Kāneʻohe Elementary Principal's Message | Archives | 2024

LŌKAHI AND TREASURED TOGETHERNESS

Posted on February 24, 2024 by Derek Minakami 0

He waiwai nui ka lōkāhi. Unity is a precious possession. 977
Pukui, Mary Kawena, (1983). ʻŌlelo Noʻeau

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: LŌKAHI

Growing up, our extended family chipped in to rent a beach house on the North Shore one weekend every summer. Although we frequently got-together for dinner and family parties, going to the beach house was a treasured event. We spent all day fishing and playing along the shore. My aunties played their ukulele as we sang old songs by the campfire. Then we stayed up late into the night playing cards, talking and laughing.

My relatives from the continent planned their vacations around beach house weekend. We brought friends to join in the fun. The celebration seemed to grow each year with more people added to crowd of revelers. Now whenever I drive by the North Shore and see the old house we rented, I am in disbelief that it could hold so many people. Yet it still evokes feelings of fondness for my family mixed in with a bit of melancholy.

After Hurricane Iwa slammed into the islands, my family stopped renting the beach house. One of my aunties became fearful that we would be caught unprepared and swept out to sea. While we still gathered to go fishing and celebrate special events, the frequency seemed to drop especially as my cousins got older. Our moments together seemed much more brief, much more intermittent.

While my family strives to remain close, some cousins have moved further away and less frequently visit. Some have even stopped seeing each other, letting minor disagreements fester into a mammoth-like wedge. As with it happens with many, people grow apart. The longer the time we spend separated and greater the distance between us, the harder it is to remain emotionally close. Friendships drift and relatives become strangers.

The time spent at the beach house, albeit only three days out of the year, somehow bridged any divides. We didn’t talk about our feelings or told each other “I love you.” (It was the 70s. We are Japanese.) However, being together for 72 hours straight, squeezed into a small space, enjoying shared experiences deepened our appreciation for our family. And it was enough to keep us close.

5 PURSUITS of LŌKAHI

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

In honor of Black History Month, I will be featuring stories written by and featuring people of African descent.

Please watch Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea written and read by Meena Harris also illustrated by Ana Ramírez González. Then with you child, answer the following:

IDENTITY: Talk about something your family, neighbors, and/or community have come together to create something. What was that like? How did you overcome any obstacles that stood in your way? Why was this important to your ʻohana/community?
SKILLS: What genre of literature does this book fall into? What is the evidence for your answer?
INTELLECT: The Kamala featured in this book is based on our Vice-President Kamala Harris. Research her journey to becoming the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to win the vice-presidency of the United States.
CRITICALITY: Kamala’s mother would tell her, “You may be the first to do many things, but make sure you are not the last.” What meaning does this quote have for you, especially in making this world a better place?
JOY: Host a potluck where everyone is able to share and celebrate each other’s contributions. It could be a simple one, for example, where everyone brings different toppings for your Spam musubi.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION AND GES

The deadline for submitting kindergarten GEs is this Friday, March 1, 2024.

All kindergarten GEs received after the deadline will be placed on a waiting list and will be accepted as space becomes available.

Beyond, March 1, we will continue to accept applications for kindergarten for children turning 5 by July 31, 2024.

We are also accepting Geographic Exceptions (GE), for students entering grades 1 through 6. If you have any questions about registering your child, please call me or our registration clerk, Brigette Leavy, at 305-0000.

HOʻOMAIKAʻI CPAC KIDSTART CAST

A well deserved congratulations to our Kāneʻohe Menehune for their part in presenting Sponge Bob Square Pants Jr for this year’s CPAC Kidstart show. Please join me in thanking and congratulating the following students and their ʻohana:

Kaeten Miyashiro Manatad, Kameron Goohue-Souza-Kaululaa, Kobe Bruhn, Sariah Ava, Ariana Tanoye, Grezyn Nagao, and Makalehua Pelletier!

CPAC Director, Karen Meyer also wants to let families know they are once again offering Saturday classes. Please see the flyer for more information.

INSTILL A LOVE OF HISTORY IN KIDS

As Black History Month comes to a close this week, I would encourage all to continue to learn about and celebrate the accomplishments of those who aren’t always featured when we study history. The National Association of Elementary Principals gives a few tips on how you might do this:

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 PINK FOR MAUI WEDNESDAYS

Join us in letting “that light, that divine inspiration that Aunty Pilahi Paki says is given to you at your very beginning, come through and let your ALOHA join with the ALOHA of the collective to bring about healing.”

