family letter

October 28, 2019

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As you attend Parent Teacher Conferences, please take time to review our Parent Involvement Policy which is also aligned to the Board of Education’s Parent/Family Involvement Policy:

A child's education is a responsibility shared by the school and the family during the entire period the child spends in school. To support the goal of the Department of Education, which is to educate all students effectively, schools and parents must work as knowledgeable partners.

Although parents are diverse in culture, language, and needs, they share the schools’ commitment to the educational success of their children. The Department and its schools, in collaboration with parents, shall establish programs and practices that enhance parent involvement and reflect the specific needs of students and their families.

To this end, the Board of Education supports the Department in the development, implementation, and regular evaluation of parent involvement programs in each school. The implementation will involve parents at all grade levels in a variety of roles, including input in decision-making processes and practices. The parent involvement program will be comprehensive and coordinated in nature. It will include, but not be limited to, the following components of successful parent involvement programs:

● Communication between home and school is regular, two-way, and meaningful.

● Responsible parenting is promoted and supported.

● Parents play an integral role in assisting student learning, including the successful achievement of the Hawaii Content and Performance Standards.

● Parents are welcome in the school, and their support and assistance are sought.

● Parents are partners in the decisions that affect children and families.

● Community resources are made available to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning.

The Department shall implement administrative guidelines that support professional development opportunities for staff members to enhance understanding of effective parent involvement strategies. The Department recognizes the importance of administrative leadership in setting expectations and creating a climate conducive to parental participation. Engaging parents is essential to improved student achievement and to realize the Vision of a Public School Graduate.

Attending Parent Teacher Conferences is one of the ways to get involved so we’re glad you are making time to speak with your child and your child’s teacher. 

Our School Parent Student Compact is a way to communicate our shared responsibilities and commitment for improving student achievement and success, and how the school and parents will build and develop partnerships to help children attain a high standard of quality education.  

Please review the following shared responsibilities and let us know if there is something you believe we should add.

As a School: 

The school understands the importance of the school experience to every student and their role as educators and models. Therefore, the school agrees to carry out the following responsibilities to the best of their ability: 

• Provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables the children served under this part to meet the challenging State academic standards

• Address the importance of communication between teachers and parents on an ongoing basis through, at a minimum—

  • parent-teacher conferences at least once a school year

  • frequent reports to parents on their children’s progress

  • reasonable access to staff

  • opportunities to volunteer and participate in your child’s class, and observation of classroom activities

  • ensuring regular two-way, meaningful communication between family members and school staff and, to the extent practicable, in a language that family members can understand. (required) (ESSA, Section 1116(d)(1-2))

• Treat each child with dignity and respect

• Strive to address the individual needs of the student

• Parents are vital to the success of child and school

• Provide a safe, positive and healthy learning environment

• Assure every student access to quality learning experiences

• Assure that the school staff communicates clear expectations for performance to both students and parents

As a Parent:

The parent understands that participation in his/her student's education will help his/her achievement and attitude. Therefore, the parent will continue to carry out the following responsibilities to the best of his/her ability:

• Volunteering in your child’s classroom 

• Supporting your child’s learning

• Participating, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of your child and positive use of extracurricular time

• Create a home atmosphere that supports learning

• Send your child to school on time, well-fed, and well-rested on a regular basis

• Attend school functions and conference

• Encourage their child to show respect for all members of the school community and school property

• Review all school communications and respond promptly

  • ​

As a Student:

The student realizes education is important. He/she is the one responsible for his/her own success. Therefore, he/she agrees to carry out the following responsibilities to the best of his/her ability: 

• Get to school on time every day

• Develop a positive attitude toward school

• Be responsible for completing homework on time

• Be cooperative by carrying out the teacher’s instructions and ask for help when needed

• Do daily work that is neat and reflects the student’s best effort

• Be respectful to all school members and to school property

Please feel free to call us at 305-2100 to share your feedback.

Mahalo piha,

Uilani K. Kaitou, Po‘okumu               Carlo Carrasco, Hope Po‘okumu

family letter

October 21, 2019 

Aloha Students and Families, 

For our message of the week we’re going over some strategies for children seeking attention.  All children deserve a certain amount of positive attention. Most receive it unconditionally while others have to resort to seeking out attention, usually in negative ways.  Some children seem to need only small amounts of attention while others cant seem to get enough. Many experts believe that attention seekers feel inadequate, have low self-esteem, and lack a sense of belonging.  Other attention seekers act out to divert attention away from their problems. Here are some strategies you can use at home to help:

​

1. Children need to be taught appropriate ways to get our attention.  In school students learn to raise their hands. At home children need to speak politely when requesting time and attention.  

2. Make sure children are eating and sleeping well.  Hungry and tired students don’t learn as much in school.  These children tend to whine and complain a lot.

3. Every day fine time to let each child know that they are loved and appreciated.  Parents can do this with hugs and “I love you.” Teachers can do it with handshakes, pats on the back, and a “Welcome to class.”

