9555  Huakai  Street                            Waimea,  HI    96796                                                                          Phone:    338-­6830  

Waimea  Canyon  Middle  School  is  ADA  Accessible.    Contact  the  school  office  to  request  for  

accommodations  to  participate  in  school  events.  

http://waimeaca.hidoe.us  or  http://www.waimeacanyonmiddleschool.us  

 

 

Waimea  Canyon  Middle  School  is  ADA  accessible.    Contact  the  school  office  to  

request  for  accommodations  to  participate  in  school  events.  

 

Dear  Parents/Guardians,  Staff,  Community,  &  Students,  

 

The  third  quarter  of  this  school  year  has  zoomed  by.    Spring  Break  is  almost  here!    WCMS  will  be  celebrating  Health  and  Wellness  Day  on  March  15,  the  day  before  the  break.    On  this  day,  various  community  members  will  come  to  school  to  share  their  knowledge  and  expertise  about  wellness  and  safety  in  our  lives.    Events  like  these  contribute  in  part  to  our  third  consecutive  year  of  recognition  by  the  state  of  Hawaii  Department  of  Health  for  Excellence  in  Wellness.    In  the  afternoon  we  will  be  doing  a  whole-­‐school  evacuation  to  Waimea  Canyon  Park  to  practice  an  alternate  evacuation  site  as  a  measure  to  ensure  rapid  evauation  in  an  actual  emergency.    Be  sure  to  ask  your  child  what  they  learned  on  Health  and  Wellness  Day.  

I  wanted  to  let  you  know  about  some  changes  for  next  school  year.    Class  schedules  will  be  given  to  students  on  their  first  day  of  school,  not  during  fee  collection  in  July.  

However,  your  child  will  be  able  to  find  out  who  their  Advisory  teacher  is  and  where  their  Advisory  class  is  located  at  the  July  fee  collection.    Stay  tuned  for  more  information  about  the  fee  collection  days,  times,  and  location.  

Finally  for  this  month,  please  continue  to  support  WCMS’s  efforts  in  the  “2  for  Tech”  initiative.    We  are  actively  seeking  supporting  funds  for  charging  carts  for  each  Advisory  (24  carts  total)  so  that  our  students  can  have  their  individual  Chromebooks  charged  overnight.  

Have  a  wonderful,  safe  Spring  Break  and  be  prepared  to  return  to  a  great  learning-­‐filled  4th  quarter.  

 

Show  your  Spring  Break  Minihune  pride!  

 

Melissa  Speetjens  

Principal  

 

Dates To Remember

ASAP – Due Now

Payment for Q4 Bus Pass

March 15

Health & Wellness Day

March 15 3rd Qtr Ends

March 16-24 Spring Break

March 25

Good Friday Holiday No School

March 28

Kuhio Day Holiday No School

April 7

Q3 Report Cards Go home

 

   

KAUA`I DISTRICT SCIENCE FAIR . This  year's  Kauai  District  Science  and  Engineering  Fair  had  a  huge  turnout  for  the  Junior  Division  –  the  largest  project  count  in  a  long  time.    There  were  50  projects  entered  from  around  the  island,  representing  WCMS,  CKMS,  Kapaa  Middle,  St.  Catherine,  Kilauea  Elementary,  and  Hanalei  Elementary!    With  the  competition  being  so  broad,  we  had  hoped  for  even  one  of  our  projects  to  make  it  on  to  the  State  Science  and  Engineering  Fair.  

We  can  ALL  be  proud  to  say  that  WCMS  took  the  top  TWO  places  at  the  Kauai  District  Science  and  Engineering  Fair!    Braelyn  Cayaban  won  1st  place,  with  her  project  on  Anaerobic  Digestion  of  Biomass,  and  Marcus  Schultz  took  2nd  place,  with  his  project  on  The  Best  Seawall.    Braelyn  also  won  a  special  award  from  Apollo  Kauai  for  focusing  on  exploration  of  an  alternative  source  of  energy.    These  two  students  will  be  traveling  to  Oahu  on  March  28th-­‐30th  to  represent  WCMS  at  the  Hawaii  State  Science  and  Engineering  Fair.    Please  wish  these  students  congratulations  and  best  of  luck!    

