Monthly Archives: March 2024

AKAHAI AND “WHITE GLOVES”

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Mai kū me ka hō’olo, akā e kū me ke akahai.

Don’t stand in an air of superiority, but stand in modesty

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: AKAHAI

Sometimes, when I think of Akahai and how I might improve in my practice, it’s useful to reflect on my failures and what I would’ve done differently. Many years back when I first started teaching at Kailua High, I had a student whose behaviors posed a significant challenge. Yet, beneath the disruptions and inappropriate comments, I could see that he had a proclivity towards learning science. He had a way of making connections between abstract concepts and real life. For example, I’d show the class how light waves could add or subtract depending on their alignment. He’d sit back and think before excitedly blurting how he’d seen something like that happen at the beach. He’d watched waves reflect off of the sand and crash into an oncoming waves, sometimes shooting water upwards towards the sky. 

I think his insightfulness and natural genius was what I found most frustrating. For every step forward in learning, we took three steps back when he showed obstinance and made outbursts. Had I been more thoughtful and aware, I might have noticed that his behavior got especially worse when reading was involved. I should have taken the time to observe him more carefully, listen to his story, understand his struggles, and provide the support he needed. As a beginning high school teacher, I assumed that all the kids could read and comprehend. Hence, when I saw him display his gifts in class discussions following a lab or demonstration, I wrongly supposed those gifts would be consistent when told to read an article or the textbook. In attempting to correct his behavior, I certainly did not treat him with “white gloves.” Instead, I most likely triggered him with both of us leaving the situation frustrated, incensed and in his case, feeling that’s just one more adult who doesn’t care.

Today, I strive to right those wrongs of my past. When a student is referred to the office for behavioral concerns, I take time to listen and be attentive to the entire context. I suppress the urge to quickly solve the immediate problem of misbehavior and instead look to treat the student with “white gloves” so that we may solve problems for the longterm. 

5 PURSUITS of AKAHAI:

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch Queen of Physics How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom  written by Teresa Robeson and illustrated by Rebecca Huang. Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: Wu Chien Shiung’s baba named her. Discuss with your kupuna who gave each you your names. What meaning is behind your names?
  • SKILLS: What are examples from the book that show Wu Chien Shiung and her parents practiced akahai?
  • INTELLECT: What is physics? Research and identify some of the everyday examples of physics.
  • CRITICALITY: Wu’s name means “courageous hero.” How did she exemplify her name and continue to be courageous in the face of discrimination and hate?
  • JOY:  Wu Chien Shiung studied the atom which is comprised of protons, electrons, and neutrons. Be like Wu Chien Shiung and explore how electrons and protons can be used to control a metal can. 

KINDNESS ROCKS

Mahalo nui loa, parent Erin Battles and our Wellness Committee for creating an Akahai Rock Garden in the front of our office. Thanks to Erin and an H-PEP SPARK grant, each student will write something kind on a rock that will be featured in the garden. Students will think of something they would like to say to someone else, something someone’s said to them, or something they wish someone would say to them and put that on their rock. Ohana will have the opportunity to write their wishes of kindness as well at our Kindness Rocks night on Thursday, April 4.

PHONES, GAMES, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND THEIR DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS ON KIDS

According to a new article from The Atlantic, “Something went suddenly and horribly wrong for adolescents in the early 2010s. By now you’ve likely seen the statistics: Rates of depression and anxiety in the United States—fairly stable in the 2000s—rose by more than 50 percent in many studies from 2010 to 2019. The suicide rate rose 48 percent for adolescents ages 10 to 19. For girls ages 10 to 14, it rose 131 percent.”

Further, “the problem was not limited to the U.S.: Similar patterns emerged around the same time in Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, the Nordic countries, and beyond. By a variety of measures and in a variety of countries, the members of Generation Z (born in and after 1996) are suffering from anxiety, depression, self-harm, and related disorders at levels higher than any other generation for which we have data.”  

