Na Mea HouThe latest news from Parker School

February–March 2015

Our MissionAt Parker School, every student is known, valued and nurtured. Our small-school setting and dynamic program foster confident, compassionate individuals who are thoroughly prepared for college, who enthusiastically engage in life and who positively contribute to an ever-changingglobal community.

Stay informed by checking the Parker School website regularly at www.parkerschoolhawaii.org.

Na Mea Hou is published August through June by the Advancement Office of Parker School.

Advancement Director:Jennifer Richardson

Communications/ Marketing Specialist:Katie Woods Callender

Advancement Associate:Renee Brighter

Graphic Design/Web Specialist:Amicheli Salyer

Please e-mail articles, photos, class notes or event notices to to advancement@parkerschoolhawaii.org. News about students and submissions from students are especially welcome.

Help Parker School Go Green! If you receive a hard copy of the newsletter, ask to receive Na Mea Hou by e-mail only. Notify us at advancement@parkerschoolhawaii.org.

On December 28, 2014, Parker School hosted its annual Alumni Soccer Game & Social. This year’s event saw a great turnout of alumni, many of whom donned their cleats to face the varsity soccer team. The alumni proved they still had their moxie, and beat varsity 5-2. Congrats, alumni! Both teams played an excellent game and the rest of the visiting alumni, faculty members, staff, current students and parents watched and socialized on the sidelines. Alumni goal scorers were: Kimo Hon ‘11 (2), Daniel Gregg ‘11 (2), and Matt Genco ‘00. Varsity goals were scored by Skyler Pleuss and Max Paas. Thank you, alumni, for coming out to play and re-connect with Parker School!

Alumni Soccer Game & Social

Top photo (clockwise from top left): Joe Catanzaro ’92, Matthew Genco ’00, KuiLee Dela Cruz ’97, Keali‘i Lee ’96, Matthew Bell ’96, Elliott Warkus ’11, Paul Gregg ’13, Tyler McCullough ’13, Kimo Hon ’11, Madison Pozner ’11, Daniel Gregg ’11 Bottom left photo: Romney (Beamer) Kellogg ’81 (second from right) with her three daughters, all visiting from Washington State

Na Mea Hou

From Advancement Director Jennifer Richardson

Aloha, Parker School ‘Ohana!

I am happy to report that we started the 2014-2015 school year off strongly, and we con-tinue to do extremely well with our Annual Fund goal. Planning for Kahiau (our big auction gala coming up on March 7) contin-

ues to progress quite well. We consider ourselves lucky to enjoy such a tight-knit ‘ohana, made up of students, par-ents, faculty, board of directors and alumni who give so much to ensure the success of our special school.

But as I sit and reflect on the year, I am reminded that you might not realize how your contributions to our fundrais-ing efforts—whether it’s a gift to our Annual Fund, at-tending events for financial aid, contributions to a capital campaign, or simply volunteering your time—directly im-pact our students, teachers, programs and physical plant in a most positive way. I invite you to explore the many ways you can help make a difference at Parker School; please feel free to contact me anytime to discuss giving opportunities.

ANNUAL GIVINGGifts to the Parker School Annual Fund enable the school to provide quality programs, retain excellent teach-ers and maintain our lovely campus. The Annual Fund allows us to offer our students enriching field trips, a re-source teacher to help in the lower school classrooms, and programs such as debate and drama. These are examples of the myriad opportunities Annual Fund helps us to af-ford each year. More important than gift size is the per-centage of participation in the Annual Fund from each of our constituent groups.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AIDThe Parker School Scholarship Fund and Financial Aid Fund create opportunities by helping bridge the need-gap for talented students from diverse backgrounds. Thanks to the generosity of the Parker School community, near-ly 50% of Parker students receive some form of financial

aid. Each year, Parker School holds two main fundrais-ing events to benefit financial aid: in the fall, Fairways & Friends, our annual golf tournament; and in the spring, Kahiau, our annual auction gala.

