Liz Hubbard
Director of Admissions Sean Magoun
S
upport Staff
Development Assistant Daryl Edwards
Accounting Clerk Valerie Rivera
Utility Assistant Lulu Schilleci
In the Kitchen
Sandy Johnson Maintenance
(8th homeroom)
Dean Wakamoto/ Daniel Bicciche
Food Service Coordinator /Ass’t Cook
Rodney Ochoa Ssecurity/ Landscape
Doug Ross Bus Driver
Willy Ellenburg
Maintenance
Kehau Kaiwi Maintenance & Bus Driver
Keep Your Contact Information Up To Date
Most of our communications to parents are done digitally or by phone; it’s convenient, quick and doesn’t use paper. Face to face is always our preferred method of getting together, and we schedule many opportunities for this, but in between visits we need to know we can contact you via phone or email. We also use the postal service several times a year. Please be sure your most current email, phone, and mailing address are on file in the Office.
Where To Go To Stay In The Know
The Parent Connection - aka The PC Every Thursday, this full-color parent newsletter is emailed to parents and students, posted on our website (www. ischool.org), and on bulletin boards around the school. If you do not have access to the Internet and need a hard copy, please contact the Front Office. You’ll want to be a regular reader to keep up with announcements, important dates, class highlights, and Parent Association communications. Contact Peggy Ellenburg at peggy@ischool.org if you want to submit a photo, information, or a classified ad. There is no charge for this. RenWeb Every parent and student is expected to use RenWeb, our online school data center. Detailed instructions on how to access the information on RenWeb will be provided at orientation meetings. All you need is a computer and a current email address on file in the Office. Once you are up to speed, (don’t worry, it’s easy), you’ll be able to access up-todate information from the school calendar, the family directory and the teacher contact list. Most exciting of all, parents and students can access daily information about their classes: lesson plans, homework assignments and grades. IS Handbook & Curriculum Guide Details about how to navigate through Island School can be found in the Handbook. Read it carefully for information about the discipline policy, dress code, daily schedule, holidays – what you’ll need to know to stay ahead of the game. The curriculum is described course by course in the Curriculum Guide. This also contains the Island School ESLRs, or Expected Schoolwide Learning Results. The ESLRs are thirteen statements that guide curriculum growth and development, and you’ll find them very helpful in understanding how your children’s classes are connected. Other subjects covered in the Curriculum Guide include grading, graduation requirements, college planning, honors, and awards. IS Website ~ www.ischool.org Our website has been updated and has a fresh new look. It is chock full of useful information, including links to the Parent Connection, RenWeb, the Handbook and Curriculum Guide and staff and faculty directories.
The Island School Navigator This newsletter is published three times a year, is posted to our website and mailed to our greater mailing list. Each issue focuses on a special theme and includes current articles about development, alumni, and school curriculum. Annual Report A complete financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011, is sent to our greater mailing list. Great care is taken to create a beautiful and accurate presentation that showcases the people and institutions who have supported Island School through monetary and in-kind donations throughout the year. You’ll receive this in the fall.
Parent Power
The Parent Association - aka The PA The Parent Association is a perfect way for you to enhance your child’s Island School experience while getting acquainted with other parents. Their purpose is to support the philosophy, programs, and activities of Island School for the benefit of all students. The PA facilitates communication and parent education, as well as encourages and coordinates volunteerism. We also serve as a forum for parent concerns, express parent appreciation to the faculty and staff, and lend support in the classroom with administrative tasks and during school activities. Room Parents For each grade there is at least one Room Parent (usually two).Their first priority is to support their teachers, which they do in a variety of ways. They communicate with the rest of the class parents, they find volunteers to assist teachers in the classroom or with excursions and they plan classroom parties. Room Parents are the Steering Committee for the Parent Association and represent their grade at monthly meetings where they act as liason between the PA and their classroom parents. Your Room Parent is the perfect person to contact to discuss almost anything! Room Parents are identified at parent orientation meetings and in the Parent Connection.
Highlights of What’s Ahead for Students and Parents
The Parent Connection and school calendars will give you a heads up about upcoming events. Here’s a sample: Parent Orientation Find out what’s in store for your student this year by attending this invaluably informative evening. Depending on the grade level, teachers discuss topics such as curriculum, RenWeb, grading and homework policies, special projects, field trips and more. Check your summer mailings and the school calendar for dates and times. Morning Circle (grades K-5) Since the school’s inception in 1977, elementary students have started their day together to learn and sing songs, and to hear announcements and short presentations. Morning Meetings (grades 6-12) Middle and High School students meet every day after Block 1 in one of three group configurations: Na Hui, Class or General. Every student is a member of one of eight Hui, cross-aged groups designed to foster a sense of belonging, with an edge of competition. Na Hui are: Adventurers, Discoverers, Explorers, Mariners, Navigators, Paddlers, Trekkers, and Aviators. Leadership and teamwork skills, as well as character and self-esteem building strategies help shape Na Hui meetings. Class meetings are held to discuss items of specific importance to each grade level. General meetings bring the entire middle school or high school student body together for special presentations or activities. Gift Wrap Sale (PK-8) This fundraiser is organized by the PA to raise money for class accounts. Each class has an account where funds are saved for extra projects and field trips. These funds stay with the class from year to year; for example, money raised and not spent by the sixth grade class is forwarded to their 7th grade account the following year. Funds are used for special purchases, activities and events. Toward the beginning of the school year, each student in PK-8 will be given a catalog of gift wrap and gift items and are encouraged to take orders from their friends, relatives, and neighbors. Approximately 40% of sales will be deposited into class accounts. eScrip All families are encouraged to sign up for eScrip online (escrip.com) to earn money through everyday purchases. It’s free and easy and helps raise extra funds for Island School. Middle & High School Retreats Each year the entire High School spends an overnight, two day retreat somewhere on Kaua‘i and the Middle School plans a day retreat at either Lydgate or Po‘ipu. The primary goal for each retreat is to start everyone on the right foot for a successful school year. Positive relationships are encouraged among students and faculty members. Emphasis is given to team building, effective communication, problem-solving, school pride, time management and goal setting. Each day is filled with carefully planned activities that are fun, challenging and educational. The retreats are considered an important and valuable part of the curriculum and all MS and HS students are expected to attend. Elementary Clubs On Wednesday afternoons, elementary students take a break from their routine to enjoy a special class led by teachers or guest teachers. Students who choose from a wide range of activities that change each trimester. Some popular offerings from past years have included: goos & brews, cooking, hula, sports, chess and pet care. Music and Theatre Productions Several plays are produced each year: by the fifth grade in March and by the middle school and high school drama students in the fall and spring. They range from Shakespearean classics to contemporary comedies, to original scripts. Student and parent participation is extensive and rewarding. Two major choral concerts are offered (Winter and Spring) which feature our four choral groups. These are held at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center. The entire Island School ‘ohana is encouraged to attend these productions. Middle School and High School After School Activities Middle and High School students are invited to participate in a wide variety of clubs, sports and activities that meet after school hours. These opportunities are announced at Morning Meetings and in the PC. Contact Liz Hubbard, Activities Coordinator, for more information.
