Our monthly online publication to highlight bright spots from across the public school system. This week's issue includes the Hawai‘i Afterschool Alliance’s ‘Aha Lokahi Community conference.
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Oct. 25
Editorial Mission: As the Department's primary publication, we aim to live up to the meaning of ha‘aheo – to cherish with pride – by bolstering and sustaining pride in public education and touting the successes happening across our system.
Aloha, HIDOE Community –
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Ho‘oha‘aheo Newsletter. Hawai‘i Afterschool Alliance Annual Conference On Monday I had the privilege of speaking at the Hawai‘i Afterschool Alliance’s ‘Aha Lokahi Community conference. After-school programs play an important role by providing extra learning opportunities for students, supporting social-emotional learning and helping working families.
On Maui, the Hawai‘i Afterschool Alliance helped to coordinate Fall Break camps for students and worked closely with the YMCA Maui to set up a camp for students of displaced West Maui ‘ohana while Lāhainā schools were closed. These programs are building bridges between schools, families and the community and we truly appreciate the support of our children and youth outside of the classroom.
I’ve personally seen the impact of after-school programs that engage and excite students, build supportive and trusting relationships and create strong connections to culture and learning. Students have shared that it wasn’t just the team athletics, culinary classes or academic support, but more importantly the caring adults that made these programs successful. I want to thank the Hawai‘i Afterschool Alliance and all the program staff for their passion, efforts and kindness and look forward to continuing this partnership.
#HIPublicSchoolsProud
Social media highlights of schools and staff in their efforts to help, support and bolster the West Maui school community. Use the #HIPublicSchoolsProud hashtag for a chance to be featured!
University of Hawai‘i News
» A donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has agreed to fund the scholarship extensions for Lāhaināluna High seniors for two-year and four-year scholarships to the University of Hawaiʻi #UHohana.
Rep. Perruso
» This week, the House Committee on Education visited Mililani High and Waipahu High, and saw very different manifestations of principal and staff leadership.
Mountain View Elementary
» Sharing a chant of regrowth, inspiration, along with aloha, Mountain View Elementary wanted to dedicate our morning piko event we had on Unity Day to all of the students, staff and ‘ohana of the Lāhainā schools.
Family Focus
Family Focus is a monthly column by Parents for Public Schools Hawai‘i.
October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month Thank you for wearing orange for Unity Day last Wednesday!
Unity Day was established by PACER, an organization founded on the philosophy of “parents helping parents” so that children may have a better future. The role of an adult is so important in stopping bullying. As PACER’s website notes, “If students could stop bullying on their own, they would,” but bullying often makes them feel powerless.
Read more:
Get in the Halloween mood!
Check out the PBS Hawai‘i collection of HIKI NŌ stories created by Hawaiʻi’s elementary, middle and high school students. Click on the school name for their spooky stories:
Visit Parents for Public School’s Halloween page for Hawai‘i State Library Events and lists of Halloween events.
Parents for Public Schools Hawai‘i is a nonprofit organization contributing to keiki and public school success through family and community engagement. Visit www.ppshi.org.
West Maui Updates
🎉🏈 Welcoming home Lunas at their sold-out homecoming football game against the Baldwin High Bears! 🏈🎉 The night was full of cheer and excitement as we celebrated first responders, the homecoming court and the spirit of Lāhaināluna High ❤️
National Principals Month
As we close out October and National Principals Month, hear from our 2023 National Distinguished Principal and our 2023 Hawai‘i Principal of the Year for a special message for our school administrators.
Vince Lombardi said, “Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.” During this month that honors school principals, I am honored to stand with and salute the over 200 school leaders in our state who put in the “hard effort” daily to create a safe, caring and rich learning environment for the keiki of this ‘āina. They helped to lead our schools and communities through the fear and uncertainties of the pandemic, and continue to struggle with its long-term consequences like addressing critical areas such our students’ attendance, social and accelerated learning needs. All principals are deserving of the title of “Distinguished Principal” for their caring and hard work on behalf of Hawai‘i’s children.
Principal Appreciation Month is a great time to reflect and acknowledge the incredible work that school administrators do on a daily basis. While our efforts might not always be seen day to day, the impact of our work extends far beyond the confines of the school walls. Our dedication and hard work is shaping the future leaders, thinkers and problem solvers of our communities. We overcome challenges, celebrate victories, and create opportunities for every student to succeed. We can create an environment where all principals feel appreciated, valued and motivated to continue making a positive difference. Together, we can continue to improve the quality of education and make a lasting difference in the lives of our students. Wishing you a joyful Principal Appreciation Month filled with appreciation and recognition.
Important Dates and Upcoming Events
Community Query
HIDOE Headlines
A roundup of announcements, resources and shoutouts.
» Read the story of Lāhainā Intermediate health teacher Nate Kahaiali‘i who signed up to run in the 2023 Chicago Marathon for the Red Cross without realizing the race would later come with added significance.
» Prince David Kawānanakoa Middle Vice Principal Bebi Davis has recently chimed in on articles about chronic absenteeism in the Washington Post and the National Association of Secondary School Principals Roundtable.
» The Department of Human Services is helping families who have been impacted by the Maui fires pay for child care. Must apply by Oct. 31. Apply online, print a paper application or call (855) 643-1643 for more assistance.
HAWAI‘I STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Keith Hayashi
Superintendent
Heidi Armstrong
Deputy Superintendent
Curt Otaguro
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS
Michael Otsuji
Cara Tanimura
Teri Ushijima
Ho‘oha‘aheo
PUBLIC SCHOOL PROUD
Nanea Kalani
Executive Editor
Chanel Honda
Managing Editor
Sara MiyazonoCreative Director
Derek Inoshita
Contributing Writer
Krislyn Yano
Kimberly Yuen
1390 Miller St. Honolulu, HI 96813 | Phone: (808) 784-6200 | Fax: (808) 586-3234Email: newsletter@k12.hi.us
Communications Branch
Phone: (808) 784-6200
Email: doeinfo@k12.hi.us
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