Features: Principal's Message KinderStart Open House Resource Teachers Recognition Assembly
2016 - 2017 Quarter 1
Mililani Waena Family Bulletin
Principal's Message
October 2016 Dear Mililani Waena Families, It's been an exciting first quarter as students and faculty actively promoted this year’s theme of “Wayfinding to Self-Directed Learning.” From pre-school to grade five, our Waena students extended their learning in a multitude of ways. Our kindergarten students got their hands "dirty" as they made predictions and tested their theories of hygiene. Grade five students made periscopes to investigate how light reacts through their different prototypes. Through this process, they explored concepts such as refraction, absorption, transparency, translucence, and opaqueness. At Mililani Waena, we strive to provide all students with a wide range of learning opportunities which are captured through student digital portfolios. Be on the lookout for their digital portfolios which will be showcased at our November Fun Fair! Thank you for attending our Principal’s Talk Story Sessions. We reviewed the history of our traffic initiatives and provided attendees with the opportunity to share additional suggestions for positive outcomes. Over 50 participants inclusive of parents, community members, staff, and area legislators attended. We look forward to implementing a few of the proposals in the upcoming quarter. Upon returning from the fall break, you will have the opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher to review the progress your child has made during Parent Teacher Conferences. Conferences will be held after school from October 24 - November 4 and school will be dismissed at 1:00 during those days. I hope you have a safe and restful Fall Break as we resume our navigational journey of learning in Quarter 2. Mahalo, Dale Castro Principal
KinderStart was held on August, 8, 2016 in the cafeteria. Kindergarten parents had an opportunity to interact with their child's teacher and learn how Mililani Waena applies a personalized approach through "sticky learning" and blending learning to engage our students.
Open House took place on August 16 for grades 3-5 and August 18, 2016 for grades K, 1 and pre-school. Parents were introduced to this year's theme of "Wayfinding to Self-Directed Learning" and students we will utilize digital portfolios to foster student ownership of learning, communicate academic growth, and showcase thinking. In addition, parents visited their child's classrooms to meet the teacher and under grade-level expecations for the year.
Open House and KinderStart
Technology: In technology, Ms. Matsushima had students use a variety of tools and websites such as photobooth, Google Drive, and www.tagul.com to develop students' understanding of GLO #6, being an effective and ethical user of technology. Ms. Matsushima also taught students how to document and share their learning through the use of digital portfolios. Look for these digital portfolios on display at the upcoming Fun Fair!
STEM: In STEM class, Mrs. Koide had students learn what it's like to be a Menehune Engineer. They explored different types of challenges to learn how to think critically and understand the Engineering Design Process of ask, imagine, plan, create/test, and improve. They learned what limitations are through following procedures, constraints, and time-limits. Students may not succeed the first time or the second time, but they know that it's okay. If it doesn't work... try, try, try, again!
Physical Education: Mr. Ragamat had students actively participate in a variety of physical activities to increase their proficiency on different locomotor, non-locomotor and manipulative skills. Students learned to use scooterboards to build muscular strength. Hurdles and ladders were used to build agility. Students also had the opportunity to track their own physical activity during PE sessions using heart-rate monitors.
Performing Arts: Mrs. Diegel began the year by having students play drama games as they are a great way for students to get to know one another creating a foundation of trust within each class. The games also provided a physical and creative outlet for kids. Through these games, students learned drama terminology and techniques that will be used in later quarters and units.
Visual Arts: Mrs. Uyeno introduced students in kindergarten to primary and secondary colors of the color wheel. Students in grades 1-5 were introduced to the topic of balance and symmetry. The concept of balance and symmetry were then translated into a project where students had to create a hand puppet which portrayed a character. To be environmentally conscious, toilet paper rolls were used to create these puppets.
Resource Teacher Program Highlights
Students in Grade 4 participated in a bicycle safety program called BikeEd Hawaii. Students learned basic skills such as hand signals, what type of clothes to wear, and the six ways to check a bike before riding. Then they geared up and practiced using their hand signals and safety techniques as they rode through the parking lots and neighborhood. The fourth graders are now more aware of how to be a safe pedestrian and bicyclist in the community.