KIF Athletics High School students are encouraged to sign up for a wide variety of after-school sports teams. Middle School students training for the KIF have opportunities to practice with our JV teams. Contact AD Kaipo Kealalio. Fall Roundup Yee-Ha! Don’t miss this down home, carnival-like event with a western flair. Each class provides an activity or game, most of which are free of charge. Certain classes that are fundraising for off-island trips sell food. Hungry whippersnappers and paniolos can select from a variety of grub offered for sale while they enjoy an evening of family fun! Art Day ~ A Hands-On Celebration of Creativity Artists from all over Kaua‘i descend on our campus to share their talents with our students. Throughout the day, students cycle through several classes which range from monotype print-making to 3-D sculptures to decoupage on coconuts. The result is over 1000 pieces of art generated by our student body. Parent volunteers assist the artists in the classroom and provide delicious fare for the mahalo luncheon following the event. IS Birthday ~ We turn 35 this year! Island School opened its doors in January, 1977. We celebrate this anniversary at the end of January with a special allschool assembly and a day devoted to community service projects. The goal is to give back to the community that has supported us so faithfully for all of these years and to foster a sense of pride and tradition in Island School students. Jogathon Each year, elementary students take part in the Jogathon to raise money for our playgrounds and sports programs. They obtain sponsors and participate in a twenty minute fun run at Po‘ipu Beach Park. For the remainder of the day, students rotate through stations such as tug-of-war, water relays and an inflatable water slide. Annual Auction Island School’s biggest fund raising event of the year is Kaua‘i’s`biggest auction and one of the island’s premier social events. Organized by Island School parents with support from the faculty and administrative staff, last year’s auction brought in over $160k, which helps fund our tuition assistance program. You’ll want to be a part of the auction team. Planning begins before Winter Break; this year’s event will be held on Saturday, March 10, at the Kaua‘i Marriott’s Grand Ballroom. Watch for the notices in the Parent Connection. May Day is Lei Day in Hawai‘i Island School celebrates May Day with a very impressive program that includes students in grades PK-12. We come together as a community in celebration and remembrance of Hawai‘i’s cultural heritage and diverse population. Classes prepare special songs, dances, stories and costumes that will are proudly presented in a two hour program followed by a traditional lu‘au. There is no finer or more festive day of Hawaiian celebration. Simply put, May Day at Island School is extraordinary! Teacher Appreciation Week The Parent Association honors their children’s teachers for being an exceptional group who go above and beyond the call of duty. During a week in May, parents join students to show their appreciation in a number of ways: special luncheons, daily displays of gratitude which may include flowers, handmade cards or gifts, edible treats, and other creative expressions of aloha. Voyager Booster Club and Sports Banquet Parent volunteers form this organization that supports our student athletes by attending games, manning the concession stand, making banners, and organizing the annual Sports Banquet. On the evening of May 26, our athletes will gather with their families to be recognized for their participation in KIF sports. Students earning letters in sports are honored and coaches are thanked. Contact Lynne MacDonald, President. Academic Awards Assemblies Two assemblies (K-5 and 6-12) are held at the end of the year to acknowledge students for excellence, participation and improvement in all disciplines. Awards are presented for achievement in academic and enrichment subject areas. Graduation The ceremony is held in the evening in the Wilcox Gym. The entire school participates in preparations for the big day, and all are invited to attend. The ceremony features individual speeches by the students, a musical interlude, and the presentation of Senior Awards.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms
Frear Center for Hwn Studies
Wilcox Gymnasium
Parking
Concession Room
Kitchen Keiki Playground
EL bathrooms
1
K
PK
Main Hall PK bathrooms
2
Elementary Playground
Administration
Elementary Courtyard
3
Koa LRC Tchr Wrkrm
4 A T H L E T I C F I E L D S
Weinberg Enrichment Center Art Music Bathrooms
Weinberg Gym
Reservoir
EL/MS bathrooms
5
6
P A R K I N G
7
Hala
Brown Hall
Purdy Quad
Maile Computer Lab
Carter Hall Milo
Mokihana Dean’s/Activities Offices HS Lounge HS/MS bathrooms Gazebo
Kukui Wili Kamane Wili
Purdy Hall
Ohia
Palena‘ole Hall Noni Ulu
Tennis Courts