ENDOWMENTParker School’s Endowment Fund is made up of gifts and bequests, often as a tribute or memorial to a donor’s loved one. Endowments differ from other funds in that the principal must remain intact for perpetuity. The stable stream of income generated from an endowment is often earmarked for a specific purpose like financial aid or capi-tal projects.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS (Facilities and Facilities Improvements)

Periodically, Parker School launches a fundraising campaign—a capital campaign—designed to bring in funds for specific projects outlined in the school’s master plan. Some campaigns run for just one year, and some for two to three years. The Campaign Fund provides Parker School with the financial agility needed to quickly respond to emerging opportunities and immediate needs. By investing in the Campaign Fund, your gift will support the most innovative projects occurring on campus.

On behalf of all of us at Parker, I thank you for your generosity and support.

Save the Date!

Parker School Alumni ReunionSaturday, August 1, 2015

2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Parker School Upper Campus

Beverages and pupus will be served.

Bring your families and enjoy an afternoon of catching up with old friends, faculty and staff.

Look through old yearbooks and reminisce.

RSVP early or for more information, contact:advancement@parkerschoolhawaii.org

or (808) 885-8709

February–March 2015

Auction Preview

Preview all of our auction items at www.parkerschoolhawaii.org. Proxy bidding is available. If you are unable to attend the event but wish to bid on items, you may assign an agent to bid for you. Event tickets are $150 ($175 after February 26). For more information

about proxy bidding, table sponsorship, underwriting, and the auction in general, please contact the Advancement Office at:advancement@parkerschoolhawaii.org | (808) 885-8709

Plus: artwork by Lisa Greenwell Hummel, Michael Powell, Harry Wishard, Cora Yee; incredible golf packages; Kauai getaway;

Fairmont stays in Banff Springs and Seattle; private chef dining experiences; plus more vacation experiences; fitness, health

& spa packages; fine wine; jewelry and much more...

A limited number of discounted rooms starting at $189 per night are available at the Fairmont

Orchid for attendees. Call the Orchid at (808) 885-2000 to book yours as soon as possible.

Join us for

SILENT AUCTION, WINE, PUPUS-5:00 p.m. • DINNER-7:00 p.m. LIVE AUCTION-8:00 p.m. • DJ, DANCING UNTIL MIDNIGHT

save the date for

Kahiau“to give generously from the heart”

10th annual auction gala

benefiting financial aid

PARKER SCHOOL’S

March 7, 2015Fairmont Orchid Hawai‘i

5:00 p.m.

For more information:email: advancement@parkerschoolhawaii.org

call: (808) 885-8709

This save the date card is generously sponsored by:

MacArthur

Rebecca Keliihoomalu, R(B)Senior Vice President of Sales, (808) 895-1156

save the date for

Kahiau“to give generously from the heart”

10th annual auction gala

benefiting financial aid

PARKER SCHOOL’S

March 7, 2015Fairmont Orchid Hawai‘i

5:00 p.m.

For more information:email: advancement@parkerschoolhawaii.org

call: (808) 885-8709

This save the date card is generously sponsored by:

MacArthur

Rebecca Keliihoomalu, R(B)Senior Vice President of Sales, (808) 895-1156

Kahiau“to give generously from the heart”

benefiting financial aid

live & silent auctionsexquisite dinner & wines

after-auction music & dancing

65-1224 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, HI 96743

This save the date card is generously sponsored by:

MacArthur

Rebecca Keliihoomalu, R(B)Senior Vice President of Sales

(808) 895-1156

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Kahiau“to give generously from the heart”

benefiting financial aid

live & silent auctionsexquisite dinner & wines

after-auction music & dancing

65-1224 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, HI 96743

This save the date card is generously sponsored by:

MacArthur

Rebecca Keliihoomalu, R(B)Senior Vice President of Sales

(808) 895-1156

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

10th annual auction gala benefiting financial aid

The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘iMarch 7, 2015

Kahiau“to give generously from the heart”

benefiting financial aid

live & silent auctionsexquisite dinner & wines

after-auction music & dancing

65-1224 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, HI 96743

This save the date card is generously sponsored by:

MacArthur

Rebecca Keliihoomalu, R(B)Senior Vice President of Sales

(808) 895-1156

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Kahiau“to give generously from the heart”

benefiting financial aid

live & silent auctionsexquisite dinner & wines

after-auction music & dancing

65-1224 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, HI 96743

This save the date card is generously sponsored by:

MacArthur

Rebecca Keliihoomalu, R(B)Senior Vice President of Sales

(808) 895-1156

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Kahiau“to give generously from the heart”

benefiting financial aid

live & silent auctionsexquisite dinner & wines

after-auction music & dancing

65-1224 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, HI 96743

This save the date card is generously sponsored by:

MacArthur

Rebecca Keliihoomalu, R(B)Senior Vice President of Sales

(808) 895-1156

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Kahiau“to give generously from the heart”

benefiting financial aid

live & silent auctionsexquisite dinner & wines

after-auction music & dancing

65-1224 Lindsey Road, Kamuela, HI 96743

This save the date card is generously sponsored by:

MacArthur

Rebecca Keliihoomalu, R(B)Senior Vice President of Sales

(808) 895-1156

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Mahalo to our sponsors so far: Anonymous

Ann & John BroadbentBalbi Brooks

Muffet & John CallenderFirst Hawaiian Bank

Folio ExchangeHawai‘i Water Service CompanyRebecca Hirsch-Keli‘iho‘omalu

Mimi & Brian KerleyKuki‘o Community AssociationCaroline Landry & David Kirk

Leilani LewisLex Brodie’s

MacArthur Sotheby’s International RealtyMichael Mondavi Family Estate

NAH Security ServicesOlohana Property Services, LLC

Oye, Inc. General Engineering ContractorPacific Pump & Power

Corey PattonJames Posner

Resort Association Partners, LLCReyn Spooner

Yukie & Billy Joe RobinsonTami Rockholt

John Roth & David McCulloughFrances & Roy Simperman

Simply for FunRuth & Carl Sturges

Alison & Woodson Woods

Private Helicopter Tour & Dinner at Kahua Ranch

“Kahalu‘u” by Bev Fettig

Authentic Ni‘ihau Shell Lei

Las Vegas Showstopper VIP Package

(incl. hotel, airfare, two shows, incl. new Sinatra show Frank)

Morning Outrigger Canoe Adventure to Secluded Beach

with Catered Breakfast

Na Mea Hou

The Parker School debate team returned home from the December 20 Punahou School Speech and Debate Non-Qualifying Tournament with the sweepstakes trophy for the largest number of ballots earned. Parker’s was the only non-O a̒hu team out of the 19 schools competing and outpointed Punahou, 82-55.

For percentage of ballots won, Parker earned 65%, a close second to Iolani’s 67%. Parker debate coach and headmaster Dr. Carl Sturges said, “I was particularly pleased with this percentage result,

as we were missing several of our top debaters who were on the mainland for the holidays, and our reserves stepped up and won at the same rate as the team did at the November tournament.”

Parker’s fledgling speech team, new this year, also did well in their first-ever competition, finishing in second place to Kamehameha-Kapalama for the highest percentage of superior ratings earned. Parker senior Michael Note received a superior rating in International Extemporaneous Speaking and junior Sarah Bellatti received a superior rating in Program Reading.

The following debate students earned a score of 6-0: Jaipal Brar in Novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate; Sivan Najita in Championship Lincoln-Douglas; Nya Phillips and Susie Krall and Macey Note and Zoe Vann in Junior Varsity Policy (Macey Note and Zoe Vann are only eighth graders, with a season record of 11-1). The following students earned 5-1: Zach Gooding and Muhammad Khan in Beginning Public Forum; Luke Potter and Jaren Ashcraft in Advanced Public Forum; Owen Matsuda in Novice Lincoln-Douglas; Carrie Hiller and Dash Cotton in Championship Lincoln-Douglas; and Josh Yost and Kosuke Kume in Junior Varsity Policy.

On January 16 and 17, Parker School hosted the Speech & Debate Neighbor Island Tournament (NIT). 190 students from 12 schools (Parker was the only non-O‘ahu school) participated, making it the largest NIT in many years. At the event, 12 Parker students earned medals and qualified for the debate state tournament and two earned medals and qualified for the speech state tournament. This total of 14 is the most students Parker has qualified for states at the NIT.

Parker student results are as follows: in Beginning Public Forum Debate, Anna McFarland and Sean Dunnington placed 2nd; in Advanced Public Forum Debate, Luke Potter and Jaren Ashcraft placed 3rd; in Novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Athena Coley placed 1st and Bryan Bollinger 2nd; in Championship Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Carrie Hiller took 1st and Sivan Najita 3rd; in Junior Varsity Policy Debate, Nya Phillips and Keaton Farrell came in 1st, and Josh Yost and Kosuke Kume, 2nd. In speech, Matthew Bal qualified for states in Impromptu Speaking, and Muhammad Khan (exchange student from Pakistan) qualified in Oratory.

