The entire Maryknoll Grade School student body poses for a photo with their new hats!

On Monday, April 29th, Make-A-Wish Hawaii made Maryknoll sixth grader Skylar Soares’ wish come true in celebration of National Wish Day. Instead of taking a trip to Disneyland or meeting her favorite actor, she chose to give away her wish by giving all the students at Maryknoll Grade School their own hats to promote sun protection. “I didn’t really want to do anything for myself. I kind of wanted to give back,” Soares said.

Diagnosed with three life-threatening medical conditions, Soares is Hawaii’s second known survivor of a rare auto-immune disease. Soares’ sensitive skin requires that she wear a hat at all times, even indoors. She quickly realized that she’s not the only one at risk from the sun’s rays and decided to design her own line of sun-safe hats. “I felt really loved and special. It’s kind of hard to feel special when you’re in the hospital all the time,” Soares said. That day, the “no hats in school” rule was broken!

Read more and watch the video here: http://www.khon2.com/2013/04/29/make-a-wish-hawaii-recipient-chooses-to-give-her-wish-away/

Hana hou, Maryknoll!  Eleven students were announced as winners in the annual Nene Award Book Competition, more than any other school in the state. The winning books were The Lemonade War and The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

In the Digital Media/Interpretive Category, the 4th grade team (Mari Shoop, Catherine Choi and Taylor Anne Arakaki) won first place. The 5^th grade team (Cade Lehl, Braden Kim and Cody Chow) received an honorable mention. Sixth grader Jamie Lacno received an honorable mention in the creative writing/interpretive category.

Maryknoll students also scored high in the Poster Contest. Brie Bella took First Place for 4^th grade. Honorable mentions were received by 6^th graders Ashley Sim, Brayden Bella and Skyler Chun. Congratulations to all!

Pictured above: Maryknoll Students with The Lemonade War author, Jacqueline Davies

For over 25 years, Maryknoll has sent a selection of 8th graders to the east coast for a hands-on learning experience that coincides with the American History curriculum in Social Studies.  In this year's trip on March 28^th, students travelled through various cities on the east coast to engage and engulf themselves in American History.  

Their first stop was to Williamsburg, VA, where they learned about colonial lifestyle and the ways in which early Americans survived in a new land.  By visiting such places as Jamestown Settlement and Williamsburg, they witnessed firsthand how life was in the 18th Century.  Moving further north, the 8th graders made a stop at Mt. Vernon to visit George Washington's plantation and pay respect to his grave.  In witnessing Washington's leadership and courage, the 8th graders began to appreciate all that Washington did to lay the foundation for our great country.  

For the next two days, 8th graders visited various locations in the Washington D.C. area.  Visiting Memorials, Ford's Theatre, the United States Capitol, and the Holocaust Museum; the students garnered a better understanding of how government works and the various events that have lead up to our foundation as a country.  

The 8th graders then visited Gettysburg, PA to get a glimpse of what the Civil War was like.  During their tour of the battlefield, the students learned about this bloody battle and war.  They gained understanding of what the Civil War was about and were given opportunities to see how the battle was won by the North. To continuthe their tour, students visited Philadelphia, PA, a major historical city in our country's beginnings.  They learned about the Constitution, the history behind Philadelphia, and visited Independence Hall, Christ Church, the Liberty Bell, and Benjamin Franklin's grave. 

Their final stop was in New York City where the students learned about modern America and experienced what it’s like to live in a "big city." Their experience in New York included visits to a New York Yankees game, a boat tour of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Memorial. Students returned home on April 6^th. Mahalo to the chaperones who went on the trip: Kristopher Kern, Mrs. Paulette Laanui, Ms. Michelle Gabriel, Mr. Shawn Williamson and Mr. Jonathan Hermosura.

 Maryknoll Honor Society Students Wave Signs to rally support for the Hawaiian Humane Society

During the month of February, Maryknoll School’s National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society ran a towel drive to collect donations for the Hawaiian Humane Society. On February 22^nd, the students took a field trip to the Humane Society to donate the hundreds of towels that were collected. The students toured the facility, met the animals, stuffed dog treat bags, prepared newspaper for use as animal bedding, then decorated and waved signs encouraging people to support the Hawaiian Humane Society. Mahalo to all those who donated towels as well as the students of NHS, NJHS, Mr. Kris Kern, Mrs. Kit-U Wong, Mrs. Chris Loomis, and all the wonderful people at the Hawaiian Humane Society for a great service field trip.

Riley Hermosura and Kaylen Furutaka share what they learned about copper sulfate crystals.

The eighth graders put their investigative talents to use this winter by conducting science experiments for their first science fair in mid February.  The students began their work in December, choosing a partner and a topic to study.  Then, adhering to the scientific method, the students formed a hypothesis and tested it with various experiments.  Many of the experiments were done during class, making for some very interesting smells emanating from the rooms!  Working with variables and a control, the students tested their question and hypothesis.  Like all good scientists, students collected data and recorded observations in a journal.  Then, the students analyzed the data, drawing conclusions from their research and applying their new-found knowledge to uses nowadays.  The project culminated in a science fair in February, where the students presented their findings to classmates, faculty and staff, as well as parents.  A shout out to our eighth grade teachers - Ms. Anne Sylva and Ms. Carrie Masoe - for organizing this and to Mr. Wendall Bacnis and Ms. Margot Adair for their support.

Maryknoll Fourth Graders sang at Iolani Palace on Friday with the Royal Hawaiian Band.  The program is part of an Outreach Music Education Program sponsored by the Hawai’I Youth Opera Chorus and the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.  Ms. Wendy Chang, Maryknoll’s music teacher, taught the children traditional Hawaiian chants, singing, and hula in order to perform with the Royal Hawaiian Band.  With the fourth grade teachers, Ms. Lorraine Kojima, Ms. Julie Chang, and Ms.Dawn Shiinoki-Ho, helping, Ms. Chang directed twelve sessions during the past month to prepare the students for their big day.  The students were definitely ready to sing and dance the hula, and were well received by the audience, even getting the crowd to participate in some songs.

Dressed as if 100 years old, our first graders celebrated one hundred days of being smarter in the beginning of February.  The fun filled day included some great hands on activities as well as thought provoking questions for the students.  The children learned what they could do in 100 seconds, made 100 day necklaces, shared food in groupings of 10 to make 100 day trail mix, and created 100 Days of School t-shirts.  In addition to all these activities, the students also answered questions, sharing ideas about what they will look like in 100 years; what they would do with $100 as well as what they would already have done by the time they reach 100 years.  From being a water park owner to traveling to South Sudan to help with schools, the first graders definitely showed they are 100 days smarter.  Finally, the day culminated with the students using 100 words to answer why they love Jesus and how they show their love for Jesus.

Eighth grader Ariana Kitts had the once in a lifetime opportunity to see President Obama's second inauguration this past weekend.  Please check out the story, which was on KHON2, by clicking here.