BikeEd - Grade 4
September 3, 2016 - The Mililani community came together for the annual Mililani High School Homecoming Parade. The parade began at the Town Center and featured all seven Mililani complex schools. Mililani Waena was represented by Student Council members and Junior police officers. Students performed cheers as they marched through Meheuha Drive, around Kipapa Drive neighborhood,and back to Mililani High School. The Trojan and Menehune Spirit was on full display to show "We are Mililani!"
Homecoming Parade
"My favorite part was when Momotaro did everything backwards, like he was going back in time, so he could make a better ending to the story. " ~ Adrian L. Gr. 1
Grade Level Field Trips
September 8 and 9 - The first and second grade students went to the Honolulu Theater for Youth to see the performance, "Anime Momotaro." This Japanese folktale taught students lessons about inner strength and standing up against bullying. Students learned to identify the characters, settings, and major events in this play.
September 15 - The Pre-School students learned about the ocean by taking a trip to the Waikiki Aquarium. The children went on a scavenger hunt to look for the ocean animals on their name tag which encouraged them to learn about a variety of creatures such as sea horses, seals, crabs, starfish, sharks, dolphins, and whales. They were very excited when they saw a Dory and Nemo fish! At the end of the ocean unit, students created an ocean counting book!
"My favorite part was when Momotaro asked the Ogres, "Why do you have do be so mean?" because instead of fighting, he was asking, which is a better choice. " ~ Jaden H. Gr. 1
October 5, 2016 - Mililani Waena is sending a warm MAHALO to our families who donated food, toiletries, clothing, toys, and other household items for our the week long campaign to help homeless families. The Institute for Human Services, (IHS) will distribute these items to homeless families in Central Oahu. This campaign was coordinated by student council members.
Student Council News
Principal's Talk Story
September 21 and 22 - Mr. Dale Castro hosted two Principal's Talk Story sessions to gain parent and community feedback on proposals designed to improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow in front of school. Over 40 community members attended. Over the past ten years, we partnered with the City and County of Honolulu, Honolulu Police Department, and community members to research and test out traffic improvements. As our student enrollment steadily increasing to over 800 students, we have had to adjust to an increase cars on our neighborhood roads. During these two sessions, we vetted three traffic proposals by examining their positive outcomes and challenges. In addition, we discussed other options shared by community members and recognized some options can be acted upon in short term while some may require a long-range plan. Our next step is to work with our School Community Council to implement a proposal in Quarter 2 and analyze its positive impact on the traffic flow and safety our our community.
Community members including City Councilman Ron Menor and Representatives Beth Fukumoto, Laruen Cheape and Ryan Yamane attended the Principal's Talk Story.
Recognition Assembly
October 5, 2016 - The Quarter 1 Recognition Assembly was a celebration of citizenship, academic achievement, and a showcase of character. The assembly began with Little Red Menehune "wayfinding" her way through the woods, only to discover a wolf in disguise as her grandmother. With the timely help of the woodsman, the wolf was scared away. Stay tuned in Quarter 2 for the continued adventures of Little Red Menehune as she goes deeper into the woods. Perhaps there'll be a chance encounter with Santa! Congratulations to all our award winners and thank you to the TRRFCC sing-a-longs from Grade 2 on Trustworthiness and Grade 5 on Responsibility.
"Oh, we love our school, yes we do! / Mililani Waena we love you./ With doors open wide for our youth,/ Where there we find friends and truth./ Menehune pride we possess./ Red and yellow forever will adorn you./ We all learn to do our best. We love our school, our Mililani Waena."
School Song
Important Dates
October 10/10 to 10/14 - Fall Break 10/22 - Character Counts Fair @ Mililani HS / 10 AM 10/24 to 11/4 - Parent Teacher Conferences (School ends at 1:00 PM) 10/31 - Costume Parade November 11/7 - No School (Profesional Development Day) 11/8 - No School (Election Day) 11/11 - No School (Veteran's Day) 11/24 & 11/25 - Thanksgving Holidays
Have a great Fall Break!