GRIFFINGAZETTE

American Renaissance AcademyKapolei, Hawaii

P: 808.682.7337F: 808.682.7336

W: www.arahawaii.org

GRIFFINGAZETTED

ECEM

BER

2011

VO

LUM

E I

ISSU

E 2

HOT OFF THE PRESS

    Isn’t it amazing how quickly time goes by. Before we know it the end of December and 2012 will be here. We as a school have so much to be thankful f o r, o u r B o a r d o f G o v e r n o r s , Administration, Faculty, Volunteer Staff, parents, and all our students.

As a school, we have had many exceptional accomplishments and milestones which have all contributed to

the success of ARA. We appreciate EVERYONE for all that they do and for being a part of our overall mission as a school.

On behalf of myself, my ‘Ohana, our Board of Governors, Administration, Faculty, and Volunteer Staff we wish you and your ‘Ohana the very best Mele Kalikimaka | Merry Christmas and Hau’oli Makahiki Hou | Happy New Year.

Dr. Kelly TanizakiTrustee & CEO

MESSAGE FROM THE PTG PRESIDENT

As we close out 2011 it is a time to reflect on all of the blessings, small and large that have come our way.

Enjoy your time off from school. We look forward to welcoming you back in January 2012, the Year of the Dragon

recharged and ready to start the second semester.

On behalf of the PTG, and my ‘Ohana, we wish you a heartfelt happy holidays.

Daimon HudsonTrustee & PTG

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

DEC

EMBE

R 20

11

VOLU

ME

I IS

SUE

2

GRIFFINGAZETTE

HOT OFF THE PRESS 2

WHO’S WHO @ ARA 4

PROUD TO BE A GRIFFIN 5

WELCOME 7

RESPICE “LEARN FROM THE PAST” 8

PROSPICE “LOOK TO THE FUTURE” 9

GRIFFIN SPOTLIGHTS 10

INTERVIEWS 11

SPECIAL MAHALO TO OUR SPONSORS 12

RECIPES FROM THE GARDEN 13

ARA ANNOUNCEMENTS 14

IN THIS ISSUE

DEC

EMBE

R 20

11

VOLU

ME

I IS

SUE

2

Founder & TrusteesKenneth TanizakiDr. Kelly TanizakiDaimon Hudson

Board of GovernorsKenneth Tanizaki, FounderCharles M. Beeck, Jr., Chairman of the BoardThomas M. Dunn, Legal AdvisorLaurie Chesney, TreasurerDenise Asuncion, SecretaryKristian Lei, Member at LargeAugie & Kim Tulba, Members at Large

AdministrationDr. Kelly Tanizaki, Chief Executive OfficerJeffrey Beckman, Chief Financial OfficerDr. Janelle Akuna, Chief Operations OfficerDawn Ono-Pudiquet, Office ManagerDavid Suhs Associate Administrator

Parent Teacher Group (PTG) Daimon Hudson, PresidentElaine Peters, Vice PresidentAmy Zizzi, SecretaryLorraine McNeal, Treasurer

American Renaissance Academy

Bldg #1 Lexington AvenuePO Box 75357

Kapolei, HI 96707T: 808.682.7337F: 808.682.7336

W:www.arahawaii.org

For advertising information contactpublications@arahawaii.org

WHO’S WHO @ ARA

OELLIEN PACIFICConstruction Management & Development LIC BC #28393

2176 Lauwiliwili Street #12 | Kapolei, Hawaii 96707www.oellienpacific.com | 808.682.7337

James Oellien | Kenneth Tanizaki | Daimon Hudson

YOU HUNGRY ? Don’t forget to order your school lunch

www.arahawaii.org/youhungry

DEC

EMBE

R 20

11

VOLU

ME

I IS

SUE

2

Azul Pool & Lawn ServicesMarshall Dumadag, Owner808.384.2080www.azul-hawaii.comazulpoolservice@yahoo.com

Augie T.

