December 12, 2013

Important Info for Parents: King Honors Program

If you are interested in King's Honors Program for 2014-15,  please go to our King School website:

S.W. King Intermediate School

You will be able to download all forms and information. There are important deadlines and testing dates so don't delay.

If you have any questions, please call:

Edna Narimatsu
Honors Coordinator
edna_narimatsu@notes.k12.hi.us
233-5727 Ext. 284
 or
Gwynne Staton
Academic Coach
Gwynne_staton@notes.k12.hi.us
 233-5727 Ext. 284

December 9, 2013

It's Never Too Early....



Junior high school or middle school is a great time for students to take control of their college preparation.
Find out what students and parents can do to start building a strong academic record and a healthy savings account.
Go to the link below for helpful information:

Preparing Your Middle School Child for College

Important School Attendance Information for Parents


Missing school relates to missing graduation & positive experiences. . . and what to do

Missing school is a big deal. When students miss class, they have to catch up and when one absence becomes many, this may lead to a failure to graduate, according to growing research.

In Hawaii’s public schools, “chronic absenteeism” means missing 15 or more days of school during the school year. Hawaii’s Department of Education doesn’t count prekindergartners’ and medical-emergency absences as part of chronic absenteeism.

However, when it comes to how absences affect on-time graduation or the failure to graduate, there’s no difference between excused, unexcused, counted or uncounted absences. A student is either present in class or not. It’s not about why a student is absent, but rather it’s that a student is absent.

Across-the-board findings

Here’s how absences have hurt students, says The Importance of Being in School: A Report on Absenteeism in the Nation’s Public Schools by John Hopkins University:

·      Chronically absent students in prekindergarten and kindergarten often continue that pattern and are more likely to fail and have lower achievement.
·      Students who came to school academically ready but were chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade scored almost 100 points below good attenders on third-grade math tests and 60 points less on reading tests.
·      Children from low-income families who were chronically absent in kindergarten achieved at the lowest level in fifth grade.
·      Students with high test scores who missed 10 or more days of school each semester were more likely to fail than students with low test scores who missed five or less days.
·      Nationally, students with 10 or more absences in the 10th grade were three times as likely to drop out, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

In the Windward District

Chronically absent students have felt test anxiety and anger, and experienced banishment from peer groups, said Laie Elementary School Counselor Debra Hilweh of the things she’s seen on campus. “Absenteeism affects academics and social connections. ... The more the student misses, the harder it is to play catch-up. Many give up," she said of tardy and absent students.

“Good school experiences aren't often the case for students who are chronically absent," said Kahuku High and Intermediate Interim Principal Annette Ostrem. "Loss of learning influences students' motivation, knowledge and readiness for future classes, and may impact them well into adulthood."

Furthermore, "it is obvious that attendance and related absenteeism are key indicators for monitoring student learning in high schools,” said Castle High Acting Principal Darrel Galera.

Hawaii parents face the law

Parents and legal guardians are responsible for their children’s absences. If there is educational neglect – failure to give children proper educational care and attention – those adults may pay a price. Examples of educational neglect are failing to enroll a child in school and allowing a child to continually miss school. 

Immediate consequences for parents, said Windward District Social Worker Patt Sornsin, can include:

·      standing before a judge and explaining why their child is not attending school
·      facing a court order to attend services like parenting and anger-management classes, and counseling/therapy
·      receiving judge’s orders to appear in court more often
·      answering to state agencies like the departments of human services and health if the judge says so.

 Present-in-class payoffs

Besides graduating on time and avoiding the law, good attendance can:

·      lead students out of poverty
·      result in children from low-income families gaining more literacy skills than classmates from higher-income families during kindergarten and first grade
·      produce readiness for college, career and community.

Just do it

Parents are asked to ensure that students attend school whenever they’re healthy and to always message the school when their child is absent, regardless of the number of absences or the reasons. Excuse notes for illnesses, and visits to the doctor and dentist will allow students to make up schoolwork but these absences count toward chronic absenteeism, as mentioned in this report’s second paragraph.

At Laie Elementary, the Attendance Matters program motivates students to attend school daily and on time. Each month, one class in each grade with the best attendance and least tardies gets to share a traveling trophy. The one class with the best attendance in the entire school gets a larger trophy in its class each month. Sometimes they enjoy longer PE periods and healthy rewards.

