The latest news from Parker School AUGUST-OCTOBER 2015
Our Mission At 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-changing global 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 Publications Associate: Krista Anderson Graphic Design/Web Specialist: Jessica Young 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. 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.
A HISTORIC STEP
from Saundra Gulley, Board Chair
O
n behalf of the Parker School Board of Directors, welcome to the 39th school year at Parker School. After nearly four decades of accomplishments and traditions, we look to the future with great excitement. Your board has been working hard these past several months continuing to strengthen the school’s strategic position. I am very pleased to announce that the recent reintegration of the Parker School Trust with the school has significantly enhanced the school’s financial stability, allowing for long-term capital planning and facilities maintenance. From this position of strength, and given our academic excellence and growing enrollment, the time has come to move forward with the next step of Parker School’s Master Plan: the planning and construction of the Parker School Activity Center. This exciting and historic step will ensure the best environment for our talented, well rounded students for the next four decades and beyond. The new Parker School Activity Center is envisioned to provide: • Regulation Gymnasium to enhance and expand student programs and athletic opportunities. • Student Gathering Place for all-school functions and events including graduations, May Day celebrations and more (having outgrown our 250 seat-theatre, the School lacks a place that holds our entire student body). Weaving together the characteristics and unique features of our existing historic campus, the new Parker School Activity Center will include: • Indoor Space for Program Expansion of academic courses and extracurricular activities such as debate team practice, robotics club, martial arts, yoga, wrestling and more. • Primary “Home Field” and Practice Gymnasium for school athletic competitions (current athletics competitions are held at the aging and busy Thelma Parker Gym).
• Dance Studio and Performance Space to support our strong performing arts program. • Certified Commercial Kitchen to safely prepare food for school events (currently not possible on campus). • Moveable Dividing Screen to allow for two simultaneous activities. •F itness Center with dedicated training space for strength and conditioning equipment. • Locker Rooms for students and visiting teams. • Infrastructure of an expanded parking lot, walk ways and connection with future campus expansion projects. As we embark upon this next school year and exciting new project, the board, faculty and staff stand committed to sustaining and strengthening the extraordinary resources that define the Parker experience. •
Welcome Back to
‘the Little Red Schoolhouse’ from Carl Sturges, Headmaster
I
’ve had the pleasure of a number of visits over the course of the last month from former Parker School students. Many of them are last year’s graduates from the Class of 2015, preparing to embark on the great adventure of college for the first time. There has also been a stream of older alumni, heading off for the later years of college as well as to postgraduate institutions, or visiting the island after several years in the work force, often with spouses and children in tow. I feel especially honored that these good people find it important to touch base with a place, an experience that was important to them and continues to have meaning and relevance in their lives. I heard a lot about the fun they had here, the challenges they overcame, the triumphs they savored, and the personal growth they experienced here at the “little red schoolhouse.” Most of all, their memories have to do with the relationships they formed with classmates and teachers, bonds that are fondly recalled and often actively maintained over the years. This is also a time when our current students return to campus, and I look forward to this as one of the absolute high points of the year. I’m particularly impressed with this year’s crop of first-time students. From our kindergartners to our older students new to the school, I love their energy and enthusiasm and I am impressed with the skills and qualities they bring with them. Added to our returning students, this is an exceptional group of people with whom to be working. Eventually, they too will leave for the wider world, and my hope is that they will carry within them the same feelings about Parker School as the alumni who visited over the summer. This is a special place, and I thank all of you who help to make this so. This is going to be a great year!
2014-2015 Third Trimester Headmaster’s List and Honor Roll Congratulations to the following students who made the Headmaster’s List and Honor Roll during the third trimester of the 2014-2015 school year.
Headmaster’s List
The following students earned a GPA of 3.75 or higher.
Upper School Grade 12 - Allanis Anderson, Salina Andreas, Jaren Ashcraft, Bryan Bollinger, Jamie Burns, Sean Dunnington, Maydson Harper, Kosuke Kume, Anna McFarland, Michael Note, Aolani Peiper, Nya Phillips, Luke Potter, Mia Scibelli, Christina Sharpe, Maia Tarnas and Zoe Zivalic. Grade 11 - Matthew Bal, Sarah Bellatti, Seraphim Benoist, Dashiell Cotton, Sophie Dommer, Begaiym Dzhumanazarova, Kevin Grace, Julie Gregg, Savannah Harriman-Pote, Carolyn Hiller, John Hulen, Erika Kasberg, Marlo Mundon, Sivan Najita, Tijana Nikic, Harmony Ring, Noeau Simeona, Kathleen Smi and Skye Waipa. Grade 10 - Eric Fetsch, Parker Hale, Darien Jones, Kyra Matsuda and Coco Romano Giordano. Grade 9 - Ethan Crowl, Soleil Fitz-Gerald, Riley Herendeen, Kirk Hubbard IV, Owen Matsuda, Shione Mochizuki and Tatianna Staszkow.
Middle School Grade 8 - Jadyn Ashcraft, Tage Boyette, Anna Gaglione, Craig McFarland, Audrey Nixon, Masen Note and Zoe Vann. Grade 7 - Makana Blake, Grace Bollinger, Halia Buchal, Ryanne Doherty, Reece Herendeen, Malaya Hill, Gracelyn Jardine, Hiroki Soler, Jordan Vedelli and Zane Willman. Grade 6 - Emma Choi, Anna Leonard, Taiga Okada, Rachel Pessah, Nissi Ragland, Mele Rickards, Eloise Robertson, Jamie Saito, and Zoe Spikerman.
