Copy

Message from our NVMS Counselors

Niu Valley students have completed a series of Choose Love reintegration lessons in advisory that were focused on the growth mindset and bringing students back together after the extended school closure.  With their advisory classes, students are beginning the Courage Unit from the Choose Love Program.  (In order to access the material, you will need to set up an account.  The process requires an email and takes just a few minutes.) The Courage unit is focused on managing our thoughts, learning about the brain, and neuroplasticity, with the goal that students learn that it can take courage to make the right decision.  "Choosing love means having the courage to be grateful when life isn’t easy, to forgive when the person who hurt you isn’t sorry, and to step outside your own pain to help someone else. That’s the way to choose love, and the empowering lesson is that it’s a choice."

We encourage you to follow the lesson topics and familiarize yourself with some of the foundational concepts of the Choose Love Movement, including the formula.  There are online lessons, practices and discussions for families to utilize.  Please reach out to your grade level counselor if you have any questions.  

Open House Videos

Meet your Niu Valley Middle School teachers and counselors at our virtual Open House!  You may also visit our NVMS website.

First Quarter Progress Updated Instructions

Check your child's Infinite Campus (IC) account for midterm progress grades.  (Currently only D's and F's will be shown).

  • With your child, access their Infinite Campus (IC) Portal.   There are no parent portals at this time.
  • Please note that only D's and F's will be reflected on IC.
  • If your child is unsure of how to improve their grade before the end of First Quarter, have your child email their respective teacher(s).
  • If you encounter any problems, please contact your child's Advisory Teacher.

Reminder to 7th Grade Families

If you haven't done so already, please be sure to have a physical completed for your 7th Grade child.  Attached is the physical form that needs to be completed by your physician and submitted to our school office.   For more information on this state law, please visit this DOE website.

PREVIOUS POSTS

2nd Broadcast of Virtual Niu News (VNN)

With the expert help of Mr. Brian Yamagata, his Leadership class and Tech Coordinator Mrs. Fujimori's expert assistance, we are happy to share another episode of our virtual edition of Niu News! Here is the link to our second broadcast for the school year!

In this episode, the progress of our New World Language Center is featured along with a message to have a good year, and, an invitation from our Leadership class to share about Courage (@bit.ly/VNNCourage).

Here is the link to our Welcome Back broadcast that is also shared on our school website. We look forward to returning to at least bi-monthly and eventually weekly virtual broadcast schedules to keep our learning community connected. Let's see what the Leadership class and others will have for us in our next episode.

Zoom with Friends of Niu Valley

Message from Friends of Niu Valley (FNV) parent group:  FNV encourages all parents and guardians to join us for our FNV monthly meetings. In addition to our officers, we are joined by Laura Ahn (Principal & Head of School), Gwen Lee (Faculty Representative) and Joanne Imada (PCNC).

Meetings are held every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Next meeting will be on October 14th.  Email us if interested!

ALSO, one of FNV's current, on-going fundraisers is Amazon Smile. The benefits to our school adds up!   Shop at https://smile.amazon.com/: If you shop at the above link, smile.amazon.com , 0.5% of your purchase will be donated directly to FNV.  Amazon Smile has the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping as the Amazon you know. (see previous post under FNV Updates for detailed instructions).

School Uniform Update

Message from The Custom Company, our school uniform vendor:
Even though the stay-at-home order has been extended, we decided that since we are providing schools with uniforms, to open up in a limited capacity. This will be until the DOE determines that students will be attending in-person in some capacity.

Our store hours will be Monday through Friday 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. & Saturday 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. This will start Monday, September 14, 2020. We will keep you posted if changes are made to our schedule in the future. 

REMINDER Tech Tips for Students

Tips to try for a smoother online learning experience using Google Classroom and Google Meet.

