March - April 2015
SEABURY 
HALL  
NEWS
Newsletter of the Seabury Hall Parents Organization

Upcoming Things You Should Know

HE HA'UPU ALOHA
MAY 1


CRAFT FAIR 
MAY 9 
9am - 4pm


SLEEP-IN DAY
MAY 11
School begins at 9 am





 


In This Issue
Aloha  Seabury Hall 'Ohana!

We would like to thank all the hands that are working together to make this year's craft fair a success!

We are excited to see everyone on May 9th!

SHPO Board

FROM THE HEADMASTER

 

Dear Parents,

 

During the month of March the accreditation visiting team spent three days at Seabury Hall for the purpose of evaluating the school based on the self-study report that was developed over the past two years.  Students, parents, teachers, administrators, staff, alumni, and the board were represented during the interviews with the visiting team. 

 

Over the years I have been on more than 40 accreditation teams and have reviewed and assessed more than 200 accreditation reports.  I have never seen a "grade report" this stellar in my 36 years of experience in independent schools.  The comments and ratings that we received are beyond "honor roll" and "Headmaster's List". 

 

Most important was what the visiting team learned from our students regarding their experience and love for the school.  Students were asked, "How would you describe Seabury Hall?" and words like "tolerant with trust, caring, community, rigor, safe, inspiring, non-judgmental, loving" were repeated in many of the meetings.  It is a testimony to all in the school as well as our parents for the fine work that has been done to ensure an excellent education as well as extraordinary experience.

 

You all have my most sincere thanks for making this school such an exceptional place for young people to thrive and prepare for a life filled with an equal dose of challenge and promise.

 

On another note, I would like to congratulate the seniors for their outstanding college acceptances.  I invite you to review the college acceptances hereYou will be impressed with the quality and variety of colleges that are admitting Seabury Hall students from the Ivy League and outstanding smaller private colleges to the exceptional state colleges and universities throughout the country.  We are very proud of the Class of 2015 for all they have accomplished.

 

Aloha,

 

Joseph J.  Schmidt

Headmaster

 

Full length Letter from the Headmaster

 

UPPER SCHOOL NEWS

from Scott Winham,

Upper School Head

 

Scholars' Ceremony

On Wednesday, April 22, Seabury Hall will honor those students who have achieved the highest level of academic success at the Upper School Scholars' Ceremony.  The ceremony will take place in theCreative Arts Center and will be followed by a dessert reception.  Please RSVP to Chris Smith if you received an invitation.

 

Student Government Elections

In the month of May, elections will be held to decide next year's Student Council officers and committees.  Being part of the student government allows one to be an active participant in shaping the school year, from policy discussions to activity planning.  In addition, students are able to strengthen their leadership and teamwork skills, both of which are sought after by college admissions committees.  I encourage every parent to discuss the idea of running for an elected position with your child.  Specifics regarding the timing and procedures for the elections will be presented to the students during assembly.

 

He Ha'upu Aloha

On Friday, May 1, you are invited to our celebration of Hawaiian culture, He Ha'upu Aloha.  Throughout the year, students have been learning several steps and motions of hula, and are preparing grade-level dances for the program.  The program begins at 9:30 around the reflection pond, so please remember to bring sunscreen and a chair, as it will hopefully be a clear, warm day. For US students participating in the Lahaina Scavenger Hunt, the bus departs for Lahaina at 12:45 pm.  For those remaining on campus, the bus departs at 3:40 pm.

Costume Info

 

Prom

For this year's annual formal dance, the Student Council decided to try a new model, dining and dancing at separate venues.  Although this new concept presented some additional challenges, the students worked to ensure a successful evening, and the resulting experience was wonderful.  The students enjoyed their fabulous dinner at Longhi's, dancing at Tsunamis, and even the Akina bus ride in between.  Mahalo to the student leaders for their planning, the chaperones for ensuring everyone's safety, and to the local businesses that supported the effort.  Most importantly, mahalo to the students in attendance for their respectful behavior, once again reminding me of how lucky I am to be a part of this community.

Prom Photo Collage

 

Final Exams

Although Final Exams only last for two days, they represent the culmination of a year's worth of learning, and as such should be taken seriously by the students.  I strongly recommend that students begin preparing well before the actual week of exams. While many teachers will provide review materials as the exams approach, students are certainly able to begin their preparation much earlier.  Reviewing old assessments, completing review sections in textbooks, and reviewing class notes are all effective methods of preparation.  I also recommend studying with other students.

Three Students Win Art Awards
Hawai'i Regional Scholastic Juried Art Award Winner
Sabrina Futch ('15) was presented with two Gold Key Awards, one for her Art Portfolio and another for an Individual Painting at the 52nd  Hawai'i Regional Scholastic Juried Art Awards Exhibit.  This program has provided exhibition, scholarship, publication and recognition opportunities for students for over 50 years.   Works that receive the Golden Key Award at the regional level move on to compete for national recognition.  Congratulations Sabrina!

