Na Mea HouThe latest news from Parker School

Excellence - Integrity - Compassion August-September 2013

Welcome Back to School!Our MissionParker School provides a college-preparatory experience in a small-school setting where students develop academically while exploring their individual talents.

Stay informed by checking the Parker School website regularly at www.parkerschool.net.

Na Mea Hou is published August through June by the Advancement Office of Parker School.

Advancement Director:

Jennifer Richardson

Communications/Marketing Specialist:

Katie Callender

Advancement Associate:

Renee Brighter

Please e-mail articles, photos, class notes or

event notices to

advancement@parkerschool.net. News about

students and submissions from students are

especially welcome.

Help Parker School Go Green! If you receive a hard copy of the newsletter, ask

to receive Na Mea Hou by e-mail only. Notify us at

advancement@parkerschool.net.

Encouraging the Search for Knowledge

Aloha, Parker School Families!

My favorite time of year is the start of school, especially the very first day. After a rather quiet summer around campus, having the place packed once again with students and faculty is like watching a parched riverbed fill after a heavy rainfall. I am particularly pleased with this year’s crop of new students, who bring lots of intelligence and energy with them. I’m going to make a bold

prediction to you all: this is going to be an amazing year for Parker School! From our sixteen bright-eyed kindergartners to our twenty-four seniors (three of whom are new this year), those of us who work here are extraordinarily lucky to have such great kids to work with. I’m really looking forward to watching our ninth grade come together; nineteen of the twenty-nine students are new this year, and they are an unusually lively bunch! Another prediction: this class will make its mark before it graduates. There are lots of new things going on this fall on the technology front, mostly centered on the adoption of iPads for all middle and upper school classes. IPads will also be in wide use in the lower school, especially in the fourth and fifth grades. We expect the First Hawaiian Bank Media Center to be a busy place this year, with its videoconferencing capabilities and graphic design programs. With all this cutting edge technology, I want to reassure everyone that we still see the essence of education at Parker School as a product of positive personal relationships. The dynamic interplay between teacher and student can be improved in some cases with technology but can never be replaced by it. Similarly, positive and fulfilling relationships with peers enrich the educational experience, and these friendships exist whether or not today’s social media are involved. I continue to be very pleased by the way in which our students in all grades readily internalize a very basic social principle: Treating people with respect, kindness and understanding is the best way to make sure that others will behave the same way towards us.

So as Parker School launches itself into a new academic year, I want to thank all of you for deciding to make the journey with us, and to promise you an amazing ride!

Carl Sturges

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Aloha, Parker School ‘Ohana!

Our Parker School continues to make us proud. In addition to our enduring academic excellence, we, this past year, were the number one debate team in Hawai‘i and won the Big Island mixed paddling championship. We did this while keeping the uniformly high standards we know and expect. More importantly, we maintained the devoted ‘ohana atmosphere that is at our core. The children that are our responsibility remain our greatest assets and are our greatest validation.

It is becoming almost commonplace as once again we have graduates admitted to top tier colleges and students bringing home National Merit Scholarships. We increasingly appreciate that we compare extremely favorably with students on a national level far beyond Hawai‘i. There are very few small schools like Parker that are able to do such an excellent job preparing children for the future. This is not just hype; we have the facts to support it. Our supporters, students and staff have made the sacrifices and contributions necessary to make it happen. It is not just luck, it is the planning, work and perseverance by the entire Parker School ‘ohana that makes this possible.

As an example of your determination to promote our school, supporters of Parker have made this year’s Kāko‘o Fund campaign a resounding success. Parker supporters have shown that they really value solid and effective education by putting their resources where Parker needs it. Our supporters are not just a few wealthy donors, but represent a cross section of North Hawai‘i and beyond. We will have more sparkling facilities to allow Parker students to become that much more proficient in the coming years.

Remember that making Parker better is more than writing a check, which is greatly appreciated. Attend a drama production. Be part of a potluck meal. Cheer an athletic team. Celebrate a graduation. Judge a debate tournament. Tell everyone who will listen about the rare and exceptional gem that is Parker School.

