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Kaua`i High School
Raider News
Volume 20
Issue 7
June 2008
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PRINCIPAL'S PERSPECTIVE by Mrs. Linda Smith
As we come to the end of the 2007-2008 school year, we thank all of you
for your unconditional support and dedicated efforts in providing our
students the best possible learning experiences. We believe that all of our
students have the potential to pursue some form of post secondary education--
-college, technical school, the military, culinary arts school, flight
school, etc. Your support, along with the support of our business
community, has definitely helped students realize this potential.
As a reminder, our professional staff, with the exception of our
Registrar, Student Activities Coordinator and School Services Coordinator,
will be on vacation from June 9, 2008 through July 23, 2008. If you have
any questions, regarding report cards, grade level requirements, summer
school courses needed for make-up and any other student-related matters,
please contact our school office and we will do whatever we can to answer
your questions. The professional staff will return on Thursday, July 24,
2008.
The last half-day of school for students is Thursday, June 5, 2008.
Summer School begins on Monday, June 16, 2008 and ends on Monday, July 28,
2008, for an all day orientation. We welcome all students to the 2008-2009
school year on Tuesday, July 29, 2008. More specific information will
follow at a later date regarding the opening days of the new school year.
Fourth quarter report cards will be mailed home no later than the week
of June 23, 2008. Please contact the registrar's office if you do not
receive your child's report card.
As you all know, beginning with the class of 2010, students will need
24 credits to graduate and receive a diploma. This means next school year's
freshmen, sophomores and juniors will need to successfully earn 24 credits
to receive their high school diploma. It is imperative that your child
passes every class successfully. If he or she has already fallen behind by
failing one or more classes, please contact your child's counselor
immediately and learn of the options available to recover any credits lost.
Waiting until their senior year to make up failed classes is too late. You
can help your child by understanding and knowing the credit/course
requirements. Please call if you have any questions.
Please encourage your child to read an enjoyable book over the summer
break. Research has shown that children who continue to read during the
summer vacation perform better in the fall when school resumes. Summer
reading can help close the achievement gap. When children read what they
enjoy, they learn to love reading and become better readers. A suggested
summer reading book list has been included in this newsletter and is also
available at all public libraries and our local Borders Books. At the start
of the new school year, upon reading at least one book over the summer, your
child will also receive credit through his or her English class.
As we end this school year, we reflect on our challenges and
successes. We are very proud of the many achievements of our students,
faculty and staff, and we will continue to support endeavors of excellence
within our school. This is also a time to look forward with anticipation to
the coming school year with the hope of fresh and exciting opportunities for
all of us.
Please have a very enjoyable summer break. Stay well.
Principal of Kauai High School
Mrs. Linda L. T. Smith
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SCHOOL BUS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2008-09
April 2008
To: Parents and Guardians
If your child is now riding the school bus, your child's bus driver will
distribute School Bus Handbooks this month to students. The handbook will
include an application to ride the bus next school year (2008-2009).
When your child brings the booklet to you, and you want your child to
continue riding the school bus next year, please fill out the application to
ride the school bus and have your child return the applicaton to the
school office (of the school your child is now attending) not later than May
30, 2008.
If your child does NOT ride the school bus, the school will distribute
School Bus Handbooks to students who request them. Please make sure your
child knows that you want him or her to ride the bus next year and to ask
the school office for the handbook.
If you have any questions, please call our office at 274-3160 or for further
information, please contact your Kauai District Transportation Officer,
Hughes Ebinger at 241-7120.
Thank you for your continued support.
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PARENTS MATTER
The stereotype of teens as sullen and surly ("You just don't
understand!") has stood the test of time. So a recent landmark study by MTV
and the Associated Press on "The Future of Happiness" offered some
surprising findings about today's youths. Most 13-to-24-years old reported
being happy and listed their parents as their top role models. IF YOU WANT
TO KEEP THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE OUT OF TROUBLE, MAKE TIME FOR THEM.
The answer 46% gave when asked "What one thing in life makes you most
happy?" was: spending time with friends, family and loved ones. TO READ
MORE: Go to mtv.com/thinkmtv/research
Source: Health & Your Family, USA Weekend, March 14-16 issue
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Parents of Seniors
TALK TO YOUR TEENS
'Tis the season for high school seniors to celebrate: from spring break
to prom to graduation parties. It's also an opportune time for parents to
talk to their teens about the drinking, drug use, and risky behavior that
sometimes occur at these celebratory events.
Even if you've already talked to your teen about these issues, now is a
good time to reinforce your expectations. Be clear that even though they're
graduating and may soon be on their own, drinking and drug use remain
unacceptable. Explain and enforce real consequences for breaking these
rules. There are also often safe alternatives for senior-year
celebrations. Get involved in planning or chaperoning alcohol-free parties
and encourage your teen to spend their time off from sochool volunteering or
engaged in productive community activities.
