Category Archives: Uncategorized

AHONUI FINDING THE RIGHT THING TO SAY

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Literally, great breath

Pukui, Mary Kawena, Hawaiian dictionary : Hawaiian-English, English-Hawaiian

s., Aho, patient, and nui, much. Forbearance; long suffering; patience.

Andrews, Hawaiian Dictionary, 1865

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: AHONUI

Have you ever struggled to find an appropriate response after someone told you about something bad that happened to them? You feel a mounting pressure to say something but the words are not coming. You want to help this person feel better and take away their pain. You try to place yourself in their “shoes” and say the things you might want to hear. In the end, you say something, but did your words make a difference? 

Ahonui along with haʻahaʻa help us to find the most appropriate response and when to relay it. Where haʻahaʻa is about emptying ourselves of thoughts, ego and judgement when listening to someone, ahonui is about waiting for the moment by being attentive to the speaker and intuiting what type of response is needed and when. 

Recently, I had the honor of sitting in on a book talk by Stephanie Malia Krauss, author of Whole Child, Whole Life: 10 Ways to Help Kids Live, Learn, and Thrive. The book talk was different in that high school students were invited to share their thoughts about what adults needed to hear about their lives and struggles. Meanwhile, adults were to sit in haʻahaʻa and listen. The students talked about being crushed by the tremendous pressure to achieve while grappling with feelings of loneliness, anxiety and depression. They felt misunderstood by their parents and teachers, being told to “be strong” or “don’t worry about that.” 

As a teen, I certainly experienced similar feelings, but I did not have the added stressors that comes with social media and being isolated during my formative years. How do I know what to say to help these teens – especially when I too was taught to swallow my emotions, not show weakness, and just carry on? – Lessons that arguably have led others in our past to instead excessively self-medicate with substances, express frustrations by abusing loved ones, and/or retreat into isolation.  

Instead of advising the students or presenting them with a solution, Ms. Krauss modeled haʻahaʻa and ahonui during her talk. She communicated with empathy, paraphrasing and then asking students if she completely heard them. She did not judge or criticize what was said. Instead she showed acceptance and compassion. 

In our own relationships, that can sometimes be hard to express, especially when our ego and own sense of protectiveness kicks in. So it’s important to remember to exhale and empty ourselves of judgement, be haʻahaʻa. Then if you struggle with the words to say, try asking this simple question my partner taught me. With ahonui simply ask, “How can I best support you?”

5 PURSUITS of HAʻAHAʻA

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch this: First Laugh–Welcome, Baby!  written by Rose Ann Tahe and Nancy Bo Flood; illustrated by Jonathan Nelson. Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: Many cultures celebrate different milestones as a baby grows and develop. Discuss with a kupuna what milestones are celebrated in your culture.
  • SKILLS: The author uses many different descriptive words the baby’s actions that might indicate smiling or laughing. Draw a Bubble Map of describing the baby in this story.
  • INTELLECT: Smiling and laughing are developmental milestones for babies that indicate they are becoming more socially aware. Research when smiling and laughing typically happen for most babies and the reason why we smile and laugh.
  • CRITICALITY: Tupac Shakur once wrote, “the power of a smile, especially yours, can heal a frozen heart” How might a smile and helping others smile cause less hate in this world?
  • JOY: Share some laughter with your loved ones this week. Celebrate each other for the gifts they share.

JOIN THE H-PEP’s GRATITUDE HUI

On behalf of the Hawaiʻi Postive Engagement Project (H-PEP), parents and educators are invited to join an in-person workshop focused on sparking gratitude. Activities include:

  •  Sharing stories
  •  Making new connections
  •  Writing a heartfelt Mahalo letter
  •  Crafting a personalized bracelet for someone in your life you would like to Aloha. 

Sign up for Gifts of Gratitude, Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Ka Waiwai Mōʻiliʻili, Oahu. 

Please note that you can only sign up for 1 group and must attend the full session. Open to all Hawaiʻi educators and parents. Opening event is free to join and registration is required by Monday, 11/27/23.

FOSTERING HEALTHY EATING HABITS – KĀNEʻOHE COOKS

Mahalo nui loa to our Wellness Committee and all who contributed to our Kāneʻohe Cooks event, last week Wednesday including

  • Aina Aloha o na Lima Hana
  • Joni Kamiya and Kamiya Farms
  • Kāneʻohe Elementary Cafeteria Staff
  • Dr. Jon Oka Family Dentistry
  • The Rocket Scientist
  • Our wonderful Wellness Committee and their ohana for running different booths: Erin Battles, Dee Fujinaka (with Dyan Nakamura), Jennifer Kwok, Chelsea Pang, and Travis Park 

If you attended, please provide us with feedback to make next year’s event even better. Even you didn’t attend but would like to get involved, please consider attending our next meeting on December 13 (link below in the calendar)

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, Nov 29, 2023, 5 PMSchool Community Council Meeting
Join by Zoom
Wed, Dec 13, 2023, 4:30 PMWellness Committee Meeting 
Join by Zoom
Wed, Dec 20, 2023Winter Classroom Paina
end school at 2:05 PM (switch with 12/21)
Thur, Dec 21, 2023Winter Songfest
end school at 1:15 PM (switch with 12/20)
End of Quarter 2
Dec 22, 2023 – Jan 5, 2024Winter Break Intersession – no school
Wed, Dec 27, 2023, 5 PMSchool Community Council Meeting
Join by Zoom
Mon, Jan 8, 2024Waiver Day #3 – No Students

HAʻAHAʻA, ACCREDITATION AND LISTENING TO UNDERSTAND

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Redup. of haʻa; low, lowly, minimum, humble, degraded, meek, unpretentious, modest, unassuming, unobtrusive; lowness, humility.

Pukui, Mary Kawena, Hawaiian dictionary : Hawaiian-English, English-Hawaiian 

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: HAʻAHAʻA

Stephen R. Covey once observed, “The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply.” Accordingly, Aunty Pilahi Paki and Pono advised we practice haʻahaʻa and empty ourselves of thoughts, ego and judgement when listening to someone. Conversely, if we take the words spoken to us, filter it through our own experiences and opinions, we will fail to completely understand that person’s perspective. For example, imagine someone is telling you about an awful restaurant experience. As they speak, you might be thinking about the last time you were at that restaurant or how you had a similar experience. Yet, their experience is completely their own. It’s influenced by multiple factors such as their sensitivity to salt, their unique taste buds (did you know that some people are genetically predisposed to dislike dark chocolate and other bitter foods?), how their day went, how their server’s day went, food traditions they experienced growing up, etc. That’s why Yelp reviews can vary so greatly for the same restaurant. So instead, empty yourself of personal thoughts then listen. Ask questions to clarify your understanding. Check to ensure you understood.

