Read Across America highlights!
Crazy hats, pajamas, mismatched outfits, cool shades, and some fun socks could be spotted on campus this week, as elementary and preschool students (and staff!) enjoyed five days of themed dress-ups in celebration of Read Across America (RAA). Special thanks to Mrs. Shimizu and friends for kicking off the week with a special read-along video to "I Can Read With Eyes Shut!" by Dr. Seuss. To prepare for the week and celebrate the joy of reading, students illustrated their favorite book, and their drawings became part of several decorative displays across campus. Students also enjoyed various Seuss-themed writing, art, and math activities in their classes throughout the week.
According to RAA coordinator Mrs. Kaji, creating a "Literacy Week" resulted in a "nice change" from previous years' activities. She is thankful for the enthusiastic participation and excitement, as classes have embraced these new opportunities to celebrate Read Across America. What a festive week to end to the 3rd quarter!
KCS tuition rates remain the same for 2021-22
KCS is pleased to announce that its Board of Elders approved that there will be no tuition increase for the 2021-22 school year. Tuition rates will remain the same as this school year.
Recognizing that this has been a difficult year for many in the KCS 'ohana, school leadership proposed a 0% tuition increase due to possible financial hardships encountered by KCS families. Principal Mrs. Ahn states, "We empathize with the difficult circumstances that our families are facing. We desire to keep KCS affordable so that families who value a Christian education in an intimate, smaller school setting would be able to have the opportunity to attend."
Mrs. Ahn also expresses her appreciation to families who continued to invest in a KCS education and supported the school through the many factors of uncertainty this year has presented.
Reenrollment for current students starts in February. For families interested in applying for the Kyle-Lenn-Joey Scholarship program, our financial aid application will be available through FACTS Grant & Aid, beginning in mid-January.
Big Island adventures for 4th and 5th grade
From March 4-6, a group of 36 students and 26 adults embarked on the Big Island Trip, one of the highlights of the KCS experience for elementary students. The group explored the geology of the Hawaiian Islands, visited significant cultural and historical sites, and studied the key people who impacted the growth of the Christian faith throughout Hawai'i.
From the "birds-eye" view of the Polynesian islands at 'Imiloa Astronomy Center to the footsteps of Mokuaikaua Church as they prepare to celebrate the bicentennial of the missionaries' arrival in Hawai'i, each stop on the packed itinerary provided new and exciting educational experiences. Students learned how to travel together as one large group while also enjoying the fun of shopping for souvenirs, swimming at the hotel pool, and being together with classmates and friends.
According to 4th grade teacher Mr. Nakamura, "[The Big Island trip] allows [students] to go beyond what they read about in a textbook and experience the history and beautiful creation that makes Hawai'i such a special home."
Happy 100 Days of School!
"One hundred" was the theme of the day, as several elementary classrooms celebrated the 100th day of the school year! Classes enjoyed various activities to commemorate this milestone. Kindergarteners practiced their counting skills by placing 10 items of 10 on counting mats, and first graders created their very own trail mix of 100 treats. Second graders also worked hard to collect 100 signatures from their peers and other students. Celebrating this special day gives elementary students the opportunity to reinforce foundational math concepts (e.g. sorting, grouping, skip counting) using the number 100. Our students are definitely 100 days brighter and smarter!