Parent Letter from Principal Laura Ahn
The attached letter provides important information on plans for the 4th Quarter.
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Attention 8th Grade Families
Kalani High School has shared information on their Summer School options for those completing 8th Grade. Please visit this link for details.
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Latest Edition of The Lancer
Check out the latest edition of The Lancer! There are great articles, games, and trivia that the students put together that celebrate the different events of February.
Talented and creative students who run this newspaper include Kaena Kim, Kailani Clark, Marcus Cho, Isabella Sharp, Kiana Novey, and Karen Dong.
Here's the link to our online newspaper: https://www.thelancer.org/
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Traffic Alert: Student Safety First
Please be aware of the following road safety reminders:
1. When dropping off your children, please pull forward to allow space for everyone to safely drop off at the curb.
2. Please follow traffic laws! When you make a U-turn in the middle of Halemaumau Street, this is a traffic violation and is considered breaking the law.
3. When picking up your child(ren), please model safety, and pick up your child at the curb. We have already experienced one close encounter with a student walking between cars to get to their own car that was waiting for them in the middle of the street.
4. Remind your children to always use the crosswalk.
Please, let's all be safe!
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Virtual Niu News
Week Ending February 26, 2021
Click here to view the last Vitural Niu News installment.
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Menu for March
Click here for March Menu.
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Quarter 2 Awards
Congratulations to all the students who received recognition for their achievement in the second quarter! Please view the following grade level videos for details:
6th Grade Quarter 2 Awards
7th Grade Quarter 2 Awards
8th Grade Quarter 2 Awards
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Virtual Niu News
View this week's virtual Niu News!
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Panda Express Fundraiser Reminder
The Friends of Niu Valley (FNV) fundraiser at Panda Express is an on-line order opportunity. Check out instructions here . Now Click here to place your order on Wednesday, February 24th. It's fast, easy, and you get a delicious meal with your family!
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Message from Principal Laura Ahn
Please refer to this guide when choosing a mask for your child to wear in school. Masks should be 2-ply and exhalation valves are not allowed.
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Congratulations to our National History Day Club!
Congratulations to the NVMS National History Day Club students and their advisor Brian Freeman. On top of all their school work, they managed to complete extensive National History Day projects.
The following students will be competing at the Honolulu District Competition in February:
Melanie VanEpps - May the Deaf Be Heard
Merik Chun and Jesse Xu - Lincoln and the Telegraph
Vivienne Hill - The Black Plague in Hawaii
Marley Muller - The Sears Catalog
Peter Vahsen - Yellow Journalism in the Spanish American War
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Virtual Niu News
View the Latest Virtual Niu News (VNN) broadcast.
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Principal Letter
Please visit our NVMS website for Principal Laura Ahn's parent letter regarding COVID19 updates.
Click here for the direct link to the letter.
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Request to Unsubscribe
We are currently in the process of streamlining our subscriber group. If you no longer wish to receive this email blast, please unsubscribe at the bottom of this email blast or respond to this email with "Unsubscribe".
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Congratulations to the Virtual Science Fair Honolulu District Qualifiers!
On behalf of the Science Department, thank you to all the participants to this year's first Virtual Science Fair! 36 students participated with 11 judges, and the following 15 students will be moving on to the Honolulu District Fair in late February:
First, Second and Third Place (respectively):
| Micah Kazarian |
Energy Where It Should Be |
| Vera Wang |
Grow, Grow, Grow the Basil! |
| Merik Chun |
Best Line-Up for Fishing |
The following twelve students' projects will be moving on to District as well. They are listed in alphabetical order.
| Victoria Brown |
The Dirt on Vermicast |
| Kailani Clark |
Natural Packing Material? |
| Aidan Kam |
Which is Better, Plant Soil, Organic Fertilizer, or Earthworms? |
| Kai Kuboi |
Air Quality Index |
| Melinda Lun |
Blending Colored Pencils with Solvents |
| Callie McKinney |
Shake, Rattle, or Break? |
| Zoe Rapoza |
Graphite Art Fixatives |
| Nicolai Scurto |
All Natural Toothpaste |
| Miya Thieu & Mayu Hajiri |
Clean That Coin! |
| Peter Vahsen |
Slam Those Soccer Balls |
| Vaughn Weaver |
The Slide Project |
| Kekoa Witham |
Unsticky Band-aids |
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REMINDER! EZSchoolPay Information
As your child returns to campus for the blended learning schedule, please be sure to check on their meal account balances, if you are planning on having them purchase school lunches. Instructions here and general information and link below:
- Free Parent account to view the purchase activity on their children's accounts. All children attending a Hawaii DOE school can be added to one account.
- Allows Parents to set purchase limits.
- Notifies Parents via email when the child's account balance is getting low (parent sets that low balance notification amount).
- Has an auto-pay feature via credit card so that your child never misses a meal.
- Cash and check deposits will continue to be accepted at the Office, or Parent can make an online credit card payment with this EZSP account for a small bank convenience fee.
When enrolling, go to the website: www.ezschoolpay.com
School District: Hawaii (Hawaii DOE will appear; use that selection)
You can add your children by either their 10-digit school ID number or their child's birthdate.
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Virtual Niu News
Click here for the latest virtual broadcast of Niu News.
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Water Bottle REMINDER
This is a reminder to have your child bring a water bottle to school with them every day. For the health and safety of our students, all the water faucets have been covered. However, there are water filling stations that allow students to refill their water bottles.