"Attendance Matters takes advantage of students' competitive nature and positively reinforces attendance from a group approach," said Principal Matt Ho. "The best way to get students to school is to instill the self-drive to want to come to school daily and on time.” Parents and the community can also see attendance data in Laie’s newsletter.

Other schools message parents through phone calls, emails and letters each time a student is absent. Additionally, Kahuku High and Intermediate contacts parents when their child’s absences reach five days. At 10, parents get a letter requesting a conference.

Furthermore, in early 2014, the Be Pono - Be in School campaign that includes 16,000 students in all 31 Windward District schools will launch a video contest with celebrity judges and exciting prizes, said Paula Wong, district educational specialist.

Take control

Tardiness and absenteeism challenges "can be resolved earlier by seeking support from your school,” Kahuku High's Ostrem said. “Contacting the counselor can start your child’s return to class and learning."

Guardians can also talk with their child’s teacher, ask for help if needed, and take advantage of school websites and technology for attendance information.

The efforts and evidence surrounding chronic absenteeism are in: From prekindergarten forward, good attendance leads to a high school diploma. Coming to school every day now means graduating on time later.

November 27, 2013

Road Work Ahead - Please Plan Accordingly

King Parents!

Board of Water Supply roadwork will be starting shortly. There may be delays and detours along the way. Please plan accordingly and give yourself extra driving time. Thanks!



November 26, 2013

King Lives the 5Rs!



King students and staff sent a clear message today that "Living the 5Rs" is the way to go! Student Council members held a morning sign-waving today to spread the word that we "Say No to Bullies" and "Yes to the 5Rs." Students were greeted with "honks" of support from our morning drivers.

The faculty and staff also sent a united message by wearing their new blue 5Rs shirts.

As we go into the Thanksgiving holiday season, please share with your children the blessings of family, friendships and positive relationships in their lives. Let's Live the 5Rs everyday!


November 12, 2013

Financial Aid 911


It's not too early to be thinking about your child's college financial needs! Castle High School invites King parents to "Financial Aid 911" on November 26, 2013, 6:30 p.m., Castle Cafeteria. Open to parents and students, grades K-12. Find out how financial aid helps you finance your child's college education. Make their dreams come true! Any questions? Email kathy_martin@notes.k12.hi.us

September 17, 2013

King Builders Want You to Drive with Aloha!

King Builders 2013-14
Lauryn and Amanda give a "Thumbs Up" for safe driving

Thank you King Builders! Thirty King Builder club members woke up early and greeted our morning drivers with safety signs and enthusiasm in the annual HPD Traffic Safety Campaign. They want to remind everyone to drive safely near schools and in our community. King is also running morning bulletin spots to remind our students about their responsibilities too...use the crosswalks, stay on the sidewalk, and be attentive (phones/texting can be a hazardous distraction

IMPORTANT REMINDER TO PARENTS TOO: Students 12 and younger are not allowed to ride in the bed of trucks.  Know who your child is catching a ride with and how they are being transported.


September 3, 2013

Congratulations Ms. Alaiasa!

King's Principal, Ms. Sheena Alaiasa, received a prestigious award at a surprise student assembly on
August 29, 2013. She was selected from a  group of 3 national finalists. This is the first time the winner is from the State of Hawaii. Governor Neal Abercrombie and DOE Superintendent Katherine Matayoshi lauded Ms. Alaiasa's leadership in guiding and inspiring King's teacher and students toward growing student achievement and a positive school climate! Ms. Alaiasa will travel to Washington D.C. in September for the formal presentations. Congratulations to Ms. Alaiasa for her commitment and vision. Also, much thanks to all of King's teachers, staff and students for their dedicated work.


August 15, 2013

Stop the Flu at King!

King Intermediate will be having a Dept. of Health Flu Shot Clinic on October 31, 2013. Important forms for this clinic will be sent home with your child on Tuesday, 8/20/13 via Advisory class.

Be sure to ask your child for this form. They should have it in their "Papers for Parents" pocket divider. While you're at it....ask your child for any/all forms they have in this pocket divider. You don't know what you might be missing......

Flu Shot Consent Forms must be turned in by September 6, 2013. NO LATE FORMS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Questions? Call Fay Lee, Health Aide, 233-5727.

We will also need parent volunteers for this Flu Shot Clinic too. Help is needed to supervise the lines, escort students back to rooms, and other tasks.

If you can commit to October 31, 2013, from 7:45 a.m. (for orientation/instructions from health aide) to 11:30 a.m., then please call Pam Kino at 233-5727, ext. 231 or email her at pamela_kino@notes.k12.hi.us
Thanks! Your help is much appreciated.