Does music affect the speed of girls and boys while running?  Why fertilizer?  How do waves affect beach formation?  What are the destructive powers of household liquids?  Do different oils affect the flow of a lava lamp?  Inquiring minds want to know!  So, our aspiring seventh grade scientists answered these questions in our first annual science fair this January.  Under the guidance of Maryknoll’s seventh grade team teachers, Ms. Makanani Jones, Ms. Dorie Kaha’ulelio, Ms. Mary Jane Vannatta, Mr. James Peterson, Ms. Theresa Martin and Ms. Hsiao Chen, students began working on their projects in November.  The children were able to work either individually or in pairs, and they had the freedom to both choose and design their research experiment and project.  The students chose topics in which they were interested and spent the next few months researching it and conducting various experiments to prove, or not, their hypothesis.  The projects culminated with a school wide fair in the MCC gym, with students from our youngest kindergarteners to high schoolers in AP Biology both attending and judging the projects.  The seventh graders enjoyed the work and the learning involved in this hands on project.  As for the affect of music on the runner’s speed – if you are a boy, you will run faster while listening to music while girls, you tend to run slower because you like to dance to the beat and sing along to the song!

Maryknoll Grade School once again participated in the National Geography GeoBee competition this year, under the leadership of Mrs. Mardi LaPrade.  The GeoBee is a national competition designed to spark student interest in geography as well as increase geographical and cultural knowledge and awareness of both the United States as well as the world.  The GeoBee is open to students in grades four through eight.  The competition starts in the classrooms, with teachers testing the students.  Then, based on scores, ten finalists were selected to participate in the final round, two from each grade level.  This year’s contestants were fourth graders Matthew Sakamoto and Chaterine Choi, fifth graders Cody Weaver and Leo Liang, sixth graders Ryan Ornelles and Ian Ohari, seventh graders Aris Onaga and Nathaniel Moreau, and eighth graders Austin Yamasaki and Samuel Krakowiak.  The students answered some very difficult questions, but eventually the competition came down to just two students, both eighth graders.  To become the school champion, Austin correctly answered this question in the final round: The Suleymaniye Mosque, built to honor the sixteenth century Ottoman ruler, can be seen in what city?  Do you know the answer?  Feel free to speak with Austin if you need help.  And, congratulations, Austin, on being our school champion! 

The Annual Fifth Grade Bake Sale, held on St. Nicholas’ Day, was another huge success this year, raising over $3500 in just a few hours!  Once again, the money will be used to continue to support Maryknoll mission work in Tanzania, Africa.

The connection with the Tanzania mission began about 7 years ago, with the help of the then Director of Religious Education, Ms. Rose Anne Petro and Pat Pa’akaula, a long time parishioner at Sacred Heart Parish.  Ms. Pa’akaula’s son was an AIDS victim, so she wanted to do something to help stem the epidemic.  Therefore, Ms. Pa’akaula formed a Sacred Heart Parish committee to emphasize AIDS awareness.  The committee then heard about Maryknoll Sister Marion Hughes’ work with children in Tanzania who have been orphaned due to AIDS.  The committee wished to see the Tanzania mission work continue, which eventually led to Sister Marion coming to, and speaking at, Maryknoll School and Sacred Heart Church about the AIDS epidemic and its affects on children.

Seeing an opportunity to have Maryknoll students practice Noblesse Oblige, Ms. Petro organized a “kids to kids” project – the now annual bake sale – to raise money for the AIDS orphans in Tanzania.  The first year, the sale raised slightly less than $1,000.  Since that time, the amount earned and donated has increased.  The donations have supported various needs and projects of Sister Marion’s mission in Tanzania, Children Against AIDS program.  One year, each school child received a solar lamp, allowing the children to read and do homework in their homes at night.  Another year, children were able to move on to seventh grade because the donations paid for their tuition.  At other times, the money was used to cover the costs of surgeries and medical needs.

This year, as in years’ past, the fifth graders learned many interesting facts while preparing for the bake sale.  From economics (pricing and selling of goods versus cost of ingredients), geography and history of Tanzania, the Maryknoll Sisters’ mission work, to salesmanship, the bake sale is truly an interdisciplinary and worthwhile effort.  And probably one of the best aspects about it is that, like St. Nick on St. Nicholas’ Feast Day, our Maryknoll fifth graders are bearers of gifts to needy children.

Maryknoll School is once again practicing Noblesse Oblige by hosting and mentoring teachers from South Korea for a month.  This mentorship program is run through the Korean National University of Education (KNUE) and International Mid Pac College (IMPAC).  Maryknoll School is hosting five teachers on the Grade School campus, (hosted by Mr. Jeffrey Chang, 6^th grade, Ms. Addie Kim, 5^th Grade, Ms. Paulette Laanui ,1^st Grade, Ms. Charlene Lum, 2^nd grade, Ms. Stephanie Conching, 3^rd Grade) and four on the high school campus, (hosted by Ms. Heidi McGivern, 9^th Grade, Ms. Kaoi Arakaki-Pedro, 12^th Grade, Mr. Steve Caley, 11^th Grade, Ms. Charlene Martin, 10^th Grade).  The program was established to give teachers from South Korea an opportunity to learn more about the American school system and culture as well as to improve their English.  The Korean teachers, who live with host families, spend their morning in various classrooms, observing their American counterparts at work and taking copious notes in order to discuss their observations while in class in the afternoon at IMPAC.

In addition, the Korean instructors must also teach at least two classes while here.  These lessons tend to be about Korean culture, geography and history.  For example, one class compared and contrasted Western and Korean fairytales; another class learned how to play traditional children’s games; yet another class studied the history of Gangnam and its style, with the eponymous song playing softly in the background and the students’ heads bobbing in time to the tune.  Regardless of the lesson, Maryknoll students and teachers all agree that everyone is enriched from the exchange, having gained an invaluable 21^st Century global experiences while staying local.

Maryknoll Grade School art teacher, Mrs. Myrna Spurrier, and the students from 3B (Mrs. Gail Yamashita’s class) won Judges Choice in the Youth Category of the 27^th Annual Holiday Wreath Contest.  This contest is organized by the Mayor’s Office of Culture and Arts and is designed to inspire and promote our island artists.  This year’s theme was “Kanikapila Kalikimaka” or “Come Together to Play Music.”

Mrs. Spurrier’s students from 3B designed a wreath entitled “Christmas Under the Sea.”  The students had been studying sumi painting strokes, a style of brush stroke where the brush is held upright, instead of at an angle.  Next, the student begins to paint with the point of the brush, flattens the brush out, and brings it back to a point.  The children first practiced the sumi style on the branches and leaves they made for the wreath.  Then, they used the same technique when painting their sea life, adding holiday touches such as hats and scarves.  The students worked hard on their fish but also enjoyed the process.  Maryknoll 3B students are very excited to have won Judges’ Choice this year.  Congratulations, Mrs. Spurrier and 3B students!

Jaesun Lee, a budding artist, recently won first place in the 21^st Annual Korean Children and Youth’s Art Competition in Hawaii.  The contest was sponsored by the Korean Artists Association of Hawaii (KAHH) and had two different themes: “Ancestors” and “Summer Fun.”  Mr. Vince Hazen, Director at the Honolulu Museum of Art School, was the juror.  Mr. Hazen was especially looking for strong visual design and concepts.  Jaesun’s painting shows a family meal that honors his ancestors.  According to Mr. Hazen, the picture has “excellent detailed incense and complex color.”  Congratulations, Jaesun!

