| Pearl City Cultural Center renamed for renowned band director Michael D. Nakasone | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Nakasone-Performing-Arts-Center.aspx | Pearl City Cultural Center renamed for renowned band director Michael D. Nakasone | The Pearl City Cultural Center was renamed as the Michael D. Nakasone Performing Arts Center in recognition of the renowned band master's contributions to music education and band programs across the state. | | |
| Ala Wai Elementary School's Lori Kwee named 2021 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/2021-Hawaii-State-Teacher-of-the-Year.aspx | Ala Wai Elementary School's Lori Kwee named 2021 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year | Ala Wai Elementary teacher Lori Kwee was named the 2021 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year. Kwee received the state's top teaching award from Gov. David Ige and Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto during a virtual awards ceremony this afternoon.
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| Professional string musicians inspire Niu Valley Middle students with performances and advice | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Niu-Valley-Middle-music.aspx | Professional string musicians inspire Niu Valley Middle students with performances and advice | Students were treated to performances and words of wisdom from classically trained string musicians. | | |
| Ala Wai Elementary teacher selected as a National ‘LifeChanger of the Year’ Grand Prize Finalist | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Ala-Wai-Elementary-Teacher-Named-LifeChanger-of-the-Year-Finalist.aspx | Ala Wai Elementary teacher selected as a National ‘LifeChanger of the Year’ Grand Prize Finalist | Ala Wai Elementary School teacher Lori Kwee was surprised during school assembly with a $5,000 award. | | |
| 'Waiting for You,' an intersection of work and play, nets top art award | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Students/Pages/2019-HRSAA.aspx | 'Waiting for You,' an intersection of work and play, nets top art award | Emma Park, an 8th grader at Wahiawa Middle School, has been named an American Visions nominee in the Hawaii Regional Scholastic Art Awards. Her photograph, "Waiting for You," and two other works will be considered for national recognition. A selection of works statewide will be exhibited at the Hawaii State Art Museum. “I always saw something in my work, and it makes me really happy that other people see something in it, too.” | | |
| Niu Valley Middle music teacher Zachary Morita awarded $100,000 grant from Farmers Insurance | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Niu-Valley-Farmers.aspx | Niu Valley Middle music teacher Zachary Morita awarded $100,000 grant from Farmers Insurance | Music teacher's winning proposal will establish Niu Valley Music Olympic Invitational for students to compete in classical music setting. | | |
| Jake Shimabukuro and Music for Life Foundation dedicate Jake’s Clubhouse at Ala Wai Elementary | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Jakes-Clubhouse-Ala-Wai.aspx | Jake Shimabukuro and Music for Life Foundation dedicate Jake’s Clubhouse at Ala Wai Elementary | The new music education learning space is outfitted with more than 100 instruments, a recording studio, performance stage and more for students of Shimabukuro's alma mater. | | |
| Three Hawaii public school teachers each vying for $100,000 'Dream Big' grants in national competition | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Farmers-Dream-Big-Finalists.aspx | Three Hawaii public school teachers each vying for $100,000 'Dream Big' grants in national competition | Online votes through Nov. 3 will determine five winners from among 15 finalists nationwide. Hawaii has three teachers in the running for the grant. | | |
| February 2018 Inspire | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/Newsletters/Inspire/Pages/0218.aspx | February 2018 Inspire | Inspirational stories from Hawai'i's public schools. In this edition: King Kekaulike High goes all-in with interventions and co-teaching with promising results for student outcomes, Mililani High selected as next Farm to School site, more Hawai'i teachers earn National Board Certification, and many more stories. | | |
| Celebrating 2018 ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/TeachingAndLearning/StudentLearning/HawaiianEducation/Pages/2018-Olelo-Hawaii.aspx | Celebrating 2018 ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i | February is Hawaiian Language Month! The Islands are celebrating with events to elevate and honor the indigenous language and help raise funds for Hawaiian Language Immersion Program schools. | | |