DAILY VIRTUAL PIKO

At the Daily 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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wed, Feb 28, 2024 5 – 6 PM	School Community Council Meeting Join by Zoom
Wed, Feb 28, 2024 6 – 7 PM	KES Ohana Meeting Join by Zoom
Wed, Mar 13, 2024 4:30 – 5:30	Wellness Meeting Join by Zoom
Fri, Mar 15, 2024	KES Fun Run
Mar 18 – 22, 2024	Spring Break

AKAHAI AND REMEMBERING TO BE GRATEFUL

Posted on February 19, 2024 by Derek Minakami 0

Modest, gentle, unassuming, unpretentious, unobtrusive, docile, decorous, meek, suave; meekness, modesty.
Pukui, Mary Kawena, Elbert, Samuel H. (1965). Hawaiian Dictionary

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: AKAHAI

As I sat on the tarmac, I began to feel anger and frustration fill my thoughts. My flight to Tucson had already been delayed thrice due to heavy traffic at other airports, each time pushing our departure back by an hour. When the plane finally arrived, the staff rushed to empty the plane, give it a cursory cleaning, and get us on-board. As the plane pulled away from the jetway, the pilot announced tailwinds would assist in making up some of the lost time. I felt a sense of relief. Finally we are on our way.

The plane rolled to a stop on the runway, possibly waiting in a queue to take-off. Then the air conditioning shut down and the plane began to feel warmer. After ten minutes, the pilot announced we were experiencing a mechanical issue and ground crews were attempting to fix it. “It should only take a few minutes.” Minutes passed. The flight attendants began passing out water. It’s never a good sign when you’re sitting on the tarmac and they pass out water. Finally, the pilot said we would need to return to the terminal to resolve the issue. Minutes passed before the plane’s engines whirred to life and slowly propelled the plane to it’s starting point.

People became impatient, just audibly mumbling their complaints. Some interrogated the flight attendants who knew little more than we did. I too allowed myself to feel upset and agitated. I had planned to eat dinner at 9, just after our planned arrival time. As the waiting in the plane stretched out the landing time to 10 and then 10:30 and now 11 at the earliest, my stomach growled in protest.

But then, I thought about the accident that occurred recently where a door plug blew off of a plane. What if the mechanical issue were similar? The ground crew and pilot were trying to keep us safe. The flight crew were doing their best to keep us calm and comfortable despite the challenging conditions. As I reflected upon their acts of akahai, my patience reset and gratitude filled my heart.

Martin Luther King Jr. famously wrote, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” I need to remind myself to recognize the acts of akahai that occur everyday. Even the smallest of acts, when filled with love, drive out the hate. Some might see it as just doing their job – like teachers teaching, counselors counseling, and parents parenting – but the results of their love-filled acts make our children better, even if just a little bit, everyday.

So I am grateful for those who got me and the other passengers to Tucson. We weren’t on-time, but we arrived safe and ultimately that’s what matters the most.

5 PURSUITS of AKAHAI

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

In honor of Black History Month, I will be featuring stories written by and featuring people of African descent.

Please watch The Kindest Red written and read by Ibtihaj Muhammad also co-authored by S. K. Ali and illustrated by Hatem Aly. Then with you child, answer the following:

IDENTITY: What are examples of the kindness that is passed along in your family?
SKILLS: After reading the book, what do you think the title means?
INTELLECT: Research the author Ibtihaj Muhammad who was the first American Muslim woman to wear hijab while competing at the Olympic Games.
CRITICALITY: The main character, Faizah, wants ‘a kind world.’ What does this mean to you? Do you think the world we live in is kind? What makes you think this? How can we make the world kinder?
JOY: Together, draw your idea of a kind word.

SEE SPONGE BOB SQUAREPANTS THE MUSICAL LIVE AT CASTLE

Buy your tickets now to see our wonderful performers across the Castle Complex including, Kaeten Miyashiro Manatad; Kameron Goohue-Souza-Kaululaa; Kobe Bruhn; Sariah Ava; Ariana Tanoye; Grezyn Nagao; and Makalehua Pelletier, in Sponge Bob Squarepants the Musical (Youth Version) There are only three shows, February 23 – 25. so secure your seat today at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/79651

PIKO CANCELLED FOR FEB 20-21

If you join us for our virtual piko, please know that we will be cancelling Piko for February 20 – 21 due to half the school attending the Sponge Bob Squarepants Jr. show at Castle Theater on either day. Virtual piko will resume on Thursday, February 22.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION AND GES

We are accepting applications for kindergarten for children turning 5 by July 31, 2024. If your child requires a Geographic Exception (GE), please submit your application as soon as possible. The deadline for submittal is March 1, 2024. All kindergarten GEs received after the deadline will be placed on a waiting list and will be accepted as space becomes available. If you have any questions about this or any other kindergarten related business, please call me or our registration clerk, Brigette Leavy, at 305-0000.

