December 10, Hanukah Begins Tonight At Sunset
6th Grade Writing Showcase
The LJA English Program is excited to announce the first annual 6th Grade Exciting Writing Showcase! This event will celebrate the work 6th Grade students completed in English this semester. Tune in for the performances as we Live stream. Congratulations to all the emerging poets and storytellers for their hard work and to those taking the stage, break a leg!
What: a performance celebration for students to share their work from the Storytelling & Poetry Writing Units When: Tonight, December 10th, from 4-5 pm Where: The Kerr Lookout Who: Unfortunately due to COVID protocols, this will be a student-only event, but will be Livestreamed and recorded thanks to the wonderful Mr. Connors! It will be available to view Live HERE.
Mahalo! Ittai
Winter Concert Information
The music and video performances of the ensembles are currently being recorded and will be presented later in a Webinar format, scheduled for a potential release some time during the week before the Winter Break begins.
A blend of audio and video formats is being utilized and will enable us to insert short videos of musicians practicing for the concert.
Students will need to come to school on Friday the 11th with the appropriate attire.
Attire for the groups will be as follows:
Note-- All attire should be compliant with the school dress code
Chorus: White, red, or dressy aloha shirt and black pants for boys with dress shoes. Girls may wear a red/black dress or white shirt with black pants/skirt (skirt should be at least knee length).
Band: Slacks, no shorts, Collared Shirt (long or short sleeve, no polo), Shoes; Dresses, if worn, should be mid-calf.
We are looking forward to your wonderful performances!
Ms. Louise Vinsonhaler & Mr. Kent Sato MS Chorus & Band Students Practice For The Winter Concert
Important Upcoming Events & Reminders Julie Do, MS Principal
In case you missed last week's Coffee with the Principal (and other guests) please email Kim McDonald (kim.mcdonald@lejardinacademy.org) for a link to the recording for updates and information about projects/events occurring over the next few weeks at LJA. If you have any questions about topics brought up please fill free to reach out to me.
As mentioned last week, we are delighted to be able to host a "live" winter concert for the HS and MS Chorus and Band on December 17. It will be in "webinar" format: parents and students can watch the previously recorded performances hosted by alumni who will introduce and provide commentary. The entire evening will be recorded and sent out later so it can be shared with relatives and friends. The link to the evening can be found here, the password: Peace.
Happy Hanukah, Julie
Lost & Found
Lost and found table at the front door of the admin building will be donated on Friday, 12/18. There are many sweatshirt/hoodies that look like MS sizes. Also a few swimming items. Toys For Tots Extended Drop Off
Toys for Tots! LAST DAY is Friday, December 11th! LJA's Parent Faculty Association is once again partnering with the US Marine Corps for this program. Participate by donating a New and Unwrapped toy for a local child in need. Collection box in front lobby.
Global Read Aloud Update Rachel Domenic and Christine Keogh
Did you know that it is just as important to read aloud to older kids as it is for younger kids? Join our book club for a wonderful and relaxing way to end your Wednesday evening, no prep required! Just sit back, relax, and enjoy reading and discussing a book together either Wednesday or Thursday nights from 7-8pm. We are finishing reading Prairie Lotus and Stamped and would love your input on our next selection. If you are interested in joining us for our next book, fill out this form and we will see you after the winter break.
Semester Progress Report Information Rachel Domenic, Dean of Academics
End of Semester Reports are coming your way January 22. The end of the marking period is January 8, so please make sure that you are checking Managebac and Google Classroom to ensure all coursework, formative and summative assessments are complete to the best of your son or daughter's ability. In addition, your son or daughter will receive comments on the assessment criteria and the Approaches to Learning Skills (Self-Management, Research, Social, Communication, and Thinking Skills). Please encourage your son or daughter to manage their time well in order to have a restful winter break! Happy Holidays!