Even here in Kāneʻohe, since the pandemic, we noticed students are getting into more disputes that start on-line, suffering from less resiliency, and having trouble navigating social situations. Still we are constantly asking students to put their phones away when they could be spending time with friends. Read “END THE PHONE-BASED CHILDHOOD NOW” to learn about the problems phones, games, and social media causes for our kids and what we can do to reverse the effects.

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

Thur, April 4, 20246 – 7 PM A Night of Kindness – presented by our Wellness Committee
Sat, April 6, 20248 – 11 AM KES Ohana Clothing Drive Fundraiser
Fri, April 5, 20245 – 8:30 PM 6th Gr Movie Night
Fri, Apr 19, 2024 2:20 – 3:50 PM STEM Hōʻike Ohana Visitation
Apr 22 – May 10Smarter Balance Assessment testing

AHONUI AND DISCONNECTING

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‘A’ohe hua o ka mai’a i ka la ho’okahi #143 

Bananas do not fruit in a single day. 

A retort to an impatient person

Pukui, Mary Kawena, (1983). ʻŌlelo Noʻeau

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: AHONUI

My friends and I leaned our backs against a hollow-tile wall crouching in the middle of a line that stretched around the corner, the beginning no where in sight. We had been waiting since sunrise, with the hope of getting into the first show.  But dozens of people camped out from the night before, something our parents would have never allowed. Even if we miss the first show, but catch the second or third, soon our three year wait would be over.

It seemed like an eternity since we last saw Star Wars at this very same theater, The Cinerama. As a third grader, Star Wars captured my imagination as also it enthralled all of my friends’. The year it came out, every summer birthday party I attended featured going to the Cinerama to see it. Back then, there were no streaming videos and no on-demand movies. Once it left the theater, you probably wouldn’t see the movie again. So when the news broke that a second installment was forthcoming in three years, my friends and I felt a mixture of excitement and frustration. Three years to an eight year old is an eternity. But at least we could cling to the hope that our imaginations would once again be set alit when the sequel premiered.

Finally, the wait was nearly over and my friends and I concocted a plan to see it on the day of its debut. As early as our parents would allow, we caught the bus into town and merged into an already lengthy line. As we waited, we talked about the last film, shared our predictions, and mostly sat in long periods of silence. Keep in mind handheld electronics and mobile phones were years away from being invented. All we had to keep us occupied were coins, playing cards, string, and our imagination. Time passed differently in those days.

Today, my children have no concept of what it means to wait like this for something to happen. In some ways this is a good thing. They can create their moment. They have more power over what occupies their time. Heck, I am thankful I can watch any of the Star Wars movies whenever I like and wherever I am at the moment. But in other, more significant ways, this limits us. We can’t create every moment nor can we control all variables. A banana still operates on its own time. We can’t point our electronics at it to get it to ripen…at least not yet.  Hence, it’s valuable to get out in the real, analog world where we are forced to practice waiting and observing to determine the right time to act. Ahonui requires us to be mindful of others and also of ourselves. It has us using our observations to inform our naʻau, our gut, to determine when is the most opportune time to speak or do something. 

Devices get in the way of this process. It makes us less observant. It dulls our senses. It keeps us from deepening our connections. Ahonui is truly analog. We must disconnect in order to connect.

5 PURSUITS of AHONUI:

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

In honor of Women’s History Month, I will be featuring stories written by and featuring prominent women of history. 

Please watch Shark Lady:The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Oceans Most Fearless Scientist written Jess Keating and illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguéns. Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: Talk to you kupuna about what the ocean means to each of you and your family.
  • SKILLS: What are some unfamiliar words from this text? What do you think they mean based on the story? Look them up in the dictionary to find their definition.
  • INTELLECT: Create a Tree Map of different species of sharks including the ones from this book and their qualities and the myths about sharks that Dr. Eugenie Clark dispelled
  • CRITICALITY: Born in 1922 to a Japanese mother and white, American father, Dr. Eugenie Clark faced several forms of discrimination as she strived to become a marine biologist. What lessons might we learn from Eugenie Clark that helped her eventually succeed despite these obstacles.
  • JOY:  Visit the Waikiki Aquarium or take a virtual visit to either the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago or the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

