Dear Waena Families, The Third Quarter of school has been filled with so many fun and exciting activities ranging from the various grade level events, to the Complex

Character Counts Fair, Hawaiian Studies Showcase, Fitness Fun Day, and the Complex Choral Festival! It sure has been fun interacting and connecting with you as we celebrate

students enjoying learning! Thank you for supporting these events as it is these opportunities that build lasting positive memories!

Access Learning… Students have taken off with the use of their digital devices. Now that every student has a device to use, they are using them seamlessly throughout the school day. No longer do students have to leave their digital world behind when they come to school. What we hope we are doing at Mililani Waena Elementary is providing students the platform and tools that match their "digital native heritage" that is already inherent in their everyday lives. Bottom line is

that I hope students will enjoy learning and along the way will generate new wondering that will open up expanded pathways of inquiry. Traffic…I want to also reflect back upon some of the initiatives we've incorporated regarding traffic flow and safety that were initiated earlier in the school year. Our goal was to improve traffic flow to make the commute to and from school safer. We conducted surveys, held community meetings, hired police officers to direct traffic, made some adjustments to exiting our campus and relocated bus pick up. Although we may not have solved every issue, we hope that you agree that things have improved. This could not have happened without your collective contribution. Thank you for driving with Aloha and caring enough to demonstrate that by working together we can make positive change happen! Three quarters of the school year in the books and one more quarter to go! Have a safe and enjoyable Spring Break as we gear up for the home-stretch! Mahalo, Dale Castro, Principal

Mililani Waena Elementary School “Menehune Pride Since 1971”

School Year 2013-2014 95-502 Kipapa Drive March 2014 Mililani, Hawaii 96789 www.milwaena.k12.hi.us ph. (808) 627-7300

IMPORTANT… School Resumes on Monday, March 24, 2014,

7:50 a.m.

Bring your recyclables on March 22, 2014

Asbestos Inspection Notification

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requires our school to notify school employees and parents of the presence and status of asbestos containing materials in our school buildings. The law further requires a management plan based upon the findings of the initial inspection. The required six month Asbestos Periodic Surveillance was conducted on December 23, 2013. Asbestos containing materials have been removed as part of the school-wide renovation project with the exception of Principal's office and Conference Room. All other areas of the campus, as part of the inspection, indicate that there are no changes in the condition of the asbestos containing materials and the buildings are safe for students. We will complete the next surveillance in June 2014. A copy of the inspection report and the Asbestos Management Plan is available for your review in our school office or at the Safety and Security Services Section of the Department of Education (DOE). Please contact Vice Principal Barron Iwamura for additional information at 627-7300.

Reminders: • Please help our school by getting a visitor pass at the office

ANY time you are on campus. For security reasons, only authorized persons should be on campus during regular school hours.

• Absentee phone line: call 627-7450 ext. 500, before 9:00 a.m. on the day of your child’s absence, and send a written note when your child returns to school.

• Please remember to keep your child’s meal account current. Notices for low balances are sent out each Thursday, and notices for accounts on lunch loan status are sent out on Tuesdays & Thursdays.

• Return Check Charge: There is a charge of $25.00 (cash, certified check, or money order) for any returned checks, (Hawaii Revised Statutes Ch. 40-35.5).

• Please keep our parking stalls open for faculty and staff. We have a few visitor stalls near the entrance of the parking lot , and by the cafeteria.

• Please do not double park in the parking lot to allow a free flow of traffic and follow our posted traffic signs in and out of our driveway for safety reasons.

• Late Student Pick-up: The school day ends at 2:00 p.m., Monday – Friday, and 1:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. For your children’s safety, please make arrangements for their prompt pickup after school before the school day begins so (s)he will not need to call you. If the pickup does not go as planned, please instruct your child to report to the office for help.

Begin the day with Menehune Pride!

• School begins promptly at 7:50 a.m. • Daily Reveille begins after the 7:50

bell is rung. Anyone approaching a classroom/building must stop and remain standing while the reveille is being played to show respect for our country and flag.

REMINDER: CONTRABAND ITEMS Students are not allowed to bring or use electronic devices, and play with toys on school grounds as it may lead to items being lost or stolen. These items include but are not limited to cell phones, digital players, tablets, game consoles, trading cards, Legos, kendamas, etc. To ensure the safety of your child’s personal valuables, please keep them at home. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Kindergarten Age Has Changed for School Year 2014-2015!

