3/4 Lorenzana tag:midpac.edu,2008:/elementary/3_4L//23 2008-05-09T21:49:38Z Movable Type Publishing Platform 4.01 Opera reminders and a Star Poet tag:midpac.edu,2008:/elementary/3_4L//23.3811 2008-05-09T01:07:18Z 2008-05-09T21:49:38Z Please check the website for some last-minute reminders about the opera. Ms. Lorenzana Kahalaopuna, the Princess of Manoa, has arrived!  The opera is finally here!  Our students had an amazing dress rehearsal today, as well as a preview performance for middle school and high school students.  They are more than ready to show their stuff off tomorrow!  Here are some last minute reminders for tomorrow and Saturday:

  • All children will report to their classrooms by 5:00 pm.
  • Students should be dressed in board shorts or surf shorts, t-shirts, and slippers.  *If students are staying for after school care on Friday, they should just bring these items with them to school. 
  • Girls should have their hair in a ponytail.
  • In the classroom the children will receive their costume bag. They will change their t-shirts into the official program t-shirt provided by the school and their capes or other costuming. They will place the t-shirt they wore to school in their costume bag (with their name on it).  T-shirts will go home with the student after the Saturday performance.
  • The teacher will walk the students down to Scudder Hall for warm-up. The children will bring their costume bag with them.
  • Children will be dismissed from Scudder Hall after they change.  Parents must sign out their children with Mrs. Lorenzana.
  • If parents are not coming to a performance, please plan to pick up your child from Scudder at the following times:
Friday 7:30 p.m.
Saturday 7:00 p.m.
  • Our class will be performing facing the right side of the gym.  When you enter and are facing the main stage, you may want to sit on the bleachers to the right for the best view of our class.  The middle sections are ideal!
Please contact Mrs. Lorenzana with any other questions or concerns about the opera.  We are looking forward to seeing our families at the performances!

We also have an exciting announcement to make!  A few months ago, we entered some of our poems in the Star Poets contest.  We are happy to announce that KM is a Star Poet!  Her poem, My Shoe, was chosen as one of the top five poems in the third-grade division.  Congratulations, KMl!

]]> Can it really be May already? tag:midpac.edu,2008:/elementary/3_4L//23.3789 2008-05-02T22:08:47Z 2008-05-03T05:13:36Z Please check the website for important information about the opera. Ms. Lorenzana
Book reports continue next week.  Please refer to the schedule sent home with your child for each student's presentation date and time.  Parents are invited to attend!

The entire elementary school has been busy preparing for the opera.  Not only have we been diligently practicing our singing and stage directions, but we have also been busy interviewing the cast members and Mrs. Koshi.  Next week, everyone will be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor during the performances of Kahalaopuna, Princess of Manoa. 

Here is some important information regarding the opera:

  • All children will report to their classrooms by 5:00 pm.
  • They should be dressed in board shorts or surf shorts, a t-shirt, and slippers.
  • Girls should have their hair in a ponytail.
  • In the classroom the children will receive their costume bag. They will change their t-shirts into the official program t-shirt provided by the school and their capes or other costuming. They will place the t-shirt they wore to school in their costume bag (with their name on it).
  • The teacher will walk the students down to Scudder Hall for warm-up. The children will bring their costume bag with them.
  • Upon completion of the opera the children will return to Scudder where they will change back into their own t-shirts ( girls will change in the kitchen area), neatly fold their performance t-shirt and cape or other costuming and replace it in their costume bag.
  • Children will be dismissed from Scudder Hall after their change and parents have signed them out.

]]> Let's go fly a kite! tag:midpac.edu,2008:/elementary/3_4L//23.3777 2008-05-02T01:23:05Z 2008-05-02T01:31:26Z Let's go fly a kite! Ms. Lorenzana S.A.T. Testing tag:midpac.edu,2008:/elementary/3_4L//23.3706 2008-04-17T20:23:56Z 2008-04-17T21:13:16Z Please check the website for information about upcoming S.A.T. tests. Ms. Lorenzana
For the past few months, we have been preparing for the S.A.T. test.  We have been meeting to practice and talk about test-taking strategies.  Now it is time to apply that practice to the actual test. The fourth graders will be taking the test next week, April 21-25. The test  will be every morning in Mrs. Lorenzana’s classroom. If you know of any possible conflicts for your child, please let me know immediately!  While the fourth graders are taking the test, the third graders will work with Ms. Byrne.  Please read on for some more S.A.T. information.