PROUD TO BE A GRIFFIN

DEC

EMBE

R 20

11

VOLU

ME

I IS

SUE

2

While President Obama was recently meeting with the heads-of-state from the twenty-one nations of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Conference (APEC) in Honolulu, eight students from American Renaissance Academy (ARA) were meeting with over fifty high school students from the following schools: Punahou, Iolani, Sacred Hearts, St. Andrew’s Priory and, of course, American Renaissance Academy for a Model or Simulated APEC Conference. In this simulation, each school was given two or more APEC countries to represent and to do research on these countries’ trade, investment, energy, and internal security concerns. Students were asked to create position papers on these topics from their research. ARA students represented Japan and Thailand with Derek Tanizaki-Hudson (10th grade) and Cody Porter (10th grade) researching Japanese Trade and Investment; Rachel Imlay (9th grade) researching Japanese Energy issues; Crystal Boucon (9th grade) researching Japanese Internal Security issues; Brittney Lindo (11th grade) researching Thailand’s Trade and Investment; Abigail Castro (9th grade) and Kaci Masuda (9th grade) researching Thailand’s Energy issues; and Samantha Beck (9th grade) researching Thailand’s Internal Security issues.

The November 11 Model APEC was hosted by the Punahou School with Mr. Russell Motter, a teacher from Iolani School, as the main organizer of the event. The

days’ activities began with students meeting in their topic areas with all the other countries and sharing their position papers. Next, was a strategy meeting with their own country members from their school and their teacher advisor. The next two sessions were intense negotiations in each topic area where the student delegates worked hard to draft one or more proposals to bring before the entire Model APEC session at the end of the day. Students experience what it might be like for an APEC delegate to engage in discussion, compromise, collaboration, and consensus building on economic proposals.

In the final session, a student spokesperson from each topic group, presented the drafts of proposals and a report on the discussions of the sessions.

Mr. David Suhs, ARA Social Studies teacher and sponsor, complimented the ARA Model APEC student delegates for their preparation and the quality of representation of their particular country and topic. He also mentioned that ARA was one of youngest con- tingents at the Model APEC and that the ARA students were complimented by several of other school sponsors on their efforts and participation. ARA hopes to be involved in future Model United Nations and Model APEC events.

ARA PARTICIPATES IN THE MODEL APEC STUDENT SUMMIT

ARA Model APEC Team poses at the Wo International Center, Punahou School.( L to R) Samantha Beck, Brittney Lindo, Abigail Castro, Kaci Masuda, Mr. David Suhs, Teacher Advisor, Derek Tanizaki-Hudson, Cody Porter, Rachel Imlay, & Crystal Boucon

ARA Students strategize before a negotiation

PROUD TO BE A GRIFFIN

DEC

EMBE

R 20

11

VOLU

ME

I IS

SUE

2

ARA student ambassadors Mahea Sims-Tulba, 6th Grade, Courtney Pudiquet, 7th Grade, Cassidy Peters 1 2 t h G r a d e a n d f o r m e r A R A student Sunema Gibney (accepted into Kamehameha S c h o o l s f o r 2011-12 SY, 11th G r a d e h a d t h e opportunity of a lifetime. Our ARA students practiced each month with other participating Oahu students for over a year. Students from Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawai’i also practiced each

month in preparation for this event.

O v e r 3 5 0 b a n d students, 50 hula & tahitian dancers, 250+ accompany parents (including our own ARA parents Kim Tulba, Roy & D a w n P u d i q u e t , Elaine Peters and Robin & Nate Fletcher) and 30 staff members (including

Cassidy’s older sister Brittany Peters, overall Marching Technician) set out for an adventure to Washington, DC., Philadelphia and New York. For the first time all of the islands participating band performers and dancers joined together to practice in the Pentagon parking lot.

The Hawaii All-State M a r c h i n g B a n d (HASMB) "NA KOA ALI’I" performed on the Upper Senate Lawn in front of our Na t i on ’s Cap i t a l . S p e c i a l g u e s t , Katherina Deery, Staff Assistant to Senator Daniel Akaka and representatives from Colleen Hanabusa’s office came out to watch our Hawaii Ambassadors.

The HASMB stopped in Philadelphia to visit the Liberty Bell Center and had a Ph i lade lph ia Cheese Steak, while on the way to New York City for the Macy’s Thanksgiv ing Day Parade where the crowds were wowed by the bright colors of red and ye l low and the sounds of our loca l marching medleys.