Beginning August 1, 2014, your child must be 5 years old on or before July 31 to be eligible to attend DOE Kindergarten. DOE will not accept a child who is not 5 on or before July 31. There are resources and referral services available throughout the state. For more information, visit earlylearning.hawaii.gov or call (808) 586-0796.

March 2014 Mar 3: Spring Picture Taking, Library & Café Mar 5: Gr 3: Lion’s Club Flag Presentation, cafe Mar 6: Royal Hawaiian Band, 8:45-9:30, Gr 3-5; 9:45-10:30, Gr

K-2 Mar 7: Gr K & PreSch: Honolulu Zoo, 8;15-1:15 Mar 7: Hawaiian Studies Showcase, B-Lanai, 2:15 – 3:00 pm Mar 11: Choral Festival, Mililani High School, 6:30 p.m. Mar 12: 3rd quarter Recognition Assembly, 8:30, D-Lanai Mar 14: Fitness Fun Day Mar 17-21: Spring Break, No School for Students Mar 22: Aloha Aina Recycling Drive, 9 am – 12 pm, School

parking lot Mar 24: 3rd quarter begins, school resumes Mar 26: Prince Kuhio Day Holiday, School Closed

April 2014 Apr 8: Gr 5: Panoramic Picture Apr 8: 3rd quarter report cards go home Apr 17: Volunteer Celebration Breakfast Apr 18: Good Friday Holiday, School Closed Apr 21 – May 2: Bridge HSA Round #2, grades 3-5

May 2014 May 8 – May 16: SBAC Field Assessment, Grades 3-5 May 16-17: Gr 4: Bishop Museum, Arakawa & Ichishita, 5 pm.

Return 5/17 8:45 am May 19: Gr 5 Banquet at Nehelani May 23-24: Gr 4: Bishop Museum, Shinn & Enriquez, 5 pm. Return

5/17 8:45 am May 25: Mililani High School Graduation May 26: Memorial Day, School Closed May 28: Song Festival, Mililani High School Gym May 28: School ends at 2:00 p.m. Switch with 5/29. May 29: 4th Qtr Recognition Assembly, 8:30 am, D-Lanai May 29: Last day of school for students. School ends at 1:00

p.m.

June 2014 June 11: Kamehameha Day, School Closed

July 2014 July 4: Independence Day, School Closed July 21-24: Ready Set K! Program, 8-11 am daily July 28-29: Teacher Work Days July 30: School Supply Drop-Off, 2:45 -4:00 pm July 30-31: Teacher Professional Days #1 & #2

August 2014 Aug 1: School Year 2014-2015 begins. 1st day for students

in grades 1-5. A+ for grades 1-5. Aug 4-7: Kindergarten Assessment – select students Aug 8: Kinderstart Program, 8:15-9:30 am, café Aug 11: Kindergarten Orientation, Group A Aug 12: Kindergarten Orientation, Group B Aug 13: Kindergarten, 1st Full Day with A+ Aug 15: Admissions Day Holiday, School Closed Aug 19: Open House, Gr 3-5 Aug 21: Open House, Pre-Sch, Gr 1-2

Kindergarten Registration for School Year 2014-2015 Kindergarten registration began on Monday, February 3, 2014 for the 2014-2015 school year. In order to enroll your child into kindergarten, your child must turn 5 by July 31, 2014.

Please bring the following items to the school office when you come in to register your child. 1. Verification of Address (current rental agreement, mortgage document, or real property assessment in

parent/guardian’s name AND current electric, gas, or water bill that indicates that the billing is in the parent/guardian’s name and is being sent to the house). • If the family is not financially responsible for their Mililani Residence, the following is required: Notarized letter

from legal resident of home stating that the family and student resides with them AND • Current electric, gas, or water bill of legal residence • Current bank statement in parents name that go to the address stated on the notarized letter.

2. Health Requirement – Completed Health Record (Form 14) with current physical, shot record and TB clearance done within 1 year of entry to school.