The Parker speech team will next compete at the Kapiʻolani Community College Speech Qualifying Tournament coming up on January 31, and the debate team will compete at the ʻIolani Debate Qualifying Tournament February 13-14.

Speech & Debate Team Successes Continue

Top photo: (after the NIT awards ceremony) Parker School students who earned medals and qualified for States Bottom photo: After a full day of competing in the NIT, students from Parker and from visiting schools enjoy roasting marshmallows for s’mores.

February–March 2015

Parker foreign students Muhammad Khan (from Pakistan) and Tijana Nikic (from Serbia) both came to study at Parker this year as specially selected U.S. Department of State grantees placed by the International Hospitality Center (IHC) on O‘ahu. On January 22 they traveled to O‘ahu to participate in an activity-filled weekend with other foreign students which included a one-day legislative internship.

In addition to touring the Capitol Building and learning about its architecture, on Friday, January 23, Muhammad and Tijana were appointed as interns in state senate offices for the day. Muhammad was appointed to Hawai‘i state senator Lorraine Inouye’s office and Tijana spent the day with Hawai‘i state senator Sam Slom and his staff. Both students learned about the inner workings of the state senate, and Muhammad even had the opportunity to deliver several bills from our Waimea community! After a busy morning in the senate, the grantee students enjoyed a senate luncheon followed by a special audience with Governor David Ige.

Muhammad is studying this year at Parker as a U.S. State Department grantee through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study (YES) Program, which “advances mutual understanding between the United States and countries with significant Muslim populations by bringing students (ages 15-17) to the U.S. to study at a high school and live with an American host family for up to one year. To date, more than 2,000 students have participated in the program.”

Tijana is a U.S. State Department grantee through the American Serbia & Montenegro Youth Leadership Exchange (ASMYLE)

program, which “was established in 2005 in order to create stronger linkages and advance mutual understanding between the United States and Serbia and Montenegro. Through the program, more than 300 students from Serbia and Montenegro (ages 15-17) have had the opportunity to study at an American high school and live with an American host family.”

In partnership with IHC, Parker School has hosted U.S. Department of State grantee students for 11 years. Next year, two more amazing grantee students like Muhammad and Tijana will attend Parker and will be in need of volunteer host families. If you are interested in taking advantage of the rich opportunity of hosting a foreign student next year, please contact admission director Emily Pagliaro at admissions@parkerschoolhawaii.org or (808) 885-7933 ext. 7107. For more information about IHC and the various exchange programs it represents, please visit www.ihchawaii.org.

Parker Foreign Students Visit Capitol

Top photo: U.S Department of State grantee students stand with Governor Da-vid Ige Bottom photo: Parker foreign students Tijana Nikic from Serbia (left) and Muhammad Khan from Pakistan (right) pose with State Senator Lorraine Inouye (center)

Photos courtesy of Barbara Bancel of International Hospitality Center

Na Mea Hou

Parker School Happenings

Shakespeare Competition

Congratulations to Jaren Ashcraft for earning 1st place in the school Shake-speare Recitation Contest on January 12, and to John Hu-len, the runner up. Jaren will compete

at the State Shakespeare Recitation Contest on O‘ahu in February. Good luck, Jaren!

La Gigantona Comes to Sra. Blondin’s Spanish Class

Third graders had fun learning about Nicaragua and the La Gigantona in Span-ish class. La Gigantona is a vibrant and colorful street play that includes giant puppet figures, drums, popular folk verses, and dancing.

Lower School Winter Concert

Winter Twilight Parade

February–March 2015

Parker Ranch Tree Lighting

The middle and upper school chorus performed to great applause at the annual Parker Ranch Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pu‘uopelu on Decem-ber 4 and the Hilton Tree Lighting at the Hilton Waikoloa on December 5.

K-1 Holiday “Mittens” Show

Middle & UpperSchool Talent Show

Lower School Winter World Traditions

Na Mea Hou

Athletics News by Athletic Director Nicole Vedelli

I couldn’t be happier to announce that our mixed varsity paddling crew made it to States this year! They took 2nd place in the BIIF finals at Hilo Bay on January 24. We are all so proud of this crew. Each of them is so inspirational, showing real heart in everything they do and representing Parker school so well.