MAHALO NUI LOA FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR FUN RUN

(Note – the date of our rescheduled Fun Run is to be determined)

As in year’s past, this year’s Fun Run remains a day our students and school look forward to all year. This event helps us raise a considerable amount of money that in the past helped us keep our technology up-to-date, replace the crumbling stage curtain, and installed new ceiling fans in the cafe. This year, the money will assist one of the schools in Lahaina restock supplies lost in the fire, expand our library collection, and install a new sound system in our cafeteria. Thank you to all who have generously contributed to our efforts and encouraged their friends and extended families to also support.

Mahalo also goes out to our teachers who coordinated efforts in the classroom and gratitude especially goes out to our Fun Run Committee, organized by Ms. Shigezawa. Together they have collaborated to ensure our students have an awesome, truly fun day along with vibrant t-shirts and swag. Their efforts are truly appreciated.

CRICKETS WHEN YOU ASK “HOW WAS YOUR DAY?” TRY THESE 

If your child is anything like mine, it’s difficult to elicit more than a one word answer. “Good” “Fine” “Meh” Sometimes, to get him to talk, I need to delve into different topics, subjects he likes, teachers he has strong opinions about. This Edutopia article makes several different suggestions including limiting yourself to just one or two questions per day, asking during a time when both of you can focus on the conversation like dinner, validate their feelings (even if you wouldn’t have felt the same), and ask for more (“I’d love to hear more about that…”). Read all the tips here plus sample questions to ask 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 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, Mar 27, 20245 PM KES School Community Council Meeting
6 PM KES Ohana Meeting – Join in-person at the Library or Online
Thur, April 4, 20246 – 7 PM A Night of Kindness – presented by our Wellness Committee
Fri, April 5, 20245 – 8:30 PM 6th Gr Movie Night
Fri, Apr 19, 2024 2:20 – 3:50 PM STEM Hōʻike Ohana Visitation
Apr 22 – May 10Smarter Balance Assessment testing

HAʻAHAʻA AND BECOMING OPEN

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ku’ia ka hele a ka na’au ha’aha’a 1870 Hesitant walks the humble hearted

A humble person walks carefully so he will not hurt those about him

Pukui, Mary Kawena, (1983). ʻŌlelo Noʻeau

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: HAʻAHAʻA:

When Aunty Pilhi Paki taught Pono Shim about the deeper meaning behind haʻahaʻa, she told him that he needed to “go empty.” Often our minds are filled with memories, thoughts and judgements, frequently about ourselves. This is natural. We filter the world through our own eyes and experiences. However, if we are unable to “empty” our minds of ourselves, we can’t truly understand how others perceive the world. And when they behave differently from what we’d expect, we judge, asking,”Why did they do that? What were they thinking?” 

As an educator, it’s easy to fall into that trap. Most of us found success in school. We conformed to classroom expectations. The way our teachers instructed made sense to us. We understood how information was presented in textbooks. So when we encounter a student that thinks differently or has different needs, our first reaction, if we are not haʻahaʻa, is to judge the child. We refer them to the office. We give them failing grades. And in the worse case, we label the student which may shape how future closed-minded teachers perceive them.

But if we practice haʻahaʻa and “go empty,” we make room in our brains and our hearts for differences. We accept that everyone perceives the world through different lenses. We welcome new ideas and new methods that expand our repertoire as a teacher. We celebrate what makes every student unique. And as result, are better able to reach all of our students and find ways to help them attain success.

One of the greatest lessons I learned as a beginning teacher came from my students whose life was entirely different from my own. As a ninth grader, Kona could not sit still in class without saying something disrespectful. For him, every minute spent listening to a lecture was torture. Every written task I assigned was an unbearable burden. Eventually I snapped, chastising him and holding him afterschool for detention.