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 PINK FOR MAUI WEDNESDAYS

DAILY VIRTUAL PIKO

At the Daily 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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mon, Feb 18, 2024	Presidents Day Holiday – No School
Wed, Feb 28, 2024 5 – 6 PM	School Community Council Meeting Join by Zoom
Wed, Mar 13, 2024 4:30 – 5:30	Wellness Meeting Join by Zoom
Fri, Mar 15, 2024	KES Fun Run
Mar 18 – 22, 2024	Spring Break

AHONUI AND WAITING FOR YOUR MOMENT

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Derek Minakami 0

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

When Paula Fuga enrolled in my leadership class I didn’t know what to expect. She was not in my freshman physics class but I did see her around school, jovial with a booming voice. Actually everyone knew Paula for that reason.

The leadership class planned homecoming, the prom and other activities for the Class of ʻ96. I tried to impart leadership skills but mainly let the students take the lead, succeed or fail. While she didn’t chair any major activity, Paula was a great fit for the class. She enthusiastically supported everyone with an energy that was infectious and filled with aloha. For example, once – for reasons I no longer can recall – we had a senior assembly and the organizers failed to arrange for someone to sing the National Anthem. Everyone’s attention was called and as the voices settled into a silence, we realized there was no music cued up and no one assigned to sing. Anticipation became awkward and panic spread amongst the assembly organizers. As they froze, I decided to step up and sing it acapella just so we could move on. Warbly, I started, “Oh say can you see?” Soon, a handful of my former students heckled me from the stands, “Ehhh Minakami – you suck!” Paula, who was not one of the assembly organizers, stood up, thunderously called those boys out and defended me in front of the entire school.

My gratitude and warm memories of Paula always come rushing back whenever I hear one of her songs or on the rare occasion, see her perform. Last night, I had the delight of seeing Paula perform at Kaelepulu Elementary’s 50th anniversary. During the show, she recounted how, as a second grader attending Kaelepulu, the principal invited her to sing up on stage during lunch in front of the entire cafeteria. Already aspiring to be a star, this opportunity added rocket fuel to her ambitions. As Paula introduced “Just a Little Bit,” her song of perseverance and resilience, she encouraged the students in the crowd to, like her 2nd grade self, keep striving towards their dreams.

Back at Kailua High School, Paula did not hide her dreams to become a singer. Even when doubters voiced their skepticism, she proudly defied them. Even with raw talent, she continued to better her skills, taking ukulele lessons, pursing opportunities to compete and strengthen her voice. Even when she fell short of making the cut on American Idol, she persisted. She eventually released a solo album and won Na Hoku Hanohano award for “Most Promising Artist of the Year”

Today, Paula Fuga is world renowned, famous for her enchanting voice, touching songs, and collaborations with Jack Johnson and Ziggy Marley. Her fame did not come easy; it was hard won. Her time did not just arrive; she waited patiently while surviving homelessness, surpassing her rejections, and consistently sharpening her craft. Ahonui is not just about being patient. Ahonui is about being patient while you wait for and work towards your moment. In the sage words of Paula Fuga,

Hold on just a little bit longer

I know in time you’ll feel a little stronger

And try just a little bit harder

When you feel like slipping

Time to give it your all

Just a little bit

5 PURSUITS of AHONUI

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

In honor of Black History Month, I will be featuring stories written by and featuring people of African descent.

Please watch The United States v. Jackie Robinson written and read by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen also illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. Then with you child, answer the following:

IDENTITY: Talk about with your kupuna if they or anyone they know faced discrimination. What did that feel like and what did they do?
SKILLS: What is the genre of this book? What is your evidence?
INTELLECT: Jackie Robinson was one of several athletes that broke barriers in the world of sports. Research Wilma Rudolph who broke barriers in the Olympics.
CRITICALITY: Using Jackie Robinson as a role model, how might we practice Aloha to overcome discrimination?
JOY: Take some time to play catch.