Sincerely,

Vaughan S. WinborneChair, Parker School Board of Directors

A Word From the Board Chair

Parker School’s 11th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament at Hualalai

S a t u r d a y , D e c e m b e r 1 4 , 2 0 1 3

Fairways & FriendsPSCHOOL

PARKER

SAVE THE DATE:

To register or for more information, please email advancement@parkerchool.net or call 808-885-8709

August-September 2013

Please join us for a

Fashion Showto benefit financial aid at Parker School

Brought to you by Geri Giffin, showcasing the Jockey Person to Person fall/winter collection

Anna Ranch Saturday, October 5, 2013

9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.Light refreshments will be served

Seating is limited, RSVP soon! If unable to attend, please consider a donation to Parker.

To RSVP and for more information, email advancement@parkerschool.net

Try on Jockey’s clothing samples at the show!

From Advancement Director Jennifer Richardson

Parker School is pleased to announce that its Kāko‘o Fund campaign raised just under $230,000 for various projects and its Annual Fund for Education, surpassing a $200,000 goal. The capital campaign ran from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013.

In addition to the Annual Fund, the funds have been allocated for the following improvements to the school’s campus and programs: science lab renovation; a deck to connect the middle school buildings; technology enhancements; and a new, high-quality event tent. Construction on the lab and the deck is complete and they are ready for the start of the 2013-2014 school year, the tent has been ordered, and 20 new iPads have been purchased for the lower school.

Parker is grateful for the generosity and support of the school’s ‘ohana, faculty and staff, parents, alumni, board members and friends who contributed to the campaign, particularly the Parker School Trust Corporation, who donated $50,000 in matching funds.

Kāko‘o Fund Campaign Raises Nearly $230,000

We are happy to report that the Kāko‘o Fund, our most recent one-year capital campaign, successfully closed on June 30, 2013 and brought in nearly $230,000, beating our $200,000 goal! Thank you to all the donors who gave so generously to the Kāko‘o Fund, and particularly to the Parker School Trust Corporation for its generous $50,000 matching grant! We are so grateful for your support.

This year, as with every year, we are asking members of the Parker School ‘ohana—parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff, board members, and friends—to show their support by making gifts to the Annual Fund. Your contribution helps ensure that Parker can continue to offer excellent academics and extracurricular programs, recruit and retain exceptional educators, and maintain our beautiful campus. The impact and benefits for our students are immediate. No gift is too small and we sincerely thank you for your support!

Also, do save the date for our upcoming fundraising events for financial aid: the Jockey Fashion Show on October 5 and the Fairways & Friends Golf Tournament on December 14.

Please contact the Advancement Office any time at advancement@parkerschool.net or 808-885-8709 should you have any questions about giving opportunities or our events.

Na Mea Hou

Anonymous (4)Atherton Family FoundationBlue Planet FoundationBookworm FoundationCisco Systems, Inc.Darrin & Darien Gee Family Fund of the HCFDunn GalleryFirst Hawaiian Bank FoundationFoodland Supermarket, Ltd.FreeCauseGE FoundationGoldman Sachs GivesHawai‘i Electric Light CompanyKawamata FarmsKBXtremeKekela FarmsKTA Super StoresMacArthur & CompanyMicrosoft CorporationO’Neill FoundationParker School Trust CorporationStarbucksTargetThe Broadbent Family FoundationThe Elizabeth FoundationZimmer Family FoundationShaun & Keeley AcostaBob Acree & Joyce MuktarianDaniel & Rebecca AdamsPatrick & Pam AdamsChristopher & Leslie AgorastosMarta AlligoodKirsten BiondiThomas C. BlackburnJerry Blevins & Kelly HoyleJohn BlossomJanice BolstadHelen & Stephen BowlesSurinder Brar & Jude McAnesbyDarryll & Renee BrighterBalbi BrooksPaige & Edward BrownPaul & Angela BugadoHarry & Lin BuscherScott & Paula CairnsBrodie & Katie CallenderSandra Cameli ‘81Victor & Katherine CappagliJackie CaputoMichael & Michel Chavez-PardiniJames & Linda Clifford Ph.D.David & Jo Ann CoonDitto & Briar CornuelleStephen Cotton & Julia SimmonsH. Dwight DamonCarol & Clive DaviesRobert DeckerJerome & Nancy DenzAmanda DeweyBeryl & Grace Dillman Ph.D.Christina & Edward DohertyJohn & Marilyn DougeryBenjamin ‘91 & Megan DyerHarald & Gabriele Elster

