Author: Russell

The Moanalua Athletic Club (MAC) has served our community for more than a decade, giving hundreds of Moanalua students opportunities to learn teamwork, stay active, and develop confidence through sports. This year, MAC nearly stopped the basketball program; however after many families expressed interest, MAC is willing to move forward if they are able to find coaches.

For teams to be entered into the Police Activity League (PAL) season, each age division must have a committed head coach. If no head coach is secured, that team cannot be formed even if players are available.

What MAC Needs Now
MAC is urgently looking for parent volunteers to serve as head coaches for the following divisions (age as of January 1, 2026):

• Jr. Pintos: Ages 5–6
• Pintos: Ages 7–8
• Mustangs: Ages 9–10
• Broncos: Ages 11–12
• Pony: Ages 13–14

Teams will be created only if there is a head coach and a minimum of 10 players. Currently only the Mustang and Pony divisions have head coaches. Coaches’ children receive priority placement, and fees may be waived or discounted.

Season Details
• Tentative season dates: December 15, 2025 – March 7, 2026
• Practices held at Moanalua Community Park and Moanalua Elementary School courts (MES approval pending)

How to Sign Up
• Player sign-ups: December 8–14, 2025 at palmoanalua.com.

After signing up, players will be placed on a waitlist. Team placement is confirmed once registration and payment are received.

Priority for teams
• Head coaches’ children
• Players living in the Moanalua Elementary School district (proof of residency may be required)
• Players who have obtained a GE to MES or MMS (player’s school schedule acceptable)
• All other players who sign up
• Players who request specific days of practice and are not a head coaches’ child

WANTING TO COACH OR HAVE QUESTIONS: Contact Dennis Arakaki, MAC Coordinator at palmoanalua@gmail.com

Our students benefit tremendously from having community members invest in their growth. If you have the time, interest, or past experience—or simply the willingness to learn—please consider stepping forward. Your participation could make all the difference.

The MES Scholastic Book Fair is just around the corner, and we need your help! Volunteers are needed to assist Librarian Mrs. Weisz in making this event a success.

Volunteers will help students select books, create wish lists, assist at the cash registers, and keep the shelves organized. It’s a fun and rewarding way to support literacy and our MES students.

Dates: October 27–30, 2025
Time: 7:15 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: MES Library

Sign up today at bit.ly/3IjIiqw.

All volunteers must complete the MES HIDOE Harm to Student Registry Screening Form, available on the MES website or in the office.

Questions? Contact gail.weisz@k12.hi.us.

Foodland Give Aloha (September 1-30, 2025)
Maika’i Members can make a donation up to $249 at any Foodland, Foodland Farms, and Sack N Save, and Foodland will match a portion of your donation.
Enter our Mahalo raffle by submitting a copy of your receipt showing your donation to Moanalua Elementary School PTO to https://forms.gle/Wz5qNQv9qx2CAe1Q9 by October 1.

Gift Card Fundraiser (September 17-October 3, 2025)
Order online at bit.ly/MESPTO25FALL or via the paper order form sent home in student folders. (Additional forms are also available in the MES Office.)
In addition, for each CarWash808 Diamond Car Wash purchased by a MES 6th grader, MES PTO will donate 50% of the proceeds back to 6th grade to help support their Camp Erdman and Papaola Kuola field trips.

Habilitat Christmas Tree Fundraiser (until October 31, 2025)
Order your Christmas trees or wreaths through Habilitat at HawaiiChristmasTrees.com and specify Moanalua Elementary School at check out so we get a portion of the proceeds.

We need your support! Monies raised from MES PTO fundraisers go toward helping support programs such as classroom stipends for teachers, field trip stipends for students, and family engagement events.

Support MES PTO and cross some holiday gifts off your list at the same time. We’re excited to offer the following items:

• McDonald’s McFun-Raiser Coupon Books ($10 each)
  Includes coupons for McDonald’s food and beverages, plus bonus partner coupons for Kid City, Wet ‘N’ Wild, and more! Expires 12/31/2026.
• Dave & Buster’s Power Cards ($10 and $20)
  Play more, save more—no expiration date!
• CarWash808Express ($20 each)
  Give the gift of a Diamond Car Wash. Certificates expire three months after pick-up (around end of February 2026).

Our goal is to raise $15,000—or just two cards per student!

Prizes will be awarded to the top individual sellers, with additional drawings when we hit the $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 milestones.

How to Order

1. Online: bit.ly/MESPTO2025FALL
2. Submit the order form with cash or checks payable to “MES PTO” to the office.

Orders due by Friday, October 3, 2025.

Other Ways to Support MES PTO

• Foodland Give Aloha (September only): Donate up to $249 and Foodland will match a portion of your gift. Use code 77664 at checkout.
• Habilitat Christmas Trees and Wreaths: Order online at habilitat.com/hawaii-christmas-trees-fundraiser/and select Moanalua Elementary so we receive credit.

For more information, visit moanaluapto.org/fundraising or email fundraising@moanaluapto.org with questions.