After what seemed to be a millennia of seething silence, I asked him, “Why? What’s wrong?” 

Kona replied sassily, “How long I gotta stay? My brother’s gonna be pissed because we missed our bus.”

Full of ignorance and judgement, I commented, “Well then your mom or dad can pick you up then I can talk to them.”

“Yea?!? Go try. My dadʻs in jail and I hardly ever see my mom.”

Given the combination of contempt and pain carved into his face, I knew he was telling the truth. My tone softened, “Who takes care of you? Your grandparents?” Kona dropped his eyes to the floor. “Look, I just want to help you. I know that you can learn this. I believe in you. I just want to know how I can help.”

After a while, Kona began sharing that his oldest brother, barely 18, took care of them in a deteriorating house owned by his father. But, for the most part, the brothers were on their own. For Kona, some days were harder to take care of himself. We then talked about we could change things around in class. It didn’t take away his pain nor did it keep him from talking back once in awhile, but it did help him learn and his behavior improved. Once I stopped seeing him as a troublemaker and instead as a 14 year old who was angry, frustrated, yet very capable, we connected. He knew that I sincerely cared about him and that he could count on me.

Years later, reflecting upon Aunty Pilahi and Pono’s teachings and how that might’ve applied to Kona, I understand that by going empty, we really are becoming open.

5 PURSUITS of HAʻAHAʻA:

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

In honor of Women’s History Month, I will be featuring stories written by and featuring prominent women of history. 

Please watch The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin written Julia Finley Mosca and illustrated by Daniel Rieley. Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: Talk with your kupuna about a time where you felt others (or even yourself) underestimated you or doubted your abilities. What happened? What did you do? 
  • SKILLS: What advice/help would you have given Temple if you were in the same class as her while she was being bullied?
  • INTELLECT: Watch a TED talk by Dr. Grandin and learn about different ways people think.
  • CRITICALITY: How could you use your talents and uniqueness to make the world better and kinder?
  • JOY:  Some people who feel a lot of anxiety find ways to calm themselves when there is too much going on. With your kupuna, make fidgit toys to play with when you feel anxious. Or make them and donate them to an organization that helps kids who have experienced trauma. (Idea from https://www.learningtogive.org/resources/girl-who-thought-pictures-literature-guide)

KULEANA OF TEACHING RESILIENCE 

Recently a few students approached me, asking me to intervene with a classmate who they accused of cyberbullying them. I asked if this occurred in school and they replied that it occurred while they were all playing a game on-line the previous evening. Similarly, we also heard from students accusing others of saying hurtful things on social media as well as on group text threads that included students of all ages from other schools.

In all of these cases, I reminded students that they hold real power to put a stop this, one that I do not possess. 

  • They can block people being disrespectful from their games. 
  • They can “unfriend” hurtful people from social media. 
  • They can remove themselves and hide alerts from message threads that are toxic. 

In sharing this, my goal is to empower students with the kuleana and agency to defend themselves when online. They are not helpless victims. They are powerful and they are loved.

In addition to telling an adult when someone is being harmful, I believe in outfitting our students with resources and tools to shield themselves. Doing so trains them to be resilient, strong young adults. Please join me in teaching your children to be empowered to take positive action.

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, Mar 13, 20244:30 PM KES Wellness Meeting
Fri, Mar 15, 2024KES Fun Run
Mar 18 – 22, 2024Spring Break
Wed, Mar 27, 20245 PM KES School Community Council Meeting
6 PM KES Ohana Meeting – Join in-person at the Library or Online

OLUʻOLU: GENTLE STRENGTH

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`O ka `olu`olu e hau`oli ia. Kindness brings happiness.

Mary Kawena Pukui

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: OLUʻOLU

Have you ever seen your child ever done something that got you so mad that you just wanted to scream? Maybe it was in a public space and you didn’t want to draw attention yet you needed to stop your child from behaving badly. Did you impulsively yell at them? Did you try to ignore the situation?