Honor Roll
The following students earned a GPA of 3.5 to 3.74.
Upper School Grade 12 - Joshua Yost. Grade 11 - Kenne Bond, Hiwa Thompson, Ryan Touchet and Kyra Vidosh. Grade 10 - Athena Coley, Reese Dalton, Sumika Helffrich and Hunter Weigle. Grade 9 - Lucy Callender, Mathias Migliorini-Marchesi and Severin Wold.
Middle School Grade 8 - Hunter Bugado, Emily Fetch and Sara Mundon. Grade 7 - Meira Bonnici, Jacob Mader, Noelani Murray, Kellen Sakaitani and Tierney Wold. Grade 6 - Jenna Blevins, Kamaha’o Liu, Bejamin May and Noelani-Rose Sulla.
Na Mea Hou
Parker School Invites the Community to
Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Kahilu Hall at Parker School
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arker School proudly invites the community to attend Paniolo Day, a 100th Anniversary celebration of the school’s historic Kahilu Hall (known to many as Barbara Hall). Built in 1915 as a place for rest and relaxation for Parker Ranch employees, this building has continually served the Waimea community over the last century as a town library, USO for soldiers during WWII, dance hall, and as a general gathering place for meetings, committees and Parker Ranch’s famous town-wide Christmas parties. Parker School is proud to serve as this historic building’s most recent tenant for nearly four decades. To honor this beloved icon and pay homage to our unique paniolo roots, Parker School will host a day of celebration on Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Celebration activities include talk-story with local historians, vintage photo displays, pupu, entertainment and fun for all ages. This event is free and the community is encouraged to attend.
Saturday, September 26, 2015 | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
August–October 2015
Have You Met Yet?
Announcing the following nine new faculty and staff members for the 2015-2016 school year: Krista Anderson Publications Associate
Deena Carey Upper School Head
Mrs. Anderson holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, IL and brings more than ten years of marketing and communications experience. Previously she served as communications coordinator at North Hawaii Community Hospital and leisure sales manager with Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. She believes “learning how to think through exploration, expression and connecting with others helps build character – which is the greatest gift of education.”
Ms. Carey holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. Ms. Carey has served as an independent school educator in both faculty and administrative roles for more than a decade, in addition to earning the American Chemical Society Chemistry Teacher of the Year award, Cincinnati Section in 2013. “I believe that education and leadership should be responsive to changing expectations while simultaneously affirming the numerous, daily successes and traditions that currently occur in our schools. Learning is blended and dynamic; integrated into our whole lives and diverse in content, delivery, origin and communication,” says Ms. Carey.
Bonnie Barron Upper School Spanish Teacher Mrs. Barron earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and English from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a master’s of arts in Spanish from Middlebury College in Vermont. After working in public and private schools in the Bay Area, Mrs. Barron returns home, having grown up in Waimea and attending high school in Kohala. She believes “learning about a new language and culture lets you look at your world with a fresh perspective and gives you a different voice to communicate and express yourself. Although it is a new voice, it is still yours.”
Na Mea Hou
Kieran Conrad Middle School English Teacher Mr. Conrad holds a Master of Arts degree from Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School of English. Most recently, Mr. Conrad taught English and economics, in addition to serving as the English Department Chair and Writing Center Director at Carson Long Military Academy in Pennsylvania. Experienced in one-to-one iPad use, Mr. Conrad eagerly awaits introducing Parker School students to the art of writing and speaking eloquently, the Socratic dialog, and Harkness method discussion, all while embracing project-based learning and gamification.
Sarah Gaff Upper and Middle School Mathematics Teacher Mrs. Gaff earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics education from Purdue University and a Master of Arts degree in economics from The University of Oklahoma. Mrs. Gaff shares, “my goal as a teacher is to provide a secure, caring and stimulating environment where students can grow and mature intellectually, emotionally and socially. I not only strive to teach mathematics, but also important life skills.”
Pristeen Perreira Business Office Assistant Mrs. Perreira carries a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from University of Nevada Las Vegas. Born and raised on Hawaii Island, Mrs. Perreira has previously worked with First Hawaiian Bank, North Hawaii Community Hospital and Waimea Middle School. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, as well as exercising and powerlifting.
Elaine Pettit Parker After School University Assistant
Cassie Valley US Spanish and 6th Grade History Teacher
Jessica Young Graphic Designer and Web Specialist, Yearbook Advisor
Mrs. Pettit received her Bachelor of Science degree in information systems from Brigham Young University in Hawaii. Previously, she served as the IT administrator for over150 dialysis clinics in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Arizona. Most recently, she has been a stay-athome mom and ran her own freelance photography company, called The Blue Bus Photography. Mrs. Pettit shares, “I hope I can make a difference for the children and the Parker school ‘ohana.”
Ms. Valley received a bachelor’s degree in international relations with an emphasis in Latin American studies and a minor in Spanish language from the University of South Florida. She has studied in Chile, Argentina, and Spain and moved to Hawaii Island in 2009. “I believe in creating an environment to promote socially aware students who can view the world as a place for discovery. I believe that positivity is contagious and find it imperative to start each day with enthusiasm,” says Ms. Valley.