This season would not have been possible if it weren’t for our dedicated coaches. Words cannot describe how much we all appreciate their hard work and commit-ment to our paddlers. Students and par-ents feel extremely privileged that we have them as coaches. Congratulations to Aunty Kealoha and Uncle Mike Nearman for an-other successful season, and a huge mahalo to all the wonderful volunteer paddling coaches—Mike Akau, Toby Wilkinson, Derek Parks and Eric Mitchell—who tire-lessly show up for our students every day throughout the season. We will miss all of our many seniors next year as they venture off to college. Good luck to Jaren Ashcraft, Maddy Harper, Christina Sharpe, Keanu Mead, Sam Keli‘iho‘omalu, Christian Pat-ton, Avery Williams, and Mia Scibelli.

I am also truly amazed by this year’s varsity soccer team. They have come so far and have grown together, creat-ing a remarkable team. They continued to work hard every day at practice and it

showed during game days. The best games to watch were here on our home turf with Parker parents, faculty and students cheer-ing the team on. There were some really tough moments with the more aggressive schools, but our team consistently played extraordinarily well. I wish our senior soc-

cer players the best of luck in their future endeavors; they will be missed out on the field next year. We wish you well, Maia Tar-nas, Aolani Peiper and Kosuke Kume.

I’d also like to thank and recognize Coach Billy Pleuss who has worked tirelessly throughout the season with our soccer team. Through sickness and cold, rainy days, he has been there for these athletes. Thanks also to assistant coaches Jared Chapman and Gabriella Mahiai for all of their devotion and commitment to the kids and to the sport.

New this year is our middle school developmental tennis program with Coach Winderbaum. The kids are so excit-ed to play twice a week down at The Mauna Lani courts and to get a taste of tennis and prepare themselves for high school varsity.

Go, middle school Bulls!

Don’t forget to join our Booster Club! Thank you to those who have already contributed through monetary dona-tions and volunteerism. Your support is always appreciated. You help

cover the cost of uniforms and equipment for our teams. There is still time to sign up this year and be a proud Bulls member! For more information, contact Athletic Director Nicole Vedelli at nvedelli@park-erschoolhawaii.org or (808) 885-7933 ext 7106.

ATHLETICS SCHEDULE

(Subject to change—please check the Parker School website or weekly Webflash for updates)

TENNIS SCHEDULE

Saturday, February 21 Parker @ Pahoa – 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday, February 25 Parker @ Kealakehe – 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 28 Hilo @ Parker – 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 4 BYE

Saturday, March 7 Parker @ Waiakea – 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday, March 11 Parker @ Makua Lani – 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 18 Konawaena @ Parker – 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 21 Parker @ Kea‘au – 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday, March 25 Kohala @ Parker – 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 28 Ka‘u @ Parker – 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 1 Parker @ Honoka’a – 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 4 Kamehameha @ Parker – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 8 Parker @ HPA – 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 11 St. Joseph @ Parker - 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 15 BIIF Team 1st Round

Saturday, April 18 BIIF Team Championship (semi & finals)

Wednesday, April 23-25 BIIF individual championships @ Holua

Thursday, May 7 – 9 HHSAA Tennis O‘ahu

*Home games noted in maroon

February–March 2015

Parker Bull Soccer Club coaches are excited to be back in action for the 2015 spring season. Our club is growing in popularity as our en-rollment has increased to close to 80 players. Everyone is thrilled that the club and its coaches are working so diligently to support our ath-letes with all of the technical skills they need to succeed. We welcome

back the PBSC coaching staff: U8 team coaches Cari Kapuniai, Tiffany Freitas and Stephan Pa-gano; U10 team coaches Blaze Waiau and Jonathan Vedelli; U12 team coaches Gabriella Mahiai and Nik Ward; and U14 team coaches Billy Pleuss and Jared Chapman. Coaching director Billy Pleuss will also be teaching goal keeping skills to those who are interested. If

you have not noticed already, you will find we have a fresh new look with our incredible new uniforms for our PBSC athletes to wear. Keep an eye out; they look sharp!