Bringing together Maryknoll’s Middle School, the 6^th graders sponsored a Mass of Thanksgiving recently.  The 6^th grade teachers, Mr. Jeffrey Chang, Ms. Chris Loomis, Ms. Kim Mattler, and Ms. Lee Marie DePonte, coordinated the efforts of the 6^th graders, who were very involved in both the planning and celebration of the Mass of Thanksgiving, presided over by Fr. Tony.  The students served as greeters, musicians, and lectors.  They also brought the gifts to the altar, but the gifts at this mass were more than just the bread and wine.  For this mass, the students collected canned foods and paper goods to donate to needy families.  The children offered these baskets with prayers and gratitude - thankful for the chance to help others as well as for all that they, themselves, have.

A dictionary in the hand of every 3^rd grader in the state of Hawaii – is that possible?  Yes, because of the amazing work of Rotary International!  The Rotary Club believes in both the power of words and the need for dictionaries for all students. The Rotary feels especially strongly about giving dictionaries to 3^rd graders as this is the age when children begin to read to learn instead of learning to read.  Knowledge and understanding of the words they are reading and hearing are crucial to each student’s success, in school and in life.

Rotary Club of East Honolulu representatives, Donna Prather, John Sandberg, Janice Nagao, Marilyn Schank, Betty Dower, came to Maryknoll School to talk to the 3^rd graders about the power of words as well as to personally deliver the dictionaries to the students.  The Rotarians spoke with the students about the usefulness of dictionaries, leading the children through a scavenger hunt of the dictionary in order to discover how useful dictionaries truly are.  The children were asked to find: the state of song of Kansas – and sing it; the answer to the question “how many dwarf planets are there?”; flags of various international countries; the longest word in the English language; and finally to find definitions of various words.  The 3^rd graders were all smiles upon receiving their dictionaries and are extremely grateful to the Rotary Club of East Honolul.  Mahalo!

Maryknoll School has many academically strong students who are also leaders, athletes, musicians, actors, and volunteers in their communities.  Mr. Kristopher Kern, Grade School Dean of Students, wanted a way to not only recognize these talented students of ours but also to highlight their successes in order to inspire others.  Therefore, during the summer, Mr. Kern wrote and submitted a proposal for Maryknoll to have a National Junior Honor Society.  Because Maryknoll High School already has a National Honor Society in very good standing, the process for the Grade School membership was slightly easier than usual.  After acceptance was granted, the real work began. 

Mr. Kern and a mixed group of Grade School teachers, (the Faculty Council)– Mr. Wendell Bacnis, Mrs. Hsiao Chen, Mrs. Chris Loomis, Mrs. Mary Jane Vannatta, Mrs. Eva Robinson – met to select students who could possibly be eligible candidates.  The criteria for selection was rigorous - students must have an overall GPA of at least 3.5, be involved in both school and neighborhood communities, and show leadership potential.  This initial group of Maryknoll students then received an application form, which they had to complete and submit, along with three letters of recommendation, to Mr. Kern and the Faculty Council.  The Council met again to review all submissions and was truly overwhelmed and impressed when reading about all that the children do outside of the classroom, in addition to maintaining a very high GPA.  According to Mr. Kern, the selection process was “very grueling and difficult” and took many hours.  In the end, though, the Council did decide and chose 30 students, 10 from each middle school grade level, to be its first members.  These students were inducted into Maryknoll’s Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society in November.  The ceremony took place in Sacred Heart Church with a reception afterwards. 

Now, the work begins for the students!  The members of National Junior Honor Society must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, continue to participate in extracurricular activities, and – an added part due to being members of the Society – attend monthly meetings for the society.  Another core component of being both a member and a chapter in good standing is volunteering.  As a group, Maryknoll’s chapter must commit 25 hours of volunteering to one cause.  Furthermore, each member must give an additional 15 hours of their own time; these 15 hours can go either to the same organization as the Chapter’s or one of the student’s choosing. 

While these first 30 members do have their work cut out for them, they have already proven both their worth and their abilities.  On behalf of Maryknoll School, congratulations!

With Mr. Wendell Bacnis at the helm and the help of Catholic Charities Hawaii, Maryknoll Grade School students collected canned goods, non-perishable items, and gift cards to help 30 needy families and fill the Sacred Heart food pantry this coming holiday season.  The students, however, were not allowed to just 'raid' mom and dad's pantry for these items.  They had to earn their contributions through labors of love.  Some children did extra chores around the house, others gave from their personal allowance, while still others went the extra step by performing selfless acts of mercy or charity, such as allowing a sibling to watch a favorite TV show when the other really wanted to or giving up soda, candy, or another favorite snack, using that money to contribute to the gift card.  Each homeroom teacher chose either a family or the Pantry as the recipient of that class’ donations.  The donations were put into brightly colored boxes and picked up by Catholic Charities Hawaii to be delivered to families for Thanksgiving.

Placemats for Salvation Army

In conjunction with the food donations, Maryknoll students made Thanksgiving placemats that will be used by the Salvation Army on Thanksgiving Day.  The Salvation Army feeds thousands of people on Thanksgiving and the placemats help make the meal more special by adding a personal touch.  Ms. Watanabe, one of our first grade teachers, organized the placemat-making project with entire lower school participating.

Pictured: Riley Hsieh, 1st Grader in Ms. Watanabe's class, holding her placemat.

Under the leadership of Ms. Michelle Gabriel, our 4^th graders are participating in an ongoing Bike Safety program during PE classes.  The program is hosted by Bike Ed, a local company that has been teaching bike and road safety for nearly 25 years here in Oahu.  In conjunction with the actual rules of the road, the students learn basic bicycle maintenance as well as the proper use of helmets and bright colored clothes.  Bike Ed supplies all the equipment for the class and tailors the classes to fit the needs of both beginners and more experienced bicyclists.  Ms. Gabriel is planning on hosting more classes with Bike Ed in the near future so that the students can continue to apply the lessons they are learning.

Dressed in red, white and blue, Maryknoll School gathered as a community in the MCC to honor and remember veterans as well as current Armed Service members on Tuesday, November 6.  Mr. Christopher Casupang, Co-Director of Campus Ministry, introduced special guests of some of the students – dads, moms, aunts, uncles, grandparents - who either served or are currently serving our country.  Thanking them for their unselfish service and work in order to preserve the freedoms we all enjoy here in the United States, including the right to vote, Mr. Casupang asked that the veterans stand and be recognized to resounding applause for all.

Next, Maryknoll’s distinguished guest, Rear Admiral Charles W. Ray, of the Coast Guard, addressed the students.  He spoke about faith, having it and holding on to it, especially as a fighter in the field.  While out there, things aren’t as black and white or as simple as they appear to be in the movies.  Decisions must be made that have real consequences and heart wrenching questions arise because of these choices - why did this person not make it back from the mission?  Why did this man get left behind?  What went wrong? 

However, faith, as Rear Admiral Ray told the students, is what gets all of us through difficult times, whether these times are on the battlefields in Iraq or Afghanistan, or closer to home, it is faith in God and God’s plan for us that pull us through.  Because of this, Rear Admiral Ray begins each day, the first thing every morning, praying to God for guidance as he goes through his day, and he strongly encouraged our students to do the same.

