Kaiser HS eNotes
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KAISER iPAC – INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE ARTS CENTER
After many years of planting the idea of having an auditorium at Kaiser High School, the process of design and planning has come to fruition. KN Surveying has been on campus taking measurements to see where this new addition will best be built. See timeline of this process here: Kaiser iPAC. Do you have a recommendation of where you would like to see it? Great Lawn? Area left of G Building?
VOICE OF DEMOCRACY WINNERS!
Congratulations to Emme Reed, Makoa Arnett-Cook, and Ansel Bliemeister. Their essays on "How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?" were the best of 22 KHS student entries. These students will represent Kaiser High in the next level of competition in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy audio-essay contest. Good luck!
COUGARS REPRESENT AT 19TH JEJU INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FORUM
Three Kaiser seniors; Aine Des Pres, Ava Phanthavong and Josh Tumacder attended the 19th Jeju International Youth Forum in Jeju, Korea. There, they worked with 170 students from 30 cities around the world to create action plans and presentations on key global challenges facing this generation: ethical use of AI, the climate crisis, and building inclusive societies. Kaiser was one of four Hawaii schools at the forum this year, which was also attended by Superintendent Hayashi. Our Kaiser seniors did a great job representing on an international platform!
SOPHOMORE CLASS DAY - NOVEMBER 14
Kaiser Class of 2028! Join us on Friday, November 14, for our action-packed Sophomore Class Day. It will be at the lower fields on campus during periods 6 and 7. It will include inflatable water slides, field events, lawn games, pizza and snacks, music, and more. The cost is $15. Forms and money will be collected from November 4th to the 7th during lunch behind the library. Forms must be signed by a parent/guardian and your 6th and 7th period teachers. No forms or payment will be accepted after November 7, so don't miss out!
SOPHOMORE CLASS DAY INFO & PERMISSION FORM
BOYS JV & VARSITY BASKETBALL TRY OUTS
All 9th-12th grade boys interested in participating in JV & Varsity basketball this school year, if you have not done so already, please sign up using the Sign-Up Link below by 11/3/25.
Try outs will begin on Monday, November 10:
Monday 11/10
JV (9th & 10th Graders): 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Varsity: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
In order to try out for our team, all of the required forms below must be filled out and turned into the school athletic training staff before any participation can begin. The rest of the try out schedule can be found at the Sign-Up Link below.
Required:
- Sign-Up Link
2. DOE Physical and Concussion Form
3. DOE Student Participation and Parent/Guardian Consent Form
If you have any questions, please contact Coach Bricen McCartney at: [email protected]
LADY COUGAR BASKETBALL TRYOUTS
November 3 – 7 in the Gym, 4:00pm – 6:30pm
Please have all of your paperwork completed prior to trying out.
KOKUA FOR KAISER TEACHERS – SUPPLY DRIVE!
Runs through the month of November
A time to show your thanks for your educators! Most needed supplies are:
*Painter’s Tape
*Tissue
*Pencils/Pens
*Disinfectant Wipes
*Composition Notebooks
*Gift Cards
For monetary donations, checks can be made to the “Friends of Kaiser PTSA, please note Teacherʻs Supplies on the memo line. New Items only, please.
This is a student led drive with the support of the PTSA. Please drop off your donations in the office. Mahalo for your support!
NASA TECHRISE CHALLENGE
Entries due November 3. 2025
Your challenge is:design an experiment to test on a suborbital flight.
Are you ready for this year’s NASA TechRise Student Challenge? This competition provides a hands-on opportunity for participants to gain critical skills in engineering, computing, electronics, and more that will be required for America’s technical workforce. If you are in sixth to 12th-grade at a U.S. public, private, or charter school – including those in U.S. territories – your challenge is to team up with your schoolmates and develop a science or technology experiment idea for one of the following NASA TechRise flight vehicles:
- with approximately 3 minutes of microgravity.
- with approximately 4 to 8 hours of flight time at 70,000 to 95,000 feet and exposure to Earth’s atmosphere, high-altitude radiation, and perspective views of our planet.
A total of 60 winning teams will be selected to build their proposed experiment. Each winning team will be awarded:
- $1,500 to build their experiment
- A starter kit, including a flight box in which to build their experiment
- An assigned spot to test their experiment on a NASA-sponsored flight
- Technical support during the experiment build phase from Future Engineers advisors, who will help students learn the skills they need to turn their experiment idea into reality
No experience is necessary to participate in the NASA TechRise Challenge.
The steps below will help your team plan and submit your experiment idea.
If it's just a matter of typing up a proposal. We can help!
Ask your friends and join us - Science Club - Thursday 10/30 in A102 (Mr. Kohara's room) during lunch to meet with an engineer (NYU graduate) to discuss the logistics of this competition.
Thursday 10/30 - May have a taco bar going as well, celebrating a belated "Mole Day!"
For more information about this please go to: NASA TechRise Challenge
UH MĀNOA ICSPARK FREE WEB DEVELOPMENT CODING PROGRAM
For 6th – 12th graders. Registration is now until December 20th
Class dates are January 18, 2026 – April 19, 2026
ICSpark is an organization of students from the University of Hawaii at Manoa who are passionate about getting the next generation interested in Computer Science (CS). Early immersion into CS is invaluable to kick-starting a career in CS. Additionally, it is excellent at developing the critical thinking and skills necessary to succeed in any 21st-century sector. Our mission is to provide every motivated 6th-12th-grade student with a fun, non-intimidating coding environment and access to coding mentorships. All at zero cost to the students!
To sign up and for more information, please go to: ICSpark Web Development Course
INFORMATION NIGHT for IB Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme
Thursday, November 6, at 6:30pm, Kaiser Cafeteria
In order to make well-informed decisions when registering in November for next school year, Kaiser Class of 2028 families and students who are considering participating in these world-renowned college preparatory programs should attend this in-person event. Information and applications for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IB CP), and individual IB Diploma Programme courses will be shared. Other underclassman families are also invited to attend for future planning!
For specific details about these programs, please visit the following websites.
IB DP: kaiseribdp.org and ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/
IB CP: kaiseribcp.weebly.com and ibo.org/programmes/career-related-programme/
SCHOOL MEALS FOR FAMILIES IMPACTED BY THE FED. GOVT. SHUTDOWN
For families who are affected by the Federal Government Shutdown, you may be eligible for free or reduced price school meals. Go to EZmealapp.com. See this flyer: shttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1CvZ8CqDKYA2JHRpOhmpFRJlGeb2mzSM3/view?usp=share_link for tips when applying.
PACT DRIVE – NOVEMBER 3RD TO DECEMBER 5TH
Aloha Cougar Community! Please join Kaiser Student Government & AVID for our 9th annual Season of Giving Donation Drive in partnership with Parents & Children Together (P.A.C.T.). Each year the Kaiser 'ohana contributes truckloads of goods for families in need. Focusing on toiletries, baby products, feminine hygiene products, and other necessities, we've been able to provide relief for hundreds of families during this season. Please consider making a small donation at one of our collection sites from Nov. 3rd to Dec. 5th. Go to PACT drive for more information.
CLASS OF 2026 CAP & GOWN ORDERS
Deadline to order – December 1, 2025
Please go to: Graduation Information for a message and video from Jostens.
DRIVER’S EDUCATION CONTINUOUS SIGN UP
Driver’s education will now have a waitlist system of signing up. Please go to: Driver’s Education, which can also be found in the Parent & Student info section of the website, scroll down and add your name to the waitlist. You will be notified when new classes will be available.
HAWAIʻI SEAL OF BILITERACY FOR CLASS OF 2026
Application deadline is November 3rd. Go to SEAL OF BILITERACY for more information.
The Board of Education established the Seal of Biliteracy. Its purpose is to recognize the importance of: (1) enabling students to be college, career, and community ready in today’s global society; (2) establishing an educational culture that recognizes and values the wealth of linguistic and cultural diversity students bring to the classroom; (3) supporting opportunities for study of and increasing proficiency in 'Ōlelo Hawai'i, an official language of the State of Hawaii; and (4) encouraging partnerships with institutions of higher education and community organizations to increase access to language instruction in a variety of languages.
To receive the Seal of Biliteracy, one must be a graduating senior enrolled in a Hawaii public school; demonstrate proficiency of 'ōlelo Hawai'i or English; and attain the requisite score for one or more of the following world language requirements: Advanced Placement, IB language exam, and Hawaii State Department of Education-approved online language assessment. Linked below are the specific eligibility requirements for each type of assessment. Also below is the list of World Languages offered.
Members of the Class of 2026 may apply for the Hawaii Seal of Biliteracy.
First application window: By 3:00 pm on Monday, November 3, 2025
Second application window: Between 8:00 am to Tuesday, January 6, 2026, and 3:00 pm on Friday, January 23, 2026
Complete the online application at bit.ly/HISoBL2026Apply
Please contact Ms. Yano if you have any questions. Her email address link or phone number is (808) 394-1200 ext. 2338.
Additional references
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FRIENDS OF KAISER PTSA
FRIENDS OF KAISER PTSA HABILITAT CHRISTMAS TREE FUNDRAISER!
Orders due October 31, 2025
Teaming up with Kaiser High School, Habilitat is back to help spread Holiday joy. Pre-order your Christmas tree, wreath or door charm at HawaiiChristmasTrees.com.
FRIENDS OF KAISER PTSA MEETING
Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 at 6:30pm
Join Zoom Meeting:
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!
COLLEGE & CAREER VISITS IN H101
11/05 – UH West Oʻahu, 8:30am
11/13 – University of the Pacific, 2:20pm
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OPPORTUNITIES AND CONTESTS
SUBMISSIONS OPEN: AMERICA 250: OUR HISTORY, OUR VOICE CALENDAR CONTEST
Deadline to submit: November 7, 2025
All PreK–12 students are invited to enter the 2026 “America 250: Our History, Our Voice” calendar contest. Hosted by the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, PACE Commission and HIDOE, reflect on what America’s history and ideals mean to you through art or writing.. More information can be found here. Contact: OCID, Standards Support Section: [email protected], 808-784-6427.
