Kaiser HS eNotes
Have a wonderful and relaxing Spring Break!
ALL OIA LEAGUE GAMES ARE POSTPONED UNTIL SUNDAY, 3/15.
This decision was made in the interest of safety for everyone. While conditions may be manageable in some areas of the island, other areas may not be as safe. Travel between locations could become difficult, particularly for teams that must travel long distances, and road conditions may be unpredictable. Additionally, several City and County facilities are already closed, which affects some baseball, softball, and tennis venues.
We understand this change may be inconvenient, but the safety of our student-athletes, coaches, and officials must come first. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.
Practices on campus can still take place as long as there is no thunder and lightning and the area is still safe to use.
Please share this update with your teams and families. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.
VERA WANG – CANDIDATE U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR
Congratulations to Vera Wang for being selected as a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Established in 1964, this program recognizes and honors some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.
BASKETBALL INTRAMURALS – A TEAM HAS BEEN CROWNED
We're thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 3 v 3 Basketball Intramural Championships: Ryder n em Palolo Warriors! Team members: Ryder Phelps, Alakai Aweau, Ka'ai Colton, Crue Young, Desmond Cotterell, and Madden Inouye were beyond amazing on the court!
Their competitors, Egg Cracker Sizzle put up a good fight, thanks to team members Reese Akana, Aiden Leong, Hayzen Inouye, Jake Sakihara, Andruw Chun, and Dru Ashimine for their good sportsmanship and fierce skills!
A huge mahalo to our dedicated basketball referees: Lori Uetake, Tyson Lee, and Trevor Teraoka. Your contributions made this tournament possible.
Shout-outs to Paul Balazs for helping us with advertising intramural sign-ups with posters around campus and to Nelson Chee for allowing us to use the football field for kickball and the gym for volleyball and basketball (and serving as an emergency ref when we so desperately needed one!). A special shoutout to our Amazing Counseling Team – Branden Kawazoe, Stephanie Hill, Rene Tottori, Norine Ishii and Maya Schlack for their boundless energy in putting together these intramurals for our Cougars.
INAUGURAL OIA SANCTIONED SURF MEET RESULTS
On March 9th, the Kaiser Surf Team dropped in on the inaugural OIA surf contest on a small, slow day at Ala Moana Bowls. Three Cougars placed first in their respective heats: Elliana Schiffner (girls short board), Harper Mohr (boys shortboard), and Hayden Carranza (boys longboard). The next contest is scheduled at Makaha on March 24, conditions depending. Gooo Surf Cougars!
MOCK TRIAL COUGARS SEASON RECAP
The Kaiser High School Mock Trial team provides students with a dynamic, hands-on understanding of the American judicial process. The program fosters skills in analysis, rhetoric, public speaking, and teamwork, preparing students for future success in any field. Competitions are held in actual courtrooms in Honolulu and judged by actual judges from our Honolulu legal community. Our team members are assisted by volunteer coaches - attorneys in Honolulu - in learning courtroom etiquette, rules of procedure, and rules of evidence.
In its second year, our team advanced to the Final round in 2025 and finished second in the state. We had heightened expectations of reaching the Final round in 2026 with another strong team of returnees and rookies. We learned a lot about ourselves and the competition this year and are prepared to return next year with the intent to compete well and win the whole thing.
This is a competition organized by the Hawaii State Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division. A state championship is at stake like any other state academic competition, with the additional opportunity to represent the state of Hawaii at the national Mock Trial competition held in May.
Our competition season begins with the release of case materials in November before actual competition begins in February. Our team has traditionally met in the fall quarter to review the applicable rules of evidence, rules of competition, and a practice scenario to help introduce new members to the rigorous activities with helpful guidance of our team veterans and faculty advisor, Mr. Tanabe.
We extend our thanks and appreciation to this year’s team members and volunteer coaches. Go Cougars!
Team 1: Christine Cao, Sterling Fix McNamara, Hristo Dimitrov, David Kunihiro, Siena McCabe, Joshua Garcia, Arden Ng, Lily Ohta
Team 2: Pepper Caruso, Aine Des Pres, Mirnah Amer, Lex Tullos , Tyler Ching, Nicole Kaisho
Coach Kendrick Chang, Esq. (Kaiser 2015) and Coach Timothy Silvester, Esq.
EWASTE RECYCLING AT KAISER, SATURDAY MARCH 21ST
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 8:00am – 12:00pm
Bring your working or broken TVʻs (Flat & CRT), Monitors, Computers, Laptops, Phones, Charges, Cables, Batteries (lead acid, UPS), Printers. See link for acceptable items: EWaste Recycling
UH PROJECT HŌKULANI SUMMER STEM PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Program date July 13th – 22nd . Open to grades 7th – 11th
Dive into six STEM fields with hands-on activities inspired by Hawaiian culture, get a closer look at STEM companies and labs through exciting field trips. And itʻs all FREE!
Applications due:
April 30 - To receive early college credit (for high school students only)
May 31 - All other applicants (no credit)
Link to Apply: go.hawaii.edu/DNK
Learn more about Project Hōkūlani at go.hawaii.edu/DEL
KAISER SUMMER SCHOOL REGISTRATION BEGINS MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2026
Save the date! Information on Courses and Registration will be coming your way on Monday for Kaiser and incoming Kaiser students.
TIME FOR CLASS T-SHIRT DESIGNS FOR SY 2026-27!
Attention all Kaiser Artists, classes 2027-2030! We are looking for new and creative Class T-Shirt designs for next year. You can create a design for the shirt’s back design and/or for the front pocket design for ALL of the students at Kaiser. The student whose design is chosen will receive a $20 Taco Bell Gift card AND the honor of their design representing your class next year. The deadline to get your work in is by April 15th.
KAISER ART EXPO 2026 – SAVE THE DATE!
March 27, 2026, 6:00 – 7:30pm in G Building
We are so excited to see Kaiser Art Expo 2026. Families, students, and staff are welcome to celebrate student artwork. More information is forthcoming.
ALL VISITORS MUST REPORT TO THE OFFICE
Anyone who visits the campus up until 4:00pm must sign in at the office. If visitors are meeting with teachers, please arrange your visit with the teacher prior to the meeting. Mahalo.
*LAST DAY* STUDENT QUALITY SURVEY FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
Deadline to complete survey: March 12, 2026
Your feedback is invaluable and will help the Department of Education and school leadership assess and enhance the quality of education in our schools. Click here for the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026SQSParent. Thank you for your time.
AUTOSTART HAWAII – AUTOMOTIVE CLASS FOR CLASS OF 2028
Ever wanted to get out of the classroom and under the hood of a car?
We have a unique opportunity for you to take an elective course next year that we don’t offer here on campus: AutoSTART Hawaii. This is a hands-on automotive program where you’ll work with real tools, visit professional repair shops, and learn the technology behind modern vehicles.
The Best Part: Your Schedule
Because this program takes place off-campus in the afternoons (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM), students who are accepted will have periods 4 and 8 as off-campus blocks to allow for travel and class time.
It’s a great way to get a head start on a career while experiencing a different style of learning during your junior year.
Quick Facts:
- What:A no-cost automotive foundations course.
- Where: Training takes place at Kaimuki High School and Honolulu Community College.
- The Perk:Earn high school elective credit, potentially math credit and an Automotive Industry Career-Readiness Certificate.
- The Schedule:Monday–Friday, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Starting August 2026).
Next Steps:
To get started, you must follow these specific steps:
- Visit the program website at autostarthawaii.comand request an application directly through their site.
- Talk to us immediately. You must keep your grade level counselor or the CCRC updated on your application status. We need to review your credits to ensure you can afford to have periods 4 and 8 off-campus while still staying on track for graduation.
Ready to shift gears? See your grade-level counselor, Ms. Ishii, and/or the CCRC in H101 to talk about how to make this fit into your junior year schedule!
ATTENTION CURRENT SENIORS IN THE CTE PROGRAM!
If you have previously participated in the CTE Honors Performance Based Assessment, make sure to double check with your pathway teacher or Ms. Tran in F101 to make sure that you will obtain your CTE Honors Certificate upon graduation.
CLASS OF 2026 RAISING CANE FUNDRAISER, MARCH 14TH ALL DAY
Support the Class of 2026 by dining at Raising Cane’s! Mention Kaiser class of 2026 when you order.
ALOHA IN ACTION, APRIL 11TH
We're excited to announce the third annual Aloha in Action community-wide service event for our Kaiser community is on April 11th! From 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM, all the schools in our community are partnering with different non-profit organizations. This year, Kaiser High is partnering up with the Nation of Hawaii in Waimānalo to help restore ancient lo'i atop our watershed. Please read up on this incredible place here: https://www.nationofhawaii.org/
Cougars and community, please sign up here: Kaiser Aloha In Action
EARTH FEST IS COMING APRIL 17TH. SAVE THE DATE!
Earth Fest is coming back to campus this April! Join us on April 17th, 2026 on the great lawn for an evening of fun. We will be hosting vendors, food trucks, educators, and craft booths. Keep your eyes on this post as we will keep you updated with all the exciting festivities to come!
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:
April 1 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!
FREE ASVAB TESTING APRIL 9, 2026
Deadline to register, Thursday, April 2nd
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test measures technical skills in areas like math, science, technical knowledge and ultimately possible career options in the military and in private sector. Download the ASVAB Application , or go to H101.
CONSTRUCTION AND CIVIL ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR OʻAHU STUDENTS
Goodfellow Bros. has designed a scholarship program specifically for students who have graduated from a high school in Hawaiʻi and are interested in pursuing a four-year degree in construction management or civil engineering. For more information and instructions on how to apply, see this flyer. Contact Kaia Udell at Goodfellow Bros: [email protected], 808-318-3120.
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OPPORTUNITIES AND CONTESTS
KEIKI CHEFS GRADES 5-12: VIDEO COOKING CONTEST
Young chefs across Hawaiʻi in grades 5-12 are invited to compete in the 4-H “Grow Eat Think (GET) Local” video cooking contest — a competition that teaches about nutrition, food safety, kitchen skills and presentation. Winners will receive an immersive farm and food adventure on Oʻahu, going behind the scenes to learn directly from professionals in the culinary arts and local agriculture. Students need to create a 5- to 7-minute video preparing a healthy recipe with at least one locally sourced fruit, vegetable or protein to enter. For more information click here.
FREE ONE TO ONE ONLINE READING SUPPORT FOR ALL GRADES
Deadline to apply: March 27, 2026
The UH Mānoa College of Special Education is offering free online tutoring for students who may benefit from one-to-one online support. Current licensed special education teachers enrolled in Reading Intervention Specialist at the College of Education will be your tutors. Click here to see program options and eligibility requirements: Specialized Online Reading Tutoring
21st ANNUAL HAWAI’I HIGH SCHOOL AUTOMOTIVE ACADEMY
For Juniors and Seniors, program runs June 8th – July 16th
Six week summer automotive experience at Honolulu Community College. Learn theory and receive 4 college credits towards an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology. To apply go to: High School Auto Academy
SUMMIT EDUCATION: 2026 SUMMER PROGRAMS IN STEM AND RESEARCH
Summit Education organizes virtual summer programs for high-achieving students. In 2026, students have the opportunity to apply to the following programs:
*Summit STEM Fellowship (SSF): SSF empowers the next generation of STEM leaders by helping students explore a wide range of STEM fields and career pathways while building leadership and life skills. The program requires a flexible 10–15 hours per week, allowing students to attend alongside other summer commitments.
*Summit Research Scholars (SRS): SRS equips students with the tools to conduct original research, covering essential research methods and technical skills. At the end of the program, students complete a Research Capstone and practice applying their skills to solve real-world problems.
Applications for Summer 2026 programs are now open. Admissions are rolling, and students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For more information, please visit www.summiteducation.org.
Last year over 4,500 students applied to this program from over 100+ countries. They accepted 900 students from 50 countries.
HAWAII INSTITUTE OF MARINE BIOLOGY REMS PROGRAM
Applications are now open for current Juniors and Seniors
For more information go to: HIM
Complete this form to receive more information: HIMS REMS summer program
OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR INTERNSHIP
Summer 2026 - Open to all high school students
Deadline to apply, April 15, 2026 at 11:59pm
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
SCORES
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KAISER COMPLEX AND COMMUNITY
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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