Best way to get feedback about our work is directly from our customers. In speaking with our students, there's no lack of shyness as they are willing to share their ideas about areas where we can improve as well as our strengths. Their sense of openness and honesty can be quite interesting and rejuvenating. Over the past weeks, students have on their own accord came forward in sharing their thoughts, appreciation and concerns. Overall, a good number are pleased with their educational experiences as they feel that most adults really care in taking that time to work with them. Still, there were a number of students who felt that some adults didn't care. Several spoke of being put down, made examples of in front of their peers and receiving busy book work assignments with little explanation about their assignments. In fact, several students shared that they are not challenged and had no understanding for the purpose of their assignments and how they were being graded. Reason for sharing is to remind everyone that we must continue to be diligent and cognizant in how we work with "every" student no matter how challenging. Students needs encouragement, feedback about their progress, and focused learning activities that's differentiated, consistent and rigorous. They need to know that we care and believe in them. Let me be very clear that I do believe that we have terrific examples of teaching and mentoring across our school! We must work to ensure this consistent practice across all classrooms, support programs and administration.
Kudos to our Kapaa High School Foundation for their Walk/Run fund raiser this past Saturday at the Kapaa Beach Park pathway. Great to see former graduates, community, staff and students support our school's foundation. Special kudos to Mr. Brandon Fujita, Greg Gonsalves, Nancy Borilez, and students who came out early to help support this event. As you are aware the Foundation continues to be very generous in their financial support for our school-wide activities.
Received most of the department's teaching line recommendations and Mr. Barcial and I are close to finalizing for SY 2011-12. Truly appreciate everyone's input as it really helps provide guidance and as shared earlier, my final decision will be based on what strengths each teacher brings. Please also note, that there will be several room changes in supporting our 9th grade HUI and also planning for the 10th grade HUI for SY 2012-13.
Learned of final voting results for the proposed bell schedule while doing Castle High School's accreditation. Results clearly show that half of our staff may not be ready for this change and it validates that there is still much work to do in helping to bring clear understanding as to purpose. Let me be very clear, that we will provide equal educational opportunities for our students and we will do this through a collaborative process. With the recent (April 7th) Board of Education's approved revisions to BOE Policy 4540 that states there will be a minimum of 25 credits for both the College and Career Diploma and for the BOE College and Career Recognition Diploma, their directives are clear. There is still ample time to address this change and per ACT 51, we have that autonomy to determine how we will do this. Will have further discussions beginning the week of April 25th.
Finally, want to wish our seniors the very best in their presentations this week. Per my classroom visits, appreciate the amount of good work that students had to put into this culminating project as well as their teachers who had to provide that focused support. Looking forward to the Class of 2011 presentations as the senior projects were designed to demonstrate the vision of a high school graduate......in possessing the attitudes, knowledge and skills necessary to contribute positively and compete in a global society.
Reminders:
Senior Project Presentations: Reminder we'll be on a Wednesday schedule due to Senior Project presentations this week. Students' release time will be at 1:35 p.m. Please check and remove any old calendars that states April 20th as a "collaboration " day. Revised calendar were shared at the beginning of the school year.
PTSA Meeting: Monthly PTSA meeting will be held on Monday, April 18, 2011 6:30 p.m. at the Student Center
Kapaa High Foundation Meeting: Monthly KHS Foundation meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 6:00 p.m. at the Student Center.
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
Kapaa High School cares for and supports "ALL" students to be prepared for college, career, and citizenship in the 21st century.
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