A Place With Heart - Kaimuki Middle School

Kaimuki Middle School
December 2007
A Place With Heart
http://kaimukimid.k12.hi.us
Dear Parents, Guardians, Students,
and Friends of Kaimuki Middle School,
A poem to think about....
Working with kids we hold so dear,
'Tis the season to be of good cheer.
We celebrate as they learn
and see the light,
'Tis the season to be bright.
Educate each girl and every boy,
'Tis the season to share joy.
Knowledge and thinking
we must increase,
'Tis the season to celebrate peace.
Mind, body, spirit twined like rope,
'Tis the season to give hope.
A place with heart
is what we speak of,
'Tis the season for warmth and love.
To strive for excellence,
a school without lids,
'Tis the season to appreciate your kids!
Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season!
-Mr. Frank K. Fernandes, KMS Principal
Volume 2007, Issue 4
Clarification about Transition
for Middle Level Promotion
This is in response to questions regarding the number
of units required for students who are caught in the
transition between old and new Promotion and
Retention Regulations 4500.1. The former regulations
required students in grades 7 and 8 to pass language
arts and mathematics along with two core or non-core
classes for a total of four or more units every year. At
least eight units were required for promotion to grade
9. The current regulations require students to pass the
four core areas of language arts, mathematics, science,
and social studies every year. For promotion to grade
9, students must pass an additional three units in core
or non-core courses for a total of 15 or more units.
All students who are sixth graders in School Year
(SY) 2007-08 and beyond must take and pass the core
content areas of language arts, mathematics, science,
and social studies every year (total: 12 units) and earn
an additional three core or non-core units for a total
of 15 units in order to be promoted to grade 9.
Students who are currently seventh graders in
SY 2007-08 must take and pass the core content areas
of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies
in the 7th and 8th grades (total: eight units) and earn an
additional two core or non-core units for a total of
10 units in order to be promoted to grade 9.
Students who are currently eighth graders in
SY 2007-08 must take and pass the core content areas
of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies
in the 8th grade (total: four units), have passed language
arts and mathematics in the seventh grade (total: two
units), and earn an additional two core or non-core
units for a total of eight units in order to be
promoted to grade 9.
Source: Office of the Superintendent (11/23/07)
Ms. Patricia Hamamoto, State Superintendent
The Kaimuki Middle School Newsletter is published for our families, faculty and community supporters.
Questions and comments may be addressed to Kaimuki Middle School Attn: PCNC 631 18th Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
Around & About KMS Getting to Know…
Mrs. Lorraine Hotoke
“Arriving at KMS after 22 years of teaching in various schools has been a breath of
fresh air. I moved here from Liholiho Elementary, right down the road, and am tickled to see my former students
blossoming as middle schoolers. At KMS, I am currently in two half time positions. As the librarian, I am charged with
maintaining the library building, its collection and servicing patrons. As the Student Activities Coordinator, I am charged
with organizing the student officers, the homeroom representatives and the SAC school wide activities. My life outside
of the education field revolves around my family, church, tennis and of course reading. I am one who believes that
reading gives us power and one of my favorite quotes is: The more you read, the more you know. The more you know,
the smarter you grow. The smarter you grow, the stronger your voice, for speaking your mind and making your choice.”
Mrs. Hotoke is such a wonderfully positive, enthusiastic and very energetic addition to our school and we warmly
welcome her to the KMS family!
Mrs. Sandra Cramer
Mrs. Cramer and her husband (a biology teacher) live in the Kaimuki area. She was
born and raised in Hawaii, grew up on the Windward side of Oahu and has two older brothers that she is very close to.
Mrs. Cramer has been a counselor at KMS for 6 years. She currently heads our KMS Counseling Department and is the