  • Use Chrome as your web browser (instead of Safari or Firefox). 
  • Update your Chrome browser and the computer's operating system to the extent possible.
  • Clear the computer's browsing data and cache.
  • Close unused browser tabs. Close any programs that are not being used. Minimize the number of Chrome browser extensions installed.
  • Log out of all other accounts before logging into your school Google account. 
  • Refresh your browser.
  • Use headsets/earphones to prevent sound feedback.
  • If the sound or mic are not working, check the settings.
  • If all else fails, reboot the computer.
  • If you are experiencing lag, sit as near as possible to the router in your home.
  • Call the Ohana help desk for immediate assistance (https://sites.google.com/k12.hi.us/ohana-help-desk-portal).
  • Leave a message at the office with your name, phone number, and issue.

REMINDER!  PLEASE Return Required DOE Forms Online

Not having your consent will limit some of our teachers with their curriculum.  Please, If you have not already done so, complete and turn in mandatory DOE forms from the Opening Day Packet of Notices and Forms. To help us expedite the collection of DOE forms in a contact-less manner, please upload completed forms using this ONLINE FORM.

  • Student Publication Audio/Visual Release Form - All Students
  • Emergency Card - All Students
  • McKinney-Vento Act (MV1) Form - All Students
  • Technology Responsible Use Form (TRUF) - 6th Graders and New Students Only
The online form is designed so that all DOE forms FOR A SINGLE CHILD can be uploaded at the same time. If you have more than one child at NVMS, please use a separate online form for each child. We will accept any legible image of the forms -- scanned, photographed, filled PDF, etc. For forms that require a signature, you may type your initials on the signature line if you agree with the contents of the form.

Tips
  • Use a Google email account. If you don't have one, you may use your child's NVMS account. 
  • Download all required DOE forms from niuvalleymiddle.org or use the links provided on the online form.
  • Use a computer instead of a mobile device.
  • Forms are fillable PDFs. Download the form to your desktop and fill it. Then, click on ADD FILE in the appropriate section below and upload your complete form.  You must download the form to your desktop before filling it or your data will be erased.
  • Use SEPARATE FORMS for each child.

Hard copy forms are also available and accepted at the office.

Bell Schedule Change

To allow more time for students to eat lunch, and for those who are picking up lunch, we made a minor change in the bell schedule and added 10 more minutes to the lunch period and moved advisory to after lunch.  See the schedule attached.

Distance Learning Tip

As you navigate the challenges of having your child(ren) learn at home, if you haven't done so already, a good place to start is to try to create a consistent learning space for your child(ren). Does your child already have a special place to do homework? It’s important to try to set up a quiet, clutter-free area, with minimal distractions. For example, if you convert the kitchen table into a learning station, remove all snacks, salt and pepper, and other kitchen items when your child is doing schoolwork. When it’s time to eat, put away the school supplies and use it again as a kitchen table. Why is it important to clear away the clutter for learning time? Reducing clutter helps children focus and minimizes distractions.

If possible, get your child involved in choosing a place to work. Does your child work best sitting at the kitchen table or hunkered down on the floor in a bedroom?  Letting kids have a say in where to do their work may make them more likely to do the work. You may have to try different work places before you settle on one that works best for your family.

School Meals

September Menu

Unsubscribing from this Parent Email Blast

Please scroll down to the end of this email for instructions on Unsubscribing.  

Friends of Niu Valley (FNV) Updates

Shop Amazon with Mobile App Instructions

You may be doing more online shopping lately.  If you shop Amazon, you can also be helping our school at the same time.  Our parent group, the Friends of Niu Valley (FNV), has made it possible for NVMS to earn a percentage of your purchase every time you shop.  

Shop at https://smile.amazon.com/:
If you shop at the above link, smile.amazon.com , 0.5% of your purchase will be donated directly to FNV.  Amazon Smile has the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping as the Amazon you know.

Here's how:

  • Go to smile.amazon.com

  • Click Get Started

  • In the Search box type in: Friends of Niu Valley Intermediate

  • Click Select next to the name when it comes up

  • Now, every time you shop, go to smile.amazon.com or bookmark this page

Encourage your extended family members and friends to do the same!

