AKAHAI AND COMPLAINING

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Aka, with care, and hai, to speak. To be tender of heart; meek

Andrews, Hawaiian Dictionary, 1865

Ua ola no i ka pane a ke aloha

There is life in a kindly reply.

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: AKAHAI

In preparing for this week’s blog, I searched for children’s books about complaining. I hoped to find something that could help students know how to positively communicate their frustrations as well as how to show akahai when someone else is complaining. What I found instead were books aimed at generating gratitude for your present situation by sharing stories about kids who “had it worse.” There were books about being a laborer building the great pyramids of Giza, being a worker during the devastating Triangle shirtwaist factory fire of 1911, and paradoxically one even about being an American colonist. 

Perhaps the topic of complaining might be too nuanced and complex to be featured in a children’s picture book. After all, there are both positive and negative aspects of complaining. Expressing one’s complaints is at the heart of the first amendment. Protesting and issuing grievances have brought about strides in civil rights, suffrage, and reforms to malfeasance. Complaints in the workplace have led to the 5-day work week, more equitable treatment, and sexual harassment reform. While we are still far from solving the ills causing inequity, corruption, and harm, complaining in the form of non-violent protests and legal action carves a path towards a better tomorrow.

On the other hand, complaining, when done in excess or with malicious intent, can be destructive. Back in my twenties, I used to be friends with a guy who frequently complained about his life without making any effort to better his situation. He grumbled that his parents were overbearing yet continued to live with them. He whined about being overworked by a demanding boss but did not voice his concerns or look for other employment. He moaned about being single but didn’t make any effort to meet someone or give attention to girls he did not see as physically attractive. Like waves persistently lapping against the walls of a sand castle, his complaints eventually wore away any positivity that existed until our friendship collapsed. My only regret is that I left instead of addressing his complaining with akahai.

Worse yet, I worked with a few people who maliciously complained about co-workers behind their back. Their gossip fueled fear of being targeted and decimated trust in our workplace culture. My mistake as a leader was that I talked about the gossip as if it were a faceless virus afflicting our community –  a general menace everyone should avoid. I offered no solutions, no practice to rid ourselves of gossip. Instead, I should have talked with the gossipers and demanded they stop or face consequences. This would have shown the greatest akahai to our community. . . and to them as well. 

I believe people want to be loved and want to have a positive impact on others. But sometimes, we get caught up in negative attention and use this to substitute for any lack of love we may be experiencing. Being corrected is uncomfortable but is better when it places us on a corrected path. I now regret telling those gossipers this and sharing that I do sincerely believe in their ability to multiply aloha. 

5 PURSUITS of AKAHAI:

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch Words and Your Heart written and illustrated by Kate Jane Neal.  Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: Share with your kūpuna or mākua your favorite words your ʻohana uses including ones that are from your culture.
  • SKILLS: Use evidence from the text, what do you think is the author’s purpose? What do you think the author was trying to accomplish by writing this?
  • INTELLECT: In the book, the author says “Your words have power.” Make a list of synonyms the author could have used instead of ʻpowerʻ. Choose one synonym and recreate the page which makes this statement.
  • CRITICALITY: In the book, the author advises that we use our words to look after each other’s hearts. What is an action you can take this week to use your words to look after other’s hearts and create more aloha in the world?
  • JOY: With your ʻohana, do as the author states and use your words to make each other “laugh out loud and roll around.” Here, here, and here are a few resources for jokes. 

STANDARDS-BASED GRADING

For the past two years, our teachers have been deepening their understanding of how to grade based on standards. While we are still refining our practice, you may notice differences on the 2nd quarter report card. For example, grades will not be an average of all of their work but instead will represent their current level of mastery of learning expectations. We think this will help our staff to be more consistent, in synch, and able to multiply our efforts to get all students to learn at high levels. The following is an infographic that synthesizes learning from our trainings and staff perspectives that more extensively explains the differences between traditional vs standards-based grading.

CONTINUED PRACTICES:

NOʻAHUNA OF ALOHA

See Uncle Pono Shim explain the Noʻahuna, the esoteric meaning, of Aloha as taught to him by Aunty Pilahi, the Keeper of Secrets.

WEAR KĀNEʻOHE SHIRT WEDNESDAYS

Help us build unity and show our lōkahi by wearing a shirt that celebrates Kāneʻohe on Wednesdays. Wear any previous Fun Run or grade level shirt.

WEEKLY VIRTUAL PIKO

Our Weekly Piko, has changed to twice-a-week. In-person on the first day of the week and virtual on the last day. At piko we share thoughts on the Aloha value for the week which helps us become centered and ready to learn. We begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesdays when we meet in-person. If you would like to share your reflections on the week’s Aloha value, please contact me.

If you’d like to celebrate the accomplishments of our students outside of the school day. Please use this link to share a brief shout-out for your child that we can share at piko.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Jan 144:30 PM Wellness Committee Mtg @Zoom
Jan 215:30 PM KES Ohana Mtg @Zoom
Jan 232nd Quarter Report Cards Released
Feb 9Teacher Institute Day – no school/office open
Feb 252:05 Students Dismissal (switch with 2/27)
Feb 271:15 Student Dismissal (switch with 2/25)
1:30 – 3:45 PM STEM Hōʻike Classroom visits

AHONUI AND VIGILENT PATIENCE

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E hoʻāhonui aʻe ā pau kēia pilikia
Be patient until this trouble is over.

     Pukui, Mary Kawena, Elbert, Samuel H. (1965). Hawaiian Dictionary

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: AHONUI

As it is becoming my New Year’s tradition, I reread Amanda Gorman’s ʻNew Day’s Lyricʻ and reflect upon her sagacity during the days of the pandemic:

This hope is our door, our portal.
Even if we never get back to normal,
Someday we can venture beyond it,
To leave the known and take the first steps.
So let us not return to what was normal,
But reach toward what is next.

Amada Gorman, ʻNew Day’sʻ Lyric

As a vocal school leader, I would have been justified to be very fearful for my future and that of our school given the events of 2025: eduction funds slashed; celebrating diversity demonized; elevating ʻike Hawaiʻi thwarted; striving for equity denigrated. Much of what we value as an inclusive, innovative school seemed to targeted.

Yet, we did our best to reach forward and not be hindered by fear. We planned ahead so that we may venture beyond these times and ensure these threats do not become normal. We practiced and will continue to exercise ahonui.

On one of the first mornings of winter break, I stepped out onto the cold, wet tile of our apartment balcony and into the velvety dawn to admire the sunrise. A fiery hue quietly peaked over Leahi and mottled the otherwise dark horizon. Once orange rays reflected off of the mirrored surfaces shielding downtown Honolulu, I walked back into the apartment and suddenly felt a sharp pain in my big toe. Expletives about getting old immediately littered my brain. What could it be now? But then I thought to look at the underside of my foot. To my surprise, there was a bee struggling to free itself from my sock. I carefully removed it, attempting to completely extract its long, mucous-y stinger.