MS Learning Support Coordinator Juniper Richardson
Resources on ADHD from the Learning Support Department
If you have a child with a recent ADHD diagnosis, you're probably already doing research on the next steps and what type of treatment is available to support their continued learning, growth, and wellbeing. My advice is to read articles, listen to podcasts, or watch documentaries from reputable sources, keep an eye on which organizations are funding research to rule out any conflicts of interest, and ignore "click bait" or disparaging things heard in conversations. Here are a few good places to start:
For General Information on ADHD:
Specific Information on ADHD and the Brain:
I hope this is helpful! If you are interested in learning more or discussing any of these resources, please contact me at juniper.richardson@lejardinacademy.org
6th Grade Students Participate In The Kawainui Project
Important Notice In order to help us screen all students as quickly as possible in the mornings please switch to the app if you haven't done so already.
Switch Your Health Screening For A Faster Process In The Morning The new app will enable easier self-screening each morning and we are asking that all middle school families use this for daily screening. Please email Melissa Handy at melissa.handy@lejardinacademy.org with any questions.
LJA Wellness Message Sean Landau and Jessica Osborne, MS/HS Counselors
As students prepare for finals, emotions are at an all time high. How we internalize, process and communicate our feelings in stressful situations typically impacts those closest to us. Giving yourself permission to feel takes practice. The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence created a RULER approach to help kids or teens Recognize, Understand, Label, Express and Regulate emotions. Buckle up! When you're feeling highs and lows from the rollercoaster of emotions please use this helpful journaling tool as resource: RULER Skills
For general information about counseling services at LJA, please visit www.hscounseling.org.
Resource: https://mindyourmindproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Tominey-Emotions-Matter-Handout.pdf
Student Travel Procedure
These procedures are approved by the Medical Hui--and are in effect as long as the State allows a pre-travel COVID test for Mainland or International* travelers:
This procedure is intended to shorten the amount of time that students must learn remotely following travel relative to the 14-day quarantine alternative. If you have any questions, please email school.nurse@lejardinacademy.org.
*Neighbor island travelers will be expected to comply with current County and State regulations for travel and testing, and procedures may vary by island. Visit https://hidot.hawaii.gov/coronavirus/ for details. Traveling? Contact The Nurse
Please remember to notify the school nurse at: school.nurse@lejardinacademy.org regarding all student travel plans.
Thanks To The LJA PFA For Providing MS Faculty & Staff With Breakfast Goodies!
Parent/Teacher Conferences
There is still an opportunity to schedule a conference with teachers. This year's conference time will run from December 7 - Dec. 15. Please do not feel obligated to sign up for conferences, especially with every teacher. This is just a chance for you to connect with your child's teacher if you have any concerns, questions or if you would like an update on his/her progress.
To schedule you may click HERE. Teachers have already marked their availability during prep periods as well as before and after school. Once you have scheduled your time, teachers will receive an email with the requested date and time. Teachers will then share their Zoom link with you. If you do not see a time that works for you, please reach out and teachers would be happy to set up an alternative time.
Bring Your Own Device Policy for 2021-2022
If you are planning on purchasing a new computer during the Holidays you may want to keep these guidelines in mind. The following guidelines clarify the Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) program and are intended to guide your child. All grades 6-12 students must bring a laptop to school to support the academic requirements. Other electronic devices such cell phones, iPads, Chromebooks may be utilized with permission of classroom teachers as secondary devices to support learning. If you already own a laptop you would like your child to use, please check its specifications against those listed below to ensure that it meets LJA's suggested minimum requirements: Suggested Minimum Requirements MINIMUM Intel Core i5 2.6GHz dual-core processor Wi-Fi capable 8 GB RAM 256 GB Hard Drive 11" display Mac OS 10.14 (Mojave) Webcam RECOMMENDED Multicore Intel Processor or M1 64 bit support Wi-Fi Capable 12 GB RAM 512 GB Hard Drive or larger 13" display or larger Mac OS 11 (Big Sur) Webcam MINIMUM Intel Core i5 2.6GHz processor Wi-Fi capable 8 GB RAM 256 GB Hard Drive 11" display Windows 10 Webcam RECOMMENDED Intel multi core i7 2.6GHz processor 64 bit support Wi-Fi capable 12 GB RAM 512 GB Hard drive or larger 13" display or larger Windows 10 pro 64 bit Webcam Click HERE for more information on our BYOD policy.