Source: theantidrug.com; National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, 750 17th
Street, NW Washington, D.C., 20503 USA
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Kaua'i High's SCHOOL EVACUATION DRILL
Students, teachers, staff and administrators of Kauai High School will
be conducting our annual School Evacuation Drill on WEdnesday, May 14, 2008,
beginning at 9:00 a.m. The drill will involve the evacuation of our entire
school campus which includes approximately 1,300 individuals, walking along
Lala Road, crossing Rice Street near Anchor Cove and ending at Nawiliwili
Park. The Kaua'i Police Department will be assisting school personnel with
the evaucation drill to help ensure the safety and well-being of everyone
involved. Students are encouraged to bring bottled water and to wear
comfortable footwear on that day. If you have any questions or concerns,
please contact vice principal, Paul Zina at 274-3160.
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DEVELOPMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TEENAGERS
Adapted from Teaching with the Brain in Mind by Eric Jensen, ASDC, Virginia,
2005.
Every parent and teacher of teens has experienced the frustration of
trying to understand and help him or her with decision-making (from choices
about behavior to what they're going to do/pursue). New research into brain
functions indicates that rapid and massive changes occurring in the brain
(often as great as those occurring in a young child) influence how teens
make decisions, control (or not) impulses, react to situations, change
eating and sleeping patterns, begin to evolve into an individual outside the
nuclear family. Adults will do well to follow a few suggestions in dealing
with their ttns given the huge changes occurring in the brain as well as
their personal lives.
BE SUCCINCT: give straightforward directions one at a time, without being
sarcastic or patronizing.
USE MODELING: hands-on, working models, and guided discussions to let
students debrief and think through explanations.
BE A COACH: Repeat decisions and offer options; guide them through tough
decisions with discussion, not lecture.
BE UNDERSTANDING RATHER THAN JUDGMENTAL: Don't tell them how they feel;
identify behaviors you see and let them reach their own conclusions.
BE TACTFUL: teens may have difficulty grasping nuance but don't want to look
ignorant; provide an explanation.
CUT THEM SOME SLACK: they should feel the consequences of their mistakes but
additional punishment should be approached very carefully.
BE CLEAR ABOUT THE DANGER OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE: be clear and stern about
avoiding illegal substances and abuse of over-the-counter drugs. (The
greatest risk for alcohol and tobacco addiction occurs before age 19.)
SOMETIMES, JUST LET THEM SLEEP: They need 7-9 hours a night. Sleep is when
the brain re-organizes, prunes synapses, organizes new experience and
information - it is essential to allow time for the brain to "catch-up".
Source: The CSSS School, a publication of the Hawaii Department of
Education, Student Support Services Branch: 641 18th Avenue, Room V201,
Honolulu, HI 96816; Telephone (808) 735-6222, or online
doe.k12.hi.us/periodcals/csss.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM OUR COUNSELORS -
ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS:
It's only a few months until graduation, and we want to see all of our
seniors "walk across the stage" to receive their diplomas. If you have any
questions or concerns about your child's progress for semester 1 or semester
2, please call our senior counselor, Mrs. Diane Fukuyama, at 274-3173 ext.
110 or e-mail her at diane_fukuyama@notes.k12.hi.us
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COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
The University of Hawaii Community College application timeline is
now. Interested students need to call Kauai Community College, at 245-8212,
for an appointment to take the COMPASS placement test. This test determines
which English and Math classes, students will be placed in. Students
interested in attending our neighbor island community colleges can have
their scores sent by KCC. Applications are available on line or in Mrs.
Fukuyama's office.
Mainland junior colleges generally begin accepting applications in
March. Please check out the colleges online for their due dates. Most of
these colleges have their own placement exams, which need to be taken on
their campus prior to the beginning of classes.
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WESTERN UNDERGRADUATE EXCHANGE
Residents of Hawaii are now eligible to enroll at two-year institutions
that participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange beginning in the 2008-
2009 school year. At its December 2007 meeting, the WICHE Commission
unanimously approved a motion to make Hawaii residents eligible to enroll in
WUE community colleges. Previously, Hawaii residents were only eligible to
enroll in four-year WUE institutions.
The WUE-Western Undergraduate Exchange is a program of the WICHE-
Western Interstate Commission. Students who are residents of WICHE states
may enroll at participating two- and four-year college programs outside of
their home state at a reduced tuition rate. WICHE states include: Alaska,
Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico,
North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. For more
information about WICHE or WUE, go online, http://wue.wiche.edu.
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NOTICE FROM THE STATE OF HAWAII, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P. O. BOX 2360, HONOLULU, HI 96804
SCHOOL BUS PAYMENT FOR QUARTER 4
FEBRUARY 2008
TO: PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
FROM: RANDOLPH G. MOORE, INTERIM STUDENT TRANSPORTATION MANAGER
If you have not already paid for your child's bus transportation for Quarter
4, this is a reminder that the payment must be made before your child can
pick up their bus pass. Payments are accepted at the Kauai High School's
Main Office by way of cash or check. Checks are to be made payable to the
Department of Education. Quarter 4 transportation period begins March 31,
through June 6, 2008.
