The incoming 6th grade class of 2024 spent three days getting to know each other, the kumus (teachers), and the campus. The purpose of orientation is for students to meet their classmates & teachers, enjoy fun pilina activities and be familiar with routines before school starts. 

Haumāna (students) enjoyed a variety of activities while learning about school procedures, getting to know other students and meeting teachers and staff.  Some activities included attending a chapel service, scavenger hunt through the buildings, and games such as “musical buddies,” a Family Feud middle school style, minute-to-win-it and a relay race.  The students event participated in a mini basketball and volleyball tournament.

The culminating event was the marshmallow tower building contest. Students had to brainstorm and construct the tallest tower possible with raw spaghetti noodles connected together with marshmallows. The teamsʻ goal was to build the tallest tower; the highest tower was 26.75 inches tall.  However, the students later found out the purpose of this team activity was collaboration, communication & critical thinking.  They learned that they need to work together, talk about their ideas and think big.

Here's what a few students had to say about orientation:

Mr. Jones: What was your favorite part of the week? 
Keoni: This right now. Playing different sports like volleyball and basketball. 

Mr. Jones: Tell me one thing you've learned this week. 
Keoni: About the Hawaiian people's past and how they ran the villages. 
Kamalekua: Middle school is different than elementary. They (the kumu) don't baby you, and you can be more independent. They give you a chance to be more responsible. 

Mr. Jones: Have you made new friends this week?  
Leimomi: Yes! (points to over 10 of her new friends surrounding her)

Mr. Jones: On a scale of 1 - 10, how was orientation?
Amadeo: 10!

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Kaipuolono Article, Maui Newsroom, Maui Middle School, Maui campus

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