Also,  we  can't  forget  to  acknowledge  and  congratulate  ALL  of  our  students  who  represented  our  school.    We  are  extremely  proud  of  them  for  their  hard  work  and  motivation:  .  Hali`a  Moriguchi  Wyatt  Hartsell  Bergen  Ceballos  Larissa  Kobayashi  Amelia  Styan  Kylan  Constantino  Asa  Chelius  Ethan  Yamamoto  Leslie  Uri  Kaela  Tsuchiya  

Fourth Quarter Bus Payment . This is a reminder for school bus riders who are on the quarterly payment plan to purchase their fourth quarter bus pass prior to the start of the next academic quarter so they can continue to ride the bus after Spring Break. Parents can make payment either in person or by mail as soon as possible. Payments made by check, money order or cashier’s check should be made payable to “Department of Education.” Please call our office for more information at 338-6830. As a reminder, there is a $25 service fee for all returned checks (payable to Director of Finance) and a $5.00 fee to replace a permanent bus pass.                      KAUAI SHINING STARS IN EDUCATION FEBRUARY 2016 EPISODE! .  In  our  February  2016  episode,  we  shine  the  light  on  2016  Kauai  District  Teacher  of  the  Year,  Mr.  David  Braun.    Mr.  Braun  teaches  his  students  musical  content  and  skills,  while  inspiring  them  to  realize  their  goals  and  aspirations.    You'll  also  take  in  some  of  the  action  at  the  Kauai  District  Spelling  Bee  where  our  very  own  Fred  Adella  placed  first  and  will  move  on  to  represent  Kauai  at  the  State  Spelling  Bee  on  Oahu.  Enjoy  the  show!    .  The  show  airs  on  Oceanic  Channel  6  on  the  following  days  and  times:    

 

The  web  channel  link  allowing  worldwide  access  24/7  on  any  computer  or  Smartphone  device  is  http://vimeo.com/channels/kauaishiningstars                    

Sundays: Mondays: Wednesdays: Thursdays: Saturdays:

6:30 – 7:00 pm 6:30 – 7:00 pm & 9:00 – 9:30 pm 6:30 – 7:00 pm 9:00 – 9:30 pm 9:00 – 9:30 pm

Attention all Parents and Guardians! If you have anything to drop off to your child, please bring it to the school office and the staff will make sure your child gets it. This includes forgotten homework, lunch, IDs, and uniforms. Please do not ask your child to come out to the curb or parking lot, those are Off Limit areas. Students need to stay on campus during school hours.

                                                   

 

 

 

 

 

When  &  How  to  Wash  Your  Hands  

Keeping  hands  clean  through  improved  hand  hygiene  is  one  of  the  most  

important  steps  we  can  take  to  avoid  getting  sick  and  spreading  germs  to  

others.  Many  diseases  and  conditions  are  spread  by  not  washing  hands  with  

soap  and  water.  If  soap  and  water  are  unavailable,  use  an  alcohol-­‐based  hand  

sanitizer  that  contains  at  least  60%  alcohol  to  clean  hands.  

When  should  you  wash  your  hands?  

o Before,  during,  and  after  preparing  food  o Before  eating  food  o Before  and  after  caring  for  someone  who  is  sick  o Before  and  after  treating  a  cut  or  wound  o After  using  the  toilet  o After  changing  diapers  or  cleaning  up  a  child  who  has  

used  the  toilet  

o After  blowing  your  nose,  coughing,  or  sneezing  o After  touching  an  animal,  animal  feed,  or  animal  waste  o After  handling  pet  food  or  pet  treats  o After  touching  garbage  

How  should  you  wash  your  hands?  

o Wet  your  hands  with  clean,  

running  water  (warm  or  cold),  turn  off  the  tap,  and  apply  soap.  

o Lather  your  hands  by  rubbing  them  together  with  the  soap.  Be  sure  to  lather  the  

backs  of  your  hands,  between  your  fingers,  and  under  your  nails.  

o Scrub  your  hands  for  at  least  20  seconds.  Need  a  timer?  Hum  the  "Happy  Birthday"  song  from  beginning  to  end  

twice.  o Rinse  your  hands  well  under  clean,  running  water.  

o Dry  your  hands  using  a  clean  towel  or  air  dry  them.  

       

Why?  Read  the  science  behind  the  

recommendations.(http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-­‐me-­‐the-­‐science-­‐handwashing.html)  

What  should  you  do  if  you  don’t  have  soap  and  clean,  

running  water?  

Washing  hands  with  soap  and  water  is  the  best  way  to  reduce  the  number  of  germs  on  them  in  most  situations.  If  soap  and  water  are  not  available,  use  an  alcohol-­‐based  hand  sanitizer  that  contains  at  least  60%  alcohol.  Alcohol-­‐based  hand  sanitizers  can  quickly  reduce  the  number  of  germs  on  hands  in  some  situations,  but  sanitizers  do  not  eliminate  all  types  of  germs  and  might  not  remove  harmful  chemicals.  Hand  sanitizers  are  not  as  effective  when  hands  are  visibly  dirty  or  greasy.    How  do  you  use  hand  sanitizers?  

o Apply  the  product  to  the  palm  of  one  hand  (read  the  label  to  learn  the  correct  amount).  

o Rub  your  hands  together.  o Rub  the  product  over  all  surfaces  of  your  hands  and  

fingers  until  your  hands  are  dry.  

