To be alike; to be agreed; to be of one mind; to be in union or unison 

Andrews, Hawaiian Dictionary, 1865

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: LŌKAHI

Between the hula performances and robot demonstrations, a high school student approached our booth with a piercing question:

What is the thing your school values the most?

Hosting a table at the Hawaiʻi K-12 Parent and School Expo, we had been fielding questions throughout the day, sharing about the great things happening at our school. From STEM Hōʻike to our KES Ohana to our various community partnerships, there’s much for us to be grateful for. How might one narrow it down to a single thing?

Thoughtfully, after a brief pause, Ms. Yamada, our Academic Coach, summarized it best. We have a shared mission. Our teachers and support staff, our students and their families, all strive to fulfill our mission to inspire all to embrace learning, discover passions with Aloha at our core. 

While we might possess different talents and strengths, we interdependently strive towards the same goal. Dr. Manulani Meyer puts it as, “We are all the same, differently.” The attainment of our shared purpose is elevated by our unique gifts presented in harmony. 

Our mission enables us to be He Kaula Paʻa, a strong firm rope. As individual fibers, we wind around our shared mission to form a stronger whole. Whether it’s through art, dance, games, field trips, projects, or lessons held in the classroom and at the farm, combined our students gain a stronger sense of who they are, what they want to be, and why learning is essential. 

Inspiring learning, discovering passions with Aloha at our core is our lōkahi.

5 PURSUITS of LŌKAHI

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch this: Packs – Strength in Numbers written and illustrated by Hannah Salyer. Then with you child, answer the following:

• IDENTITY: Are you a part of a team? Talk to your kupuna about the best teams they have been a part of and what made them so effective.
• SKILLS: What genre of literature does this book belong to? What is your evidence?
• INTELLECT: Create a Bridge Map that features all the different names for packs of animals featured in the book. Add to the map with the name for a pack of animals not included in the book.
• CRITICALITY: Many of the animals featured in the book are endangered in the wild. Similarly, Hawaiʻi is home to many species of plants and animals that are endangered, with 75 percent of extinctions in the United States occurring in Hawaii. Research how you can help the plants and animals native to Hawaiʻi survive.
• JOY:  Learn from the author, Hannah Salyer, how to draw a zebra and then make your own drawing. (You can also hear her read the story as well as explain her process of illustrating the book.)

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Do you or do you know someone who has a child turning 5 on or before July 31, 2024, and would like them to enroll at Kāneʻohe Elementary? We are now accepting application for kindergarten for the next school year. 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.

Mental Health & the Importance of the Independent Ability to Learn

George Couros is a humble, thoughtful educator who’s writing often resonates with me. In this article, he shares how he resists the urge to solve his daughter’s problems and instead fosters her independence. This not only empowers her as a learner, but fuels her hope and optimism for the future.

“Sometimes, the hardest thing to say to our kids at the moment is “figure it out yourself,” but sometimes, that can be the best for them in the future. Of course, we do our best to ensure that we build a community that is supportive of others, but it is hard to count on others when you don’t learn to first count on yourself.”

George Couros

Social media Safety tips for kids

Last year, the US Surgeon General released a health advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. While there are benefits to using social media, the report finds “Children and adolescents who spend more than 3 hours a day on social media face double the risk of mental health problems including experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety.”

To assist your efforts to ensure your children are safe while using Social Media, here are a few tips provided by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. 

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

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

Andrews, Hawaiian Dictionary, 1865

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: AKAHAI

Note: The following is a modification of a message I wrote to staff on August 1, 2022.

Of all the elements of ALOHA, akahai seems to be the most akin to the common definition of aloha. Aunty Pilahi Paki and Uncle Pono Shim taught us that while the literal meaning of akahai is gentle or meek, it’s deeper meaning is grace, leaving others better than when we found them.