Please click on the picture for a larger view.

As part of their religion curriculum, Maryknoll first graders have been learning how they can help their communities.  From picking up trash to including others in games and activities, the students now understand and appreciate that they can make a positive difference in the world.  In fact, the children know that, in spite of being young, they are all, in their own, unique ways, superheroes.

The first grade teachers wanted the students to share these superpowers with their classmates.  To prepare for the big day, students were asked to think about their powers by answering the following questions: “What is your superhero name?”  “How does your superpower help your community or change the world?”  “Is there a villain or someone who may not like your superpower?”

On Halloween, the Superheroes arrived at Maryknoll in full force, ready to make the world a better place.  The powers ranged from helping with learning to making the world a greener place.  MathGirl constantly battles her archenemies (people who cheat with numbers) while also helping other students continue trying to solve any problems with numbers.  Playground Boy helps children when they get hurt on the playground.  He also stops fights and makes sure all the kids are included in games.  SuperFresh teaches people how to brush and floss their teeth correctly so everyone can have ‘super fresh’ breath.  Electricity Girl turns off lights when no one is the room, to conserve energy for our planet, and the Mermaid takes care of all the sea animals that get caught in nets, rescuing them from the nets, nursing them back to health and then releasing them to the wild again.  Realizing that these superpowers live inside them and that their actions do impact the world, means that our first graders are already beginning to practice Noblesse Oblige.

Civic duty?  Caring citizen?  What do these mean to Grade School students and how can they be practiced?  Hawai’i’s Lieutenant Governor, Brian Schatz, came to Maryknoll Grade School on Thursday, October 25, to help answer these questions during a special assembly.  Lt. Gov. Schatz spoke about the importance of voting as every vote truly does count.  Furthermore, he asked the children to vote in the Hawai’i Kids Vote as well as to encourage their parents to get out and vote.  Representative Della Au Belatti also spoke briefly to the students about practicing Noblesse Oblige through participating in Kids Vote.  After the speeches, Maryknoll teachers Mr. Jeffrey Chang and Ms. Margot Adair asked questions of the audience, testing everyone’s knowledge of the Constitution, American history, this year’s candidates and issues as well as the voting process in general.  Following the Kids Vote Rally, Middle School students went to various classrooms and helped the younger children with the on line voting process.  Both middle and high school students also voted on line.  All of the students, regardless of age, enjoyed the opportunity to be engaged, caring citizens and experience democracy first hand through Kids Vote Hawai’i.

Maryknoll’s Grade School Chess Club, under the direction of Mr. David Yamasaki, was very successful in its most recent chess tournament.  The team finished 2^nd place overall for the elementary division.  Additionally Maryknoll 3^rd grader, Angus Hill, the backbone of the team, took home first place as an individual in the Kindergarten – 3^rd Grade competition.

Mr. Yamasaki is proud of his team’s accomplishments, and especially Angus Hill.  Angus has been playing chess for almost two years now, although it is his first year on Maryknoll’s team.  Angus became interested in chess through an after school class he takes.  He loves playing both on-line and especially against his father. Angus’ mother appreciates the improved focus and thinking skills that she now sees in Angus’ work due to his participation in chess.  In this most recent tournament, Angus went undefeated to bring home the first place trophy.  Now, Angus, who loves chess and has always dreamed about going to Disney World, is doing both by attending the National Chess Tournament in Orlando, Florida.

Currently, there are six students on the team, and they usually attend between four – five tournaments each season.  Practices are every Friday in Bachelot Hall from 12:09 – 12:33.  New members are always welcome, so please join Mr. Yamasaki and the Chess Club on Fridays!

At Maryknoll School, we are blessed to work with students who want to learn and parents who care about their children’s education.  We also possess an extremely talented faculty and staff who tirelessly strive both inside and outside the classroom, practicing Noblesse Oblige, honing their skills or just having some good old fashioned fun.  Let’s take some time to meet some of them…

Middle Level Educator of the Year Award Winner 2012 - Margot Adair recently received this award from the Hawaii Association of Middle Schools.  A graduate of Maryknoll College in the Philippines, Ms. Adair decided to practice Noblesse Oblige and continue in teaching.  When the opportunity presented itself at Maryknoll School in the form of a Social Studies teacher, Ms. Adair felt it was the perfect fit – a school designed around how she herself lives her life.  Ms. Adair is a very active member of both our school and the larger community.  Ms. Adair was pivotal in bringing Maryknoll School from a junior high program to a middle school one that includes teams at each grade level, block scheduling, integrated curriculum and common planning time for teachers during the day to organize lessons together.  She is a master teacher who willingly gives of herself and her time.   Ms. Adair is open to new ideas, new technology, and changes.  Ms. Adair has the Bob the Builder Attitude.  When asked can we do it?  Her response is always, “Yes we can!”  In saying and doing so, she is beloved by the entire community – her colleagues, administrators, parents and, most importantly, her students.  Congratulations, Ms. Adair, on being named Middle Level Educator of the Year!

Achieve 3000 – Vice Principal Glenn Medeiros, Dean of Academics Caren Gaud, and Language Arts Resource Teacher Sylvia Ching collaborated throughout last year and this summer to earn a $25,000 grant for our Grade School students.  The money is being used to implement a literacy program, called Achieve 3000, at our grade school campus.  Currently in the start of its initial year, randomly selected students are participating in on line programs that are designed to enhance reading and writing skills.  While the students complete the majority of this work at home, the teachers have access to the results and can then design and implement programs better catered to fit the needs of the students.  Mr. Medeiros, Ms. Gaud, and Ms. Ching all hope to bring this pilot program to the entire Grade School in the future.

Michelle Gabriel, Shawn Williamson and Jonathan Hermosura, saw a need at our school and, in the true spirit of Noblesse Oblige, took action.  These three tirelessly energetic physical education teachers realized that many students arrive to school at a very early hour and really have no place to play.  In order to get kids moving and provide a healthy breakfast, Ms. Gabriel, Mr. Williamson, and Mr. Hermosura come to school early twice a week (6:45 A.M.) and run the Early Riser – Get UP & Get FIT – program.  There has been both a very strong turn out of students as well as a positive response from the children, who now start the school day better energized and ready to Get UP and go.

One of our third grade teachers, Stephanie Conching, takes her talent for engaging her regular audience - children - to new levels outside of the school day.  Last January, Ms. Conching auditioned for a role in the movie Parts of the Same Circle.  Ms. Conching plays the radio DJ, Vicki Ackers, and hosts a radio program similar to “Lovesongs with Delilah” in the movie.  Her radio show helps the other characters deal with death and circumstances surrounding death.  This film is a part of the Hawaii International Film Festival and can be seen on October 20^th at 11:30.  Ms. Conching, who majored in theater at the University of Hawaii, is very active in local theater and performing arts.  She particularly enjoyed working on Parts of the Same Circle, as she wants the world to know that local artists are producing and creating high quality material.