  Why?  Read  the  science  behind  the  recommendations.(http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/sho

w-­‐me-­‐the-­‐science-­‐hand-­‐sanitizer.html)    

Caution!  Swallowing  alcohol-­‐based  hand  sanitizers  can  cause  alcohol  poisoning.  Keep  it  out  of  reach  of  young  children.    Learn  more  here.  (http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-­‐me-­‐the-­‐science-­‐hand-­‐sanitizer.html#swallowing)  

Get Your Yearbook NOW!

Have you ordered your 2015-2016 WCMS Yearbook yet? If not, now is your last opportunity to buy one for only $25. If you have already purchased a yearbook, you can still order Add-Ons. The Add-Ons available this year include “World Yearbook”--which is an insert with stories of world events during the 2015-2016 school year--for only $5. You can personalize your yearbook with a name stamp, also for $5. A plastic cover to protect the yearbook is only $3 and an insert with extra autograph pages is only $2. Yearbooks will be distributed in mid-May. If you have any other questions, please contact Mrs. Foulks, yearbook advisor, or one of the yearbook staff members. All yearbook and add-on orders must be submitted to the office before Thursday, March 31, 2016. Don’t miss the opportunity to order your book of memories that will last a lifetime!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

       2ND  QUARTER  CFS  Students  HONOR  ROLL    The  following  CFS  students  made  the  2nd  quarter  honor  roll  and  were  invited  to  an  ice  cream  social:  Honor  Roll:    Gr.  7  -­‐  Kiana  Kaiwi,  Jillian  Ochua,  Kiani  Olivas-­‐Dominguez,  Jaysha  Olores  Honorable  Mention:  Gr.  6  -­‐  Cainen  Akana,  Briana  Apo,  Morris  Caberto,  Sage  Cano,  Qiyrah  Rapanot  Gr.  7  -­‐  David  Bagaoisan,  Tanner  Ishikuni,  Leland  Kaohelaulii,  Jordyn  Maruyama-­‐Chang  Wo,  Jaeden  Ragragola,  Pauline  Ragus  Gr.  8  -­‐  Louis  Bugado,  Johnna  Kona,  Rachel  Nakaula,  Xyran  Pai,  Makeyah  Wisneski    Congratulations  to  all  and  keep  up  the  great  work!    FAMILY  BINGO  NIGHT  WAS  A  SUCCESS!    Mahalo  to  the  families  of  the  following  students  for  attending  our  Family  Bingo  Night  on  Friday,    January  29:  David  Bagaoisan,  John-­‐Wesley  Bueno,  Saige  Cano,  Mehana  Kaiakapu-­‐Manoi,  Keinan  Kamakele,  Jered  Oligo,  Kaylie  Todd,  and  Shalyn  Vegas.  The  purpose  of  family  night  is  to  “connect”  with  our  families  to  help  our  students  succeed  in  school.  Although  the  attendance  was  small,  we  had  a  lot  of  fun.  After  an  ono  spaghetti  dinner,  we  played  nine  games  of  various  and  challenging  bingo.    Our  big  winner  was  Jered  Oligo  who  won  a  total  of  4  bingo!  However,  at  the  end  of  the  night,  everyone  was  a  winner  and  went  home  with  a  prize.  We  will  try  to  organize  another  family  night  before  the  school  year  is  over.            PASSPORT  REWARD  BOOKS  CFS  students  can  earn  rewards  for  doing  what  will  help  them  succeed  in  school  and  in  life.    Reward  points  are  given  for  academic  progress  in  Star  Reading  and  Star  Math,  behavior,  attendance,  honor  roll,  tutoring,  and  participation  in  CFS  events.    Points  can  be  cashed  in  during  CFS  luncheons.        

 

