La Pietra in the News
Parent Giving Campaign Launch on February 1, 2012
Six Paddlers Pursue Paddling Championship
La Pietra Hosts John Rosemond, Nationally Recognized Parenting Expert
Katharina Gassmann wins First Place in the “Inspired in Hawaii” Poster, Essay & Video Contest
Cyber Safety Responsibility is in Each Student
La Pietra Students Take Home Scholastic Art Awards
Teacher’s In Service at the He’eia Stream Restoration Project
First Annual Alumnae Holiday Soiree Brings Laughter and Enthusiasm
Class Visits Pearl Harbor in Honor of 70th Anniversary of Attacks
Guest Artist Program hosts Darius Homayounpour for
Shibori
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Parent Giving Campaign Launch on February 1, 2012
February 1 marks the first day of a month long campaign to increase parent participation in La Pietra’s Annual Fund. Dubbed Plant a Seed for Your Daughter’s Future, the effort aims to build participation levels to record highs.
Over the last three years, thanks to the help of an army of parent volunteers, participation rates have increased from 15% to 56%. This year, the goal is 100%.
During the month of February, parents will be asked to make contributions to the Annual Fund. Regular progress reports will be sent via email, snail mail, and the internet, and a sign will be posted at the school’s drop-off area showing each grade’s results. Volunteers will reach out to fellow parents asking for their involvement. Plus, the class with the highest rate of participation will receive a free pizza party at the school’s Hau Arbor.
Gifts to the Annual Fund provide the unrestricted dollars necessary to operate the school, bridging the gap between the resources that tuition provides and the actual costs of educating each student.
Parent participation is critical to the school’s overall fundraising success, according to Mike Moses, Director of Institutional Advancement.
“When we go out to foundations and corporations for large gifts, they want to be assured that the school’s parents believe in what the school is doing for their children. A gift to the Annual Fund is a tangible demonstration of that belief,” Moses said.
Moses also stressed participation, over dollar amount, and encouraged parents to make a gift at the level they feel is appropriate.
Special thanks to the campaign’s grade level captains:
Mike Glenn (6th)
Alison Antenorcruz (7th)
Mike Lum (8th)
Doug Tom and Audrey Enseki-Tom (9th)
Flora Yee (10th)
Richard Edge (11th)
Lillian Klein (12th)
To make a gift to La Pietra, click here.
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Six Paddlers Pursue Paddling Championship
At the close of the ILH Paddling season, the PAC-5 Varsity 1 girls finished in second place. Their reward is the opportunity to participate in the First Hawaiian Bank Canoe Paddling Championships on Friday, February 3, at Hilo Bayfront.
Of the ten paddlers, six are La Pietra students.
Seniors Taeler Akana, Maryna Feldberg, Raven Howser, Clara Schlieman, Kahala Schneider and sophomore Natasha Staman are committed to pursuing the 2012 Champion Title.
In the 2010-2011 Paddling season, their challenge to the state titleholders in Canoe Paddling saw them finish within a few seconds of the winning crew.
As they prepare for their current quest for a state title, all six paddlers are looking for a strong finish to their journey that began three years ago. Mrs. Hugo and Mr. Kinsler will make the trip to the Big Island to cheer on the team.
Good Luck and Congratulations on a job well done!
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La Pietra Hosts John Rosemond, Nationally Recognized Parenting Expert
January 24, 2012
A self-described hippie who mixes 60’s era rock lyrics with blunt honesty in his advice to parents, John Rosemond delighted over 250 guests with his practical and humorous recommendations to parents of teenagers. His presentation, taken in part from his new book, “Teen-Proofing, Fostering Responsible Decision Making in Your Teenager,” focused on a child’s life broken down into three seasons: Season 1 from birth to age 2, Season 2 from 3-12 and Season 3 from 13-19.
The key to understanding teenagers is to understand how children move from Season 1 to Season 3.
- Season 1 is about the parent being of service to the child. Feeding, clothing and changing diapers are all part of attending to the child’s needs.
- Season 2 begins at age two as the child begins to learn decision-making, leadership and authority. It is the parent's job to foster a “decade of discipline,” building the foundation for respect, obedience and loyalty.
- Finally, in Season 3, the teenager can focus on mentoring and self-discipline.
As parents approach the areas of curfew, cash, conflict, car, consequences and colleagues (a.k.a. co-conspirators), they need to find a balance between freedom and responsibility. Parents provide opportunities for teenagers to prove themselves capable of assuming responsibilities. If the child shows a lack of responsibility, the freedom is revoked until the actions and choices of the teenager result in responsible decisions.
Mr. Rosemond offered some helpful hints to parents as they search for the proper balance between freedom and responsibility:
- First, most conversations with teenagers happen in the first two sentences. Choose your words wisely to capture their attention.