3. Verification of Birthdate – Birth certificate 4. Self-addressed stamped envelope.

A Kindergarten summer program is also being planned. Information about this program can be obtained from the school

Of our 745 Students:

165/745 Tardy = 22%

264/745 Absent = 35% Please impress upon your child the importance of coming to school every day on time. Students are expected to

be in their classroom by 7:50 am. When students aren’t in school, they miss valuable classroom instruction and interaction/collaboration with peers which is essential for continued success in school and in their future career. Research shows that if children are chronically absent (miss 10 percent or more of school), regardless of socio-economic background, they do worse in the following year. We value you as partners in your child’s education. If there are situations that are affecting your child’s attendance, please let me know. You may reach me by calling the school at 627-7300. Over 180 Students with Perfect Attendance in 3rd Quarter (This means that students were in school, on time by 7:50 a.m. each & every day from December 16, 2013 to March 3, 2014) PreSch: Kaylee Saito Grade K: Jaydan Alexander, Sophia Baek, Hoben Barretto, Jayden-Jacob Cadelina, Kierra Cargo, Kapio Cordeiro, Po'okela Escuadro, Tony Factora, Jeremy

Giles, Kyler Iwami-Ariola, Lokalia Kaneshiro, Kiakahi Ke-a, Allyson Keane, Ernest Lee, Emma Luo, Kayla Miyashiro, Noelani Nakamoto, Clayton Pactol, Samuel Ramos, Zoe Yogi

Grade 1: Jayson Adams, Ethan Anderton, Jordan Brub, Paige Budiao, Savannah Bunce, Erin Carlos, Leiana Cordeiro, Anson Decosta, Naoto Dirr, Namahana Jackson, Kyra Kalili, Ally Kornegger, Kiana Lee, Tehani Joy Lopez, Evan Murphy, Leland Nakayama, Kelcie Okamura, John Park, Aiden Pilar, Tyler Cole Tamashiro, Riley Watamura, Chase Wilson, Liam Yuasa, Patrick Yuasa

Grade 2: Zeriah Ancheta, Adrienne Baldugo, Fallon Barretto, Dathan Calma, Myah Ching, Ethan Funtanilla, Tristan Hagio, Alesa Hoggan, Jaylee Iaea, Jerusalem Jackson, Dymin Kakazu, Emily Keane, Adrian Lee, Arron Martinez, Bailee Morris, Cody Nakagawa, Kanoelani Ong, Ava Pajinag, Angelina Park, Frankie Quiban-Mahuka, Jasmine Smith, Keilana Tanigawa, Landon Tanioka, Eric Tapia, Kainoa Toves, Micah Uyeno, Conner Walters, Tyler Wilson, Madeline Winsley, Trenton Wong, Elijah Woodson

Grade 3: Jade Alverio, Emily Asuncion, Hazel Bell, Thomas Bell, Zyra Mae Bisquera, Tiana Burgess, Veronica Burgos, Caydence Cadelina, Amyna Ceville, Kyle Chu-Calaycay, Alia Cosner, Arissa Dang, Jaydie DeCosta, James Heller, Lawrence Herrera, Seohyun Hong, Penelope Kahiapo, Kobe Kaholokula, Ammon Lee, George Lee, Rylan Li, Karlee Martinez, Avery Morano, Kellen Murphy, Siena Near, Brianna Nolan, Taylor Omine, Sharissa Oshiro, Kaitlyn Ped, Olivia Perruso, Ethan Pugay, Jamin Stegman, Kyra Stone, Sophia Sumile, Xander Tamashiro, Sonny Toves, Ariana Trujillo, Jenny Yanagida, Zane Yogi

Grade 4: Caeden Akina, Trinity Barretto, Leia Chung, Alexia Clark-Perez, Angela DeShane, Jessie Esteron, Sophia Evrard, Jaycee Guerrero, Wailen Kidder-Lyman, Jenna Kim, Sabrina Leahigh, Josiah Mayeda, Chance Miyashiro, Deyan Mondo-Tunon, Danyel Monroe, Kasandra Morse, Ila Nako, Ryder Okamura, Rhylynd Park, Ryan Potts, Gabriel Ramos, Kaila Salazar, Jessica Sugimura, Destiny Sumile, Keira Sumoba, Jaelyn Tang, Alana Tapia, Paige Thomas, Madison Wanlass, Kendall Wong, Ariel Woodman