HOʻOMAIKAʻI LAUREN COLLIER AND MELISSA LEE

This weekend, Ms. Collier and Ms. Lee were among 20 Hawaiʻi teachers who were recognized for achieving one of the most prestigious distinctions available to teachers, National Board Certification (NBCT). Across the nation, only 4% of teachers have earned this professional certificate and this year, Kāneʻohe Elementary was the only school to have two teachers become certified. We are proud of Ms. Collier and Ms. Lee’s accomplishment – congratulations!

HOʻOMAIKAʻI JUNIOR SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS

This weekend a few of our students were also recognized for their participation at the Windward District Science and Engineering Fair. We are so thankful for these 6th graders who represented Kāneʻohe Elementary with poise and intellect:

Greyzen Nagao and Lacey Relator for their Multi-Art Tool;
Nixon Ihu and Bryson Tanji for their Tako Box;
Makalehua Pelletier for her Stretchies; and
Henna Yen, Sury Kaio, Kyrra Kahumoku for their Water Catchment System

Henna Yen shows her team's Water Catchment System.

We also congratulate Nixon, Bryson and Makalehua for being selected to move onto the Hawaiʻi State Science and Engineering Fair. There they will represent the Windward District as they compete against students from private and public schools across the state. On top of that Henna, Sury and Kyra won the Ricoh Sustainable Development Award for their water catchment system. Additionally Makalehua won several awards including the Lemelson Early Inventor Prize and Best in the Engineering Technology:Statics and Dynamics category.

SEE SPONGE BOB SQUAREPANTS THE MUSICAL LIVE AT CASTLE

A WARNING ABOUT SCREEN TIME AND READING

A recent article in EdWeek shares the latest brain development research on exposure to electronics and its effect on language development and reading skills in young children. While the data so far is limited, initial findings are grim. Read more about the research here.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION AND GES

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 PINK FOR MAUI WEDNESDAYS

DAILY VIRTUAL PIKO

At the Daily 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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mon, Feb 12, 2024	Teacher Institute Day – No Students
Tue, Feb 13, 2024, 4:30 – 5:30 PM	Wellness Meeting Join by Zoom
Mon, Feb 18, 2024	Presidents Day Holiday – No School
Wed, Feb 28, 2024 5 – 6 PM	School Community Council Meeting Join by Zoom

HAʻAHAʻA, EMPATHY AND PERSPECTIVE

Posted on February 5, 2024 by Derek Minakami 0

E hoʻohaʻahaʻa ʻia hoʻi ka manaʻo kiʻekiʻe o ke kanaka (Isa. 2.17), the haughtiness of men shall be made low. (PNP sakasaka.)
Pukui, Mary Kawena, Elbert, Samuel H. (1965). Hawaiian Dictionary

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: HAʻAHAʻA

Typically, when we want someone to gain empathy or understand someone’s perspective, we say, “walk a mile in their shoes.” Yet, studies have found, “people who endured challenges in the past (like divorce or being skipped over for a promotion) were less likely to show compassion for someone facing the same struggle, compared with people with no experience in that particular situation.” In one research study, people were given a scenario where a teenager struggled to cope with being bullied. They were then asked the extent to which they felt compassion for the teen. Researchers found people expressed a broad range of empathy. Counterintuitively, those that had little or no compassion were often those who had been bullied in the past. Why might this be?

On one hand, quite literally, we don’t fit into each other’s shoes. My banana boat size 12s would feel very different to someone wearing petite size 5s – even if the shoes were the same brand and style. If I tried to squeeze into shoes half my size, I’d focus on the pain and blisters caused by its ill fit rather than anything the shoes’ owner experiences. And even if I wore someone else’s shoes of the same size, they would still feel odd. Ever mistakenly put on someone else’s slippers after a party? Your toes hang slightly over the edge. The arch pushes on the wrong part of your sole. Since our feet are shaped differently and our bodies uniquely distribute and balance our weight, the slippers become customized to the owner. We can imagine what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes but that imagination is shaped by our own perspective.

Once, outside of Marukai, I took a picture of raindrops forming droplets on my windshield. I noticed within each the projection of a red framed window above my car. Every droplet contained an image of the same window. Yet, because of the size and shape of the drops varied, the assorted versions of the window appeared warped and peculiar.

We see and undergo things through our own eyes and filter them through our own experiences.

