New students, existing students and boarders all become friends in a few short days as part of the new Ka Ulu Aloha program.

Incoming seventh grade students and their parents arrive early in the morning to start the three-day, two-night middle school orientation program.

Parents will be leaving their keiki, but stay for the official program opening.

Middle school staffers welcome the students and describe the purpose of the Ka Ulu Aloha program.

One of the activities for the students is a visit to the campus' Kaʻiwakīloumoku Hawaiian Cultural Center.

Cultural Resource Specialist Kaulana Vares talks about the different native plants cultivated the center’s Hawaiian garden.

Students remove weeds from the garden as part of practicing the values of mālama and kuleana, caring and responsibility.

Students also learn how to use feathers to make a kahili, a feather standard that is a symbol of Hawaiian royalty.

Middle school teacher Leslie Kang teaches a lesson in Ka Ulu Aloha values.

Students learn that giving and receiving respect, hoʻihi, is a foundational value that will help them to succeed in middle school.

It’s not all work! Cultural Resource Specialist Lloyd Sing teaches the students a game.

On command, they release their staffs and try to catch their neighbor’s staff before if falls to the ground.

Morning staff from left to right are Koy Omo, Nozomi Ozaki, Mahina Lui-Kwan, Leslie Kang and Malia Kane.

Afternoon staff from left to right are Ikaika Bantolina, Wayne Gillia, Renee Teraoka, Lindy Maluo, Kamaka Parker, Nozomi Ozaki.

Students gather at the campus piko (spiritual center) for the conclusion of the three-day program.

Student representatives tell the assembled families about what they learned through this orientation program. For many, forming new friendships and learning about their native culture were the most meaningful experiences.