Kaiser HS eNotes
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CONGRATULATIONS 2025 – 2026 REFLECTIONS WINNERS!
Generously sponsored by the Friends of Kaiser PTSA, the 2025 Reflections Contest was another success! Students entered the contest embracing the theme, I Belong, and expressed that through Music, Film, Visual Arts, Photography and Literature. Congratulations to our winners:
To view, read, watch and listen to their creations, please go to: 2025 Reflections Winning Entries
PHOTOGRAPHY
1st - Caitlyn Cheung
2nd – Micah Kazarian
3rd – Caden Koehl
VISUAL ARTS
1st – Noelani Arnett-Cook
2nd – Chloe Lau
3rd – Elsa Zhao
LITERATURE
1st - Jeff Pitathawatchai
2nd – Micah Kazarian
3rd – Maximus Cho
FILM PRODUCTION
1st – Caden Koehl
2nd – Alexandrea Tullos and team
3rd – Jace Hashimoto
MUSIC COMPOSITION
1st – Esther Emelio
Ho’omaika’i to our talented Cougars! They now move on to the State contest level.
LADY COUGAR BASKETBALL OIA RUNNER’S UP
After a tough defensive battle vs. Pearl City, our Lady Cougars just came up short 34 – 40 in the OIA Championship. We couldn’t be prouder of our Lady Cougars for an amazing season! But it’s not over, States is up next for our ranked Lady Cougar team. Read more from Scoring Live: Pearl City pulls away from Kaiser late…
LADY COUGAR FLAG FOOTBALL PRACTICE
Tryouts are 11 days away. Practices will be 2:45 – 4:45pm at Cougar Stadium:
January 30th, February 2nd , 3rd , 5th and 6th. Make sure to be cleared by the trainers before attending practices.
SURF TEAM TRYOUTS
February 17th & 18th at Sandy’s time is TBA
Calling all shortboarders, longboarders, and bodyboarders! Surf Team tryouts are 2/17-2/18 at Sandy's. The time is TBA. Completion of Junior Lifeguards is mandatory to try out for the team. There is a session at Ala Moana Beach Park this weekend 1/31-2/1. Please reach out to assistant coach Jane McCallister with any questions. [email protected].
DRAMA CLUB SEEKS BACKSTAGE HELP
Interested in working behind the scenes? They are looking for help with Stage Crew, Set, Tech, Props, Makeup and more for their upcoming production of CLUE. Please email [email protected] for more information, or sign up at Clue Backstage
FRESHMAN – SOPHOMORE BANQUET, FEBRUARY 28TH
Japanese Cultural Center, 5:30 – 10:00pm
Join us for a great evening of entertainment, dinner and dancing!
Please click here for more information and the permission form: Fresh-Soph Banquet. Hard copies are also available in the front office and library.
Permission forms and payment of $65 (cash or check made payable to Kaiser High School) will be collected January 28 - February 3, during lunch behind the library. You'll sign up for a table on the same day you submit your money and form.
SOFTBALL TRYOUTS
February 2 – 4, 2026 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Tryouts will be 2/2/26-2/4/26 from 4:30-6:30 at the Kaiser Softball Field.
SENIOR GRADUATION INFORMATION NIGHT
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Seniors! It's that time! Please join us February 17th from 6 pm - 7:30 pm in the Kaiser Cafeteria to learn more about this year's Graduation! Seniors & their families will hear from various speakers about the preparations that must be made to attend graduation and how to make the most out of this final chapter! Our College & Career counselors will share about scholarships, financial aid and resources available to our seniors and their families. Finally, our PTSA will be present to discuss Project Grad. See you there!
HAWAII INSTITUTE OF MARINE BIOLOGY REMS PROGRAM
Applications are now open for current Juniors and Seniors
HIMB REMS (Research Experiences in Marine Science) is an advanced, inquiry-driven, and experiential marine biology early-college course that builds science and natural resource literacy skills for Hawai‘i high school students and recent graduates. The goal of the program is to provide students with the foundation to be successful members of rapidly growing science and technology career fields through an authentic undergraduate research experience that strengthens skills, builds confidence, and fosters professional networking.
The course will be located at Moku o Lo‘e (Coconut Island) in Kāne‘ohe Bay and utilize the expertise of HIMB researchers whose specialties include world-renowned marine science research technologies and knowledge as well as evidence-backed teaching and training practices for young scientists.
Complete this form to receive more information: HIMS REMS summer program
TRACK AND FIELD SEASON STARTS FEBRUARY 9TH
Track season begins February 9th at 3:00pm. Athletes will need to be cleared by the trainer to participate. Conditioning on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:00pm will continue until the season starts. Meet at the scoreboard. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Kevin at 808-462-0117 or email at: [email protected]
TUTOR.COM IS HERE FOR YOU!
A free 24/7 academic support platform for students to get support from a live tutor in an online classroom. Appointments are not necessary, tutors are available on demand in over 200 different subjects. Parents and students, watch this quick video for more information about Tutor.com. Facts: 97% of students have said that using Tutor.com makes them feel more confident in their schoolwork. 96% of students also say that using Tutor.com helps them complete their homework and improve their grades! Parents if you are concerned about the safety and security of your teen using tutor.com, please view this flyer: Tutor.com Safety & Security
JUNIOR PARENT PLANNING NIGHT – CLASS OF 2027
Tuesday, February 3, at 6:00pm, Kaiser Cafeteria
Class of 2027 this night is for you and your parents/guardians to get ready for your future! Pick up dinner from the farmer's market and join us for a night of important information from the Career and College Resource Center (CCRC), your Grade Level Counselor, the Class of 2027 Leadership, and the PTSA Project Graduation.
OUTSTANDING OBLIGATIONS
Beginning this month, all after-hour student activities (such as proms, banquets and the senior lū'au) will adopt new procedures for Kaiser students planning to attend events. Kaiser students must have no outstanding obligations (e.g. uncollected class dues and student association fees, negative meal account balances, bounced check fees, uncollected sports uniform(s) or medical equipment) to attend after-hour school student activities, such as proms and banquets (HAR §8-57-5). If a student has an obligation, they will receive a notice in class. The obligation must be taken care of at the school office prior to money and form collection. During the collection times at lunch behind the library, a front office clerk will be present to verify obligations are cleared prior to money and forms being turned in. Thank you for your support!
CLASS OF 2026 SEAL OF BILITERACY SECOND APPLICATION WINDOW
If you missed the first Application window to apply for the Seal of Biliteracy for the Class of 2026, the second window opened on January 6th. It will close on January 23rd. All graduating seniors may apply at bit.ly/HISoBL2026Apply Contact Ms. Yano if you have any questions. Link to her email.
MAKER’S EXPLORIUM KAISER HIGH NIGHT MARKET
Saturday, February 21, 2025
Save the date! The Maker’s Exporium Night Market is making a return on Saturday, February 21st! Come on out to see all of the 50+ vendors in Food and Crafts.
Also, seeking clubs to set up booths/tents during the night market, and looking for student talent for entertainment. If anyone is interested, please email Stephanie Thomas at: [email protected]
KAISER'S ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE 2/20/26
Open to the public
Kaiser's annual blood drive is returning again this year. It will take place all day on Friday, February 20, in the Kaiser library. To schedule an appointment, please fill out the Google form below by January 31. We have many appointments that need to be filled! Donors must be at least 16 years old and those under 18 will need a signed parent consent form which is accessible through the Google form. This opportunity is available for students, staff, and other community members. Prior to scheduling an appointment, please make sure you meet health requirements to donate blood by visiting https://www.bbh.org/become-donor/. For more information, please contact Brad Bogard at [email protected]. Thank you!
CLASS OF 2028 IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME AND IB CAREER-RELATED PROGRAMME
Due to continued interest in these two programs, Kaiser will accept applications from current sophomores for our IB DP and IB CP through the end of March, 2026.
IB DP APPLICATION
IB CP APPLICATION
Contact the following for further information:
IB Diploma Programme: Visit kaiseribdp.org and contact Brad Bogard, IB DP Coordinator, at [email protected]
IB Career-related Programme: Visit kaiseribcp.weebly.com and contact Candace Sandstrom, IB CP Coordinator, at [email protected]
IB DP & CP Informational Night Video
For those who missed the IB DP & CP informational night, here is the recording of the event: Recording of the IB Informational Night
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FRIENDS OF KAISER PTSA
FRIENDS OF KAISER PTSA NEXT MEETING:
February 4, 2026, at 6:30PM
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82386328375?pwd=62suLxnfRm9XXh17jLx0l6O2euoMI5.1
Meeting ID: 823 8632 8375
Passcode: 798383
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CAREER & COLLEGE RESOURCE CENTER
Go to Career & College for events, college visits and more!
KAIMANA SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Deadline to apply Friday, February 27, 2026 at 4:00pm
Just a quick reminder that the HMSA Kaimana Scholarship Program is still accepting applications! We’re excited to celebrate the 21st anniversary of this program and honor outstanding high school seniors for their achievements in academics, athletics, and community service. 15 scholarships are being awarded at $5,000.00 each, to help students pay for higher education, including tuition, books, computers, and room and board.
Eligible students must:
*Graduate from a Hawaii high school in 2026 with a GPA of 2.75 or higher (verified by a transcript submitted by a school faculty member).
*Have participated in at least one athletic sport during high school that included competition as an individual or as part of a team. Participation could include school sports or club sports.
*Be involved in community service and school activities.
*Provide two letters of recommendation from school faculty, mentors, or coaches that detail your dedication and determination, academic performance, and personal character.
*Write a personal statement and essay.
Applications will be accepted online only at hmsa.com/Kaimana. Direct link to the student application. Completed applications & all required elements must be received through the online application by 4 p.m., Friday, February 27, 2026.
Feel free to share these details with students, faculty, and your community contacts who could benefit from this information. Thank you for working with us to recognize the hard work of the students, faculty, and administrators to improve the health and well-being of our communities.
Please email [email protected] or call Jenna Akiona at 808-948-7503 if you have any questions, or visithmsa.com/Kaimana for more information.
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OPPORTUNITIES AND CONTESTS
OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR INTERNSHIP
Summer 2026 - Open to all high school students
Deadline to apply, April 15, 2026 at 11:59pm
This in-person, five-week summer internship is designed to provide Hawaiʻi high school
students with meaningful exposure to state government, civic leadership, and public
service. Interns will work directly with the staff in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor at
the State Capitol, gaining hands-on experience in research, communication, teamwork,
and professional conduct, while learning how state government serves the people of
Hawaiʻi.
Information and applications for this program can be found at:
https://ltgov.hawaii.gov/internship/.
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KAISER COUGAR ATHLETICS
STUDENT AND PARENT PARTICIPATION FILLABLE FORM
For Upcoming Games Go to Event Calendar
TRACK AND FIELD SEASON STARTS FEBRUARY 9TH
Track season begins February 9th at 3:00pm. Athletes will need to be cleared by the trainer to participate. Conditioning on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:00pm will continue until the season starts. Meet at the scoreboard. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Kevin at 808-462-0117 or email at: [email protected]
VARSITY BOYS AND GIRLS TENNIS
If you are interested in playing on the Varsity Tennis team (Boys and Girls), we are starting pre-season conditioning MWF 3pm to 5pm/5:30 pm beginning on Monday 1/12. If you are not currently on the tennis team, please come out and meet the coaches. All Sophomore, Juniors and Seniors welcome, with or without experience. Freshmen participation is by invitation for experienced players only.
You must have all required forms turned in (physical, parent consent form and concussion form) and sign up using the TENNIS QR Code before coming out.
Official Mandatory Try-outs will be on 2/9 and 2/11 at the Tennis Courts and Mandatory Parent/Player meeting on Monday 2/9 at 6pm in the cafeteria.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Coach Holly at (808) 352-4646 or [email protected]. Hope to see you on the courts
SURF TEAM INTEREST SIGN UP
Open to all Cougars, if you’re interested in joining the Surf Team this year, please fill out the this link: Surf Team Interest, or the QR code below. Mahalo!
SPRING SPORTS SIGN UPS!
If you are interested in participating in Varsity Baseball, Boyʻs Volleyball, Girlʻs Flag Football, Girls Water Polo, Golf, Judo, Softball, Surfing, Tennis or Track, please go to the Spring Sports Sign Up, click on the link or use the QR code!
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KAISER COMPLEX AND COMMUNITY
3R’s RECYCLING DRIVE, JANUARY 31ST @ NIU VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL
From 9:00am – 11:00am
Clean out your hale for the new year! The 3R’s recycling drive will be at NVMS on Saturday, January 31st. Scrap metals, electronics, household goods, HI-5 cans and bottles. Go to this link for more information on what will and will not be accepted: NVMS 3R’s Recycling Drive
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION “LET’S MAKE A GAME”
For students 9 – 15 years old at Kamilo Iki recreation center
Program starts January 29th.
Learn how to take any inspiration and craft that spark into an idea, that idea into a set of rules, and those rules become a balanced, entertaining, repayable game you will share and play with the people in your life. In “DIY” (Do-It-Yourself) gaming, the more you put in, the more you get out…and the getting is good!
Playing in person, rolling dice, flipping cards, moving pawns, playing many different games, playing with many different people, making awesome memories, and the ultimate…making the games yourself! In class we will: • Investigate aspects of DIY gaming and game inventing • Make game prototypes • Learn rule writing • Get individual attention on your game • And of course play and play test games!
Our class is a team. We support each other to reach our goal of every teammate producing a fully functioning prototype and set of rules by the final class.
We move fast, we move fearlessly, we have fun. You will be amazed how much we can achieve in a short time when we work together. ”Life is a game when you learn how to play!”
For more information and to register, go to: Let’s Make a Game!
MOTHER’S DAY CRAFT FAIR VENDOR CALL
In collaboration with the Kaiser High School foundation, the Hawaii Recreation and Parks Society’s Mother’s Day Craft Fair is back for the 2nd year. For more information and to register, please go to Mother’s Day Craft Fair.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Mahalo,
Ann Olson
ʻOhana Engagement Liaison
Continuous Notice of Nondiscrimination
The Hawaii State Department of Education (Department) and its schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, and religion. This requirement extends to all of the Department’s programs and activities, including employment and admissions as applicable. Please direct inquiries regarding the Department nondiscrimination policies and/or complaints of prohibited conduct to the Civil Rights Compliance Branch as follows:
Civil Rights Compliance Branch
Hawaii State Department of Education
P.O. Box 2360
Honolulu, Hawaii 96804
(808) 784-6325 or relay
[email protected]
Beth Schimmelfennig, Director
Rhonda Wong, Civil Rights Compliance Administrator
Krysti Sukita, ADA/504
Anna Tsang, Title VI
Alphonso Braggs – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Blue Kaanehe, Title VII
Nicole Isa-Iijima, Title IX
Dana Takahara-Dias, Title IX – Gender Equity in Athletics
The Department’s non-discrimination policies and grievance procedures may be located at:
https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/Organization/Offices/Pages/CRCO.aspx
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