When a visiting team comes to a school for the purpose of accreditation, it’s too easy for the team to listen to reply by bringing in their own educational background; see things as if they were a teacher or administrator in that school. Having served with the WASC Accreditation Commission for more than 20 years, I’ve heard too often, “Back at my school…” or “If I were you…”. Admittedly, when I first started serving on visiting teams, I was guilty of filtering my observations through my experiences as a teacher and how we did things at Kailua High School. 

Gratefully, the team that visited us last week, led by Deborah Hofreiter, a retired administrator from California, conducted the visit with haʻahaʻa. She reminded her team, “We are here to learn about Kāneʻohe” and not to insert what they think is going on. When the self-assessment we submitted to them lacked clarity, the team interviewed people. They listened until they understood.

As a result, the team created a report of their findings that accurately described where we are as a school. They noted strengths and areas of growth that we already saw within ourselves. Additionally, they also spotlighted several areas of strength we acknowledged but did not emphasize. They were especially impressed with our focus on STEM, our vibrant community partnerships, and the extent to which ALOHA permeates our culture. In fact, our visiting chair glowingly reported how much ALOHA she and the team felt from all members of our school community. As an example, she cited an exchange with one of our students. When she asked, “what stands out to you about Kāneʻohe Elementary” the student replied, 

The longer you are at Kāneʻohe the more aloha gets into your heart. I know this because it happened to me.

Kawika, 5th grader

We are grateful for a visit that was conducted with haʻahaʻa and the opportunity to be truly seen. Mahalo nui loa to the team: Deborah Hofreiter, Malia Draper, Kristi Maruno, and Celestino Palacio.

5 PURSUITS of HAʻAHAʻA

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch this: When We Were Alone read by the author, David Robertson and illustrated by Julie Flett. Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: Like the girl in this story, practice haʻahaʻa, and listen to understand. Ask your kupuna about something in their past that influences them today (like what they wear, something they always say, or often do).
  • SKILLS: This story features many examples of simile, (i.e. We all mixed together like storm clouds.) Practice making a simile to describe your kupuna.
  • INTELLECT: This story is about a woman who survived the American Indian residential schools that attempted to “civilize” or “Americanize” Native American children. Native Hawaiians faced similar treatment as their language was banned from schools from 1896 to 1978. Talk about what would’ve happened to the language and knowledge of Native Hawaiians if that ban was never lifted.
  • CRITICALITY: How does the grandmother in this story express her resilience and strength given her treatment as a child? What ALOHA value might this be an example of?
  • JOY: Share what you and your friends or siblings do when you are alone, away from adults. What do you do that brings you joy?

Parents/Kupuna/Teachers: Here is another version of a read aloud that features the artwok and words of the story.

FOSTERING HEALTHY EATING HABITS

This week, our Wellness Committee present Kāneʻohe Cooks, a return to our pre-pandemic campaign to promote healthy habits. Our committee is motivated by the desire to help our students develop healthy habits so that they not only feel better but they are able to learn better. 

Did you know that childhood obesity is significantly linked to higher rate of depression, anxiety, and lower self-esteem? This in turn can also lead to social problems such as being bullied. And since we know all of these conditions can draw attention from learning, obesity is also associated with lower academic achievement.

Along with discouraging sugary snacks, we advise families adopt the daily 5-2-1-0 strategy:

  • 5 Servings of Fruits, Roots and Vegetables
  • 2 Hours of Screen Time
  • 1 Hour of Physical Activity
  • 0 Sugary Drinks

Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC) VISIT – WHAT’S NEXT

At the end of the visit, the WASC Visiting Committee shared their appreciation to the staff, students, parents, and community members of our Kāneʻohe Elementary community. They loved seeing our classrooms, taking in the beauty of our campus, hearing our stories, and gathering our suggestions, weaving them into their final visiting report.

The Visiting Committee now submits their report to the WASC Commission who will make a final determination regarding our accreditation status. The Commission meets in January, so we practice ahonui until we hear official word sometime in the new year.

Mahalo nui loa for all who organized, supported, shared, and helped us prepare for this accreditation visit. It required a lot of coordinated effort and the experience underscored how fortunate I am to be a part of this school community.

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

Tue, Nov 14, 2023Fall Picture Retakes
Wed, Nov 15, 2023, 5:30 – 7 PMThe Wellness Committee presents: Kāneʻohe Eats register here
deadline to register is Monday 11/13 4 PM or until capacity is reached
Fri, Nov 17, 2023Deadline to submit KES Ohana Fall Giftcard orders
Wed, Nov 29, 2023, 5 PMSchool Community Council Meeting
Join by Zoom
Wed, Dec 13, 2023, 4:30 PMWellness Committee Meeting 
Join by Zoom
Wed, Dec 20, 2023Winter Classroom Paina
end school at 2:05 PM (switch with 12/21)
Thur, Dec 21, 2023Winter Songfest
end school at 1:15 PM (switch with 12/20)
End of Quarter 2
Dec 22, 2023 – Jan 5, 2024Winter Break Intersession – no school
Wed, Dec 27, 2023, 5 PMSchool Community Council Meeting
Join by Zoom
Mon, Jan 8, 2024Waiver Day #3 – No Students

ʻOLUʻOLU AND THE “FIRST THANKSGIVING”

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Pleasant, nice, amiable, satisfied, contented, happy, affable, agreeable, congenial, cordial, gracious; please.

Pukui, Mary Kawena, Hawaiian dictionary : Hawaiian-English, English-Hawaiian

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: ʻOLUʻOLU

As a kid, growing up in Hawaiʻi, what I was taught about Thanksgiving seemed pretty typical for any kid growing up across the US. In class we made construction paper Pilgrim hats and colored pictures of the Mayflower. We learned that the Pilgrims stood up against the King of England who persecuted them for practicing their religion. To gain their freedom, they braved a long, arduous voyage across the sea before landing at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts. Many lives were lost at sea and then more died from sickness and starvation as they struggled to survive in the “New World”. With winter coming, they might not have made it through if not for the help of some friendly Native Americans who taught them how to farm. To thank them, the Pilgrims invited members of the tribe for a feast and that was the first Thanksgiving. 

Since then, the event has been mythologized as the “first Thanksgiving.” Along with it being a day to show gratitude, it has come to symbolize the perseverance and good intentions of the Pilgrims and by projection, Americans. Today, 400 years later, we have a fuller picture of that event as perspectives of the Wampanoag people have pushed through the soil of history that once buried it.