APPLICATIONS OPEN: 2026 HIGH SCHOOL LEGISLATIVE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Deadline to apply: November 2, 2025
Ready to see how laws are made? The 2026 high school legislative internship program offers students the opportunity to work with legislators, research bills and make your voice count. Build leadership skills, meet changemakers and help shape Hawaiʻi’s future. Apply here by Nov. 2. Spots are limited. Contact: OCID, Standards Support Section: [email protected], 808-784-6427.
PROJECT HŌKŪLANI SPRING 2026 STEM PROGRAM
Deadline to apply, November 15, 2025
Project Hokulani, a program with the UH Manoa College of Education, is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2026 STEM program. This is open to current high school haumana who reside on the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, or Kauai. The program consists of college preparation workshops (online) and an internship (in person). Selected students will receive a $500 paid internship. Go to: Project Hōkūlani to apply.
SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING CONTEST
Deadline for Writing, December 2, 2025 at 6:59pm
Deadline for Art, TBA, but sometime early in December.
Contest opens October 1, 2025. Open to all students 13 ears of age or older.
Since 1923, The Scholastic Awards have sparked and inspired the creative growth of teens everywhere. Some notable alumni are Stephen King, Joyce Carol Oates, Zac Posen, Amanda Gorman, Truman Capote, Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath and many more.
Kaiser High has had their share of alumni who earned Gold and Silver Keys. You could be next!
To enter, please go to the following links for categories, guidelines and how to enter:
https://www.artandwriting.org/awards/
https://www.artandwriting.org/gallery/art
https://www.artandwriting.org/gallery/writing
PACIFIC BIRDS ʻALAE ʻULA ART COMPETITION SUBMISSION
Create and art piece based on the ʻalae ʻula for a chance to win $200! Art will also be featured on the Pacific Birds website and newsletter.
The competition is open to middle and high school students based in Hawaiʻi.
The piece can be in any medium but must be of an ʻalae ʻula and reflect an aspect of Hawaiian values or culture
ʻAlae ʻula are unique birds found only in Hawaiʻi. They are endangered, with a population size of around 700. According to one mo‘olelo (story), the ‘alae ‘ula stole fire from the god, Maui, and gave it to humans. The bird’s red forehead represents the burns it suffered as punishment – Ouch! Your art will help raise awareness of this bird and protect their habitats!
Submissions are due at 11:59 pm on October 30th by sharing a photo and completing this form: Pacific Birds ‘Alae ‘Ula Art Competition
PTSA REFLECTIONS CONTEST – “I BELONG”
Deadline October 31, 2025
The Friends of Kaiser PTSA Reflections Contest is back with the prompt, “I Belong”. Celebrate the arts and create an original art piece and you may win up to $200 in each category:
Dance Choreography
Music Composition
Film Production
Visual Arts
Photography
Literature
Entries are not due until October 31st. Students may submit more than one entry. Students may enter multiple categories. Art work must be original – AI work will not be accepted. For any questions, please email [email protected]. Student and parent/guardian should be member of the Friends of Kaiser PTSA - go to PTSA Membership to register.
For inspiration go to: 2024 Reflections Winners
For guidelines and rules go to: 2025 I Belong Guidelines and Rules tips and more!
Click here to Enter: 2025 Reflections – I Belong
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KAISER COUGAR ATHLETICS
STUDENT AND PARENT PARTICIPATION FILLABLE FORM
Scores:
Upcoming Games
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!
SWIMMING AND DIVING CONDITIONING SCHEDULE
Monday – Friday, 4:30pm – 7:00pm. Please make sure to do your 3 forms (Physical Form, Concussion Form, and Parental Consent Form) and turn them in to the Athletic Trainer. You cannot participate in practices or meets without doing this, so please get these forms in. If you have any questions, please email Coach Skylar at [email protected].
Hope to see you there!
KAISER BOYS SOCCER - PRESEASON STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
Every Monday and Wednesday starting this week, 6:00pm-7:30pm.
Please meet at the stadium. All grades are welcome to participate.
Students must turn in the required forms before attending: Physical Exam for Athletes; Concussion Form; Parent Consent Form; QR code. Forms are in the Athletics section of the Kaiser High website.
Workout attire: shorts, shirt, running & soccer shoes. Please bring water bottle.
Any questions please contact: Coach Layne Abalos at [email protected]
KAISER BOYS JV & VARSITY SOCCER TRYOUTS
November 3rd – 6th, 6pm -8pm
Check in at 5:45pm.
Running shoes & cleats required.
Please complete & turn in
STUDENT AND PARENT PARTICIPATION FORM
to the Athletics Trainers before Oct. 31 to participate at tryouts. All forms can be found on the Kaiser HS Enotes emails.
LADY COUGAR WATER POLO!
Updated Lady Cougar Water Polo Preseason Conditioning
For Questions, contact Coach Dave at [email protected]
*Students must turn in all forms to the athletic trainers before participating.
*Physical Exam, Parent Consent & Concussion
If you are interested in joining water polo, please fill out this form: Water Polo Sign Up
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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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