- Second, clearly define what expectations and responsibilities must be met to secure their freedom to operate independently.
- Third, once defined, stick to those details. The devil is in the details.
Rosemond hopes to build a culture where parents enable their child to be responsible and self-supporting in the adult world where they will live, work and play.
As the guests left the event, the smiles showed they felt prepared to begin a journey toward building a strong foundation for their teenagers.
The La Pietra Speaker Series is a program that brings experts to campus to serve the community at large. It also makes the public aware of the opportunities offered at La Pietra.
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Katharina Gassmann wins First Place in the “Inspired in Hawaii” Poster, Essay & Video Contest
The Second Annual “Inspired in Hawaii” contest hosted by the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation challenged students to identify an existing problem in Hawaii and critically think about solutions.
La Pietra students in World Cultures classes participated with essay submissions. The students competed in a field of over 850 entries. Topics addressed ranged from homelessness to ocean pollution; from helping kapuna to seeking ways to provide technology for students with limited financial resources.
On January 18 at the Centerstage of Ala Moana Shopping Center, Katharina Gassmann’s essay “Changes for a Drug Free Future” was selected as the first place winner in the ninth grade essay category. At the ceremony, Clarence T.C. Ching Board Members presented Katharina with a certificate and a prize. La Pietra Administration and faculty were present for support.
Congratulations to Katharina and the other participants.
Katharina Gassmann and Mrs. Chinen
Mrs. Chinen, Ms. McLeod, and Mrs. Macduff
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Cyber Safety Responsibility is in Each Student
Internet Safety Expert, Chris Duque, recently cautioned middle-schoolers on the use of social media. He emphasized the need for responsibility in using them and warned of the dangers in sending bullying or offensive texts.
He opened with two astonishing facts that elicited a group gasp:
- 70% of Facebook users check their pages first thing in the morning.
- Eighty million users play the social network game Farmville.
“There are more [users playing] Farmville farmers than there are real farmers,” recalled a sixth grader.
Duque stressed that responsibility for using social networks rests with each student. For instance, when using social media, students need to show courtesy and respect in their texts, comments and posts. He used the example of a personal conversation. How would react if someone spoke these words to you while sitting on the couch in your living room?
Duque warned that a $5,000 fee can be assessed when someone uses another person’s computer or mobile device to send an inappropriate text or image. Such misuse could result not only in a fine, but also in actual jail time. Duque reminded the students they must ask permission to use a friend’s cell phone or computer. When using a friend’s technology, be respectful in what is sent from it.
Lastly, Duque urged everyone to keep talking about how to use social media. Continue to ask questions.
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La Pietra Students Take Home Scholastic Art Awards
A trio of La Pietra students won Gold Key Awards at the annual Hawaii Region Scholastic Art Awards on Saturday, January 15.
Seniors Sophia Klein and Michela Mariano, along with junior Hannah Apa, were among 220 artists whose work was selected from thousands of statewide entries. Their work will be on display at the Hawaii State Art Museum through February and March before being sent to New York for national award consideration.
This annual art exhibition is a national recognition of the creative excellence among Hawai‘i's public and private school students in grades 7-12. The local exhibition honors five American Award Winners, 100 Gold Key Award Winners, and 100 Silver Key Award Winners. A handful of selected top award winners will go on to compete on the national level.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards program is the longest-running and most prestigious student arts recognition program in the U.S. The Awards were established in 1923 by M.R. Robinson to encourage, foster, and reward student creativity across the country. The exhibition is a tribute to the many hardworking public and private school arts teachers who volunteer each year to make this competition a reality.
The most outstanding works from hundreds of Hawai‘i students, in grades 7-12 throughout the islands, receive the regional Gold Key Awards and Silver Key Awards. Of these finalists, five are nominated for the American Vision Award, the highest honor in the national competition. These artists go on to represent the Hawai‘i region in the national judging held each April in New York City.
Sophia Klein - short film
Hannah Apa - time exposure
Michela Mariano - Self-portrait
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Teacher’s In Service at the He’eia Stream Restoration Project
In the spirit of kahiau, La Pietra teachers and administrators showed generosity and selfless giving on Wednesday, January 4, as they worked together to restore He'eia Stream vegetation.
The group piled aboard a school bus for the trip to Huiku Maoli Ola on the Windward side. The goal for the day was to work along 2,000 feet of riparian habitat in upper He'eia Stream. In addition to planting native trees and vegetation, the project included implementing erosion control techniques to restore stream banks.
Once there, property staff members explained the specific duties for the two groups. The first group cleared invasive vegetation from the stream banks allowing native flora to return and control erosion. The second group used its gardening skills to repot and replant native plants.
At the end of the morning, the groups came together for a potluck lunch to celebrate their hard work and progress. The lunch conversations were filled with laughter and stories. In addition to sharing their new knowledge of native plants, workers expressed their respect for the spirit of kahiau. An event where teachers and administrators understood the true sense of the La Pietra spirit to give from your heart.
Mrs. Takei and Sensei Loncar
Ms. Robinson, Mr. Honma, Mrs. Rumschlag, Sensei Loncar, Madame Schlesser, and Mrs. McLachlin
Mr. Krulewich and Mrs. Man
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First Annual Alumnae Holiday Soiree Brings Laughter and Enthusiasm
The first annual Alumnae Holiday Soiree, held in the courtyard at La Pietra, hosted approximately 50 alumnae and their guests. Treated to food by "That Girl Can Cook," wine by JMD Beverages, and a hula performance by Tiana Miyamoto, guests happily reminisced about La Pietra days while connecting with old friends.
Mike Moses, Director of Institutional Advancement and Shelley Simpson, Director of Special Events & Alumnae Relations introduced guests to the new digital library, the new La Pietra commercial and how each person can contribute in La Pietra's future. Participation tips included: Write a Yelp Review, Give to the Annual Fund , Donate an item for Hoopla, or invite a fellow classmate to join the La Pietra email list.
Interested in hearing about future events? Join our list. Email announcements go out every three weeks and contain everything there is to know about Alumnae activities on campus. Want to do more? Contact Shelley Simpson, Director of Special Events & Alumnae Relations.
Check out our Alumnae FaceBook page for photos of the evening.
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Class Visits Pearl Harbor in Honor of 70th Anniversary of Attacks
The 8th Grade "20th Century America" class visited the USS Arizona Memorial in honor of this week's 70th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor. The class watched a film about the events surrounding the Dec 7th, 1941 attacks, toured the museum and rode a boat to the Memorial. A highlight of the field trip was meeting 91 year-old former Naval Officer, Alfred Rodriguez, an attack survivor, who really connected with the girls. To see more photos click here.
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Guest Artist Program hosts Darius Homayounpour for
Shibori - An Understanding of Dying Textiles as Art
For several years, La Pietra has recruited various renowned artists from across the country and the state to our picturesque campus. Through the Guest Artist Program these masters have shared their skills, knowledge and experience with students in grades 7 through 12.
On November 29th and 30th, 2011, La Pietra’s Fiber Arts class welcomed back textile specialist, Darius Homayounpour, for a hands-on lesson about Shibori. Shibori is a Japanese term for the dyeing of cloth material to create patterns by binding, stitching, folding, twisting, compressing or capping it.
Under the direction of Homayounpour, the students started their Shibori project by folding, clamping and twisting white pieces of fabric to create patterns. Next, they immersed their fabrics into bins of indigo for color. Finally, the students unwrapped their pieces to discover stunning patterns and designs.
These are just the beginning stages of their project. The students will continue to add depth and dimension to develop multiple pieces of art from their Shibori.
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New La Pietra TV Commercial
"I use my knowledge to navigate a rapidly changing world."
Production for La Pietra's first television commercial in more than five years began in late November showing La Pietra girls doing what they do best: leading, creating, and shining for the camera. The ad campaign highlights La Pietra's vision of "preparing young women for a life of fulfillment," by featuring girls making statements of how a La Pietra education strengthens them for the future.
“I explore my passions with insight and perception.”
These statements each coordinate with one of the “Five C’s,” part of La Pietra’s commitment to instilling in each student; Confidence, Competence, Curiosity, Creativity and Critical Thinking.
“I’m prepared to make an impact on the world.”
The motivation for the commercial came from the Institutional Advancement Office wanting to expose La Pietra’s excellence to a larger target audience, potentially raising enrollment and increasing school visibility. The piece showcases current students and was filmed on school grounds. It is intended to inspire families with daughters to seek out the individualized education and extraordinary learning environment that La Pietra offers. Look for the commercial to air on KHON in early 2012.
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Select Choir Announces Holiday Performances
National Letter of Intent Day for La Pietra Student-Athletes
Open House - A 30% Increase of Families and A New Student Centered Format
Grand Opening of New Digital Library is First in Hawai'i
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Select Choir Announces Holiday Performances
La Pietra – Hawaii School for Girls is pleased to announce the 2011 holiday performance schedule for the school’s Select Choir. In addition to the much-anticipated Holiday Concert, to be held on campus on December 13, this talented group of performers will be seen around town at various venues throughout the holiday season.
Led by La Pietra's Music Director, Shari Lynn, the Select Choir consists of twenty-five 14 - 18 year old students with varying levels of ability and experience, who love to sing together and have created a harmonious, supportive team, dedicated to the choral art. They have shared their enthusiastic performances with audiences near and far - from concert halls here in Honolulu all the way to Italy. Their schedule is as follows:
Friday, December 2, 7:30 pm
Private dinner performance at Oahu Country Club
Thursday, December 6, 7:30 pm
Kahala Nui Retirement Home
Monday, December 12, 7:00 pm
Arcadia Retirement Home
Tuesday, December 13, 6:30 pm
La Pietra Holiday Concert (open to the public)
Thursday, December 15, 7:00 pm
One Kalakaua Retirement Home
Sunday, December 18, 4 pm
Special guest performance with Shari Lynn and Don Conover
For tickets, call HPR at 955-8821
The 2010 La Pietra Select Choir Readies for their
performance at the Oahu Country Club.
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National Letter of Intent Day for La Pietra Student-Athletes
On Tuesday, November 15, at a special assembly before the student body, family, and friends, senior paddling standouts, Raven Howser and Kahala Schneider, signed National Letters of Intent to compete in crew.
Howser signed with Old Dominion University and Schneider signed with University of Tennessse-Knoxville, taking the first step toward attending college on an athletic scholarship.
"We are excited to share this moment with each of these girls as they take this opportunity to attend college and compete at the college level," said Mahina E. Hugo, head of school.
Athletic Director, Ross Kinsler, added, "Each of these young ladies has demonstrated confidence, poise and competitive greatness toward each opportunity to grow as student-athletes,"
Both student-athletes chose their schools for different reasons.
"I chose Old Dominion University because the crew team and coaches were similar to my family here at La Pietra," said Raven Howser.
Schneider was looking for a program that would assist her in meeting the demands of being a student-athlete.
"I chose UT because their academic support will help to ensure I can find a balance between my classes and collegiate competition," she said.
Raven and Kahala joined the La Pietra family in 2006. They joined us as girls and leave us as confident, competent and well-rounded young student-athletes ready to take this opportunity for academic and athletic growth.
Congratulations to Raven & Kahala!
Mr. Kinsler, Raven Howser, Ms. Sherry Howser, and Mrs. Hugo
Ms. Howser and Raven signing the letter of intent.
Pi'ilani Schneider '75, Kahala Schneider, and Mrs. Hugo
Kahala and Ms. Pi'ilani Schneider '75 singing the letter of intent.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Open House - A 30% Increase of Families and A New Student Centered Format
La Pietra celebrated a 30% increase in attendance at our Fall Open House this year, with more than 25 families attending. Presentations and tours were student-centric, and several La Pietra girls shared their own experiences with the visiting families.
Exploring a new format this year, Sumoha Jani, Director of Admissions, grouped arriving families into three separate groups and paired them with a specially trained La Pietra student delegate.* Each group was treated to a student-led campus tour and rotated through presentations on the new all- digital library, the academic and college counseling program and athletics. Most of the presentations were led by students, and they all shared highlighting their own La Pietra story. A favorite story was that of Monique Smith ’12, student council president. Smith revealed how she entered La Pietra as a shy, hesitant middle school student, afraid of public speaking. Avoiding it all costs, Smith couldn’t imagine speaking in front of the whole school. Now, aided by the focused and individualized attention she received, Smith has gained the confidence to not only speak in front of the school, but lead the student council and play basketball. With all the great stories and information families received that night, we feel content they received a good cross section of La Pietra’s offerings and feel empowered to make the right school decision for their daughter.
Our next Open House is, Saturday, February 11th, from 1:15pm-4pm. Registration will be online--check back in January 2012. Thank you to all the families, students and staff who made our fall Open House a success.
*La Pietra delegates are a group of more than 40 girls who represent La Pietra in and off campus during public events.
Registration Table
Students lead family tours of the campus
Orientation in the Courtyard
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Grand Opening of New Digital Library is First in Hawai'i
Tuesday, October 25th marked the beginning of a new era for La Pietra: What began as the Dillingham family's formal living room, became Hawaii's only all-digital high school library. Tagged "The Tech Center," the new library is furnished with iPads, iMacs, WiFi, a Smartboard and expanded seating for 50.
The only one of its kind, the new Digital Library provides students not only access to more resources than the old four walls and dusty spines, but also a comfortable gathering place. The expanded seating (complete with armchairs with built-in laptop tables) allows the new space to function as both a place of study and a natural collaboration zone. Research resources will be through “LibGuides,” a collection of websites, multimedia, links to databases and documents, allowing teachers to create customized content for students on different subjects.
Tuesday's Co-Curr included a welcome from Mahina Hugo, a recounting of La Pietra's past from Sandy Robinson and a look ahead to the future by Mike Moses. Tiana Miyamoto chanted the 'oli and Maryna Feldberg (senior class president) and Isabelle Rhee (sixth grade class president) untied the maile lei, signifying the grand opening. The opening concluded with Shari Lynn leading the standing student body in singing of the La Pietra Alma Mater.