The S.A.T., version 10, will be composed of the abbreviated battery — multiple-choice tests in reading comprehension, spelling, language usage, vocabulary, and mathematics problem-solving and procedures.
 
Students will also be taking open-ended tests in reading, writing, and mathematics.  The open-ended tests focus on the processes for reading, writing, and problem-solving.  Students will be evaluated on a standard set of performance criteria.  For example, students will have 50 minutes to write on a given topic. In mathematics, students will have 50 minutes to work on ten word problems which incorporate the national mathematics standards.  For the reading section, students read one complete text and respond in writing to several questions of increasing complexity, from stating the main idea to making inferences.
 
The tests are norm-referenced standardized tests, i.e., your child’s score is compared with scores of thousands of other students in the same grade who took the S.A.T. at the same time of the year across the nation.

We usually receive the test results in the summer.  We will send home the test results, along with an explanation of score interpretations. 
   
You can help your child be ready for test-taking in the following ways:

***Make sure your child gets to bed at a reasonable time.

***Provide a good, healthy breakfast and snack.

***Get your child to school by 7:30 a.m. so he/she has time to settle in.

***AVOID asking every day, “So, how’d you do?” “Was it hard?” "Did you finish everything?” Your child will not really know.  When you ask these questions, you want some reassurances.  Instead, your questioning will cause unnecessary stress on you AND your child.

***Your child has already been working on test-prep materials in school and is well prepared to take this test.  Making your child do more test-prep booklets and worksheets at this point will only stress them out.
 
***Remember that this is supposed to be fun.

***Assure your child that you love them and are proud of them regardless of the results.
 ]]> Information About our "Day in Manoa" and trip to Polynesian Cultural Center tag:midpac.edu,2008:/elementary/3_4L//23.3653 2008-04-04T02:22:14Z 2008-04-04T19:02:55Z Read about next week's field trips. Ms. Lorenzana
Our action-packed days of Hawaiian Studies adventures have arrived!  Next week Thursday, 4/10/08, and Friday, 4/11/08, the third and fourth grade classes will be exploring Manoa and traveling to the North Shore to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Here is the itinerary for both trips:

Polynesian Cultural Center
Fukumoto/Holzman Thursday, 4/10/08
Byrne/Lorenzana Friday, 4/11/08

7:40 am -10:30 am      Morning at school preparing for Friday’s dinner.
10:30 am                    Leave Mid-Pac
11:15 am                    Eat lunch at Kualoa Beach Park
12:30 pm -3:30 pm      Explore Polynesian Cultural Center
4:45 pm                      Pick up your child at Mid-Pac (Thursday only) at upper pick-up

Ahupua`a of Manoa (wear your “Day in Manoa” t-shirt)
Byrne/Lorenzana Thursday, 4/10/08
Fukumoto/Holzman Friday, 4/11/08

8:00 am - 9:00 am.        Manoa Chinese Cemetery.
9:00 am - 9:30 am.        Return to Mid-Pac for a restroom stop.
9:30 am - 10:30 am.      Koganji Temple
11:00 am -12:00 pm.     University of Hawai`i Hawaiian Studies Center (Lo'i Kalo) ***Please fill out release form.
12:00 am - 1:00 pm.      Lunch at Hawaiian Studies Center.
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm.        Historic sites on Waikiki Beach, including a walk through the Moana Hotel.
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm.        Maita`i catamaran ride.
4:30 pm                        Depart Waikiki from Monsarrat Avenue behind the Waikiki Bandstand.
4:45 pm                        Pick up your child at Mid-Pac (Thursday only)at upper pick-up

Please contact your child’s teacher if the Thursday pick-up time is going to be a problem for you. We will do our best to arrange rides or child-care for you.

Reminders:
  • Bring lunch and snack for both days!
  • Wear either your “Day in Manoa” t-shirt (Manoa Ahupua`a day) or dark green Mid-Pac shirt (Polynesian Cultural Center).
  • Bring a water bottle.
  • Wear a hat/visor.
  • Put on sunscreen! Bring some to re-apply.
  • Bring slippers or reef walkers for the boat (Manoa Ahupua`a day).
  • You may want to bring a small towel on Manoa Ahupua`a day (not for swimming but in case your feet get wet or sandy).
  • You may want to bring a change of clothes for Friday’s dinner.  You can bring this in any time before the field trip.
  •  Please turn in the release form for the University of Hawai`i Hawaiian Studies Center (Lo'i Kalo) as soon as possible.

Dinner Information:
Please meet us at 5:30 at Scudder Dining Hall (lower campus).
5:30-6:00 Browse displays and watch slide show.
6:00-7:00 Eat!
***If you signed up to help set up, please meet us at Scudder at 5:00.
***If you signed up to help serve, please check in with Ms. Byrne when you get there.
***If you signed up to help clean up, we’ll give you instructions after dinner.
Thank you in advance for your help!

If you have any questions or concerns about our upcoming field trips, please contact me at (808)441-3817 or llorenzana@midpac.edu.
]]> Ho`olaule`a and Save-the-Date! tag:midpac.edu,2008:/elementary/3_4L//23.3566 2008-03-06T02:52:00Z 2008-03-07T00:54:47Z Ho'olaule'a and Save-the-Date Ms. Lorenzana
Please make sure to mark Friday, April 11, on your calendars!  Last week the 3/4 Multiage class families received a Save-the-Date flyer in their yellow envelopes.  On Friday, April 11, the 3/4 Multiage classes will be having a dinner to celebrate our learning in Hawaiian Studies.  The dinner will be the conclusion of two days of field trips.  More information will be given about the field trips next week!  Be sure to check the website regularly.

Also, Friday concludes our first week of book-report presentations.  The presentations we've heard so far have been awesome!  Our class is definitely getting some good ideas for new books to read.  Please check last week's post for the book report schedule.   
]]> Hawaiian Studies, Book Reports, and the Book Fair! tag:midpac.edu,2008:/elementary/3_4L//23.3544 2008-03-01T01:41:52Z 2008-03-01T04:31:41Z We are on our way with our Hawaiian Studies inquiry project. As you all know, we are putting on the opera Kahala`opuna this spring. Our class is in charge of creating the program for the opera. To prepare for that,... Ms. Lorenzana Kahala`opuna this spring. Our class is in charge of creating the program for the opera. To prepare for that, we read the libretto (script) of the opera. After each student reviewed the libretto carefully, they listed three things they wanted to learn more about. The students came up with many great ideas like holua sleds, how the ali`i lived, Hawaiian language, and foods people in old Hawai`i ate. Because Mrs. Byrne’s class went through the same process, we decided to create inquiry groups with students from both classes. Students have been divided into groups according to what they are interested in researching. After looking through some resources, they brainstormed questions about their topic.  Next week we will be narrowing down our questions and begin our research.

Here are our Inquiry Groups:
Hawaiian Language:
M.M.
T M.
J.N.
R.B.

Hokule`a/ Voyaging:
K.C.
C.S.
N.K.
J.K.

Plants:
M.T.
M.S.
N.L.

Heiau/Religion:
S.C.
D.M.P.
H.L.
J.M.

Holua Sledding/Hawaiian Games:
K.F.
M.H.
C.S.

Food:
S.R.
S.H.
J.M.
H.S.
K.K.

Hale:
K.O.
L.S.
D.S.

Ali`i:
K.M.
E.K.
N.P.
M.K.
R.N.

Birds:
V.A.
K.Y.
K.N.
A.O.
M.M.
T.H.
C.K.

Book report presentations continue next week!  Parents are more than welcome to join us for the presentations.  Book report presentations will take place in the morning from 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m., except for Mondays when they will take place from 8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.  Please click the following link for your child's presentation date:

book report presentation schedule.pdf 
Also, the Scholastic Book Fair will continue until Thursday, March 6.  It is open from 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. everyday except Wednesday, March 6. On Wednesday, March 6 the Book Fair will be open until 4:30 p.m.

]]> The Magical Pueos have been busy! tag:midpac.edu,2008:/elementary/3_4L//23.3514 2008-02-22T01:57:06Z 2008-02-22T17:34:51Z Mrs. Lorenzana has posted a new blog. Ms. Lorenzana their Jump Rope for Heart event.  Our class helped Mrs. Jenkins organize it by setting up the different stations, carrying jump ropes and cones, and even drawing a chalk river on the play court!  We then stayed to help the preschoolers at the different stations.  Our leadership skills really came through!  We had a blast helping our youngest schoolmates.  The excitement continued through to our own Jump Rope for Heart event in the afternoon.  Everyone worked out their hearts as they jumped, hopped, and even hula-hooped in the gym!  Thanks to Mrs. Jenkins for organizing another successful Jump Rope for Heart event!

The Magical Pueos are on their way to writing their own legends.  After spending some time reading published Hawaiian legends, most students have now chosen a legend that they would like to retell.  The students are now in the process of taking important elements from a legend and writing their own version of it.  Next week we will continue drafting our pieces and discuss creating illustrations to complement our words.

We are also beginning an inquiry project in Hawaiian Studies.  After reading the libretto (script) for Kahalaopuna:  The Princess of Manoa, we realized that there were many elements that we did not know.  For example, what is hala?  How does taro become poi?  What was ancient Hawaiian sledding like?  These are just some of the questions that came up after reading the libretto.  Students will have the opportunity to choose any element from the libretto that interests them and research more about it.  We will tie this inquiry project into our study of the ahupua`a by examining in which part of the ahupua`a their element could be found.  ]]> Happy Lunar New Year! tag:midpac.edu,2008:/elementary/3_4L//23.3432 2008-02-07T18:39:58Z 2008-02-08T01:09:20Z Mrs. Lorenzana has posted a new blog. Ms. Lorenzana
This week we finished reading the libretto (script) for our upcoming opera, Kahalaopuna, Princess of Manoa.  After reading the libretto, we then compared the opera to James Rumford's version of the legend of Kahalaopuna.  Using a Venn Diagram, we discussed which elements were the same and which were different.  After looking at both versions of the legend, we learned that although the details of each story differ, the important elements were the same.  We discussed how legends told orally could be changed with each retelling, but somehow the main ideas stay the same. Students will now have a chance to create their own legend.  Students will spend the next few days reading Hawaiian legends.  After finding one that they like, they will then use a story map to find the main ideas of that legend.  They will use this story map to create their own version of the legend.  The published piece will also include illustrations.  We can't wait to see the final pieces!

Spelling will resume next week.  Students will receive a new list on Monday and be tested the following Monday.  Also, please remember that all Jump-Rope-for-Heart forms are due tomorrow, February 8.  Jump Rope for Heart will take place next Friday, February 15, from 12:30 - 2:00.

On a final note, the Yasui family (KY, 4th grade) has offered to treat the entire class to lunch tomorrow!  Thank you, Yasui family, for your generosity!



]]> Two Special Visitors - Mr. Haga and Mr. Rumford tag:midpac.edu,2008:/elementary/3_4L//23.3372 2008-01-24T21:27:42Z 2008-01-25T00:47:33Z Read Mrs. Lorenzana's new weblog. Ms. Lorenzana James Rumford.JPG

Today’s assembly featured two very special guests. 
 
As part of our "100 Years in Manoa" celebration, the elementary school students will be putting on an opera in conjunction with Hawaii Opera Theater.  The opera tells the legend of Kahalaopuna and is based in Manoa Valley.  To help our students understand the legend better, we invited author/illustrator James Rumford to speak.  Mr. Rumford has written and illustrated a number of children’s books, including a book entitled Kahalaopuna.  Mr. Rumford read Kahalaopuna to the students and even showed us his original watercolor paintings that were included in the book.  It was amazing to be able to see the original work of art and how that original piece was transformed into printed form.  The students are even more excited to get started on planning the opera!

3:4L & Mr. Haga.JPG

Our second special guest was Mid-Pacific alumnus Mr. Samuel Haga.  Mr. Haga came to celebrate his 106th birthday with us!  This was a special time for our entire school and especially our class since Mr. Haga’s great-grandson is class member Justin Schatz!  To illustrate to everyone the significance of turning 106, Mrs. Hussey had one child stand up for each of the years Mr. Haga has been alive.  By the time we were done counting, almost half of the students were standing up!  We then sang Happy Birthday and gave Mr. Haga cards and posters we had made for him.  We feel honored to have been able to share this special birthday with Mr. Haga and his family - the Koikes and the Schatzes.

]]> Camp Erdman tag:midpac.edu,2008:/elementary/3_4L//23.3353 2008-01-18T23:15:57Z 2008-01-18T23:48:38Z Read what your kids had to say about Camp Erdman. Ms. Lorenzana
“My favorite part was hearing pigs at night.”  Ji. M.

“My favorite part was the Olympics because it was fun.  My favorite event was the spear throwing because Bazooka Bubble gum came in first place!” S.R.

“My favorite part was the Group Challenge because for one of the games we beat our record and did it in .4 seconds!  Some people had great ideas, and everyone listened.  I also liked the science fair because I never knew you could hear sound waves.”  K.Y.

“I liked the campfire because it was very fun and funny.  My favorite song was “When My Aunt Came Back” because we had to do all sorts of things at once, and it was kind of hard.”  H.L.

“My favorite part was campfire because it was funny, and my favorite song was 'Bazooka Bubble Gum' because I like bubble gum.”  C.Sh.

“My favorite part was science because it was fun.  I liked that we could pull up ice with just a string and salt.”  M.S.

“My favorite part was campfire because I liked the songs.  My favorite song was about the squirrel shoving the bus up his nose!”  L.S.

“My favorite part was the Group Challenge.  I liked the game 'Human Knot.'  It seemed like it was easy, but it was really hard.  You had to work and move with your teammates so that you don’t get tangled up again.  I liked that we all had different ideas.”  S.C.

“I liked the Olympics because when we did the game 'Pizza,' we got the award for 'The Best Use of the Oven,' and I was the oven!”  K.M.

“I liked going to sleep in the cabins because we stayed up late playing games.” J. Mo.

“My favorite part was free time because I got to play football.  I made a touchdown!” T.M.

“My favorite was the Olympics because it was fun.  My favorite part was racing with the tennis ball and the bamboo stick.  I liked it because when I was doing it, the ball didn’t fall down.”  K.C.

“My favorite part was waking up at 3:00 in the morning and talking to my friends.  ”  C.Sa.

"My favorite part was the science fair because it showed us new experiments like how to pick up ice using a piece of string and using a spoon to make sound waves."  J.N.

"I liked the bonfire because we sang songs about shoving things up your nose." J.S.

"My favorite part was team building because we go to work together as team." N.L.

]]> Happy New Year! tag:midpac.edu,2008:/elementary/3_4L//23.3316 2008-01-12T00:41:29Z 2008-01-12T00:59:44Z Read the new 3/4L weblog. Ms. Lorenzana
Before I update you on what we have been working on in class, I would first like to thank everyone who attended our class breakfast, which took place before winter break.  I hope that everyone enjoyed talking to other families and sharing a meal with the students.  Also, I would like to thank everyone for the generous class gift basket.  The playing cards in particular proved to be very useful in helping my husband and me pass the time on the long trip to New Orleans!  I am also very thankful for the Kahala Mall gift certificate.  I am confident that it, too, will be very useful!  Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity.

This week we began our study of poetry.  After briefly discussing what we already knew about poetry, students  had the opportunity to explore various poetry books.  During the exploration, students looked for new ideas about poetry, as well as marked some of their favorite poems.  In class today, students shared some of these favorites.  As we looked at the different poems, we talked about the different techniques that each author used.  They were very eager to start writing their own poems!  We will continue our study of poetry over the next few weeks.

I am sure that you all know that next week includes our trip to Camp Erdman!  Students are already buzzing with excitement about the upcoming trip.  Please make sure to go over the camp packet while helping prepare your child for camp.  The packet contains a packing list.  For your convenience, I am providing a link to the packing list.  To view it, please click on the appropriate link:

Camp Erdman packing list 07.cwk

Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
]]> Conference Reminders and Angel Buddies tag:midpac.edu,2007:/elementary/3_4L//23.3252 2007-12-12T04:11:43Z 2007-12-13T01:10:49Z Read the latest 3/4L blog, "Conference Reminders and Angel Buddies." Ms. Lorenzana
*Portfolios are going home with students today.  Please take time to look over the portfolio with your child and fill out the At-Home Conference Guide.
*Please bring the portfolio, the At-Home Conference Guide, and your child to the conference.
*Conferences will run about twenty minutes. 

After working hard this entire semester, the Magical Pueos will spend some much deserved time next week celebrating the holiday season.  One of the ways we are celebrating the holidays is through Angel Buddies.  On Monday, students received a sheet on how Angel Buddies will work.  Please check the other posting to the website, entitled "Angel Buddies," or click on the following link:

Angel Buddies.pdf

Students received their Angel Buddies today.  They will try their hardest to keep it a secret!  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.

On Wednesday, December 19, our class will be having our annual Holiday breakfast.  Pancakes, sausage, hash browns, and cereal will be served at 7:45.  Parents are welcome to come.  Please contact me if you are planning to attend.
]]> Preparing for Conferences tag:midpac.edu,2007:/elementary/3_4L//23.3233 2007-12-06T18:43:16Z 2007-12-07T19:12:59Z The 12/13-12/14 conference schedules have been posted in the 3/4L blog. Ms. Lorenzana We have been spending a great deal of time these past few weeks preparing for the upcoming student/parent/teacher conferences.  The portfolios give students an opportunity to think about their work over this past semester.  They evaluate several pieces of work that they completed and reflect on how they have grown and changed as a learner.  Portfolios will be going home on Wednesday, December 12.  Please take time to look over the portfolio with your child and to fill out the At-Home Conference Guide, which will be located in the inside pocket of the portfolio.  Also, please remember that your child is required to attend the conference.

Here is the conference schedule for 3/4L:


Thursday, December 13
7:00 - 7:20      S.R.
7:20 - 7:40      Co.Sa.
7:40 - 8:00      S.C
8:00 - 8:20      M.H.
8:20 - 8:40      Co.Sh.
9:20 - 9:40      N.L.
10:00 - 10:20   J.S.
10:20 - 10:40   K.C.
10:40 - 11:00   R.B.
11:00 - 11:20   Ji.Ma.
11:20 - 11:40   Jo.Mo.

Friday, December 14
7:00 - 7:20        J.N.
7:20 - 7:40        K.M.
7:40 - 8:00        M.T.
9:00 - 9:20        T.M
10:00 - 10:20    L.S.
11:20 - 11:40    K.Y.
11:40 - 12:00    M.S.
12:00 - 12:20    H.L

]]> Spelling Review tag:midpac.edu,2007:/elementary/3_4L//23.3215 2007-12-04T00:58:31Z 2007-12-04T01:24:06Z Please see the website for information on this week's spelling test. Ms. Lorenzana
1. frighten
2. slightly
3. motion
4. station
5. wrinkle
6. align
7. course
8. before
9. further
10. certain
11. tremble
12. scribble
13. lightning
14. surprise
15. surge

As well as studying the words, students should look at past lists to study the spelling patterns.
]]>