Our first of several training sessions on the use of SMART boards be on Friday, February 11th. Closing the sign-up list if you haven't yet contacted Mike Maddock as we want to ensure each group is of a reasonable size. Still, great to see that we have a good number of staff interested. As we provide ongoing support sessions, ask that we all remain committed to model PLC where we support and share our learning with others. Want to thank Mike Maddock in making this a reality!
Want to remind all staff members on the importance of being positive role models. Whatever our job responsibilities, students look to us as role models. When we expect students to report to school/classes on time, we need to model this we in our daily work; when we ask students to treat each other with respect, critical that we are positive role models; when we expect students to dress appropriately, so should we as professionals; and when we ask students to do their best, we must also collectively & individually do our best. Here's a Hawaiian proverb that reflects my philosophy as a member of the Kapaa High ohana..... Ahuwale ka po`okela I kau hana la ha`i. It is through the way you serve others that your greatness will be felt.
Hawaii State Department of Education: Below are three recent articles that provide updates on Hawaii's Department of Education progress and it's alignment with the national efforts. As you read excerpts from President Obama's State of the Union speech, Hawaii's Strategic Plan 2011-2018, and the Hawaii's Race to the Top reform efforts....please take stock/proud of your good work as Kapaa High's focus are becoming nicely aligned and we are making good progress! Examples of our efforts are thru Smaller Learning Community focus, meeting Board of Education Graduation Policy 4540 per our work for a new bell schedule, using formative assessments such as DSI; and building our efforts in using data per standards based student learning. Our Academic/Financial plan clearly defines these goals and perhaps more importantly, shows our proactive planning and going after key resources in making our vision a reality.
- Transforming Hawaii's Public Schools website ( You may sign up for e-newsletters and updates! ) http://hawaiidoereform.org/ JANUARY 2011 Transforming Hawaii's Public Schools e-newsletter http://hawaiidoereform.org/news I n this issue: Conversation with the Superintendent about education reform efforts; Race to the Top budget and January 2011 status update; Online Hawaii State Assessment Testing; 2011-2018 Strategic Plan; HMSA Teen Video Contest P resident Obama's State of the Union: Education Excerpts http://www.ed.gov/blog/2011/01/state-of-the-union-education-excerpts/
GLO Awards: Students who have met the GLO expectations can again redeem their coupons on Monday, Jan 31st in the cafeteria during lunch. Please continue to congratulate these students for their good work and special kudos to those staff members who came out to help.
2011 Kauai District Science Fair: Please help support our students as well as the other district middle & high school finalists at the Kauai District Science Fair on Friday, Feb. 18th @Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall. The display viewing will be open to the public until 6:00 p.m. with the student recognition and awards ceremony following shortly.
Common Core State Standards: Beth Pemberton is finalizing the coordination for those teachers/staff members to attend the initial Common Core training for secondary school levels. Session will be held on March 3rd at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall.
Office Changes: Effective February 1st, Beth Pemberton's office will be located in the Student Center to allow her to also spend more time on the Smaller Learning reform efforts. Our new PCNC Nancy Boreliz will be taking over Beth's office in the Admin Bldg.
That's it and have a great week!
Daniel S. Hamada
Principal
Kapaa High School
4695 Mailihuna Road
Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii 96746
PH: (808) 821- 4401 ext. 102
FAX: (808) 821- 4420
daniel_hamada@notes.k12.hi.us