While in NYC our ARA s t u d e n t s h a d m a n y experiences, just to name a few: eating NYC Pizza, riding the NYC subway, watching the Lion King Broadway Show and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes, visiting the Statue of Liberty and also made it to the “Top of the Rock” at the Rockerfeller Center. It was truly a trip that they will not forget anytime in the near future.

When asked what their favorite part of the trip was they ALL said marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with thousands of people waving to them! In addition, Cassidy said, “Taking a picture with CeeLo Green.” Courtney & Mahea said, “Shopping at the M&M Store.” Robin Fletcher said, “All o f the museums and the Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes.” Dawn said, “The McDonald’s bathroom while waiting in a crowd of thousands at the parade and eating at the Carnegie Deli.” Elaine said, “Every moment of the t r ip was an amaz ing experience, but most of all the bestest experience was to march in the parade as a parent with my two daughters, Cassidy and

Brittany along with Mahea, Courtney, and Sunema. These are the memories that will last a lifetime!!!”

ARA AMBASSADORS PARTICIPATE IN THE MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

Mahea, Nema, Cassidy & Courtney after making their tahitian head pieces for the parade.

ARA Parents with the Washington Monument in background

ARA at the Statue of LibertyCassidy with CeeLo Green at the

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

T h e H a w a i i A l l S t a t e Marching Band performing in front of Macy’s New York

Welcome TO OUR NEWEST ‘OHANA

The ‘Ohana of American Renaissance Academy (ARA), our Board of Governors, Administration, Faculty and Staff extend a warm and cordial aloha to our newest additions to the ARA ‘Ohana. It is our wish to see you and your keiki grow with our school ‘Ohana.

KindergartenElyssa

9th GradeKaci

DEC

EMBE

R 20

11

VOLU

ME

I IS

SUE

2

P&J Party Rentals Tables, Tents, Chairs & More Perry & Leslie Mason, Owner

808.672.8750 | 808.343.8605 | 808.291.6563 

DISPOSAL & RECYCLING"OUR SERVICE IS IN THE NAME"

1ST QUARTER NOTEWORTHY EVENTS

RESPICE “LEARN FROM THE PAST” | ADDITIONAL 2010-11 SPOTLIGHT

• Implemented ARA’s National Honor Society (NHS) Chapter

Another noteworthy milestone for 2010-11 since the last newsletter

• Implementation of ARA National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Chapter to support the National Honor Society Chapter of ARA

• ARA 2011 NHS & NJHS Induction Ceremony• ARA Class of 2012 Ring Ceremony and the

unveiling of the new ARA Legacy Class Ring

• Successful 2011 PTG & Student Council Halloween Festivities & Haunted House

• ARA student participation in the Model APEC Student Summit

• Sixteen winners celebrate the 11th Annual Kapolei Hale City Lights Christmas Coloring Contest

A few noteworthy events since the last newsletter include:

DEC

EMBE

R 20

11

VOLU

ME

I IS

SUE

2

Congratulations to the winners of the 11th Annual Kapolei Hale City Lights Christmas Coloring Contest

KindergartenBlaise Brumaghim - Dasher’s Choice

1st GradeMary Ann Trant - Merry Markers Category

Lochlan Loftis - Precious Treasures

2nd GradeSophia Dolan - Dasher’s Choice

Sean Walrod - Winter Wonderland

3rd GradeArin Kim - Dasher’s Choice

Aria Okimoto - Simply Beautiful

4th GradeTaylor Collins - Frosty’s Favorite

5th GradeLainey Collado - Dasher’s Choice

6th GradeIsabelle Castro - Frosty’s Favorites

7th Grade Courtney Pudiquet - Artistic TalentHakim Adeniji - Creative Decisions

Kayla Chew - Merry Markers

8th GradeTomo Shellko - Creative Designs

Sandra Engman - Frosty’s Favorites

Friday, December 2 ::Teacher’s Professional DevelopmentEarly Release Day | 2pm

Friday, December 9 ::Teen Night | 6-10pmFundraising Deadline

Friday, December 10 ::Kapolei Christmas Parade

Wednesday, December 14 :: ARA PTG Meeting | 5pm

Thursday, December 15 ::Spa for a cause | Private SPA Event at Beautiville | 5-9pm | $50 per person w/choice of Mini-Spa Treatment