Mrs. Young received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan and brings more than twenty years of graphic design experience to Parker. She has worked with a publishing company in Detroit, and was lead graphic designer with West Hawaii Today and North Hawaii News. She has been voted best graphic designer by North Hawaii News Readers’ Poll for the last five years. Most recently she ran her own successful graphic design business, JY Design Pro. Mrs. Young believes “information is best learned when coming from both its creative presentation inward and from within the child in outward expression. Thorough understanding of a subject arrives by both parties playing active roles.”
Parker Staff On the Move Shellie NoteGressard
moved from Assistant Head of School to Dean of Educational Services. Ms. Gressard joined Parker in 2008 as a part-time tech teacher and has served as assistant head of school since July 2009. Taking on this new role over the summer, Ms. Gressard is now assisting and enriching the student experience by overseeing the enrichment program, student services (including 6-12 counseling, 9-12 internship/ mentorship/volunteer opportunities), as well as serving as director of educational technology and head of the technology department. “I’m super excited to be able to devote myself to the whole student experience,” shares Ms. Gressard.
Jennifer Grace
moved from Accountant & HR to Admissions Associate. Ms. Grace joined Parker in 2007 as business office assistant, quickly moved to headmaster’s assistant, followed by a the last six years serving as Parker School’s accountant. Jennifer moved into her new role as admissions associate in January of 2015, where she assists the admissions director with all aspects of admissions, from talking with prospective families, processing applicant data to facilitating events associated with admissions. “I have an entrepreneurial heart and always look forward to learning something new. I’ve worked with admissions in many capacities over the years as Parker School’s accountant so to make this transition seemed like a good fit. Being able to learn more about admissions is great and having the opportunity to work with Emily is a big bonus.”
Lynn Jardine
moved from Business Office and Admissions Associate to Accountant and HR. Ms. Jardine joined the Parker ‘ohana in 2010 as part-time business office assistant. Ms. Jardine moved into her new role in February of 2015 and is now responsible for payroll, accounting, as well as human resources activities for the nearly 50 full and part-time employees at Parker School. “My educational background is in financial accounting making this position a good fit, while providing me the opportunity to take on more challenging tasks,” says Ms. Jardine. “I consider my co-workers as friends and enjoy the family atmosphere of working at a school. In my limited spare time I like to workout at Crossfit Kawaihae, and go to the beach and other activities with my children.” August–October 2015
From Advancement Director Jennifer Richardson
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e are happy to report our 2014-2015 Annual Fund successfully closed on June 30, 2015 and brought in $121,061.88, surpassing our goal of $100,000! Thank you to all the donors who gave so generously to the Annual Fund, and particularly to the two anonymous donors for their generous $40,000 matching donation! We are so grateful for your support. We couldn’t have had such a successful year without you. Each gift demonstrates a belief in the school’s mission and vision. On behalf of all of us at Parker, we appreciate your partnership and look forward to another terrific year supporting the people and programs that help make Parker School truly wonderful. Each year, our Annual Fund provides additional funding to enrich and enhance our student’s experience beyond what is possible by tuition dollars alone. Together hundreds of gifts from loyal parents, grandparents, alumni, board members, faculty, staff and friends help continue our traditions that define the Parker experience. Our goal this year is two-fold: $100,000 and increased participation! Some of last year’s participation percentages were:
YOUR GIFT MATTERS. The actual cost of educating each Parker School student is thousands of dollars more than tuition charged. With your support we’re able to keep tuition as low as possible while staying true to our historic roots of providing a well-rounded, unique student experience. YOUR GIFT IMPACTS all Parker students. Your annual gift supports our inclusive culture of celebrating the distinctiveness of each of our 320 plus students and honoring the milestones of our impressive alumni. YOUR GIFT SUPPORTS every aspect of the Parker experience. Contributions are immediately put to use to sustain and strengthen the extraordinary resources that define the Parker experience, including enriching field trips, retention of excellent teachers, creative fine arts programs, maintenance of our historic campus, athletic endeavors, and stellar academic opportunities. YOUR GIFT COUNTS. More important than gift size, is the percentage of participation.
Show your Parker pride and contribute today! Annual Fund contributions may be made at www.parkerschoolhawaii.org or by mail to the Advancement Office by June 30, 2016. Please contact the Advancement Office should you have any questions about giving opportunities or our events. Visit us: www.parkerschoolhawaii.org – Take a peek at our new clean, modern look, easy-to-navigate website launched in May 2015! The website was built with search in mind, so you can quickly find what you’re looking for while honoring the history and roots of Parker School! Follow us: /Parker School Alumni ‘Ohana / Parker School /@parkerschoolhawaii
P.S. Also, save the date for Kahiau, our annual auction gala on March 5, 2016!
Thank You! from Parker School
for your generous donation to the 2014-2015 Parker School Annual Fund! Thanks to your support, we raised more than $121,000!
T
he Annual Fund is Parker School’s primary fundraising initiative each year and it directly benefits our students. Your donation has been put to immediate use in our classrooms, to maintain our beautiful campus, and to fund various programs such as debate, sports, and visual and performing arts. As we gear up for our 2015-2016 Annual Fund campaign, we look forward to your continued support. Mahalo!
