Egret Talk Story February 27, 2015

Mililani Uka Elementary School Phone: 627-7303 Fax: 627-7387 Attendance: 627-7303 ext. 400 Website: www.mililaniuka.org

Principal’s Message

Congratulations to our very own teacher, Ms. Fukada! She was surprised at our awards assembly on Monday February 23rd by the Milken Foundation, Vice President, Mrs. Jane Foley. Attending our assembly were Lt. Govenor Shan Tsutsui, Senator Michelle Kidani, Representative Ryan Yamane, Deputy Superintendent, Ronn Nozoe, Complex Area Superintendent, Dr. John Brummel and numerous former Milken Award recipients.

Ms. Fukada received the prestigious Milken Educator Award. This is a national award honoring outstanding educators. This year 40 educators received awards form the Foundation. Ms. Fukada was the only educator in our State to receive this honor this year.

Ms. Fukada started teaching at our school in 2007. She taught both Kindergarten and First Grade. She is currently our Curriculum Coach for grades K-2. She shared that it is tougher now to be a teacher, but everything that teachers do makes a difference and we all need to just keep on going, keep trying to do your best, keep learning from each other and the kids. She loves teaching students and enjoys being a mentor and coach to our teachers.

Ms. Fukada was also awarded $25,000. What will she do with that reward? Smiling, she said, “ I actually have a huge loan to pay off my graduate degree, I will probably do that. That’s what my dad wants me to say!” Ms. Fukada received her master’s degree at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is now earning her doctorate from the University of Southern Californina.

We are ALL very proud of Ms. Fukada!

Much Aloha,

Heather Wilhelm, Principal

Kindergarten Registration for School Year 2015-2016

The following information will be needed for enrolling in a public school of Hawaii for the first time. Only parents or other legal guardians are permitted to sign required school forms for the attending child. 1. Current proof of residency within our district (a current utility bill and a rental or purchase agreement) 2. Original Birth Certificate or equivalent ie: baptismal, hospital certificate or passport) 3. The attending child must by five years of age on or before July 31, 2015. 4. A current IEP or MP if applicable and available.

Health Requirements The Hawaii school attendance law requires that all students meet certain health requirements BEFORE they attend any school in the state for the first time. These requirements include a tuberculosis clearance (written proof of a negative skin test- Mantox/PPD) or chest x-ray completed within one year of school entry, an updated immunization record and physical exam completed within one year before school entry or doctor’s appointment slip. Parents need to turn in an original Form 14 “Pupils Health Record” as soon as health requirements have been completed. Non-compliance means exclusion from school. Registration hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Chronic Absenteeism The Department of Education defines chronic absenteeism as 15 or more absences in a school year. A goal of the DOE is to reduce the number of students who are chronically absent. To address chronic absenteeism at our school, we notify parents when their child has 5, 10, 15 or more absences in the school year. This total includes excused as well as unexcused absences.

5 absences: letter to parent from teacher

10 absences: letter to parent from counselor 15 absences: letter from administrator.

Administrator to determine action (educational neglect may be filed with family court).

Please remember to call the school office before 8:30 a.m. at 627-7303 xt 400 every day that your child is absent. Remember to include your child’s name, grade, room number or teacher’s name, reason for absence, and relationship of caller to student. When your child returns, please send a note stating the reason for the absence.

CHARACTER COUNTS!SM CELEBRATION

Congratulations to Uka’s Poster contest winners! Mililani Uka recognized one student from each grade with a lei and cash award donated by the Hui O Mililani Uka for their artwork depicting RESPECT as part of the Mililani Complex Schools CHARACTER COUNTS!SM celebration held on February 7, 2015.

Pictured above are some of our poster honorees with Mrs. Tanouye

WAY TO GO!

The representatives from each grade level are: Kindergarten Rosstin Redona Third Grade Kiera MacDonald First Grade Max Geyrozaga Fourth Grade Hakulani Arnold Second Grade Jordyn Redona Fifth Grade Mia Roman

Mililani Uka Elementary School Egret Chorus Members of the Egret Chorus performed at the Mililani Complex Character Counts celebration held at the Town Center of Mililani. The students in grades 3, 4 and 5 serenaded the audience full of parents and community members. The chorus sang beautifully and did an excellent job under the direction of Mr. Puzon. Way to go!

Mahalo to Mr. Fujioka for creating a fun game that kept volunteer staff and students from all the schools partici- pating and showing that CHARACTER COUNTS!SM every where and all the time.

 

Scholastic Book Fair Under the Sea was spectacular!

Mystery Reader Night was attended by over 100 families who were entertained with stories read by Uka Ohana and community readers.

Our thanks to Mr. Fujioka, Mr. Puzon, Mr. Ernie, Mr. Nguyen and community helper, Lexi Tansey. Additional thanks to the Student Council!

The Scholastic Book Fair is made possible by staff, parent and community vounteers who give their time to help with set up, running the sales, pick- ing up extra stock and packing everything away at the end of the sale. Mrs. Matsuura would like to extend a huge thank you to these valuable volunteers!

 

 

 

Mililani Uka Elementary CPO Officers The Mililani Uka CPOs provide a valuable service on our campus. The CPOs help to keep our students safe by reminding them to walk on the walkways, to practice safety while riding their bicycles and to buckle up in the car. CPOs are also excellent role models in and out of the classroom, both on and off duty. The CPOs are selected at the beginning of their 5th grade school year and have to be nominated by their 4th grade teachers. The selection process is very rigorous and is determined by advisors, Mrs. Flores and Mrs. DeGuzman. Recently, the CPOs were given the opportunity to run for the position of Lieutenant and Captain. Individuals had to apply for the positions and be recommended. The officers were chosen and at a recess meeting with the entire squad, the announcement was made. The Lieutenants are: Cameron Dumas, Kaianna Kaneshiro and Kelsey Ganther. The Captain is, Kili Racoma. Congratulations and keep up the good work!