As the day wore on, the sharp pain below my big toe dulled. The next day, I still felt sore, but could ignore it with the busy-ness of end-of-year tasks. That evening, while showering, I lifted my foot to scrub its underside. A throbbing, quarter-sized purple sore seemed to be consuming my toe. I asked my girlfriend to inspect it and confirm if a portion of the stinger remained in my foot. After digging around with a pinpointed tweezer, she pulled out a minuscule filament. My foot immediately felt better as the purple dissipated.

It’s difficult to conceive how something so microscopic could cause such a great pain. Yet, it is part of the bee’s defense and has made me be more observant stepping out onto the balcony. As agonizing the experience and cautious it has made me, I would not say it has made me fearful. Instead, I use it as a metaphor for how I may look at the present with the following lens:

Bees are avoidable;
Budgets buttressed;
Inclusivity empowers student achievement; and
Aloha can never be extinguished.

5 PURSUITS of AHONUI:

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch Just Kidding written by Tracy Ludwig and illustrated by Adam Gustavson.  Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: Share with your kūpuna or mākua if they joke around with their friends or ʻohana. If they do, what does it look and sound like.
  • SKILLS: Use evidence from the text, how does the author differentiate between kidding and hurtful teasing?
  • INTELLECT: In the book, how does Mrs. Winter describe the difference between tattling (or snitching) and reporting? How might reporting be a way of showing aloha to someone else?
  • CRITICALITY: In the book, DJ’s father teaches him how to respond when Vince uses words and actions that are hurtful. Like DJ, practice with your kūpuna or mākua responding to hurtful comments by not saying/doing anything mean back to the teaser.
  • JOY: With your ʻohana or a group of friends, check out this game that asks participants to tell the difference between“Friendly Teasing vs Hurtful Teasing”

30 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR KIDS

Speaking from experience, the start of a new year often brings lofty resolutions and great intentions that are too often short-lived. Yet, setting goals and sticking with them are vital skills for our students to learn. By setting realistic, age-appropriate, manageable goals, kids learn the importance of perseverance and experience the joys of making tangible progress. Read more here for helpful suggestions on setting resolutions with your children. 

CONTINUED PRACTICES:

NOʻAHUNA OF ALOHA

See Uncle Pono Shim explain the Noʻahuna, the esoteric meaning, of Aloha as taught to him by Aunty Pilahi, the Keeper of Secrets.

WEAR KĀNEʻOHE SHIRT WEDNESDAYS

Help us build unity and show our lōkahi by wearing a shirt that celebrates Kāneʻohe on Wednesdays. Wear any previous Fun Run or grade level shirt.

WEEKLY VIRTUAL PIKO

Our Weekly Piko, has changed to twice-a-week. In-person on the first day of the week and virtual on the last day. At piko we share thoughts on the Aloha value for the week which helps us become centered and ready to learn. We begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesdays when we meet in-person. If you would like to share your reflections on the week’s Aloha value, please contact me.

If you’d like to celebrate the accomplishments of our students outside of the school day. Please use this link to share a brief shout-out for your child that we can share at piko.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Jan 5Teacher Work Day – No students
Jan 6Complex PC Day – No students
Jan 7 1st Day of School for 2026 4:30 PM KES SCC Mtg @Zoom
Jan 144:30 PM Wellness Committee Mtg @Zoom
Jan 215:30 PM KES Ohana Mtg @Zoom

HAʻAHAʻA AND LISTENING

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To gain the kingdom of heaven is to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable – that is Aloha. All things in this world are two: in heaven there is but One.

Queen Liliuokalani

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: HAʻAHAʻA

In my youth, I had frequently been complimented as a good listener. But since learning about and practicing the Aloha Response from Pono Shim, I wonder if it was just because I’d sit quietly without interjecting. In my family, I tended to be more like my dad who would sit placidly as my mom, uncles, and cousins would share stories, tell jokes, and entertain the crowd. He’d sit at the end of the table, sipping on a whiskey, unobtrusively taking in the chatter, and occasionally cracking a smile. One-on-one, my dad would sit beside me serenely taking in the scenery, observing the stars and offer a sentence or two of advice. 

Later, as a teacher, I began to exhibit more qualities inherited from my mom. Perhaps it was being at the front of the classroom and feeling the pressure to maintain the attention of my students, I began to share more stories, tell more jokes. But in crowds, I was still more comfortable, fading into the background.

Regardless, whether up in front or shying away, in retrospect, I don’t think I was a great of listener. Sure I maintained eye contact, did not interrupt, and could recall what I was told. But I still interpreted what I heard through my own experiences. I was not haʻahaʻa, empty of my ego. 

If someone told me a story about how they were arguing with a friend, I immediately thought about arguments I’ve had with my friends, how I felt as a result, and ultimately my reaction. I did not listen to understand how their situation might be different from my experience and how that might shape their feelings towards the situation. For example, perhaps they grew up abandoned by a parent and this affected the magnitude by which they felt betrayed by the friend. Their perspective of the argument would be miles apart from my own had I been in a similar situation.

Since learning and practicing to empty myself of my ego – at least temporarily while I listen, I feel like I am a much better listener. Further, I have become less argumentative, more contemplative, and better able to others feel heard.  Pono called this the “Heavenly Perspective.” When we empty ourselves, we are able to rise above to see every point-of-view and gain deeper empathy. This is Aloha.

5 PURSUITS of HAʻAHAʻA:

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch The Overlook Book: Change Your Perspective, Change the World written and illustrated by Megan Fullmer Perry.  Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: Share with your kūpuna or mākua about a time when you felt not seen or misunderstood. Ask if they ever felt like that and what they did or wish they did as a result.
  • SKILLS: Use evidence from the text, what is the author’s message to the audience?
  • INTELLECT: What does “perspective” mean? 
  • CRITICALITY: In the book, the author says, “Walls can limit what we see. Same with fences, borders, and trees. New ways to look at life could lend this thought: beyond borders, we can find friends.” How do walls and borders keep us from making friends?
  • JOY: With your ʻohana or a group of friends, play a perspective taking game from this video.

COMPREHENSIVE NEEDS ASSESSMENT MAHALO

Last Friday, we gathered for our annual assessment of our school’s strengths and challenges to come up with potential implications for next year’s Academic Plan. Joining our staff were members from our School Community Council, Wellness Committee, ʻOhana Engagement Committed, and Student Council. Mahalo nui loa to Rylie Ancheta-Kwok, Tyler Ancheta-Kwok, Grace Colunga, Derek Esibill, Monica Esquivel, Blake Fong-Aiu, Aysis Heya, Jennifer Kwok, Alanna Mara, Gideon Ng, Shelly Tokunaga-May, Vaughn Tokashiki, and Taevia Williamson for spending the day with us and helping us commit to the continuous improvement of our school.

FAMILY ROUTINES THAT NURTURE A CHILD’S GROWTH MINDSET

Growth Mindset was one of the areas reviewed last Friday and it’s what we are striving to foster on Silver Linings Day. When students strengthen Growth Mindset skills, they become more resilient towards set-backs, more persistent towards overcoming challenges, and more honest towards mistakes they’ve made.  See these tips on how your ʻohana can cultivate a Growth Mindset with your keiki.

CONTINUED PRACTICES:

NOʻAHUNA OF ALOHA

See Uncle Pono Shim explain the Noʻahuna, the esoteric meaning, of Aloha as taught to him by Aunty Pilahi, the Keeper of Secrets.