Friday, December 16 :: Christmas Program | 9am w/12pm early release

Saturday, December 17 ::FAME Performance | 1pm | Windward Mall

Monday, December 19 - Monday, January 2:: Christmas Break | No School

Each year ARA participates in the Annual Kapolei City Lights Parade to welcome in the Christmas Season. This year the parade will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2011. Special thanks to Mark & Angel Aiwohi and Aiwohi Trucking, who for the past 4 years have donated their truck so that our keiki, parents and faculty can ride along in the parade. Special thanks to PTG parent Dave Porter, who built a Gingerbread House for our float this year. Each year our PTG members and students assist with decorating the truck for this festive event.

PROSPICE “LOOK TO THE FUTURE” | UPCOMING EVENTS

ARA DECEMBER EVENT FEATURE

DEC

EMBE

R 20

11

VOLU

ME

I IS

SUE

2

Aubree, Marc-Julien & Aunty Carol2010 Kapolei Christmas Parade

Dawn, Kelly, Kim & Daimon on the 2010 ARA Christmas Float

GRIFFIN SPOTLIGHTS

SODIQ ADENIJ IUPPER SCHOOL

STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Sodiq was described as a student who is very organized and always on task. He works hard and is a positive contributor and leader in his small group work. He aspires for academic excellence and is conscientious in his studies while keeping a balance between academics and social pursuits. He is well liked and is a role model for his peers. He is often assists others and is always very polite. He represents ARA in a very positive manner. When describing him the nominating teacher used the words:Positive Influence— Balanced—Team Leader!

CHARLEIGH GRIGAITISLOWER SCHOOL

STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Charleigh  was  described  as  a  student  who  is  always  on  task,  works  hard,  and  helps  others  and  is  very  polite  and  always  wears  a  smile.  She  represents  ARA  in  a  very  posi=ve  manner  because  she  demonstrates  confi-­‐  dence  and  compassion  daily.  Charleigh  always  has  a  posi=ve  outlook  and  puts  her  best  efforts  in  everything  she  does.  When  describing  her  the  nomina=ng  teacher  used  the  words: Hardworking—Cheerful—Smiley!

WAYNE HIRAKAWA

TEACHER OF THE MONTH

Wayne is the IT Services and Computer Technology Teacher. He has been a part of the ARA Faculty since April 2010.

Wayne has been selected for the November and December Teacher of the Month Award for going the extra mile installing our new school phone system, school-wide paging and bell system, outside perimeter building lighting and sprinkler system amongst many other school beautification projects.

Chili’s Bar & Grill - KapoleiProud Co-Sponsor of the American Renaissance Academy’s November

Student of the Month Recipients

The ARA Students-of-the Month are students nominated and elected by the faculty who display positive examples in areas of academics, good citizenship, leadership, and community building. Each month, from October to May, one lower school and one upper school student are selected and they each receive $20 gift certificates from Chili’s  Grill  of  Kapolei,  a  handsome  cer=ficate  and  have  their  names  placed  on  a  plaque  posted  in  the  school.

In  academics,  the  student-­‐of-­‐the-­‐month  should  maintain  an  over-­‐all  average  of  a  “C”  or  beNer,  demonstrate  willingness  to  work  hard,  strive  to  do  his/her  best  and  to  par=cipate  in  his/her  classes,  and  finally,  should  recognize  things  that  need  to  be  done  with-­‐  out  having  to  be  told.  In  ci=zenship,  leadership,  and  community  building,  the  student-­‐of-­‐the-­‐month  should  organize  his/her  =me  including  balancing  academics  and  social  ac=vi=es,  have  a  posi=ve  mind  set  which  doesn’t  lead  others  to  think  nega=vely,  should  set  a  good  example  for  others,  be  willing  to  put  others  first,  should  par=cipate  in  co-­‐curricular  ac=vi=es  such  as  sports,  clubs,  drama,  NHS,  or  student  government,  be  inclusive  of  new  students  and  the  less  popular,  discourage  improper  behavior  by  fellow  students,  and  build  up  other’s  character.