8th Grade Counselor for Team Holomua. Prior to joining the KMS family, Mrs. Cramer was a counselor at Washington
Middle School. When asked about her interests, Mrs. Cramer shared: “I am very much an outdoor person. I like to go
surfing (when I have the time), ride my bike (when I have the time) and go running (when I don't make excuses!!).
I also enjoy traveling (when I have the money AND time). Some places that I have visited: Paris, Japan, Alaska,
Canada as well as different cities in the continental United States.” Mrs. Cramer’s Top Tips to share with our students:
1. Do your homework. 2. Ask questions when things are not clear. 3. Treat others how you want to be treated.
4. Learn from mistakes, don’t dwell on them! When asked about the best part of KMS: “There are many ‘best parts’We have awesome teachers and staff, great kids, supportive parents, a beautiful campus, my list could go on and on…!”
Mrs. Cramer is definitely included on that “awesome” list and KMS is very fortunate to have her here at our school!
Miss Catherine Kidani
Miss Kidani was also a counselor at Washington Middle School before joining our
KMS family over four years ago. She is currently our 7th Grade Counselor for Team Hui Ho’oulu and also volunteers
her time after school as one of our extramural sports coaches. Miss Kidani enjoys spending time helping her family,
playing indoor and outdoor soccer, and exercising when time allows. (You see, Miss Kidani’s extra time is presently
“pleasantly occupied” with planning her upcoming wedding! Our Congratulations Miss Kidani!) When asked what
advice she’d give to our students, Miss Kidani shared these special quotes: “If you think you can, you can, if you think
you cannot, you cannot...in either case, you are right! Your mind and attitude in life is very powerful. Think positively,
act in a positive way and you will find you CAN do anything with the effort! You cannot change the past, but you CAN
change your future. Despite the choices you have made in the past and their outcomes, you can always still have a
different and BRIGHT future if you decide to make changes NOW.” Wonderful quotes for our students and for us all to
consider and remember!
Mrs. Minette Fernandez-Cabral
Mrs. Fernandez-Cabral’s first year of teaching was in 1990-1991 at
Niu Valley Middle School and since then she has been at Kaimuki Middle- December marks 17.5 years! She is so
grateful for her wonderful family- her two children, Kupono (a high school junior at Kamehameha Schools) and Reis (a
6th grader at KMS), her husband and best friend, Jeff (a KMS teacher too!) and her two loving dogs (purebred beagles)
Pumana and Ola. Mrs. Fernandez-Cabral’s interests include: making jewelry for her own jewelry line, running a website
wedding business, working on building a family house on Kauai and lifting weights. She enjoys quiet drives, Saturday
walks with her dogs, soulful music, and watching any kind of competitive sports. When asked about the best part about
being at KMS she replies: “Well I live in Kaneohe and make the drive every day so the reason for doing this for 17
years has got to be good. For me, the best part about being at KMS is administration. I always say that I love my boss
(Mr. Fernandes) that's why I make the drive. I believe in his direction, his character and his style sets the tone of our
school. It's a safe place to be, I'm respected for who I am and what I bring to the school, and most of all, I know he
genuinely cares about the staff and the kids.” When asked what she would like to share with our students: “The best
advice I could give kids today is to go to college to further your education, work out (exercise) every day, work hard at
what ever you do and don't ever stop dreaming!” Mrs. Fernandez-Cabral is a great example of someone that lives and
follows her own advice!
PARENTS:
Mealtime Account Reminders
Important Reminders
from Our Office Staff
Dropping off of student school materials:
Recently, the office staff has been overloaded with
requests from parents to deliver forgotten school
materials to the students.
 Please remember that the office staff cannot be
responsible for the delivery of forgotten school
materials to the students.
 It is the responsibility of each child to make sure
that they bring the necessary materials (books,
basic supplies, homework assignments, musical
instruments, PE uniforms, etc.) needed for school
each day.

