The Kapaa Warrior Network

Updates - Week of Feb. 13th

2012-02-13T08:59:00.000-08:00

Kudos to Doris, Sheila and counselors for a terrific career fair this past Friday. Tremendous learning opportunity when community organizations donate time to share with our students. Also, congratulations to our Special Education Department as they were recognized for the Child Count 100% Awards. This means that our school had 100% of it's special education records current, accurate and updated. Outstanding work everyone!

This past week, a work group of teachers, counselor, registrar and administrators met with consultant Mike Neubig in drafting possible master schedules to best support our students and HUI Academies. It was a good learning experience as the work group considered various possibilities for SY 2012-13 bell schedule. Will be updating everyone when master schedule is created per students' registration forms.....need everyone to please remind students who have yet to turn in their forms that we will be forced to select their classes as the deadline has passed.

Pleased to learn that a good number have already submitted their interest for the 10th grade HUI Academy. Sharing overview application and tentative training schedule and ask interested teachers to submit their applications to Beth Pemberton by Friday, February 24th.

Student growth: Our accountability is premised in having sustained consistent student growth. As a school, we need to show students' proficiency progress annually and over a period of time.....starting from freshmen year and when students exit as seniors. Over the past years, we have missed benchmark targets resulting in a more serious current level of "Corrective Action" status. Should we not attain our benchmark, we will fall into "Restructuring" status which means having a more intensive level of oversight and perhaps an independent provider monitoring all classes. I truly believe that we can have consistent growth as stated in our school plans. Research continues to show that when all disciplines support student learning through focused "Literacy" such as writing, reading, and critical thinking learning activities, student proficiency grows. As in any successful organization or team, it takes people working collaboratively in believing that student growth can be attained.

Along this line, the mid-quarter data showed that approximately one-third of our student population received at least one failing grade resulting with a total of nearly 800 failing grades. This isn't much to be proud of and realize that most grades were deserving reflecting students shortfalls in their work, assessments and attendance. Expectation is that everyone is to use this week's common planning, department meeting and Wednesday meeting time to review how to support struggling students. Department Heads are asked to hold department and/or cross curriculum meetings to discuss identified students. Please be sure to invite your counselors, school service coordinator and administrators to participate. Will be sure to get a temperature check from each department by the end of the week.

Attached is Superintendent Matayoshi monthly bulletin sharing some system wide updates.

Weekly Calendar:
Monday, Feb. 13th: Principal @SLC board mtg. - McKinley High School
Blood Drive (all day) @Library
Departments/Cross Curriculum Articulation 2:20 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 15th: PLC articulation within/across Departments/HUIs to address struggling students 1:50 p.m.
Kapaa High School Foundation mtg @Student Center 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 16th: Common Planning 2:20 p.m.
Articulation w/Kapaa Middle School

Friday, Feb. 17th: Principal @Collective Impact Meeting - Kauai Community College 9 - 11:30 a.m.

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.

Updates - Week of February 6th

2012-02-06T08:29:00.001-08:00

National School Counseling Week!!! Mahalo to our counselors for their dedicated efforts in making that positive difference for all students.

Thank you to our students, staff and the many community members who helped in making this past weekend's Family Summit a success. Various community individuals shared their appreciation and admiration as this event sent a positive message in the importance of family and community! Thank you to Principal Sherry Scott in covering for me as I was called to a board meeting on Oahu.

Administration will continue meeting this week with content areas addressing student growth, assessments, and professional learning needs. Schedule for Wednesday, Feb. 8th: VP Diane Ayre to meet with CTE (Evan Costa's room); VP Todd Harrison meets with Fine Arts & PE/Health (Chorus room); and English to meet with principal in (David Mireles room). With mid-quarter upon us, reminder that Doris Morioka Fulks will be helping coordinate cross discipline meetings addressing identified students as submitted from counselors. Please be prepared to participate if contacted.

Just a friendly reminder that per classroom visits, not all classes are listing standards being covered. Students have that right to know what is been taught as well as expected outcomes. For teachers on PEP-T, administration will be scheduling observations shortly.

Asking teachers to consider where you see yourself best contributing as we move forward with our Academies and HUIs at Kapaa High. Grade 10 HUI Academies will be implemented in Fall 2012 with planning starting later this month through June 2012. We will continue working with 11th and 12th grade teachers in preparing for SY 2013-14 implementation. Leadership will be doing a final review of the 10th Grade HUI Academy interest surveys, overview and applications on Monday, Feb. 6th and forms will be e-mailed to everyone shortly. Interested teachers may submit their applications by the end of this month. This is critical in the forward planning for staffing and other resources.

Weekly Calendar:
Monday, Feb. 6th: Leadership meeting @1:30 p.m.
Dept & Cross Curriculum meetings @2:25 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 8th: Admin mtg departments CTE, Fine Arts, PE/Health, and English @1:50 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 9th: Mike Neubig meeting with Registration team 8:00 a.m.
Common Planning (Depts/HUIs)

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.

Updates - Week of January 30th

2012-01-30T07:48:00.001-08:00

Congratulations! Our bell schedule is a go! In working with Educational Specialist Jill Zodrow @OCISS who coordinates this effort, our revised bell schedule met the criteria such as instructional minutes and was able to address questions utilizing non-instructional time. Will provide more updates a later date. Strategic communication to the community will now need to be coordinated. Great Job!

Beginning this week, administration will be meeting with all content areas to review progress to addressing student growth, curriculum maps , common assessments, and c onsistent grading practices . Along with this, counselors will be facilitating discussions addressing those identified struggling students. This will be coordinated through Doris Morioka Fulks. Attendees will be targeted students' teachers, counselors, school services coordinator and administration. Our target of 95% proficiency is priority. Attached provides for 99% of the teacher's reflections for 1st semester reflections.

Acknowledgements:
JROTC: Received a call from PTSA president Robert Purdue sharing that our JROTC Drill team took 1st place in this past weekend state competition on Oahu. Congratulations and more information to follow.

Science projects: Congratulations to the students as their projects reflected the many hours of research, analyzing, organizing, writing, etc. ultimately producing their final product. Student's projects continue to be a solid formative assessment piece to validate learning. Good luck to the 15 students moving on to the District Science & Engineering Fair on Feb. 29th - March 2nd. Kudos also to the teachers who also played important roles in this effort!

Parent Registration Informational meetings: Informational sessions for SY 2012-13 were very successful reflecting a good number of attendees, parents involved in asking questions and sharing their appreciation. Special thanks to those staff members who played important roles in making this a success.....in fact many parents shared how wonderful it was for them being able to meet the staff.

Middle School Orientation: Kudos to Robyn Keawe, Kahele Keawe, Calvin Paleka and Evan Costa for their efforts at the orientation session at Kapaa Middle School. Several KMS staff and administration shared their thumbs-up for the two day sessions. Due to our projected enrollment counts, important that we get as many students enrolled.

Academy Registration: Per the work group progress, next year's academies are nicely well balanced. While they are waiting for some outstanding registration forms, things are moving along quite nicely. When fully implemented, this structure will provide students with that sense of purpose and relevance. Teachers will need to continue thinking as to where they would like to be in terms of HUI and Academies as by May of this school year, all teachers and support staff will be tentatively placed in an Academy or HUI up to grade 12.

Finally, the County of Kauai is promoting free bus rides on the Kauai Bus from Feb. 20th through March 10th per their long term vision promoting public transportation. Please share with students and other staff members.

Weekly Calendar:
Monday, Jan. 30th: Leadership mtg @Principal's office 8:30 a.m.
Principal mtg w/Art programs 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 31st: Principal mtg with Student Council @Student Center (lunch)
Wednesday, Feb. 1st: Administration meeting with Social Studies, Science and Mathematics departments 1:50 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 2nd: Principal attending State SLC mtg @Pearl City High School

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.

Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including my attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipients(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information. Any review, use, disclosure or distribution by unintended recipients is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipients, please contact the sender by e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.

Updates - Week of Jan. 23rd

2012-01-23T08:21:00.000-08:00

Kung Hee Fat Choy! - The Year of the Dragon! During ancient times, Chinese culture considered the dragon the most sacred of all animals. It reflected authority, dignity, honor, success and luck.

All content areas were sent their compiled reflection for the 1st semester. While there are some outstanding data, information provides venue for focused discussions. As shared, critical that we continue to be on that same page.....within and across content areas. Bottom line:

* Curriculum maps (year long pacing chart/calendar) must be aligned, implemented and revisited.
* Common (post) assessments measure what students must master as a result of your teaching. Need to have a good handle where students are prior and post instruction. Assessment data informs whether the lessons you are preparing are really the lessons that students need;
* Rubrics helps to provide good feedback to students (and teachers); and
* C onsistent grading practices ....while challenging, it comes together as a result of continued practice and articulation. For our most important customers, students (and parents) will have a higher level of appreciation, trust, respect and relevance.

As professionals, when we accomplish this consistency, it will result in that tipping point of increased student learning productivity. Research based on successful pedagogy practices continue to validate this.

Asking department heads to facilitate their department meetings and ask our counselors and school services coordinator to facilitate cross department/program focused discussions. Please be sure to inform administration so we can also participate. Wanted to also acknowledge the HUI teachers as I was informed that they have already begun to identify students and collaboratively working to address targeted supports.

Planning to share the school-wide reflection template that reflects all content areas in a follow-up e-mail. Will also be sending specific questions to individual and groups of teachers for more follow-up.

Facilities Construction Updates: The telecommunications project is very much on schedule. The major work of digging trenches to lay the conduits are almost completed. Major work will transition to the night crews who are installing conduits in all of the buildings and classrooms. This phase will take a couple of months followed by the final phase where another work team will begin pulling of the fiber and other wires across the entire campus. Upon completion, both Kapaa Elementary and High will be well positioned in terms of technology capacity. While the exact time frame hasn't yet been set, the installation of solar panels should follow as we move toward making our schools more energy efficient.

In concluding, want to express my appreciation per the tremendous strides per the Academy & HUI work. When fully implemented, this structure will provide students with that sense of purpose and relevance over their four years at Kapaa High. Electives, core and other programs will have that tighter alignment. As we continue to structure next year's programs and teaching assignments, all teachers need to continue thinking as to where they would like to be in terms of HUI and Academies. By the end of this school year, we should have all teachers and support staff tentatively placed in an Academy or HUI up to grade 12.