Na Mea Hou
Welcoming David Higgins to Parker Board of Directors
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arker School is pleased to welcome David Higgins to our board of directors, effective immediately. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, David received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard College followed by his law degree from Boston University School of Law. He represented the United States in rowing at the 1968 Olympics. Prior to law school, he served as navigation officer on a U.S. Navy frigate. After practicing corporate law for a large Boston firm in the 1970s, he and his wife, “Lonny,” a physician, and their two young children spent five years at sea living on board a gaff schooner in the Pacific. Their extended voyage began in Maine and ended in Okinawa and included a year in New Zealand. In 1984, David and his family moved to Oahu where he founded Marimed Foundation, a public charity providing primary healthcare services in Micronesia in the 1980’s and 90’s, that is currently Hawaii’s largest provider of residential treatment services to special needs adolescents. In 1986, the charity designed and built a 340-ton, square-rigged sailing vessel to support its program work, and David served as the ship's senior captain and then relief captain until 2002 when he returned to the practice of law. In 1996, David moved to Hawaii Island. From 2006 to 2014 he was Of Counsel to Alston, Hunt, Floyd and Ing,. He and his wife, Lonny, a board certified OB/GYN with a private practice in Waimea, are the proud parents of three adult children and three grandchildren, two of whom currently attend Parker School.
Parker School is now on Instagram! Follow @ParkerSchoolHawaii for an insider look into student life at Parker School, upcoming events, school history and much more. # ParkerSchoolPride for general school photos
Parker Wins First Place HMSA Kaimana Award On Saturday, June 13, Parker received first place honors from Hawaii Medical Service Association’s (HMSA) annual Kaimana Awards for achievements in athletics, academics, sportsmanship, healthy activities and community service over the 2014-2015 school year. Earning a perfect score in both the sportsmanship and community service categories, and a strong representation within the athletic participation, academics and healthy activities categories, helped Parker secure the win. Parker’s upper school won first place in the Hawaii Island Division II category for the first time since 2009, after finishing third place for the past several years. This first place win includes a $1500 award, which will help the school acquire updated sports equipment. Congratulations Parker School!
# GoParkerBulls for athletics photos
See you on Instagram!
August–October 2015
The Campus Was Abuzz This Summer T
his summer the campus was abuzz with an abundance of enriching summer programs for students of all ages.
Our Parker Enrichment Program offered more than a dozen exciting and unique programs available to the greater community for children ages 8 to 18. Programs included intro to jazz, ballet and contemporary improvisational dance, biodiversity in Hawaii, drama camp, acting games and improve camp, debate camp, sculpting and art in action. Additional programs were offered for teens and adults 16 and older, including: soulful Sundays with ballet and stretch, African-Caribbean dance and culture workshop and gentle floor stretch and relaxation classes. In addition, more than 80 lucky kids were treated to an incredibly creative seven-week summer camp, thanks to the school’s first grade teacher, Ms. Christian Ingalls. Campers enjoyed weekly off-campus excursions and “Wacky Wednesday” dress-up days, both of which tied into the camps weekly theme. Themes included, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Jurassic Park, Alice in Wonderful, A Bug’s Life, Meet the Minions and more. Campers also participated in art projects, dance and performing arts tutorials, science experiences, and athletics.
Na Mea Hou
Interview with
M omi Naughton
Q: What is your history with Parker School? A: I was one of the founding five teachers at Parker School. I started Parker’s Hawaiian Studies program and taught English from 1976 – 1978. The first year there were five fulltime teachers: David Murray, Robin Hori, Mary Belfrage, Janice Unger (Principal) and myself (then known as Momi Urbic). Q: What can you share about the founding of Parker School? A: Parker was well under way when I came on board, however, it is my understanding that Paul DeDominico, Sr., owner of Hawaiian Holiday Mac Nut Factory in Honoka’a, went to speak with Richard Smart about starting a school. Richard quickly supported the idea and donated space next to Kahilu Hall, which was vacant at that time. In addition, Parker Ranch supported the school by giving 8 to 10 scholarships to ranch staff’s children so they could attend Parker School in the early years. Q: What stands out from the founding of Parker School? A: I remember being involved in some of the early discussions, including choosing
the school’s name. School personnel wanted to honor Richard Smart and call it ‘Smart’s School’, which he would have nothing to do with. I also remember there were several pay periods where there simply wasn’t any money. I can recall at least two paychecks that Richard Penhallow, former Parker Ranch Manager and member of the school’s board of directors at the time, personally paid out of his pocket. Q: What were Parker School’s facilities like? A: The first year we opened, Richard Smart had given the school access to the area to the left of Kahilu Hall. It was pretty funky, really. Parker Ranch cowboys tell me this space used to be a billiards hall and weight lifting room when Kahilu Hall, then known as Barbara Hall, was used as R&R for Parker Ranch staff. There was another free standing building along the road (to the left of Kahilu Hall), this was Nora Lindsey’s old house. She died just about the time Parker School opened and I remember it stood empty for some time. The second year an old house was added behind the hall – this was where I taught Hawaiian Studies my second year. We were also able to use Kahilu Hall from time to time, for special events. The hall wasn’t turned over the Parker School until after I left.