If your child buys a wiki lunch at recess, then
at lunch break, purchases ANOTHER meal,
the cost for this second meal will be $4.00.

The cost for breakfast is $.35 for the first meal
and $1.50 for a second breakfast.

Mealtime accounts are also used to purchase
snacks during recess at costs that vary from
$.50 to $1.00.

All these “additional costs” may especially affect
students on the Free and Reduced Meal
program. If a balance is not kept on their
mealtime account, the student’s account will
then go into the minus due to the $4.00 cost
for a second lunch meal, the $1.50 cost for a
second breakfast meal or the varying costs for
recess time snack purchases.

Regularly check and ask your child for their
mealtime account balance. Be sure to deposit
enough funds in their account to cover the cost
of all meals and snacks.

When adding funds to your child’s account,
personal checks work well to assure that your
child will deposit the full amount in their lunch
account. We have had instances where a
parent sends in cash with their child only to
learn that their child did not deposit the entire
amount.

Special note: Students must present their
school ID cards to have meals served to them.
If your child has lost their school ID card, a
replacement ID card will cost $5.00, and may
be obtained in the Health Room.
Messages to your child:
In the event of an emergency, please contact your
child's counselor.
Off-campus passes:
If it is necessary for a student to leave campus
during the school day, please send a note with
the student to get an off-campus pass at the
Attendance Office. The student is to report with
their pass to the front office at the requested early
dismissal time, where they are to be picked up and
signed out before being released. (According to the
state law, students who are authorized to leave
campus during the school day must have an offcampus pass. If detained by a police officer, the
student should show the pass and his/her student
school ID card immediately.)
Front Office Telephone Use:
For emergencies only- students may be allowed to
use the counselors' telephones with permission
during recess, lunch, and before and/or after school.
Parents, please make arrangements beforehand with
your child for such things as pick up times and
meeting locations for after school activities.
Campus Hours:
Students are encouraged not to be on campus earlier
than 7:15 a.m. and to leave the school grounds by
3:00 p.m. unless under direct supervision of a KMS
staff member.
Please feel free to contact me at 733-4803,
extension 225, with any questions regarding
your child’s meal account balance or our
school’s mealtime program.
-Mrs. Cherie Navarro,
KMS Mealtime Clerk & Health Aide
KAIMUKI MIDDLE SCHOOL
UNIFORM DRESS POLICY 2007-2008
Please note the recent updates and revisions to our uniform dress policy. Updates and
revisions are noted in bold print. If you should have any questions or concerns please
feel free to contact our Counseling Department at 733-4803. Thank You!
PURPOSE
The policy will support students, teachers and families in the following ways:
•
Support our school’s mission “to provide a positive learning environment that meets the unique
needs of adolescents and their supporters.”
•
To ensure that the standards of excellence are upheld at Kaimuki Middle School.
•
Promote school pride and unity.
•
Improve student behavior and safety.
•
Help students focus on work and increase their academic achievement.
•
Identify non-Kaimuki student visitors on campus.
•
Identify Kaimuki students on field trips and off campus activities.
•
Reduce dress competitiveness, cliquishness and gang affiliation.
REGULAR UNIFORM DRESS DAYS
The Kaimuki Middle School Community Council has adopted a Mandatory School Uniform Dress
Policy beginning this 2007-2008 school year. All students attending Kaimuki Middle School are
required to wear the school uniform t-shirt or long-sleeve t-shirt effective the first day of school.
Students are required to wear a clean school uniform t-shirt daily. Uniform t-shirts will be worn as
designed. The form and design of these t-shirts shall not be changed or altered in any way.
The
following also applies:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
All clothing and accessories must be free of messages relating to drugs, gangs, sex or profanity.
All gang related fashion is prohibited.
Only jackets and sweaters with open front top-to-bottom buttons or zippers. These items are
considered outer garments only and not to be worn in place of, but must be worn with a
KMS uniform shirt which must be visible. Hoods must not be worn during school.
Baseball caps, visors, stocking caps or head covers, wristbands, sweatbands, headbands and leg
bands of any kind are not to be worn on campus.
Hems of shorts and skirts must not be shorter than the tip of the middle finger when the student
is standing with arms down.
Appropriately sized pants must be secure at the waist with no undergarments showing.
Alternate uniforms for PE, Extramurals’ and Band/Orchestra should be worn only in
their respective activity. Students should be in KMS uniforms when attending classes and
while on campus (before, during or after school).
Exceptions:
• Event is at the start of the school day, in which the alternate uniform (for PE,
Extra murals’, Band/Orchestra) can be worn to school. If students are returning to
the school campus and attending classes, students should change into KMS
uniforms. If there are no classes to attend, students should either remain in their
alternate uniform or change into the KMS uniform.
• Event is at the end of the school day, in which the KMS uniform is worn up until
the event. Students should change into their alternate uniform (Extramurals’,
Band/Orchestra, PE) and leave campus. If returning to campus and attending no
classes, students should either remain in their alternate uniform or change into the
KMS uniform.
• Event is in the middle of the school day, in which the KMS uniform is worn up
until the event. Students can change into their alternate uniform (Extramurals’,
Band/Orchestra, PE) and upon return to campus; students should change back to
the KMS uniform if attending classes. If not attending classes, students should
remain in their alternate uniform or change into the KMS uniform.
FREE DRESS DAYS
There will be designated “Free Dress Days” that will be announced and determined by the uniform
committee yearly when students are not required to wear school uniform t-shirts. However, students
are expected to wear appropriate clothing to school and any school-sponsored activities. Therefore, the
following additional rules apply to student dress on “Free Dress Days.”
•
•
•
All tops shall not be low-cut and must cover the midsection of the body.
Sleeveless tops must have straps one inch or wider and be fitted under the arms.
All undergarments (including camisoles) shall not be visible nor show through clothing.
SCHOOL UNIFORM WAIVER
Parents wishing to exempt their student from the school uniform policy because of medical, religious,
or other serious concern must submit a Uniform Waiver form available in the School Administration
Office within one week or five (5) school days of your child’s start date. Approval by
Administration will be done on a case-by-case basis and valid only for the current school year and
must be renewed at the beginning of each year.
SCHOOL UNIFORM ASSISTANCE
Families needing assistance for purchasing school uniforms due to financial hardship may apply in
person at the School Administration Office. Uniform assistances will be offered for families with
financial need. Financial eligibility will be determined based on Free/Reduced Lunch eligibility.
LOANER UNIFORM T-SHIRTS
Any student not wearing a school uniform will be sent to the Counselor’s Office, to borrow and sign
out a school loaner uniform where said student will be expected to use a loaner uniform for that day.
Other consequences may follow for continued uniform policy violations.
Hooray! Hooray!
KMS Corn Sale a Great Success
A BIG MAHALO to all of our KMS students,
teachers, staff, administrators, friends and
families that contributed to make our
fundraiser such a success.
(Fundraising prizes and drawing winners
will be announced and awarded later in
December over the KMS morning
broadcast show.)
KMS WISH GRANTERS
Our appreciation goes out to the students & their
families for their thoughtful & generous donations.
You have provided much needed items to our
classrooms, which directly benefits our teachers,
our school & all of the students here at KMS!
Anony mous
-DVD Blanks & art containers to Mrs. Maii
-Classroom supplies, pencils &
liquid hand soap to Ms. Tanji
-Pencils & red pens to Ms. Tanji
Two very BIG MAHALOS- the first goes
out to KMS staffers, Ms. Robin Naope,
Ms. Dionne Asui, Mr. Tony Chen and
Mrs. Kelly Chun, for handling, processing
and accounting for all of the orders along
with distributing all of the tickets; the
second goes out to the 50 KMS parents,
students, teachers, faculty and staff that
helped to bag and distribute the corn.
Together these awesome volunteers
bagged 19,200 ears of corn in less than
two hours!
Once again our KMS Ohana has
demonstrated how we can all come
together to support our great school.
I hope everyone enjoyed their fresh
sweet corn for Thanksgiving!
Aloha,
-Mr. Roger Izuka
KMS Fundraising Chair
& Community Member
-Tape rolls & liquid hand soap to Ms. Tanji
-White board cleaner to Ms. Miike
-Pens & sanitizing wipes to Ms. Tanji
-Mr. Sketch pens to Ms. Kirio
-Three-hole punch to Ms. Kikudome
-5x8 Index cards to Mrs. Mai’i
-Mr. Sketch pens to Ms. Kirio
-Healthy snacks to Mrs. Maii’s Class
-School supplies to Mrs. Maii’s Class
OUR TEACHER CLASSROOM WISH LISTS
Many families have asked how they can help our teachers and our school
and one way is to “ Gra nt-A-Wish” ! Shown below are teachers Wish Lists of itemsItems that each wish ed they had, yet aren’t able to obtain through their classroom budgets.
If you, your business, or a community contact, would like to fulfill a wish ,
and make a donation of a new or gently used item, please complete this form
and return it along with your donation to our school front office.
Name:
Daytime phone:
KMS Student name(s):
Grade(s):
Please place a check mark next to the item(s) donating:
Mrs. Ajimine
“Unwanted” Craft-type Items:
 Yarn or String or Thin Wire
 Little bottles of acrylic paint
 Pipe cleaners/tissue paper
Mr. Aldover


