Summertime is coming to a close for students across the island. Most of the island schools will be sharpening their pencils for first-day use next week, while several private schools begin at the end of August. Busy with leadership and
Summertime is coming to a close for students across the island. Most of the island schools will be sharpening their pencils for first-day use next week, while several private schools begin at the end of August. Busy with leadership and new teacher orientation meetings, and exciting plans for the coming year, Kaua‘i’s principals look forward to the start of their school year.
Hanalei Elementary’s Principal Corey Nakamura
“I am excited to be back as principal at Hanalei School and am really looking forward to continuing in our work of helping students learn. My favorite thing about the first day of school is seeing all the kids come back. We are excited for the opening day of school, with teachers returning this week, and meetings planned to get everyone prepared.” On the first day “I’ll wear my usual attire: an aloha shirt and a smile.”
Kapa‘a Elementary’s Principal Dora Hong
“Since our school made so much progress last year, we have something to work toward, to continue improving student learning and performance. It’s exciting to start a new year because there are new kids, new staff and teachers who bring new and fresh ideas to our program and students. On what to wear: “I always try to wear something very comfortable the first day, because I help direct parents in the parking lot for drop-off and pick-up.”
Kilauea Elementary’s Principal Fred Rose
“It’s a little a hectic around here, as we’ve had a few renovation projects that are cutting it close. I always look forward to the kids coming back most because that’s our reason for being. We have a new speech language pathologist, and all our great teachers are back.” With enrollment “we’re seeing new families moving in and old families moving elsewhere. It seems local wages haven’t kept pace with real estate prices and economics are catching up with enrollment on this side of the island. It’s kind of sad to see some of the old established families leave, I’d rather see a good balance.” Principal Rose said of first day jitters, “Back in the old days I would get nervous, but not so much anymore. Teachers are always a little nervous about the new year, with new challenges and new classes.” On the first day, “I always make it a point to be out in front of the school,” something he learned during his time at King Kaumuali‘i. “I like to be able to recognize the car and parent and learn everyone’s name.”
Wilcox School’s Principal Jason Kuloloia
“I’m really looking forward to it because we have great teachers, and it’s really fun working with the students. This year we’ll be focusing on raising and improving scores and student learning through innovative strategies.” On his first day, “I’m not nervous, just excited. I wear whatever I grab from the closet.”
St.Theresa’s Elementary and Middle School Principal Mary Jean Buza
“We have four new teachers, and enrollment is up.” The most exciting addition to the curriculum for next year is a new spring field-trip program for all students at St.Theresa’s. “It’s a pretty aggressive program that will take our eighth-graders to New York, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia for their U.S. history courses. Fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders will travel off-island to learn about Hawaiian and state history, and kids younger than fourth grade will have extensive on-island field trips learning about the rich history of Kaua‘i.” Buza is honored to be in her second year as principal and “the first St.Theresa’s School alum to come back home after all these years. I’m a Kekaha girl.” This year the school also begins it’s pre-school program for 3-year-olds.
Waimea High School’s Principal Nelly Caberto
“I think meeting the kids, new and old, is the most exciting. After summer vacation they come in ready to learn. It’s a brand new start. Even the older ones that have already been here, come in excited to share their summer adventures with their friends.” Caberto explained that the special orientation day next week reserved for freshman and transfer students allows, “the new students to explore the campus, meet each other and find their classrooms so that the transition is easier. Then everyone will come together on Thursday and start the year.”
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School’s Principal Debra Badua
Chiefess is getting ready for the new year by “welcoming some new teachers to our campus last week with meetings and workshops. Now we can’t wait until the rest of the staff comes on board in the next few days so we can celebrate our accomplishments of the last year, and look forward to this year and what we can do for the students.” One of the new programs Badua is excited about it “implementing a new ‘X Block’ period as a school-wide effort to improve reading and math skills.” The principal “will be greeting the kids as they come during orientation. At Chiefess each grade level has a full day of orientation before the start of school. The parents are invited to meet the teachers and ‘be a student’ for the morning. This way, the parents and the students can hear the year’s academic goals and teacher’s expectations at the same time. The 8th grade comes on Tuesday, the 7th grade on Wednesday, the 6th grade on Thursday and then everyone begins together on Friday.”