For Amazon Mobile App:
For Amazon Smile... there is an extra step needed for those using the Amazon mobile app to activate Amazon Smile within the app.
Once activated there is no further action needed, only a re-activation every 6 months.
Click here for the instructions.
If you do not actively turn on the feature within the app, there is no 0.5% going towards the charity.

FNV WEBSITE
Did you know FNV (our parent association) has its own new website with some great information for parents?  Check it out here at friendsofniuvalley.com!

Hawaii DOE Extends Learn from Home Distance Learning through First Quarter


The Hawai‘i State Department of Education announced today that it will continue the Learn from Home phase of distance learning for most students statewide through the first quarter, which ends Oct. 2.

(Niu Valley Middle School will continue the same schedule that we are currently in for the remainder of the quarter.)

Ahead of the Aug. 17 return of students for the 2020-21 school year, the Department announced most schools would shift the majority of instruction to distance learning for at least the first four weeks of the academic year. This extends that by three weeks for the remainder of the first quarter.

The extension applies to all O‘ahu schools and most neighbor island schools. Hāna High & Elementary School on Maui and Kilohana Elementary, Maunaloa Elementary and Moloka‘i Middle schools on Moloka‘i will continue their current models.

During the Learn from Home phase, schools will continue offering learning hubs on campus to provide connectivity for students who need it. Schools will also continue educational programming for vulnerable students as previously identified.

Complex area superintendents will work with school principals to develop transition plans for the second quarter, with considerations for community-specific needs. The Department will continue to work closely with state, county and health officials to assess if and when students can safely return to in-person blended learning models. As decisions are made, schools will communicate with families.

Hawaii DOE Encourages Staff to get free COVID-19 Testing


The Department has worked to prioritize HIDOE employees in the state’s new program for surge testing so that we can have better data about COVID positive cases in our communities. This information  is important to have as we continue to make decisions. We encourage everyone to get tested, especially if you don't feel well or have had close contact with someone with COVID-19.

As a reminder, all staff, service providers, parents and students should perform a wellness check prior to arrival at a HODE campus or office, http://bit.ly/HIDOEWellnessCheck.

To take advantage of the free testing, please pre-register to expedite the process and follow these steps: 

1. Pre-register at doineedacovid19test.com for a specific location and time slot. You will receive a voucher when you register that you are to bring with you to the site.

2. Results will be sent to the email address that provide during registration within three days of your test.

3. Testing hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You may get tested during work hours with supervisor approval and your proof of registration voucher. Supervisors should ensure adequate staffing before approving requests. No leave form is required to take this short leave during the workday; only proof of registration voucher is required.

COVID-19 Testing flyer with information on how to register for a test.   

i-Ready Assessment 

Please be sure your child completes the i-Ready Math & Reading tests. Instructions are on our website in the SY 2020-2021 tab. If you have any questions, please email sean.uwaine@k12.hi.us

Fee Payment REMINDER

Reminder:  Please submit your fee payments as soon as possible.  Please mail the Fee Payment Form along with your check, payable to Niu Valley Middle School, to:

Niu Valley Middle School
Attn: Lori Nakano
310 Halemaumau Street
Honolulu, HI  96821

Picture-Taking Update

We are in the process of scheduling another day with the professional photographer sometime in October for students who did not take their photo for the yearbook in early August. 
Students who are doing 100% Distance Learning may, as an alternative, take their own portrait for the yearbook and send it in. See this link (bit.ly/nvmseshare2) for more information.

Message from NVMS Counselors

We begin this year in the midst of a pandemic, surrounded by ever-changing conditions, and uncertainty. We are excited and proud to be supporting the Social and Emotional health of Niu Valley Middle School students this year through the Choose Love Movement’s SEL curriculum. Click here for letter with details. Choose Love is a data driven social emotional curriculum that is also being implemented at Hahaione Elementary, Kamiloiki Elementary, and Kaiser High School. The Choose Love curriculum teaches important, transferable life skills that will be reinforced through the IB Curriculum.