LJA Merit Scholarship
Dear Grade 6 and 8 Families,
Applications are now being accepted for the Merit Scholarship for incoming 7th and 9th graders and are due February 15, 2021. Merit scholarship awards are no less than 25% of annual tuition, awarded for the remainder of your student's enrollment at Le Jardin Academy and additional need-based financial aid is available, up to 100%, for students who qualify based on the financial situation of the parents.
To qualify for this scholarship, rising 7th and 9th graders must:
If you would like to apply for the merit scholarship, please complete and submit an application by February 15, 2021. Essays can be emailed to jennifer.souza@lejardinacademy.org. Applicants will also need to take the At-Home SSAT which is administered by a proctor online this year. You can register for the SSAT at www.ssat.org. Our school code is 4576 and the results will be sent directly to LJA.
For other scholarship opportunities such as the Shapiro Family Scholarship for military families, or any tuition assistance inquiries, please visit the Financial Aid and Scholarships page of our website by clicking here.
Please call the admissions office at (808) 261-0707 x1310 with any questions.
Merit Scholarship Committee
Spirit Store & Lunch
Hello LJA Community! Today we are announcing the launch of Student ID Debit Cards!
This means that parents will be able to load money under their child's name to be used at the Middle/High School Concession Stand. This point-of-sale system will be integrated with LJA's Spirit Store, which allows students the ability to use credit/debit cards, cash, or store credit. To redeem cash credits, students will be required to show their school ID to the concession stand employee when making a purchase. We hope that this will make lunch purchases easier for you and your child.
This is brought to you by the LJA High School Student Government.
HERE is the link to LJA's spirit store where you can make an account
Required PE shirts/shorts for school and other Spirit items are available to order. Orders placed when the Spirit Store opens will have time to arrive before needed in PE.
You can use this link to order lunch for 2nd quarter.
Kyle Nakayama can be contacted for further questions,
Attendance
Please notify Lizbeth Smith at lizbeth.smith@lejardinacademy.org and Kim McDonald at kim.mcdonald@lejardinacademy.org if you know your child will be absent, arriving late, or leaving school early.
School Links
Tech Support
All tech questions should be directed to helpdesk@lejardinacademy.org or to the chat forum at https://www.lejardinacademy.org/parent-portal. Please do not email teachers regarding tech related questions.
Having trouble with your device? Please contact helpdesk@lejardinacademy.org
Important Dates
December 10 Exciting Writing Event (streaming Live) December -17 Winter Concert Recording Released December - 21- January 1 Winter Break January 4 - PDD #2 No School for Students January 8 - Last Day of the Semester January 22 - Report Cards Uploaded to ManagBac
Middle School Contacts Attendance Hotline 261-0707 x7004
Lizbeth Smith MS/HS Registrar 261-0707 x3070 lizbeth.smith@lejardinacademy.org
Kim McDonald MS Admin Assistant 261-0707 x1160 kim.mcdonald@lejardinacademy.org
Juniper Richardson Learning Support Coordinator juniper.richardson@lejardinacademy.org
Jessica Osborne MS/HS Counselor jessica.osborne@lejardinacademy.org
Sean Landau
Rachel Domenic MS Dean of Academics, MYP Coordinator Rachel.Domenic@lejardinacademy.org
Vicki McNeill Dean of Students 6-12 vicki.mcneill@lejardinacademy.org
Julie Do Middle School Principal julie.do@lejardinacademy.org
Middle School Information
Please visit the Middle School Portal frequently to view additional information, important events, changes, and forms at https://www.lejardinacademy.org/parent-portal/middle-school-portal or Click HERE |