Jeremie & Jennifer EvangelistaTanya Everts & Mike FranklinIrwin & Concepción FedermanYngrid & Ryan FeeneyMarie Fellenstein HaleKenneth & Linda Fischer O.D.Vickie & Andrew FrogleyJon Gerdsen M.D.Robert & Patricia GerdsenDenis & Fumiko GoldenMarci Goldman-MankerJack & Laurie GoldsteinJennifer GraceMrs. Martha GreenwellSaundra & Robert GulleyMichael Hale & Zanae RodrigoPat & Howard HallCarol & Pete HendricksDavid & Lonnie HigginsMindy & Kimo HigginsMario E. Hill & Angela-Dee AlforqueRebecca Hirsch-KeliihoomaluEdward & Mary HonLisa & Mark HummelLaura & Fumio InabaChristian IngallsLynn & Melvin JardineMichael & Laura JobesJacqueline Johnson-Hirt & David J. HirtLayne Johnson-LeePaul E. Johnston, M.D.Denise KandaKarl & Juliana KasbergPatricia & Marc KassisTom & Marsha KerleyDavid B. Kirk & Caroline LandryGeorge KirpsMasahiro & Kuniko KumeRobert & Karen KurlanskyH. Peter L’Orange & Geri GoodenoughClemson & Janet LamIan & Carol LangevinFrancis & Patricia LeeLeilani Lewis Ph.D.Steve & Cheryl Lewis ‘85Melissa & Jim LunchickJim & Gretchen MairMichael & Laurel MatsudaNeal & Miriam MatsunobuMichael & Sallie McCulloughRobert & Andrea McTamaneyThomas & Mindy MignanelliAudrey MizokamiStephanie MonkGordon & Betty MooreLani & John MorrisEdward MuellerHarry & Robin MullinScott & Sharon NairKiyoshi Najita & Gillian CulffTetsuo & Elinor NajitaShellie Note-Gressard & Jim GressardTicia O’KieffeMaren Oom

Paola & Mike PaganEmily PagliaroParker School Trust CorporationMark & Sandra PattonSamuel Peterson & Jeannette YoungHeather & John PolhemusJames T. PosnerAntonio & Marilyn PriettoLaurence PringleMike & Diane ProhoroffKeri PuhlSam & Ruby RaglandKathryn & Jonathan RawleJohn & Denise RayAnn & Jerry RenickKatherine & Pete RichJohn & Amber RichardsAlan & Judy RichardsonJeffery & Jennifer RichardsonTom & Andrea RichmondWilliam “Billy” & Susan RickardsRandy & Rami RingJohn Roth & David McColloughEric & Jacqueline Sills ‘89Heidi & Patrick SimmersbachFrank SnowIgnacio Soler & Maki AbeJim & Mary Lou StewartCarolyn StewartJohn Stover & Bayardo AvilesCarl & Ruth SturgesDeborah & Stephen ThompsonKarl Toubman & Kathie PomeroyMark Vann & Lisa Smith VannMichael & Vivian VarneyJonathan & Nicole VedelliJohn “Jack” VidoshLen & Beverly WalzHolly & Chad WeigleKristi & Leon WeiserChizuko WestrumBaki WhartonCeri & Robert WhitfieldKathryn WieseLaura Anne Williams & Maureen McLaughlinMark & Gina WillmanVaughan & Lisa WinborneBuff WinderbaumJohn & Mona Lisa WoodKen Wood & Karen SweereMaggie WoodsMargie Woods-BrownGeorge ZimmerWalter & Deanna Zivalic

MAHALO TO OUR KĀKO‘O FUND DONORS

August-September 2013

Summer Camp at Parker SchoolParker School held its summer camp this year from June 3 through July 12. Campers ranging from age five to fourteen could attend week-to-week or for the full six-week session. They met each day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and enjoyed a variety of activities. “This year we blended all aspects of our summer camp six-week program, offering art, athletics, dance, performing arts, science experiments, and many more options,” said one of the camp directors, Parker School’s Athletic Director Ceri Whitfield. “It was a huge success as the campers got a taste of so many activities.”