WEAR KĀNEʻOHE SHIRT WEDNESDAYS

Help us build unity and show our lōkahi by wearing a shirt that celebrates Kāneʻohe on Wednesdays. Wear any previous Fun Run or grade level shirt.

WEEKLY VIRTUAL PIKO

Our Weekly Piko, has changed to twice-a-week. In-person on the first day of the week and virtual on the last day. At piko we share thoughts on the Aloha value for the week which helps us become centered and ready to learn. We begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesdays when we meet in-person. If you would like to share your reflections on the week’s Aloha value, please contact me.

If you’d like to celebrate the accomplishments of our students outside of the school day. Please use this link to share a brief shout-out for your child that we can share at piko.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Dec 17School Ends at 2:05 PM (switch with 12/19)
Dec 19Winter Songfest 8:30 – 9:15 AM Winter Songfest 1st Show (for those with an eldest student is in grades K, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd) 9:30 – 10:15 am Winter Songfest 2nd show: (for those with an eldest student is in grades 4th, 5th, and 6th)
School ends at 1:15 PM (switch with 12/17)
End of Quarter 2
Jan 5Teacher Work Day – No students
Jan 6Complex PC Day – No students
Jan 7 1st Day of School for 2026

BALANCING AND ʻOLUʻOLU

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Gentleness is not a lack of strength; gentleness is strength under control.

Voddie T. Baucham Jr.

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: ʻOLUʻOLU

For a few years between the release of the original Top Gun and Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit topping the Billboard charts, I served as a part-time program director for the Atherton YMCA near the University of Hawaiʻi. Looking back, I am unsure how I balanced my studies as a Civil Engineering undergrad and the demands of planning weekly activities for freshmen seeking connections and purpose. But, my time in the Y truly made my college years worthwhile, forging lifelong friendships.

Five of us coordinated various volunteer programs including a mentorship project for students with disabilities, a choir that went on to birth Ohia Productions, and the then famous Freshman Orientation AKA FROSH Camp. As young adults thrusted into leadership roles, we were promoted largely because Clayton, our Executive Director saw something in us. Like geodes laying amongst a pile of rocks, he predicted we possessed raw talents that just needed polishing. Clayton coached us, providing feedback that addressed our deficits, and generously praised our accomplishments. But more importantly, he modeled what it meant to be a true leader.

When he called our very first meeting as a team, a couple of us straggled in several minutes late. Once everyone got seated, he opened the meeting by swearing us out. He said, “I ****!ing hate when people are late. They are selfish and inconsiderate of my time.” We were taken aback. I was shocked. As a very visible presence at the Y, he had never scolded or used expletives. He had seemed more like an easy going, agreeable minister than a foul mouthed, drill sergeant. 

My friend Lisa Mats spoke up. She apologized for being late but stated she did not appreciate how he addressed it. She understood his point about tardiness being a sign of inconsideration, but did not feel it warranted swearing. As she spoke, Clayton looked at her stoically but not with anger. He then said, “Well, then I am ****ing sorry.”

A few days later, Clayton called another meeting. We arrived early looking skittish. As we bowed our heads, examining our hands, Clayton apologized for how he handled the issue. He clarified that he still felt insulted and expected punctuality, but pledged to address us in a more respectful, collegial manner. He shared that he held high expectations for our team but he also wanted us to lead with kindness and empathy. Clayton admitted that he could not expect that of us if he didn’t model it first.

After that day, he held true to his promise. Clayton’s corrections were the epitome of ʻoluʻolu. They were specific, thoughtful and filled with respect. We knew he wasn’t scolding us to make us feel bad or punish us. Instead, we could tell that he was invested in our growth. He saw something greater in us than we ever imagined for ourselves. And sculpting that took drawing attention to both what we were doing right and how we could get better. 

5 PURSUITS of ʻOLUʻOLU:

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch More-igami written by Dori Kleber and illustrated by G. Brian Karas.  Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: Talk with your kūpuna about a skill they worked hard to master. What is something you would like to master?
  • SKILLS: Use evidence from the text to explain what Mr. Lopez means when he says, “Many artists are misunderstood, especially when they are just learning.”
  • INTELLECT: Learn about how origami is used in engineering.
  • CRITICALITY: A study found that males made up less than a quarter of students taking college-level art due to many feeling art is not masculine. Do you feel art is more feminine? How could we make anyone, regardless of gender feel accepted as an artist?
  • JOY: Fold an origami – either the butterfly from the video or from this guide.

HOʻOMAIKAʻI LAUREN COLLIER

Recently, our very own Lauren Collier was featured in the HIDOE’s community newsletter. We are very proud that she was recognized as our complex-area’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. Ms. Collier is a passionate, dedicated, accomplished teacher who sincerely deserves this accolade. Please read more about her story and how she became such a strong advocate for her students.

CONTINUED PRACTICES:

NOʻAHUNA OF ALOHA

See Uncle Pono Shim explain the Noʻahuna, the esoteric meaning, of Aloha as taught to him by Aunty Pilahi, the Keeper of Secrets.

WEAR KĀNEʻOHE SHIRT WEDNESDAYS

Help us build unity and show our lōkahi by wearing a shirt that celebrates Kāneʻohe on Wednesdays. Wear any previous Fun Run or grade level shirt.

WEEKLY VIRTUAL PIKO

At the Weekly Piko, we share thoughts on the Aloha value for the week which helps us become centered and ready to learn. We begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesdays when we meet in-person. If you would like to share your reflections on the week’s Aloha value, please contact me.

If you’d like to celebrate the accomplishments of our students outside of the school day. Please use this link to share a brief shout-out for your child that we can share at piko.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Dec 12Waiver Day #4 – no students
Dec 17School Ends at 2:05 PM (switch with 12/19)
Dec 19Winter Songfest
8:30 – 9:15 AM Winter Songfest 1st Show (for those with an eldest student is in grades K, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd)
9:30 – 10:15 am Winter Songfest 2nd show: (for those with an eldest student is in grades 4th, 5th, and 6th)

School ends at 1:15 PM (switch with 12/17)

End of Quarter 2

THE ENERGY OF AKAHAI

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“Living in a state of gratitude is the gateway to grace.”

Arianna Huffington 

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: AKAHAI

When our students visit ʻĀina Aloha o na Lima Hana, our community partner farm at Luluku, they are told to shed any negative feelings prior to entering the loʻi. The mahiʻai warn that the kalo absorbs the energy brought onto the land. Like the warming beams of sunshine, joy and love help the plants to grow heartily. However, anger and hate act like an herbicide, shriveling the roots and causing the leaves to dry and curl.

In the past, I was criticized by a few people who said that I seemed “not present.” At the time, I protested, arguing that I invested heavily in my relationships and my work. Years later, I now wonder if this criticism was indifferent to my productivity and instead predicated on the energy I emitted.  At work and at home, perpetually tired, I felt emotionally and psychologically spent. In retrospect, I was unhappy but did not acknowledge it. I poured myself into my work and other distractions. And while it was a time of fruitfulness, our school being recognized for elevating innovation, inclusivity, and ʻāina education, I swallowed my stress.