Box or Pedestal Fans for classroom
AA size batteries
Ms. Farris

Transparency sheets for overhead
projector/copier printable
Mrs. Hotoke
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Bean Bag Chairs for the students
to use in the library
2- Rug Remnants 6’X9’ dark color,
preferably indoor/outdoor for easy storage
Counter top sanitizing wipes
Ms. Kirio


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Counter top sanitizing wipes
Stapler
“Mr. Sketch” markers
Mrs. Mai’i
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Sheet protectors
Tabbed manila file folders
Ink cartridges for Epson Stylus 780 Printer,
black #T007, color #T008 201
Ink cartridges for LEXMARK X1185 Printer,
black # 17, color #27
Ink cartridges for LEXMARK Z35, black #16,
Ms. Miike

White Board Cleaner
Mrs. Nakachi
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Elmer’s Liquid Glue
Boombox with CD player/radio
Liquid Hand Sanitizer
Dishwashing/antibacterial soap
409 or other All Purpose Cleaner
Ms. Tanji
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Tape (invisible or cellophane)
#2 Pencils
Red ink pens
Counter top sanitizing wipes
Liquid hand soap
HP black print cartridge #45
Mrs. Kumabe


Electric pencil sharpener
Working or Non-working Mac G4’s
Mr. Watabayashi

Paper towel rolls
Thank you f or s upporting our s chool & making a wis h come true!
Your donation will be used to directly benefit the students at Kaimuki Middle School
Any questions, please contact our PCNC, Mrs. Chun at 733-4800 or by email at Kelly_Chun@notes.k12.hi.us
Office use only
Date received:______________ Rec’d by:__________________ Date to teacher:______________ Date acknowledged:______________
KMS Sporting News
-Mr. Doug Brown, KMS Teacher & Extramural Sports Athletic Director
Cross Country Kudos!
Thanks and congratulations to the cross-country team that had a terrific season
under head coach Mr. Jason Masuda (KMS teacher) and coaches Mr. Clyde Ibara
(KMS counselor), Mr. Brad Kusunoki (KMS counseling assistant) and Mrs. Kylee
Nakamura (KMS teacher). The team scored high in each of the meets they ran in,
including having KMS named in the Honolulu Advertiser! Although the season
started a bit late due to unforeseen circumstances, a few of the events they
participated and did well in were the prestigious Iolani, Kaiser and King
Intermediate Invitational runs.
Big love and proper recognition to all the runners for representing our school with
such pride and dignity.
As many of the student athletes are in the 7th grade, coach Masuda is looking
forward to an exciting team with a lot of “experienced” runners to make Kaimuki
Middle a definite force to be reckoned with! Be on the lookout for some of these
names “in the newspaper” for years to come!
Volleyball Kudos
Thanks and congratulations go out to the volleyball team led by head coaches
(and KMS teachers) Ms. Kelli Miike and Mr. Daniel Akemoto and coaches
Mr. Brian Poppinga (KMS teacher) and Ms. Catherine Kidani (KMS counselor).
The KMS teams includes both 7th and 8th graders that went to four Saturdays
worth of volleyball tournaments at King Intermediate with games against King,
Kahuku, and Kawananakoa middle schools just to name a few. The student
athletes formed two teams and competed in two different pools each week in
which they were competitive in every game. All the while working hard in practice,
and getting better and stronger as the weeks flew by. They won a few games, lost
a few games, and most importantly, represented Kaimuki Middle with
sportsmanship and dignity!
As a reward for keeping their grades up and in order, as well as being dedicated
to practice and weekly training regimens with Miss Nani Cockett and the P6
training program, the 8th graders hosted a four team invitational tournament.
This event took place on Friday, November 30th and included teams from Niu
Valley and Kawananakoa middle schools. The tournament was an all day event
held in Kilauea gymnasium and culminated in a championship game. The
winners received a perpetual “Champions” trophy and a “Sportsmanship” trophy
was also awarded!
P6 Strength and Conditioning Program
Kaimuki Middle School was fortunate to have an athletic conditioning program
visit our school last year known as “The Hawaii Speed and Quickness Clinic” run
by Miss Nani Cockett (and KMS teacher, Mr. Doug Brown). Many students joined
and participated in the various agility, strength and conditioning activities that
‘The Clinic’ taught them; not to mention, hanging out and learning from, guest
trainers such as University of Hawaii athletes Mr. Davonne Bess and Mr. Matt
Inouye!
This year, a new program has come our way in the form of the “P6 Strength and
Conditioning Program” run by none other than Miss Nani Cockett herself, a former
University of Hawaii basketball All-American. After finishing her career at the
University of Hawaii, she went on to play professionally overseas and also earned
a spot on the Los Angeles Sparks reserve team.
Throughout her career Miss Cockett credits a combination of weight room, core
and agility exercises as reasons for success. Since completing her competitive
career, she has worked with, educated and trained numerous athletes and nonathletes in the benefits of the P6 program. During the 2006-2007 school year,
Miss Cockett also served as a Kaimuki Middle School 7th grade Physical
Education teacher.
Throughout this school year, the P6 program will run three 8-week progressive
training cycles. Each cycle will build on the cycle prior; therefore, benefits of the
program will depend on consistency of the participant. We encourage participants
to attend every workout in order to see and feel the wonderful benefits. If the
participant misses more than 4 training days, we would ask he or she to come
back for the next cycle. The program is now finishing up the “first cycle”, and will
begin again in January 2008, with cycle 2.
Let’s go Kaimuki Middle School!
Join us and let’s work together to get fit and stay healthy!
Student Activity Council News
-Mrs. Loraine Hotoke, KMS SAC Advisor, Librarian & Parent (Reece, Grade 8)
Our student council has been busy this year
with several events taking place that have
promoted the school’s visions by creating a
place with heart that challenges the mind,
body and spirit.
October was a busy month with two committees
hard at work. Our Aloha United Way
Committee created a beautiful fall tree full of
autumn colors. Each leaf on the tree represented
one dollar and the committee collected $392 to
give to Aloha United Way. Way to go students!
We also had 5 lucky winners for our prize
drawing who received a $5 gift card to Jamba
Juice. Thanks to all who donated!