While the club is still made up primarily of Parker School students, players from other area schools now make up nearly 40% of our enrollment, bringing us closer to realizing our goal of providing a quality soccer development program for the community of North Hawai‘i. For more information about Parker Bulls Soc-cer Club, please visit our website at www.parkerschoolhawaii.org or email club coordinator Tiffany Freitas at PBSC@parkerschoolhawaii.org.

Every year, Foodland awards $200,000 in college scholarships to 100 Hawai‘i high school seniors through its Shop for Higher Education program. The an-nual statewide program runs during six weeks from February 4, 2015 to March 17, 2015 at all Foodland and Sack N Save stores.

Since Shop for Higher Education began in 2006, more than 980 scholarships have

been awarded to college-bound seniors across the state, totaling more than $1.9 million. Scholarships are awarded based on the number of Maika‘i Points schools earn in the program: The top 5 schools earning the most points receive five $2,000 scholarships each; the next 10 schools earning the most points receive three $2,000 scholarships each; the next 10 schools receive two $2,000 scholarships each; the next 25 schools receive one $2,000 scholarships each. A total of one hundred $2,000 scholarships are given to deserving high school seniors across the state each year.

Simply mention Parker School, code 7604 at check out and you will earn Maika‘i Points for yourself and for Parker. The more Maika‘i Points a school earns, the more scholarships it receives.

For more information, visit http://www.foodland.com/our-community/shop-higher-education or email shopforhighereducation@foodland.com.

PBSC News

6th, 7th and 8th graders displayed and spoke about their science fair projects at Parker School on December 3. The following students ad-vanced to compete at the Keck Science Fair on December 10: Maka-na Blake, Jayden Bosque, Dayton Brighter, Hali‘a Buchal, Hunter Bugado, Gavin Cairns, Emma Choi, Anna Gaglione, Helena Goto, Riley Higgins, Kama Liu, Ben May, Craig McFarland, Audrey Nixon, Macey Note, Hiroki Soler, Kaimana Stewart, Bennett Varney, Jordan Vedelli, Tierney Wold.

Congratulations to those who then advanced from Keck to com-pete in the 2015 Hawai‘i District Science & Engineering Fair in Hilo on February 7: Makana Blake, Hali‘a Buchal, Hunter Bugado, Emma Choi, Anna Gaglione, Helena Goto, Riley Higgins, Ben May, Hiroki Soler, Jordan Vedelli and Tierney Wold!

Middle School Science Fair

Shop Foodland, Help Parker Students

Earn Scholarships!

Na Mea Hou

PTSO News by PTSO President Jude McAnesby

Aloha! PTSO continues the year with a focus on our parent-led initiatives. Two new after-school programs begin in February. Tech Club, facilitated by Caroline Landry, a computer engineer, will use fun, engaging activities to help kids learn program-ming. If you are interested in assisting, please contact Caroline at carolinelandry@hotmail.com. Art Club, under the direc-tion of artist Geoffrey Mundon, will provide students with creative opportunities to engage in group art activities utilizing recycled materials. Both of these groups are geared toward middle school students, but high school students may also participate. The development of the internship program continues to move forward with hopes to have at least a half-dozen internship opportunities available to students by the beginning of March. If anyone has any leads for possible internships please let us know!

On January 22, PTSO sponsored another Parent Forum on Social Media to assist parents in learning more about social media and how to better support and protect their children.

The four parent/professional panel members were Britt Bailey (deputy prosecuting attorney), Caroline Landry (computer engineer), Shellie Note-Gressard (Parker assistant head) and Jude McAnesby (psychologist). They discussed the benefits and considerations of online socializing. The educational evening pro-gram was combined with the PTSO monthly meeting in an effort to provide parents increased accessibility to attend.

Another new activity that PTSO is engaged in is the Communications Committee, chaired by Kim Dalton. This committee is made up of administration, staff, and parents considering options to improve and streamline information from school to home, while also maximizing communication capabilities within the new Rediker system. If you have any feedback about communication issues or questions, please contact Kim at: kim@kjdaltonphoto.com.

The fundraising committee, headed by Kendall DiDonato and Maile Wong, is enthusiastically preparing for the 100-year celebration of the main school building, Kahilu Hall, in September. This should be an exciting and educational event with historical presentations about our local area coupled with entertainment, food, and fun activities for the keiki. The committee welcomes your participation. Please contact Kendall at kendalldido@yahoo.com if you’d like to be a part of this exciting new venture!