Weekly Calendar:
Monday, Jan. 23rd: Grades 10 & 11- Parent Registration Informational Meeting @Library 6:00 p.m.
Principal @ SLC Consortium meeting @McKinley High
PTSA Board Mtg @Student Center 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 24th: Principal @District Leadership meeting @District Office 8:00 a.m.
School Community Council Meeting @Student Center 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 25th; Science Fair viewing @library (only through science classes)
Thursday, Jan. 26th: Apple Representative (Kupono Kekuewa) on campus
Vice-principals & AD at monthly meeting @District Office 8:00 a.m.
Friday, Jan. 27th: Principal @ East Complex Leadership mtg 7:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Have a great week!

UPDATES - WEEK OF JAN 16TH

2012-01-16T23:34:00.000-08:00

Thank you as administration received a very good percentage teachers' reflective feedback addressing their students' progress to date. This formative information along with other data helps to provide that comprehensive picture. Spent weekend compiling the information and will combine with other data for faculty discussion.

Per classroom visits, sharing more feedback:

Pleased to see continued focused instruction across many classrooms as a good number of lessons reflected higher level critical thinking. Saw a nice balance of lecture, student feedback/wait time, group work and projects. Strongly encouraging more student work products to be posted as it provides that nice reference support for all students. Reminder that the standards being covered needs to be visible in every classroom.
An area where we need to strengthen is ensuring that teachers teaching similar content are on same page. Example, Social Studies teachers teaching U.S History should be meeting on a consistent basis to assure curriculum maps are being followed, common rubrics are being used, grading practices are consistent, etc. This pertains to all content areas and recommend that departments utilize Monday and Thursday's planning time to make this happen.

Reminders:
HUI planning for SY 2012-13: In preparing for next school year, will be meeting with teachers who are interested in being on the HUIs for grade 10. As this is our initial year of implementation, we continue to learn and grow.....a fundamental expectation is that commitment in working as a team. Administration will be interviewing interested teachers for grade 10 as well as reassessing current 9th grade HUI teams in terms of commitment for next school year.

Parent Registration Informational Meetings: Our first parent registration informational meeting held on January 9th was well received. Many questions addressing graduation requirements, college/career planning, etc. were asked. Very pleased with the amount of questions addressing the STEP-UP diploma as parents want their children striving for the BOE Recognition diploma. Kapaa High's Class of 2015 (current 9th graders) has nearly 40% already signed up for the BOE recognition diploma and definitely anticipate more. As you are aware, this is the last year that students have a choice in terms of the going for the regular or the BOE recognition diploma. Beginning next school year there will be only one diploma...the BOE recognition diploma. Thank goodness that the 7th period schedule passed.

Grades 10 & 11 on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 @Library 6:00 p.m.
Incoming Grade 9 on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 @Library 6:00 p.m.

Faculty Meeting: Topics to be covered are the PSAT scores, HUI & Academy updates, SY 2012-13 registration, projected student enrollment, staffing, and funding.

Weekly Calendar:
Monday, Jan. 16th: Holiday - Martin Luther King Day
Tuesday, Jan. 17th: Grade 10 & 11 Parent Registration Informational Meeting @Library 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 18th: Principal mtg with Kauai Rotarians 11:30 a.m. @Courtyard Marriott
Faculty Meeting 1:50 p.m. @Chorus Room
Thursday, Jan. 19th: HUI Collaboration 7:45 a.m. @I102
Friday, Jan. 20th: Castle and MOTT Foundation visitors on campus

Calendar Changes:

PTSA Board rescheduled to Monday, January 23rd 6:00 p.m. @Student Center; and
School Community Council rescheduled to Tuesday, Jan. 24th 5:30 p.m. @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

Updates - Week of Jan. 9th

2012-01-08T23:15:00.001-08:00

Sharing feedback per classroom visits.....

A good number of the classes visited were focused, standards based, and modeling bell-to-bell instruction. Will continue to follow-up with teachers whose classes were lacking focus in terms of benchmarks and classroom management.
Reminder that the taxonomy level of instruction is critical for balanced learning. Per our classroom visitations, always assessing if instruction is balanced in challenging students beyond just memorization/recall learning activities. Many know this as Bloom's taxonomy levels....."Remembering, Comprehension, Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating, and Creating". Let's ensure that all students are challenged with learning activities that are rigorous and relevant.

Reminder that your reflection feedback on students' progress are due this Friday, January 13th. Appreciate if you can send it electronically and feel free to "cc" the vice-principals, Beth, Doris and your department heads. Data will be compiled along with 1st semester grades, attendance, etc. as we utilize formative data in affirming our collective progress. I am also attaching a sample received from Calvin Paleka for reference and special thanks to Mr. Paleka in his willingness to share.

Reminders:
Senior Contracts: Please be sure that you have provided your with a "senior contract" as it is already in effect this semester. Informed that not all seniors may have received a copy from their period 1 teachers. Very difficult for administration to be consistent especially when dealing with serious Chapter 19 incidents.

Parent Registration Informational Meetings: During January, parent registration informational meetings will be held addressing graduation requirements, required classes, elective classes, college/career planning, and questions parents may have. With the implementation of Academies beginning with grade 10 students in SY 2012-13, strongly encourage teachers attend so parents/students can get that opportunity to personally meet and have their content/elective questions answered. You can be assured that Monday's January 9th informational meeting should be well attended as our current 9th grade parents are quite involved.

Grade 9 on Monday, Jan. 9, 2012 @Cafeteria 6:00 p.m.
Grades 10 & 11 on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 @Library 6:00 p.m.
Incoming Grade 9 on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 @Library 6:00 p.m.

Weekly Calendar:
Monday, Jan. 9th: 2nd quarter/1st semester grades are due
Grade 9 Parent Registration Informational Mtg. 6 - 8:00 p.m. @Cafeteria

Tuesday, Jan. 10th: Principal @KIF Executive Board mtg 2:30 p.m. @State Bldg.

Wednesday, Jan. 11th: Social Studies Department meeting with Administration 1:50 p.m. @Library

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

Registration Parent Meetings

2012-01-06T08:46:00.000-08:00

Registration Parent Meetings

9th: Mon. January 9 in Cafeteria
10th & 11th: Tues. January 17 in Library
Incoming 9th: Wed. January 25 in Library

6:00 - 8:00 pm

Updates - Week of January 3th, 2012

2012-01-03T18:20:00.000-08:00

Please take time to reflect of your students' learning progress as the success of any student can only happen through our collective efforts. As professionals we know that when any student fails....we take responsibility; and when our student succeeds, that's a testament of solid instructional school-wide support practices. For every student here at Kapaa High we must guarantee that they will have a viable curriculum with essential content, knowledge, and skills that all are expected to learn. Students will have....adequate learning time such as bell-to-bell will be given so they are able to acquire those essential knowledge and skills; quality instruction and assessments aligned with essential knowledge and skills; and literacy through vocabulary is taught so students succeed on their assessments. At the end of the day, this continues as our non negotiable priorities focused on learning the essential curriculum regardless of distractions.

Our academic plan speaks to that concrete performance target where 95% of our students will be proficient. Students, teachers, support staff and administration are expected to meet performance targets. As a PLC, we'll be spending time in learning how to use formative data to help guide us on our progress. A good temperature check of our students' academic progress will be seen per the attached template that all teachers need to provide feedback by Friday, January 13th. Information along with other formative school-wide data will help gauge our overall progress and shared with the faculty.

Very pleased to welcome and introduce new additions to Kapaa High's ohana:

Dr. Sandra Combs is our new Social Studies teacher. Sandra brings a wealth of experience as a classroom teacher, administrator and superintendent. She is also very well versed with technology as she currently teaches on-line classes for a university.
Jean Esaki is our new Japanese teacher. Jean was serving as the substitute Japanese teacher since receiving her teaching degree and she brings a wealth of experience especially from the private business sector.

Confident that these ladies will make that positive impact for students, school and community and that they can count on everyone's support.

Reminders:
Seniors: Please remind your seniors that their "senior contract" goes into effect on Wednesday, January 4th. Failure to comply may result in being unable to participate in the graduation ceremonies.

Posters: All school clubs must remove any posters that are placed around the campus immediately following any function. We are hoping to have special assigned areas built where announcements can be posted. Until then, let's work together to help maintain the neatness of our campus.

Classroom visits: During this second semester, administration will be stepping-up our classroom visits with timely feedback. Reminder that all teachers are continuously and responsible for duties 1 - 5 as listed on page 4 of the PEP-T manual. Administration will also be working closely with teachers on the PEP-T cycle.

Revised Bell Schedule: Working with the State DOE Office to have our revised bell schedule reviewed/approved on a faster time frame as it affects our master schedule planning. Having had to present other secondary schools revised schedules to the State Board of Education in my previous job, aware of potential questions/concerns. Again, congratulations on taking that positive step in making learning opportunities better for our students and will keep everyone posted.

Weekly Calendar:
Wednesday, Jan. 4th: Principal mtg with Fine Arts & CTE Departments @1:45 Library
Monday, Jan. 9th: Grades for 2nd quarter/1st semester are due

May 2012 bring you much happiness, fulfillment, and good health!

Updates - Week of December 5th

2011-12-05T08:26:00.000-08:00

Our school's SLC site provides a wealth of information addressing the Smaller Learning Community progress. Posted information shares latest versions of frameworks, descriptions, Hui and Academy meeting agendas & minutes, training handouts, etc.

https://sites.google.com/site/khsslcworkspace/

Attached also is the updated academy selection and registration calendar.

Consistent monitoring of students' progress per your curriculum maps remains a critical must do. Administration will be asking all teachers to provide information as to their students' status in January after grades are submitted so to have that comprehensive picture. We are planning to provide extended learning support sessions during the winter break targeting students needing extra help. Asked Doris Morioka to coordinate.

Don't forget to support our school's blood drive this Wednesday in the library. Kudos to Kara Kitamura and her students in making this outstanding community service a reality in benefiting our community.

Weekly Calendar:

Monday, Dec. 5th: Unit 5 HSTA members voting for proposed calendar @2:30 p.m. Library
Tuesday, Dec. 6th: Apple PLC sessions (all day)
Wednesday, Dec. 7th: Blood Drive (all day) @Library
Faculty meeting @1:45 p.m. Chorus room
Thursday, Dec. 8th: Principal @Complex Area peer review of SY 2012-13 Academic Plan 8:00 a.m.
Common Planning for HUI, Academy, Inclusion, IEPs, & Bell Schedule 2:30 p.m.