| Vibrant otherworld captured by Moanalua High 'Creator' earns top art award | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Awards/Pages/Arianne-Javier-HRSAA-2018.aspx | Vibrant otherworld captured by Moanalua High 'Creator' earns top art award | Freshman Arianne Javier is an American Visions nominee in this year's Hawaii Regional Scholastic Art Awards program. The honor is given to the "best in show" works among the 233 selected this year from across the state. Nominated works are eligible for national awards and scholarships in the spring. | | |
| Kapolei Middle School student’s winning poster featured for National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 16-20 | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/2017-National-School-Bus-Safety-Week.aspx | Kapolei Middle School student’s winning poster featured for National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 16-20 | In Branden Pagurayan’s artwork, the hashtag is used to depict the extreme importance of drivers stopping for a school bus when loading or unloading students. | | |
| Roosevelt High Director of Music inducted into Legion of Honor | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Legion-of-Honor.aspx | Roosevelt High Director of Music inducted into Legion of Honor | Roosevelt High School's Director of Music Gregg Abe has been inducted into the prestigious Bandworld Legion of Honor along with six other band directors from across the U.S. this year. He is the eighth band director from Hawaii to receive the award since its inception in 1989. | | |
| Ewa Elementary students treated to special back to school performance | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Ewa-El-HSO.aspx | Ewa Elementary students treated to special back to school performance | Students from third through sixth grade gathered in the cafeteria at Ewa El for a special performance from the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra’s string ensembles as part of the organization’s education and outreach initiative. | | |
| 10 Hawaii public school students medal at national art program | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Awards/Pages/2017-scholastic-nationals.aspx | 10 Hawaii public school students medal at national art program | Eighteen artworks from Hawaii were honored at the national Scholastic Art Awards, including 10 from public schools (nine DOE and one charter). Kathleen Acasio, a senior at Leilehua High, was honored with the prestigious American Visions Medal for her photograph, "Halloween." | | |
| Ala Wai Elementary receives 40 donated ukuleles from local artist Jake Shimabukuro and Music For Life Foundation | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Ala-Wai-Ukuleles.aspx | Ala Wai Elementary receives 40 donated ukuleles from local artist Jake Shimabukuro and Music For Life Foundation | Helping to rekindle Ala Wai Elementary’s music program, ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro and the Music For Life Foundation generously donated 40 ukuleles to the school’s students and restored 22 of its Kamaka ukuleles. | | |
| Local viewpoint on display among powerful regional art program nominees | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Awards/Pages/2017-HI-Regional-SAA.aspx | Local viewpoint on display among powerful regional art program nominees | Congratulations to the extraordinary student artists nominated for this year's Hawaii Regional Scholastic Art Awards program. Their works will be exhibited at the Hawaii State Art Museum this spring. Gold Key and American Visions nominees are eligible for the prestigious national competition and scholarships, to be announced in March. | | |
| Stevenson Middle School dedicates stunning new mural with message of hope | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Stevenson-Mural.aspx | Stevenson Middle School dedicates stunning new mural with message of hope | Students at Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School dedicated a beautiful new campus mural depicting a message of hope, covering an outer wall of its new Science & Technology Center, spanning two stories and over 1,000 square feet. | | |
| Students take passion for percussion to a national level | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Students/Pages/HYPE.aspx | Students take passion for percussion to a national level | An ensemble of dedicated percussionists and their director share a passion for music in a unique opportunity for Hawaii students. | | |
| Top student research showcased at 2016 state science fair | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Awards/Pages/HSSEF-2016.aspx | Top student research showcased at 2016 state science fair | The 2016 Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair featured the best research projects from the state's district fairs. Top work will represent the Islands at the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair in Phoenix, AZ, May 8-13. | | |
