End of the Year! Aloha 5th Graders!

In less than two days, school year 2006-2007 will come to a close. Mid-Pacific will have completed two years of offering a unique early childhood program for 3- and 4-year-olds and three years of elementary education to 250 students in Hawaii. In less than two days, we will be wishing our 5th graders well as they transition into middle school. In less than two days, we will be waving good-bye to our students as they slide into plans for summer school and family treks to places near and far. It’s an exciting time of accomplishment and preparation for summer adventures.

You will have also participated in your child’s second semester evaluation conferences. I hope that the meeting with teachers was not only an affirming experience for your child in discussing your child’s learning strengths, but also provided some constructive direction and strategies in continuing your child’s growth over the summer and into the next academic year. You and your child should revisit his/her progress portfolio and talk about any new insights from reviewing the selections.

On behalf of the faculty and staff, thank you for your support throughout the school year demonstrated in so many ways — reading the weekly website updates, checking on your child’s homework and projects, volunteering at the school, donating to the Annual Fund and Children First Capital Campaign, attending inquiry presentations, providing classroom snacks — all and much more that you’ve done to enrich your child’s learning are deeply appreciated.

We have lei of aloha for the `Ohana — a group of very dedicated and spirited parents who represent many of you at the monthly `Ohana meetings — who have been the backbone of the school in organizing special events throughout the year (Welcome Barbecue, Spooktivity, Grandparents’ Day, May Day, etc.). At the Teacher/Staff Appreciation event last week, the `Ohana prepared an appetizing lunch and transformed our workroom into a party room with festive balloons and palms. Each staff member received a personalized koa box inscribed with our Children First logo. I’m convinced the preschool and elementary faculty and staff are blessed with the most generous, dedicated, parents with inspiring “can-do” attitudes.

Students from Kindergarten through Fifth Grade gathered for the annual Student Recognition Assembly on Tuesday. All students who have provided service to the school community or who have participated in team sports were acknowledged by their peers and the faculty.

The Pueo Fly Up Day is Wednesday, May 30, beginning at 8:30am. Students will meet a teacher, visit the next grade level, and participate in some fun activities. We anticipate that the most dramatic movements will be from preschool (4-year-olds) into the Kindergarten and from Kindergarten to first grade as our youngest students venture into new, but welcoming territory.

We celebrate the accomplishments of our Fifth Graders at their Leavetaking from elementary school on Wednesday at 10:00am. Their parents and the rest of the school will gather in the Dining Room for this simple yet meaningful ceremony, prepared especially for their parents.

Our last day of school is Thursday, May 31, which is also Beach Day at Magic Island (Ala Moana Beach Park)! Your children should bring the following to school, all items marked with your child’s name: a beach towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, and beach toys (optional). If your child will be swimming, make sure your child is already dressed in a swimsuit or trunks and wearing a beach cover-up or t-shirt and shorts to school. Slippers are appropriate for the beach. Lunch will be provided by the `Ohana (pizza, carrot sticks, fruits, beverages).

Please make sure your child is in school on time on Thursday (K-5, no later than 7:40am; preschool, by 8:00am). All students will begin boarding the chartered school buses by 8:15am. Bus transportation is only for the students, unless teachers have asked you specifically to assist with students. If you prefer to drive your child to Magic Island, please inform your child’s teacher as soon as possible so that we’re not holding up the bus. You may also take your child home with you from the beach at any time, but you must sign out your child with your child’s classroom teacher. Otherwise, we will board the buses by 1:00pm and head back to MPI. Regular dismissal on Thursday with extended day until 5:30pm in the preschool and until 6:00pm, K-5.

And what happens after the last child leaves on Thursday? The very next day, the entire faculty meet to reflect on the current school year and to plan forward. From June 4-8, all classroom teachers will be attending in-service sessions on teaching mathematics. Summer school begins June 11 through July 20, 8:00am-5:00pm. The maintenance crew will be cleaning and doing repairs in the school. The faculty returns August 6 for meetings and class preparations, then the first day of school for school year 2007-2008 begins on August 13!

Be safe. Enjoy these summer days with your children. Plan excursions to the many places of interest on our island. Read to them or have them read aloud daily. We look forward to seeing you and your children in August!

For our children,

Edna L. Hussey
Principal

Posted on May 29, 2007 3:38 PM | Permalink