According to Uncle Pono Shim, when someone is ʻoluʻolu they are gentle in their relationships and acknowledge its significance. The gentleness of ʻoluʻolu is balanced with strength – an unbreakable spirit or foundation. Aunty Pilahi Paki said that ʻoluʻolu is like carrying a baby. You need to be gentle yet strong. Being ʻoluʻolu requires you to do the right thing at the right time, especially in uncomfortable situations, with the full intention of caring for someone.

My mother’s favorite picture to show my dates used to be one where I was sprawled out on the pavement in the middle of a parking lot of Times Supermarket, throwing a tantrum. I probably was 2 or 3 and according to my parents and older sister, I frequently threw myself onto the ground when I couldn’t get my way. My mom said she was so fearful that I would hit my head. Some parents might have handled the situation differently but my parents chose to wait me out.  They made sure I was safe and let me get all the emotions out. After a few minutes (but probably felt like hours) still hyperventilating and sobbing, I was able to get on with the day. It must’ve taken great restraint for them not to grab and shake me while yelling at me to stop – to withstand the judging stares of others or ignore the stinging critiques to “control your child.” Yet, it was the right thing to do, despite the uncomfortableness of the situation. It was ‘oluʻolu. I eventually grew out of that stage and if it weren’t documented or ridiculed for it, I wouldn’t have any recollection. Advised by my pediatrician, Dr. Sia, they knew I was going through a temporary phase, one many other toddlers experience – so much so it has a name, “Terrible Twos” – they knew to be lovingly patient and that all they could do in the moment was to keep me safe.

5 PURSUITS of ʻOLUʻOLU

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

In honor of Women’s History Month, I will be featuring stories written by and featuring prominent women of history. 

Please watch Nina: A Story of Nina Simone written Traci N. Todd and illustrated by Christian Robinson. Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: Talk with your kupuna about songs and music that have been meaningful to them while growing up and why.
  • SKILLS: Throughout the story, the author uses metaphors that compare Nina’s feelings and experiences to thunder. Find as many examples as you can.
  • INTELLECT: Nina Simone and many of her friends protested against “Jim Crow” laws. Research what were “Jim Crow” laws and why were they called that. 
  • CRITICALITY: In this story, Nina Simone uses her music to speak out about injustice and hate. If you could write a song about something you’d like to change in the world, what would you like it to be about?
  • JOY:  Together, listen to a popular song by Nina Simone, Feeling Good,which according to the video’s description, “depicts generations of Black joy and boundless self-expression.” Share songs you spoke about previously in the IDENTITY pursuit.

HOʻOMAIKAʻI SIGHT IS BEAUTIFUL CONTEST WINNERS

Mahalo to all students who entered their works of art to the Kāneʻohe Lion’s Club annual Sight is Beautiful contest. This year, we congratulate 2nd grader Pearl Le who won 2nd place in her division along with Lucia Fraiola and Anela Duldulao who both earned Honorable Mentions. Please see their artwork at the Windward Mall until March 10. Mahalo and congratulations also goes out to teachers Mrs. Moriwake and Mrs. House who inspired their students to enter this contest and showcase their vision for what Sight is Beautiful means to them – awesome job!

DRIVE WITH ALOHA

Mahalo nui loa to many of our ʻohana that drive on and near our campus with aloha. Traffic, especially during the morning rush hour can be frustrating and so we are greatly appreciative of those who are considerate, patient and consistently safe. 

As a reminder to those that are persistently driving unsafe, ie speeding on Mokulele, dropping of children in the middle of the street, or cutting in line at the pick-up/drop-off, we ask that you immediately stop these actions. We are concerned for your safety as well as that of your passengers and everyone around. We also strive to promote being a safe and positive role model for our students and ask that you join us in this effort.

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, Mar 13, 20244:30 PM KES Wellness Meeting
Fri, Mar 15, 2024KES Fun Run
Mar 18 – 22, 2024Spring Break
Wed, Mar 27, 20245 PM KES School Community Council Meeting
6 PM KES Ohana Meeting – Join in-person at the Library or Online