Youth Art Month 2015 Art Award Winners
The artworks of Clair Peck ('18) and Angela Schmitt ('18) were selected for the YAM Exhibit held in March at the Hawai'i State Capitol Building.  This is a statewide exhibit, open to grades K-12. Congratulations Clair and Angela!



MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS

from Jacqueline Peterka,
Middle School Head

Scholars' Ceremony

7th and 8th grade students who are either on the Headmaster's or Honors List for each of the first three quarters of the school year will be invited to attend the Middle School Scholars' Ceremony to be held Tuesday, April 21 at 7:00 pm in the Creative Arts Center. Invitations will be sent home to scholars and their families in early April. We are looking forward to celebrating their success. 

 

The 6th graders will be acknowledged individually on Wednesday, May 27 during a special closure day.  On this day the students will put together final portfolios of their "best" pieces in their classes. We would love to have the parents join us that morning.  Be on the look out for a letter that will be mailed home in May with the details.

 

8th Grade Project Presentations

Our 8th  graders have been working hard preparing for their presentations.  Please feel free to join us for any of the presentations being held on Thursday, April 16 or Friday, April 17 from 7:45 to 3:00.  We are proud of the students and know that the skills they have learned through this process will serve them well in the Upper School. 

He Ha'upu Aloha

Each grade level has been learning their hula under the direction of Kumu Napua and Uʻilani Nahoolewa in preparation for He Haʻupu Aloha to be held Friday, May 1, 2015. Please have your child practice at home as well. The videos are available on our website through  LibGuides . MS students will be dismissed at 1:30 pm and the bus will depart at 2:00 pm.

Costume Info

 

Spring Concert

The Middle School Spring Music Concert for Band and Chorus is Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 3:00 pm. Dress Code for  Middle School Chorus (grades 7 and 8)  is modest black dress and comfortable, but dressy shoes for women (NO slippers). Men will wear long sleeve white shirts, black pants, blue vests and bow ties.  The blue vests and bow ties will be provided.  Dress code  for Middle School Band ( grade 7 and 8) is marching band outfit. ALL 6th graders should wear black pants or skirts and white shirts.    

If you have any questions, please call 572-7235 (chorus) Molly Schad (ext. 151) or (band) Richie Franco (ext. 127).

Math Counts Team Places 2nd Overall at States

In March the Seabury Hall Middle School Math Team traveled to O'ahu to compete in the Hawai'i State MATHCOUNTS championship. Our team finished second place overall, with two Seabury students placing in the top five.  7th grader Steven Doan finished third and 8th grader David Shiraki finished fifth.

 

Steven Doan will be a member of the four student Hawai'i state team competing in the MATHCOUNTS Nationals in Washington D.C.  The Seabury Hall Middle School Math Team qualified for the state championship by virtue of their first place finish at the Maui County MATHCOUNTS championship, which they won for the sixth consecutive year. This is our third consecutive second place finish at the state MATHCOUNTS championship. Congratulations Ma thletes!

 

Marching Band at the Honolulu Festival

The Middle School Marching Band in March participated in the Honolulu Festival's Grand Parade. The kids had been working hard all year, performing at the football games and numerous parades throughout the year. However, the Grand Parade was a major chicken skin event as our band played non-stop for over an hour as they marched the 1.3 mile long route. Excellent job Spartans!!! 

Science Olympiad Team Wins Spirit Award! 

In March, the Seabury Hall Science Olympiad Team traveled to Leeward Community College on O'ahu for the Eleventh Annual Hawai'i State Science Olympiad Tournament. This was our second year participating in Science Olympiad and our first invitation to the state competition. Six students were awarded individual medals and our team was honored to receive the 2015 Manuel Cabral Middle School Spirit Award. Congratulations, Spartans!



 

Dance Showcase '15
Fridays & Saturdays April 17-18 & 24-25 @ 7:00 PM
Sundays April 19 & 26 @ 3:00 PM

Dance Showcase features all levels of the Seabury Hall dance program in a concert of Jazz, Modern, Ballet, Work, and Contemporary dance.
 




Seabury Hall Summer School

Seabury Hall offers a variety of academic, athletic, and artistic opportunities for boys and girls entering grades 1 - 10. Students entering grades 1 - 4 will enjoy a varied day designed especially for them. The commitment to creating a warm and caring atmosphere, which allows children to learn freedom of expression and discover hidden talents, is a priority. Students entering grades 5 - 8 may choose their own classes, creating a schedule that will enable them to find a balance of solid academic instruction, athletics, and opportunities to explore creative outlets and new interests in the arts. High School students may enroll in any or all small-group, focused courses in Creative Writing, Algebra, Geometry, and Acting for Film. Bus Service from Kihei and Kahului is additional. Space is limited.

  • Ages:     Grades 1 - 10
  • Dates:    SESSION 1, June 8 - June 23, 2015                                       SESSION 2, June 24 - July 10, 2015   
  • Times:    8:00 am to 3:50 pm        
  • Cost:     $1,300 full-time, one session $650
  • Contact: Marsha Kelly at [email protected] or   442-6122

 

We hope you enjoyed this issue!

2014-2015 SHPO Board