Another committee that organized a quick
and fun activity was our KMS costume
contest committee. On October 31st the
students were given the opportunity to dress in
costumes. Those who participated were judged
by their peers in their homerooms. The winners
for each of the homerooms were judged again
by staff members during the morning recess.
This time the students were competing against
their team. Even though all students who
participated were winners by showing their
spirit, we did have five overall team winners.
In November several student council members
assisted many other volunteers with the
distribution of corn from our school fundraiser.
They helped with the bagging, selling and “corn
to car” delivery assistance. These students
demonstrated what it means to be a community
contributor by giving their weekend time to help
the school.
December activities were also designed by the
committees to build character in our students.
The first activity was our Community Service
donation drive. This year the committee decided
to do a donation drive for the Big Brothers, Big
Sisters Organization. We received large barrels
to collect items in, and our collection occurred in
the mornings before school in our parking lots.
We were also honored to have Ms. Matro, a
KMS parent, come on campus to share
information about the organization on our
morning broadcast.
Our second December activity planned for the
week of the 10th-14th, will be a fun way to share
the spirit of gift giving with others. The
committtee will be selling Candy Cane Gift
Grams, where students can send their friends,
teachers and staff members special candy cane
notes that will be delivered on December 19th.
The committee hopes that the sweetness of the
gift will bring the spirit to all!
8th Grade Wheel Activities
Junior Optimist News
On November 13, the 8th grade elective wheel
students attended a play at Kamehameha
Schools. It was hit with our students and the
entire audience that included students from
public and private schools. The facilities,
lighting, sound effects, music, songs, dance,
costumes, props, hair and makeup were
fantastic additions to the acting abilities of
these talented students. In subsequent
discussions our students were able to identify,
evaluate and give clear thought out comments
about the technical and acting aspects of this
play.
Help, Understanding
& Group Support
On November 10, twenty-seven students from the
Kaimuki Middle School Junior Optimist Club
participated in the Annual HUGS (Help,
Understanding & Group Support- for Families of
Seriously Ill Children) Thanksgiving Dinner on
Kilauea Avenue. To begin the evening, everyone
gathered together in what they call "The Circle of
Life" to make announcements and recognize all those
that made the event possible. It was a really
heartwarming experience to share this time with
families of the HUGS program.
On December 3, the 8th grade elective wheel
students participated in a service learning
activity that used talents and skills learned
and refined in the Art/Drama/Hawaiian
classes. An artificial tree was obtained and
decorated with a variety of handmade
ornaments crafted by the students. In addition,
yarn leis were made and given to the 23
residents and 34 day clients of Lunalilo
Home, a care home for the elderly supported
by the Lunalilo Trust. The students also sang
carols and Hawaiian songs. Kupuna Chasmine
Sokoloski, Kupuna Loke Mareno and Makua
Kamahana Kealoha added to the music and
aloha shared that day.
Students shared arts and crafts with the children as
well as Thanksgiving Day cards. After a delicious
dinner, Russell Yamauchi and some Junior Optimists
coordinated games and prizes for all the kids. The
UH Motor Board Honor Society also had 6 students
that assisted with the event. The Cherry Blossom
Queen and one of her court members also joined us
in greeting and talking to the families of the HUGS
program. To top off the evening, Mr. Ouchi
entertained all with a great magic show!
-Mrs. Susan Akau-Naki, KMS Teacher
Artists Make A Difference
The 8th grade art classes entered the 2007 Castle and
Cooke "Make a Difference" Poster Contest. KMS
student, Rachel R. is the Honorable Mention Winner in the
Grades 6-8 category (roughly 4th place). Her poster was
selected out of 6,866 posters submitted by 101 schools on
O'ahu. Rachel, her family and I attended the Civic