| Pearl City band director continues to impress with his music achievements | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Chad-Kamei.aspx | Pearl City band director continues to impress with his music achievements | Pearl City band director Chad Kamei continues to receive accolades for his musical talents in the classroom. After being awarded the Bandworld Legion of Honor, earlier this year, the American Bandmasters Association announced it selected Kamei as one of its newest members during its 82nd convention. | | |
| Nurturing a lifelong passion for art | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/TeachersAndPrincipals/Pages/Larry-Taguba.aspx | Nurturing a lifelong passion for art | With 51 student works earning awards in the Hawaii Regional Scholastic Art Awards program, and nine medaling at the national level, all eyes are on Leilehua High's art department and its head, 38-year fine arts teacher Larry Taguba. "Winning is not the goal, but improvement is." | | |
| Leilehua High students make their mark in national Scholastic Art Awards program | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Awards/Pages/2016-scholastic-arts-national.aspx | Leilehua High students make their mark in national Scholastic Art Awards program | Nine HIDOE students who earned top recognition in the Hawaii Regional Scholastic Art Awards have gone on to earn medals in the national competition — and they're all from Leilehua High School. The Scholastic Art Awards is the longest-running, largest and most prestigious student recognition program in the United States. | | |
| NEA Chair sees arts in action in Hawaii public schools | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Chairman-Chu.aspx | NEA Chair sees arts in action in Hawaii public schools | Students at Kalihi Kai Elementary showcased their arts-integrated curriculum with the head of artistic excellence, Jane Chu, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Kalihi Kai Elementary is one of three Turnaround Arts schools in Hawaii, a program launched by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH). | | |
| 2015 Year in Review | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Awards/Pages/2015-Year-in-Review.aspx | 2015 Year in Review | There is much work to be done, but there is much to celebrate now! Here’s a rundown of impressive achievements in 2015 by our schools, educators and keiki. | | |
| Kaimuki High unveils dazzling mural inspired by Malama Honua | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Schools/Pages/Kaimuki-mural.aspx | Kaimuki High unveils dazzling mural inspired by Malama Honua | Students in the Hospitality Academy researched themes and connected to cultural values to bring "Ho‘o Kahewai, Ho‘oulu ‘Aina" to life. The Worldwide Voyage of the Hōkūle‘ā is represented as a reminder of the courage of that journey, and to inspire Mālama Honua — care for Island Earth. | | |
| Red Raider rhythm nation raises its voice | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/TeachersAndPrincipals/Pages/KHIS-vocal-motion.aspx | Red Raider rhythm nation raises its voice | Kahuku High & Intermediate School saw its student enrollment in the choir program jump by 49 percent in a year. New KHIS teacher Jacosa Limutau-Ainuu's goal to connect with students, meeting them "wherever they are," is working. | | |
| Three Hawaii schools to spend next two years working with celebrity artists | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Turnaround-Arts-Hawaii.aspx | Three Hawaii schools to spend next two years working with celebrity artists | Celebrity artists Alfre Woodard, Jack Johnson and Jake Shimabukuro helped to launch the Turnaround Arts Hawaii in musical fashion at Kalihi Kai Elementary. Each spent time with students showing them some musical skills before performing at the student assembly. Kamaile Academy and Waianae Elementary School were also selected for the presidential program. | | |
| How did Kisa Uradomo get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, online practice. | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Students/Pages/Uradomo.aspx | How did Kisa Uradomo get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, online practice. | The Kula violinist who just graduated from King Kekaulike High is the only student from Hawaii selected to join the 2015 National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America. The prestigious musical program embarks on a nine-city tour in July with several stops in China. | | |