Q: What can you share about the history of Kahilu Hall? A: The hall was built in 1915, for R&R of the Parker Ranch staff. It was originally named Barbara Hall, after then Parker Ranch Manager A.W. Carter’s daughter. During WWII (1943 – 1945), Barbara Hall was used as a U.S.O. for over 50,000 soldiers who passed through Camp Tarawa. The military built the school’s current theatre as well as an additional building in front near the road, which served as a snack shop or general store for the soldiers, called “Canteen.” (This building was removed sometime after the war.) Also, in 1961, Richard Smart renamed the hall, Kahilu Hall, in honor of his mother Annie Thelma Kahiluonapuaopi’ilani Parker during 125th anniversary celebrations of the founding of Parker Ranch. Q: What have you been up to since leaving Parker School in 1978? A: I left Parker School in 1978 to open the original Red Water Café in Waimea, with my then husband and business partners. In 1980, I moved to Washington, where I received my master's degree in anthropology from Western Washington University in 1983. That same year, I returned to O’ahu and served as a curator at The Bishop Museum for the next three years and then as an associate anthropologist until 1989. I moved to Washington again in 1990 and taught anthropology, art history and museum studies at Western Washington University for 12 years. During that time I received my Ph.D. in heritage communications from Simon Fraser University in Canada. I moved home to Hawaii to be closer to friends and family in 2004 and taught at UH Hilo for a year before becoming director of the Anna Ranch Heritage Center in 2005. I worked with UHH students to catalog the collection at Anna Ranch, did the interpretive plan and wrote the social history of the ranch to get it on the State and National Register of Historic Places. Since 2011, I have been serving as the head of the Heritage Center at the North Hawaii Education and Research Center in Honoka’a.
August–October 2015
Athletics News from Athletic Director Nicole Vedelli
Upper school girls volleyball team - practices Monday through Thursday at New Hope Church from 4:00–6:00 p.m. Practices started Monday, August 2.
Upper school boys and girls cross country teams –
A
loha – I hope
you’ve had a restful and relaxing summer. Are you ready to step into gear and start running? It’s not too late to sign-up athletes for our fall sports programs - just come to practice with appropriate footwear and clothing, water bottle, and a winning attitude!
Upper School Sports Participation Requirements – Before students in 9 – 12 grade can participate in sports, the following forms must be completed and on file with the school: 1. Physician’s Examination Form – current form must be on file. 2. Sports Participation/Consent Form – signed by both students and parents. 3. Parker Athletics Contract Form – signed by both students and parents. Forms can be downloaded from our website at www.parkerschoolhawaii.org, found under “for current parents”, “sports participation requirements”. Completed forms must be submitted to the school via fax at (808) 885-6233; mailed to Parker School Registrar, 65-1224 Lindsey Rd, Kamuela, HI 96743, or dropped off to the Parker School front desk in the upper hall prior to any sports participation.
meet in front of the main school building for practices Monday through Thursday, 3:15–4:30 p.m. Practices started Monday, August 10.
Middle school boys and girls cross country teams meet in front of the main school building for practices Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Practices started Tuesday, August 11.
Lower school boys and girls cross country teams - practices for 3 – 5 graders will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Tuesday August 25 from 3:15 – 4:00 p.m. with Coach Cassie Valley. Questions please email Coach Cassie at cvalley@parkerschoolhawaii.org. Look for more information and sign-up sheets in your Friday Folders.
Middle school coed volleyball - Practices begin on Monday, September 14
right after school until 4:45 p.m. Practices are held on our basketball courts on Mondays and Wednesdays. Coach Matt Binder will start our volleyball program but we will need to find a Volleyball Coach starting in October through mid November. If you have any questions about volleyball and are interested in the position, please contact Athletic Director Nicole Vedelli at nvedelli@parkerschoolhawaii.org. This is a paid position.
About our Coaches Coach Michael Landers will be back again for another exciting season of girls volleyball. She is truly an inspiration and joy to work with and provides our girls the skills needed to succeed on and off the courts. Coach Michael can be reached at michaelbarry@hotmail.com if you have any questions. Alongside Coach Michael this year is assistant coach Jade Leanio. Jade comes to us with extensive knowledge for sharpening those techniques used on the courts. In cross country this year – Coach Nicole Vedelli and Coach Buff Winderbaum will head up the coed varsity team, and Coach Shellie Note Gressard will assist Coach Winderbaum with the middle school cross country team. Contact information is as follows: nvedelli@parkerschoolhawaii.org, bwinderbaum@parkerschoolhawaii.org and sngressard@parkerschoolhawaii.org. Get ready to play hard and run!
Parker Bulls Soccer Club
is looking for high school athletes who would like to earn advisory credit and assist coaches on Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. If you are interested, please email Coaching Director Billy Pleuss at PBSC@parkerschoolhawaii.org.
Na Mea Hou
TO ALL STUDENTS AND PARENTS Mahalo for you generous support. I look forward to another remarkable year with Parker School Athletics. I will do my best to support our student athletes in everything they do - I simply ask in return they give 110% to the sports they play. I always believe if they work hard and believe in what they do, they will succeed and accomplish great things and will always (no matter what) be a better person for it. Strength comes from within - they just have to believe in themselves and go for it. Many thanks for everything – yours in gratitude, Nicole Vedelli
Fall Varsity Sports Schedules Upper School Coed Cross Country • Saturday, August 29 @ HPA – 10:00 a.m. (2 races) • Saturday, September 5 @ Kamehameha – 10:00 a.m. (4 races) • Sunday, September 13 RUN FOR HOPE @ Hualalai – 7:00 a.m. • Saturday, September 19 @ Kea’au – 10:00 a.m. (2 races) • Saturday, September 26 @ Kamehameha 10:00 a.m. (2 races) • Saturday, October 3 @ HPA – 10:00 a.m. (2 races) • Saturday, October 10 @ Kea’au – 3:00 p.m. (2 races) • Saturday October 17 – COLOR STAMPEDE @ Parker School - 7:30 a.m. • Saturday, October 24 @ Kamehameha 2:30 p.m. (4 races) • Saturday, October 31 @ Maui - HHSAA champs 8:30 a.m.