Last week, I attended a lecture on La’au Lapa’au (traditional Hawaiian medicine and spirituality) . The kumu, a student of the late healer, Papa Henry Auwae, shared his expectations of a Lāʻau Lapalaʻau practitioner, one of which was Hoʻomaikaʻi Akahai or to have respect for everything – the plants, the protocols of your practice, those you heal, everything. This expectation serves as a reminder to be intentional. As the healer practices akahai – helping someone get better – they must show akahai and imbue their tools and plants with positivity and kindness.

As educators, we do the same. The act of teaching is really a practice of akahai. We help students get better through the learning process. Thus all of our tools, resources and instructional methods should be instruments of kindness and grace. Likewise, when we regard our students, their families, and our school ʻohana  with akahai, we strengthen our impact. Hoʻomaikaʻi Akahai is our charge as well.

As parents, we too strive to be Hoʻomaikaʻi Akahai:

• From teaching children to share to modeling how to treat others with respect;
• From ensuring they’re well nourished to encouraging them to serve our community;
• From reading to them everyday to helping them plan for their future.

By filling these everyday occurrences with kindness and grace, we model as we teach, how to be Hoʻomaikaʻi Akahai.

5 PURSUITS of AKAHAI

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch this: THE RED BICYCLE: The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle written by Jude Isabella and Illustrated by Simone Shin. Then with you child, answer the following:

• IDENTITY: Like Leo, have you or your kupuna ever donated something that you truly valued? Talk about that item, what it made it special and the hope you had for its new owner.
• SKILLS: Make a Flow Map of the red bicycle’s journey from Leo to Haridata.
• INTELLECT: After being donated, the red bicycle travels from the East Coast of America to Burkina Faso, a country in West Africa. Research countries in West Africa. How are they similar to and different from Hawaiʻi.
• CRITICALITY: Describe the different ways Leo’s donation of his bicycle helps others (including the earth.)
• JOY: Make a donation drive with your family, gathering things that can still be used by others in need.

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

Literally, great breath

Pukui, Mary Kawena, Hawaiian dictionary : Hawaiian-English, English-Hawaiian , 1964

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

Andrews, Hawaiian Dictionary, 1865

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: AHONUI

My father loved growing flowers. He filled his garden with vibrant fuchsias, velvety burgundies, and joyous ambers. Though difficult to cultivate, he patiently nurtured roses and azaleas to take root and blossom. Every weekend, he spent hours in the yard, pruning, weeding, and repotting. Then, in the evenings, he’d sit in the garden, puffing on his cigar, appreciating his ephemeral jewels. Beyond their beauty, he seemed to value most, the challenge and ahonui it took to get them to thrive. After all, his favorite of his entire garden was the one that demanded the most care; his gardenia. 

With blinding white blossoms and an intoxicating scent, the gardenia needed to be in soil both moist and well drained. Hence my father constantly monitored the soil to ensure it possessed to proper dampness. He lovingly pruned the branches during the off-season and filled our house with bountiful bouquets when in bloom. He diligently guarded against insects, misting the leaves with insecticide. He weeded and weeded, keeping its base free of competing pests. 

Eventually when I moved to Nuʻuanu, my dad blessed our house with a cutting from his gardenia plant. Barely 8 inches tall, he carefully planted the sapling in a sunny spot filled with nutritious soil. With daily morning and afternoon showers, the gardenia easily thrived in the Nuʻunau weather. I, the antithesis of the gardener version of my father, barely tended to it as it steadily quintupled in height. 

Even after my father passed away in 2014, the gardenia continued to grow, magnanimously blessing us with its abundance. Scenting the garden near the anniversary of his death, the plant served as a constant memorial to my father’s generosity. 

Then in 2020, near the start of the shut down, I noticed that the gardenia’s leaves began to yellow. Had it not been for the pandemic, I might not have noticed. But every afternoon, I conducted Zoom calls in the back yard, and like my father, gazed upon the ephemeral jewels of my garden. The differences I saw were not subtle. There were no flower buds and more than half of the leaves were chartreuse like overripe mango pits. Consulting Google, I thought the plant might be deprived of water. Impatient for it to get better, I desperately watered the plant twice-a-day. But instead of reviving it, the leaves went from yellow to brown and began to fall, leaving the branches bare. My heart sank.