The Pilgrims established their colony in Plymouth just as winter was beginning. With inadequate supplies, winter nearly decimated the colony. Luckily, the Pilgrims stumbled across Wampanoag storehouses and survived on plundered provisions. In the months that followed, despite the trespass, members of the Wampanoag people showed ʻoluʻolu -a gracious, nice act – to the Pilgrims teaching them farming practices that would help them thrive. Later that fall, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag celebrated an abundant harvest with a feast lasting three days. The alliance formed between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag was short lived. Eventually they and other colonists pushed for more land and greater access to resources. This led to the seizing of lands and the enslavement and mass killing of the Native Americans.

Although reduced in numbers and confined to smaller plots of land, members of the Wampanoag continue to live in Massachusetts. Since the 1970s they have been calling for the stories of their ancestors to be heard and for justice to be restored. Instead of Thanksgiving, they commemorate the occasion as a National Day of Mourning. It is a peaceful protest decrying the discrimination and oppression their ancestors faced. It is not a call to arms or a threat to overthrow the government. Instead, Wampanoag produce video segments, write books, give talks and do all they can to tell their stories with the hope of bringing about change. In this sense, the Wampanoag remain ʻoluʻolu – simultaneouslygentle and strong – persevering to educate and right the wrongs of the past.

5 PURSUITS of ʻOLUʻOLU

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch this: Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story written by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten, and illustrated by Garry Meeches Sr. (Illustrator) Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: Corn, squash and beans were so important to the Wampanoag, they called them the three sisters and viewed them as gifts from the Great Spirit. Talk with your family about what plants/food sources are important to your culture.
  • SKILLS: What genre of literature best describes this book?
  • INTELLECT: How does this story differ from the more common Thanksgiving story that is frequently told about the Pilgrims?
  • CRITICALITY: How does hearing different perspectives of a historical event help us promote equity and prevent injustice?
  • JOY: Try making Nasamp, a traditional Wampanoag dish that may have been shared during the great harvest feast.

Parents/Kupuna/Teachers: Learn more about this story through a thought provoking interview with the book’s authors. 

Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC) VISIT

Kāneʻohe Elementary is an accredited institution and every six years, must undergo a renewal process to maintain it’s accreditation status. As such, this week we welcome three educators from schools across Hawaiʻi and one from California. Over the course of the week, they will visit our classrooms, interview members of our school community, and observe our practices. At the end of the week, they will provide a report of their findings and any recommendations pertinent to our continued efforts to improve. If you see our esteemed visitors on campus, please be sure to say “Aloha” and welcome them to our school.

MOKULELE REMINDERS

For those that drop-off and pick-up students on Mokulele, please remember to show aloha to our neighbors. The roads across and mauka of our school are privately owned by the residents of Parkway. They asked me to relay this plea not to park, stop or use their roads as turn-arounds.  Please show aloha and mahalo for your kokua.

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

Nov 6 – 9, 2023WASC Accreditation Full Visit
Wed, Nov 8, 2023, 4:30 PMWellness Committee Meeting 
Join by Zoom
Wed, Nov 15, 2023, 5:30 – 7 PMThe Wellness Committee presents: Kāneʻohe Eats register here
Wed, Nov 29, 2023, 5 PMSchool Community Council Meeting
Join by Zoom
Wed, Dec 13, 2023, 4:30 PMWellness Committee Meeting 
Join by Zoom
Wed, Dec 20, 2023Winter Classroom Paina
end school at 2:05 PM (switch with 12/21)
Thur, Dec 21, 2023Winter Songfest
end school at 1:15 PM (switch with 12/20)
End of Quarter 2
Dec 22, 2023 – Jan 5, 2024Winter Break Intersession – no school
Wed, Dec 27, 2023, 5 PMSchool Community Council Meeting
Join by Zoom
Mon, Jan 8, 2024Waiver Day #3 – No Students

LISTENING WITH AKAHAI

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

Andrews, Hawaiian Dictionary, 1865

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: AKAHAI

From the first day of school, John showed an unusual amount of aggression towards his classmates. While other kids climbed the jungle gym and played chase, he used his recess time grabbing classmates by the privates and trying to flip them over, WWF style. As a fairly new vice-principal my only corrective tools were to repeatedly suspend and chastise John. However, this had no effect as his hostility continued, seemingly without remorse. I grew increasingly frustrated and angry, especially after calling the parents of his victims. I felt as if he was doing this just to flout my authority.

Eventually, one of ours counselors was able to make headway. Mr. Nick possessed a gift for listening and helping students bring out the good within their hearts. During one of the counseling sessions, Mr. Nick heard from John that as far as he could remember, he was never embraced, never given physical affection. So Mr. Nick helped John understand the hurt he felt and in turn about the harm he caused. He helped him figure out how to fix things both within his heart and with others. And despite causing harm, he is still worthy of being listened to, being loved, and being shown compassion. Mr. Nick also worked with John’s mother to strengthen their relationship and show John know how much she loves him.

Six years later, I went back to my former school and saw John waiting patiently in a line to go to recess. He immediately recognized me, probably from the hours spent in my tiny VP office. He smiled and shook my hand, possessing a calmness and peace I had not previously seen. I asked him how he was doing and praised him for how much he grew. He made so much progress, the new administrators knew nothing of his past – only the positive attributes he now possessed. 

Research backs up my experience with John – that my efforts were ineffectual. Punitive measures such as suspension did not reduce his aggression nor did it make the school any safer. Listening with kindness or akahai, as implemented by Mr. Nick, coupled with counseling, however, changed the course of John’s life. It helped John eliminate his bullying behavior and instead become a model citizen. It brought out the aloha within.

5 PURSUITS of AHONUI

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch this: Each Kindness written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by E. B. Lewis. Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: With a parent or kupuna, talk about the following: Have you ever regretted not showing kindness to someone before the chance was gone?
  • SKILLS: Bullying is defined as when someone is hurt by unwanted words or actions, repeatedly and has a hard time stopping what is happening to them because they feel less powerful.Do you think the kids were bullying Maya? Why or why not? Give specific details from the story that support your opinion.
  • INTELLECT: The narrator uses the word “tattered” to describe the doll that Maya brings to school. Based on how it’s used in the story, what do you think “tattered” means? How do the other students use that to judge Maya and call her Never New?
  • CRITICALITY: At the end of the story, what is the narrator thinking about as she watches the ripples across the pond? What lessons do you think the narrator has learned?
  • JOY: Like in the book, take turns with a friend, classmate, parent or kupuna, dropping a pebble into a big bowl of water and sharing a kind thing each of you have done.

Parents/Kupuna: Here’s a great follow-up read to this book about teaching your child to be kind.

NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH CONTINUES

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and in accordance, we have several initiatives planned. 

  • Thanks in part to our KES Wellness Committee, Mental Health America of Hawaiʻi provided an interactive training for our 5th and 6th graders on Becoming a Defender. Students learned about what is bullying, how to prevent it, and how to positively talk about dealing with difficult emotions. We will next schedule presentations for our 3rd and 4th graders.
  • Last Wednesday we participated in Unity Day, a call for inclusive, nurturing learning environment for all. To show our collective support; that we unite in speaking and acting with aloha – especially akahai, we gave all students orange, Unity Day bracelets. We continue to remind students they are making a promise to themselves and our community to be kinder, more respectful, more civil.
  • This week I continue in sharing a read alouds that has an anti-bullying message associated with the Aloha focus.

Please join us in promoting the National Bullying Prevention at home. Encourage your children to  be kinder, be more respectful, and act more civilly towards others.

ONGOING REMINDERS

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

Oct 23 – Nov 3, 2023Parent-Teacher Conferences
early release 12:45 PM daily
Oct 25, 2023, 5 PMSchool Community Council Meeting
Join by Zoom
Thur, Oct 26, 2023, 5 PMWellness Committee Meeting 
Join by Zoom
Wed, Nov 1, 2023Complex PC Day – No Students
Nov 6 – 9, 2023WASC Accreditation Full Visit
Wed, Nov 8, 2023, 4:30 PMWellness Committee Meeting 
Join by Zoom
Wed, Nov 29, 2023, 5 PMSchool Community Council Meeting
Join by Zoom
Wed, Dec 13, 2023, 4:30 PMWellness Committee Meeting 
Join by Zoom
Wed, Dec 20, 2023Winter Classroom Paina
end school at 2:05 PM (switch with 12/21)
Thur, Dec 21, 2023Winter Songfest
end school at 1:15 PM (switch with 12/20)
End of Quarter 2
Dec 22, 2023 – Jan 5, 2024Winter Break Intersession – no school
Wed, Dec 27, 2023, 5 PMSchool Community Council Meeting
Join by Zoom
Mon, Jan 8, 2024Waiver Day #3 – No Students

AKAHAI & ALOHA AKAKA WEEK

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

Andrews, Hawaiian Dictionary, 1865

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: AKAHAI

May Day comes just once every other year at Kāneʻohe Elementary School and if you’ve only been a part of our ʻohana since 2020, I apologize because the last two were acutely subdued due to the pandemic. The May Day of 2016, however, was an entirely different affair. That year, May Day culminated the celebration of Kāneʻohe Elementary’s 60th anniversary. As with the May Day’s of the past, previous principals were invited to attend and since it was an extra special occasion, we were treated to an extra special guest: former principal, Senator Daniel K Akaka. Senator Akaka was a enthralled by the student performances, cheering after each act. After the event, we gathered in a library for a staff luncheon and Senator Akaka warmly greeted everyone. As he posed for pictures with different members of our staff, he asked them for their names, inquired about who they are, and what they did at Kāneʻohe Elementary. He seemed genuinely interested in everyone and grateful for their service to children.

For me, as a school leader, it was a lesson in grace. No matter his prominence and his tremendous impact on Hawaiʻi, Senator Akaka was humble and kind. He certainly put others before himself. I remember him asking me if had gotten a chance to eat. Here he was, a kupuna, a special guest, and he’s looking after me.

In the two remaining years of his life, we were blessed to have several interactions with Senator Akaka including a book celebration with our younger students. In each case, he greeted everyone with kindness and a warm humility that made us feel cared for. It is no wonder Senator Akaka was known as the Aloha Ambassador as he definitely promoted how to Live Aloha with his every action.

Read a special memory of Senator Akaka by Kāneʻohe Elementary parent, Kekoa Kaluhiwa who served as Senator Akaka’s executive assistant for 12 years.

5 PURSUITS of AKAHAI

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch this: A Beach Day with Pa written by Senator Akaka’s grandson, David Mattson and his wife Elizabeth Mattson; illustrated by Brady Evans. Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: What is something that you like to do at the beach with your ʻohana?
  • SKILLS: Watch the video again, but this time turn the sound softer and read along with the narrator.
  • INTELLECT: A single cigarette butt will contaminate 8 liters of water after just one hour of soaking in the waves. Research the impact plastic bags and other pieces of litter have on the environment.
  • CRITICALITY: In the story Pa and the kids showed akahai by picking up the opala left by others. Other than the marine life, who may have benefitted from this act of aloha?
  • JOY: Think about how you can do an act of aloha that benefits others at your next fun outing with your ʻohana. Share this idea with your ʻohana and commit to doing it.

ALOHA AKAKA WEEK CHALLENGE

This week, on what would’ve been his 99th birthday, we honor Senator Daniel Kahikina Akaka, the first U.S. Senator of Native Hawaiian ancestry. Senator Akaka was justifiably known as the Aloha Ambassador, consistently demonstrating akahai to all who had the opportunity to meet and connect with him. In this spirit, please join us in the Aloha Akaka Week Challenge by following the Senator’s examples on each day of the week:

WANTED: SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON

The School Community Council (SCC) supports the school through policy making, advising school administration, and developing school improvement initiatives. It is comprised of parents, community members, teachers, classified staff, students and administrators. We are currently seeking nominations for anyone willing to serve on the SCC as it’s chairperson. The chairperson presides at all meetings and signs letters, plans, reports, and other SCC communications. If you are interested or would like to nominate someone for this role, please complete this nomination form by Monday, September 25.

MAHALO NUI LOA OHANA100

Inspired by Senator Akaka’s kāhea to educate young people, Ohana100 and it’s team of volunteers read to children, support literacty initiatives and donate new books to students. This past week, Ohana100 was spreading the aloha again at our annual book celebration. Each and every Kāneʻohe Elementary student received a new book to take home and read again and again with their ohana. Mahalo Piha Mrs. Millie Akaka (Senator Akaka’s wife) and Ohana100 founders David and Elizabeth Mattson for such a wonderful, inspiring event.

MAHALO CPAC & 5TH GRADE

Continuing in its commitment to providing students in the Castle Complex a forum for learning about the performing arts and hopefully sparking a new passion, the Castle Performing Arts Center spent the first few weeks of school with our 5th graders. During these sessions, students learned how to project their voices, act, sing, dance, and how to be on stage. All of their learning culminated with a performance for the students’ ohana at the Caste Theater. We, the audience, were treated to a wonderful show full of song, laughter, and pride for our students. Mahalo nui loa to the CPAC educators and our 5th grade teachers: Mrs. Muniz, Kumu Māpuana, Ms. Maloney, Mrs. Sparks, and Kumu Wells. 