Continuing on the road of stardom, our very own Shawn Williamson is back on Hawaii 5-0 for his third consecutive season this year.  In his first season, Mr. Williamson had a physically demanding role, which was perfect for a PE teacher - playing underwater hockey.  During his second season, he was a sheriff, another appropriate counter role for a teacher.  In this third season, you will have to watch carefully for Mr. Williamson; his episode should be airing around Veteran’s Day.  I will give you one hint – the patience and humor Mr. Williamson exudes on a daily basis as a teacher was put to good practice when the artists were putting make up on him!

It’s these extras that contribute to Maryknoll being a great place for learning.  Nevertheless, this is just a small sampling of the talents and abilities of our Maryknoll faculty and staff.  All the members of our Maryknoll community are continuously working to enhance the education of the children.  So the next time you see some teachers or staff members, ask them what they’ve been up to; you will be pleasantly surprised by what you hear!

Gifts – we give them and receive them for birthdays, weddings, and special occasions.  We spend lots of money on them, oftentimes too much.  Frequently, though, we overlook the most obvious gifts, the ones we all possess and should share with others on a regular basis but might not feel comfortable doing so.  These are the gifts from God, the gifts of faith, healing, caring, listening, to name a few; the gifts that shape us, make us unique, and help us to help ourselves as well as others.

Sometimes, we need direction and guidance in how to discover our gifts.  Or we might need to be reminded that yes, we do indeed possess unique gifts.  Maryknoll students learned this lesson recently during this year’s first Faith Filled Friday.  Led by Life Team high school members, during each half hour session students listened to the Life Teamers testimony as well as reflected on their own gifts. Faith Filled Fridays occur on a monthly basis and are a key component of Maryknoll’s mission.

Recently, Maryknoll 6^th graders had their first experience with an organized, spiritual retreat at St. Stephen’s Diocesan Center.  The day, spent away from school, was a time for the students to learn more about their faith, their relationship with God and even about themselves.  The students participated in activities based on the theme Light of Christ, realizing that we all have a call to bring light wherever there is darkness as well as to work towards not dimming other people’s lights by our own actions.  The retreat itself was organized and led by a selected group of Maryknoll 9^th and 10^th graders.  Here are some reflections from both the retreat participants and the leaders:

This retreat…

            “inspired me to be nicer to people”

            “proved that God will always be there.  He’ll lead me out of darkness in to the
             light.”

            “helped me by showing me how others act based upon what I do.”

            “was a time when I actually felt God and His great presence.”

            “taught me that God will help me to help others.  He will also help me to help
            myself.  Every person needs help in life sometime.”

            “showed me that through out your life, there will always be someone to show you 
            the light of God.”

The 6^th graders are well on their way to internalizing the Maryknoll motto, Noblesse Oblige, which stems from a quote often said by Maryknoll’s foundress, Mother Mary Joseph:

           “As one lamp lights another, nor grows less,
            So nobleness enkindleth nobleness.”  (James Russell Lowell)

On Friday morning, September 7, Maryknoll second graders and their teachers, Charlene Lum, Milton Makishi, Carole Goldstein and Jeremy Ramos, continued a 15- year tradition by welcoming many grandparents to their school campus.  The day began in Sacred Heart Church with Father Toni Bobis blessing the grandparents and acknowledging the unique role grandparents play in the lives of all young people through the special love they give and the guidance they offer.  The morning then continued in the classrooms.  The children greeted their special guests, explained the history of Grandparents’ Day – Jimmy Carter announced the first National Grandparents’ Day in 1978 - and sang “That’s How We Show Our Thoughtfulness.”  The song was written by Theresa Haunani Bernardino to help teach children the importance of using polite Hawaiian words.  It is quite beautiful as it involves not only singing but also using hand motions that explain the words’ meanings.  After the presentation, the grandparents and their grandchildren worked together to create dinner placemats, which were then brought to the Hale Nani Care Home.  These placemats brightened the dinner table for many elderly at Hale Nani who did not have any visitors on Grandparents’ Day but were, nevertheless, remembered by Maryknoll students, showing we care about our kupuna.

While many children take the time to relax over the summer, Ariana Kitts, an 8th grader at Maryknoll School, decided to use hers differently. She took summer courses at Maryknoll in math and language arts and wrote an award-winning essay for the Presidential Inaugural Conference this January, 2013.  Because of her efforts, Ms. Kitts will have her picture taken with one of President Bush’s daughters at the conference in Washington, D.C.

When asked how this opportunity arose, Ari said it began two years ago when she attended the Junior National Youth Leaders Conference (JYNLC) in Washington, D.C. as the representative from Hawaii.  Mr. Kristopher Kern, Dean of Students at Maryknoll Grade School, recommended Ari for JYNLC.  Being selected to the program is a high honor as the JNYLC only accepts students who are mature, demonstrate academic achievement and possess leadership potential.  At the conference, Ari developed her leadership skills by studying past leaders and participating in case studies.  She also got in some sightseeing, which she really enjoyed.

Ari was invited back to attend this year’s Presidential Inaugural Conference as a result of her accomplishments at the JYNLC two years ago.  The essay Ari wrote was not required of the attendees; however, proving the leadership skills learned at JYNLC, Ari took the initiative, wrote and submitted her essay and won.  Now, Ari is headed to Washington, D. C. in January and will return with the honor of meeting the Bush family and a picture as a memento of her outstanding efforts.

Ari has attended Maryknoll School since kindergarten.  She has a younger brother, Noah, in 3rd grade at Maryknoll.  Her parents and brother are all very excited and proud of Ariana as are all of us at Maryknoll.  Congratulations, Ari!

Mahalo to all the Kindergarten families who were able to join us on Saturday, August 18th for the Parent Teacher Guild’s Kindergarten event! In order to help our keiki transition into the school environment and feel comfortable with their new classrooms and teachers, Kindergarten students were able to experience what their first day of school will be like. The students learned the daily student routine, brought in their backpacks and learned to store them in their personal cubbies, met their teachers and peers, participated in a craft activity and played on the playground! Our Kindergarten parents also had the chance to meet other parents and become more familiar with our Parent Teacher Guild. We hope that this event will make it a little easier to drop of your children on their first day of school this week! Welcome to Maryknoll grade school, a nurturing community where your students embark on the exciting adventure of learning. 

The First Day of School – August 21^st , 2012

•  “S- Special” Day Schedule (Tuesday)
• All students wear regular uniforms
• After School Care WILL NOT be available
• Sodexo will offer breakfast in the morning, snacks during the day, and no service after school.
• Drop off procedures are the same as all Regular Schedule days (Grades K, 1, 3, 5, and 7 on Wilder Driveway and Grades 2, 4, 6, and 8 on Dole Driveway).
• If you have a child who is scheduled to be picked up earlier than his or her sibling, please go to the designated area of the youngest child at the time outlined in the directions below. All siblings, regardless of age, will be released from their classrooms and should be waiting for you there.  

Why should our students study Mandarin? According to a report by Bloomberg last year, Mandarin Chinese is the most useful business language after English.  Spoken by approximately one-fifth of the world’s population, or about one billion people, Mandarin is also the basis of the standard Chinese language. Standard Chinese, also referred to as Standard Mandarin, is the official language of the People’s Republic of China and has more native speakers than any other language. Standard Chinese is also an official language of the United Nations as well as one of the four official languages of Singapore.