Chili’s Bar & Grill - Kapolei590 Farrington Highway

Kapolei, HI 96707(808) 693-8722

DEC

EMBE

R 20

11

VOLU

ME

I IS

SUE

2

DECEMBER INTERVIEWS

Each issue of the Griffin Gazette will feature student interviews of our administration, faculty, staff and volunteers.

Wayne Hirakawa | IT Services and Computer Technology Interview by Cassidy Peters, 12 Grade

How did you get into technology? I was in the 5th grade and played the first ever Lunar Lander Game on the early Mac computers and I was hooked from that moment.

Where is the farthest you have traveled from Hawaii? Kansas City, Missouri

Have you met any famous people? I’m family with Jason Momoa, Konan the Barbarian and Bay Watch, and I met Cary Hiroyuki-Tagawa, Planet of the Apes, The Last Emperor, Johnny Tsunami, and Hawaii Five-O when he visited ARA.

What do you like to do in your spare time? What that?

David Suhs | Associate Administrator | History Interview by Crystal Boucon and Samantha Beck, 9th Grade

What’s your favorite part about teaching?I like the contact with the students and I am hoping the students learn new things.

Why did you become a teacher?I became a teacher to have a good relationship with the students.

What subjects do you enjoy most?I enjoy teaching US History and US Government.

What is your favorite tie? I like the flag tie best because it represents the United States.

What is it like teaching kids in Korea?It’s different. The students in Korea are extremely motivated to get good grades. The students in Korea have a lot more opportunities. In Korea, they have over 50 clubs. Sports club gets to travel for tournaments. Lastly, each student has to do 150 hours of community, action, and service activities for two years in order for them to graduate.

DEC

EMBE

R 20

11

VOLU

ME

I IS

SUE

2

SPECIAL MAHALO TO OUR SPONSORS

Special Thanks to our sponsors featured in our December Issue. Please support the business that support American

Renaissance Academy.

Aiwohi Bros. Trucking & Heavy Hauling(808) 668-4285

Augie & Kim Tulbawww.augiet.com

Azul Pool & Lawn ServicesMarshall Dumadag, Owner808.384.2080www.azul-hawaii.com

CJ Peterson Services, Exceptional Excavating Services & Asphalt Work808.672.2686www.cjpetersonservices.net

Hawaiian Paradise CoffeeJean-Claude Drui, Owner808.682.4422 | 800.925.9226www.hawaiianparadisecoffee.com

HiAlarm.com808.808.395.3765www.hialarm.com

KeaPeters.comBrittany Peters, Graphic Designer808.864.0215www.keapeters.com

Oellien Pacific, Llc.Construction Management & Development LIC BC #28393James Oellien, Kenneth Tanizaki & Daimon Hudson808.682.5860www.oellienpacific.com

P&J Party RentalsPerry & Leslie Mason, Owner808.672.8750www.pandjpartyrentals.org

Power Cleaning ServicesJaime Perez, Owner 808.741.1586

Quality Disposal & Recycling808.682.1075

Romeo Collado Photography808.387.9022www.romeophotohawaii.com

Tropical Roofing & Raingutters, Inc.Charles Beeck, President & Owner808.847.0030 | Honoluluwww.tropicalroofingandraingutters.com

IMAGINE YOUR AD HERE...

Advertising in the Griffin Gazette is a great way to reach out

to supporters of American Renaissance Academy (ARA) and beyond!

Space is limited for the 2011-12 school year, reserve your space today!

Please send an email to publications@arahawaii.org for details.

DEC

EMBE

R 20

11

VOLU

ME

I IS

SUE

2

KEAPETERS

young graphic designer, interested in creatingsimple, effective and inspired design

Please feel free to view my work - mahalo for stopping by!