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Parker School is pleased to announce new faculty and staff members beginning this 2013-2014 school year:

Emily Pagliaro, Admissions DirectorPagliaro holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and Native American studies from the University of California, Davis. Having grown up on O‘ahu, she returned to Hawai‘i after college to work with various Native Hawaiian organizations and businesses. She relocated to the Big Island in 2001 and, after a career in the Hawaiian music industry, joined Parker School in the fall of 2009. Before becoming the admissions director, she

worked as the headmaster’s assistant and Hawaiian history teacher.

Tina Doherty, Middle School Coordinator, Upper & Middle School Math & Science TeacherDoherty, a math and science teacher for 16 years, with middle school, high school and community college experience, has taught at Parker for the last seven years. She will now add the role of middle school coordinator to her responsibilities at Parker. She earned her bachelor’s degree in science from

California State University at Northridge and a master’s in education from Pepperdine University.

Joanie Brotman, College CounselorBrotman began working at Parker in April 2013. She is originally from Honolulu but has lived in Waimea for the last 23 years. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in art from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and her college counseling certification from University of California, Los Angeles. She has nine years of experience in college counseling and is an

active member of the Hawai‘i Association of College Admissions Counselors and belongs to the National Association of College Admissions Counselors as well. She is also very involved with College Horizons, a college access program for Native students.

Brynly Brown, Headmaster’s AssistantBrown comes to Parker after working for the State of Hawai‘i Department of Education in the Kahua/West Hawai‘i Induction program. She has also worked as an administrative assistant for a special needs program and provided online research and data management for an international sales business. In addition, she has a background in design and catering.

Born and raised in Hawai‘i and a graduate of Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, Brown holds her master’s degree in liberal studies from Fort Hays State University and her bachelor’s in English from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa.

Sara Jane Lilley, Lower School Music TeacherLilley earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honors in Theatre Arts Education and a minor in music from the University of Arizona. She is currently finishing up her master’s in educational psychology from George Mason University, expected to receive her degree in December 2013. Most recently, Lilley was the theatre arts department chair and speech

and drama teacher at a middle school in Virginia. She has also been a K-6 music resource teacher and 5th & 6th grade chorus director at various schools in the same area. She is a board member of the Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre in Virginia and has directed musical theatre and music performance productions there. Lilley has also directed high school and college level productions and has been very involved in community theatre and arts organizations in Arizona, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Jessie Marshall, Middle School English TeacherMarshall comes to Parker School from Honolulu where she taught introductory and advanced creative writing, American literature, and 7th and 8th grade English at ‘Iolani School. Previously, she was an adjunct instructor at Honolulu Community College and at New York University. Marshall earned her

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from New York University, her Master of Arts in Modern Literature and Culture from the University of York in England, and her Bachelor of Arts with Highest Honors in Theater from Oberlin College. Marshall is also a writer whose short fiction has been published in several literary publications.

Alex Stephenson, Upper School Spanish TeacherStephenson has recently moved to the Big Island from Kansas. She obtained her Master of Arts Teaching a Foreign Language in Spanish from the Monterey Institute of International Studies, and her Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She spent three years in the Peace Corps in Bolivia and most recently worked

as a Spanish interpreter for a Headstart Early Childhood Center in McPherson, Kansas. She has also taught beginning Spanish at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and has been a visiting high school Spanish teacher and substitute teacher in various school districts in Southern and Central California. Stephenson also brings experience in Spanish language curriculum design and assessment.

Iain Tyson, Upper School Math & Science TeacherTyson has most recently worked as a middle and upper school science teacher in Los Angeles, California. Prior to this he taught in various school districts in Arizona after leaving the United Kingdom where he taught geology, geography, physics and math. He has also worked as a reservoir engineer and geologist for the North Sea oil industry and as an officer with the

Royal Air Force. He holds his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, and his post graduate Certificate of Education in Secondary Science Education from Keele University in England.

Announcing New Faculty & Staff...

WELCOME!