 

Central District North Area Science Fair

On February 13, 2015, The North Area Science Fair was held at Wahiawa Elementary School. Students in grade 5 completed project display boards and also underwent interviews by judges to determine finalists. Our very own Alton Higa placed first in the Fair. His project was called Drastic Plastic. All of the participants from our school were outstanding and all of their ideas and enthusiasm for science did not go unnoticed. Congratulations to the following finalists: Kelci Ancheta- What Type of Water Makes Sunflowers Grow the Fastest? Rozelyn Dizon- Collection of Solar Energy Kelsie Ganther- Battle of the Liquid Laundry Detergents! Kaiden Key- Biodegradable Fruits Jairus Rhoades- Acid or Alkaline? Kira Tobita- Keeping It Cool

Students in E8 “feed” the Lion their Licee to bring good luck.

Thank you to the Asian Lion Dance Team

         

Support Lions Club of Mililani Benefit Breakfast Each year Mililani schools benefit from the Local Lions Club programs for hearing screening, “Sight is Beautiful Poster contests and recognition of 5th grade students for Outstanding Student awards. We can support these programs by supporting the Mililani Lions Club benefit breakfast on March 8th. The breakfast is held at the Mililani High School Cafeteria from 6-11AM. Tickets are available from Lions Club members, at the door or from the Mililani Uka PCNC (cash only) through March 5th. Let’s give back to a group that gives our students so much! Mahalo!  

Mililani Uka Elementary School celebrated Chinese New Year on Friday February 20, 2015 with a traditional Chinese Lion Dance in our cafeteria. Ms. Wilhelm and Mrs. Tanouye received scrolls to post around our campus to bring us good luck. Each teacher received a good luck card as well.

Kung Hee Fat Choy

 

GETTING TO KNOW YOU Mr. Sakaue and Mrs. DeRego

   

    Our “Getting to Know You” feature this month showcases two very special people, Mr. Sakaue and Mrs.DeRego. Being that we celebrated Counselors Week this month, this is a good time to introduce you to these awesome counselors. Mr. Sakaue is a very busy guy, he not only is the school counselor for grades 3-5, but is also an instructor with Chaminade University’s Psychology program. Mr. Sakaue is the Co-Head coach for the Kapolei High School boys’ soccer team as well as for his daughter’s team with the Circle Soccer Club. In fact, in his “free-time” Mr. Sakaue finds himself chauffeuring his children to their various activities. He says, “The time is minimal [with his children] they grow up quick.” His mantra is, “Begin With The End In Mind.” He says that his co-workers may say that he is intense at times, and he is very focused with his students. Please stop by and say, “Hi,” to Mr. Sakaue. Mrs. DeRego is our school counselor for grades preschool-grade 2 and she has been at Mililani Uka Elementary since 2007. Mrs. DeRego knew from a young age that she always wanted to work with children. She recalls helping teachers correct papers afterschool. Mrs. DeRego says, “The best part of my job is knowing that I made a difference and that everyday is like an adventure.” Mrs. DeRego, like Mr.Sakaue, is very involved in her two childrens’ activities. She is always at the field supporting her sons in baseball, golf and even robotics. Come on by and say, “Hello,” to Mrs. DeRego.

Uka Event Calendar

FEBRUARY 23-27 Week B 23 Assembly – Respect Chorus for Grades 4/5 24 25 Chorus for Third Grade 26 27 Gr.5 Panda Express Fundraiser

Gr. K Aina Lesson Gr 2. Aina Lesson

MARCH 2-6 Week A

2 Chorus for Grades 4/5 only SCC Meeting

3 Grade 2 Aquarium 4 Wear Red for Drug Free Schools

Chorus for Grades 3/4/5 5 Wear Purple for PHP Day

Hui O Mililani Uka Meeting 5PM PCNC Papa John’s Pizza Night- Eat Pizza!

6 Wear Blue for Uka Pride HI 5 Recycle Collection Kid Fit for Grade 3 Jamba Juice- Hui

MARCH 9-13 Week B 9 Chorus for Grades 3/4/5 10 Complex Choral Festival- MHS Gym

6:30PM 11 12 Second Grade FT to Honolulu Aquarium 13 Ronald McDonald 1:00pm 3rd Quarter ends 15-22 Spring Break- NO SCHOOL 23-27 Week A 23 Grade 4 Bishop Museum D4, D6 Grade 5 Aina 25 May Day Seating 8:00am 26 Prince Kuhio Day- No School 27 Grade K Aina Grade 2 Aina

Grade 3 Mililani Library

30- April 3 Week B 30 Grade 4 Haleiwa Farm D4, D6 Gr. 5 Complex Field Day 31 SCC 5:00pm Library APRIL 1 2 Hui O Mililani Uka Meeting 5PM

Papa John’s Night- Eat Pizza! 3 Good Friday- No

School

student their best test

Get rest Eat breakfast

plenty of water Wear comfortable clothes Schedule appointments after school hours

to the exercise gets the gear ready to work!

Have wonderful

Friday 3/6/2015 2:10-2:45 p.m.

New Price $5 eachs )

“A t” sm t e St e v

The sm t es e m e t the S te H We ess G e es (B t P 1110 6) m e m ke t t t e H

k se e e t ge t e s es st me st se ve e s es st!