| Hawaii joins national Turnaround Arts initiative | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Hawaii-Turnaround-Arts.aspx | Hawaii joins national Turnaround Arts initiative | Musicians Jack Johnson and Jake Shimabukuru, and actress Alfre Woodard will work with Kalihi Kai Elementary, Kamaile Academy and Waianae Elementary as Turnaround Artists. The program has helped improve academic outcomes in participating schools through intensive arts education. | | |
| Highlands Intermediate student wins statewide logo competition | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/KaHei_Logo_winner.aspx | Highlands Intermediate student wins statewide logo competition | Tiffany Noda's artwork will brand the DOE's push for sustainability via the Ka Hei program. | | |
| 'Celebrating Hawaii' comes easy for Student Art Exhibition participants | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Awards/Pages/2015-student-art-exhibit.aspx | 'Celebrating Hawaii' comes easy for Student Art Exhibition participants | With dreams of ocean and beach firmly in mind, 96 students grades K-6 from across the Islands were selected for the annual juried exhibition at the Hawaii Convention Center. | | |
| For Honokaa Jazz Band, music 'is a language itself' | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Schools/Pages/Honokaa-Jazz-Band-at-HSDB.aspx | For Honokaa Jazz Band, music 'is a language itself' | Honoka'a High student musicians transcend hearing barriers with a performance at the Hawaii School for the Deaf and the Blind as part of its 2015 Big City Tour from April 16-19. | | |
| Hawaii schools dominate national television competition | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Schools/Pages/2015-STN.aspx | Hawaii schools dominate national television competition | Local public and private schools take home 28 awards at the 12th Annual Student Television Network Convention in San Diego April 1-4. Waianae High and Maui Waena Intermediate were top winners with six awards each. | | |
| Students shine in Scholastic Art Awards regional competition | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Awards/Pages/2015-scholastic-art.aspx | Students shine in Scholastic Art Awards regional competition | Dozens of public school students' art works, from painting to photography to mixed media, meet criteria for prestigious Scholastic Art Awards national review. Works will be exhibited at the Hawaii State Art Museum Feb. 20 through April 10. | | |
| Arts, Common Core, and a first-year Department teacher meet at Honolulu Museum | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/TeachersAndPrincipals/Pages/museum-day.aspx | Arts, Common Core, and a first-year Department teacher meet at Honolulu Museum | When the Department offered “A Day at the Museum,” a professional development course on integrating art with Hawaii Common Core standards, first-year DOE teacher Sheldon Konno jumped at the chance to participate. He wasn’t the only one — about 50 teachers spent a day rotating through different sessions with staff at the Honolulu Museum of Art. | | |
| 'How did you spend your winter break?' Momilani kids STEAMed. | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Schools/Pages/momi-stem.aspx | 'How did you spend your winter break?' Momilani kids STEAMed. | Teachers at Momilani Elementary teamed with Navy SPAWAR (Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command) engineers to create a three-day camp for students, with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) games and projects. Here's a breakdown of what they did. | | |
| Student inspires through dance, leadership, academics | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Students/Pages/jacob-ly.aspx | Student inspires through dance, leadership, academics | Hawaii students in both public and private schools take the ACT college-entrance exam early in the school year. A perfect score is 36. And that’s exactly what Kalani High senior Jacob Ly achieved — all while balancing a 4.0 GPA, student activities and being one of the state’s top young dancers trained in classical ballet. | | |
| Strive HI Profile: Pomaikai Elementary | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Schools/Pages/Strive-HI-Pomaikai.aspx | Strive HI Profile: Pomaikai Elementary | One in an occasional series spotlighting the Department's Recognition schools for 2013-14 in the Strive HI Performance System, and getting the principal's insight into what they're doing right. What makes a great school tick? Read on! | | |
| Iroquois Point Elementary unveils 'Ocean of Aloha' | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Schools/Pages/ocean-of-aloha.aspx | Iroquois Point Elementary unveils 'Ocean of Aloha' | Anti-bullying, the arts and environmental sustainability converge in an inspirational student-led exhibit on the Ewa Beach campus. Mahalo to the PTA, Re-use Hawaii and Iroquois Point Elementary staff for making it possible. | | |