Upper School Girls Volleyball • Tuesday, August 18 Christian Liberty @ Parker – 6:00 p.m. • Friday, August 21 @ Honoka’a – 6:00 p.m. • Wednesday, August 26 @ HAAS – 6:00 p.m. • Saturday, August 29 Makua Lani @ Parker – 10:00 a.m. • Tuesday, September 1 Laupahoehoe @ Parker – 6:00 p.m. • Friday, September 4 @ Ka’u – 6:00 p.m. • Tuesday, September 8 St. Joes @ Parker – 6:00 p.m. • Friday, September 18 @ Christian Liberty – 6:00 p.m. • Tuesday, September 22 Honoka’a @ Parker – 6:00 p.m. • Friday, September 25 HAAS @ Parker – 6:00 p.m. • Tuesday, September 29 @ Makua Lani – 6:00 p.m. • Friday, October 2 @ Laupahoehoe – 6:00 p.m. • Tuesday, October 6 Ka’u @ Parker – 6:00 p.m.
* Home games/meets in maroon. Game/meet
schedules subject to change, please check Parker’s website frequently for updates!
S
Support Parker Athletics
ee below for five ways you can support athletics throughout the year. Please email Athletic Director Nicole Vedelli at nvedelli@parkerschoolhawaii.org if interested.
1. COLOR STAMPEDE on Saturday, October 17 Volunteers needed throughout the morning or afternoon for this fun 5K run event held on Parker campus grounds.
2. GAME DAY SHIRTS Purchase our new sports logo shirts in women’s and men’s cuts. Made of dri-fit material and only $15. Wear these t-shirts on game day to show your support.
3. HYDRO FLASK WATER BOTTLES Purchase our new HI-DR8 flask water battles in 40 or 18 oz. Large bottles available in black or white are $34 each, smaller bottles are $24. Other color options available for purchase as well. See order form for details.
4. BOOSTER CLUB Join the booster club for $40 and receive a complimentary gift and an all access pass to Big Island Interscholastic Federation Games.
5. VOLUNTEER
Order forms
available at: parkerschoolhawaii.org/ athletics
At our home volleyball games, cheer at ALL our home games, assist coaches if they need help during practices or be a driver to games.
August–October 2015
News
from Student Council
Safety Reminders
To ensure a safe, smooth start to the school year, we ask that you review the following:
Middle & Upper School DROP OFF:
• Students may be dropped off near the Kahilu Hall (main entrance) between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. • Student may not enter the middle school area prior to 7:30 a.m. • There is no drop off on Pu’uki Road. • Students dropped off in front of the school on the park side of the street must cross at the crosswalk. • All county and state traffic laws are in effect at all times. • The area in front of the school is a designated loading zone, therefore parking is not permitted. • U-turns are not permitted. • Stopping and/or standing in striped area is not permitted. • Vehicles must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
PICK UP:
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arker School’s 2015-2016 Student Council (StuCo) officers are excited to start the new year with you! In the coming weeks, Savannah Harriman-Pote (President), Hiwa Thompson (Vice President), Kathleen Smith (Secretary) and Susie Krall (Treasurer) will be joined by representatives from each upper school class, completing the StuCo team. We have an action-packed first semester planned for the student body, which includes our Innisbrook Fundraiser, a fall ball, a pep rally celebrating parker athletes, and the annual Canned Food Drive. Innisbrook returns as StuCo’s first fundraiser of the year with great gifts and Christmas products for sale through September. Our fall ball and pep rally will add a little spice to student life, and Parker School’s fourth annual Canned Food Drive will support the Waimea community by collecting canned goods within student advisories. Last year the school donated 4.5 tons of food, and this year we hope to beat our record and collect 5 tons!
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• A Parker School administrator will be present from 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. daily to monitor loading areas in front of the school. • Students may be picked up after 3:00 p.m. daily. • All county and state traffic laws are in effect at all times. • The area in front of the school is a designated loading zone, therefore parking is not permitted. • U-turns are not permitted. • Stopping and/or standing in striped area is not permitted. • Vehicles must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Lower School DROP OFF:
• Gate opens at 7:30 a.m. for students. • Students are not to be dropped off before 7:30 a.m. • Drop off is in the front of the lower school along the yellow loading/unloading zone. • Cars are to pull all the way forward to the end of the yellow curb. • Children are to exit in an expedient manner along the yellow curb, not on the grass. • Families are encouraged to carpool to minimize congestion.
PICK UP:
• All students are picked up in front of the lower school along the yellow loading/unloading zone. • Parents are to remain in the car and pull all the way forward, to the end of the yellow loading/ unloading zone. • Teachers load students into cars. • All students not picked up by 2:45 p.m. are relocated to the ‘ohana room and the family’s account is charged a $20 late fee. • Pick up is not an opportunity for informal meetings with faculty and administration. Please schedule an appointment with the teacher or administrator if you wish to meet. • Faculty students, Hele On bus riders, and students with older middle or upper school Parker sibling may walk with a lower school teacher to the front porch of Kahilu Hall at 2:45 p.m.