STEM KICK-OFF – ADDRESSING THE CLIMATE CRISIS WITH NATURAL SOLUTIONS

One of Kāneʻohe Elementary’s key initiatives is to develop students’ ability to solve problems using the Engineering Design Process coupled with a Growth Mindset where learning from failure is an expectation. Each year, we strive to inspire our teachers to develop lessons that challenge students to design solutions for the problems around them. And every year, teachers consistently help students come up with innovative and creative projects including nets that capture micro plastics in the ocean, a re-designed makaha for Waikalua Loko Iʻa, and a waterwheel that converts hydro power from the ʻauwai into electricity. This year, we are stretching our brains to apply this process to addressing the climate crisis using natural solutions such as agroforestry. Given that climate change and urbanization played significant contributing roles to the devastating wildfires on Maui, this topic is of urgent concern. So we look forward to what our students design to address this challenge, especially as we strive to cultivate young leaders who will help Kāneʻohe and Hawaiʻi be sustainable beyond our lifetime.

Mahalo nui loa to climate and culture strategist Brandon Jirō Hayashi, environmental engineer Todd Taniguchi, and Kupu Hawaiʻi educators Makana Lewis and  Linn Kuboi for guiding our learning.

WEAR PINK FOR MAUI WEDNESDAYS

We are continuing to Wear Pink for Maui on Wednesdays and invite all to continue joining 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 – please join us

The Daily Piko helps us become centered and ready to learn. It helps us get on the same page, hearing one message of focus for the day and the week. If you are able, we begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesday when we conduct the piko in-person.

https://hidoe.zoom.us/j/89410873182?pwd=dERWOEs2SldQdW5aZHpDM29vdWdhdz09

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tue, Sept 12, 2023, 8:30 AMFrank DeLima Performance
Wed, Sept 13, 2023, 4:30 PMWellness Committee Meeting 
Join by Zoom
Fri, Sept 22, 2023Waiver Day – No Students
Tue, Sept 26, 2023Fall Picture Taking Day
Wed, Sept 27, 2023, 4:30 PMSchool Community Council Meeting
Join by Zoom
Sat, Sept 30, 2023Campus Beautification Day
Fri, Oct 6, 2023Silver Linings Day
End of Quarter 1
Oct 9 – 13, 2023Fall Break Intersession – no school

RAISING CHILDREN WITH AHONUI

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Patience; patient, enduring, long suffering; to tolerate. Lit., great breath

Pukui, Mary Kawena, Hawaiian dictionary : Hawaiian-English, English-Hawaiian 

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: AHONUI

When my daughter Zoe was a toddler, her mother and I stressed out about setting her up for “success.” Along with all the other parents of children her age, we felt we were in some unspoken competition. Consequently, we bought toys that were “guaranteed” to stimulate her creativity. We enrolled her in a bunch of pre pre-school classes – yes pre pre-school. We owned all the Baby Einstein VHS tapes that were supposed to make her “smarter.” Yet, for all of our efforts, we always felt behind.

Later, when Gen, our son, was born, I heard a podcast that refuted the supposed benefits of Baby Einstein videos and the other measures we took to get Zoe ahead. Instead, the podcast claimed there were only a few things that research showed parents did that influenced their children. One of them was smoking. If parents smoked, it was likely their children would smoke. Another was how parents treated their children and others. If parents were loving, kind, and respectful, their children would follow suit. And if parents were not those things, their children behaved similarly. In retrospect, this made sense. After watching hours of videos, toddler Zoe could still not speak French, read fluently, or create master works of art. What probably benefitted her the most was when we spent time playing with her at the beach, digging holes and building sandcastles.

A few years ago, I resonated with a book entitled The Gardener and the Carpenter by Alison Gopnik. It was if the author had been tracking all of our parenting errors, “the idea is that if you just do the right things, get the right skills, read the right books, you’re going to be able to shape your child into a particular kind of adult” similar to a carpenter building a cabinet from a set of directions. However, these parents, “are so concerned that the child come out that you’re not giving the child the freedom to take risks and explore and be autonomous.” Instead, these parents and their children are more likely to be, “anxious and difficult and tense and unhappy in all sorts of ways that are unnecessary.” Children will not learn how to be flexible, resilient, and independent.

Being a parent, however, is more akin to being a gardener, “you never know what’s going to happen in the garden. The things that you plan fail but then wonderful things happen that you haven’t actually planned.” Gopnik explains that it’s about “creating a rich, nurturant but also variable, diverse, dynamic ecosystem in which many, many different things can happen and a system that can respond to the environment in unpredictable kinds of ways.”

In other words, waiting for your child to grow and bloom like a flower requires ahonui. But not a patience where you passively wait around for things to happen. Ahonui is an active patience where you are being attentive and nurturing, waiting for the right moment to water, to till, to prune, to weed, to fertilize. 

All children are individuals with their own unique characteristics, strengths, and personalities. As such, each grows and matures on their own timetable. Just looking at the height of kids across 6th grade and then when they’re high school seniors is proof enough. Boys who were the shortest throughout elementary sometimes shoot up to be amongst the tallest in their class by the time they graduate. But this doesn’t just happen. Like gardeners, we feed them nutritious food, give them milk to drink, and encourage them to get lots of sleep. We create the conditions for this to happen, even if it doesn’t happen right away.

Twenty years later, Zoe is doing well despite our mistakes. She is independent, strong, and making sound, mature decisions. She might not be as interested in foreign affairs as her mother wanted nor becoming a teacher as I hoped. But she is carving her own path as a happy adult, which I think is what is most important.

The Nature of This Flower Is to Bloom
Rebellious. Living.
Against the Elemental Crush.
A Song of Color
Blooming
For Deserving Eyes.
Blooming Gloriously
For its Self.
Alice Walker

5 PURSUITS of AHONUI

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch this: Leo the Late Bloomer written by Robert Kraus and illustrated by Jose Aruego. Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: What is something that took you a long time to learn? How did you feel when you finally learned it?
  • SKILLS: Leo is described as a “late bloomer” by his mother, meaning he will eventually find his talents and abilities but after others. Why does Leo’s mother use this term when responding to Leo’s father? Provide examples from the text that show Leo’s mother is correct.
  • INTELLECT: The term “late bloomer” is an example of an idiom. An idiom is a widely used saying with a meaning that is unique to a culture. A local example is “Broke da mouth.” Research and find examples of idioms that are about having patience.
  • CRITICALITY: Why might it be important to show ahonui or patience with someone that takes longer to learn or do something compared to you?
  • JOY: Make a list of things you would like to learn but might be afraid of failing. Practice ahonui with yourself and begin learning one of those things.