Have a great week!

Updates - Week of November 28th

2011-11-28T08:22:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving break! I am glad to be back and would like to acknowledge both Diane and Todd for covering for me while I was on leave.

With approximately 14 instructional days left in the second quarter (1st semester), please take that time to critically assess every student's progress per your curriculum maps. For those students struggling, be sure to document interventions such as differentiated instructions, tutorials, parental notifications, etc. Closing the learning gap through interventions are stated within our current academic plans which we are accountable to provide an update to the School Community Council.

As shared earlier, work in planning for SY 2012-13 academic goals, financial supports, and staffing continues. I believe that any plan should be easy to understand with a few clear goals based on data and accountability. I'm tentatively planning to have a faculty meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 7th to discuss next year's draft as well as other operational items. While our school's academic plan isn't finalized until the end of the school year, I need to submit our draft in January 2012.

Program offering discussions for SY 2012-13 master schedule continue as departments share their requests. As we align courses within the Academy framework we need to be conscious that our 2012-13 student enrollment projection is around 1,012. I am committed to maintaining our current staffing count to support for reasonable class sizes. A new bell schedule to meet the Board of Education credit requirements, implementing our Academy focus, and honoring department's request for additional courses is also a priority.

Reminder that our school's fire inspection will be happening on Monday, Nov. 28th. @8:30 a.m. Inspectors to be walking through the entire school facility so be sure to recheck that there are no violations.

Weekly Calendar:

Monday, Nov. 28th: Fire Inspection 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 29th: Principal @Complex Area Leadership mtg. 8 - 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 30th: Open for Bell schedule meetings 1:45 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 1st: Vice-principals @Complex Area VP mtg 8 - 3:00 p.m.
Common Planning for HUI, Academy, Inclusion, IEPs, & Bell Schedule 2:30 p.m

Have a great week!

Weekly Updates for Nov. 14-17

2011-11-14T08:08:00.000-08:00

Folks, sharing this week's updates per my discussion with Mr. Hamada and looking forward to having him return very soon.

As you are aware, the Hawaii Department of Education has a contract in place to have photovoltaic systems installed at all of our schools. The official press release shares that there are no up-front cost to DOE and the we will be able to purchase the electricity for less than half the current utility company cost....savings estimated around $1 million per year. This affords a wonderful opportunity to further align our quest for sustainable energy and model environmental responsibility. Will keep everyone posted in terms of timelines.

Very pleased with the feedback per the recent PLC session with Apple. Special thanks to Nani Daniels, Jim Uyeda, and Kepano Kukewa for donating their time and their commitment for continued support at no cost. The education of our students remain fundamental in terms of standards, literacy, critical thinking, etc. in preparing them for college and careers. We are now challenged in how we utilize technology resources as an integral part of instruction. Across all content areas and support programs, strategic use of technologies is reality. With the 9th grade HUIs in place and SLC Academies for grade 10 in SY 2012-13, technology continues to evolve as part of that normal learning process. Clearly that rate at which we acquire and share information, project based learning, research, assessments, and communicate, reminds us that we must be open to learning and utilizing using technologies as professional learning community.

In reviewing the mid-quarter data, see that we are again faced with a high number of failures. Several questions needs to be addressed such as which and why are these students failing, who are receiving tutorial and interventions, differentiation instruction, patterns, parental contacts, etc. These same issues are stated within our current academic plans and something that needs quality discussion time.

While we are still only into the second quarter, planning for next school year is already taking place addressing academic, financial and staffing. Currently, our student enrollment is just a little over a 1000 students and our SY 2012-13 projection is near the same. One of our plans are to maintain our staffing count to support for reasonable class sizes, SLC HUIs and Academies. Draft AC/FIN for SY 2012-13 will be discussed with staff in early December at which time several decisions need to be made. One of which is our current bell schedule as we are challenged in the additional courses teachers are asking to offer compounded with erratic class size in trying to support common planing.

Weekly Calendar:

Thursday, Nov. 17th: Common Planning for HUI, Academy, Inclusion, IEPs, & Bell Schedule 2:30 p.m

Have a great week!

Diane Ayre
Vice Principal
Kapa'a High School
4695 Mailihuna Rd
Kapa'a, HI 96746
(808) 821-4401, ext. 130
(808) 821-4420, fax

UPDATES Sunday, November 06

2011-11-06T21:59:00.000-08:00

Folks....in communicating with Mr. Hamada, here's this week's updates:

Congratulations to Michelle Rundbaken and her students Ilona Oliver and Raquelle Matayoshi for placing 1st place in the statewide Farmers Insurance Hawaii, Hot Shots Video Competition on Oahu. Their video "Dear Ilona" gave a very inspirational message about losing a friend to drunk driving. Job well done and thank you for making Kapaa High School and our community very proud.

Want to also acknowledge Kelly Bailey and the math department for their good work as the grade 10 students just finished the first round of the Hawaii State Assessment (HSA). Overall there was solid communication and coordination which helped get that high percentage of student participation. Also pleased to see that collectively, they are on top of things in terms of knowing their students' proficiency status and able to support those targeted students. Both Science and English will be administering the HSA shortly and know that their coordination and team work will be there as well.

While we are acknowledging good work, special thanks to Mr. Shane Tanioka and members of New Hope as they have been working very hard through the weekend painting the rest of "A" building. Very inspirational to see adults and students generously give their time, labor and commitment in helping to better our school.

With the mid-point of the second quarter around the corner, critical that we take an accounting of students' progress per your curriculum maps. Our targeted goal of 95% of students being able to demonstrate proficiency to the standards can be and must be realized. As a professional learning organization, your continued review and use of data remains fundamental in guiding instruction. Time has been afforded be it through your department, cross curriculum, and common planning meetings and we remain committed to providing additional department and/or cross content PLC days as we challenge ourselves to positively impact student growth. Attached is our current SY 2011-12 Academic/Financial plans that reflect our school's focus. Please take time to review especially goal 1 where we already know which groups of students are struggling and what we are promising to do for them. Overall, we are moving in the right direction and know we must remain vigilant.

Our SLC Academy work team continues to make good progress. As you are aware, starting with next year's 10th graders, our school will be organized into two Academies.....HOPES and IDEAS. While the content focus may be different, both academies' themes will have similar outcomes in terms of academic rigor, internships, service, sustainability and senior projects. Academy teachers will develop units of study aligned with the academy's goals/themes to improve student engagement, build deeper critical thinking skills and develop stronger academic performance skills. Bottom line...academies will be built on common students, common teachers, common planning and common themes. Please take time to get an update from your content area peers who are serving on this work group as in about a month, we'll be working with interested teachers in terms of staffing for SY 2012-13.

Finally, best wishes to our varsity football team and their coaches as they play for the KIF Championship on Monday, Nov. 7th @Vidinha Stadium. It's been an exciting season and here's to a great game!

Weekly Calendar:
Monday: Nov. 7th: Department & Cross Curr Mtgs 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Nov. 9th: Michelle Swanson w/Academy Work Team 8:00 a.m. I102

Thursday, Nov. 10th: Ms. Swanson w/HUIs 8:00 a.m. I102
Common Planning - all departments 2:30 p.m.

Have great week!

Weekly Updates for 10/31/11

2011-10-30T20:51:00.000-07:00

As this week marks the beginning for the Hawaii State Assessment (HSA), thank you for taking time to prepare and review "key" standards. Confident that as students were taught and are provided learning opportunities for relevance, we will see marked improvement for those target groups within our overall Mathematics, English, & Science content areas. Our targeted goal of 95% of students being able to demonstrate proficiency to the standards can be realized.

Over the next coming months, we will begin revisiting our targeted goals to do an assessment as to our progress and how it will impact our Academic/Financial plans for SY 2012-13 look like. While this may seem that we are planning very early, the improvement process is an ongoing journey that really never rests. Attached overview provides those key areas we are currently addressing and as a community of professionals, we must be re-visiting our data in making solid decisions addressing our students' achievement targets. Data also provides sound feedback in addressing where we are, do we want to stay the course, what changes do we need, etc. Departments should be discussing about what new courses they'd like to offer, re-vamping course descriptions to reflect rigor, especially within our AP and CTE areas. As a professional learning organization, we must not be afraid in making errors but instead be brave in taking steps in always looking for solid proven practices, trends, solutions and other characteristics that positively impacts students' learning.

Updates - Week of October 24th

2011-10-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

In preparing for the upcoming Hawaii State Assessment (HSA) in November, reminder that targeted content (Mathematics, English, & Science) areas need to be consistently reviewing students' progress to those key standards. Mathematics may be challenging as much of the assessment addresses Algebra standards while the majority of grade 10 students are in geometry. With ongoing reviews being carried out, confident that students will demonstrate positive growth. Anchor standards addressing reading and writing should continue to be a school-wide collaborative effort across all content areas in preparing students for college and careers. Remember reading..."teach students to read like a detective and to write like an investigative reporter." Our targeted goal of 95% of students being able to demonstrate proficiency to the standards can be realized.

As we continue to improve ourselves as an organization, our current KIP continues to evolve to a data team process where we as a faculty of professionals must get into that practice at always looking at data....formative and/or summative. Only through the use of data as a learning community, can we become more "akamai" in making solid decisions addressing practices within our classrooms, support programs, interventions, etc. We must not be afraid in making errors but instead be bold in taking steps in always looking for solid proven practices, trends, solutions and other characteristics that provide us guidance. One example of change is moving away from putting students into special alternative classes but instead making learning more relevant/meaningful through stronger pedagogy, focused programs, and providing timely learning opportunity supports such focused tutorials, alignment of programs per the academies. etc.

Over the next 4 - 5 years, our SLC focus will develop as that foundation where all teachers are dedicated to an academy where courses per 9 - 12th grades are aligned with common planning, common students and common teams of teachers working together. We have the right ingredients for success here at Kapaa where our talents, skills and expertise are second to none.

Finally, as we move into building our technology capacity in this 21st century, pleased to share that Kapaa High and Elementary will be partnering in receiving upgrades to our telecommunications system. This pivotal infrastructure upgrade is critical for the ever expanding technology demands and glad that Mike Maddock will serve as one of the lead key personnel in working with the contractor. We will also work with the contractor to minimize classroom interruptions and similar to the electrical upgrades that was accomplished this past year. Bottom line, over the months ahead, our school will continue progressing in terms of technology capacity along with the additional electrical/telecommunication demands to support this effort.

