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NVMS Informational Videos

Please find the following school-related informational videos. We apologize for the number of videos, however, we are finding that this is the best way to get important information to our Niu Valley Ohana.  These videos are also posted on our niuvalleymiddle.org website.
  • 6th Grade Parents/Guardians 

As we welcome back to campus our 6th Grade students, please be sure to view this video prior to the start of the blended learning schedule beginning, Monday, November 30, 2020.
  • Safety and Health Procedures

Please review this Safety and Health Procedures video to allow for a safe transition to in-person blended learning.  This is a portion of the Parent/Student Transition Reopening Handbook.
  • Registration for Electives for 2021-22 School Year

Please view this video that provides information for next school year's elective options.
  • Online Platform Guides, Infinite Campus and Google Classroom Instruction Videos

We have provided a short training video here on this post and on our Niu Valley website to help you navigate Infinite Campus (for student grades and formative marks)  and Google Classroom (for student assignments and assessments).

Panda Express Wednesday November 25
Place your order starting TODAY, Wednesday, Nov 18

Here's a Thanksgiving treat that will also help NVMS FNV! 

  • Just order and pick up (or have delivered) a Panda Express meal and 28% of your purchase will be donated to our school! 
  • You can place your order online as early as today, Wednesday, November 18
  • It's fast and easy and all you need to do is go to this link. (It takes a moment to download)
  • In fact, share this with your friends and family anywhere in the nation because we will get credit for almost any location of Panda Express!  
  • Remember Wednesday, November 25th and have a Happy Thanksgiving from your Friends of Niu Valley parent group!

Previous Posts

Correction to Schedule
Schoolwide December Schedule Change

A small change has been made to the recess time.  Click here to view the corrected schedule and letter from Principal Laura Ahn. Parent/Student Transition Reopening Handbook is posted on our niuvalleymiddle.org website under Parents, then Parent Notices.   Here is the direct link to the handbook.

On-line Holiday Amazon Shopping Reminder!

  • 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

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.

Kaiser High Food Drive

The Senior Class Leadership, in partnership with the Hawaii Food Bank, is having a canned food drive drop-off on the weekend of November 20-22.  See Flyer. Families can drop off donations at the Kaiser Parking Lot at the stated hours: 
Friday Nov. 20: 4pm - 7pm
Saturday Nov. 21: 10am-3pm
Sunday Nov. 22: 10am-2pm
The top five requested items are:
Canned Proteins (like tuna or chicken)
Canned Meals (like stew, spaghetti or chili)
Canned Vegetables
Canned Fruits
Rice

Virtual Niu News Week Ending Nov 13

Click here to view this week's Virtual Niu News. This week's episode includes reminders about our Book Fair, gratitude, available afterschool opportunities & the next student council meeting.

November Menu

Click here to view menu.

On-line Holiday Shopping Reminder!
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!

The Learning Corner

Click here for the article.on Self-Management Skills and Strategies that can help your child perform better at home during distance learning. 

Virtual Niu News

This week's short episode shares reminders about the school's virtual book fair, features some recent activities and celebrates our winners. Enjoy!

Parent Email Blast

If this is your time receiving our NVMS Parent Email Blast and do not wish to continue receiving them, please scroll to the end of this message and click on "unsubscribe".   

Federal Survey 

The Federal Survey cards that were sent home with your report cards may be mailed back to our school or dropped off at the office window.  Unfortunately we do not have an online option. If you have any questions, please email PCNC Joanne Imada.

Updates from our NVMS Counselors

Check these out for great tips for our students to help with Physical Distancing and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Advisory Curriculum for November continues with Gratitude.  

Info on E-Cigarettes and Vaping

If you have wondered how to talk to your child about the dangers of E-cigarettes and Vaping, this flyer may help you address the hard questions.   

School Messenger Text Messages

Our school utilizes the School Messenger system to deliver text messages straight to your mobile phone with important information. 
 
Many of you already receive text messages from the school, but if your phone numbers have changed or you have not received text messages, please follow these directions:
 
·      Participate in this free service by sending a text “Y” OR “YES” to the number 67587.
·      Repeat this process for any wireless number you wish to include. 
·      You can opt-out of these messages at any time by simply replying STOP.
·      Message and data rates may apply so check with your wireless carrier for possible charges.

Also, if you have any demographic information changes (phone number, email, address, etc.), please complete the form and follow instructions for submission at this link: http://bit.ly/nvmsdemochange

Virtual Niu News Morning Broadcast

Here is the link to this week's broadcast:  https://youtu.be/JSTOGh4oLIU
This week's episode...

  • introduces Quarter 2's focus on Gratitude for Choose Love, 
  • shares information about a couple of opportunities available to continue the joy of reading with eBooks as well as the school's upcoming Virtual Book Fair coming up in November, and
  • reminds everyone about our yearbook, picture makeups/retakes and "The Lancer" 

'Choose Love' Advisory Message

Quarter 2 focuses on Gratitude. People who regularly practice gratitude, by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they're thankful for, experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems.

8th Grade Parents and Guardians

Here are some important tips to help navigate your child's learning at NVMS. Please click here to view the document from your 8th Grade Counselor, Mr. Gavin Yaji.

The Learning Corner

Spotlight on Distance Learning: The Value of Guiding Not Telling

Virtual Niu News 

Greetings! We hope everyone enjoyed their Fall Break!
Here is the link to our first broadcast for Quarter 2:  https://youtu.be/Z33JgJaowUI
In this episode we welcome everyone back by sharing a special presentation by our Kaiser Complex administrators. Reminders about academic integrity and how we can help the yearbook are also included.

Message from VP Shannon Oide:  Panorama Student Survey

Aloha Parents/Guardians:

In November, Niu Valley students will be asked to complete the 2020-2021 Panorama Student Survey. Your child’s perspective is highly valued and their responses to the survey represent his/her voice in enhancing teacher practice and the climate of NVMS. Be assured that all responses are confidential and will not be tracked. Please visit our website to read a letter from the superintendent regarding the survey, it explains in detail the parameters involved. Included on our website is an opt out form should you decide you do not want your child to participate, we hope this is not the case. Otherwise, there is nothing else to do except allow your child’s voice help to make our school a better place! Mahalo for your and your child’s participation with this!

Letter from Principal Laura Ahn

See posted letter, attached here and on our website, for the transition of in-person blended learning at NVMS.   www.niuvalleymiddle.org

Virtual Niu News (VNN)

Here is the link to our end of First Quarter broadcast: https://youtu.be/boIFi-S9zL8
In this episode learn about how to join "The Lancer" and how to help our yearbook team. Also, celebrate one of our students efforts to #bethechange, and, be treated to another culinary delight to try to break away from Distance Learning!

Have a wonderful and well deserved Fall break as we will look forward to continuing our efforts to share the wonderful things everyone is doing and keeping our learning community connected! 

Letter from Complex Area Superintendent (CAS)

Letter from Dr. Rochelle Mahoe, Complex Area Superintendent (CAS).

Virtual Niu News

Here is the link to our 3rd broadcast for this school year: https://youtu.be/pRDQW-K1reY
Included in this episode are reminders about online etiquette/Netiquette, "The Lancer's" return, showing courage and remembering to take Distance Learning breaks for a "special treat" you don't want to miss! Please look for an end of the quarter broadcast next Friday, 10/2/20 when we would love to feature the wonderful things going on in our learning community. 
Thank you ALL again for your ongoing support of Niu News!

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.  

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.

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.

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.

Unsubscribing from this Parent Email Blast

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

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.  

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 

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