Responsibility Recognition and Awards Ceremony at the
Hawaii State Capital on November 28, 2007. Rachel's
poster may be featured in a special edition 2008-2009
calendar to share the message of how we can all make a
difference in our island community. I am sure that the
parents and family of Rachel as well as her classmates,
teachers and our principal, Mr. Fernandes, are very proud
of this accomplishment.
-Mrs. Corey Ajimine, KMS Teacher
In addition to the KMS junior optimists, KMS
teacher, Mrs. Maii and special guest, Mrs. Otsu, a
former KMS teacher along with her two daughters,
joined us in this annual project! Lastly, much thanks
to Mrs. Victor, mother of Mariah Victor who helped
the Optimist Club with the set up, food service and
clean up.
Lunalilo
The next project will take place at Lunalilo Home on
December 22nd. The residents at Lunalilo Home
are of Hawaiian ancestry. The Optimist clubs visit
the Lunalilo Home annually to talk story, do arts and
crafts and sing Christmas carols. This year the KMS
Band is also planning to join the Optimist Club to
help bring the Christmas spirit to Lunalilo! This
annual project brings cheers and smiles to the faces
of all the residents at Lunalilo Home and to all of us
JOC visitors too!
-Mr. Harvey Ouchi, KMS JOC Advisor
Library READS
-Mrs. Loraine Hotoke, KMS Librarian, SAC Advisor & Parent (Reece, Grade 8)
Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
for the Library
We have currently changed our
recycling connection to the Cartridge
World School Recycling Program, which
is a company that makes recycling easy
and convenient for schools and
organizations.
Not only is this an easy way to raise
library funds, it also teaches our
students valuable lessons about the
variety of materials that can be recycled
as well as help them develop life long
patterns of recycling.
If you have not done so yet, I hope you
will start bringing your empty laser and
inkjet cartridges to our school
immediately to help us raise funds.
In addition, please urge your neighbors,
employer, church or civic groups to
participate in the Cartridge World
School Recycling Program. Typically
the most popular laser and inkjet
cartridges that provide us with the
most value are HP, Canon, Sharp and
Lexmark.
Remember, don’t throw away your used
cartridges in the trash, they are not
good for the environment and use up
our natural resources.
Just drop off the cartridges by coming
to the library and placing them in the
recycle bin by the door, it’s that easy.
If the library is closed just drop them
off at the front office.
A Grateful Librarian!
A big mahalo goes out to all of our
parents and community members who
stopped by the Barnes & Noble Book
Fair to make a purchase and support
the KMS library and teachers. There
were many wishlist books that were
bought for our teachers and our library
has a whole new collection of current
fiction reads. Many hands made the
work light and I would like to thank the
parents, teachers and students for their
time and energy to make the event a
success.
Hawaii State Librarians Visit
We were honored on November 19th to
have two Hawaii State Librarians come
to KMS to share information about the
public library system with our 8th
graders. They also enticed them to read
by sharing the current fiction and nonfiction titles that are popular with
young adults. The public library system
is a school library’s best friend,
providing additional materials,
databases, and references that are not
accessible on the school level due to
limited budgets. I encourage all
students to get a public library card to
open their horizons of learning. Happy
Reading and Researching!
1st Place Award for
KMS Robotics Team
KMS Student
Community Contributors
Kaimuki Middle School participated in Hawaii’s
FIRST (For Inspiration & Recognition of Science
& Technology) LEGO League Championship
Tournament on December 1, 2007 at McKinley
High School. Teams were judged in four areas:
robot design, robot performance, research
project and teamwork.
KMS teachers, faculty and staff have been asked to
share news of our students that commit time
outside of our school to participate in community
groups or activities. Look for this section to be a
regular feature in our newsletter.
Congratulations to our KMS Robotics Team for
placing 1st in the “Research Quality” category.