Weekly Calendar:
Tuesday, Oct. 25th: Principal @Kauai Complex Area Leadership meeting

Wednesday, Oct. 26th: PLC session - WASC Mid-term report discussions per accreditation visit @Chorus room 1:45 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 27th: HUI collaboration Day @Library 7:45 a.m.
Common Planning - all departments 2:30 p.m.

That's it and have great week!

Updates - Week of October 17th

2011-10-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Spirit Week - Go WARRIORS!

Reminder to continue to incorporate writing within your curriculum. As part of our Professional Learning sessions, we will be reviewing examples of students' writing products across all content areas throughout the school year.

Attached is October's PLC calendar sent from Beth Pemberton earlier. Please note that Wednesday's, Oct. 19th session will have teachers sharing about the Interactive Notebook.

Reminder that the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) will be returning during the second semester for our mid-term assessment. As shared earlier, key areas that the visiting team will be reviewing are standards based instruction, use of data to ensure to monitor instruction, assessment process, types of professional development based on data, communication with parents addressing student learning, and progress per the revised bell schedule.

Finally, wanted to speak to our good work in terms of the HUIs and Academies. As we move forward in planning how we can better structure our school over the next 3 - 4 years, one of the primary reasons for this effort is to build that sense of relevance, rigor and personalization for all students. T eachers will eventually be dedicated to an academy where over the course from 9 - 12th grades, there will be that clear alignment. In terms of our Smaller Learning Community (SLC) program, we will continue to work hard to build that aligned focus for common planning, common students and with common teams of teachers. On a good forward basis over the next few years, we will honor those talents, skills and expertise of our staff as we are blessed with a very talented staff. Our transition will have that flexibility and consideration of certification, expertise and what else is needed to build capacity for the future. Please be assured that we have a good core of representatives within the Academies work group and there will always be open and timely communication so that everyone is aware.

Weekly Calendar:
Monday - SLC consortium schools mtg -Oahu

Wednesday - PLC session on Interactive Notebook @Chorus and Band Rooms @1:45 p.m.

Have great week!

Additional Updates - Week of Oct.10th

2011-10-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

Our recent Fall intercession tutorial sessions were very successful as the number of students attending were very good as compared to past sessions. Thanks to Doris Morioka Fulks for the coordination and the teachers/support staff who came in to help support the students. Let's continue to encourage students to take advantage of the after school tutoring as students can always use extra supports.

Quarter 1 grades are due to the Todd Barcial by Friday Oct. 14th at 8:00 a.m. Upon receipt of all of the grades, Mr. Barcial will print verification rosters and will leave it in teachers' boxes. Verification rosters will be due to Todd on Monday Oct. 17th no later than 4:00 p.m. If you have completed your 1st quarter grades, please submit to Todd so he can address this process quicker.

Special kudos to Shane Tanioka and members of New Hope congregation for their tremendous gift. This past Saturday, they painted a good portion of A wing (rooms 9A - 13) and Mr. Tanioka's plans are to complete painting the entire wing over the next few weeks. Please be sure to share your appreciation should you meet up with Shane or other members of New Hope.

I will be out of the office beginning Tuesday, Oct. 11th and returning around the last week in October.....until then both Diane and Todd will be in charge.

Have a great week!

Updates - Week of Oct.10th

2011-10-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome back and hope that everyone had a restful and relaxing break.

Reminder that the PSAT will be administered this Wednesday to students in grades 9, 10 & 11. Testing begins from period one until lunch and there will be no morning recess that day. Concurrently seniors will be meeting in the gym regarding their senior projects, graduation, senior contracts, etc. Teachers and support staff should have all been assigned and crossing my fingers that day goes smoothly! Due to the length of time involved with the PSAT, there will be no morning prep periods and teachers will be released at 1:35 that day.

As "writing" per the anchor standards is a primary focus across all content areas, administration will be asking teachers to share samples of students' writing products during the second quarter. Critical to have that solid school wide understanding and we will continue to have conversations about writing as part of the PLC sessions throughout the school year. Attached is October's PLC calendar.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) will be returning during the second semester for our mid-term assessment reviewing progress addressing the accreditation report. Key areas that the visiting team will be asking teachers, administrators and support staff for evidence are:

Standards based learning and research based instructional practices in all classes;
Use of data to ensure to monitor instruction and students' learning;
System to assess all programs, reform initiatives, and professional development that is data driven;
Reporting practices on the academic progress and successes to parents/community; and
Revised bell schedule as it relates to meeting students needs.

While there were other areas discussed in the accreditation report such as Professional Learning Communities (PLC), Literacy, Data for School Improvement (DSI), Extended learning Opportunities (ELO), Smaller Learning Communities, Open Honors, Advanced Placement, etc., please note that we are addressing these areas as they are reflected in our current Academic/Financial plan. Copies of our Academic/Financial plans were provided at the opening meeting in August (included in the jump drive).

Finally, some construction updates.......
Walkway: Final inspection is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 12th and hopefully will be able to use the walkway this week.

Girls' Softball Stadium: Major work is pretty much almost completed as the contractor is addressing those finish types of work on the buildings, score board, back stop screen and the playing field. Attached are some recent inspection pictures and one picture reflects the color choice for walls for the bathrooms and concessions.....not an interior designer but thought it was a good selection.

Weekly Calendar:
Wednesday, Oct. 12th: PSAT/Senior Assembly
Early Release Day

Thursday, Oct. 13th: SLC Leadership Team meeting - P140 1:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 14th: Mike Neubig working w/ Academy work group I012 8:00 a.m.

Have a great week!

Updates - Week of Sept. 26th

2011-09-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

Time certainly flies as the last week of the first quarter is here! As it promises to be busy with assessments, final projects, etc., asking for everyone's support to maintain that academic learning environment. Please minimize amount of time students leave your classrooms and let's help get our student into their classes on time. Reminder that first quarter grades are to due October 14, 2011 by 8:00 a.m.

The faculty PSAT training session will be on Monday, Sept. 26th in place of department meetings to prepare identified staff in administering the assessment on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011. Our Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) grant allows for us to administer our 9th, 10th and 11th graders the PSAT. Testing will begin from period one until lunch and there will be no morning recess that day. Seniors will be meeting in the gym regarding their senior projects, graduation, senior contracts, etc. Teachers and support staff will be assigned either to help with the PSAT or Senior class meeting. Due to the length of time involved with the PSAT, there will be no morning prep periods and teachers will be released at 1:35 that day.

Kudos to everyone for the continued good work! In visiting classrooms saw many positive examples of focused learning. Appreciated seeing examples of applied learning where students applied their recent learned knowledge to complex problem solving activities either individually and/or cooperatively. Saw examples of students' work products within a culminating presentation and my favorite is always being able to see students self-management themselves in planning and prioritizing to meeting their deadlines.

Today's economic trends and skills needed for the 21st century workforce calls for individuals who are problem solvers, critical and analytical thinkers. As the amount of information continues to expand, truly difficult for anyone to memorize/keep up with continued growth. To truly prepare our students, Kapaa High School must consistently model that balanced curriculum - innovative problem solving activities where students not just only passively learn facts but incorporate it, digest into meaningful learning activities, more writing, and other real world applied hands-on learning. Research is very clear that when students' are afforded an environment of performance based learning, their learning curve dramatically rises due to the relevance.

Weekly Calendar:
Monday, September 26th: PSAT training session 2:30 p.m.
Principal @ Leadership Symposium - Oahu

Tuesday, September 27th: Open House 6 - 8:00 p.m.
Principal @Complex Area Leadership meeting

Thursday, September 29TH: VPs @Complex Area Vice-Principals' meeting

Friday, September 30th: End of 1st Quarter (43 days)

October 3 - 7, 2011: Intercession - Fall Break

Monday, Oct. 10th: Teachers do not report

Here's to a great ending for the 1st quarter!

Updates - Week of Sept. 19th

2011-09-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

Attached revised PLC calendar for September reflects Michelle Swanson working with the HUIs on Thursday, Sept. 22nd and Academy members on Friday, Sept. 23rd. Please also note, that we will not be having a PLC session on Wednesday, Sept. 21st as teachers should use this time to reflect/discuss intervention strategies in helping to close the achievement gap and catching-up on other items. With only two weeks of the quarter left, important to assess students' achievement per your curriculum maps.

Reminder that there will be a full faculty training session on Monday, Sept. 26th in place of department meetings in order to prepare all of our teachers for their roles on Oct. 12, 2011. Per our Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) grant, all of our 9th, 10th and 11th graders will be able to take the PSAT test on Wednesday, Oct. 12. Testing will begin from period one until lunch and there will be no morning recess that day. Seniors will be meeting in the gym regarding their senior projects, graduation, senior contracts, etc. Teachers and support staff will be assigned either to the gym or to classrooms in helping with the PSAT. Due to the length of time involved with the PSAT, there will be no prep periods and teachers will be released at 1:35 that day.

Finally I want to follow-up in addressing the anchor standards of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Critical Thinking across all content areas. Per recent discussions addressing struggling students and interventions, evident that more work is needed so to build that literacy focus. Example can be seen when addressing our writing focus, there are a good number of positive examples of writing instruction and this practice needs to become common practice for all classes. Strategies such as having word walls, student writing samples posted, common rubrics to build common understanding/expectations, etc., all help to expand students' learning. As a professional community, we know what needs to be done in helping our students to grow. The inevitable truth is that when any student struggles, we are accountable in doing everything possible to help our students succeed. Appreciate your efforts in supporting each other as we provide that quality education for our students.

Weekly Calendar:
Monday, September 19th: Leadership meeting 8:00 a.m. @Principal's Office
PTSA meeting 6:30 p.m. @Student Center

Tuesday, September 20th: School Community Council meeting 5:30 p.m. @Student Center

Wednesday, September 21st: Kapaa High School's Foundation meeting 6:00 p.m. @Student Center

Thursday, September 22nd: HUI collaboration meeting w/Michelle Swanson 8:00 a.m. @library

Friday, September 23rd: ACADEMIES collaboration meeting w/Michelle Swanson 8:00 a.m. @library

Have a great week!