| Kahuku High student's photo selected for national display | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Students/Pages/Makoa-Ho.aspx | Kahuku High student's photo selected for national display | A spontaneous photo taken by teen Makoa Ho, a 2014 Kahuku High and Intermediate School graduate, is one of only 56 national award-winning works chosen for display at Washington, D.C.’s U.S. Department of Education Building on Sept. 19. | | |
| Maui Arts & Cultural Center connects students to a legend | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Partners/Pages/MACC.aspx | Maui Arts & Cultural Center connects students to a legend | Thanks to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center's Artists in the Community program, students at Baldwin High's Performing Arts Learning Center got to spend some time with legendary singer Al Jarreau. | | |
| Nanakuli High and Intermediate Performing Arts Center students visit White House | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Partners/Pages/Nanakuli-PAC-students.aspx | Nanakuli High and Intermediate Performing Arts Center students visit White House | Five students from the Nanakuli High and Intermediate School Performing Arts Center were among 124 students from around the country who participated in the GRAMMY Museum “I’m Every Woman: The History of Women in Soul,” educational workshop on March 6 at the White House. | | |
| Roosevelt High Symphony duo chosen for prestigious Carnegie Hall program | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Roosevelt-High-Symphony-duo-chosen-for-prestegious-Carnegie-Hall-program.aspx | Roosevelt High Symphony duo chosen for prestigious Carnegie Hall program | HONOLULU – A pair of violinists with the Roosevelt High Roughrider Symphony Orchestra will represent the 50th State in early February at Carnegie Hall’s prestigious Honors Performance Series. | | |
| Maui High band invited to 2015 Rose Parade® | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Maui-High-band-invited-to-2015-Rose-Parade.aspx | Maui High band invited to 2015 Rose Parade® | Maui High School’s Saber Marching Band & Color Guard has been invited by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Association to appear in the 126th Annual Rose Parade on Jan. 1, 2015 in Pasadena, Calif. It will mark the first appearance by a Hawaii public school band since Pearl City in 2006. Maui High is also just the second neighbor island school selected for the prestigious, nationally televised parade. | | |
| Student wins national award for 'Curiously Conforming' | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/SuccessStories/Students/Pages/Skyler-wins-national-award-for-'Curiously-Conforming'.aspx | Student wins national award for 'Curiously Conforming' | Moanalua High School’s Skyler Lawendowski earned a huge honor in the 2012-13 school year, becoming the only Hawaii public school student to be recognized nationally in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for 2013. More than 230,000 works of art and writing from young artists across the country were submitted; only one percent was recognized with national awards. | | |
| Alaska Airlines 'Paint the Plane' contest opens | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Students-can-enter-Alaska-Airlines-'Paint-the-Plane'-contest.aspx | Alaska Airlines 'Paint the Plane' contest opens | HONOLULU — Alaska Airlines is inviting school-aged children in Hawaii to create artwork honoring the unique culture of the Aloha State that will adorn a Boeing 737-800 in a “Paint the Plane” contest. In partnership with the Department and the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS), contest forms will be distributed to more than 400 schools and 218,000 students throughout the Islands. | | |
| Kaiser High student wins ‘Paint-the-Plane’ contest | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Kaiser-High-student-wins-‘Paint-the-Plane’-contest.aspx | Kaiser High student wins ‘Paint-the-Plane’ contest | HONOLULU - Alaska Airlines announced today that Aaron Nee, 16, of Honolulu is the winner of the “Spirit of the Islands” Paint-the-Plane contest. His artwork will adorn an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 aircraft honoring the unique culture of the Aloha State. | | |
| Moanalua High a semi-finalist in national design contest | https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Moanalua-High-named-semi-finalist-in-national-design-contest.aspx | Moanalua High a semi-finalist in national design contest | HONOLULU – For the fourth consecutive year, Moanalua High School has been named a national semi-finalist in the VANS Custom Culture design contest. The national high school art contest encourages schools to submit four original designs for the renowned shoemaker. | | |