MAHALO NUI LOA ROYAL HAWAIIAN BAND

This week, our school was treated to an amazing concert by the Royal Hawaiian Band, which included a special performance of In Your Hawaiian Way featuring a few of our teachers dancing hula ʻauana. Throughout the show, students sang along to different tunes, were introduced to the gamut of musical instruments, and learned a bit of Hawaiian history in the process. One of our second graders, Alex Kimura, even got to conduct the band for one of their numbers. Fun fact: one of the performers with the band, the legendary Karen Keawehawaiʻi is a Kāneʻohe Elementary alumnus and was amongst the first students to attend KES. Mahalo nui loa goes to Alex’s mother So Jin Kimura, a musician with the Royal Hawaiian Band, who helped arrange this wonderful opportunity for our students to discover new passions

VIRTUAL FALL MATH CAMP FOR 1ST – 3RD GRADERS

During the upcoming Fall Break (October 9 – 13) the Hawaiʻi DOE is sponsoring a free virtual Fall Math camp for Hawaiʻi public elementary school students in grades 1, 2, and 3 (not including public charter schools). Space is limited and it fills up fast. Registration is open and available here.

PHONE & SMART PHONES

During the school day, students are not allowed to use phones or smart watches. This expectation includes when students that are in before and after care programs including A+. 

  • Devices shall remain OFF and IN your child’s backpack during the school day.
  • Before school and after school devices used to contact parent/guardian is allowed after receiving permission from school personnel in the drop/off and pick/up areas only.
  • If a student attempts to use a device during instruction, the teacher will confiscate the device, turn it in to the Vice Principal, who will call you for pick up. Thank you for your support.

BIKES/E-BIKES ON CAMPUS

We encourage students who live close to school to walk or ride bikes to campus as part of a healthy, active lifestyle. Once on campus, all bike riders should walk their bikes up the walkway to and from the bike rack located near the library. We ask all to not ride bikes on campus. Recently, trespassers on e-bikes ran over newly planted native plants on our hillside. Please kokua and let others know to show akahai while on our campus.

WEAR PINK FOR MAUI WEDNESDAYS

We are continuing to Wear Pink for Maui on Wednesdays and invite all to continue joining 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 – PLEASE JOIN US

The Daily Piko helps us become centered and ready to learn. It helps us get on the same page, hearing one message of focus for the day and the week. If you are able, we begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesday when we conduct the piko in-person.

https://hidoe.zoom.us/j/89410873182?pwd=dERWOEs2SldQdW5aZHpDM29vdWdhdz09

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tue, Sept 5, 2023, 9:00 AMSenator Akaka Foundation Book Celebration
Tue, Sept 12, 2023, 8:30 AMFrank DeLima Performance
Fri, Sept 22, 2023Waiver Day – No Students
Tue, Sept 26, 2023Fall Picture Taking Day
Sat, Sept 30, 2023Campus Beautification Day

HAʻAHAʻA: GOING EMPTY

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Reduplication of haʻa #1; low, lowly, minimum, humble, degraded, meek, unpretentious, modest, unassuming, unobtrusive; lowness, humility.

Pukui, Mary Kawena, Hawaiian dictionary : Hawaiian-English, English-Hawaiian 

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: HAʻAHAʻA

Sitting at Boston’s Logan Airport, feeling a strange mixture of sadness, optimism, exhaustion, excitement and parental pride, I am lost in my emotions. Just six hours ago, I hugged my daughter goodbye outside of her new apartment. Her graduate program begins next week and she needs to start studying, yet I regret not staying through the weekend…especially after hearing her say she wished I’d stay longer. While she certainly doesn’t need me, I wish we had more time setting up her place, bonding over Ted Lasso, eating pizza and making supply runs to Target. 

Four years ago, as she began her undergraduate degree, the vibe was resemblant yet so different. Back then, I took off a week as I envisioned spending a lot of time helping her set up her dorm, figuring out where her classes were, and getting to know the surrounding neighborhood. Instead, I spent much of the time alone. There was the requisite runs to Bed Bath and Beyond and IKEA, but the school already arranged for a charter bus to take all of the freshmen to Target. After dropping her belongings off at the dorm, parents were swiftly ushered off, allowing the students to begin their life as college students and being independent. On my last night in Tacoma, I begged to see her one last time. On the steps of her dorm, we had 5 minutes to sneak a hug and say goodbye before she had to return to a freshman social.

On the returning flight, I wept profusely while trying to appear nonchalant. Back then, if you asked me, I would’ve said I felt empty. But really, I was not empty. Loneliness and wistful memories of my daughter as an infant, clinging to my chest as she struggled to fall asleep completely filled my heart. As she rushed towards independence, her trailing wake, pulled on my heart and filled me with the longing to again be needed.

Now, as I prepare to board another plane, reflecting upon the teachings of Uncle Pono and Aunty Pilahi, I realize the stark difference between feeling empty and emptying yourself – especially if you need to be there for someone else. So despite being filled with those same feelings of nostalgia and yearning on this trip, I acknowledged their existence. In doing so, I did better at setting them aside so I could also make space to be present for my daughter and again set her on her way.

5 PURSUITS of Haʻahaʻa

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch this: The Rabbit Listened written and read by Cori Doerrfeld. Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: When you are sad, what makes you feel better? What about other members of your family? What makes them feel sad? What helps them feel better? 
  • SKILLS: Create a Bubble Map that describes the main character, Taylor, and the rabbit.
  • INTELLECT: In the book, the rabbit practices empathetic listening. What is the meaning of empathy? How is it different from sympathy? (Here’s a good resource if needed.)
  • CRITICALITY: All of the other animals wanted to help Taylor feel better. Why were they unsuccessful? How might this be a lesson for us at school and in our family?
  • JOY: Uncle Pono said that to be a good listener, we must be haʻahaʻa or go empty. In other words we need to temporarily empty ourselves of our thoughts, feelings, and judgements and be filled by the words and nonverbal cues of someone else. Practice being haʻahaʻa by listening to a family member tell you a story of when they were your age.

VIRTUAL FALL MATH CAMP FOR 1ST – 3RD GRADERS

During the upcoming Fall Break (October 9 – 13) the Hawaiʻi DOE is sponsoring a free virtual Fall Math camp for Hawaiʻi public elementary school students in grades 1, 2, and 3 (not including public charter schools). Space is limited and it fills up fast. Registration is open and available here.