Mandarin is the language of the future and Maryknoll School has developed an innovative Mandarin language pathway program that begins in kindergarten and is available through grade twelve. The program immerses students in Mandarin language and culture studies at a young age, giving them the opportunity to master the language by the time they graduate from Maryknoll.

The Mandarin program at Maryknoll School also offers students the unique opportunity to put their language skills to use by participating in a Chinese exchange program at the high school level.

The study of any foreign language is a wonderful means of expanding our student’s cultural horizons and disciplining young minds. Graduates proficient in Mandarin Chinese are well-prepared for master-level classes in college and are in great demand in the job market, both in government entities and in the business world. Career paths for people with Chinese language skills can include: export and import industries, tourism, international finance, joint ventures, teaching, foreign affairs, defense, trade, social work, and law—to name a few!

In an effort to expand the Mandarin program, Maryknoll Grade School has hired Mrs. Lily Lu, who taught both at Maryknoll High School and St. Andrew’s Priory. Mrs. Lu earned a Master’s Degree in Chinese Art and has a multitude of experience in organizing and facilitating exchange programs in China. Mrs. Lu will be teaching grades K, 7 and 8 Mandarin language and culture as well as Asian Art to grades 7 and 8. Our other highly-qualifed Mandarin teachers include Mrs. Hsiao Chen, Mrs. Jennifer Tseu, and Mrs. Su-Hsiang McCraw . Please feel free to contact us  for more information about this amazing language program!

Maryknoll School

The grade school will be hosting the 2012 summer time:

Come browse and share. New families without outgrown uniforms yet are all welcome. No costs. Look for us in front of the main office.

If you are unable to come on Saturday, please consider sending in your child’s outgrown uniforms in beforehand to the grade school office. If you have any questions contact Naomi Saito, principal’s secretary, ph: 952-7112 or e-mail: naomi.saito@maryknollschool.org

Our first graders have been working hard on their language arts lessons, having recently read a book called “Ira Sleeps Over,” by Bernard Waber. The book addresses the insecurity and challenges that a child’s first sleep over presents. To culminate the lesson and give the students a chance to have a little fun, we had a sleep over at school! Students got to wear their pajamas to school and bring their favorite stuffed animals and sleeping bags along with them! They decorated pillow cases, played games and did math and writing activities that matched the sleep over theme.

Student Council Vice President, Aisha, Vice Principal Glenn Medeiros, and Student Council President, Denton, display a small sample of lei collected for Memorial Day.

Our Grade School participated in a drive for collecting lei for Memorial Day, a contribution to the "Sew a Lei for Memorial Day at Honolulu Hale," program hosted by the City and County of Honolulu to honor our veterans on Memorial Day. Every year, more than 50,000 fresh flower lei are needed to be placed on each veteran's grave marker at Punchbowl and other cemeteries on Oahu for Memorial Day ceremonies honoring our fallen heroes. Our Student Council President and Vice President collected hundreds of lei donated by parents and students on Friday, May 25th. The lei will be delivered to county officials for use in the Memorial Day ceremonies. Mahalo to all those who contributed to this effort to honor those who have fought, and continue to fight for our freedoms. Learn more about this City and County initiative here. 

Every year, our 8th graders spend time learning all about the Civil War. To bring their studies to life, our outstanding teachers coordinate a field trip to Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, where the students actually learn how to march in formation, just as the Union and Confederate soldiers did. To help our students gain a more in-depth perspective of life and times during the Civil War, volunteers from the Hawaii Civil War Roundtable Group join the students, dressed in historic Union and Confederate attire.

After visiting learning stations about field medicine, camp life and artillery launching (with water balloons!), the field trip culminated in a reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg in a lush, green field nestled in the back of Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden. Mahalo to Pastor Rick Watkins and Phil Lingenfelter from the Hawaii Civil War Roundtable Group. Check out more photos from the day on our Facebook Page! Also, take a look at video of the students marching in formation during morning assembly.

At this morning's Grade School assembly, our students sang a

Mother's Day song in Chinese!

天下的媽媽都是一樣的

Tian xia de mama duo shi yi yang de

(Moms Are the Same Everywhere)

天下的媽媽都是一樣的, 哦...　天下的媽媽都是一樣的

tian xia de mama dou shi yi yang de, (moms are the same everywhere)

oh… tian xia de mama dou shi yi yang de, (oh, moms are the same everywhere)

天下的媽媽都是一樣的　哦...　天下的媽媽都是一樣的

tian xia de mama dou shi yi yang de, (moms are the same everywhere)

oh… tian xia de mama dou shi yi yang de, (oh, moms are the same everywhere)

 不管風吹雨打,不管星期或例假

Bu guan feng chui yu da, bu guan xing qi huo li jia (Windy or rainy, weekends or holidays)

我的媽媽從來不放假,工作為了家

Wo de ma ma cong lai bu fang jia ,gong zuo wei le jia (mom never gets a break ‘cus she works for the family)

廚房是她的天下,獅子頭還有紅燒鴨

Chu fang shi ta de tian xia, shi zi tou hai you hong shao ya  (her world is in the kitchen, meatballs or roast ducks)

樣樣她都精通不會假,她是我媽媽

yang yang ta duo jing tong bu hui jia, ta shi wo mama (it’s so true mom knows how to make anything, she is my mom)

從小常常挨罵,那是因為我不聽話

Cong xiao chang chang ai ma, na shi yin wei wo bu ting hua (I didn’t listen, so I got lots scoldings)

不要以為這是種懲罰　她只要我長大

Bu yao yi wei zhe shi zhong cheng fa, ta zhi yao wo zhang da (but it wasn’t punishment ‘cus she only wanted me to grow)

媽媽我感謝妳　沒有把我跟大毛比

Ma ma wo gan xie ni, mei you ba wo gen da mao bi (mom I’m thankful ‘cus you didn’t compare me with others)

雖然我考試沒有得第一　她說只要你盡了力

Sui ran wo kao shi meiyou de di yi, ta shuo zhi yao jin li le (I wasn’ the best but you said as long as tried)

天下的媽媽都是一樣的, 哦...　天下的媽媽都是一樣的

tian xia de mama dou shi yi yang de, (moms are the same everywhere)

oh… tian xia de mama dou shi yi yang de, (oh, moms are the same everywhere)

天下的媽媽都是一樣的　哦...　天下的媽媽都是一樣的

tian xia de mama dou shi yi yang de, (moms are the same everywhere)

oh… tian xia de mama dou shi yi yang de, (oh, moms are the same everywhere)

不管太陽昇起　不管夕陽它又落西

Bu guan tai yang sheng qi, bu guan xi yang ta you luo xia  (sun rises, sun sets)

為了我們妳犧牲了自己　我永遠不會忘記

Wei le women ni xi sheng liao zi ji, wo yong yuan bu hui wang ji (for us you sacrificed, and I won’t ever forget)

將來有那麼一天　我把太陽高高昇起

Jiang lai you na me yi tian, wo ba tai yang gao gao sheng qi (one day, I’ll raise the sun so high up)

掛在妳永遠滿足的笑意裡　媽媽我愛妳

Gua zai ni yong yuan man zu de xiao yi li, ma ma wo ai ni (to let it shine through your forever happy smile. I love you mom.)

天下的媽媽都是一樣的, 哦...　天下的媽媽都是一樣的

tian xia de mama dou shi yi yang de, (moms are the same everywhere)

oh… tian xia de mama dou shi yi yang de, (oh, moms are the same everywhere)

天下的媽媽都是一樣的　哦...　天下的媽媽都是一樣的

tian xia de mama dou shi yi yang de, (moms are the same everywhere)

oh… tian xia de mama dou shi yi yang de, (oh, moms are the same everywhere)

啦。。。la la la……

We are pleased to have such talented writers here at Maryknoll School. Mr. Chang's sixth grade class participated in the BIC "Quality Comes in Writing" Essay Contest.

One student, Chord Medeiros, was one of five national first place winners, and received a $500 cash prize! Because of Chord's winning essay, Mr. Chang's class won a $100 American Express gift card. 

The students were asked two questions:

1. If you had to introduce yourself to a classroom of total strangers, how would you describe yourself? In other words, what makes you “you”?

2. If you could have any talent, what would it be—and why?

Judges scored essays based on originality (60%); spelling and grammar (20%); and adherence to contest Official Rules (20%) in selecting winning entries.

Pictured above: Mr. Chang, Tammy, Chord, and Glenn Medeiros

A 5th grade team placed as a finalist in the Olelo Youth Xchange video competition. "The Litterbugs" was created by Tristen Yagyagan, Danton Nitta, Kelcie Albano, Rudy Gaylord-Benigno, Ryugen Kobayashi, Ian Chin . The students will were honored at an awards ceremony at the Ihilani Resort on April 27!
 

There will be a College Savings Plan Seminar on May 15th at the St. Philomena Learning Ceter at 5:30 p.m. . For reservations, go to rsvp@spelc-hawaii.com

We look forward to welcoming parents and guests to May Day in the Clarence T.C. Ching Gymnasium!

 High School May Day
“He Lei Poina’ole: An Unforgettable Lei”
Friday, April 27
Parking: Grade School blacktop only

 One show only at 10:50 am
Parking opens at 10:20 am
Please clear the parking area by 12:45 pm

 *******

 Grade School May Day
“Mele Ailana: Song of the Islands”
Friday, May 4
Entry to gym for ticket holders only
Parking: Grade School blacktop or MCC garage

 Show #1 at 9:00 am
Parking opens at 8:30 am
Please clear the parking area by 10:45 am

 Show #2 at 11:30 am
Parking opens at 11:00 am
Please clear the parking area by 1:10 pm

• To park on the blacktop, please enter the driveway from Alexander Street, makai-bound lane only. There is no left turn into the driveway from the mauka-bound lane on Alexander.
  
  There will be no entry to the blacktop parking areas directly from Dole Street or via Halekula Way.

• Please obey instructions from parking attendants and/or sheriffs. Cars will be asked to move if blocking traffic on Alexander before parking opens for each show.
• If the lot is full, please find legal street parking. Please do not block or use parking belonging to homes or condos in the area.
• We highly encourage you to get dropped off on May Day! Passengers can be dropped off in the driveway next to the MCC; drivers can exit onto Dole Street at the fire lane.
• For more information about May Day parking, please call:
  
  High School        952-7213
  Grade School      952-7112

Aloha, Maryknoll Spartan Community Participants:

Some of your schoolmates and teachers are participating in the Honolulu 5K or 1 Mile Run on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at the grounds of the Frank Fasi Civic Center. The 5K race starts at 6:30am and the 1 miler follows shortly after at 6:45 am. We are asking for your support as our school will receive a donation based upon our participation in the event.  The event will help to support our school’s physical education and recess equipment program.  Your entry fee will be distributed back to our school by designating our school on the registration form.  

We encourage you and your family to join us and participate together. You may chose between a bib chip timed 5K race or an untimed 1 mile run/walk through Downtown Honolulu. Join this event by going online to www.honolulu5k.org and designating our school on the online form.  

Online registration is only $20.00/person plus a minimal online processing fee of id="mce_marker".50/person. Online registration closes on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at MIDNIGHT. After these dates late registration will be accepted at packet pick up for a fee of $35.00/person. Please be sure to sign up ASAP and designate our school on your entry form!  

Please pick up your race packet and t-shirts on April 27th or 28th at the locations and times shown below.

Friday, April 27^th 10:00pm – 7:00pm Sports Authority – Waikele Shopping Center

Saturday, April 28th 10:00pm – 5:00pm Sports Authority – Ward Gateway Center 

For more information on the event, go to www.honolulu5k.org – the official website.

See You At The Starting Line,

The Maryknoll PE Department

On April 20, Mr. Makishi’s second grade class visited the State Capital to learn more about government, bringing to life their social studies lessons and giving them the opportunity to meet State Representatives of Hawaii. The twenty-five second graders gave the invocation to start the legislative session, sang Hawaii Ponoi, and were recognized by the House of Representatives on the gallery floor. Having recently read a textbook titled “Out and About at City Hall,” the students have been studying theconcepts of local government, state government, and federal government. Mahalo to Rep. Yamane’s office for coordinating the visit and giving our students insight into how our government works. 

Dear Parents and Guardians of Maryknoll School Choir,

We had a great time at the Kekumano Scholarship Dinner. Kids sang beautifully!

We are also wrapping up a fun semester. 

Activity:  End of the year sharing

Date:  Monday, April 30, 2012.

Time:  3:00 – 3:45 pm 

Place:  Alumni Room (2nd floor of MCC)

Parking:  please enter through Halekula after 2:50 pm. Someone will be there to assist you.

Note:  if you are unable to attend, please pick-up your child at 3:45 pm – Dole Street Driveway.

This will be our last official function for the year. We hope you will be able to join us. 

Select choir will continue until last school Mass, meeting on Mondays.

We are pleased to announce that Maryknoll School has been named one of Hawaii's Best Places to Work for a second year in a row. The application process involves surveying every single employee about the benefits of their work place and winners are selected based on data gathered from employee surveys. Maryknoll School was honored at the awards dinner on Friday, March 30th at the Sheraton Waikiki. We are fortunate to have a community of happy teachers who take pride in their work as professional educators and enjoy serving our community and keiki!Happy Teachers = Happy Students! Look for more information and the full list of awardees in the April issue of Hawaii Business Magazine.

Pictured below: Director of Alumni, Blaine Gier, and faculty member and alumni Mr. James Wong '65 with his wife, Fanny.

Aloha Parents and Guardians,

April 5, 2012 will be Holy Thursday. On that day, a half-day schedule will be followed. If you have a child who is scheduled to be picked up earlier than another on April 5th, the teacher of that older student will allow him or her to get picked up with the younger child at the same place and time scheduled below. After School Care will not be available that day.

If you have any questions regarding the directions provided to you in this Maryknoll News Blast, please feel free to contact me at glenn.medeiros@maryknollschool.org.

On behalf of everyone here at Maryknoll School, have a wonderful Easter!