We would like to thank Mr. Trung Lam from BaLe for allowing our club to visit and do an energy
assessment on his bakery. Also, thank you to all
the parents for their time, support and help with
fundraising by selling the brownies for the club.
Holly is a cadet with Girl Scout Troop 702
and enjoys being in this program because
“you learn different things like how to be a
leader, how to create crafts, (and you get
to) do community service, and go to
different places and sell cookies!”
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
-Mrs. Rowena Kumabe,
KMS Teacher & Robotics Team Coach
8th Grade Language Arts
The KMS Literature Circle has been meeting
after school on Monday’s and Friday’s with
Mr. Milton Kimura (Community Volunteer),
Mrs. Loraine Hotoke (KMS Librarian, SAC &
Parent) and volunteers from Kapiolani
Community College.
Students in this first session read and
discussed the Golden Compass, Speak, and
Monster. We are taking a break and will
resume in one or two weeks after the start of
the second semester with a new book
selection, possibly: Weedflower, Kite Runner
or Song of the Exile.
-Mrs. Kamilla Maii, KMS Teacher
Holly F.,
Grade 7, Team Hui Ho’oulu
Holly also enjoys dancing, and since she
was just 4 years old, has been a part of
Drill Team Hawaii. “Dancing has been so
wonderful...It mostly teaches you how to
look and be sharp but dancing is also
about teamwork and how you're
supposed to work together. If you don't
work together everything would fall apart.
It also teaches you about depending on
yourself!”
Christine K.,
Grade 6, Team Na Po’okela
Christine has been with the Hawaii State
Ballet for 7 years, dancing since the age
of 4. When asked if being a part of the
Hawaii State Ballet program is hard work,
she simply smiled and replied, “I really
enjoy it!”
Christine is very excited to be appearing
at the Mamiya Theater in December for
the Hawaii State Ballet’s Nutcracker Suite
production. Through 3-day-a-week after
school practices, with additional Saturday
production rehearsals, Christine has
earned herself a Junior IV level
designation along with the part of a
soldier that protects the Nutcracker and
an ‘Arabian Coffee Bean’ in the Land of
the Sweets!
Box Tops for Education Update
Our Goal – 3,000+ Box Tops 2,583 submitted 417+ Box Tops needed!
90 people have signed-up to support Kaimuki Middle as of 9/30/07
Thank you to all who have submitted box tops as well as those who have signed up to support Kaimuki
Middle through the special promotion which ended on October 31, 2007. Please continue to clip and save!
(Try to submit at least 10 box tops at a time. Turn in to your child’s homeroom teacher or place in the
PCNC box in the office. Remember to label the envelope with your child’s name, grade and homeroom to
be entered into the Consolidated Movie Certificate drawings.)
Congratulations to Tiffany L. winner of our November Consolidated Movie Certificate drawing!
Leap into the New Year!
Submit at least 10 box tops by January 31, 2008, Thursday, to be entered into January’s drawing.
Happy Valentine’s drawing in the month of February 2008!!
Submit only 5 box tops by February 14, 2008, Thursday, to be entered into February’s drawing.
The top three students submitting the most Box Tops will be awarded Consolidated Movie Certificates at
the end of the School Year. (A separate flyer announcing the Box Tops for Education Program was printed on the
backside of the Recycling Information Sheet.)
Products of the Month:
Country Hearth Bread (new), Kleenex Tissues, Pillsbury Refrigerated Create & Bake Cookie Dough
Baking can be a fun and creative activity for your child(ren) throughout the Holiday Season! Buy the
ready-made dough. Roll out dough and cut with cookie cutter and decorate or just roll into balls and
follow the baking instructions. Remember to cut out the box top(s) and turn in to our school.
Have a wonderful Holiday Season! Remember to save all those box tops from your Betty Crocker,
Pillsbury and General Mills Chex products as you prepare your holiday goodies.
-Mrs. Sandy Inouye, Box Tops Coordinator & KMS Parent (Cherie, Grade 8)
December 20: 2nd Quarter Ends
11:30am Dismissal for Students
 Winter Recess: 12/21/07- 1/3/08
 Winter Break Intersession:
1/4/08-1/10/08
 Teacher Work Day: 1/11/08
No School for Students
 Students Back to School:
Monday, January 14, 2008