May Family Focus 2013 - Waikele Elementary School

Waikele Family Focus
Parent-Community Networking Center (PCNC) Waikele Elementary School
Vol. 12 No. 9 94-1035 Kukula St.
May 2013 Waipahu, HI 96797
Phone: 677-6100
Website:
http://www.waikele.k12.hi.us
“Together We Aim Higher”
Principal Message
The school year is quickly winding down with four weeks remaining. There is so much to be thankful for. Our
students have accomplished and shown much progress meeting learning goals and demonstrating the general
learner outcomes. Our outstanding staff provided learning opportunities such as: afterschool stem camp, art
academy, opera, learning trips, grade level projects/activities, robotics, intramural basketball, tutoring, and
homework center to name a few. At this time Waikele Elementary would like to recognize all of YOU for your
continued support and partnership this year. Thank you!
This message is dedicated to all of the graduating sixth graders. I am very proud of you and know that all of
you will live your dreams. Go for it! Your educational journey will continue for the next 6 years and beyond, as
each of you will be moving on to various schools pursuing your goals. I wish you continued success.
Students, I want all of you to hold on to the memories, friendships, experiences, and fun times you had here at
Waikele Elementary School. Always remember where you came from and remember your Waikele Pride.
Believe in yourself, Take Care of Each Other, and Take Care of This Place.
Waikele Ohana, we had a great year filled with many learning experiences. I would like to extend my sincere
appreciation to the dedicated faculty and staff serving our outstanding school community. Parents and friends,
thank you very much for your on-going support.
To all the students, have a safe and fun summer. Keep on reading! See you on August 5, 2013.
Aloha,
Sheldon Oshio
Wed, May 1 - Gr. 3 & 4 HSA – Math
Thu, May 2 to - Gr. 5 & 6 HSA – Math
Fri, May 3
May 2013 Calendar
Tue, May 7 - Gr. 4 HSA – Science
- LET, Gr. 2 (Cambra/Tanita) – Manoa Heritage Center
Wed, May 8 - Gr. 4 HSA - Science
- Learning Celebrations, Odd Level Grades - 5:30p – 7p
Thu, May 9 - LET, Gr. 2 (Chang/Souza) – Manoa Heritage Center
Fri, May 10 - LET, Gr. 4 – Polynesian Cultural Center, 10:30a – 10:30p
Wed, May 15 - Learning Celebrations, Even Level Grades, 5:30p – 7p
Fri, May 17 - Opera Night Performance – 6p – 6:30p and 7p – 7:30p, Hale Hanai
Tue, May 21 - PreSchool Graduation – 9a, Hale Hanai
- LET, Gr. 6 – Banquet, Dave & Busters
Wed, May 22 - FULL DAY SCHEDULE – SCHOOL ENDS 2:05P
Thu, May 23 - Gr. 6 Graduation – 5:30p – 6:30p, Hale Hanai
Fri, May 24 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL – SCHOOL ENDS 12:35P
- Report Cards Go Home
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE 6 TH GRADE STUDENTS OF
WAIKELE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!!
Thank you to Mr. Higuchi, Mr. Larger and Ms. Tanigawa for preparing your students for
Intermediate School and their future endeavor!
HAVE A SAFE, HAPPY and MEMORABLE SUMMER VACATION!

SEE YOU BACK ON MONDAY, AUGUST 5!
The Waikele Family Focus is a monthly publication of the Waikele Elementary School Parent-Community
Networking Center (PCNC). Submit articles to Kiana Moore, PCNC Facilitator (677-6100), email:
Kiana_Moore@notes.k12.hi.us, or leave in the PCNC mailbox in Hale Ho’oulu (Admin. Bldg.). Deadline for
submitting is five (5) days before the end of the month.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
**FROM THE OFFICE CORNER**
677-6100
7:30am-4:00am
Kindergarten Registration
If your child was born anytime from January 1, 2008 –
December 31, 2008, he/she may now register for
Kindergarten and Jr. Kindergarten for this coming
school year, 2013-2014.