August-September 2013

Friday, September 6 at 5 p.m.Parker Upper School Campus

Please bring a potluck dish to share:Lower School families: side dishMiddle School families: saladUpper School families: dessertThe school will provide hamburgers, hot dogs,

condiments & drinks

The school would appreciate volunteers to help with this event. Contact Emily Pagliaro for more information:

email epagliaro@parkerschool.net or call 808-885-7933 ext. 7107

Annual Fall BBQ & Potluck

Parker School ‘OhanaJoin us for OUR

A great way to meet faculty, staff, administrators, students and families

LIVE

MUSIC

Announcing New Board Members The Parker School Board of Directors is pleased to announce the addition of four new board members who began their terms in July 2013:

Kenneth Fischer, ODFischer has been a practicing optometrist in Waimea since 1974. Originally from New York, he obtained both his bachelor’s degree and his medical degree from Pacific University. Fischer has been active in many community organizations and causes, including previously

serving several years on the Parker School board of directors.

Brian Kubo, DDS Born and raised in Honolulu, Kubo graduated from ‘Iolani School and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Hawai‘i, Manoa and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Washington. He also completed a year-long general practice residency at The Queen’s Medical Center in

Honolulu before opening his dental practice in Waimea in 1993. Kubo is a member of the Hawai‘i County Dental Society, the Hawai‘i Dental Association, The American Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He is also a Fellow of the Academy of Dentistry International and a charter member of the Hawai‘i Terry Tanaka Study Group, Hawai‘i Implant Study Group and the Hawai‘i Interactive Peer Practicum. He volunteers his time and services at such events as North Hawai‘i Community Hospital’s Senior Health Fair and numerous pre-school and elementary school dental education programs. Kubo is a member of the First Baptist Church of Waimea, and has been involved with various youth sports organizations.

Ethan TweedieTweedie, a 1985 graduate of Parker School, is a professional photographer and owner of Ethan Tweedie Photography in Waimea, specializing in luxury real estate/architectural, commercial, and fine art landscape photography. He holds his bachelor’s degree from University of Hawai‘i, Manoa, and also

studied at the Texas School of Photography. He turned to a career in professional photography after experience in the healthcare/pharmaceutical and finance industries. He is a member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) and his fine art prints are represented at several local galleries. Tweedie is also a board member of the Waimea Community Association’s Planning Design Review Committee.

Ava Williams, CFA Raised on the Big Island and a graduate of Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, Williams attended University of Puget Sound where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Business Administration and English Writing. She enjoyed a more than 20-year

career in the investment management industry and has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. She worked at a San Francisco-based investment consulting firm, participated in a start-up, and eventually focused on product development for various Boston-based firms. Most recently, she directed Global Product Development at State Street Global Advisors (SSgA). Williams has been a member of Parker School’s Investment Committee since 2010.

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4th Grader Kai Griley Goes to States in Swimming

ATHLETICS SCHEDULE(subject to change—please check Parker School website or weeky Webflash for updates)

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS/GIRLS CROSS COUNTRYSaturday, August 31 – H.P.A. – 10:00 a.m.Saturday, September 7 – Kamehameha – 10:00 a.m.Saturday, September 14 – Waiakea – 10:00 a.m.Saturday, September 21 – Konawaena – 3:00 p.m.Saturday, September 28 – H.P.A. – 10:00 a.m.Saturday, October 5 – Kamehameha – 3:00 p.m.Saturday, October 12 – Kea‘au – 10:00 a.m.Saturday, October 19 – BIIF Championships – Kamehameha – 2:00 p.m.Friday, October 25 – HHSAA Championships – Oahu – 9:00 a.m.

GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALLTuesday, August 27– Parker @ Kealakehe – 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 4 – H.P.A. @ Parker – 6:00 p.m.Saturday, September 7 – Parker @ Ka‘u – 10:00 a.m.Monday, September 9 – Pahoa @ Parker – 6:00 p.m.Tuesday, September 10 – Parker @ Makua Lani – 6:00 p.m.Friday, September 13 – East-Pac @ Parker – 6:00 p.m.Monday, September 16 – Parker @ Kea‘au – 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 17 – Kohala @ Parker – 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 24 – Parker @ Konawaena – 6:00 p.m.Saturday, September 28 – Parker @ Hilo – 10:00 a.m.Tuesday, October 1 – Laupahoehoe @ Parker – 6:00 p.m.Friday, October 4 – Waiakea @ Parker – 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 8 – Honokaa @ Parker – 6:00 p.m.Friday, October 11 – Kamehameha @ Parker – 10:00 a.m.

Athletics News by Athletics Director Ceri WhitfieldWelcome back to school, everyone! I trust you all had a restful and enjoyable summer and are ready to jump into the new school year.