Kapaa High School’s Open House: One Night - All Grade Levels

2011-09-13T17:40:00.000-07:00

Kapaa High announces Open House for ALL Grade Levels, Tuesday, September 27, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 pm in the School Cafeteria. Dinner 6-6:45 pm ~ Parent Meetings 7-8 pm

Parents/Guardians of Kapaa High come join us for a BBQ Dinner, provided by the Kapaa High PTSA, followed by respective Grade Level Parent Meetings. Receive valuable information on Academics, Small Learning Communities, College and Career Planning, Athletics, Student Clubs, PTSA, Project Grad, SAT’s, Scholarships & Financial Aid, Senior Contracts, Commencement, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the answers to your questions and concerns which will better aid you and your teen in navigating successfully through their high school years.

Who: Parents/Guardians of Kapaa High Students
What: Kapaa High School’s Open House - All Grade Levels
When: Tuesday, September 27, 2011 6-8 pm
Where: Kapaa High School Cafeteria ~ Handicap accessible.

Updates - Week of Sept. 12th

2011-09-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

The Academy Design Team has been hard at work since January developing a framework and timeline for the implementation of Academies at Kapa’a High School. The plans have been morphed and refined at each stage as we learn more from outside experts about best practices associated with implementing Academies. The team will be presenting the draft framework to the faculty on Wednesday, September 14th with the hopes of getting input and support from teachers. The framework will be refined based on teacher input and then presented to parents and potential industry, government and education partners over the next several weeks for more input and support. As the Academy Design Team would love to be able to respond effectively to any faculty questions about Academies, they are asking that you please send any burning questions to Lisa Mireles via Lotus Notes by Tuesday 9/13/11 at noon. Your Academy Design Team currently includes co-chairs Janis Gowan and Evan Costa; David Mireles, Denise Asher, Andrew Oda, Kelly Bailey, Carleen Haneberg, Chanelle Quinones, Lillian Wadahara, Todd Barcial, Todd Harrison, Kara Kitamura, Robyn Keawe, Kimberlee Stuart, Guy Ho, Colonel Bob Levoit, Beth Pemberton, Emmi Masumura, Lisa Mireles and Crystal Rowe. Please thank these colleagues for their hard work and dedication as they have attended numerous extra meetings, planning days and workshops in order to learn more how to best implement the Academy model for our students.

At Wednesday's, Sept. 14th PLC session, faculty will be divided into two groups. Assigned groups will be meeting in either the Band or Chorus room as presenters will be rotating. Teachers will be informed where they are to report early next week. Besides the Academies, will be addressing intervention strategies and pleased to have colleagues Tara Bonilla and Jim Cox volunteer to share. Attached is our school's intervention flow chart and ask that you read this as it aligns with the Department's Comprehensive Student Support Services (CSSS) intervention process.

Thanks to the Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) grant we will be giving all of our 9th, 10th and 11th graders the PSAT test on Wednesday, Oct. 12. The testing will begin 1st period and run until lunch. There will be no morning recess that day. The seniors will be attending an assembly in the gym regarding senior project, graduation, senior contract, Jostens cap & gown and other fun stuff. All teachers and staff will be assigned either to the gym or to a classroom to test students. Because there will be no preps through this time, teachers will be released at 1:35 that day. There will be a full faculty training session on Monday, Sept. 26th in place of department meetings in order to prepare all of our teachers for their roll on Oct. 12, 2011.

Attached a revised calendar for September that reflects changes in allowing early release for both the Sept. 26th faculty PSAT training and Sept. 27th Open House

A reminder that the "My Courses and Anchor Standards for Writing" template are due to Beth Pemberton this week. You may submit as a department, HUI and/or individually. Administration will spend week of Oct. 3rd reviewing and making an alignment tied to teachers' syllabus.

Finally I want to revisit our "true north" as an educational institutio n . Our recent breakout groups on Wednesday, September 7th addressing struggling students and interventions was very revealing. Want to thank everyone who came together so that we are proactive in supporting and minimizing failures. These types of conversations must continue as part of our professional practice. Special thanks to our counselors for their facilitation and planned follow-up. Kudos to SSC, Doris Morioka Fulks and her clerk, Sheila Saiki for compiling the data and getting the information out. As professionals, we know the learning challenges that our students face and the importance to adjust/change to ensure that "ALL" students show growth. The inevitable truth is that when a student fails, we hold ourselves accountable as laying blame only on the student, parent, etc. is much too easy.....the education of every student must and will always be a collaborative process. Thank you for being life-long learners, professionals open to change/growth and truly supporting each other for the sake of our students.

Weekly Calendar:
Monday, September 12th: Principal @SLC consortium meeting - Oahu
Wednesday, September 14th: PLC group meetings 1:45 p.m. (Band and Chorus rooms)
Friday, September 16th: School-wide evacuation drill to Mahelona

Have a great week!

Updates - Week of Sept. 5th

2011-09-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

Beginning January 2012 (second semester), the following changes will take place for Personal Transition Plans (PTP). Grade 10 students will complete their Personal Transition Plan (PTP) as part of their Careers class. Both Mr. James Sanchez and Ms. Jannah Tafua will incorporate within the Careers curriculum those learning assignments/projects that would have been done through the grade 11 social studies classes. Present grade 11 students will continue to work on their PTP within their 11th grade social studies classes and present grade 12 students who have not finished their PTP will be supported by their counselors, Tara Bonilla (PTP Coordinator) and Crystal Rowe (special education).

Reason for this change is to make the Personal Transition Plan more focused for grade 9 and 10 students. This provides the foundation for independent college/career exploration during grades 11 and 12. Counselors will meet with juniors and seniors to review post high school plans which includes a discussion of educational and vocational options. This helps seniors per their Senior Projects and highlights the important work of the Academies' work group. Special "kudos" to James Sanchez, Jannah Tafua, Tara Bonilla, and Robyn Keawe for making this change a reality.

As we begin the last half of the first quarter (19 instructional days), critical that we continue to monitor students' progress systemically. Our school-wide comprehensive student support (CSSS) system needs to reflect that systemic practice of documented interventions in supporting students. On Wednesday, Sept. 7th teachers will be assigned into smaller PLC groups to further address interventions. Teachers will receive an electronic folder containing an intervention template for each student that received a failing grade. Student's intervention form is to filled out prior to Wednesday's meeting so that time can be spent on focused dialogue. Department heads will assist with assigning teachers and will have final say as to where teachers go if their students span more than one grade level. Counselors will be facilitating the meetings while ELL, SSC, SPED DH and administration will rotate across all groups.

Grade 9 HUIs - (meet in R bldg) Terri Christensen - facilitator
Sophomores - (meet in I102) Nellie Okamoto - facilitator
Juniors - (meet in F71- Brandon Fujita's room) Salynn Gonsalves - facilitator
Seniors - (meet in F70 - Anne Rivera's room) Robyn Keawe - facilitator

A few of reminders addressing standards based grading:
1) In a standards based system, we no longer can just "average" as students' grades should reflect student progress based on evidence such as their work products and assessments; and
2) Before a failing grade is given, there must be documented effort of instructional interventions from both teacher/support staff.

Calendar for September is attached below that provides monthly view of scheduled meetings. Please note, that we are planning for an Open House on Tuesday, September 27th. More information will be shared shortly.

Weekly Calendar:
Tuesday, September 6th: Principal @East Complex Leadership meeting (morning only)
Wednesday, September 7th: PLC group meetings 1:45 p.m.
Thursday, September 8th: Principal - @Legislative Finance Committee meeting (2:00 p.m)

Have a great week!

Updates - Week of August 29th

2011-08-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

We'd like to wish Mr. Rodney Yadao congratulations and good fortune as he officially retires on August 31, 2011. Effective September 1, 2011, Mr. Clemente Hudson will be taking over as the new Auto Program instructor. Also, please welcome Craig Hawkinson - half-time science teacher who will also be starting Sept. 1st.

This week marks the mid point for the 1st quarter and we look forward to seeing our students' growth status. More importantly, every teacher should be continuing to reflect on determining interventions ensuring that students are proficient to targeted standards. Remember that we are focused on CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP! We will be scheduling to meet with each department/HUI. Support members will include Title I, SPED DH, Counselors, SSC, Curriculum & SLC coordinators, & ELL. Review will be based in looking for evidence on:

Student work (scored samples of writings, etc.)
Formative assessments (results achieved)
Grade books (evidence of standards taught)
Curriculum maps , learning logs, etc. ( brief descriptions of lessons, units, and assessments)

A reminder that the "My Courses and Anchor Standards for Writing" template are due to Beth Pemberton the week of Sept 12th or sooner. You may submit as a department, HUI and/or individually. At the opening day meeting, teachers were provided a jump drive that included samples of the new state level test items closely linked with the "Anchor Standards -Reading, Writing, Critical Thinking and Speaking." Shortly, I will be sharing additional samples where the consortium of over 30 states (SMARTER BALANCE group) have created assessments using samples from science and social studies where students must provide their answers using the four anchor standards.

Kapaa High School teachers have two solid assessment tools to monitor student growth - Achieve 3000 TeenBiz and Data School Improvement Item Bank .
Achieve 3000 TeenBiz: Web-based differentiated literacy solutions that reach every student at his/her lexile. Assignments given to the class are also tailored according to each student's reading level and enables teachers to move students up surely and steadily level by level. This research based solution extends teachers' reach without increasing workloads or time demands and are proven to accelerate reading comprehension, fluency, writing proficiency, vocabulary and has a good correlation with high-stakes test scores. Reason for mentioning this is that the State Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Student Support provided TeenBiz to all secondary schools through a 3 - year state wide contract that expires after this school year. Kapaa High's usage data is low and I'm not sure if another contract will be continued. For more information on the potential, please ask your peers such as David Mireles who did a terrific presentation to a statewide audience about a year ago.

Data for School Improvement (DSI): Provides our 10th grade students and their teachers with a comprehensive picture about students' progress to the HCPS and predicts how they will do on the state assessment. Formative assessment items are aligned with the state standards and there's no limit as to how many times a student can take the DSI assessment. The premise in creating the DSI was to serve as a statewide support tool for students and teachers.

Finally I want to speak to our "true north" as an organization:
Our sole existence and purpose is the education of our students. If data shows that students are struggling, then we must adjust/change to strengthen our daily practices. The inevitable truth is that everything changes as we are not meant to look the same or act the same year in and year out. Growth brings new potential and I know for sure that when we work cohesively and open to receiving them, the possibilities keep on coming. In walking through the classrooms, very pleased to share that there's sound instruction and learning taking place...in fact in a good number of classes, students are challenged with higher level critical thinking types of work and not just recalling information. Yet in a few classes, I do question if there's a bell-to-bell focus and the rigor of the work. This same accountability applies to our support staff and administration in how we are supporting our students. I speak to this so to remind everyone, and especially myself, that we must be life-long learners, open to change/growth and modeling support for each other.