Join Parker for the 40th Annual Waimea Paniolo Parade on Saturday, September 19!
e are once again excited to announce Parker School will have a riding and marching unit in this year’s parade. We will meet at Church Row at 9:00 a.m. with the parade starting at 10:00 a.m. We are inviting 20 lower school students and 25 students from each of the middle and upper schools (70 total) to participate. Headmaster Carl Sturges (“Doc”) will be leading the marching group, along with the Parker School bull mascot. There are sign-up sheets along with a flyer and waiver form located at the lower school office and the main hall front desk. Please sign-up ASAP and return waiver forms to either desk. Lower school students must have at least one parent marching. Na Mea Hou
Upper school students will receive one advisory credit for participating. In keeping with the parade theme and the new logo rollout, all who wish to participate are required to wear the NEW logo maroon, gray, or Parker Athletics logo t-shirts (available for purchase at the business office) and blue jeans. If you have cowboy hats and boots, please wear them. If you don’t have a cowboy hat, we are restricting the headgear to the new logo trucker hats, caps and visors only. We are striving to look unified. All participating students will receive a metallic rooter pom. If you have any other questions, please contact Mahealani Thompson at 885-7933 ext. 7110 or at mthompson@parkerschoolhawaii.org.
A FINAL NOTE ON LOWER SCHOOL PROCEDURES - To ensure the safety of your child, we ask that all communications for pick ups go through the lower school office. This would include days your child goes home with someone not listed on your child’s pick up authorization form (you do NOT need to call if the person is on the form). If you would like your child to walk to soccer practice, music lessons and/or the bus stop we need to have this in writing before your child is released. You may email Mrs. Polhemus at hpolhemus@parkerschoolhawaii.org or Mrs. Nearman at knearman@parkerschoolhawaii.org to inform the school of these arrangements. Thank you for keeping us informed and helping us keep your child safe.
IMPORTANT HELE ON BUS INFORMATION Students who travel to and from school on the Hele On Bus should check the following website for up-todate schedule and route information: http://www.heleonbus.org/ schedules-and-maps or call the Transit Agency at 808-961-8343. Students coming from Kona should check the Kona-Hilo route. Students coming from North Kohala should check the Kohala-Waimea (Keauhou) route. The website does not post information for the Waikoloa bus as it is mainly for students. The Waikoloa bus stop is Lamp Post #22, Lua Kula Street. Please call the Transit Agency for more info. Student bus tickets will be for sale at the upper/ middle school as well as the lower school front desks (charge to school account only) and at the business office (charge to school account or pay by cash/check). Tickets are $.75 each, a page of ten $7.50. Students still need to use their student IDs (no photo necessary) to ride the bus for the student (reduced) rate. The bus drivers will accept 2014-2015 IDs until the 2015-2016 IDs become available. New students without a student ID may stop by the front desk and Auntie Lani will make a temporary one for you.
Parker School ‘Ohana: Join us for our
ANNUAL FALL
BBQ
Friday, September 4 5:00–7:00 p.m.
PARKER UPPER SCHOOL CAMPUS
A great way to meet faculty, staff, administrators, students and families! The school would appreciate volunteers to help with this event. Contact Mahea Thompson for more information: email mthompson@parkerschoolhawaii.org or call 808-885-7933 ext. 7110.
August–October 2015
Parent Teacher Student ‘Ohana
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News
elcome back to school! We hope you had a wonderful summer and that everyone has a great start to the school year!
brings together home and school, sharing ideas and perspectives while helping parents and teachers work together to enhance our children’s education. It’s a great way to meet other parents. Be first to hear about important news and events at school and contribute your energy and ideas to improve the learning experience of all students. We have lots of exciting programs and events this year! We look forward to seeing you there!
On Thursday, August 6, PTSO members were on hand at orientation to meet and greet students and parents. We look forward to a great year ahead with several new families.
Fall Barbeque will take place on Friday, September 4. PTSO will host a hospitality table and the wildly popular cake walk. It is a great gathering for all Parker families.
Middle and upper school families will be contacted in the near future about grade level family get togethers, which will take place soon! This is a fun, relaxed way to meet new families and reconnect with friends.
A new and supported PTSO event this year is Paniolo Day set for Saturday, September 26. Look for information in the near future to take part in this exciting event. Please contact your 2015-2016 PTSO Board members if you have any questions or want to get involved:
Please join us for our first PTSO General Membership Meeting: Monday, August 24 at 8:15 a.m. at the upper school. PTSO
2015-2016 PTSO Board
by PTSO President Pamela Adams
President: Pamela Adams pamelaadamspt@gmail.com 443.1376
Upper School Heather Yost Rep 2 : thyostfamily@gmail.com 315.8080
Vice President: Kelly Herendeen kherendeen@gmail.com 216.407.3563
Middle School Dore Centeio Rep 1: ashawland@gmail.com 333.0624
Secretary: Elaine Pettit elainelpettit@gmail.com 388.5146
Middle School Lisa Bollinger Rep 2: bollie_90254@yahoo.com 310.683.3265
Treasurer: Dawn Farrell Lower School Crystal Breeze dawn@ilovebastille.com Rep 1: imabreeze@gmail.com 238.5591 640.9004
Upper School (We are looking for another Rep 1: board member)
Lower School Valerie Cerezo Rep 2: valcasillas@gmail.com 769.7037
Remember Parker School at Check Out When shopping at Foodland and Sack N Save between September 1 and September 30: • Use your Foodland Maika’i Card • At check out, choose #78172 to designate your support of Parker School • Foodland and the Western Union Foundation will match a portion of each donation to Parker School Na Mea Hou
By designating Parker School at Foodland or Sack N Save, part of your donation will be matched by Foodland and the Western Union Foundation. The more points designated to Parker School at KTA, the higher the donation the school will receive from KTA’s Kokua i Na Kula program, which will distribute up to $100,000 among Hawaii Island Schools.