ATTENTION

Updated contingency plan schedule for August 17, 2020 is posted on our niuvalleymiddle.org website on the first bullet, Link to New Contingency Plan.
Also, See attachment.

NVMS Student in Arts Beyond COVID PSA

This PSA from Ballet Hawaii reminds us of the importance of the arts while in the middle of a pandemic. Contributing to this message of resilience is our own NVMS 8th grade student, Charlie Ahlgren Folkert. She is the graceful young lady in the middle of the two boys, doing what she loves best.  

Community Resource 

H.E.L.P. for Child Care Program is a tuition assisted program for Native Hawaiian, Native American, and Alaska Native families with keiki age birth to 12 years old.  This flyer provides more details.   

Hawaii DOE Technology Support

The ʻOhana Help Desk will provide self-service and chat support for families experiencing issues connecting to HIDOE systems remotely from home. The help desk will be able to assist with connectivity-related issues (e.g. network and wifi connectivity), access and security issues, device support (e.g. devices, applications, software updates) and general IT support.  Visit this Hawaii DOE site for details.

Hawaii Keiki Program

The Hawaii Keiki program will continue to offer the free health hotline this fall for DOE students. The attached flyer lists the hours and phone number. The hotline can answer general health questions and provide telehealth services free of charge for students. 

6th Grade Welcome Video

In lieu of our Summer Orientation, please view this short,10 minute video for up-to-date information on everything you need to know to begin school next week.  

Principal Laura Ahn Update

100% distance learning opt in request is posted on our website.  If you would like to opt-in, please fill out the form and return it to 100DL@nvms.k12.hi.us

The student supply list is posted on our website. For the first day of school we ask that students bring their personal PPE, cleaning supplies, earbuds or headphones for the online diagnostic test, and a pen and pencil.  Reminding you that since students will be using a school laptop all day starting on Aug 17 (phase 2) please bring a laptop sleeve to avoid damage. 

On days while a student is on campus, students must wear a school uniform or their PE uniform when a student has PE in their schedule,  If a student would like to bring a regular school uniform to change into after PE, they may choose to do so.  Students will not be issued PE lockers this year as they will be off-limits until further notice, combination locks will not be needed and has been taken off the school supply list for now. 

Niu Valley uses the finger scan ID system in the office and cafeteria. For more information on this process, please see our website under the SY2020-2021 Drop-Down Tab.

Additional Updates from Principal Laura Ahn

  • Reopening of school video - please view this video link for important information on health and safety measures we are taking for the reopening of school in August. 
  • Water bottles -  All water fountain spigots will be covered to protect our students from using them. With funds from our "We Love Niu Valley" fundraising campaign, we purchased four new water filling stations throughout the school. All students must bring a water bottle from home to fill up in order to drink water throughout the day.
  • We are asking every household to fill out this parent survey to help us with further planning for the new school year.  It should take you less than 5 minutes to complete. There have been many inquiries about 100%  Distance Learning offerings, Please indicate in this survey if you are interested so we may contact you. 

Updates from Principal Laura Ahn

  • Mailouts:  I hope you all received a letter in the mail from NVMS that included school campus reopening information. Please see attached, or visit our website for a copy of the letter, FAQs and schedules, or come to the office to pick up information if you did not receive it.  An upcoming blast will be sent home the week before school starts with information on "what does my child do at home on the first day of school?"
  • Face Coverings:  All students, except those with documented medical concerns, are required to wear a face mask to school and as they move around campus.  Once in the classroom, seated in their 6 foot, socially distanced area, they may remove their face mask as appropriate to drink water and when they need to be heard.  Although it is difficult for students to wear a face mask all day, we are encouraging parents to practice this safety precaution now so students will be more accustomed to wearing a mask for longer periods of time when school starts.   
  • Infinite Campus: We are concerned that parents of 7th and 8th graders may not know how to access Infinite Campus to check their child's schedule so we created instructions on how to sign in.  Visit our school website under "Students" or click  (Infinite Campus Portal and Infinite Campus Instructions).   
  • Health and Safety Video:  Please view this video for additional clarification of the safety precautions being taken at NVMS.

