12/6/2024

Let's finish the Semester strong! With just two weeks left, we're working closely with students to ensure they complete all assignments and projects before Winter Break. We encourage students and parents to check current grades and reach out to teachers with any questions and to get support. Please take a moment to read the following school news and announcements.

Quarter 3 UPLINK: We are accepting registration forms for our after-school UPLINK program. Please visit this LINK or the iaoschool.org homepage to view the registration form. Forms can also be found in the Main Office and may be turned in now or over Winter Break.

Quarter 3 Athletics: Flag Football and Cross Country will start in January. Information will be shared on morning announcements. 

Family Support Groups: Maui Child & Family Services is offering group zoom meetings for parents this December 9, 18, and 23. These are aimed at helping families support children with self-regulation, stress, and healthy decision making. A flyer with more information can be found at this LINK. 

Maui 5K: Each year the Maui 5K race in Maʻalaea supports schools across Maui. If you are interested in running for ʻĪao School and would like to participate, visit this LINK to read more and sign up.

Wellness at ʻĪao: We are proud to announce that ʻĪao School received the Wellness Award for Excellence in 2024. Our school was recognized for its commitment to student well-being through initiatives like nutritious meals, daily physical activity, mental health support, and substance abuse prevention education.

Huge win for ʻĪao: Student leaders, Ezekiel Katsuda and Vance Barker, have made ʻĪao Intermediate School proud! They recently won the state-wide Iris Okawa Design for Civic Leadership Pitch Competition, earning a $5,000 prize. Their innovative AI tool is designed to help students develop essential financial literacy skills. Mahalo nui loa to counselor Jayme Kahoʻohalahala for inspiring and guiding these talented students. Congratulations, Ezekiel and Vance!

Winter Showcase: Don't miss our Winter Showcase happening next Friday, December 13th, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. All families and students are invited to join us for performances by the ʻĪao School Band and our multi-language learners, and enjoy interactive activities from our Hawaiian, Leadership, and Art classes. Refreshments will be provided, and food trucks will be on-site.

After the Showcase, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, an exclusive dance for ʻĪao School students only. Dress in all white or blue! Please note: Permission forms are available in the Student Center and are required to attend the dance. Students suspended within the last two weeks are unable to attend the Winter Showcase or dance.

11/20/24

Cyberbullying and the misuse of social media platforms like Instagram, especially among our students, is a growing concern.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Cyberbullying: Bullying that occurs online can be just as harmful as traditional bullying. It can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and even self-harm. Cyberbullying is also a Chapter 19 Class A offense in Hawaii public schools.

• Anonymous Accounts: Creating anonymous accounts to bully others is cowardly and unacceptable. It doesn't absolve individuals from the consequences of their actions.

• Impersonation: Creating fake accounts to impersonate others is another harmful behavior that can lead to serious consequences, including legal action.

• Age Restrictions: Many social media platforms, including Instagram, Snapchat, and Discord, require users to be 13 or older. It's essential to ensure our students are adhering to these guidelines.

• Parental Supervision: We encourage parents to be actively involved in their children's online activities. Monitor their social media use, discuss responsible online behavior, and keep open lines of communication. Don’t believe everything you see posted.

• Reporting: If your child experiences cyberbullying or witnesses it, please encourage them to report it to a trusted adult, whether it's a teacher, counselor, or parent. Report inappropriate posts and accounts.

In addition, we strongly encourage you to consider delaying your child's introduction to social media. Recent studies have shown a strong correlation between increased social media use and negative mental health outcomes in adolescents, including anxiety, depression, and decreased self-esteem. By limiting or eliminating social media use, you can help protect your child's mental well-being.

Our school is committed to fostering a safe and positive learning environment. We have policies in place to address cyberbullying and will take appropriate action when incidents are reported.

We encourage you to have open conversations with your children about the responsible use of social media and the potential consequences of cyberbullying. By working together, we can create a safer online community for students.