Alumni Notes
Aloha, Parker School Alumni! If you have any news and/or photos to share in an upcoming issue of Na Mea Hou, please email us at advancement@ parkerschoolhawaii.org or simply message us on Facebook. We love to hear what you’re up to! Mahalo!
Jenna Gerdsen ’10 is engaged. Tadashi Kamitaki ’10 graduated last year from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut with majors in molecular biology and biochemistry. He now lives in Somerville and works as a consultant for a company called Service Now in the Boston area.
Marc Maloney ’84 is working as a building inspector in Hilo. Richard Nobriga ’84 is self employed. He has been involved in landscaping for 12 years, as well as breeding and training horses and selling paints and quarter horses on Hawaii Island. Sam Kaiama ’88 his son, Nainoa, helped install the new traditional Hawaiian rock wall in front of the school’s Kahilu Hall this July. Rand Kanoa Castro ’99 has been spearheading the painting of murals around Hawaii, including one on Waimea’s Kahilu Theatre. They just completed a mural at the Keaukaha General Store in Hilo. He is also working on obtaining his master’s degree in educational leadership for Charter Schools from Chaminade University on Oahu. Kalei Gregory ’00 is flying rescue helicopters for the State of Hawaii. Malia Landis ‘01 married Wesley Wright on May 16, 2015 at the Rivers Bend Retreat in Philo, California. Johnny Alvaro ‘03 is engaged to Crystal Skinner. The two are set to be wed on October 3, 2015 along the Kohala Coast. Leina Sato ‘03 had a baby girl December 2014. Michael Conboy ’03 works for Hawaiian Legacy Tours and reforestation along the Hamakua Coast. Lindsey Appleton ’09 earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Hawaii Pacific University. She is currently a graduate assistant at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and will complete her master’s in English in May 2016. She spent the summer in Argentina with a UH-Manoa study aboard group and will attend Teach for America Academy in Phoenix in June 2016 and begin her two-year commitment in San Diego, CA.
Mary Kamitaki ’11 graduated with honors from Pomona College in Claremont, California this past May with a double major in mathematics and media studies. Over the summer, she returned to Waimea as a teacher in the Keiki Performing Arts Workshop—a performing arts summer program for local kids run by Parker School alumni. This coming fall, she will begin graduate school at the University of Southern California in their master of fine arts program for dramatic writing, and hopes to eventually pursue a career as a television writer. Bailey Calciolari ‘13 completed a summer internship in the Bahamas. Michael “Zen” Kuriyama ’11 is teaching performing arts students musical theatre, voice and drama at the Dance Pointe Performing Arts Center (in NY), while also attending graduate school. Caitlyn Mendes ’12 is in training as an optician assistant at Dr. Ken Fischer’s practice in Waimea.
FACULTY Clyde Sebastian, Associate Athletic Director and Yearbook Advisor for 2004-2005. Is retired and spends time in Kona and Texas. Seiichi Kaida, a former teacher at Parker School, was married this summer.
Halia Obrey recently had a baby.
August–October 2015
65-1224 Lindsey Road Kamuela, HI 96743 Address Service Requested
The latest news from Parker School
DATES TO REMEMBER Aug. 19 & 20: Upper/Middle School Camp Out
Aug. 21: Statehood Day - NO SCHOOL/ OFFICES CLOSED
Sept. 4: Fall Barbeque
Sept. 7: Labor Day - NO SCHOOL/ OFFICES CLOSED
Sept. 9: Lower School Back to School Night
Sept. 11: Middle School Picture Day
Sept. 15 & 16: Lower School Picture Day
Sept. 16: Upper/Middle School Back to School Night
Sept. 18: Upper School Picture Day
Sept. 19: Waimea Paniolo Parade
Sept. 26: Paniolo Day
Oct. 2: EARLY DISMISSAL K-12 (Teacher Workday)
Oct. 5: Lower School begins SAT10 Testing
Oct. 8 & 9: All School Parent/Teacher Conferences - NO SCHOOL
Oct. 12-16: SAT10/PSAT Testing
Oct. 17: George Heneghan Color Stampede
Oct. 19-23: Fall Break - NO SCHOOL Oct. 19: Offices closed For details check the Parker School calendar and announcements at
www.parkerschoolhawaii.org
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Faculty & Staff!
AUGUST
6 12 14 27 27 30
Jessie Marshall Pristeen Perreira Hayley Blondin Mindy Higgins Christina Culligan Heather Polhemus
SEPTEMBER 7 13
Hapi Delenia Gary Romero
OCTOBER
15 20 23 27 28
Eric Dela Rosa Nalani Sanfranca Christian Ingalls Jackie Caputo Elaine Pettit
WAIMEA TOWN MARKET at Parker School
Every Saturday Morning 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.