Grade 5: Cruse Aea, Casey Arakaki, Jacob Chamberlin, Kamalu Chock-Nihi, Abigail Dagdag, Spencer Dang, Aubren Dean, Maiyah Faleafine-Lesu, Kiana Fong, Ty Gano, Sakura Harris, Kameron Hidano, Tracen Higa, Madison Hunter, Desiree Johnson, Gabriel Majors, Amy McMillan, Hailey Michimoto-Fevella, Kiare Nako, Blaze Ozaki, Kaniela Pang, Katerina Portela, Hermione Quiban-Mahuka, Keanu Rivera-Colipano, Robert Rodrigues Jr, Justice Sapigao, Jaylin Smith, Kylee Stone, Eve Storhaug, Jonah Szlosek, Tiare Tonaki, Teorihere Toves, Brian Tugaoen, Mckenna Yoshinobu

0

50

100

Grade K Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5

40 33 18

33 17 24

68

41 46 40 23

46

Num

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f St

uden

ts

Total Tardies

Total Absences

Attendance Policy Mililani Waena Elementary School’s attendance policy expects every student to be regularly present in school and to be on time to class.

School Year 2013-2014 5 or More Tardies and Absences by Grade Levels

Beginning of School Year to February 20, 2014

3rd Quarter Recognition Award Program

Our Recognition Award Program was developed to give students the opportunity to be honored as a good citizen and making academic progress. The program incorporates the Six Core Ethical Values: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship – T R R F C C and was developed as one way to bring these values to life as they impact students’ academic progress. Students were recognized at an assembly on March 12, 2014. Congratulations to all students who have been selected!

3rd Quarter Citizenship Award Pre-Sch: Kaylee Saito Grade K: Rodel Alano, Krislynn Bergantinos, Jack Kojima, Emily Nishimitsu, Kaylyn Shumate, Kaya Tenis Grade 1: Carson Capps, Anthony Helmer, Riley Kekahuna, Loralei Near, Kayla Prieto, Michele Sakamoto, Patrick Yuasa Grade 2: Joseph Giles, Emily Keane, Landon Tanioka, Reyana Yacapin Grade 3: Jade Alverio, Tayah Botelho, Ellie Ikemura, Anjolie Mayeda, Zane Thomason Grade 4: Sophia Evrard, Jaycee Guerrero, Brayden Yadao, Brycen Yadao Grade 5: Kiana Fong, Ty Gano, Reyce Kajiwara, Hailey Michimoto-Fevella, Kaimana Troche

3rd Quarter Academic Award Pre-Sch: Cecilia Cortes Grade K: Hugo Cheng, Maximilian Kahiapo, Noelani Nakamoto, Jordan Okamura, Clayton Pactol, Taylor Rapoza Grade 1: Sarah Hayase, Rayshelle Langas, Kiana Lee, Richard Robeck IV, Zayne Stillman, Leesa Takara Grade 2: Raika Castillo, Arron Martinez, Kaylyn Nunez, Kylie Phaniphon, Jeni Whittier Grade 3: Audrey Auna, Halia Beamer, Casey Lyons, Judah Moenoa, Alyssa Rabanal Grade 4: Robert Jackson, Ciara McNally, Kayden Sayers, Anthony Tang, Brandon Walters Grade 5: Evan Ginos, Madison Hunter, Desirae Jeffers, Kelsy-Lynn Kim-Edwards

Na Leo 'o Menehune This year’s Na Leo 'o Menehune began with a slightly different vision than in previous years. Three different songs were combined - Superman by Five For Fighting, Go The Distance from the Hercules

Soundtrack and Hall of Fame by the Script featuring Will I Am. A dance routine was added that contained hints of hip-hop allowing students to express the playful attitudes of their generation in both voice and dance. With 44 students and the guidance of 10 teachers in place, Na Leo quickly learned the routine for their first performance at the Complex Character Counts Fair on February 8, 2014 at the Mililani Town Center. Our Na Leo 'o Menehune pulled off an energetic and harmoniously powerful

performance for all to see. Na Leo’s routine was completely revamped for the Complex Choral Festival on March 11, 2014. Hip costumes and additional dance movements boosted the song & dance routines. They definitely

showed Menehune Pride in their performance. Great job to all the participants! We appreciate the families & staff who came to watch and who supported our 2014 Na Leo 'o Menehune.

Hawaiian Studies On March 7, 2014, families were treated to a delightful play weaving song

(ukulele), dance (hula) & performing arts (drama) to the theme “The Influence of Hula on Hawaiian Culture.” Students

learned about influential figures throughout history and their role in our local culture. This performance culminated 6 weeks of learning for students from grades 3 through 5 who participated in our Hawaiian Studies After-School Program. The purpose of the program was to get students excited about learning through the arts and to gain an appreciation for our Hawaiian culture. It was truly a memorable experience for all who attended the performance!