Only at that moment, as the gardenia was dying, did I think about how it represented my father and the gifts he shared with me. He put himself into that plant as he nurtured it from a small cutting into a sapling he gently nestled into the soil. Prior to this, I mostly ignored it. Sure, I admired the blossoms when they were in season. But outside of that relatively small window, I forgot it was there.

As I franticly googled for some sort of fertilizer or medicine to cure it, I admitted to my mother that I sickened the plant through my own neglect. She looked at me, not with the disappointment which I sorely felt, but with recognition. She and my father had encountered this problem before. She advised that the yellowing and dying leaves were probably caused by aphids and that I needed to religiously spray the plant with neem oil. She also said that the aphids attract ants who in turn protect the aphids, so I would also need to get rid of the ants.

From that point, I conditioned the ground with an insecticide to deter the ants from forming a colony near the gardenia. I then regularly treated the gardenia with a regiment of neem oil. Over the first few weeks, I saw little difference other than the few remaining leaves persistently holding firm to the boughs. But, with ahonui and faith I continued to spray neem oil on the plant and guarded against ants. Then, after another week or two, almost imperceptibly, tiny sprouts of jade began to emerge from the darkly sparse branches. With ahonui and renewed hope, I continued. Sprout by sprout, leaf by leaf, after a couple of months, the gardenia reemerged from its coma. Fully blanketed in hues of emerald and jade, my father returned.

5 PURSUITS of AHONUI

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch this: Gwendolyn’s Pet Garden written by Anne Renaud and Illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh. Then with you child, answer the following:

• IDENTITY: In the book, when Gwendolyn grows marigolds, basil, fennel, and zucchini. Talk to your kupuna about plants you would like to grow if you had a garden, including ones that might be valued in your culture. 
• SKILLS: Once Gwendolyn’s garden takes root, the author states, “Vines and tendrils like hairs of wild beasts inched along the soil” Looking at the illustration and thinking about the description she uses, what do you think tendrils mean?
• INTELLECT: The plants Gwendolyn selects for her garden are known to grow well together. Research companion plants to learn how some plants help each other grow.
• CRITICALITY: By reading about it, weeding it, watering it, talking to it and protecting it, Gwendolyn shows ahonui in caring for her garden while it grows and comes into bloom. How might we show similar ahonui in caring for others in our community?
• JOY: Start a nature journal similar to Gwendolyn who collects measurements and observations of her garden. 

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER

Mahalo nui loa to our Student Council and their advisors for organizing an effort to spread holiday cheer to the kupuna in our community. Students colored and wrote dozens of cards and our staff decorated ornaments that were delivered to the seniors receiving food through Meals on Wheels. Mahalo to all for sharing a bit of aloha.

HOʻOMAIKAʻI ANA THE PACIFIC AMERICAN FOUNDATION

Our partner, the Pacific American Foundation (PAF), stewards of Waikalua Loko Iʻa, celebrated 30 years as an organization dedicated to strengthening our community through place-based education grounded in ʻike kupuna. Kāneʻohe Elementary is fortunate and grateful to be a partner to PAF as our students benefit greatly through the support and resources they provide. From project-based units at the fishpond to free Lokahi afterschool programs, PAF elevates our efforts as educators. When time permits, please view this video celebrating PAF’s 30th anniversary. 

IF ONLY I HAD KNOWN

Did you know that as adults, we can pass along to students our negative beliefs and attitudes about math? This in turn perpetuates the myths that not everyone can be good at math, or that you need to solve problems quickly to be smart in math. Even students at Stanford University carry these harmful beliefs with them to college, steering them away from majors and careers they might excel in.

But, if we change our minds and communicate positive, growth oriented beliefs, we can open greater opportunities for our students. We can help them believe in themselves and get them become math achievers. To begin this task, please read this letter from Dr. Jo Boaler, professor of math at Stanford University.

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

Unity, agreement, accord, unison, harmony; agreed, in unity

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

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: LŌKAHI

Recently, I had the chance to talk story with Uncle Earl Kawaʻa, a cultural specialist with Kamehameha Schools. We attended a conference on Kukulu Kumuhana, a framework for well-being grounded in Hawaiian values. Although we sat in different parts of the room, I overheard Uncle Earl mentioning something about the concept of Ea which the framework defines as self-determination and agency. As I was in a different breakout, I could not hear what he shared however knowing Uncle Earl I guessed he was telling moʻolelo about Ea.

Later at lunch, I approached Uncle Earl as he dug into a bowl of chicken luau. Always generous with his knowledge, Uncle Earl explained that he advised his group to get to know the deeper meaning of the Kukulu Kumuhana concepts. He cautioned the literal meaning would suffice for basic actions, however the deeper meanings influence behaviors and attitudes. He used Ea as an example. Uncle Earl asked, “Where have you most prominently heard ʻEaʻ used?”

“The state motto: Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono”

“Right, and where did that saying come from”

Sadly, I had forgotten that part of Hawaiian history and struggled to recall who authored the phrase. Without missing a beat, Uncle Earl went into teaching mode and said, “It came from the failed attempt by the British to take over the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi. When the captain who held the country captive was forced to retreat, King Kamehameha III proclaimed, ʻUa mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka ponoʻ But who was he saying that to?”

Before I could even utter, “who?” Uncle Earl said, “Everyone. Not just the Hawaiians. He meant it for all people.” Then referencing a talk Aunty Puanani Burgess gave earlier in the day, “Pono does not just mean righteousness. The deeper meaning is about being in harmony.” 

I understood. King Kamehameha III was speaking to all of us – all who share in the riches of this ʻāina. He proclaimed that Ea is not just about life but our responsibility to stand up for what’s right and serve this ʻāina. And pono is not just about righteousness, but our LŌKAHI, the common responsibility we share.

5 PURSUITS of LŌKAHI

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch this: Remember written and read by US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo; illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade. Then with you child, answer the following:

• IDENTITY: In the poem, the author says, “Remember the sky that you were born under,
• know each of the star’s stories.” Talk to your kupuna about the moʻolelo of the moon, the sun, and  constellations that were important to your ancestors.
• SKILLS: Using evidence from the text, how might this poem be about Lōkahi?
• INTELLECT: The author, Joy Harjo was the first U.S. Poet Laureate of Native American ancestry. Research what is a U.S. Poet Laureate and why this is such a great honor.
• CRITICALITY: In the poem, the author says, “Remember the plants, trees, animal life who all have their tribes, their families, their histories, too. Talk to them, listen to them. They are alive poems.” How might we “talk” to plants, trees, and animal life? What might they be saying?
• JOY: Sit and talk story with your kupuna. Spend time remembering things important to your family and ways that your connect.

A copy of the poem Remember  by Joy Harjo can be found here.

WAS THAT A WHALE UNDER OUR TENT?

Last week, our first graders were treated to a fantastic opportunity to walk through a life-sized humpback whale and learn all about its anatomy. Our first grade teachers arranged for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary to have their scientists teach hands-on marine science lessons and provide our students a memorable and enriching learning experience.

A PARADE OF GOOD CHEER

If you sat along Kamehameha Highway on Saturday morning, you might have seen our very own Kāneʻohe Alala and Pū kani (the students who lead our piko every morning) reciting an ʻoli about Koʻolaupoko. You might have also seen our student council passing out goodies to the kids lined up along the road. And finally you might have seen members of our Lokahi dance program led by Ms. Nyonda. Mahalo nui loa to our VP Kalei Tim-Sing and Academic Coach Cherisse Yamada for organizing our entry into the Kāneʻohe Christmas Parade and for all of our students, staff and parent volunteers that joined us.

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

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

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

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

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