Requirements for registration to Waikele ES Elementary
School:
1) Must be living in the Waikele District
2) Provide proof of residency:
Utility bill, i.e. Electric – bring in bottom
portion of bill with your name and address,
Telephone Landline, Cable, Water, or
Lease/Rental Agreement
3) Original Birth Certificate
4) F14 Medical Form – we will provide you with
the form to take to your doctor
Registration will be taken between 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.,
Monday - Friday at the Front Office.
All Lunch Loans Must Be Paid By
The Last Day Of School - May 24, 2013
All efforts will be made through notices or
phone calls regarding your child’s loan
We encourage you to contact the office
regarding your balance as we get closer to
the ending of the school year
On May 24, 2013, if your child has a lunch
loan, we will be contacting you to come to
the school to clear his/her balance by
9:00am
· If you are leaving Waikele Elementary at the
ending of the school year and have not
contacted the office, please call as soon as
possible
· Reminder to parents of students leaving
Waikele: please pick up your child’s release
packet on May 24, 2013 (all outstanding debts
must be cleared-lunch loans, lost books,
fundraiser monies, etc.)
· If your child is returning in the fall, his/her
lunch money will roll-over to the next school
year 2013-2014
Students Leaving Waikele
If your child will not be returning to Waikele
Elementary School next school year or if your child
is in the 6 th grade and will not be attending Waipahu
Intermediate, please notify the front office as soon
as possible. You will need to get a release packet
on the last day of school and take it to your next
school in order to register your child for the
following year. If you have any questions, please
call us at 677-6100.
Lunch Loans
Please remember that all lunch loans must be paid
the following school day. The State School Food
Service has a policy of a maximum of five (5) lunch
loans. The student must then provide lunch money
to cover the loan and additional monies if he/she
chooses to purchase additional meals. If money
cannot be sent, please provide your child with a
home lunch. Free and reduced lunch applications
are available in the office. These applications may
be submitted at any time, and as many times as
necessary during the school year. You may call us
at 677-6100 between 7:30am – 4:00pm to inquire
about your child’s balance.
Please Note – LAST DAY for Homework Center
Friday, May 10
Does your child need help with
homework?
He/She is welcome to come to the…
Homework Center
for
All Waikele Elementary Students (K-6)
who need to finish or need assistance
with their homework
YOU CAN WORK ON KID BIZ ARTICLES &
VANTAGE WRITING TOO!
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, Friday
Time: 7:00-7:45 am
Where: Hale Kukui (NEW LOCATION)
Tutors: Waikele Elementary Teachers
IMPORTANT!
Electronic Cigarettes are now a part of our school’s
contraband list and any student in violation of this
offense is subject to the disciplinary actions of HAR
Chapter 19.

Donna Oyadomari – Christmas decorations
Darin Villeza – 2-hole puncher
John Czerwinski – Tennis balls
Mary Higa – Playdoh, Straws
Alicia Arndt – Magazines
Wynee Ferry – File folders
Ronald McDonald Inspires Students
Students from grades PreK – 2 were taken by
Ronald McDonald’s school show, “Giving Back
with Ronald McDonald”, coordinated by our
PCNC. It was a fun-filled educational program
inspiring children to give back to the community
and how to help others. Thank you to for Zan
Timtim/Ronald McDonald Program Coord. and
of course, Hawaii’s own Ronald McDonald.
Spring Book Fair
Thank you to everyone who supported our last
PCNC book fair of this school year. Swarms of
students came in during their recess time and after
school with their moms, dads, aunties, uncles,
grandmas and/or grandpas. Thank you to our
volunteers – Yuri Keaunui, Tyler Keaunui, Lisa
Smith, and Sasha Moore - whom without their
help, this book fair would not have been as
successful. Thank you also to the staff members
who helped set up and break down the book fair.
Profits from this book fair will go to Hale Kukui.
Mahalo to Grade 4 Students
Our school military partner, the Naval Submarine
Support Command (NSSC) of Pearl Harbor, was
very excited to receive appreciation gifts put
together by our 4 th grade classes. The students
hand-decorated 75 bags and filled them with edible
goodies. Thank you to Oscar Avalos/School
Liaison and his partner for picking up the gift bags
and distributing them to his team. We’ll be seeing a
lot more of our military partners during the next
school year, as we continue to support each other.
No Summer Program
Waikele Elementary will not be offering a Summer
Intersession Program this year.
Staff Parking Lot
Please do not use the staff parking lot to drop-off or pick-up your
child from school. There is no adult supervision for this area and
therefore no one is watching out for student safety. Also, by using
this lot, you are denying our faculty and staff access to their
designated parking area.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Act
Students eligible for McKinney-Vento Homeless Act services
between October 1, 2005 and June 26, 2008 have the right to request
to be transferred to a school previously attended during that period of
time, if feasible.
Extra!! Extra!!
Waikele Teachers/Staff Wish List
The Teachers and Staff of Waikele Elementary will
submit, as needed, a list of item(s) they would like to
have “extra” for their classrooms, school projects, or
work areas. They may also be used for other necessities
for our school.
Parents and friends are our most valuable resource for
our needs. Please help fulfill their wishes by looking
and asking around, both at home and at work. Used
items are always welcome, as long as they are useable.
If you can help, please turn the item(s) in to the Parent-
Community Networking Center (PCNC) Room, Admin.
Ofc., or call PCNC Facilitator, Kiana Moore at 677-
6100.
On behalf of the Teachers and Staff,
Mahalo Nui Loa for your support!!
Cooking Measuring Cups
Can Opener
Paper for painting – i.e. blueprint paper, large sized
thicker paper
2-cup Glass Measuring Cup
Boys & Girls Shorts – Sizes 8-10, 10-12, 12-14
Sharpie Pens – black, red, and/or blue
Tape – Scotch, Masking, Clear Packing, Painter’s
Extra Large Microwave
Construction Paper – 12”x18”, black, white, yellow,
green, red
Cardstock – 8 ½”x11”, colored and white
Bike Helmets
Basketball Hoop w/Adj. Height – Preschool size
Art Supplies
AA – D Batteries
Sprinkler Heads - 3
Area Floor Rug – 11’x15’ approx.
Oven – Working
Glue
Expo Pens – Fine point, any colors
Plastic Sheet Protectors
Tempera Paint – Red, Yellow, Blue
Masking Tape
Indoor Potted Plants – Variety, All Sizes
3M Command Medium Wall Hooks
Magnet 1” Tape
Glitter – Any Colors

Computer Headphones
Colored Legal Sized Paper
Copy Paper – Letter size – White & Colored
Plastic 3-prong Folders
Full-size Refrigerator
Title Holders Read To Our Students
For four days, some of our students from grades
Pre-K, K, 2 and 5, had the opportunity to be read to
by 2012/2013 Title Holders. Thank you to Mike
Casciato/Title Holder Event Coordinator, for his
eagerness in bringing these women to our school to
share their passion of reading to children.
Much mahalos to Keikilani Ho (Mrs. East Oahu) ,
Shannon Dresser (Miss West Oahu), HaLisa
Sowash (Mrs. Hickam), Angela Nand (Miss
Hawaii Collegiate), Danielle Brandon (Mrs.
Central Oahu), Sheri Taflinger (Mrs. Hawaii
International), Cheryl Castro (Mrs. Hawaii
Filipina), Ashlee Kozuma (Miss Teen United
States), and Brianna Acosta (Miss Hawaii USA).
Keikilani Ho reading to Gr. 2 Angela Nand signing pictures for PreS
Brianna Acosta giving pinwheels to grK Ashlee Kozuma greeting Gr. 5
Local Author/DJ Reads to Gr. 1
Thank you to Ms. Sekiya for inviting local author
and Hawaii DJ, Shannon Scott, to share and read
his new book, “Maka the Magic Music Maker” to
our 1st grade students. Shannon interacted with the
children as he shared his passion for reading and
writing.
If assistance is needed in understanding this document by having it
read/translated in another language, please call the school ofc, 677-6100.
Ilokano
No kasapulan yo iti tulong nga mangbasa/mangipataros ti daytoy a dokomento
iti pagsasao nga Ilokano, pangnga-asi yo ta awaganyo iti opisina ti eskuwela,
677-6100.
Tagalog
Kung kailangan ninyo ng tulong na basahin/intindihin ang dokomentong ito sa
Tagalog, ipinakikiusap na tawagan ang opisina ng eskuwelahan, 677-6100.
Marshallese
Elane kwoj aikujin mele kin nan kein ilo pepa in ilo kajin eo am, call e tok
office es ilo, 677-6100.
Samoan
Afai e mana'omia se fesoasoani mo se fa'apupulaga o lenei fa'asilasilaga pe a
faitauina, fa'a molemole valaau le aoga, 677-6100.
Waikele ES Represents Waipahu HS
Thank you to our Waikele Warriors: Amanda Lee,
Aysia Ramos, Brandie Tanji, Deena Lauser,
Dominick Deuz, Marianne Carvalho, Paige
Fernandez, PJ Castaneda, Shyla Tigilau and
Taylor Fukunaga, who represented Waikele
Elementary at the Waipahu High School’s 75 th
Anniversary Celebration. They did an amazing job
performing a hip-hop dance routine choreographed
by our fantastic and talented A+ Leaders Ms.
Shawna, Mr. Joey, and Ms. Jolena. They rocked
the house and represented us well!
Our Waikele Warriors performing their hip-hop dance routine in
front of crowds of Waiphau High students, alumnis, and other student
representatives from the Waipahu Complex schools.
Waikele Warriors
Have You Ever Been to a Parade
in Honolulu?
This year is the 97 th Annual King Kamehameha
Floral Parade. It is a tradition in our culture to
honor King Kamehameha for uniting the islands of
Hawaii. This year’s parade theme is, Na Pouhana,
in honor of the late Senator Daniel Inouye, and
also honoring Senator Daniel Akaka.
After many years of dedication and helping to
perpetuate this tradition, Mrs. Gloria Awakuni
(Substitute Teacher at Waikele) has been chosen to
represent the islands as Pa’u Queen. Mrs. Awakuni
gives her MAHALO to the Waikele Community for
their kokua and support in donating flowers and
foliage for the horses’ leis.
The parade starts at 9:00 a.m. at the Iolani Palace
on Saturday, June 8, 2013, goes thru Ala Moana
Blvd., to Kalakaua Ave., and ends at Kapiolani
Park.

Join us in celebrating the representation of all the
islands, on Pa’u (equestrian), the beautiful floats,
the marching bands, and most of all, the Aloha of
our Island Ohanas.
Gr. K Gives to Hawaii Foodbank
The kindergarten students wanted to help those in
need, so they decided to collect canned goods and
money for the Hawaii Foodbank. This idea came
about after studying about what living things need
to survive. The kindergarteners were sad to learn
that some people don’t have enough money to get
what they need.
On Wednesday, April 24, 2013, the kindergarten
classes presented a check of $137. and many boxes
of canned goods to Hawaii Foodbank manager,
Kim Bartenstein. The kindergarteners were so
proud to see how much they collected and that they
are helping to take care of others. Great job and
many thanks to the kindergarten students and
families for helping to donate money and food!
Thank you to the following Ohanas:
Aga, Agmata, Akemoto, Alcos, Ancheta, Augustin,
Barsatan, Bautista, Baysa, Berck, Casaus, Chang,
Chiang, Chong, Chun, Dela-Cruz Delaney, Felix,
Fujioka, Gallarde, Gambino, Garcia, Gilman, Jones,
Juarez, Judah, Kaaukai, Kindred, Lam, Lance, Liao,
Manu, Pascua, Quodala, Ray, Rita, Rogers, Roller,
Sabido, Sagadraca, Schuneman, Seumanu,
Tanita, Taylor, Valdez-Concepcion, Waikiki,
Walker, Ziezulewicz
Thank you to the following individuals:
Jake Tungpalan, Maggie Latak, Clarizel Andres,
Joseph Oshita, Madden Aquino, Andrew Delos
Santos, Angelika Aquino, Izabelle Lamas-Garcia,
Maria Miske, Mimi Ocon, Lathan Guzman, Rayah
Arcalas, Benny Edwards, Bill Edward, Dalen
Calistro, Madden Le, Jacqueline Kwong, T.J.
Julaton, Kalum Pascua, Ridge Peralta, Lana Anoc,
Jerimias Garcia-Mamea, Mylee Herrera, Gabriella
Agmata, Allison Agor, Aeden Bucasas, Josiah
Galanto, Carmela Gustilo, Micah Ing, Haylee
Kanamu, Meadow Kirley, Erin Lam, Maximilian
Lambert, Victoria McKnight, Matthew Oamil, and
Lauren Tabios.
Ms. Amby’s Class Ms. Kamei’s Class
Kim Bartenstein
with students
(Ms. Shinagawa’s
Class picture
missing)
Ms. Cheung’s Class Ms. Kramer’s Class
Visitor Information for
Campus Lock Downs
In an emergency lock down situation, the office will have a
large sign stating so on the front door. Please leave campus
immediately. We want to ensure the safety of all those around.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Notice and Request for Accommodations
If you are an individual with a disability, please contact our
administration, Ms. Kailiawa or Mr. Oshio at 677-6100 to
make arrangements for accessibility to any school event at
least 10 working days prior to the event. Reasonable efforts
will be made to accommodate your request.
Have You Ever Wanted to be a
Fire Fighter or Police Officer?
Grade 1 students have been studying community
workers and thanks to Ms. Nakamoto, she was able
to invite HFD Firefighter Dave Yoshida and HPD
Officer Greg Kinoshita. The officers talked about
their duties as a firefighter and police officer. The
children were very excited as they heard their
stories, and had their questions answered.
Waikele Warriors “Amazing Learners”
CONGRATULATIONS! Waikele’s robotics team -
“The Amazing Learners”, as they took 2 nd Place at
the 2013 Lawrence Technological University - 6 th
Annual Hawai’i Robofest Regional Tournament on
April 27, 2013. The tournament took place at the
University of Hawai’i West O’ahu campus, and the
looks on the faces of our four engineers were
priceless, as they were completely overjoyed
hearing their team name announced. Totally
awesome! Ms. Nuha and Ms. Funasaki were cocoaches,
supported by Mr. Wong who advised
them through the process all the way. There were
31 teams total who participated and competed in the
competitive exhibition division. Ms. Nuha did a
great job with the students.
Kaeo Agpalsa
Tyler Fernandez
Riki Nishizawa
Jensen Garcia
and Ms. Nuha

Waikele Warrior Basketball Team Rocks!
Congratulations to our girls and boys basketball
team! The team represented Waikele well, on and
off the court. On the court, the team was noted to
be the Top Team in the Waipahu Complex. The
boys finished with 6 solid wins!! The girls’ team
fought hard every game and ended the season with
2 wins and 4 losses. ALL the kids played
amazingly!! The coaches Ms. Tompkison, Ms.
Alverio, and Mr. Chun did an awesome job
preparing the kids. We’d like to thank all the
teachers, staff and parents who came out to support
the players the last few weeks as they played hard
and represented our school. Go Team Waikele!
Girls’ Team:
Cassandra Lance
Lindsey Millerd
Nia Irvin
Tyra Balmilero-Moore
Channah Garcia
Haley Chibana
Mia DePonte
Princess Pohahau
Faith Borges
Triana Laanui
Erica Baysa
Boys’ Team:
Cameron Ray Cameron Sua Ka’ua Nishigaya
Koali Nishigaya Philip Dolar, Jr. Seth Garcia
Trey Katena Jensen Garcia Kayle Aceret
Nazareth Pasion Nicholas Colina AJ Alverio
Jared Casem Justin Albayaldo Kyle Kaneshiro
Shaun Robinson Jeff Escano Majnoon Samuel
Treson Makabe Jensen Kealoha
Waipahu Intermediate Students and Staff
Speak to 6 th Graders
Vanessa Vidad, alumni of Waikele Elementary,
alongside another student alumni from August
Ahrens El., Waipahu Intermediate Vice Principal
Lisa Ynigues, and another staff member, visited
our school last month to speak to our 6 th graders
about what to look forward to in Waipahu
Intermediate. They answered questions, talked
about the different subjects and clubs; one in
particular called, “Rachel’s Challenge” which is
about pro-kindness, pro-compassion, anti-bullying,
and anti-harassment and builds on our Positive
Behavior Support. They invite everyone to
Accept the Challenge!
Art Academy 2013
Congratulations to all the students for their fine art
work and displays, along with their wonderful
performances. We have such talented students and
teachers! Thank you to all the families who came
out to the courtyard and Hale Kukui to support all
the students, as well as their own. Thank you to
Ms. Kaneshiro for coordinating this Academy.
CPR/AED Refresher Course for WES Staff
Our teachers and staff had a valuable refresher
course in CPR/AED, thanks to PCNC for inviting
the volunteer members of the AED Institute /
American Heart Assoc./Hawaii Heart Foundation.
A heartfelt thanks to Jennifer Suzuki, Chelsea
Loui, Sharon Maekawa, Robin Fujiyama, and
Garrett Ogawa for demonstrating and teaching the
technique of only chest compressing to the beat of
“Stayin’ Alive”. They also taught us how to use the
Automated External Defibrillator (AED), 2 of
which we have on campus.

Teachers vs. Students Basketball Game
Where: Waikele Basketball Court
When: Friday, May 3
Time: Girls Team game – 2:30p – 2:50p
Boys Team game – 3:00p – 3:30p
SUPPORT OUR TEAMS and HAVE FUN!!
HPD Teaches Students about
Internet Safety and Cyber Bully
During April 22 - 25, HPD Officers Chuck Santos,
Pua Conte, and Kevin Ancog spent their mornings
visiting every classroom from grades K – 6. They
were able to speak to the students on how to use the
internet safely and the consequences of cyber
bullying. They also spoke of how to be SAFE in
general and answered their many questions about
being a police officer. Thank you to PCNC for
bringing these awesome officers of the Pearl City
Police Station to our school.
Waikele Alumni Crowned at the Miss
Hawaii United States Pageant
Congratulations to our 2012 alumni student,
Chevelle Benitz; she was crowned as Miss Hawaii
Princess at Leeward Community College on Feb. 23
alongside 6 other queens. The seventh crown was a
special category not only for someone with
disabilities, but because Chevelle “touched the
hearts of pageant officials with her dream to
become a princess”, according to Wendy Lea
Talaroc. Chevelle has spastic quadriparesis,
dystonia, hypertonia and acquired thoracolumbar
kyphosis. Waikele is so proud of our Princess!
Vermicast Harvesting with Grade 2
What is Vermicast? According to “wikiHow to do
anything” website, Vermicast is an organic/natural
fertilizer that is created by using composting
earthworms. These earthworms are placed in a
container which is filled with compost. The worms
make their way through the food and excrete what
we call vermicast. Vermicast enriches the soil and
helps to ensure that plants receive all the nutrients
they need to grow successfully. Vermicast renews
the soil and is used as a natural fertilizer. It is made
by recycling organic waste which is transformed
into natural fertilizer by using earth worms. The
process uses a variety of left over products such as
vegetable cuttings and manure from cattle, pigs,
dogs and chickens.
Grade 2 students shown below are harvesting the
earthworms. Thank you to Ms. Chang, Ms. Souza,
Ms. Tanita, and Ms. Cambra for this wonderful
organic opportunity, teaching the students how to
make natural fertilizer.
Congratulations Waikele JPOs!
They had a score of 99% out of 100% during the
Annual JPO Competition which took place at the
Honolulu Zoo in April. A huge mahalo to JPO
Officer Sheryl Daguio and JPO Advisor Gerard
Aki for heading the team. Go JPO Warriors!!