Calling All Superheroes – Fitness Training Day

Mililani Waena’s Annual Fitness Fun Day, aka Superhero Training Day, will take place on Friday, March 14, 2014, from 8:00 am – 12:30 pm. This will be a great event for all our Superheroes to show their stuff! Students will take part in various physical activities focused on 4 out of 5 health-related

physical fitness components: flexibility, muscular strength, muscular endurance and cardiovascular endurance, which keep their bodies healthy and active. We appreciate all the volunteers – families, friends, alumni students, who take time from their busy schedules to support this annual activity. Your help and participation help make this a successful event for the students. Mahalo! You are Superhero Volunteers!!!

PARENT COMMUNITY NETWORKING CENTER (PCNC) As we continue through the school year, we continue to strive and succeed together. The mission of the PCNC is to develop a sense of community and a caring, learning network to strengthen family, neighborhood, school, and classroom for every student's well-being and attainment of standards. Therefore, we work to create supportive partnerships among the home, the school, and the community for the purposes of supporting student success, and building a sense of family and community. We continue to collect Box Tops 4 Education. These can be found on General Mills cereals, Betty Crocker products, Kleenex, Ziploc bags and containers. For more products and information visit: http://www.boxtops4education.com We continue to work with our valuable volunteers that help make a difference at our school. Your time is greatly appreciated and needed! Please contact Geri Yabes, Parent Facilitator, 627-7300 for information. MWES T-Shirts: Parents and families are welcome to purchase school shirts for school events and field trips. If you should have any questions, please call Geri Yabes, Parent Facilitator, 627-7300, Monday through Friday, except holidays, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

“Thank You” is a simple phrase but it’s meant to show that we appreciate your help more than you could know. Our volunteers: Virginia Anana, Jonah Barroga, Sharla Batangan, Vanessa Bisquera, Althea Ceville, Liezl & Elizabeth Dagdag, Amy Diegel, Marina Ginos, Isaac Goshay, Pat Isobe, Anna Gruzinsky, Jodi Kusumoto, Rose Lee, Asia & Kiana Manuel, Jean Matsuda, Brian Near, Contesa Neptune, Dayton Okouchi, Kathy Oshiro, Audrey Pilar, Melanie Phaniphon, Shayna Santa Maria, Donna Shiroma, Devin Uyeda, Grandma Isabel Yabes, Joyce Yoshida, Laura Zuniga

A+ Registration (After School Care): A+ is an after school child-care program for all public elementary school children (K-5). Their hours of operation are from after school, Monday – Friday, until 5:30 p.m. on operating school days only. The fee is $85.00 per child. If you have any questions, please call the site coordinators, Ms. Tiffany Seiki and Mrs. Geri Yabes at 627-7454.

Another care provider is Mililani YMCA. They provide an early morning program on campus before and after school at Mililani YMCA. Students must register with the Y Please contact them at 625-1040 for more information.

Mahalo to our Community Partners and all that they do for our families and school!

Grade 5 Solar Oven Project with families on February 12, 2014

Mililani Lions Club – Grade 3 Flag Presentation March 5, 2014

The Royal Hawaiian Band entertained our students with their lively songs on March 6, 2014.

Jayda Sakoda & Kawika Miyamoto

were guest conductors, have

relatives who play in the Band.

Alumnus Ryan

Ing led us in the school song.

Character Counts! Celebration Poster Contest Students from grades K-5 participated in a poster contest with the theme of Trustworthiness. The first place winner from each grade level had their poster displayed at the Character Counts! Celebration at the Mililani Town Center on February 8, 2014. Grade level winners are: 1st Place (Pictured ) 2nd Place 3rd Place Grade K: Noelani Nakamoto Kayla Miyashiro Mackenzie Samson Grade 1: Kelcie Okamura Mia Moss Kenzie Yoshizawa Grade 2: Joseph Chatters Madison Hose Kirah Clarabal Grade 3: Gabriel Powell Zyra Bisquera Chauncey Graham Grade 4: Christy Shiotani Zen Staszkow Ashley Shiotani Grade 5: Nichole Hanna Cruse Aea Teorihere Toves

Noelani Nakamoto Kelcie Okamura

Joseph Chatters Gabriel Powell Nichole Hanna Christy Shiotani