Weekly Calendar:
Monday, Aug. 29th: Department or Cross Curriculum PLC meeting
Tuesday, Aug. 30th : Principal @Complex Leadership meeting 7 - 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, Sept. 2nd: SLC leadership meeting 1:30 p.m.
HUI meeting 2:30 p.m.

Have a great week and keep up the good work!

Updates - Week of August 22nd

2011-08-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

Per the August 17th PLC session, attached are copies of the "Session Exit feedback" and "My Courses and Anchor Standards for Writing".

In reviewing the "session exit" feedback, all of the comments except one were very positive. Per the "comments and suggestions", about a third asked for more time to focus. As we have a limited amount of time within a workday, we'll strategize to see if we can honor this request. Overall, majority stated they found session fruitful and appreciated hearing from their peers. Be assured that we'll continue to honor your suggestions.

Reminder to submit how you will be addressing writing within your lessons on the "My Courses and Anchor Standards for Writing" template. You may work on this as a department, HUI and/or individually. As writing is a "tool" of learning, this will serve as one of the accountability "evidence" on students' progress across all disciplines. Please submit to Beth Pemberton (cc -administration) week of Sept. 12th.

Time flies....hard to believe that we are nearing that mid-point for the 1st quarter. Critical that your data provides guidance as to students' progress and determine how to re-teach and/or accelerate learning supports. Beginning the first week of September, administration to meet with each department/HUI to assess student progress. Included in this quarterly curriculum review process will include Title I, SPED DH, Counselors, SSC, Curriculum & SLC coordinators, & ELL. Currently, looking to review evidence based on:

Formative assessments (with results achieved)
Grade books (evidence that standards are being taught);
Curriculum Maps , learning logs, etc ( brief descriptions of lessons, units, and assessments); and
Student work (scored samples of writings, etc.)

Mike Neubig, a highly respected consultant on secondary schools will working with our Academy Design Team (chaired by Evan and Janis) and department heads on Wednesday, August 24th. Later he will be speaking at our PLC session providing insights and his work with national & local secondary schools based on the current research to help us better structure our bell schedule to meet students' needs.

Finally.... want to address students' use of profanity and the importance that we are consistent in addressing this unacceptable behavior. Expectations are that every staff member counsel any student that uses profanity (no matter the type of conversations) that this is not tolerated. Need to send that consistent message that all students will conduct themselves with dignity. This extends to extra-curricular clubs, sport events, etc. Our students (adults included) serve as ambassadors in projecting the values/beliefs that Kapaa High School stands for.

Reminders:
Monday - Aug. 22nd: PEP-T meeting - Library 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday - Aug. 23rd: Principal @Complex Area Leadership Meeting
Wednesday - Aug. 24th Academy Design Team session w/Mike Neubig - Library 7:45 a.m.
PLC session w/Mike Neubig - Chorus Room 1:45 p.m.
Thursday - Aug. 25th: Vice-Principals @Complex Area VP Meeting

Thanks for your dedicated efforts in making that positive difference for our students!

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2011-08-16T23:14:00.000-07:00

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Show your Warrior support: PTSA escrip

2011-08-16T22:47:00.000-07:00

Easiest way to support Kapaa Warriors Initiatives!
Visit PTSA website for more information.

Warrior Alert! Kapaa High Website has a new URL!

2011-08-16T22:42:00.000-07:00

Aloha Warriors,
Please note the Kapaa High Website new URL is: http://www.k12.hi.us/~kapaahs/.
Please update your bookmarks and spread the word!

Updates - Week of August 15th

2011-08-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

In reviewing our students' actions, behaviors and especially academia over the past two weeks, things look quite positive and ask everyone to continue this momentum as we provide that quality education environment second to none.

Want to speak to a few points addressing our master scheduling process to date and how we will be moving forward:
a) Challenges that we were experiencing where class sizes are low and then spikes to the 30's the following period are simply the result in not being able to offer additional sections to help support an equanimity schedule;
b) Our current teacher staffing is well below the student ratio of 27 -1 (in fact all classes should reflect an average of low 20's) and yet we remain victims to an antiquated bell schedule which will continue to challenge us;
c) With the recent new requirements in effect...... Algebra I minimum course for Math and Biology minimum for Science, other less rigorous courses can no longer be offered as a core resulting in some courses/periods having high numbers; and
d) Per BOE Policy 4540, we have that obligation to provide that required 25th credit to all students and that freshmen class affected will coming on board shortly.

On a go forward basis, two immediate actions:
1st) Mike Neubig, consultant with strong national knowledge in working with secondary schools schedules will be meeting with our faculty on Wednesday, August 24th; and
2nd) Will ask for volunteers to serve on the Bell Schedule Work Group to gather input and bring forth a proposal for consideration. Targeted time-frame is around October/November as the SY 2012-13 staffing and other operational costs must be finalized by the end of December 2011.

Important that we are all part of the solution in addressing our future in how our school will look like and operate over the next few years. Know that at the end of the day, we will do what's best for the students.

We are fortunate to be able to host three students and their advisor from our sister school in Ishigaki, Japan. Guests will be visiting classrooms from August 18th - 25th. Lillian Wadahara is doing the coordination and please inform your students that we are confident that they will display that ALOHA spirit.

Congratulations to Col Roberto Levoit as he was recently accepted into the Leadership Kauai program. Leadership Kauai offers a wide venue in working with the various outstanding and respected community leaders. Know that Roberto will be sharing what he has learned to further support our school in our quest for excellence.

Reminders:
Mon. - Aug. 15th: Principal @Smaller Learning Community mtg - Oahu

Wed. - Aug. 17th: Professional Learning Communities Meeting (all staff) 1:45 p.m. @Chorus Room. Continuing discussions/sharing on the anchor standards;

Thurs. - Aug. 18th: Club Fair during lunch recess @Cafeteria Lanai

Fri. - Aug. 19th: Holiday (Statehood) - No School

Thanks and have a great week!

Daniel S. Hamada

Updates - Week of August 8th

2011-08-07T23:16:00.001-07:00

In reflecting the first week of school, majority of students were focused, overall instruction looked consistent bell to bell, and in fact saw a good number of students revel in their classroom activities modeling team camaraderie. As shared, our benchmark target of 95% reflect our expectations for our students as we close that achievement gap.

Over the years, research has been consistent as to common trends in schools with the greatest gains. Fundamentally there are five consistent practices no matter the school's grade level and/or income demographics.....they are holistic accountability; nonfiction writing in every subject; frequent use of common assessments; immediate & decisive interventions; and the constructive use of data. Many of you already know this and the key is whether we implement this consistently in our daily practices.

As we are currently addressing writing in the Wednesday's PLC sessions, evidence is clear that when students engage in more nonfiction writing that includes editing, collaborative scoring, constructive teacher feedback, and re-writing....student achievement improves. Perhaps author Steven King said it best...."that writing is thinking through the end of a pen". Successful schools do not use writing as a diversion from math, science, music, or sports. Rather they have that conviction that if these disciplines are worthy of thinking, then they are worthy of writing.

Realize that some educators may have an aversion to nonfiction writing and their preference for fiction writing is based on the idea that nonfiction is boring and fiction is entertaining. Yet.... tell that to an elementary student watching a butterfly emerge from a cocoon; that middle school student who feels pride & excitement about an art project; and that high school student who is very passionate about global economics. Students want to engage in rich, descriptive, persuasive and analytical writing....that in itself makes nonfiction writing fun, exciting and real.

Special kudos to Brandon Fujita and his students for planting the recently donated pine tress along the northern end of our campus fence line. As you may be aware, about 25 trees were donated by Grove Farm Kauai in helping to beautify as well as stop the erosion of our campus in certain areas. Awesome when students model that civic responsibility in helping to better our school.

Friday, August 12th is the "official student enrollment count date where schools may be gaining or losing resources. Our Academic/Financial plan already reflects a solid focused plan and we'll be fine. Will have a more comprehensive agenda discussion with the Dept Chairs this Thursday and should you have items that need to be covered, please check with your dept chair.

Finally, please submit your "course syllabus" electronically to the principal by Monday, August 8th; and your "Employee Information for Emergency Purposes" sheet to Leila Kaneholani as soon as possible.

Reminders:
Wed, Aug. 10th: Professional Learning Communities Meeting (all staff) 1:45 p.m. @Chorus Room. Continuing discussions on the Writing anchor standards;

Thurs, Aug. 11th: Department Chair meeting 2:30 p.m. @Library

Fri. - Aug. 12th: Official Student Enrollment count date; and
Welcome Back Assembly 1:10 - 2:20 p.m. @Gym

Thanks and have a great week!

Updates - Week of August 1st

2011-08-01T10:11:00.001-07:00

As we begin SY 2011-12, wishing everyone the very best as we support all students to achieve. Together we will focus on:

Closing the achievement gap; and
Building our internal capacity.

Our benchmark target of 95% reflect that high expectations we expect of ourselves for our students. Throughout this year, we will collaboratively review those critical data such as attendance, grades, promotion, HSA, Chapter 19, extra curricular, etc. to help monitor our progress. We will also spend time as a professional community of learners to ensure that we are headed in the right direction. Change is constant and our success must reflect that learning organization where we collaboratively adapt, learn and transform based on data. We must honor and continue building that learning community culture, including building norms for working together.

Over the weekend, our school was very fortunate in having a very successful beautification project. Thank you to the New Hope congregation, businesses such as Home Depot and Pono Market, and other community members for giving of their time. Kudos to also PCNC - Nancy Borilez and VP - Todd Harrison for their good work!

Addressing the status of the construction projects.....the "covered walkway" will be continuing through August and the "softball stadium" is slated to finish sometime around November. The re-roofing work for Bldg "B" (Science) and "K" (Gym) are expected to be done on this week with the final inspection on Friday, Aug. 5th. The electrical upgrades for Bldg. A is almost done and should be ready by the end of this week. Appreciate everyone's patience and to minimize disruptions, moved several projects back to the first intercession and/or summer.