Be a Helping Hand! Join the King Builders


August 8, 2013

WELCOME COBRAS!



WELCOME!
To all our returning and new Cobras
And to our Cobra Families

We started the week with our brand new 7th grade students and filled their day with lots of new information, sights and experiences. Our returning 8th grade students joined them on Tuesday and we are now back in business for the 2013-14 school year. We know it will take time for all of them to settle into their "non-summer" routines and expectations....but their eagerness and enthusiasm is a great starting point! Please let your child know that they should always feel free to ask for help...from their teachers, office staff, counselors or any adult on campus. We are here to help them be successful. Here are some reminders for parents too!
  • Complete all those "important forms" that were in your child's "Papers for Parents" binder pocket - Emergency Plan, Healthroom card, Uplink Registration, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance. All forms require completion and return (even if it is declining services).
  • Check that your child has the required school/class supplies
  • Check your daughter's short length - at least a 4-inch inseam.
  • Encourage your child to eat breakfast at home or school. Breakfast service in the cafe starts at 7:15 a.m.


Revised Bell Schedule - Adjustment to ending time on Mon/Fri only

For a copy of Revised Bell Schedule, click here

Student Safety!

Student safety is our utmost concern, and with that in mind, we would like to keep vehicle traffic to a minimum in the area by the banyan tree and main office, where students congregate and cross the road. We emphasize crosswalk use and being attentive, but we also want to have lessen the number of cars in the mix.

The preferred drop-off/pick-up location for parents is the gym (armory) area. The map below shows two ways that this can be done. Either entering from our main entrance and exiting the side entrance or vice-versa. We understand that there may be times when a closer drop-off/pick-up is needed (carrying band instruments, on crutches, parent needs to go to the office, etc.)

Thanks for you cooperation! Any questions/suggestions? Call Bob Lockyer, Vice Principal, 
233-5727.



Need Help?


Community Resources for our Families





July 1, 2013

Cobras Go to Washington!

Our upcoming 2014 8th grade students have a wonderful learning opportunity...a trip to  Washington D.C. and New York!



Visit our trip blog at ... King D.C. Trip Blog site

Also, find out more about the trip including costs and itinerary at Smithsonian Student Travel
Go to the link on the left side of the page that says "view your teacher's tour."
Use tour number 1377501cb to access the correct tour.





First fundraiser will be the Papa John's BOGO card. Sell for $10, profit $7. Please email joelle_neuman@notes.k12.hi.us with amount of tickets you would like.  You don't need to pay upfront BUT ALL MONEY needs to be turned in by the deadline. More information about ticket pick up and deadlines will be posted on the blog.

For more information/questions, email

Rochelle_Tavares/KING/HIDOE@ notes.k12.hi.us
or
joelle_neuman@notes.k12.hi.us

It a great opportunity for your child! Learn more about it!


Summer Issue of "King Connections"

This July issue of King Connections has been sent to all our King families of new 7th and returning 8th grade students. This is the only issue that we send home via U.S. mail. It is posted below too. Please go through the issue for important information about the start of the upcoming year. Stay connected with us through this site for updates and new information. We look forward to seeing you!








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May 30, 2013

Keep Your Child Engaged and Enriched This Summer!


 6-6-13 Update: PROGRAM FILLED - Accepting Waitlist only


Come and Join us in the King Summer Bridge Program!

Due to the availability of openings in our King Summer Bridge Program, we are extending an invitation to all our incoming 7th and current 7th grade students (who will be returning to King for 8th grade). Summer Bridge is a unique program that will incorporate math and reading skills in high interest hands-on projects. The program will run from June 17 to July 17, from 8:00-11:00 a.m. on the King campus. Tuition is $20, with free field trips and activities.  

Enroll now! Deadline is June 5, 2013. Limited openings available.

Here are the links to the program flyer and enrollment form:

King Summer Bridge Program Info

King Summer Bridge Enrollment Form

If you have any questions, please call Edna, Gwynne or Marlyn at 233-5727, ext. 284.

Hope to see you there!




May 8, 2013

Cobras Meet Cats!

 Hawaii Humane Society "Pet Power" Video Contest Winners!