PTSO continues to appreciate our teachers and staff with delicious monthly treats and lunches during parent conferences. Many thanks to Gena McFarland and Valerie Casillas for organizing these. If you’d like to help out with baking or provide other support, please contact Gena at genamcfarland61@gmail.com. Remember to check for PTSO weekly news and an-nouncements on Webflash and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ParkerSchoolPTSO.

New Kindergarten Play StructureKindergartners are excited about their new play structure and to take off on the new slide and make music on the bongo drums! When they watched it go up, they couldn’t help but

cheer. Thanks to Uncle Eric and the parents who helped with the installation.

Parent/professional panel members—Britt Bailey, Caroline Landry, Jude McAnesby, and Shellie Note-Gressard—speak to the group in attendance at PTSO’s Parent Forum on Social Media in January

February–March 2015

Alumni Notes

Haley Williams ’03 landed a role in an upcoming episode of Hawai‘i Five-0. Keep an eye out for her!

Lea Rouse ‘01 married Pat Caenepeel on December 31, 2014.

Alumni Speak to Juniors & SeniorsOn January 6, at the invitation of college counselor Joanie Brotman, a group of young alumni, home for the holidays, visited Parker School. They spoke to current Parker juniors and seniors about their college experiences so far and what college life is like. Thank you, alumni!

Andrew Ellis ’07 announced that he is engaged to be married.

Leina Sato ‘03 gave birth to a daughter, Nai‘a Victoria, on December 16, 2014.

Ms. Rickards’ 9th grade biology classes took their first of two field trips up to the Kohala Watershed. Here the students explored the native ecosystems and decided upon topics for a true inquiry-based science project. The opportunity for these projects is a result of a collaboration with Kohala Watershed Partnership’s Environmental Education for Youth (KEY). KEY was established as a sustainable field science program for local students.

The project topics will be diverse. For example, some students will be comparing

pH levels of water from the different sources in the watershed, some will research plants, and others will investigate microorganisms in the area. Students will work in small groups, create hypotheses, collect data, analyze their results, then prepare a research report on their findings. A few of these groups will be selected to share their findings, in the form of Keynote presentations, with other students in various grade levels. The collaborative work of KEY participants might also be selected to be incorporated into an online and hard copy natural history guide to Kohala’s wetlands and forests.

Biology Students Prep for Big Projects

Left to Right: Nohili Thompson, Keala Prietto, Grant Nair, Shanelle Bolner, Maddison Nelson, Breanna Bellatti and Kyley Nishimura, all from the Class of 2014, and college counselor Joanie Brotman

65-1224 Lindsey RoadKamuela, HI 96743Address Service Requested

FEBRUARYPaige BrownJared ChapmanMahealani Thompson

MARCHLaura InabaJennifer Richardson

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Faculty & Staff!

Note: In preparing this publication we diligently try to avoid errors and omissions. Please accept our apologies and notify the Advancement Office if any are discovered.

IN MEMORIAM Parker School sadly

announces the January 27 passing of Betty Young,

who worked at Parker from 1992-2000 as athletic

director and girls’ soccer and volleyball coach. The Parker School ‘ohana is

grateful for Mrs. Young’s years of dedication and

service to the school and sends its deepest sympathy to her family

and friends.

DATES TO REMEMBERFebruary 16 President’s Day - NO SCHOOL

February 27 Trimester Break Day - NO SCHOOL

March 7 Kahiau Auction Event

March 16-20 Spring Break OFFICES CLOSED March 20

April 2-3 Middle/Upper School Interim

April 17 Middle School Unity Day

April 24-26 Spring Musical

For details check the Parker School calendar and announcements at www.parkerschoolhawaii.org

Play Production Class

A comedy written by Pat Lydersen

6:00 p.m.$5 General Admission

Children 5 & under are freeTickets available at the door; all ages welcome

PARKER SCHOOL THEATRE

65-1224 Lindsey Rd., Waimea

For more information please contact:

Dr. Angela Alforque, Director/Performing Arts Facultyaalforque@parkerschoolhawaii.org

(808) 885-7933 ext. 7128 • www.parkerschoolhawaii.org

PARKER SCHOOL’S

Thursday, February 19, 2015Friday, February 20, 2015

presents