I'm part of the Ohana at Prince Jonah Kuhio Elementary School, where I substitute teach at this school. I commend Mrs. Evelyn Hao, Principal, whereas she has selected some of the best teachers and staff, that I have had an opportunity to substitute in their classrooms. I have substituted at this school for the past four years and everytime I walk on this schools' grounds, I feel blessed!
Another school year is ending, but you would never know it! Teacher's are mentoring students to work straight on, forward looking, task orienting, as no one is skipping a lesson to learn in the hours or days ahead. I am so impressed at the beginning of the school year in which kindergartners who couldn't read nor write or do math, now sit in their classes joyfully reading, writing in their journal, along with 1st graders accomplishing amazing math skills and presenting projects such as their studies of various countries. Then, on another occasion, I might be in another class where I see the maturity of a second or third grader demonstrate such respect, kindness, responsibility, due to the "positive expectations" Principal Hao has bestowed among these students, as well as schoolwide celebrations led by Mrs. Nakai, Counseling. I substitute teach in and around all of Honolulu, but this school is like walking on "holy land". There is no comparison.
I have substitute taught for the past thirteen years, coming from one of the largest, fastest growing counties in the nation, Gwinnett County Schools, where you might have the " high test scores," but not the positive expectations of the students and staff. Kuhio Elementary has already had measuring success for its school. In every classroom, a substitute can find posted the GLO (General Learner Outcomes) posted; an example, teaching students as a community contributor; just one of my favorites. From my experience, I would much rather have a child that is well-rounded, than a child that only exhibits intelligence. Our society needs more people taught these high expectations! At Kuhio, I've seen the success of the 21st Century Compass Learning program led by a Retired Military Officer, Mr Ching, who dedicated his time early before school to pilot this program to stay another 2-3 hours for the after school program, which has improved student's test scores; as well as during school breaks, increasing student's knowledge in all subjects and starting up a robotics program. He and Mrs. Hao show their dedication as they take responsibility of an After school A+ program, Homework Help, Reading Is Fun, Violin Summer experiences. Kuhio has the best Arts classes that I have had the opportunity to experience. These classes include, Art, Hawaiiana, Library, Chorus that is exceptional, led by Mr Tish; students love Phyical fitness, because they love Mr. Bedard, a teacher who knows every student at Kuhio by name and need! Students have the best computer technology knowledge where Mrs. Au-Wong teaches students to implement math, history, writing, presentations skills inside her classroom. And did I mention, Yes I eat lunch in the cafeteria where skills are taught to our kids at Kuhio.These students love serving. Kuhio students are eager to learn but they are also sweet and loving. I haven't mentioned every staff's name, but I can gaurantee you that all students and employees are as important as the other. Mrs. Hao is loved and respected by all because her leadership skills "strive to make a difference", at Kuhio, our environment, and in our community.
As I make it a point this year to attend another 5th grade ( Mr Tokamoto, Mr. Lau) graduation, my first thoughts will be, are we measuring these students abilities by "test scores" along or are we meassuring their success on how "well-rounded" they have become. I know the answer it will be, as I stand among my Ohana with tears of joy as I hear the voices of the 4th graders sing, as I see their proud parents who so many have volunteered at the school, are flashing cameras, and as I receive my sweet smiles and hugs; I will leave with a GRATITUDE OF THANKS PRINCE JONAH KUHIO! read more