Congratulations to our 8th grade students, Danielle Pratt, Alexis Klimpl, Jackie Hee, Tia Marie Makainai, Alma Tuquib and DeAnna Essman for creating a winning PSA (public service announcement) video in the Hawaii Humane Society Pet Power contest. Along with King advisor, Mr. Clayton Harada, the students were awarded the top prize in the Middle School Video division. Certificates and prizes were presented at a ceremony on April 5, 2013 on the grounds of the Hawaii Humane Society. In a funny, yet effective PSA, King's winning entry, "Not My Fault," highlights the responsibility of pet owners in preventing cat overpopulation.

Go to youtube below to watch and enjoy!

Three Little Kittens - Jackie, Alexis and Tia Marie
"Not My Fault" was the winning PSA in the  Middle School Division
 

April 30, 2013

Helpful Info for our Incoming King Parents - RSVPs still open!



Congratulations to our March Cobras of the Month!







And our April Cobras of the Month too...





E-Cigarettes are CONTRABAND!

NOTICE to Parents and Students:  The possession and/or use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is a contraband offense (Class D offense) in the Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) Title 8 Chapter 19 Student Misconduct, Discipline, School Searches and Seizures, Reporting Offenses, Police Interviews and Arrests, and Restitution for Vandalism.  Consequently, a student in violation of this offense is subject to the disciplinary actions under the provisions of this chapter.  Based on the current definitions in HAR Chapter 19, e-cigarettes are not classified as “smoking” or “use of tobacco.”
 

Wanna dance? You can at Castle!

The Castle Performing Arts Center and Castle DanceForce introduce the Castle DanceForce Company!  This new dance company will have its inaugural season in the 2013-2014 school year and will focus on performing all styles of dance at school and community events.  Auditions will be held on Thursday May 16th in the Castle High dance room from 3:30-5:30pm and are open to Castle students of all ages and abilities, including incoming 9th graders.  Please call Mrs. Natalie Uehara, dance instructor at Castle, at 233-5600 x2253 for more information.      



April 28, 2013

Our 8th grade students get into the ACT



 




The Hawaii Department of Education will administer the ACT College and Career Readiness System on a statewide basis beginning School Year 2012-13. It will consist of the following assessments:

1. EXPLORE for all grades 8 and 9 students
2. PLAN for all grade 10 students
3: ACT Plus Writing for all grade 11 students

King Intermediate will administer the EXPLORE on May 1-2, 2013 to all our 8th grade students.
EXPLORE is a curriculum-based educational and career planning program for 8th and 9th graders that measures achievement in English, math, reading and science. The assessment is based on the major areas of high school and post secondary instructional programs and measures the skills and knowledge needed for college success. EXPLORE is designed to help students explore a broad range of options for their future. EXPLORE includes a career exploration component that stimulates students' thinking about future plans and relates personal characteristics to career options. Assessing students before high school also helps them build rigorous high school coursework plans to get, or stay, on track for their educational and career goals 

Together we will prepare your student to be college and career ready. Please call Pamela Kino, School Programs Counselor, at 233-5727, ext. 231, if you have any questions.

For more information about the ACT Explore, visit www.explorestudent.org 





April 27, 2013

Summer Time Fun Starts Here....

King is offering a summer enrichment program of band, art, cooking and mixed media classes. It's a great way to expand your child's creative horizons, and for incoming 7th grade students, a great way to get an introduction to King and it's campus. The band class only will also be open to current 5th grade students.

Hope to see you there!

King Summer Enrichment Flyer


Summer Enrichment Application Form

April 17, 2013

Year of the Cobra

A magnificent "King Cobra" glides along the rails of A-Building, greeting our King ohana with its glorious colors and style.  Mr. Richard Pettit, art teacher, and his talented Stage and Set Design class students created this beautiful rendition of King's mascot. Come and see it for yourself. You'll be amazed!

April 12, 2013

Channel Surf to Olelo


Olelo is very pleased to provide us with cable cast dates for our Cobra of the Month Assemblies: 

King Cobra Media: Cobra of the Month Awards Aug & Sept 2012
       
4/30/2013    1:30 PM    OAHU 55
5/1/2013    1:00 PM    OAHU 55
5/3/2013    8:00 PM    OAHU 55
5/8/2013    8:00 AM    OAHU 55
       
King Cobra Media: Cobra of the Month Awards Oct & Nov 2012
       
4/30/2013    5:30 PM    OAHU 55
5/1/2013    2:00 PM    OAHU 55
5/3/2013    6:00 PM    OAHU 55
5/8/2013    9:30 AM    OAHU 55