Message from Principal Laura Ahn

Aloha Parents and Friends of Niu Valley,

I would like to update all of you on what is going on at Niu Valley and some upcoming information for next year.  

1.  The office is open during regular business hours 730a - 4:00p. Please see the office assistant at the open windows located at the front and please wear a mask.

2.  Construction for our new World Language building has been progressing. The contractors completed the first pour of cement for sewer lines and walkways. You can see the photos on the Construction Update link at niuvalleymiddle.org

3.  Thanks to our "We Love Niu Valley" fundraising campaign, Friends of Niu Valley installed four cold water filling stations at each main building (A, B, C, Q) for student use. Make sure to bring your water bottles to school!

4.  Niu Valley administrators, coordinators and registrar are working on tentative plans to start school in August. Since August 4, 2020 is a Kaiser Complex planning and collaboration day, our first day will be August 5, whether it be in-person, distance learning or a blend of both. At Niu Valley, we have several different scenarios prepared for a bell schedule and a staggered start.  One example in particular that I like is a Track where half the students come to school on different days. This will allow for social distancing and deep cleaning of classrooms to keep all our students and teachers/staff safe. 

We will wait for guidance from the DOE/BOE to make a final decision on which bell schedule to approve. For new families to our school, we will be having an online Summer Orientation sometime in mid-July. The date will be announced on our website and on email blast.

I thank you all for your patience and understanding. I am sure you are all watching the news and are hearing the same story as I am. We have to be careful not to move too fast nor wait so long we miss our opportunity to plan out the best we can for our Niu Valley Ohana. Stay safe and enjoy your summer break!

Hawaii DOE Guidance for Reopening Schools

The Hawaii DOE has provided us with guidance (effective July 1, 2020) on reopening of our school. The guidance provides for best safety practices related to Classrooms, Campus Safety, Cleaning & Disinfection, School Buses, Restrooms, and Health Rooms.  Please keep in mind that the Department’s response will continue to adapt to the evolving status of COVID-19. Please see letter to parents from Superintendent Christina Kishimoto. Learn more in this attached flyer.  

Future Lancers (Incoming 6th Graders) and Families

We hope you are all doing well and taking care of yourself and your families during this time. On behalf of the Niu Valley Middle School faculty, staff and community, we want to welcome all of you to the Niu Valley Middle School (NVMS) community!

Because of school closure, we didn't have an opportunity to do our regular Spring orientation and meet your rising 6th grader in person at their elementary school. We recognize that transitioning to middle school is a huge milestone and while we may not know all the details about school re-opening at this time, we want to reassure you that we are working hard and doing our best to develop plans for a smooth and safe transition to best support all of our incoming students.

One way to help your child with this transition is to stay connected and receive updated information from NVMS.  As soon as possible, please send an email to NVMS's own PCNC Joanne.Imada@k12.hi.us requesting placement on an email distribution list so that you may receive and access the latest information via the NVMS Email Blast. Given these somewhat uncertain and unprecedented times, we thank you in advance for your flexibility and patience as there will likely be ongoing updates. The NVMS Email Blast is a way we bring our school community together and help families be well-informed.  

To prepare your child's transition to middle school, we also encourage your child to check out the following link, developed to help incoming 6th graders learn more about being a successful student at Niu Valley Middle School (NVMS): tinyurl.com/futurelancer. This was shared with your child by their 5th grade teacher and it contains some suggested Summer Enrichment Resources.