4. Children need recognition.  Let them know that you are aware of their responsible behaviors.

5. Discover their strengths, gifts and talents.  If John is a good artist, hang some of his pictures in the house.  If Alex wishes to be the class clown, allow him to tell a few jokes to the class on Friday afternoons.

family letter

October 14, 2019

Aloha Students and Families,
Welcome back from fall break! Time together is a very important part of a successful family. Families not only need time together,
but the time needs to be a fun, happy experience for all members. Even at today’s hectic pace, parents, with some creativity, can
build family fun. Families that play, laugh, and hug a lot, survive!
 

Let’s look at some ways we can create family fun and strengthen our relationships.
 

1. Create several family traditions and stick with them. Traditions can act as the glue in many families and children seldom forget them.

2. Eat several meals a week together. This gives all members time to talk. Parents should not always dominate the conversation. Also, you can get a bit silly and creative with menu items. How about green eggs and ham to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday?

3. Children love to play with parents. Invite your children outside to play catch, ride a bike, or kick a ball.

4. Parents must love every child unconditionally. Hugs and “I love you,” must happen daily.
 

Please call our Counseling Department if we can be of assistance to you. 305-2100. Mahalo!

Mr. Nikora, Mrs. Teichert, Aunty Loke, and Aunty Roseanne

family letter

September 30, 2019

Aloha Students and Families,

We are already at the end ofFirst Quarter - can you believe it?

Parent/Teacher Conferences are coming up in October and we wanted to give you information so you could plan ahead. Forms will be coming home to sign up for a meeting with your child’s teacher. It is important for you to participate in these conferences as this will help you and your child’s teacher to support your child’s learning. Conferences will be held on October 28, 29, 31, Nov 1, 4. School will end at 1:05 pm on these days.

To prepare for the conference, please see parent tips and resources that we hope you will find helpful.

What should I expect?

A two-way conversation. The conference is a time for you to learn about your child’s progress in school. You can share your child’s skills, interests, needs, and dreams with the teacher so they know more about your child.

Emphasis on learning. Good conferences focus on how well your child is doing in school and how your child can do even better.

How should I get ready?
Be prepared for the conversation - look at your child’s homework, tests, and notices before the conference. Bring questions that you would like to ask the teacher.

Opportunities and challenges. Just like you, teachers want your child to succeed. You will hear positive feedback about your child’s progress and areas for improvement. Be prepared by thinking about your child’s strengths and challenges beforehand. Be ready to ask questions about ways you and the teacher can help your child with some of his or her challenges.

What should you talk to the teacher about?

Progress. Find out how your child is doing by asking questions: Is my child performing at grade level? How is my child doing compared to the rest of the class? What do you see as his or her strengths? How could he or she improve?

Ask for examples of your child’s work. Be familiar with how your child’s teacher grades. Support learning at home. Ask what you can do at home to help your child learn.

Support learning at school. Find out what supports are available at the school to help your child.

How should I follow up?
Make a plan. Write down the things that you and the teacher will each do to support your child.
 

How will you keep communication going? What is the best way for you and your child’s teacher to communicate? Keep in touch as you need to.

Talk to your child. The parent–teacher conference is all about your child, so don’t forget to include your child. Share with your child what you learned. Show your child how you will help with learning at home. Ask for his or her suggestions.
(Adapted from the Harvard Family Research Project, October 2010. www.hfrp.org)
 

Resources:
HIDOE Standards Toolkit Standards Toolkit Link
Parent Roadmaps to Standards K-8
http://www.cgcs.org/domain/36 (English Language Arts)
(Math)
Ka Papahana Kaiapuni (KPK) Standards KPK Standards Link
Hawaiian Language Immersion Programs Hawaiian Language
Immersion Link
Attendance Matters http://www.attendanceworks.org/
Parenting Resources
http://www.hawaiistateptsa.org/for-parents.html
Great Kids Go to Great Kids Milestones site
Be a Learning Hero: http://bealearninghero.org/

family letter

September 23, 2019

Aloha Hau’ula Families and Students, 

We know that today’s technology is amazing!  Although technology benefits our children in many ways, children are always at risk while searching the internet.  They may be exposed to inappropriate material, be victims of harassment, and become targets of child predators.  On Thursday, September 19th Officer Unga from the Honolulu Police Department came to our school’s Parent Night and presented on cyberbullying. 
 

Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure our keiki are using technology safely.

1.  Set limits on how much time children sit in front of the computer or use a phone.  They need to get outdoors, read, get exercise, and spend time with family.

2.   Consider keeping the computer and other electronics in a central location rather than in the child’s room.  This will help you to monitor your child’s activities.

3.  Tell them to never respond to threatening or offensive messages and have them tell you immediately if they do get such messages.

4.  Remind your keiki to never give out any personal information and to never meet in person anyone they have met online without parental permission.

Please call our Counseling Department if we can be of assistance to you. 305-2100. 

Mahalo! 

Mr. Nikora, Mrs. Tiechert, Aunty Loke and Aunty Roseanne