The HUI's 9th grade orientation will be on Monday, August 1st beginning @8:00 a.m. in the gym. Please introduce yourselves to the students and parents during their orientation of the school. Teachers not involved are asked to meet as departments in planning as to how the anchor Literacy standards ( Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening) will be integrated through their instruction and student work. Department Chairs are asked to ensure that their department is ready to share implementation examples at the first PLC mtg scheduled for Wednesday, August 3rd @2:00 p.m.

Teachers are asked to review and submit their course syllabus electronically to the principal by Monday, August 8th, 2011.

Reminders:

Mon. - Aug.1st: *Freshman Orientation 7:45 - 2:20 p.m; and
*Departments Meetings - discuss incorporating the four anchor standards (reading, writing, speaking and listening) within each discipline.
Wed. - Aug. 3rd: *Professional Learning Communities Meeting (all staff) @Chorus Room. Each department will share at least two strategies, means of assessing student growth, and time-frame.

Fri. - Aug. 5th: *Principal will be mtg with contractors to do a final inspection for the Bldgs. "B" (Science) and "K" Gym re-roofing projects.

Here's to a great week and a successful school year!

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.

Updates - Week of May 23rd

2011-05-23T11:55:00.001-07:00

Congratulations on a very successful commencement ceremony! Great to see these young men and women graduate and now ready to move on with their future endeavors. The Project Grad was also very successful event as the graduates had lots of terrific activities, food, fun and good company. Kudos to the students, faculty, parents and community who came together to make all of this a memorable occasion as it speaks to that level of commitment.

With the school year winding down, important that we share SY 2010 -11 Hawaii State Assessment results as of this past week.
Percentage of grade 10 students proficient: Mathematics - 34%; Reading - 70%; and Science - 40%
Percentage of grade 10 students tested: Mathematics - 91%; Reading - 88%; and Science - 86%

Data results clearly shows that we missed the benchmarks across the board. With the minimum benchmark targets now at 64% for Math and 80% for Reading, we'll need to "roll-up our sleeves" and strategize. Over the next few weeks prior to the opening of the new school year, will be meeting with various faculty members to review data, instructional practices & expectations, and personnel assignment adjustments.

Asking each department to submit their recommendations to serve as department heads of SY 2011-12 by Thursday, May 26th. View this position responsibility to build leadership capacity within our school's organization. Whether a first year or thirty plus year veteran, want to encourage individuals who are willing to step-up and they are assured of administration's support. Administration's final decision will be based around the following criteria:
deep commitment addressing instructional practices that challenge all students through rigorous standards based teaching;
good communication, human relations and organizational skills;
open-mindedness and humility
tolerance for ambiguity
courage and willingness to take risks
lifelong learner
willingness to work hard with creativity and flexibility

Finally, the expectation remains that standards based bell to bell instruction take place for the rest of this week. Thank you for your professionalism in helping to maintain an academic environment.

Weekly Reminders:

SCC Meeting - Tues. 5/24/11: School Community Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday - May 24th 5:30 p.m. @Student Center.

Kapaa High Athletic Dept Awards Ceremony: SY 2010-11 Athletic Awards Ceremony recognizing our student athletes will be held on Tuesday - May 24th @7:00 p.m. in the Gym.

Faculty Meeting - Wed. 5/25/11: Faculty mtg will be in the Chorus Room @2:00 p.m. to discuss year end items, summer operations, and opening for SY 2011-12.

Last Day for students - May 26, 2011 (full day)

Last Day for teachers, educational assistants, security, temporary cafeteria workers and health aide (half-day) - Friday, May 27, 2011

Have a great week!

Updates - Week of May 16th

2011-05-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you to our students, faculty and community partners who helped make the "Every 15 Minutes - Shattered Dreams" experience a wonderful learning opportunity. When community organizations come together in sharing such an important message, it really speaks to that level of commitment for our future generations. Supporting students in making positive choices is ongoing and fulfilling work!

With the short amount of instructional days left, important that I remind everyone:
Classroom instruction must continue to be focused from bell to bell. Teachers are asked to maintain this level of focus and continue to hold high expectations for all students;
Please keep reminding seniors that their senior agreements remain in place until graduation. To lose their privilege of graduation ceremonies participation at this point in time would be a shame. Same expectations as well for underclassmen in being focused and responsible.

In my office is a plague with quotes from a former football coach Vince Lombardi and a portion of his quote states:
Life's battles don't always go
to the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.

As the school year comes to a close, the evidence of our efforts will be measured in our students' results. Per our Academic/Financial plans, we have stated that our accountability lies in the following percentage growth areas:
students showing proficiency to the content standards;
students receiving passing verses failing grades;
students promoted;
students meeting our school's stated benchmarks in the Hawaii State Assessment; and
graduation rates.

As with any successful team, we continue to work together as one team with one focused goal....that every student is prepared for college, career and citizenship in this 21st century. Appreciate everyone's efforts!

Weekly Reminders:

PTSA Mtg - Monday 5/16/11: Monthly PTSA meeting will take place in the Student Center @6:30 p.m. Reminder that PTSA is sponsoring a luncheon for all staff on May 27th and lunch counts should be have submitted to Leila.

Department Meetings - Wed. 5/18/11: Department heads should use this time to meet in reviewing needs for next school year. Remember that due to the current budget shortfalls, we need to be pro-active in planning for our instructional needs for next school year. Please be sure to collect and submit purchase orders to Pamela or Leila. Administration will continue to meeting with as many departments possible to address questions.

Finals Week: Reminder of the bell schedule modification for this week. Purpose is to allow for ample time for students to take tier finals as well as to complete unfinished assignments.

Graduation Ceremony - Fri. 5/20/11 @6:30 pm: Looking forward to seeing everyone come out to support and congratulate of graduates. Know that this class has touched almost every staff member is some special way and being there to provide that acknowledgement really brings it full circle.

May 26, 2011 - Last Day for Students

Friday, May 27, 2011 - Last Day for Teachers (Full Day)

Have a great week!

Updates - Week of May 9th

2011-05-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

To ensure everyone has updated information about our Smaller Learning Community 9th grade HUIs and Academies progress, sharing links to the SLC Blog and the SLC Resource Wiki. Links provides a good venue to access current progress as well as providing suggestions. Please take time to review at your leisure.
http://kapaahighschoolslc.blogspot.com/
https://sites.google.com/site/khsslcworkspace/

With three weeks of instruction left, some important reminders......
Classroom instruction must continue to be focused from bell to bell. Noticed that some teachers have been allowing students to stand by their classroom doors much too early resulting in loss of precious learning time as well as disrupting other classes.....this is not acceptable;
Encouraging teachers and support staff to minimize the amount of days they are absent as having substitutes cover at this time of the year can be very challenging. Should you need to be out, please remind your substitute on the importance of "bell to bell instruction"; and
Please remind your senior students that they are accountable to the senior agreements until graduation. Would be very disappointing to lose their privilege to participating in the graduation ceremony at this point in time. Same holds true for the underclassmen in remaining focused and responsible for their educational responsibilities.

Over this past weekend, Kapaa High School has begun having "stationary" night security on campus. Security personnel have been assigned to our school from the later evening hours until around 6:00 a.m. As you recall, initial rationale for having security was due to schools having graffiti problems/bomb threats and with graduation around the corner need to be pro-active to ensure for a safe environment. Reminder for anyone working late, coaching, conducting night meetings, etc. to please have your IDs with you.

Key personnel changes for Complex and State level for SY 2011-12:
Kauai Complex Area ELL Resource Teacher - Michael Depoe. Mike replaces Ligaya Ortal who recently retired and he will be working with all of Kauai schools addressing ELL services;
Kauai Complex Area Data Resource Teacher - Allison Carveiro. Allison will take the lead in working with complex area data such as DSI, HSA, etc. She brings a wealth of knowledge to this position as a classroom teacher, former Title I resource teacher, and was recognized as one of Hawaii's outstanding teachers; and
State Level Data for School Improvement (DSI) Administrator - Dan Miyamoto. Dan takes over as the State lead for DSI and he will be working with all complexes ensuring that DSI are utilized as part of the ongoing formative assessment feedback. Mr. Miyamoto was one of the key leaders in helping create Hawaii's DOE Literacy for Learning focus.

Please continue encouraging your students to support both Memorial Day Lei and Food Bank drive. As one of our staff shared, if we can also get our seniors to donate their graduation leis, this gesture goes a long way helping recognize our veterans. In terms of the Food Bank drive, with more schools qualifying as Title I (at least 40% of the student population qualify for free or reduced meals) schools shows that there are more needy families and students. Wouldn't it be great if every student and adult donated just one canned food item.

Finally, let me take this opportunity to share my deepest appreciation to our teachers and support staff as we recognize our educators. No matter your role/responsibility, collectively you play a key role in preparing our students to be college and career ready. Let us continue to support each other in this noble quest as our students deserve nothing less.

Weekly Reminders:

May Day Program - Monday 5/9/11: School will be on the "Assembly Bell Schedule #2 for our May Day program. Assembly will be follow period 6 and begin @1:10 p.m. Reminder to monitor your assigned areas.

SLC Mtg - Monday 5/9/11: Principal will be on Oahu attending the Smaller Learning Consortium meeting. Diane Ayre and Todd Harrison will be in charge.

Complex Area Leadership Mtg - Tues. 5/10/11: Principal and VP Harrison will be attending a combined leadership mtg at the State Bldg. Diane Ayre and Greg Gonsalves will be in charge.

Department Meetings - Wed. 5/11/1: Department heads are reminded to meet with their teachers on Wednesday, May 11 @2:00 to discuss items such as budget requests for SY 2011-12, etc. Administration will be meeting with as many departments possible that day so to address questions.

SLC HUI mtg - Thurs. 5/12/11: 9th grade HUI meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 12th @2:20 p.m. Administration will also be covering updated room assignments, planned trainings, etc.

Testing Information: Re-sharing the testing calendar and bell schedule modification for finals week. Reminder that listed testing areas have priority for the computer labs during the assessment time-frame.

Updates - Week of May 2nd

2011-05-02T11:15:00.001-07:00

Effect May 2, 2011, Lisa Mireles will be taking over for Judy Gardner's 9th grade World History Honor's class. Ms. Gardner will be out for the rest of the fourth quarter and will retire at the end of this school year. Wish Judy the best in her retirement and thank her for the years of service. Kapaa High is very fortunate to a highly qualified educator in Ms. Mireles taking on this challenge as she brings a wealth of teaching experience.

