KAPAA — Rising Kapaa High School ninth-graders who will not be offered advanced and elective classes next year are going public with their concerns. About 10 students concerned some classes will not be available to them in high school will
KAPAA — Rising Kapaa High School ninth-graders who will not be offered advanced and elective classes next year are going public with their concerns.
About 10 students concerned some classes will not be available to them in high school will present a one-minute video during the Old Kapaa Town Art Walk tonight.
The video features students holding signs about wanting the classes. It will be displayed across the street from the Bank of Hawaii on Kuhio Highway.
“All of us were pretty upset about the change, so we arranged a meeting with the digital media teacher, who suggested we do a PSA,” said Loren Weiner.
Starting next year, Honors English and math classes, as well as certain electives like digital media, graphic design and auto shop, will no longer be offered to incoming freshman. That means all ninth-graders will be in the same class, no matter their learning level.
School officials say the change in curriculum was an effort to inspire a diverse classroom environment in which every student can succeed.
But some students say they want to be challenged and free from class distractions and are protesting in their own way.
“We’re handing out petitions and comment sheets,” said Arianna White, another upcoming ninth-grader. “We want to spread awareness.”
Students are also asking the public to write letters to school officials, said Jill Weiner, Loren’s mother.
The PSA and petition focus more on the lack of elective classes than honors classes. But if successful, the students will consider doing more community outreach, Loren said.
The video will play on a continuous loop during from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