WEAR PINK FOR MAUI WEDNESDAYS

We are continuing to Wear Pink for Maui on Wednesdays and invite all to continue joining 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 – please join us

The Daily Piko helps us become centered and ready to learn. It helps us get on the same page, hearing one message of focus for the day and the week. If you are able, we begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesday when we conduct the piko in-person.

https://hidoe.zoom.us/j/89410873182?pwd=dERWOEs2SldQdW5aZHpDM29vdWdhdz09

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wed, Aug 30, 2023, 4:30 – 5:30 PMSchool Community Council Mtg – Join by Zoom
Thur, Aug 31, 2023, 9:30 AMRoyal Hawaiian Band Performance
Tue, Sept 5, 2023, 8:30 AMSenator Akaka Foundation Book Celebration
Tue, Sept 12, 2023, 8:30 AMFrank DeLima Performance
Fri, Sept 22, 2023Waiver Day – No Students
Tue, Sept 26, 2023Fall Picture Taking Day
Sat, Sept 30, 2023Campus Beautification Day

THE STRENGTH IN GRACIOUSNESS OF ʻOLUʻOLU

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Redup. of ʻolu; pleasant, nice, amiable, satisfied, contented, happy, affable, agreeable, congenial, cordial, gracious; please.

Pukui, Mary Kawena, Hawaiian dictionary : Hawaiian-English, English-Hawaiian 

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: ʻOLUʻOLU

When I first got into teaching, I brought to the job an engineering degree and five years experience as a camp counselor. I could lead attention-getters and ice-breakers all while explaining how to design a sewer system, but somehow these tools were ineffective with 30 ninth-graders who did not want to be in my class learning physical science. Most displayed their boredom by passively putting their heads down, but one or two competed for the class’ attention by making inappropriate jokes and noises. I tried to be strict, setting up stringent expectations and giving stern looks when students did not meet them. But students continued to show disrespect and seemed to become even more defiant. I then tried to be punitive, holding students in to make up for the time “they wasted.” But this strategy was unenforcible when the students needed to rush to another class and failed to come back for detention later in the day. Even when I could hold them in, the whole session usually devolved into a venomous battle of wills that never seemed to teach the desired lesson.

Eventually, my vice-principal arranged for me to see one of the most effective teachers on our campus, Kathy Ellwin. Mrs. Ellwin taught social studies to the same cohort of students I had for physical science. Sitting in the back of her classroom, I was dumbfounded. The same students who gave me a hard time earlier that morning, were diligently working and respectfully relating to their peers. Instead of ruling the class with stern looks, Mrs. Ellwin wore an infectious smile and taught with a melodic voice. When one student began to look frustrated – a look I’ve seen many times from this same student and often before an emotional explosion – Mrs. Ellwin calmly crouched beside him, whispered something inaudible to anyone else around and the frustration seemed to melt away. What was this magic Mrs. Ellwin beheld? How did she get such different results from the same group of students? 

Though I didn’t have the vocabulary for it back then, I now recognize it as ʻoluʻolu. Mrs. Ellwin had an affable personality, indefatigably positive and supportive. She clearly loved teaching and was wholly dedicated to her students.  The students knew this too and did not want to disappoint her.  Even if they became frustrated, as learning something challenging can elicit, Mrs. Ellwin simply whispered, “I see you are getting frustrated. How can I help you? I know that you can learn this.” And this was big for those kids who rarely had anyone express confidence in they’re being able to learn something hard. Somehow, it was what they needed to stay resilient and complete the task.

While certainly gracious, pleasant and nice, I would never call Mrs. Ellwin weak. In fact, after witnessing her teach 30 ninth graders how to write a persuasive essay, I would call her the strongest woman in the world. She did not resort to threats or punishments. Instead, she treated them like people deserving of respect, saw the best in them, and showed them aloha. She was the embodiment of ʻoluʻolu.

5 PURSUITS of ʻOluʻolu:

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch this: Those Shoes written by Maribeth Boelts  and illustrated by Noah Z. Jones. Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: How do you feel when you help others? Has there been a time where other people helped your family? How did that feel?
  • SKILLS: Theme is the underlying message or lesson that the author is trying to convey to the reader. What do you think might be the theme of this book? What are the story elements and picture clues that tell you that this might be the theme?
  • INTELLECT: In Hawaiʻi we don’t have to worry about going to school in the snow. Research what it might be like to live in a place where it snows and what you might need to go to school when it snows.
  • CRITICALITY: Have you ever given something to someone that they needed but didn’t ask for? How did that feel?
  • JOY: Make a list of volunteer activities or ways that people can share and give in your community. Point out different examples to your child and talk about the different ways people help each other. Pick an activity and do something that helps others this week.

WEAR PINK FOR MAUI WEDNESDAYS

For the time being, we will continue to Wear Pink for Maui on Wednesdays and we hope all continue to 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.” 

Mahalo Mrs. Kresge's Class for sharing their Aloha with Maui
Mahalo Mrs. Kresge’s Class for sharing their Aloha with Maui

DAILY VIRTUAL PIKO – please join us

The Daily Piko helps us become centered and ready to learn. It helps us get on the same page, hearing one message of focus for the day and the week. If you are able, we begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesday when we conduct the piko in-person.

https://hidoe.zoom.us/j/89410873182?pwd=dERWOEs2SldQdW5aZHpDM29vdWdhdz09

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wed, Aug 30, 2023, 4:30 – 5:30 PMSchool Community Council Mtg – Join by Zoom
Thur, Aug 31, 2023, 9:30 AMRoyal Hawaiian Band Performance
Tue, Sept 5, 2023, 8:30 AMSenator Akaka Foundation Book Celebration
Tue, Sept 12, 2023, 8:30 AMFrank DeLima Performance
Fri, Sept 22, 2023Waiver Day – No Students
Tue, Sept 26, 2023Fall Picture Taking Day
Sat, Sept 30, 2023Campus Beautification Day

UNCOVERING LŌKAHI & RESOLVING CONFLICT

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Agreement in mind; unanimity of sentiment; union of feeling; oneness; similarity. 

Andrews, Hawaiian Dictionary, 1865

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: LŌKAHI

Before he passed, Uncle Pono Shim was asked to mediate between military leaders and community members protesting the poisoning of the wells beneath Red Hill. Amidst the angry outcries and the weary excuses, Uncle Pono asked for everyone’s attention. He shared his observations about the contempt each side seemed to have for the other and then said, “Despite this, do you know what we all have in common?” An impatient silence fell across the room. “None of us here caused this. This is a problem we inherited and it’s a problem only together we can solve.” Once the Lōkahi all parties shared was pointed out and acknowledged, the healing began. Discussions became more productive and progress was made.