Finally, to help you navigate our official school website, here are a few direct links to some of the more frequently asked questions about preparing for 6th grade:

School Uniforms: 

  • The Custom Company, NVMS uniform vendor, will be offering free shipping for orders over $50 this summer.  
  • Please visit their website for more information or to place an order. 
  • Go to the menu bar, find the Schools drop down menu and select NVMS.
School Supplies: 
  • List is still being updated! The 2020-21 list will be available on our official school website.  
  • Go to the menu bar, find the Parents tab/drop down menu and you will find it there!
School Meal Accounts: 

Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs
Official School Website: https://niuvalleymiddle.org/
Friends of Niu Valley (FNV) - Contact joanne.imada@k12.hi.us 

Please don't hesitate to reach out and contact us if you have any questions. 
Mrs. Marlyn Hutton, 6th grade Vice-Principal
E-mail address: Marlyn.Hutton@k12.hi.us
Ms. Valerie Fujitani, 6th grade Counselor
E-mail address: Valerie.Fujitani@k12.hi.us

Uniform Update

Please find attached the current flyer from The Custom Company, our uniform vendor.  

8th Grade “Virtual Ceremony” - May 28, 2020

To honor our 8th Graders and in lieu of an on-campus ceremony, we will present a pre-recorded video with special messages and student memories on May 28, 2020 after 8:30am.  Please note that this is not a live broadcast. Families can view the video at their leisure.

Congratulations 8th Graders: Virtual Aloha Assembly
In lieu of an on-campus ceremony, we honor our 8th graders with special messages and student memories. 

2020 NVMS Awards Presentation
Congratulations to all our  awardees! 

The Learning Corner

Take advantage of all the resourceful articles on this link!  This week's article  - the last in this helpful weekly series - is on Self-Management - Affective Skills To view this and previous approaches to learning (ATL) strategies, click here.

Kaiser High Parent Email Blast

For our incoming Class of 2024 'Ohana. Sign up today to stay informed of all of the notifications and events from academics to athletics at Kaiser High School! We will be sending out eNotes to your inbox starting in June. Please sign up here: Kaiser HS eNotes

Media Class Quarantine Media Feed

Media Class students have been turning their quarantine experience into creative videos and posters/memes during their distance learning. They want to prove that even though we may be in quarantine, we don't have to stop creating!  If possible, please take some time to check out their NVMS Quarantine Media Feed site which showcases a wide range of student perspectives about this quarantine. You can even leave a comment for them if you would like! (It is still being updated with some final pieces, so feel free to check back for updates!)

Free Health Hotline


HIDOE students and families will have access to a new health hotline and telehealth services provided by the Hawai‘i Keiki: Healthy and Ready to Learn Program to deliver equitable access to health resources and care for HIDOE students using mobile devices and interactive technology. The health hotline can be reached at (844) 436-3888 (toll free) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays.

Link to Social Emotional Learning

The attached article on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) provides some insight and strategies for teachers, but also for parents.  Please email PCNC Joanne Imada if you have any questions or concerns.

COVID-19 Multi-Languages Resources

The State of Hawaii Office of Language Access has made available a resource in several languages.  Click here for more information  COVID19 Multi-Language Resource 

From our NVMS Counselors

Check out these available Parent Rsources that provides good learning opportunities for your children.   
 

COVID-19 Updates on DOE Website and NVMS Website

Please check the following websites for new updates:
DOE Website 
Student Meal Service
Niu Valley Middle Website

The Lancer

Reminder to check out The Lancer, our school's online newspaper.  You will find entertaining comics, photos, interesting articles, and interactive games. Most importantly, it's entirely student-driven!  Faculty Advisor Ms. Lourena Yco maintains that "I just provide space for them (students)"!   

Continuous Notice - For Your Information

The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) and its schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, and religion in its programs and activities. Please direct inquiries regarding HIDOE nondiscrimination policies as follows: 

Beth Schimmelfennig, Director
Rhonda Wong, Compliance
Aaron Oandasan, Title VI
Toby Yamashiro, Title VII
Nicole Isa-Iijima, Title IX
Krysti Sukita, ADA/504 

Civil Rights Compliance Branch Hawaii State Department of Education
P.O. Box 2360 Honolulu, Hawaii 96804 (808) 586-3322 or relay CRCB@k12.hi.us 

Twitter
Website
Copyright © 2020 Niu Valley Middle School, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp