Happenings Around Campus

In February, AMS choir students hosted Washington and Lee University Singers coming from Lexington, Virginia! Ours students participated in a choral workshop and performed a concert in our cafeteria with the college singers, singing Hawaiian choral music that they prepared with a music kumu on island!

AMS has recently hosted two guest speakers to help inspire and empower our students to make good choices and be good people.

Ron James encouraged our students to own the life choices they make, and to understand the consequences of good and not good choices. He reminded students that the adults in their life love them and want to support them as they grow and discover who they are.

Jared Scott spoke about being kind and shared stories of students who were kind to their peers. He also met with small groups of students to encourage them to build or strengthen our school culture of kindness.

Students reflected that both messages resonated with them and they appreciated outside adults taking the time to share their stories and provide mentorship.

The Pacific Fleet Rock Band, "Pipeline", entertained our students on the hillside during assemblies on March 10th. It was a beautiful day for an outdoor concert. Mahalo to the musicians for supporting our students.

Over 360 AMS Panthers "got their glow on" at our second dance of the school year! They enjoyed a conga line, black lights, bubbles, glow products, and snacks.

The Inspired in Hawai`i “Acts of Kindness” Student Contest is an annual statewide competition sponsored by the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation. This year, Aliamanu Middle School had two students qualify as finalists in the Middle School Video Division. 7th Grader Henry Rapp and 8th Grader Anthony Lewis from Mr. Chris Facuri’s media classes represented AMS in the contest. They were joined by their families at the Kahala Mall Center stage on Wednesday, February 22 to see how they fared. In front of a large mall audience, emcee and Hawai’i News Now broadcaster Steve Uehara announced the results: Anthony’s project, “Good Karma,” placed third and Henry’s video, “Bully Trouble,” took first place. Anthony also earned $100 for his efforts. Henry was awarded a $350 check for his winning video.

During spring break, we had 8 students compete in a Robotics Competition in Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan. The students got to work with students from various countries like Japan and India. It was a great experience both culturally and academically. They represented AMS on a global scale, and loved visiting places like the Meiji Jingu Shrin and Cup of Noodles Factory. Go Panthers!

Aliamanu Middle School had the privilege to present at the 2023 Hawaii Transition Centers Best Practices Conference. Our Panther Academy students presented how we help incoming students feel welcomed and how we support their acclimation process. Our student ambassadors created a video that showcased how our tours are provided, explained the types of lunch lessons we deliver and some projects in the works that we hope will expand our program in the near future. This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to show just how much we care about our Panther 'ohana and share our ideas with other schools looking to start a Transition Center of their own.

In the AMS Panther of the Month program, staff and students are first invited to nominate students whom they think deserve recognition for living up to ideals described by AMS’s General Learner Outcomes. Teachers then evaluate those students’ practices of the GLO’s. Finally, one 7th grade and one 8th grade student are named AMS’s Panthers of the Month and given small rewards for being great role models for their peers.

February Panthers of the Month

The 8th grade Panther of the Month for February is Blake Webb. Blake has become a great role model for his peers, routinely putting others ahead of himself. He is always ready with a smile, making everyone feel welcome. He is also just an easy person to talk to and very understanding. Well done, Blake!

The 7th Panther of the Month for February is Madison Smith. Madison was selected because of her positive and productive approach to school. She completes classwork well and takes time to help others. Additionally, she shares her thoughts and ideas in a nice, calm way and is always interested in what other people have to say. Hoʻomaikaʻi e Madison!

March Panthers of the Month

8th Grade Panther of the Month for March is Caitlin Crawford. Nominated for being exceptionally responsible, a thoughtful problem solver and a great team member, Caitlin is very responsible and respectful with both students and adults. She is a hard worker and always goes back to fix work even if it is not required. Congratulations, Caitlin!

7th Grade Panther of the Month for March is Ethan Bellus. Teachers share that Ethan is an enthusiastic member of class, listening attentively during class and pro-active about completing his assignments. And when he is done with his own work, he is always happy to help other students with a smile and positive attitude. Great work, Ethan!

April Panthers of the Month

The 8th Grade Panther of the Month for April is Kayden Hickman. Kayden routinely displays a kind attitude, is always helpful, and does quality work. He is a self starter, jumps right into his assignments and adds great ideas to class discussions. When other students need help, Kayden is always willing to take the time to work with them. Great work, Kayden!

The 7th Grade Panther of the Month for April is Mia Haasch. Mia is a great role model whose work is always completed carefully and turned in on time. Whenever anyone needs help, classmates or teachers, Mia is ready to step in and help out. This student is regularly respectful and kind. Well done, Mia!

Congratulations to our students "Caught Doing Good" in March These students spontaneously display kindness, good citizenship, and Panther pride.

Are you wondering what is on the menu this month? Please the April menu below.