Aunty Pilahi Paki taught Pono that Lōkahi was about how we are already connected and aloha was about acknowledging and building upon this shared connection. Whether addressing a community calamity or a dispute on the playground, we need to uncover our Lōkahi. With regards to the playground, the Lōkahi might be that everyone wants to have fun and to make friends. Depending on our age, background, interests, and social awareness, we may need to clarify what we like and don’t appreciate. Sometimes someone’s fun might be interpreted as bullying by the receiver. So the behavior needs to be pointed out and the Lōkahi needs to be acknowledge so that all can have fun.

When we teach our children to advocate for themselves in a kind yet strong manner, we help them to become leaders. They learn that they have agency in instances where they might’ve felt fear or powerlessness. Even if the interaction results in the need for our children to ask an adult to step in, they are left more empowered. And this begins with their being able to recognize the Lōkahi in any interaction.

5 PURSUITS OF LŌKAHI:

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch this: Luli and the Language of Tea written by Andrea Wang  and illustrated by Hyewon Yum. Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: What is the word(s) for tea in the language of your kupuna/ancestors?
  • SKILLS: Setting is where a story takes place. What is the setting for this book? What are the story elements and picture clues that tell you where it is set?
  • INTELLECT: Research the origins of tea. What part of the world did it come from? How did it spread to become one of the most popular beverages in the world?
  • CRITICALITY: How is Lōkahi represented in this story and how did it bring the children together?
  • JOY: Use these tea cup templates by the illustrator Hyewon Yum to design your own tea cup that represents your identity.

DAILY VIRTUAL PIKO – please join us

With the start of the new year, we bring back Daily Virtual Piko. This practice helps us become centered and ready to learn. It helps us get on the same page, hearing one message of focus for the day and the week. If you are able, we begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesday when we conduct the piko in-person.

https://hidoe.zoom.us/j/89410873182?pwd=dERWOEs2SldQdW5aZHpDM29vdWdhdz09

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wed, Aug 16, 2023
6:30 PM		KES Ohana Mtg – Hybrid 
Attend in-person at the library -or-
Attend via Zoom
Fri, Aug 18, 2023Statehood Day – no school
Wed, Aug 30, 2023
4:30 – 5:30 PM		School Community Council Mtg – Join by Zoom

FINDING AKAHAI IN TRAUMA

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Modest, gentle, unassuming, unpretentious, unobtrusive, docile, decorous, meek, suave; meekness, modesty

Pukui, Mary Kawena, Hawaiian dictionary : Hawaiian-English, English-Hawaiian 

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

Andrews, Lorrin, A Dictionary of the Hawaiian Language

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: AKAHAI

Over the span of my lifetime, there have been several seminal, world-disrupting events that left an indelible mark on how we live our lives. Some were like a bolt of lightening – blinding for a brief moment, but leaving burns and scars that never seem to heal – like 9-11. Prior to that horrific event, security around air travel was nonchalant. I remember my friends and I crowding the airport gates, hanging out until a classmate boarded the plane to fly off to college. And now, even a bottle of water can’t make it past security. 

The COVID-19 pandemic similarly had an immediately jarring effect, dismantling the economy, keeping us confined in our homes for nearly half-a-year, and claiming far more lives than any single terrorist attack. Yet, the pandemic continued on, evolved, worsened, and continued to linger even after a vaccine was discovered. Many people experienced (and continue to experience) trauma, felt burnt out, reassessed their lives, changed their careers. Consequently, many businesses lack enough employees to stay afloat.

COVID-19 similarly affected schools. Since 2020, we had four teachers quit, two staff transfer and five retire mid-year, causing us to scramble to fill those positions with the best personnel and substitutes we could find. At times, our discernment caused us to delay in hiring and left us scrambling to cover the classes and roles as best we could. Eventually, we were blessed to find talented and loving teachers but not without valuable time lost and many anxious moments. 

This year, we begin the school year adequately staffed. All homerooms are opening with wonderful and passionate teachers – some are new, but all are willing to learn and grow to provide our students rigorous, relevant learning experiences. While there are key positions that still need to be filled, such as our School Administrative Services Assistant, our devoted team stepped up to ensure school operations are not impacted and the start of school begins well.

The wonderful team we’ve put together, after years of struggle, reminds me of a quote I heard watching Ted Lasso. A character shares about how devastated he felt after his partner cheated and left him for another person. But then he started to see life differently, “I realized this thing didn’t happen to me, it happened for me.” Even in grief and trauma, we can still find pono – or hope – we can still experience akahai, grace.

5 PURSUITS of AKAHAI:

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch this: The Name Jar read by the book’s author and illustrator Yangsook Choi. Then with you child, answer the following:

  • IDENTITY: Do you know the meaning behind your name? Who named you and what was the reason why you were given your name?
  • SKILLS: Describe the main characters in the story {looks like, feelings, thoughts, character}
  • INTELLECT: Unhei immigrated to the United States from Korea. Did anyone in your family leave the home of their ancestors to come to Hawaiʻi? Where did they come fro? When did they arrive? Why did they leave their home to come here?
  • CRITICALITY: “Identity is not just who we are but also who we are called to be” How might your name, be a call for you to make the world a better place?
  • JOY: Follow the instructions at the end of the video and draw a self-portrait to get to know yourself.

KĀNEʻOHE ELEMENTARY ʻOHANA HANDBOOK

Please review this year’s ʻOhana Handbook prior to the start of the year. Please pay close attention to the following sections:

Please also note that our dismissal times have changed this year. 

On Wednesdays, we end at 1:15 PM

We end every other day at 2:05 PM.

DAILY VIRTUAL PIKO – please join us

With the start of the new year, we bring back Daily Virtual Piko. This practice helps us become centered and ready to learn. It helps us get on the same page, hearing one message of focus for the day and the week. If you are able, we begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesday when we conduct the piko in-person.

https://hidoe.zoom.us/j/89410873182?pwd=dERWOEs2SldQdW5aZHpDM29vdWdhdz09

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mon, Aug 7, 2023Castle Complex Planning and Collaboration Day, no students
Tue, Aug 8, 2023Waiver Day, no students
Wed, Aug 9, 2023First day of school for students Gr 1 – 6
Wed, Aug 9, 2023
4:30 – 5:30 PM		Wellness Committee Mtg – Join by Zoom
Wed, Aug 16, 2023
6:00 PM		KES Ohana Mtg – Hybrid 
Attend in-person at the library
Attend via Zoom
Fri, Aug 18, 2023Statehood Day – no school
Wed, Aug 30, 2023
4:30 – 5:30 PM		School Community Council Mtg – Join by Zoom