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Please see below for a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) families of new incoming students may have at the start of the school year.
Still have questions? All new parents and guardians are invited to attend our New Parent Orientation Meeting on Thursday, August 1st from 5:00 to 6:30 pm in the KMS Auditorium. We hope to see you there!
Student Prep Day
Q: What is Student Prep Day?
A: Our Student Prep Day is when students can come to campus to pick up their schedules, pay student fees, deposit money into meal accounts, sign up for a locker, pick up school uniforms, and take their ID/yearbook picture.
Q: Can I order copies of my child's school picture?
A: Yes, parents will receive a flyer at the Student Prep Day with information on how to order pictures. For information on how to pre-order your photos, please see the Picture Day flyer.
Q: What if I can’t attend the Student Prep Days?
A: If you are unable to attend the Student Prep Day, please visit the front office after July 19th to pick up and fill out any forms you would have completed at the event. The front office is open M-F from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Students who miss the Student Prep Day will be invited to make-up their yearbook pictures at a later date after the school year starts.
Q: When and where is this year’s Student Prep Day?
A: This year's Student Prep Day will be on Friday, July 19th from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM in the Kawananakoa Cafeteria.
Grade 8 - 8:00 to 9:30 AM
Grade 6 - 9:30 to 11:00 AM
Grade 7 - 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Although it is recommended that students attend during their assigned times, families can stop by any time during the event that is most convenient them.
When you arrive, please start at the back of the school cafeteria. Please refer to the Student Prep Day Map to see the path that families are encouraged to follow. The path ends at the school auditorium where students will take their yearbook photo.
Useful Links: Campus Map, Student Prep Day Map, Picture Day Flyer
First Day of School
Q: When does my child start school?
A: New students (6th grade students and new 7th and 8th grade students) start on Monday, August 5th. Returning students start on Tuesday, August 6th.
Q: What does my child bring to school on the first day?
A: Students are not to bring all their supplies to school on the first day. They should have a backpack, folder paper, pens, and pencils on the first day of school. Teachers will inform students when the other listed supplies should be brought to school.
Q: Where does my child go on the first day of school?
A: On August 5th and 6th, students should report to their AA class first thing in the morning. Students will be following a special bell schedule, which will be uploaded to the Bell Schedule page soon.
Useful Links: Campus Map, School Supplies List
Schedule
Q: What time does school start/end?
A: Every school day starts at 8:00 am. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, school ends at 1:55 pm. On Wednesdays, school ends at 2:00 pm. On Fridays, school ends at 2:15 pm.
For more information, please refer to the Bell Schedule.
Q: What is AA? Is AA mandatory?
A: AA, which stands for Advisor/Advisee, is similar to homeroom. It is a time for students to connect with an adult on campus for guidance and supervision. Within AA, various topics will be covered that may include social emotional learning (SEL), career tech education (CTE), etc. Students maintain the same AA teacher throughout the school year. Yes, students are required to attend AA.
Q: What is Study Hall? Is Study Hall mandatory?
A: Study Hall is dedicated time for students to do homework or projects from their classes. During this time, students can complete their work and reach out to teachers for support. Yes, students are required to attend Study Hall.
Q: What is 1st lunch and 2nd lunch? Which lunch does my child have?
A: The lunch period is divided into 2 lunches. Grades 7 & 8 have lunch at the same time and Grade 6 have lunch grade level wide. Lunch periods are rotated each quarter. For the first quarter, Grade 6 has 1st lunch (11:55 - 12:25) and Grade 7 & 8 have 2nd lunch (12:30 - 1:00). When it is not their lunch period, students should report to AA.
Q: How can we make changes to my child's schedule?
A: If you would like to inquire about making any changes to your child’s class schedule, please email your child’s grade level counselor. Counselor emails are listed in the "Other Questions" section.
Q: What do I do if my child did not get their schedule?
A: If you were unable to pick-up your schedule at the Student Prep Days, please visit the front office after July 19th to pick it up. The front office is open M-F from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Returning students can view their schedules virtually on Infinite Campus.
Useful Links: Bell Schedule, School Calendar
Uniforms
Q: What does my child wear to school?