MY WORK

kea@keapeters.com |

Welcome http://www.keapeters.com/keapeters.portfolio/Welcome.html

1 of 1 10/31/11 5:33 PM

808.864.0215

RECIPES FROM THE GARDEN

Ingredients:1Tbs. Olive Oil1 Lg Onion, diced (2 cups)4 Cloves Garlic, minced1 tsp. ground cumin1 tsp. ground coriander1 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp.ground cinnamon1 15oz. can crushed tomatoes3 Cups, Cooked Chickpeas or 2 15oz cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained1 Cup whole-wheat couscous1 Cup Pitted Dates, halved1/4 Cup Lemon Juice1/2 Cup Chopped Cilantro

Directions: 1. Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, and cook 10

minutes, or until starting to brown, stirring often. Stir in garlic, cumin, coriander, ginger and cinnamon, and saute 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, chickpeas, and 1/4 cup water: simmer 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, toast couscous in small saucepan over medium heat 5 minutes, or until fragrant. Add 1 3/4 cups water, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 5 minutes.

3. Stir dates and lemon juice into tagine, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve over couscous, sprinkled with cilantro.

Chickpea and Date Tagine | Serves 6by Virgil Tanizaki

Mint Simple Syrup | Great to sweeten teas, soda and cocktailsby Virgil Tanizaki

Directions:1. Combine equal amounts of sugar and water in a saucepan over medium

heat2. Bring the water to a boil until the sugar is dissolved before turning off the

heat3. Crush or chop the mint leaves to release the oils and add them to the

liquid. Steep the mint leaves in the syrup for 10 minutes before straining out. The mint leaves can also be left in the syrup if desired

Ingredients: SugarWaterMint

DEC

EMBE

R 20

11

VOLU

ME

I IS

SUE

2

The Annual Food Drive is the Hawaii Foodbank’s largest fundraiser for both canned goods and monetary donations. The core of our mission at the Hawaii Foodbank is to ensure that no one in our ‘Ohana goes hungry.  

Congratulations to ARA for donating a total of 1,651pounds of food averaging over 16lbs per student. Our generous contribution will provide 1,300 meals for people in need.

Congratulations to the 1st Grade Class Winners which will receive a Pizza Party, Ice Cream Party and TWO FREE Dress Days.

ABOUT THE COVER   ARA  Ambassadors  to  the  Hawaii  All  State  Marching  Band  are  featured  with  special  guest  Katherina  Deery,  Staff  Assistant  to  Senator  Daniel  Akaka.    Picture  taken  at  the  performance  on  the  Upper  Senate  Lawn,  US  Capital,  Washington,  DC.

  Students  featured:  Michael  Gillis,  Cody  Porter,  Carlos  Munevar  II,  ScarleN-­‐Grace  Dumadag,  Antonia  Zizzi,  Julien  Myrland  and  Adley  McNeal.      

ARA ANNOUNCEMENTS

As a friendly reminder to our current ARA ‘Ohana with younger siblings or for friends or family interested in ARA. Please start considering the admissions process as early as possible. Our availability is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about the admissions process, please feel free to make an appointment or email us at admissions@arahawaii.org. Priority deadline for admissions is December 31, 2011. Deadline for financial aid applications through www.factstuitionaid.com is February 15, 2012.

ADMISSIONS 2012-13 | UPDATE

HAWAII FOOD BANK FOOD DRIVE

DEC

EMBE

R 20

11

VOLU

ME

I IS

SUE

2

GOT FUNDRAISING? $50 Gift Cards ($25 of each gift card to donated to ARA)great gift idea for holiday, birthday, anniversary,thank you, corporate, wedding, special occasion or just because...

Spa for a Cause | Private Spa Event | December 15, 2011 | 5-9pm$50 per person ($30 of each spa treatment to be donated to ARA)

Includes one (1) of the following mini - spa treatment of choice: Mini Massage | Mini facial | Express Manicure / Nail Art | Brow & Lip Waxing | Women’s trim | Men’s haircut | Complimentary wine, coffee, tea, light pupus & evening entertainment *bring an unwrapped gift $10 value and receive entry for prize drawing.

$20 Gift Packs ($50+value) with 100% donation towards ARA.

Quality gift wrap along with assorted gift bags, tissue, ribbon and gift items. Great for Christmas, birthday and all-occasion.