Glenn Medeiros

Vice Principal

Maryknoll School – Grade School Division

glenn.medeiros@maryknollschool.org

808-952-7111

Holy Thursday Schedule – April 5^th

“Special” Day Schedule (Thursday)

“Discover Hawaii” is the thematic unit for this year’s 4^th graders at Maryknoll. As part of their science class, they have been learning about the ancient ahupua’a system of land division and the watersheds and wetlands of the islands. Students have learned how human impact has negatively affected the environment, but how community groups and government agencies are working to restore the land and the sea back to their natural states. They have even learned the importance of recycling – using harvested alien algae from our bays for composting native plant for restoration. The culmination of this unit will be a public presentation with students hosting a display of their studies. Come and see their work and the displays from other schools. Learn how YOU can help.

          What:         Service Learning Showcase on the Mall

          When:        Saturday, March 31, 2012   10:00 am to 2:00pm

          Where:       Windward Mall

          Who:          Private & Public Schools – 60 exhibits

Below, students prepare their displays for the March 31 exhibition at Windward Mall!

The Honolulu Police Department visited Maryknoll School in February to present to kindergarten and second-grade classes the importance of safety. Officers created ID cards for all the students by taking their fingerprints and pictures. Two Honolulu Police Department vehicles accompanied the officers on campus, offering our students the opportunity to tour the vehicles and meet police dogs. Mahalo to HPD for visiting Maryknoll and for keeping our keiki and community safe!

Our students once again scored high in the 2011 Nene Book Award contest, a statewide reading competition for 4th, 5th and 6th graders, with 23 students capturing 12 of the awards. Students will be honored at a ceremony with the author on April 12, 2012. Maryknoll congratulates the winners, as well as ALL students who took the challenge to participate in the Nene.

Pictured above: First Place Nene Winners

Creating an essay, a poster, or a digital media presentation of the award book, NERDS, by Michael Buckley, the winners are:

Essay:      Allyson Pang, 6th Grade Winner, Interpretive
                Cady-Bree Abe, 6th Grade Honorable Mention, Interpretive
                Kira Ricci, 6th Grade Honorable Mention, Persuasive

Poster:    Rachel Nakasone, 6th Grade Honorable Mention
                Kapri Tulang-DeSilva, 6th Grade Honorable Mention
                Chelsea Michel, 6th Grade Honorable Mention

Digital:    Jacob Roose, Rudy Gaylord-Benigno, Ryugen Kobayashi
                5th Grade Winner (Team), Interpretive
                Ashley Sim, Krystn Adachi, Ian Chin
                 5th Grade Honorable Mention (Team), Interpretive
                Colby Rhinelander, Winston Ako, August Chang-Stroman
                5th Grade Honorable Mention (Team), Interpretive
                Paris Oliveira, Kyra Pila, Bianca Atienza
                5th Grade Winner (Team), Persuasive
                Doulton Chinen, Cole Caberto, Nicholas Ashimine
                5th Grade Honorable Mention (Team), Persuasive
                Brayden Bella, Bryce Otsuka
                5th Grade Honorable Mention (Team), Persuasive

Pictured above: 5th Grade Honorable Mentions

Pictured above: 6th Grade Honorable Mentions

• Teacher Professional Development Days: Mon - Tues, August 13 - 14, 2012
• Teacher Work Days: Wed - Thurs, August 15 - 16, 2012
• HOLIDAY, Admissions Day: Fri, August 17, 2012
• First Day of School for Gr. 1 - 8, noon dismissal: Tues, August 21, 2012

NOTE: The Kindergarten ONLY will have a special schedule for the first two days. Half of each classroom will start either on Tues, Aug 21 OR Wed, Aug 22. Early dismissal is planned on both days for Kindergarteners. We will be notifing parents by mail of their start date.

• HOLIDAY, Labor Day: Mon, Sept 3, 2012
• HOLIDAY, Discoverers' Day: Mon, Oct 8, 2012
• HOLIDAY, Veterans' Day: Mon, Nov 12, 2012
• HOLIDAY, Thanksgiving Break: Thurs - Fri, November 22 - 23, 2012
• Noon dismissal: Wed, December 19, 2012
• NO SCHOOL, Christmas Vacation: Thurs, December 20, 2012 - Wed, January 2, 2013
• HOLIDAY, Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Mon, Jan 21, 2013

• HOLIDAY, Presidents’ Day: Mon, Feb 18, 2013

• HOLIDAY, Kuhio Day: Tues, March 26, 2013
• Holy Thursday, noon dismissal: Thurs, March 28, 2013
• HOLIDAY, Good Friday: Fri, March 29, 2013
• HOLIDAY, Easter Monday: Mon, April 1, 2013
• NO SCHOOL, Easter Break: Mon - Fri, April 1 – 5, 2013
• HOLIDAY, Memorial Day: Mon, May 27, 2013
• Last Day of School for Gr. 8 ONLY, noon dismissal: Tues, June 4, 2013
• Last Day of School for Gr. K - 7, noon dismissal: Wed, June 5, 2013
• High School Graduation Ceremony: Fri, June 7, 2013

First Grade's Interpretation: What does a 100 year old look like?

On February 6, the first graders at Maryknoll School celebrated their 100th Day of School.  Four classes took a peek into what it would be like to be one hundred years old.  The activities of the day included the integration of math, social studies, language arts and creative thinking in everything from food to fun.  These 21st Century Learners managed to interweave anything '100' with all facets of academia.  In this picture, they are one hundred days wiser, one hundred days older and one hundred times the treasure.  First grade is fun, on day one hundred and beyond!

Maryknoll School will again participate in Foodland’s Shop for Higher Education that runs for a six week period from February 8 – March 20, 2012.  This program will award (100) $2,000 college scholarships to deserving high school seniors across the state.  The more points earned, the more scholarships schools can receive depending on how they rank compared to other schools.

We truly appreciate your support in designating Maryknoll as your favorite school to help earn Maika’i points for yourself and the school!  More details can be found about this program on the Foodland website, http://sfhe.foodland.com/general_info.php

On Monday, January 23^rd, Maryknoll School celebrated the Chinese New Year, universally known to be the most important traditional Chinese holiday. Lion dancers and drummers paraded in and out of classrooms across campus, exciting teachers and students alike. According to Chinese tradition, it is believed that the loud beats of the drum and the deafening sounds of the cymbals together with the face of the lion dancing aggressively can evict bad or evil spirits. Chinese dancers also performed at the high school and various arts and crafts projects taught students about the upcoming ‘Year of the Dragon.’ Kung hee fat choy from Maryknoll School!

Maryknoll Grade School art students were challenged last week to construct buildings using challenging building materials such as paper, straws, and tape. Students learned about the basics of architecture and the importance of building a strong foundation.

Calling all runners, joggers and walkers! Please help support the Maryknoll Grade School Physical Education program by participating in the Hawaii 5210, Let's Go Keiki Run," a healthy fundraising opportunity on Saturday, February 18th 2012 at 8 a.m. The Let's Go Keiki Run is a 1.5 mile flat course starting and ending at the Great Aloha Run Expo at the Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall. Make the healthy choice for your family and your school and celebrate the joys of being physically active. Online registration is $20 and the deadline to register is January 31st. Top schools with the largest number of participants will be acknowledged and 80-100% of the proceeds will go back to the participating schools. For more information, visit the Great Aloha Run website.