The payment amount due is:
Two-way pass - to school and from school Quarterly payment $31.50
One-way pass - to school OR from school Quarterly payment $15.75
Any questions, please call the Kauai High School Office at 274-3160. If you
have any further questions, please call your district transportation
officer: Hughes Ebinger at 241-7120. Thank you for your cooperation and
continued support.
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COUNSELING STAFF
Grade 9, Ms. Kristi Sato...274-3173 ext. 111
Grade 10, Mr. Larry Gardner......274-3173 ext. 109
Grade 11, Mr. Charles Fulks.....274-3173 ext. 112
Grade 12, Mrs. Diane Fukuyama......274-3173 ext. 110
TESTING DATES FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2007-2008
SAT & Subject Tests: (For college-bound students) / School Code: 120195
By 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kauai High School Cafeteria
Register online at www.collegeboard.com
Test Date/Registration Deadline/Late Registration/Scores-Online/Scores-Mail
Sat., May 03 / Tues., April 1 / April 10 / May 22 / June 06
Sat., June 7 / Tues., May 6 / May 15 / June 26 / July 07
REGISTER ONLINE OR STOP BY THE COUNSELORS' OFFICE TO PICK UP REGISTRATION
PACKETS FILLED WITH HELPFUL INFORMATION. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE
CONTACT YOUR CHILD(REN)'S GRADE LEVEL COUNSELOR(S).
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FAFSA ASSISTANCE FOR SENIORS
Do you need help with the FAFSA?
Kauai Community College is offering all seniors and their families help
in completing the FAFSA-Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Ms.
Leslie Newall, a former Kauai HIggh School counselor, is available to sit
with each family to guide them through the process. Ms. Newall is available
afternoons and evenings until the end of March. You can call her at 822-
3849 to make an appointment. Students may meet with her at school to start
the application and should contact Mrs. Fukuyama, to schedule an appointment.
SCHOLARSHIPS
SCHOLARSHIP - DEADLINE
Please contact Mrs. Fukuyama at 274-3173 ext. 110 for specific details on
these scholarships or to obtain information on others.
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THINGS TO REMEMBER
* Thank you parents for driving and parking safely without obstructing the
flow of traffic before and after school. Please continue to be patient and
drive safely when dropping off or picking up your teen.
* Please make after school arrangements and/or coordinate after school
transportation with your child prior to your child coming to school. This
will alleviate disruptions during your child's important class time.
However, if there is an emergency, we will make every effort to get a
message to your child as soon as possible. Keep in mind, there may be times
when your child's class is not in their assigned room and the message may be
delayed.
* If you need to pick up your child for a doctor's appointment or other
personal business, please send your child to the main office before school
with a written request. Your request should state what time he/she needs to
leave, the reason and the destination, then we can issue a Student Off
Campus Pass. When your child does need to leave, he/she would show his/her
pass to their teacher and they will be dismissed to meet you in front of the
Main Office.
* If you have an item that you need to get to your child during school
hours, please go to the Main Office and the office staff will contact your
child's teacher to inform your child to come to the office to pick it up.
Please do not go to the classroom during school hours, all visitors must
have a visitors pass before going on campus.
* All visitors to the Kauai High school campus must first report to the Main
Office to get an approved visitor pass. Visitor parking is either the four
stalls in front of the Main Office closest to the pay phones or along the
Lala Road side designated as 1 hour Parking. All numbered stalls are
reserved for Faculty and Staff Members only.
If there are questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at 274-
3160. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING, IT IS GREATLY
APPRECIATED!
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MEAL PRICES INCREASE
Patricia Hamamoto, Superintendent, Hawai'i State DOE, has informed us
that meal prices will increase beginning this school year. The meal prices
will be:
BREAKFAST:
Regular student breakfast $0.35 (no change)
Reduced price student breakfast $0.20 (no change)
2nd & subsequent student breakfast $1.50 ($1.15 increase)
Adult Breakfast $1.50 ($0.25 increase)
LUNCH:
Regular student lunch $1.25 ($0.25 increase)
Reduced price student lunch 0.20 (no change)
2nd student lunch entree 1.25 (new item)
2nd & subsequent student lunch 4.00 ($4.00 increase)
Adult lunch 4.00 ($1.00 increase)
Meal payments to your child(ren)'s account(s) can be made on Fee Payment &
Schedule Pick-Up Day or can be dropped off in the Main Office during normal
hours.
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REGISTRAR
Mr. Mark Bradley.....274-3171 or 274-3173 ext. 120
ATTENDANCE COORDINATOR
Ms. Lydia Chong........274-3173 ext. 115
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