Once I finally accepted the fact that people see things differently from me, I stopped being frustrated that they did not behave according to my expectations. When I catch a kid swearing, I cease thinking they should know better and no longer say, “Would you talk like that to your parents?” Maybe swearing is acceptable in their household. Maybe it’s not. I really don’t know and it’s not my place to judge whether cursing is allowed in their home. Instead, I just say, “Swearing is not allowed here in school” and teach them what is acceptable.

Instead of assuming everyone grew up like me or hold the same perspectives, I practice haʻahaʻa – “Go Empty” as Pono Shim put it. I tell myself, “You are not a mind reader” and I listen. If I don’t understand, I ask questions. I trust and accept what they are telling me is their truth, their reality…and, with aloha, that is the surest way to gain empathy.

5 PURSUITS of HAʻAHAʻA

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

In honor of Black History Month, I will be featuring stories written by and featuring people of African descent.

Please watch So Much written and read by Trish Cooke also illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. Then with you child, answer the following:

IDENTITY: Talk with your kupuna about the different ways members of your ʻohana show love.
SKILLS: Why do you think the title of the story is So Much? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer.
INTELLECT: The author Trish Cooke is from the Caribbean, a set of tropical islands south of Florida. Research the history and culture of the Caribbean islands and do a Double Bubble Map comparing it to Hawaiʻi.
CRITICALITY: Sometimes friends or even loved ones show love by teasing or making fun of each other. Yet, this way of showing love is not always appreciated or accepted as love. How might you let a friend know that their teasing is unwanted? -OR- How might you find out if your making fun of a friend is appreciated?
JOY: With your kupuna, talk about past family events that you both enjoyed. Look through photos of those events. Draw a picture of the photo and write a message underneath.

COUNSELOR APPRECIATION WEEK

Kāneʻohe Elementary is blessed with a team of amazing, compassionate, thoughtful, and caring counselors. Please join us this week in showing appreciation for Julie Isa, Shane Kumashiro, and our Behavior Health Specialist Joan Lanzaderas.

STEM NIGHT AT KES

Mahalo nui loa to the couple dozen families that braved the cold, windy weather last Friday to attend this year’s STEM Night. Aspiring engineers from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) challenged our students to design boats out of aluminum foil and measured which could hold the greatest amount of pennies. There were so many innovative designs, some holding up to 150 coins. Mahalo nui loa to the ASCE students, STEM Resource Teacher Karen Kimura, and Parent Community Network Coordinator Dee Fujinaka for organizing this engaging event.

ANCIENT HAWAIIANS PRACTICED ENGINEERING

In the February edition of Grove Farm’s newsletter, read about how in 1400 AD, the ancient Hawaiians used engineering to transport water and irrigate crops in arid Kōloa. Considering most auwai across the islands were dug into the soil, this innovative system uniquely used elevated aqueducts to bring water to otherwise inaccessible areas – much before Western contact.

KINDERGARTEN PREVIEW

Last call for our Kindergarten Preview this Wednesday, February 7, 5:30 – 6:30 PM. Since dinner will be included, please RSVP by Monday, February 5.

At this event, participants will:

Meet our teachers and support team;
Visit our classrooms;
Get a snapshot of what kindergarten looks like at Kāneʻohe Elementary;
Participate in Parent-Child activities; and
Learn how to enroll in our Kindergarten Smart Start Summer Program.

We are also accepting applications for kindergarten. If your child requires a Geographic Exception (GE), please submit your application as soon as possible. The deadline for submittal is March 1, 2024. All kindergarten GEs received after the deadline will be placed on a waiting list and will be accepted as space becomes available. If you have any questions about this or any other kindergarten related business, please call me or our registration clerk, Brigette Leavy, at 305-0000.

SEE SPONGE BOB SQUAREPANTS THE MUSICAL LIVE AT CASTLE

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 PINK FOR MAUI WEDNESDAYS

DAILY VIRTUAL PIKO

At the Daily 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.

UPCOMING EVENT

Wed, Feb 7, 2024, 5:30 – 6:30 PM	Kindergarten Preview in the Cafe RSVP here
Sat, Feb 10, 2024, 8 – 11 AM	Windward District Science & Engineering Fair: Public Viewing & Awards Ceremony at WCC
Mon, Feb 12, 2024	Teacher Institute Day – No Students
Tue, Feb 13, 2024, 4:30 – 5:30 PM	Wellness Meeting Join by Zoom
Mon, Feb 18, 2024	Presidents Day Holiday – No School
Wed, Feb 28, 2024 5 – 6 PM	School Community Council Meeting Join by Zoom