A: All Kawananakoa students are required to wear their uniform shirt to school. For a full explanation of the dress code and for examples of acceptable and unacceptable dress code, please refer to the school's Dress Code Policy, which is on pages 17 of the Student Planner/Handbook.
Q: What is the difference between the cotton uniform shirt and the tri-blend uniform shirt?
A: The regular cotton Kawananakoa uniform shirts are sold and distributed by Unlimited Designs. These regular cotton uniform shirts are sold for $9-12 each. Unlimited Designs also sells Kawananakoa long sleeve shirts and jackets.
The tri-blend Kawananakoa uniform shirts are sold as part of our Parent-Teacher-Student-Association’s (PTSA) annual uniform shirt fundraiser. These premium tri-blend uniform shirts are comfortable and breathable. The tri-blend shirts are $16-20 each.
Q: How can I purchase uniform shirts?
A: Cotton uniform shirts and tri-blend uniform shirts will be available to purchase at the Student Prep Days. Order forms for shirts were included in the information packet mailed home in late June.
Parents can also order regular cotton uniform shirts, long sleeve shirts, and jackets online at www.kawananakoauniforms.com and pick up at the Unlimited Designs warehouse (1734 Republican Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819).
Q: What does my child wear for PE class?
A: It is highly recommended that students change out of their school uniform and wear a gray shirt and black pants.
Useful Links: Student Policies and Expectations, Uniforms, Kawananakoa PTSA Website
Pick Up and Drop Off
Q: What time can I drop my child off at school?
A: To ensure that students are safe and supervised, please do not drop off students earlier than 7:00 am.
Q: Can I drop off my child on Funchal Street?
A: No, Funchal Street is a NO drop-off and NO parking zone. Stopping along Funchal Street not only backs up traffic, but also poses a safety hazard for students. For everyone's safety, please DO NOT drop off or pick up your child(ren) along Funchal Street. Violators may be subject to ticketing by the Honolulu Police Department.
We kindly ask that you drive into the Kawananakoa parking lot and drop off your child in one of the two drop off lanes. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Q: Where can I pick up/drop off my child?
A: You can pick up and drop off your child in the school parking lot in front of the cafeteria. In order to keep traffic flowing, parents should drive all the way to the end of either of the two drop off lanes so students can exit the vehicle quickly and safely.
Q: What time should I pick my child up after school?
A: Please pick your child up within 30 minutes after the dismissal bell, unless they are participating in an after school activity (i.e., band, tutoring, orchestra, academic team practice, extramural practice, parent teacher conferences, or other circumstance that has been approved by the school). All other students who are waiting to be picked up by their parents need to wait in front of the cafeteria.
Useful Links: Student Safety Tips, Campus Map
Other Questions
Q: Where can I find a list of rules for the school?
A: Kawananakoa school policies and expectations (such as the dress code policy, attendance policy, etc.) are included in the Student Planner/Handbook.
Q: Who is my child’s counselor?
A: The grade level counselors are as follows:
Grade 6: Mr. Jared Fuchigami (jared.fuchigami@k12.hi.us)
Grade 7: Ms. Mahealani Santiago (mahealani.santiago@k12.hi.us)
Grade 8: Mrs. Mari Lefebvre (mari.lefebvre@k12.hi.us)
Our counselors follow each class through their middle school career, so your child will have the same counselor each year.
Q: How can I stay up-to-date on school news?
A: The best way to stay up-to-date with the latest Kawananakoa news is by reading our weekly newsletter called the KMS Update. The newsletter is emailed to all parents and guardians on Friday afternoons. The newsletter includes important announcements, reminders, and upcoming events.
Another great way to stay updated is to check the school website and follow Kawananakoa Middle School on Instagram (@kawananakoams).
Q: Are there any after school programs, clubs, or extracurricular activities that my child can join?
A: Yes, the available school programs, clubs, and extracurricular activities will be announced once the school year begins. Please be on the lookout for more information,
Useful Links: Student Planner/Handbook, KMS Update, KMS Instagram, Faculty & Staff Directory
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