By overlooking my unhappiness, I failed to properly address what was causing it. This denial shriveled my health, grayed my hair, poisoned my blood. The stress must have been leaching from me like a subtly dank stench from an overused t-shirt.

Gratefully, my life changed . . .

I

made changes

to my life.

I met Pono Shim, Puanani Burgess, and a handful of friends who deepened my learning about aloha.

My failing marriage finally dissolved.

Fate drew me into a new, fulfilling and loving relationship.

My connection with my children strengthens.

And together, our school team is steadily building a community with aloha at our core.

Everyday, I am filled with appreciation for those in my life. This is not to say we are without struggle. Struggle will always be present. But the appreciation I feel fuels my aloha. It allows me to hoʻomau – persevere – and nou akahai – spread grace as if it were a handful of seeds bringing wealth to the land. 

5 PURSUITS of AKAHAI:

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch Ka Huakaʻi a Timoteo Haʻalilio written by Hinaikawaihiʻilei Keala and Hilinaʻi Sai-Dudoit and illustrated by Kamaehukauikahano Marrotte. 

Please note the book is read in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. So if you do not understand the language, I recommend watching it first, listen to the narrator and pay attention to the illustrations. Then rewatch the video, lowering the sound and reading aloud the English subtitles.

Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: Talk with your kūpuna or makua about what living in Hawaiʻi means to your ʻohana. What do you/they appreciate and value about making Hawaiʻi your home?
  • SKILLS: Using evidence from the text, what were the challenges Haʻalilio faced to gain recognition for the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi
  • INTELLECT: Learn about more about Timoteo Haʻalilio and the rule of King Kamehameha III who trusted in Haʻalilio to secure recognition of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi
  • CRITICALITY: In 2023, Governor Green designated November 28 as Lā Kūʻokoʻa. Despite the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, why is it important to remember Lā Kūʻokoʻa and its significance to the people of Hawaiʻi?
  • JOY: With your ʻohana, celebrate Lā Kūʻokoʻa by attending one of these free events:
    • 11/28 12 – 5 PM Lā Kūʻokoʻa @Bishop Museum – Register here – FREE for Kamaʻāina with registration, includes Museum admission
    • 11/29 – 10 – 3 PM Kūʻokoʻa Kūkanono @Kaeʻepulu Elementary School – Free/no registration needed

EXPERIENCING THE WONDERS OF AWE WHILE RAISING CHILDREN

Remember holding your baby for the first time? Or your first time seeing the green flash at sunset? Those moments of amazement seem rare and far between. After all, it’s easy to get caught up in the routines of everyday life and feel stuck in the doldrums. Yet, if we pay attention we might find moments of wonder and amazement hidden in plain sight, especially as we interact with our children. These moments conjured by our interactions is what researchers call ʻawe.ʻ

According to Cara Goodwin of the Parenting Translator, “Research shows that parents who experience more moments of awe [with their children] report greater life satisfaction, fewer negative emotions, and a deeper sense of meaning and emotional richness in their lives.” From reflecting on the wonders of raising your children to seeing the good in them, inducing awe can have profound affects on you and your children. Read more here on how to experience awe in your own life and share this with your children.

CONTINUED PRACTICES:

NOʻAHUNA OF ALOHA

See Uncle Pono Shim explain the Noʻahuna, the esoteric meaning, of Aloha as taught to him by Aunty Pilahi, the Keeper of Secrets.

WEAR KĀNEʻOHE SHIRT WEDNESDAYS

Help us build unity and show our lōkahi by wearing a shirt that celebrates Kāneʻohe on Wednesdays. Wear any previous Fun Run or grade level shirt.

WEEKLY VIRTUAL PIKO

At the Weekly Piko, we share thoughts on the Aloha value for the week which helps us become centered and ready to learn. We begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesdays when we meet in-person. If you would like to share your reflections on the week’s Aloha value, please contact me.

If you’d like to celebrate the accomplishments of our students outside of the school day. Please use this link to share a brief shout-out for your child that we can share at piko.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Nov 27Thanksgiving Holiday – no school
Nov 28Lā Kūʻokoʻa – Hawaiian Independence Day   no school; KES office open
Nov 29KES Wellness Event – Canoe Paddling Workshop for the students gr 3 – 6 and their ʻOhana – Register Here
Dec 55:30 – 7 PM KES Ohana Winter Activity Sign-up to participate here
Dec 6Kāneʻohe Christmas Parade
Dec 12Waiver Day #4 – no students
Dec 17School Ends at 2:05 PM (switch with 12/19)
Dec 19Winter Songfest School Ends at 1:15 PM (switch with 12/17)

AHONUI AND INTRINSIC MOTIVATION

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To show Ahonui

  1. Be aware of yourself and how you are feeling
  2. Be observant of what is going on around you
  3. Ask yourself, if I say/do something now, will it be received well? Will it help?
  4. If not, how might I say it? When might be the right time?
  5. Watch for the right time to act/say something.

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: AHONUI

Last week, as a power outage immobilized our access to the internet, Mr. Shane (our counselor) and I attended an in-person workshop on Tackling the Motivation Crisis by educator and author Mike Anderson. During his seminar, Anderson cautioned against the use of awards, prizes, and incentives. He recounted how his use of reward tokens with his 4th grade class at first kept them compliant, but eventually led to students cheating, lying, and sabotaging others. In the end, his students learned less about behaving appropriately and more about gaming the system. Alternatively, Anderson makes a case to teach students about being intrinsically motivated. To do this, he advises educators and parents do the following:

  1. Make the work worth doing by helping students feel competent. When students feel confident of their abilities they are more likely to stick with the work. Further, help them feel that the work has a sense of purpose. Will learning lead to being able to help someone? Can they see a future application. You can also tap into their  curiosity. Is there a question they want to answer? A hidden history? Lastly, make the learning joyful. Activate their imagination and creativity. Expose them to stories connected to the learning.
  2. Give students more choice by providing two or three ways to access what they are learning while still accomplishing learning goals.  For example, when trying to analyze a reading passage, Novak Education suggests offering “options like reading the printed text, accessing a digital version to listen to, sitting with a friend to share reading, and/or using a graphic organizer to break down the passage and prepare to share an analysis.”
  3. Talk About Learning Like Students Own It by eliminating language that demonstrates your personal control over their learning and instead emphasizing what students are doing. For example, instead of saying, “I’m giving you 10 minutes to complete this” say, “You have 10 minutes to complete this.” Or instead of “This is what I expect from your work and what I am looking for that makes it high quality” say, “Here are the expectations we co-created and how you can make sure it is high quality.”
  4. Teach Students Skills of Self-Management by explicitly teaching them these skills. When I volunteered to start the AVID program at Kailua High School, I learned that one of the cornerstones of the program was teaching students how to study. It hit me that I always expected students to study before a test. However, the reality was very few knew how to do that. This made sense because no one in the past bothered to teach them. We all expected them to magically possess this skill. Same with time management and being organized. Students cannot be expected to be self-directed unless we at first give them steps to follow on making appropriate choices. At Kāneʻohe, we have included lessons on managing stress by employing breathing techniques, organizing our thoughts by using Thinking Maps, and controlling our impulses by practicing ahonui.
  5. Breathe. Anderson reminds us that learning is hard work. We all make mistakes and  it is an unavoidable part of the learning process. Whether it’s learning to ride a bike, swing a bat, solve a word problem or behave appropriately in public, we will make mistakes and need akahai. Anderson says, “Remember to have empathy and patience, especially for kids who really struggle. It might be hard to be their teacher somedays, but I can promise you–it’s way harder to be them.”

