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On Wednesday, April 18, the Middle School Math Club sponsored the first Math Day for 6th graders. The goal of Math Day was to have fun with math and to learn through creative math games. Math Club members spent many hours brainstorming, constructing, fine-tuning, and then overseeing the playing of their math game creations by their classmates. Both Math Club members and their 6th grade classmates had great fun and learned valuable lessons during Math Day.
Math Club members are 6th graders: Matthew Agsalud, Matthew Bowler, Jarin Carino, Wesley Cox, Seth Little, Bryce Nishiguchi, Gino Silvestre, 7th graders: Linda Char, Jimmy Hamada, Sasha Han, Mathias Ross, Summer Shigetani, Jay Spendlove, Tiffany Tanaka, Alec Toshi, Jaimelenn Uemura, Felix Wong. 8th graders: Justin Little, Geoffrey Siu, Nicole Stannard.
Posted on 4:38 PM| Permalink
World Geography students had fun learning the history of the piñata on Friday, 4/20/07. The Spanish colonists are thought to have started the piñata tradition in Mexico. Traditionally it is shaped like a seven-pointed star that represents the seven deadly sins taught by the Roman Catholics; hitting it with a stick pushes away these temptations. As the children hit the piñata they sing a rhyme encouraging themselves to stay on track, No pierdas el tino (don’t lose your aim)…Porque si lo pierdes (because if you lost it)…Pierdes el camino (you will lose the path). It was fun learning about the Latin culture and a universal life lesson, stay focused – don’t lose your purpose!
Posted on 9:50 AM| Permalink
It was hectic, it was cold but it was so much fun. No sooner was school over for Spring break, 32 eighth graders set off on their adventure to Washington DC and New York City. Following a tightly packed schedule, they were awed by the majesty of the Capitol, swept up in excited hustle and bustle of the streets of the Big Apple, enchanted by snow, and surrounded by the history and pageantry that is so much a part of these cities. At every turn there were seeds to be discovered that could inspire a budding politician, a financial wizard or a Broadway star to work hard at finding their place in the world. Here are a few thoughts in their own words...
It’s one thing to just go on a vacation, but it’s very different to travel to the mainland with all your friends. It was amazing to visit all the places that we have only read or heard about. From the towering Washington Monument to the spectacular Lion King Musical every moment of the trip was filling us with amazing new experiences. We were almost constantly going from place to place, trying to see all the great places Washington D. C. and New York had to offer. I think that everyone would agree with me when I say that this was a memorable trip that we will never forget for the rest of our lives. Ryan Yamauchi
On the New York and Washington DC trip, I had a great time. Though it got cold at times, I still learned a great deal about our American History. Nicole Huffman
The changing of the guard was very serious, it was a solemn event to respect the unknown soldiers lost in World Wars I and II. From the Washington Monument you could see all the other monuments and memorials, and it was a great place to take pictures. It was a fun trip over all. Brendan Sagucio
Posted on 11:06 AM| Permalink
The sixth grade performed the hula noho kala`au, ‘Hanohano O Manoa’ at the foot of Ka U`i O Manoa for its composer and choreographer, Kimo Alama Keaulana. ‘Uncle Kimo’ is a long-time Hawaiian instructor at Honolulu Community College, kumu hula, recording artist and multiple Na Hoku Hanohano award recipient. Standing with Uncle Kimo is 6th grade Hawaiian Culture/Hula teacher, Rianne Graves, who has been a student of Uncle Kimo’s for 26 years and was granted permission by Uncle Kimo to teach the students his mele (song). This was the first public performance of ‘Hanohano O Manoa’, which speaks of Manoa’s majestic qualities and its resident ali`i, Ka`ahumanu.
Mid-Pacific 6th grade students are shown performing the hula noho kala`au (seated
hula with kala`au), "Hanohano O Manoa," for Kimo Alama Keaulana and his "daughter," Nanea. This took place on Thursday, April 5, appropriately at the foot of Ka U`i O Manoa on our football field. Mr. Keaulana is a Hawaiian instructor, kumu hula, recording artist and multiple Na Hoku Hanohano award winner. He is the composer and choreographer of "Hanohano O Manoa," which is why it was so special for the 6th grade to perform this for
him.
MPI teacher Rianne Graves is shown standing to the left of him. "I have been his student since I was six, and was granted permission by Uncle Kimo to teach this hula to my students here at Mid-Pacific. Uncle Kimo later told the 6th grade that this is the first performance of "Hanohano O Manoa," which made us feel that much more honored to be able to dance it for him," Graves said.
Posted on 9:39 AM| Permalink
Congratulations! Kyler Wood qualified to represent our Middle School at the state level of the National Geographic Bee, sponsored by JPMorgan Chase. The 2007 Hawaii Geography Bee was held at the Blaisdell Center on Friday, March 30, 2007. After completing the preliminary round, Kyler competed in a tie-breaker to qualify for the final round. There were 11 students in the tie-breaker. After the first question, 6 students were eliminated. After the second question, 3 students were eliminated. It was only Kyler and another student left. Kyler didn’t win the tie-breaker but later a teacher from another school commented how well Kyler performed. It was a memorable event for Kyler and his family. Great Job Kyler!
Mrs. Perreira, Kyler Wood and Mrs. Diane Wood
Posted on 4:43 PM| Permalink