Principal's Weekly Letter

August 1st, 2025

Aloha ELS Families,

This week has been busy!  Teachers are feverishly preparing for a new school year.  Organizing, reorganizing, painting, constructing, and planning were the themes for the week.  We are ready for the first day of school!  

In case you missed it, I will provide a summary of the topics of Back to School Night.

Drop-Off Procedures:

Between 7:45 AM and 8:15 AM you must enter from One Street (from Wakea).  School starts at 8 AM. All Students arriving before 7:35 AM should report to EDO.  Teachers will open their classrooms at 7:40 AM.  We ask that 3rd-5th, and 8th grade students enter on the sidewalk nearest the green covered fence. K-2nd graders should use the ramp that goes downstairs. 6th and 7th grade students can head to the modulars.  We are trying to minimize walking across the field in the morning. If you need to park, please do not use the drop-off line. Parents are welcome to walk children to class for the first few weeks, but we encourage goodbyes on the upper level as we get into our morning routines.

Pick-Up Procedures:

You must enter from One Street (from Wakea) 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Preschool pick-up is first, from 2:15 PM to 2:35 PM. Cones will prevent cars from waiting by the dumpster during this time. Grade school cars can enter once the cones are removed. K-5th graders should line up in the driveway, five cars deep. We will direct your child to the correct car, and students must enter on the passenger side. The line moves much faster if drivers remain in their vehicles. Middle school drivers can pass through the line or park further down One Street, as middle school students will be picked up at the modulars. Siblings of middle school students may also go to the modulars for pick-up. Please drive slowly and carefully, as it's congested from 2:35 PM to 2:55 PM.

Lunch Program:

We are finalizing vendors for My Hot Lunch Box. Please plan for students to bring their own lunch for the month of August.

E+/EDO:

Both EDO and EPLUS will be available starting on Day 1. EDO costs $4/day, and EPLUS costs $9/day ($13 on short days).

Handbook:

There are no major changes to the handbook, with simplifications made to the dress code.  The Handbook can be found on the website or by clicking this link.  

Volunteers and Visitors:

Due to new state laws and requirements, we are implementing more secure procedures by using a new program called Schoolpass.  Visit our website for more information about Schoolpass. Visitors will need to check in at the office with a driver's license for a quick scan (which will provide a code for future visits) and receive a badge. You can download the Schoolpass app to check in and out from your phone.

Additionally, anyone who may work in a classroom, go on a field trip, or volunteer will need to complete a Google Form (click here) for a quick check against the Harm to Student Registry, providing their name and birthday.  Please provide name and birthday for anyone (aunty, uncle, grandparents) who may take part in school activities involving your keiki.  We will do one massive import and check.  

Just a friendly reminder that kindergarten classes will dismiss at 11:30 AM on Monday.  Grades 1-8 will dismiss at 1:30 PM.  E+ is available.  

We look forward to a successful school year!

Sincerely,

Emmanuel Lutheran School Administration

School Staff 2025-2026

Administration
Mrs. Cambra	Director of Admin Services and Admissions
Mr. Smith	Director of Finance and Operations
Mr. Rempfer	Head of School
Mrs. Lewis	Preschool Director
Preschool
Ms. Omura	Teacher
Mrs. DeCoite	Teacher
Mrs. Watson	Teacher
Ms. Lilia	Aide
Ms. Jasmine	Aide
Teachers
Mrs. Kaio	Kindergarten
Mrs. Sjostrand	1st
Mrs. Hosch	2nd
Mrs. McCoy	3rd
Ms. Shishido	4th
Mr. Hallsten	5th
Mrs. Fletcher	6th
Ms. Ka'ala	7th
Mr. Jurchen	8th
Ms. Jordynn	PE/AD/Community Relations
Aides
Ms. Brown	Lower Elementary
Ms. Rebecca	Lower Elementary/E+
Mrs. Nakamura	Lower Elementary
Ms. Kahakauwila	Upper Elementary
Electives
Uncle Malik	Lower Elementary PE
Mrs. Davenport	E+ Director/Art
Pastor Hosch	Pastor/Religion Classes
Uncle Mika	Ukulele
Mr. Brown	Social Media