5 PURSUITS of AHONUI:

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch Saturday is Swimming Day written and illustrated by Hyewon Yum. Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: Talk with your kūpuna about a time you tried learning a new thing. Did they/you feel afraid? What did they/you do? How did they/you overcome that fear?
  • SKILLS: Using evidence from the text, what happened in the story that helped the girl to not have stomachaches on Saturdays?
  • INTELLECT: Learn about the difference between a Fixed Mindset and a Growth Mindset.
  • CRITICALITY: In Hawaiʻi, access to swimming pools and the beach have largely been open to people of all races and socio-economic backgrounds. However across the continental US up until the 1970s, access to swimming pools and beaches had been limited to wealthier and predominantly white people. As a result, to this day, children of color are more likely to drown as compared to white children. How might we help to improve the swimming proficiency of children of color?
  • JOY: With your ʻohana, spend time at the public pool or at the beach and enjoy a swim day.

KIDS DON’T NEED TO STAY ON TRACK TO SUCCEED

According to author Madeline Levine, “When parents portray success as a linear progression of SAT scores, acceptance to selective colleges, and high-powered internships, they set kids up for disappointment.” These parents plot a straight ascent to high paying careers for their children through exclusive private schools and elite colleges.  However for most, the road to success is not linear. “90 percent are folks who have taken risks, failed, changed course, recovered, often failed again.” Read more including moʻolelo of those who attained success through a more roundabout way here.

ʻOHANA-KUMU CONFERENCES EVALUATION & POLL

Last call for participation in our  ʻOhana-Kumu Conferences evaluation and poll. The last day for for responses is Friday November 21.

Included in this evaluation is a poll to see if for next year, families would like to condense the conferences to two non-student waiver days. Currently, we shorten school by one hour and fifteen minutes each day for 10 days. 

You can participate in the evaluation/poll here.

CONTINUED PRACTICES:

NOʻAHUNA OF ALOHA

See Uncle Pono Shim explain the Noʻahuna, the esoteric meaning, of Aloha as taught to him by Aunty Pilahi, the Keeper of Secrets.

WEAR KĀNEʻOHE SHIRT WEDNESDAYS

Help us build unity and show our lōkahi by wearing a shirt that celebrates Kāneʻohe on Wednesdays. Wear any previous Fun Run or grade level shirt.

WEEKLY VIRTUAL PIKO

At the Weekly Piko, we share thoughts on the Aloha value for the week which helps us become centered and ready to learn. We begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesdays when we meet in-person. If you would like to share your reflections on the week’s Aloha value, please contact me.

If you’d like to celebrate the accomplishments of our students outside of the school day. Please use this link to share a brief shout-out for your child that we can share at piko.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Nov 194:30 – 5:30 PM KES SCC Mtg @Zoom 5:30 – 6:30 PM KES Ohana Mtg @Zoom
Nov 27Thanksgiving Holiday – no school
Nov 28Lā Kūʻokoʻa – Hawaiian Independence Day   no school; KES office open
Nov 29KES Wellness Event – Canoe Paddling Workshop for the students gr 3 – 6 and their ʻOhana – Register Here
Dec 55:30 – 7 PM KES Ohana Winter Activity Sign-up to participate here
Dec 6Kāneʻohe Christmas Parade
Dec 12Waiver Day #4 – no students

HAʻAHAʻA AND BEING THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE

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To show Haʻahaʻa

  1. Before interacting with someone, take a deep breath 
  2. As you empty your lungs, imagine exhaling all judgements and thoughts before listening. 
  3. Be present for the speaker and listen openly
  4. Then after listening, ask a thoughtful question to go deeper about what you heard.

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: HAʻAHAʻA

POP Media is one of the videographers we use to document our Kāneʻohe programs and show how our school inspires all to embrace learning and discover their passions with aloha at our core. Similarly, POP Media uses their platform to show what aloha looks like on an everyday basis. They feature folks from Hawaiʻi who through their efforts, inspire others to better our community. On a weekly basis, they send out an email featuring people they’ve interviewed.

Normally, as I sift through the 40 or so email newsletters I receive on a daily basis, I am ashamed to admit that I briskly skim through POP’s highlights and rarely click on their video links. However, one of the videos caught my eye: Kū’ulakai, Hinapukui’a & ‘Ai’ai 🐟 Lessons in Gratitude and Aloha.

The storyteller, Hiʻilani Shibata immediately pulled me in with her moʻolelo about how the first loko iʻa and how fishponds became widely distributed across Hawaiʻi. More importantly, her story impressed upon me how haʻahaʻa is linked with gratitude – a theme for this month.

Mahalo I ka mea loaʻa

Be thankful for what you have

During her discussion with the interviewer, Hiʻilani Shibata explains how we at times, like the characters in the story, jump to conclusions without finding out the truth and we make rash decisions. She advises that we should take a breath before acting and think about the blessings we already possess.

Too often students report to me that they feel disrespected or that others are talking stink about them. When I ask them to share the details of what was said or done to them, they are unable to provide specifics. Instead they based their conclusion on seeing classmates talking and looking at them. They did not hear what was said. Then when I follow up with the classmates, they had no idea the other student was even around them and were talking about something entirely different.

As of this writing, I am sitting in a cafe with an oil stain on my t-shirt. I only noticed it as I walked in. In the past, it would’ve really irritated me; thinking that others are casting judgement on me. Today, I am mildly irritated that I might’ve ruined my shirt, but I don’t think a room full of strangers are judging me, let alone even looking at me. The server behind the counter still greeted me with aloha and the other customers continued to study, talk-story, and laugh. Mahalo I ka mea lowaʻa – I am thankful that I have a comfortable seat, a delicious drink, and the time to reflect upon aloha. 

Similarly, we strive to teach our students to accept who they are and be happy with what they have. When we are successful, students will be able to be haʻahaʻa and show resilience towards actions they previously perceived as threats. And more significantly, students will not judge others and bully them, stemming from their own insecurities.

5 PURSUITS of HAʻAHAʻA:

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch Under the Lemon Moon written by Edith Hope Fine and illustrated by Rene King Moreno. Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: Talk with your kūpuna about how your ʻohana does acts of service. How do they assist others needing help?
  • SKILLS: Using evidence from the text, what do you think is a lemon moon? What does it look like?
  • INTELLECT: Read about how growing lemons benefits our health as well as that of the soil and other plants.
  • CRITICALITY: What do you think Rosalinda learned in this story? Is there justice in this story?
  • JOY: With your ʻohana, make fresh lemonade. (My kids used to love this recipe with a pinch of salt to accentuate the sweetness.)

ʻOHANA-KUMU CONFERENCES EVALUATION & POLL

Now that ʻOhana-Kumu Conferences have concluded, please help us continue to improve our efforts to strengthen family-school partnerships by responding to this evaluation by November 21.

Included in this evaluation is a poll to see if for next year, families would like to condense the conferences to two non-student waiver days. Currently, we shorten school by one hour and fifteen minutes each day for 10 days. 

You can participate in the evaluation/poll here.

RAISING SUCCESSFUL KIDS – YOUR CALM IS CONTAGIOUS BUT SO IS YOUR CHAOS

“Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Raghu Appasani explained to me, emotional regulation is contagious. ʻBoth the calm and the chaos are felt by children. When parents experience chronic stress or burnout, it doesn’t just live in their nervous system. It shapes the family’s emotional climate.ʻ” Read the full article here and find out what you can do.

HOʻOMAIKAʻI CPAC KIDSTART 2026 CAST

Please join me in congratulating our 5th and 6th graders who have been selected to participate in this year’s CPAC Kidstart. They will be performing Matilda Jr. this February. Stay tuned for more details. This year’s cast include:

  • Noah Akagi
  • Eliana Byler
  • Kainoa DeCosta-Kishida
  • Mila Hallock
  • Caleb Kaun
  • Beau Makua
  • Spencer Ramseyer-Ho
  • Brock Shaner
  • Taevia Williamson

CONCRETE SUPPORTS PROGRAM AVAILABLE STATEWIDE

If your family has experienced a recent crisis and is in need of short-term financial assistance please know help is available. The Concrete Supports Program, can help families with non-recurring emergency needs such as:

  • Sudden loss of income or employment
  • Unexpected medical expenses
  • Death or serious illness in the family
  • Domestic violence or unsafe living situations
  • Natural disasters or fire damage
  • Urgent car repairs needed for work or school
  • Temporary inability to work due to injury or caregiving responsibilities

Eligibility:

  • TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) eligible (household income below 300% of the 2022 Federal Poverty Level)
  • At least one dependent child (0–23 years old) living in the home
  • Crisis occurred within the last 4 months

Call the Concrete Supports Program at 808-935-2188 for more information or to apply for assistance. They are open Monday-Friday, 8 – 4:30 PM

CONTINUED PRACTICES:

NOʻAHUNA OF ALOHA

See Uncle Pono Shim explain the Noʻahuna, the esoteric meaning, of Aloha as taught to him by Aunty Pilahi, the Keeper of Secrets.

WEAR KĀNEʻOHE SHIRT WEDNESDAYS

Help us build unity and show our lōkahi by wearing a shirt that celebrates Kāneʻohe on Wednesdays. Wear any previous Fun Run or grade level shirt.

WEEKLY VIRTUAL PIKO

At the Weekly Piko, we share thoughts on the Aloha value for the week which helps us become centered and ready to learn. We begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesdays when we meet in-person. If you would like to share your reflections on the week’s Aloha value, please contact me.

If you’d like to celebrate the accomplishments of our students outside of the school day. Please use this link to share a brief shout-out for your child that we can share at piko.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Nov 10Waiver Day #3 – no students
Nov 11Veterans Day Holiday – no school
Nov 124:30 – 5:30 PM KES Wellness Committee Mtg @Zoom
Nov 145:30 – 7 PM EL Education Literacy Night @Cafe Sign-Up here
Nov 194:30 – 5:30 PM KES SCC Mtg @Zoom 5:30 – 6:30 PM KES Ohana Mtg @Zoom
Nov 27Thanksgiving Holiday – no school
Nov 28Lā Kūʻokoʻa – Hawaiian Independence Day   no school; KES office open
Nov 29KES Wellness Event – Canoe Paddling Workshop for the entire ʻOhana – more info coming
Dec 6Kāneʻohe Christmas Parade
Dec 12Waiver Day #4 – no students

ʻOLUʻOLU AND BAR KEEPERS FRIEND

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To show ʻOluʻolu, 

  1. Be gentle in your relationship and acknowledge its significance to you; and
  2. Do the right thing at the right time especially in uncomfortable situations with the full intention of caring for someone or something.

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: ʻOLUʻOLU

When my mom converted to an induction stove, she needed to get rid of her many pots and pans that no longer worked on it.  Fortunately for me, I inherited her large stainless steel pot which she got in Japan. Despite the hundreds of meals of beef stew, Portuguese bean soup, and Japanese curry she served in that pot, it was shiny and spotless. So of course, my first time using it I scorched the bottom that left a stubborn brown stain. It felt so frustrating and that stain seemed to impart a burnt taste on whatever I cooked thereafter. 

After weeks of scrubbing to no avail, I swallowed my fear and asked my mom how she kept her pot so clean. Expecting a lecture, I braced myself. However, my mom got out a sandwich sized Ziplock and poured a white powder into it. She handed it to me and told me to try it. Like all of my mom’s kitchen remedies, it worked like magic.

The powder was Bar Keeper’s Friend, a scouring product similar to Ajax but much fluffier and fine. Despite it’s seemingly mild touch when mixed with water and elbow grease, it’ll remove most stains without marring the surface. I guess it’s grit is fine enough to be gentle yet abrasive and polishing. I find it to be a great metaphor for being ʻoluʻolu.

For example, soon after being exposed to this miracle product, I started referring to my child rearing strategy as being like Bar Keepers Friend. My son is for the most part very obedient and thoughtful. Yet, when he was still an adolescent and maturing, I needed to correct him for his numerous misdeeds (like not throwing away his rubbish, putting his dishes away, staying up to late on his electronics) In those cases, I strived to be like Bar Keepers Friend. I provided reminders but eschewed lecturing him. The consequences I applied, prompted reflection that were abrasive enough without breaking his spirit. Those were balanced by highlighting positive examples he exhibits to polish his behaviors.

5 PURSUITS of ʻOLUʻOLU:

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch Courage written and illustrated by  Bernard Waber. Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: Share with your kūpuna about what courage or being ʻoluʻolu means to them? Ask them to tell a story about when they showed courage.
  • SKILLS: Cite examples from the book when the characters showed courage despite feeling fear or anxiety.
  • INTELLECT: Another word for courage is fortitude. However, both are not exactly the same. Research the difference and when to accurately use each word.
  • CRITICALITY: Taking a stand to help others takes courage. Watch this clip about how to have the courage to stand up for what is right.
  • JOY: Create a poster encouraging you and/or others to have courage. On your poster include an example of what it means to have courage.

Concrete Supports Program Available Statewide

If your family has experienced a recent crisis and is in need of short-term financial assistance please know help is available. The Concrete Supports Program, can help families with non-recurring emergency needs such as:

  • Sudden loss of income or employment
  • Unexpected medical expenses
  • Death or serious illness in the family
  • Domestic violence or unsafe living situations
  • Natural disasters or fire damage
  • Urgent car repairs needed for work or school
  • Temporary inability to work due to injury or caregiving responsibilities

Eligibility:

  • TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) eligible (household income below 300% of the 2022 Federal Poverty Level)
  • At least one dependent child (0–23 years old) living in the home
  • Crisis occurred within the last 4 months

Call the Concrete Supports Program at 808-935-2188 for more information or to apply for assistance. They are open Monday-Friday, 8 – 4:30 PM

RAISING SUCCESSFUL KIDS – EXPERT SAYS IT’S ʻNOT IQ OR GPAʻ

Many of our parents sacrifice so much to ensure their children are set-up for success in the future. So please take heed of Academic Advisor, Amy Homayoun’s advice who says, “Prioritizing grades, test scores, and college admissions as the main measures of success often undermines young people’s futures and strains parent-child relationships.” She instead encourages her clients to focus on “executive functioning skills, a set of cognitive skills that help us concentrate, organize, and manage emotions. When you learn these skills early on, you’ll be better at handling responsibilities and forming meaningful connections.” Read the full article and Homayoun’s 5 steps to starting here.

JUNK FOOD SCRAMBLES MEMORY IN 4 DAYS

Coming off of Halloween, scientists discovered that “high-fat junk food disrupts memory circuits in the brain almost immediately. Within just four days, neurons in the hippocampus became overactive, impairing memory.” Read the full article here and how diet can help restore memory here.

CONTINUED PRACTICES:

NOʻAHUNA OF ALOHA

See Uncle Pono Shim explain the Noʻahuna, the esoteric meaning, of Aloha as taught to him by Aunty Pilahi, the Keeper of Secrets.

WEAR KĀNEʻOHE SHIRT WEDNESDAYS

Help us build unity and show our lōkahi by wearing a shirt that celebrates Kāneʻohe on Wednesdays. Wear any previous Fun Run or grade level shirt.

WEEKLY VIRTUAL PIKO

At the Weekly Piko, we share thoughts on the Aloha value for the week which helps us become centered and ready to learn. We begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesdays when we meet in-person. If you would like to share your reflections on the week’s Aloha value, please contact me.

If you’d like to celebrate the accomplishments of our students outside of the school day. Please use this link to share a brief shout-out for your child that we can share at piko.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Oct 27 – Nov 7ʻOhana-Teacher Conferences
Nov 5Kona Ice 1:15 – 2:15 PM Optional preorder by 9 AM here
Nov 810 – 2 PM I Ola ke Aloha Castle Complex SEL Family Event @Windward Mall
Nov 10Waiver Day #3 – no students
Dec 12Waiver Day #4 – no students

LŌKAHI AND THE POWER OF PARAPHRASING

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To show Lōkahi, 

  1. Be curious with haʻahaʻa (empty without judgement);
  2. Thoughtfully ask questions to uncover connections;
  3. Listen to understand;
  4. Be vulnerable; and 
  5. Share to solidify connections..

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: LŌKAHI

Recently someone told me that I am a good listener … for a man. We shared a laughed at the qualifier she used and I can totally understand why she included it. Men often get stereotyped for not being good listeners. However, I think there are ways we can all improve, especially in how we listen.

My reputation of being a good listener started when I was in college volunteering for the YMCA. But back then, I think I was just quiet and typically ceded attention to whomever was talking. People felt comfortable being vulnerable with me, because I stood by them and didn’t say judgmental things. I also didn’t turn the attention on my story no matter how it seemed to mimic what I experienced. It wasn’t until I started teaching and took several courses in Cognitive Coaching that I realized I was only partially proficient in listening.

One of the listening competencies I needed to master was how to paraphrase. Paraphrasing is how we demonstrate our efforts to understand what is being said and our valuing of the speaker. Paraphrasing is also how we uncover connections and empathize with the speaker.

As a novice, I would echo what the speaker stated. “So what you are saying is …” and I would nearly word-for-word repeat what I heard. This was not paraphrasing. Just as being able to pronounce a word is not the same as understanding its definition, I did not show I comprehended what was shared.

Eventually, I could summarize what was voiced. “Sounds like you felt…” This was better. I grasped the speaker’s emotional state and showed empathy. But I could do better.

Now I summarize what I hear and follow-up with a question that digs deeper while demonstrating my care for the person. “You must’ve felt…How did you respond?” My question is not meant to be intrusive. I phrase it so that speaker can go as deep or shallow as they wish, without judgement. It conveys that I care how and want to be there for them. Further, I do not turn the attention back to myself unless the speak wants to hear my thoughts. 

If asked, I am willing to share something that connects and is vulnerable. But even without sharing, I also believe that I show vulnerability by demonstrating a willingness to simply listen and emotionally be there for someone. After all the lōkahi we share is the value of being heard, understood, and cared for. 

5 PURSUITS of LŌKAHI:

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch More Than Peach written by Bellan Woodward and illustrated by Fanny Liem. Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: Ask members of your ʻohana, “What crayon color would you use to match your skin color?” And “Have you ever been treated differently because of the color of your skin? How did that make you feel?”
  • SKILLS: Citing evidence from the text, how did Bellan feel when asked to pass the skin colored crayon.
  • INTELLECT: Watch how crayons are made. 
  • CRITICALITY: Watch this video featuring the author, 10 year old Bellan Woodward and how she became a crayon activist. How did she show lōkahi and ʻoluʻolu in changing how people view skin color?
  • JOY: Create a portrait that includes you, your friends and family. Use colors that captures your/their identity.

CONCRETE SUPPORTS PROGRAM

If your family has experienced a recent crisis and is in need of short-term financial assistance please know help is available. The Concrete Supports Program, can help families with non-recurring emergency needs such as:

  • Sudden loss of income or employment
  • Unexpected medical expenses
  • Death or serious illness in the family
  • Domestic violence or unsafe living situations
  • Natural disasters or fire damage
  • Urgent car repairs needed for work or school
  • Temporary inability to work due to injury or caregiving responsibilities

Eligibility:

  • TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) eligible (household income below 300% of the 2022 Federal Poverty Level)
  • At least one dependent child (0–23 years old) living in the home
  • Crisis occurred within the last 4 months

Call the Concrete Supports Program at 808-935-2188 for more information or to apply for assistance. They are open Monday-Friday, 8 – 4:30 PM

MAHALO CAMPUS BEAUTIFICATION VOLUNTEERS

A huge thank you goes out to Jolyn Kresge, Wali Camvel, Dee Fujinaka, Grace Tsubaki-Noguchi, Destiny Kuhlman, Māpuna Leong and Kalei Tim Sing for organizing our first Campus Beautification event for the year. We also owe many thanks to our families, students, Representative Scot Matayoshi, and our staff who put in a tremendous effort to show akahaito our campus. Their hana, beautified the rock garden, peace path, upper parking lot and agro-forest, making our campus to be a more inviting, positive place to learn.

THE KINDEST KID IN AMERICA LIVES IN KOʻOLAU

Check out this clip featuring Hauula student DJ Moses, deemed the Kindest Kid in America. DJ was recognized by his peers for the akahai he consistently shows everyday. From checking in with younger students to assisting his teachers to being there for his parents, DJ is an outstanding person and role model for us all.

CONTINUED PRACTICES:

NOʻAHUNA OF ALOHA

See Uncle Pono Shim explain the Noʻahuna, the esoteric meaning, of Aloha as taught to him by Aunty Pilahi, the Keeper of Secrets.

WEAR KĀNEʻOHE SHIRT WEDNESDAYS

Help us build unity and show our lōkahi by wearing a shirt that celebrates Kāneʻohe on Wednesdays. Wear any previous Fun Run or grade level shirt.

WEEKLY VIRTUAL PIKO

At the Weekly Piko, we share thoughts on the Aloha value for the week which helps us become centered and ready to learn. We begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesdays when we meet in-person. If you would like to share your reflections on the week’s Aloha value, please contact me.

If you’d like to celebrate the accomplishments of our students outside of the school day. Please use this link to share a brief shout-out for your child that we can share at piko.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Oct 258:30 – 12:30 PM Campus Beautification
Oct 27 – Nov 7ʻOhana-Teacher Conferences
Oct 294:30 – 5:30 PM KES SCC Mtg @Zoom
Nov 10Waiver Day #3 – no students

AKAHAI AND CORRECTING THE PAST

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To show AKAHAI, 

  1. Be thoughtful of your actions;
  2. Be friendly, caring, and nurturing;
  3. Thoughtfully ask questions to help others sharpen their thinking;
  4. Kindly share a harm a person caused so they may have an opportunity to repair it; and
  5. Leave people and places better through our interactions.

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: AKAHAI

When I first learned about Akahai from Uncle Pono Shim, he talked about “white glove service” a term we rarely hear nowadays due to its association to segregation. Knowing Pono’s strong moral code and proclivity towards acceptance and inclusion, he, like I, was probably not aware of this association. Instead Pono referred to it because it represented the pinnacle of customer service. Businesses that promoted themselves as providing “white glove service” suggested they treated their customers with the exceptional care, attending to all potential needs. However, the term could also be linked to the gloves symbolically worn by the servants in wealthy households and who were often of African American descent. Later, Pono reduced his use of this analogy and instead shared personal stories that modeled akahai. 

It can be alarming when we discover how phrases we commonly used actually have racist, hurtful pasts. For example, when I was a kid, many people used the term “Indian giver” to describe someone who gave something to another person but then demanded it back. We did not realize that this derogatory term resulted from the colonists’ misunderstanding of the Native American system of bartering. When Native Americans presented their valued goods such as plant cuttings to the colonists, the colonists thought their were meager gifts. However, the Natives thought they were initiating trade and were expecting to receive goods in turn that were of equal value. When this did not occur, the Natives figured the colonists were not interested in trading and withdrew their valuables. The colonists then developed an unfair negative stereotype of this action and used it to describe any instance of selfishness or stinginess.

Beyond words, even everyday objects like lawn jockeys or the old Aunt Jemima syrup bottles mask a racist past. On an episode of This American Life, producer Neil Drumming and rapper Breeze Brewin reflect upon the toys they played with as kids that enabled racist symbolism to become normalized. As kids, they religiously watched the Dukes of Hazzard, a TV show featuring a couple of “good ‘ole boys never meanin’ no harm” yet constantly getting in trouble with the law. Filled with chase scenes and outrageous stunts, the show seemed like a live-action version of the Road Runner cartoons. To Drumming and Breeze, the actual star of the show was The General Lee, a souped up car with the Confederate Flag painted on its roof. Both coming from African American families begged their parents for models of the car so they could pretend they were zooming across the countryside, jumping over brooks, and evading the sheriff. It was only years later did the two realize their coveted toy blatantly honored a general who led a hateful, seditious cause that despite failing, continues to plague the descendants of enslaved people.

Now that many of these phrases and objects are no longer popular or in use, it would be very easy to pretend that I never taunted my friends calling them an “Indian Giver” or thought The General Lee car was cool. Yet, doing so would be dishonest and rob me of the empathy for those that make hurtful mistakes – both unwitting and intentional. Being akahai is about showing kindness and forgiveness for all, starting with ourselves.

Despite being skilled and intuitive, Pono sometimes had his own challenges consistently practicing aloha. Once he relayed to me how he was stubbornly against meeting with a prominent leader in the community. But through the encouragement of a loved one, he reflected upon his reasons, acknowledging his ego and fears. He then committed to show akahai to both himself and the leader. As a result, Pono described his meeting as one of the most significant and momentous of his life. Like Pono; like myself; we all have egos, fears, failures that hold us back. But with akahai, we can acknowledge them, use our regret as an enduring lesson, and then proceed in doing better. 

5 PURSUITS of AKAHAI:

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch Big Red Lollipop written by Rukhsana Khan and illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: In the book, despite experiencing hurt, Rubina shows akahai to Sana. Talk with your kūpuna or makua about how your family shows akahai.
  • SKILLS: Citing evidence from the text, what reasons do you think Rubina stops receiving birthday invitations from her friends at school?
  • INTELLECT: The author was born in Lahore, Pakistan. Find Pakistan and Lahore on a map. How can you tell that the family is from Pakistan?
  • CRITICALITY: The author addresses cultural misunderstandings in the story. Watch BIG RED LOLLIPOP: In defense of the Mother
  • JOY: Watch the author sharing Sana’s version of Big Red Lollipop and learn about how this is based on a true story.

UNITY DAY

Every year on October 22, schools across the nation celebrate Akahai (kindness, inclusion and acceptance) to prevent bullying. We are asking everyone to join us in this effort and wear something orange whether a t-shirt, hat, wristband, socks, ribbon, etc.. Together, let’s send a unified message that our Kāneʻohe Elementary community strives to show akahai to all and that we are against disrespect, harassment, and bullying of any kind.

RAISING MONEY-SMARK KIDS: A FAMILY GUIDE TO FINANCIAL LITERACY

Check out this month’s NAESP Beyond the Bell: Financial literacy is about helping children build a healthy relationship with money that will serve them for life. Starting early and tailoring lessons to your child’s developmental stage can make learning about money fun, engaging, and meaningful.

CONTINUED PRACTICES:

NOʻAHUNA OF ALOHA

See Uncle Pono Shim explain the Noʻahuna, the esoteric meaning, of Aloha as taught to him by Aunty Pilahi, the Keeper of Secrets.

WEAR KĀNEʻOHE SHIRT WEDNESDAYS

Help us build unity and show our lōkahi by wearing a shirt that celebrates Kāneʻohe on Wednesdays. Wear any previous Fun Run or grade level shirt.

WEEKLY VIRTUAL PIKO

At the Weekly Piko, we share thoughts on the Aloha value for the week which helps us become centered and ready to learn. We begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesdays when we meet in-person. If you would like to share your reflections on the week’s Aloha value, please contact me.

If you’d like to celebrate the accomplishments of our students outside of the school day. Please use this link to share a brief shout-out for your child that we can share at piko.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Oct 20Waiver Day#2 – no students
Oct 22Unity Day – Wear Orange for Akahai and Prevent Bullying 5:30 – 6:30 PM KES Wellness Committee Mtg @KES Library
Oct 24KES Ohana Pumpkin Craft Night Sign-up to volunteer here.
Oct 258:30 – 12:30 PM Campus Beautification
Oct 27 – Nov 7ʻOhana-Teacher Conferences
Oct 294:30 – 5:30 PM KES SCC Mtg @Zoom
Nov 10Waiver Day #3 – no students