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Quarter 3 Video Updates
In anticipation of the additional in-school students later this month, please view the following videos:
Quarter 3 Blended Learning Update Video
Safety and Health Procedures Video
You may also view videos on our NVMS website at niuvalleymiddle.org
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Virtual Niu News Special Safety Edition
Here is the link to a special broadcast that shares about a recent safety concern that occurred in our learning community.
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Yearbook Order
If you haven't ordered a yearbook, you may buy one in the office for $32. Payment in EXACT cash or check (payable to "Niu Valley Middle School) is required. To check if you have already purchased a yearbook, please contact Mrs. Lori Nakano at lori.nakano@k12.hi.us.
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Important Update for NVMS Families
Please see 2nd Semester plan for student return to campus posted on our website niuvalleymiddle.org
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3rd Quarter Distance Learning Schedule
Please find attached the 3rd Quarter Distance Learning Schedule. Remind your child that classes begin at the time indicated on the schedule. Schedule on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 will be periods 1-6.
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Running Club Update
The link to the Running Club Registration Form has been corrected. Please use your child's student account to access this link for updates.
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Virtual Niu News (VNN)
Here's last week's link to our VNN 1204 broadcast: https://youtu.be/Cv6BnV7TKDk
In this week's episode:
- join one of our 6th graders sharing about the writing process in various classes
- see how NVMS' band students shared their gratitude with others
- be reminded about healthy and holiday opportunities
Here is this week's broadcast: Link to VNN
This week's episode features:
- NVMS' very own Grade 6 Star Advertiser front page Keiki Kalikimaka holiday ornament entry
- Mr. Tam's Grade 6 Zen Artwork pieces
- important yearbook and picture reminders
- a stay fit opportunity AND
- our administrators holiday message you don't want to miss!
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Message from our Registrar
Moving to the mainland or off island?
Parents, we request that you inform the front office of your child’s last day.
- We will prepare a Request for Release form for you to fill out at the front office. Photo identification is required.
- Please contact NVMS at least two weeks prior to departure so we can process your child’s documents along with their other school obligations.
- On your child’s last day we will provide you a Release of Records Packet so you can deliver it to your child's next school of enrollment.
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Amazon Smile Update
Our current earnings from our Amazon.smile account to date are $89.98. Hopefully with the holiday season upon us and online shopping should be at it's highest this weekend, please remember to do your shopping on Amazon Smile.
FYI The results of other Friends of Niu Valley Fundraiser efforts are:
- We Love Niu Valley: $5,936.52 (Donations are still welcome)
- Panda Express: $523.15
- Habilitart Christmas Tree and Wreath: $1,387.95
Here are the instructions again for Amazon Smile:
- Go to smile.amazon.com
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Click Get Started
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In the Search box type in: Friends of Niu Valley Intermediate
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Click Select next to the name when it comes up
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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.
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Virtual Niu News and More
Here's the link to this week's Virtual Niu News (VNN) Dec 4 broadcast: https://youtu.be/vs8ZxqJ-NBk. This week's episode welcomes Grade 6 back on campus with some safety reminders from one of our very own 6th graders and shares about our online library book borrowing for students attending in person. Picture reminders for the yearbook and a gratitude tune is also included!
This blast also re-shares the Library Circulation slide deck and provides the following links to share/post for students attending in person/on campus that are interested in borrowing library books:
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2nd Semester 100% Distance Learning Form
Please see our niuvalleymiddle.org website for 2nd semester 100% Distance Learning information and form. This form is in anticipation of the return to Blended Learning of our 7th and 8th Grade students. Here is the direct link to the document.
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Photos Wanted for the Yearbook - Deadline extended
1. Submit candid photos. The yearbook staff is looking for photos of students taken from August 2020 until now. Please send in candid photos of your child doing different activities. Instructions: bit.ly/lancerphoto
2. Send in your child's portrait photo. If your child missed picture-taking day or is doing 100% distance learning, please upload a portrait photo (if you have not already done so). Take portraits from the waist up against a plain background in good lighting. Instructions: bit.ly/nvmseshare2. Deadline has been extended.
Yearbooks for Sale
You still have time to buy a yearbook. Place your order for a yearbook at the front office. Bring $32 in EXACT cash or a check payable to "Niu Valley Middle School" between the hours of 7:30 am - 3:45 pm, Mondays-Fridays. To check if you have already purchased a yearbook, contact Mrs. Lori Nakano at lori.nakano@k12.hi.us
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Virtual Niu News
Here's the link to this week's VNN 1125 episode: https://youtu.be/4aYi_Q8OO-c
This week's special episode features "The Lancer", Thanksgiving Tid Bits & Welcoming Back Grade 6 on tracks!
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Text Messages via School Messenger
This is the best and most timely method to hear about any urgent announcements from NVMS. Most of us are on our phones more frequently than our email so you are more likely to get these notices. 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Registration for Electives for 2021-22 School Year
Please view this video that provides information for next school year's elective options.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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".
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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.
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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
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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"
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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.
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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
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Letter from Complex Area Superintendent (CAS)
Letter from Dr. Rochelle Mahoe, Complex Area Superintendent (CAS).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Unsubscribing from this Parent Email Blast
Please scroll down to the end of this email for instructions on Unsubscribing.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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
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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!)
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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.
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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.
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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
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From our NVMS Counselors
Check out these available Parent Rsources that provides good learning opportunities for your children.
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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
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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)"!
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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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