The high school girls volleyball and boys and girls cross country seasons are off to a great start. The volleyball team practices at New Hope Gym on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and at the Thelma Parker Gym on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The cross country team meets in front of the main school building for practice Monday through Thursday, 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. It is not too late to join either team! Just bring water and wear appropriate footwear and come on out to one of the practices. We encourage all students to participate in the sports we offer. It is a great way to stay fit and healthy and have fun with friends.

Even if you decide not to join a team, I encourage you to come out and support your friends on the volleyball court or

on the cross country course. Parker school has the best school spirit and it is wonderful for the athletes to feel your support when they compete.

Please see the schedule below and mark your calendars for the fall games and meets. The schedules are also posted every week on Webflash and are subject to change, so please check frequently.

Lower and middle school cross country practices will start at the beginning of September, with Nicole Vedelli as the lower school coach and Buff Winderbaum and myself as the middle school coaches. There will also be middle school coed volleyball beginning in September.

Mahalo for your support and I look forward to another successful year with Parker School Athletics.

Go Bulls!

Congratulations to Parker 4th grader Kai Griley who made it to the state championships in swimming on Maui this summer! He was the only swimmer from his Academy Swim Club group (at HPA in Waimea) who qualified. He qualified for five events, improving his time on three of those events. His times were as follows: 100-Meter Back, 1:36:13; 50 Meter Fly, 42:24; 200-Meter Free, 3:04:45; 50-Meter Back, 4:20; 50-Meter Free, 38:36.

Kai Griley at the swimming state championships on Maui with coaches Tina Doherty and Mark Noetzel.

August-September 2013

PTSO News by PTSO President Jude McAnesby

PTSO is looking forward to another great year ahead. In addition to our usual activities, we will focus on increasing support of student events and fundraising efforts. One way we will do this is by coordinating refreshment sales at sporting events so that student groups can profit. If you are interested in helping us with this activity, please contact Jude McAnesby at 887-0923.

We will continue our efforts to strengthen connections within our Parker ‘ohana. Near the start of school, PTSO is sponsoring grade-level get togethers for upper and middle school families. We have

found that as our kids get older, contact between families and the school tends to lessen. Thus, we are focusing on increasing our connections here. However, in the near future, we hope to offer these meetings to our lower school as well. Please keep an eye out for our email announcements letting you know when and where your grade

gathering will be.

Our next meeting will be held on September 9 at 8:15 a.m. in the First Hawaiian Bank Media Studio. We have a fun and dynamic group of folks and are always happy to have others attend, so please consider joining us at this meeting or one in the future. We will be posting our meeting dates for the year so that you can plan ahead!

On August 15, the PTSO executive committee and school representatives were on hand at the orientation gatherings to greet families and distribute information

about upcoming events. Next, look for our cakewalk event at the Fall Barbecue on September 6!

Save the date for our Parker Night Out at the Blue Dragon on October 19. Bring your dancing shoes and come out for some good food and fun!

We are always interested in your thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Please let us know what is on your mind. Parker really is a very special community with lots of interesting, fun, and unique individuals. Consider getting involved. You’ll be glad you did!

To access further information about us, visit our Parker PTSO Facebook page at Facebook.com/ParkerSchoolPTSO and follow our updates in the weekly Webflash.

Student Council News by Student Council Coordinator Gillian Culff

Welcome back to school, everyone! This year our Student Council officers are: Grant Nair, president; Nohili Thompson, vice-president; Mady Harper, secretary; and Jaren Ashcraft, treasurer.

At our retreat (held during Tropical Storm Flossie!) on July 29, we worked on planning the year’s events, including the new student orientation, our Innisbrook fund-raiser, the return of the canned food drive, and old favorites like Make a Difference Day, Halloween, spirit weeks, dances including Winter Formal, pep rallies and Love Fest.

We’re also getting ready to unveil the new and improved upper school family meetings. Now, with the iPads, we can push notifications from a Student Council site to each individual student, making it so we don’t need to deliver weekly announcements in person. As a result, we have redesigned the upper school family meeting to make it more content rich. We’ve moved the meetings to Fridays, and we’ll have performances by the music and dance classes and ITS (International Thespian Society), we’ll learn to sing oli and songs together as a community, and there will be an opportunity for students to share interesting experiences. For instance, in September, junior Maia Tarnas will share a presentation about her summer Arabic language study trip to Jordan. In addition, we will also reveal our new, fun way of recognizing and celebrating student birthdays. At our first Friday meeting we will feature a club showcase, introducing students to all of the lunchtime clubs offered on campus.

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Safety Reminders: To ensure a safe, smooth start to the school year, we ask that families please review the important following information regarding Parker School’s drop-off and pick-up policies:

MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL: Drop-Off: -Students may be dropped off near the Kahilu Hall (the main hall) between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. each day -Students may not enter the middle school area prior to 7:30 a.m. -There is no drop-off on Pu‘uki Road -Students dropped off in front of the school on the park side of the street must cross at the crosswalk -All county and state traffic laws are in effect at all times: -The area in front of the school is a designated loading zone. Parking is not permitted -U-turns are not permitted -Stopping and/or standing in striped areas is not permitted -Vehicles must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalkPick-Up: -A Parker School administrator will be present from 2:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m. each day to monitor loading areas in front of the school -Students may be picked up after 3:00 p.m. daily -All county and state traffic laws are in effect at all times: -The area in front of the school is a designated loading zone, and parking is not permitted -U-turns are not permitted -Stopping and/or standing in striped areas is not permitted -Vehicles must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk

LOWER SCHOOL:Drop-Off: -Gate opens at 7:30 a.m. for all students -Students are not to be dropped off before 7:30 a.m. -Drop off is in the front of the lower school along the yellow loading/unloading zone -Cars are to pull all the way forward to the end of the yellow curb -Children are to exit in an expedient manner along the yellow curb, not on the grass -Families are encouraged to carpool to minimize congestionPick-Up: -All students are picked up in front of the lower school along the yellow loading/unloading zone -Parents are to remain in the car and pull all the way forward, to the end of the yellow loading/unloading zone -Teachers load students into cars -All students not picked up by 2:45 p.m. are relocated to the ‘ohana room and the family’s account is charged a $20 late fee -Pick-up is not an opportunity for informal meetings with faculty or administration - schedule an appointment with the teacher or administrator if you wish to meet -Faculty students, Hele On bus riders, and students with older middle or upper school Parker siblings may walk with a lower school teacher to the front porch of the main campus at 2:45 p.m.

A final note on lower school procedures: To ensure the safety of your child, we ask that all communications for pick-up go through the lower school office. This would include days your child goes home with someone not listed on the pick-up authorization form (you do NOT need to call if the person is on the form). If you would like your child to walk to soccer practice, music lessons and/or the bus stop we need to have this in writing before your child is released. You may email Mrs. Polhemus at hpolhemus@parkerschool.net or Mrs. Nearman at knearman@parkerschool.net to inform the school of these arrangements. Thank you for keeping us informed and helping us to keep your child safe.

FOR HELE ON BUS RIDERS: As of July 1, 2013, there was a bus fare increase for Hawai‘i Island’s Hele On bus service. All routes will be affected. The fee for students with a school ID is now $1.00. There is a discount if you purchase prepaid tickets. For students, it is $7.50 for a sheet of 10 tickets. Students may purchase bus tickets from Auntie Lani at the front desk. A monthly pass can be purchased for $45.00 via mail from the Mass Transit Agency (contact info. below), yet in most cases, purchasing sheets of 10 works out to be the most affordable option for students.

Even with student tickets, to ride the bus, students must show a current school ID (available in October) or a letter of enrollment from Parker School (also available from Auntie Lani). To order prepaid monthly passes, send check and copy of school ID to: Hele On, ATTN Sari, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, HI 96720.

Questions? Call the Mass Transit Agency at 808-961-8744.

August-September 2013

Jesse Tarnas ‘12 recently received a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Summer Research Fellowship at Wesleyan University, where he is an astronomy student and sophomore, to conduct research on exoplanets (planets that exist outside of our solar system) from May 28 to August 1 this summer. He was one of 39 students, and the only astronomy student, selected, and received $4100 to work full time on his research. Part of his research took him to Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona for a few days.

The Wharton siblings, three of whom are Parker alums, recently paid a visit to Mr. Najita and Ms. Culff. Aidan Wharton ‘13 will begin his freshman year at Pace University in New York this fall, Mariah Wharton ‘08, is about to become a nurse midwife, and Autumn Wharton ‘99, will soon receive her degree in family and marriage counseling.

Leela Morimoto ‘04, Anuhea Sills ‘04 and Lauren Crackel ‘04 recently bumped into each other and Mr. Najita at KTA in Waimea, and there held an impromptu mini-reunion. Lauren also wrote that she recently became engaged.

Sandy Cameli ‘81 wrote that she recently met up with two other Parker alumnae in San Francisco, Shelli (Berg) Meneghetti ‘82, and Ann (Faraola) Estrada, ‘81. They reminisced about their favorite high school highlights, sharing yearbooks, photos and Facebook exchanges. Sandy recently completed a doctoral program and received her Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership through Argosy University, Honolulu Campus.

Alumni News:

Sandy Cameli ‘81, Shelli Berg Meneghetti ‘82 and Ann Faraola Estrada ‘81.

Through October 9, 2013, shop at KTA and when you purchase items marked with the lightbulb logo, Parker School earns points that translate to cash and other prizes. When you check out at the register, tell the cashier you’d like your points to go to Parker School (School #46).

Students may also help raise additional points for Parker by entering KTA’s Photo Contest. Students create a photo depicting the nature of the Big Island and submit it by Friday, September 6, 2013. Please visit ktasuperstores.com for more details and information.

SHOP KTA, EARN POINTSFOR PARKER

Leela Morimoto ‘04, Anuhea Sills ‘04 and Lauren Crackel ‘04.

Quinn Wharton, Autumn Wharton ‘99, Mr. Najita, Mariah Wharton ‘08 and Aidan Wharton ‘13.

Parker School65-1224 Lindsey RoadKamuela, HI 96743

Dates to RememberAugust 29 & 30 Upper/Middle School Camp Out

September 2 Labor Day - NO SCHOOL/OFFICES CLOSED

September 6 Fall Barbecue & Potluck - 5 p.m., Upper Campus

September 9 PTSO Meeting - 8:15 a.m., FHB Media Studio

September 11 Lower School Back to School Night

September 17 Upper/Middle School Picture Day

September 18 Upper/Middle School Back to School Night

September 26 Lower School Picture Day

October 4 Middle School Unity Day/Upper School Class Retreats

October 10 & 11 All School Parent/Teacher Conferences - NO SCHOOL

October 14 Discoverers’ Day - NO SCHOOL

October 15-18 Lower School/Grades 7&9 SAT10 Testing

October 16 Grades 10&11 PSAT Testing

October 18 PTSO Meeting - 8:15 a.m., FHB Media Studio

October 19 PTSO’s Parker Night Out - Blue Dragon Restaurant

October 25 Make a Difference Day (National Day October 26)

For details check the Parker School calendar and announcements at www.parkerschool.net

Ahualoa Farm Alaska Wild Salmon* Baron von App Wood ArtBeeing Aloha Honey CompanyDownes Grounds Coffee FarmEl DenteHawaiian B Natural FarmsHawaiian Candyman Hawaiian Homegrown Wool Honomu Jams Island Herbal

Island Thyme Gourmet**Javaloha CoffeeJennifer Zingg StudioKalakoa Kookies Kekela FarmsLittle Paradise Mai Bacon Manowaiopae Homestead FarmOhana Pies Poppas Orchids Sandwich Isle Bread

Si Nuan ThaiSunrise Farm Tammey’s Tamales Tea Hawai‘iTherapeutic MassageTropical FruitsiclesTrue Hawai‘i Blue Whole Better Woods Catering* fishing until September** 2nd & 4th weeks of month

Waimea Town Market at Parker SchoolSaturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

IMPORTANT NEWSLETTER UPDATE:In our continued effort to go green, beginning with the October-November 2013 issue, we will be sending the newsletter, Na Mea Hou, via email only to all current Parker School families and faculty and staff. If you are a current parent and would still like to receive a hardcopy of the newsletter at your physical address, please email: advancement@parkerschool.net.

Happy Birthday Faculty & Staff! August: Brynly Brown, Mindy Higgins, Jessie Marshall, Heather Polhemus, Ceri Whitfield

September: Hapi Delenia, Kekoho Bertelmann