           Dear  Wise  Minihune,  I  have  a  friend  that  is  always  being  judged.  I  always  try  to  make  him  feel  better  but  it  just  makes  him  feel  like  he  has  no  one  to  talk  to  about  his  problems.  I  often  ask  him  if  he  wants  to  tell  someone  about  it,  but  he  just  says  that  he'll  take  care  of  it.  I  know,  however,  he  can't  handle  it  alone.  What  should  I  do  about  this?  Please  help.  Sincerely,  Concerned  Friend              Dear  Concerned  Friend,  Even  though  your  friend  is  hurting  you  have  to  make  sure  you’re  there  for  him  24/7  and  convince  him  to  get  help.    The  only  way  he  can  get  better  is  if  he  tells  someone  who  can  do  something  for  him  and  you  yourself  have  to  make  those  bullies  back  off.    I  hope  this  helps.    Sincerely,  Wise  Minihune  (Breycinn  Silva)    Dear  Concerned  Friend,  From  what  I  heard  about  this  boy,  I  feel  really  bad  for  him.    It  sounds  like  he’s  been  through  so  much  and  it  seems  like  it  is  just  getting  worst  for  him.    If  I  were  you,  I  would  still  be  by  his  side  and  defend  him  even  though  he  doesn’t  want  any  help.    If  you  help  him  he’ll  know  that  you  care  about  him  and  he’ll  trust  you.    As  long  as  he  stays  confident  and  stops  worrying  about  the  bullies,  everything  will  be  fine.  Sincerely,  Wise  Minihune  (Raelee  Samio)    Dear  Concerned  Friend,  You  should  tell  a  trustworthy  adult.    Even  though  he  said  that  he  could  handle  it  on  his  own,  I  feel  this  would  be  the  best  thing  to  do.    The  adult  can  handle  this  best.    You  should  also  hang  out  with  him  often  so  he  doesn’t  feel  like  he  is  alone.    Also,  he  will  feel  better  about  sharing  his  thought  about  the  problem.    I  hope  this  helps.  Sincerely,  Wise  Minihune  (Julie  Jane  Remigio)    

Prince Kuhio Holiday

March 28, 2016

                                                           

Question  of  the  month  If you could go on a field trip anywhere in the world, where would you go? And why?  

I  would  go  to  Italy  because  I  want  spaghetti!  Rodney  Jial  Grade  6    

 I  would  go  to  Japan  because  I  used  to  live  there!  Hillary  Douglas  Grade  7      I  would  go  to  Disney  World  Because  it  is  fun  and  would  be  a  good  experience!  Jadin  Caudill  Grade  8    

 I  would  go  on  a  field  trip  to  Cadair  Idris    or  London  because  I  read  books  about  those  places.  Ariell  Siliado  Grade  7    

                                                                                                                         

ʻŌlelo Noʻeau of the Month

‘Ōlelo Noʻeau are Hawaiian proverbs, or wise sayings, that Hawaiians used throughout every aspect of their lives. We choose one every month that supports the development of the life essence in each person.

I ka ʻōlelo no ke ola, I ka ʻōlelo nō ka make. In the language is life, in the language is death. [Words can heal; words can destroy. A contemporary translation of this proverb is: In the Hawaiian language we find the life of our race, without it (the Hawaiian language) we shall perish.]

This is a very important proverb. Not only does it show the intelligence of the Hawaiian people, but also how the savvy colonizers made sure to eliminate the indigenous people of HawaiʻI by not allowing them to speak their native language in school or in public. But let’s not go into the history of the Hawaiian monarchy and the many hardships they had to endure in their own lands, but rather let’s look at the importance of this proverb and how it can be used in today’s context.

Far too often do we hear people talking stink about others, sometimes this even happens between friends. No matter who it is or the relationship between the two parties, remember that talking bad about others will always end in someone getting hurt. If we think as the kanaka maoli did, our hā, or breath should be cherished and we should not waste it by talking negatively about others. Rather save our precious hā for good, so that positivity shall come back unto you. Remember this ʻōlelo noʻeau the next time you are about to say something bad about another person and try giving praises to your friends and family. Finally don’t forget to tell your family how much you love and appreciate them. I promise you no one ever got mad or angry when being told they are loved! I mua me ke aloha kākou! (Let’s all move forward with love, compassion, and grace!)  

Help your child figure out how to connect with classmates Your child just uttered those dreaded words: “I don’t fit in at school!” What should you do? First, don’t overreact. Take a deep breath and get the facts. If you discover your child is being bullied, intervene and tell the school. Bullying is too serious a problem to be chalked up to “kids being kids.” On the other hand, if your child feels like an outsider simply because she doesn’t know how to jump in and participate with her peers, here’s how you can help:

• Explore her likes and dislikes. Your child is maturing, and her interests are surely expanding. Maybe there’s an activity or sport that appeals to her now, even if it wasn’t on her radar screen before.

• Find out what’s available. Once you’ve discussed her interests, see what school clubs or teams might be a good fit. “You love graphic design and working on the yearbook could be a way to meet other kids who like it, too.”

• Look beyond the school. Volunteer organizations, county recreation leagues and community theaters are excellent places to meet other kids. If your child finds her niche in one of them, she may feel more confident and less like the “odd man out” in school.

Reprinted with permission from the March 2016 issue of Parents Still make the difference!® (Middle School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2016 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc.