December. Located in Hanalei since 1974, Menehune School was the first preschool on Kaua’i’s North Shore, according to owner/director/teacher Dianne Daniells. The school “provides a safe, bright and cheerful atmosphere for children ages two through five,” Daniells says. “Children play
December.
Located in Hanalei since 1974, Menehune School was the first
preschool on Kaua’i’s North Shore, according to owner/director/teacher Dianne
Daniells.
The school “provides a safe, bright and cheerful atmosphere for
children ages two through five,” Daniells says. “Children play surrounded by
mountains and waterfalls on one side and Hanalei Bay on the
other.æ
The semester program includes encouraging a love for
learning, non-competitive play, creative problem solving, non violence and b
beginning academic skills, she adds. Also provided weekly is special
instruction in computers, tumbling, music, Spanish language and art. Daily
activities include block play, Playdoh, Legos, water play, story time and
various Montessori materials and tasks.
Daniells says children develop
their motor, cognitive and academic skills. The class participates in monthly
field trips in the community. The teachers help the children gain confidence
through patience, tolerance and compassion.
“Young children deserve a
loving and caring environment and our well trained staff and small class size
helps create a happy place for children to be,” Daniells said.
Daniells has
enjoyed teaching preschool in Hawaii since 1972, first at Honolua, Maui and
then at Menehune School in Hanalei. She says she has been able to contribute to
the lives of hundreds of children and has enjoyed the pleasure of watching many
students grow up to be young adults, over the years. Daniells has taught her
class through science and art, music and drama, learning skills and most of all
play.
“The children have learned cooperation, compassion and respect for
each other and the world around them,” she said, adding that many wonderful
teachers have contributed to Menehune School through the years with t love and
care. She is also proud that “through this, Menehune School has maintained an
excellent reputation.”
After studying early childhood education at Maui
Community College and receiving a Montessori Certificate from St. Nicholas
Training Centre, Daniells opened the Menehune School in 1974, first in the
historic Waioli Mission Hall and then in a plantation style house built by the
Ho family.
Finally, a new building was designed that maintained the unique
look of Hanalei Town and accommodated the preschool children. It was built by
Diane’s artist husband Mark and her father Rudy, a retired elementary school
teacher.
“I am privileged to be able to spend time with children as they
laugh and play through days filled with hope and happiness and love,” Daniells
said as the school celebrated its 25th anniversary.
For more information
about the school or its program, call 826-6133.