Our accountability addressing students' progress will soon come to fruition as we wind down these last few weeks of the school year. Our targeted goals as stated in the Academic/Financial plan must be met whether it be through the Hawaii State Assessments (HSA) outcomes, graduation rates, promotion/retention rates, failures, report cards, etc. As shared previously, the responsibility for students' growth lies with all of us and not in just one department or program. Please continue your efforts in reviewing your data, articulating within and across programs, and ensuring that sound instruction ensures that benchmarks/standards are covered and differentiated for students' success.

Administration will be meeting department heads on Monday, May 2nd 2:30 p.m. @library as there are several important items that must be addressed in a timely manner. Asking that Literacy coaches also attend.

As we start the final week of the State Employees Food Drive I wanted to touch bases with everyone to support this effort. This year more than other years there's an ever growing need. Friday, May 6th is the state's designated last day of the drive and any small donation of a food product is greatly appreciated! Thanks to Harriet Watanabe and her students for taking the lead for this very noble effort.

Finally, extra-curricular/club advisors are to remind their students that their club is responsible for removing their posters/fliers from the campus building walls in a timely manner. This also means should any banners, posters, bulletins, etc. be damaged prior to the end of the event, must also be removed in a timely manner. Important that we model pride and responsibility in caring for our school.

Weekly Reminders:
Department Head Mtg: Department head and Literacy leads meeting on Monday, May 2 @2:30 p.m. in the library.

Website School Calendar: As discussed, please visit school's website calendar addressing school activities, club meetings, etc. to verify accuracy. Want to ensure that information posted are accurate. http://kapaahs.intand.com/index.php

Testing Information: Re-sharing the testing calendar and bell schedule modification for finals week. Please inform your students of the block periods scheduled for finals week. Information will also be posted on school's website for parents and community.

Updates - Week of April 25th

2011-04-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

Let me take this opportunity to commend and congratulate our seniors on their senior project presentations. Feedback overall was very positive as students demonstrated those qualities of what we look for in a high school graduate. Special acknowledgements to grade 12 English teachers Ms. Boiser, Ms. Carvalho, Ms. Farina, Ms. Gowan, Mr. Mireles and Ms. Pahl....for their patience and perseverance in working with the seniors. Thanks also goes out to the many helpers in the organization of materials, snacks and coordination of the panelists. Hope everyone got to read Kara Kitamura's article about the senior projects in this past Friday's Garden Island.

I'm scheduling a special meeting on Monday, April 25th with department heads from Mathematics, Science and English to discuss the Hawaii State Assessment scheduled to be administered over the next few weeks. All computer labs are to be made available for our 10th grade students to do their assessments as this remains as one of our school's accountability priority focus. Current results reflect that there is still much work ahead and we remain confident that per the interventions, final round of testing over the next three weeks will show positive growth. As shared the current data shows that the percentage of students meeting proficiency are below our targeted benchmarks. Math @28% of students met proficiency; Reading @ 67% proficiency; and Science @34% proficiency. While we have a ways to go to meet our benchmark target of 90%, know that the content area teachers have been working diligently with our students.

Finally, want to extend special "kudos" to our clerical staff for their dedicated efforts! Administrative Professional's Week (April 24 - 30, 2011) serves to remind us about how we value their daily good work in multitasking so that our overall operations runs smoothly! Truly a wonderful team and we are so very fortunate!

Reminders:

Department Head Mtg: Department heads from Mathematics, English and Science, VPs, Core Coordinator and Tech Coordinator are to meet with Principal on Monday, April 25th to discuss the HSA and Tera Nova assessment. Teachers from these content areas are also welcome to attend. Meeting will be held in the library promptly @2:30 p.m.

Will also be meeting with each department head individually on Monday to share the SY 2011-12 teaching lines and possible room changes. For now, planning to meet during your prep time.

Principals Meeting: I will be attending a principals' mtg on Tuesday, April 26th @Complex Area Office in Lihue. Both Diane Ayre and Todd Harrison will be in charge.

School Community Council Mtg: The next monthly SCC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 26th @5:30 p.m. in the Student Center.

Faculty Meeting: There will be faculty meeting on Wednesday, April 27th at the Chorus room at 2:00 p.m.

Vice-Principal & Athletic Director's Mtg: VPs and AD will be attending their monthly administrators' meeting on Thursday, April 28th from 8 - 3:00 p.m. @Complex Area Office.

PTSA Student Recognition: On Friday, April 29th during lunch, ice-cream treats will be given to all students who made a GPA of 3.0 or higher as well as for attendance. Ice-cream will be passed out at the Student Center.

Finals: Sharing the finals schedule for 4th quarter which was shared at the beginning of this year:
May 16th English and electives for seniors;
May 17th Math & electives for 9 - 12;
May 18th Social Studies & Science for 9 - 12; and
May 19th Math and electives for 9 - 11.

All grades verified and due by 3:00 p.m. May 27th (No Exceptions)

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.

Updates - Week of April 18th, 2011

2011-04-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

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.

Updates - Week of April 11th

2011-04-11T10:33:00.001-07:00

As we begin this new week, instructional calendar shows approximately seven weeks or 30 instructional days left in the school year. Clearly we are all aware of the work yet to be done....the content standards that still needs to be covered, ensuring that our grade 10 students are able to demonstrate positive levels of proficiency per the Hawaii State Assessment (HSA), senior projects/presentations, PTP work yet to be finalized, etc. The true testament of our efforts will be seen per the results of our collective efforts at the end of the school year.

We continue to also plan for the SY 2011-12 teaching lines as Mr. Barcial has shared both the student count projections and a sample template for each department to provide their teaching line recommendations. Appreciate the discussions with various departments in providing me guidance as to how they believe the master schedule should look like. Each department's feedback is an important process for solid input. At the end of the day, my final decision will continue to be based on what strengths each teacher brings as the education of our students can never be left to chance. The importance of knowing how every content area teacher and support staff can support every student remains critical.

Please remind your students on the importance that they remain focused and responsible in their school work and attendance. This holds especially true for the seniors as administration has taken time to personally speak with a few of them as their attendance (especially tardiness) and grades are on the edge. Parents of seniors who have not adhered their senior agreements have already been informed that their child will not be participating in the graduation ceremony. Very difficult to see some of our seniors lose that opportunity to walk with their peers after 13 years of schooling. At the end of the day we must remember that participation in the graduation ceremony is a privilege and not a right....the diploma that's earned is a right! Bottom-line, we expect all students and especially our seniors to model the GLOs.

Reminders:

Principal Out-of-Office: I will be serving on an accreditation work group for James B. Castle High School April 11 - 14th and returning to the office on Friday, April 15th. Both Diane Ayre and Todd Harrison will be in charge.

Faculty Meeting: Faculty meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 13th 2:00 p.m. @Library to discuss for the upcoming Senior Projects as well as an update status of Hawaii State Assessment interventions and SY 2011-12 master schedule. Both Diane Ayre & Todd Harrison will be in charge of the meeting.

Senior Project Presentations: Senior Project presentations are scheduled during the week of April 18 - 21, 2011. School will be on a Wednesday schedule for that week and students' release time will be at 1:35 p.m. Ask that everyone be aware of the expectations that is shared @wEdnesday's faculty meeting.

Teacher Line Template: Registrar Todd Barcial e-mailed a copy of the teacher line templates to all Department Heads. DHs are to work with their teachers and submit recommendations for SY 2011-12 to the principal by 12:00 p.m. Friday, April 15th.

Kapaa High School Foundation Fun Run/Walk Fund-raiser: The Kapaa High School Foundation will be having its first annual Fun/Walk event @Kapaa Walking Path on Saturday, April 16th, beginning at 7:00 a.m. Encourage all staff and students to support our school's Foundation as monies received will ultimately go to support our students. Registration forms can be found on our school's website under the Kapaa High Foundation.

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.

Updates - Week of March 28th

2011-03-28T11:55:00.000-07:00

Reminder on the importance of strategizing what needs to be instructed over the next 9 weeks of school as it is critical that our students are instructed to all standards/benchmarks. More importantly, we must continue to ensure that students' learning is an active process. Too often students come to school and watch their teachers do all of the work. When students use what they learn through application (quadrant B) , adaptation (quadrant D), and applying to real world predictable/unpredictable situations, they remember the information better and understand the utility of what is being taught. This is fundamental in preparing students for the 21st century.

At the last faculty meeting I shared about Department of Education having to plan for the strong possibility of reducing our operating budget due to Hawaii's financial challenges. Per Legislative House Bill 200, H.D. 1., the DOE is facing an operating budget reduction of $55 million in fiscal years 2011-12 and 2012-13. While it is still quite early in the legislative process, asking department heads to meet with their teachers to plan and submit your purchase requests for needs supplies, instructional materials, etc. for SY 2011-12. Ask that departments work on this over the next three - four weeks and administration will also be meeting with each department was well.

We will continue to be proactive as we know where our school needs to be over the next few years. Change is a constant reality of life and we are aware as to major disasters and other global upheaval creates unwanted economic impacts. We have the right focus and vision in prepare our students for 21st century citizenship....our Academic & Financial plans reflect this and we will get through no matter what challenges we are faced with! These five key points are already helping secure fiscal and personnel resource support:

1. Improving pedagogy practices, differentiating instruction based on students' needs, and using data effectively are fundamental for student achievement progress;
2. Implementation of the Smaller Learning Community 9th & 10th grade HUIs and Pathways through focused learning supports, safety nets, and personalization;
3. Implementing a bell schedule for SY 2012-13 that meets the required BOE Policy 4540 of a minimum of 25 credits affording more academic flexibility and opportunities;
4. Ensure for highly qualified and effective staff in all content areas with focused evidenced based professional development support; and
5. Implement a master schedule that reflects that first "level of differentiation" where qualified staff are assigned strategically in meeting students' needs.

I remain very confident that as we strengthen and drive toward these common purpose, our collective efforts will help our students achieve.

Reminders:

Meeting with Mathematics, English and Science Departments: Based on the current HSA testing data for the second round, would like to meet this Wednesday, March 30th with the three testing content areas and participating teachers. We will be reviewing students' progress data, identifying gap areas, and strategizing what needs to be done for the last HSA assessment in late April. Meeting will be in the library @2:00 p.m.

PEP-T: Administration will be contacting teachers who are on PEP-T to schedule visitation and meeting dates.

HSTA SWIM Meeting Schedule: SWIM meetings are scheduled for all HSTA members by complexes. The following are the dates and sites for the meetings:
Wednesday, April 6th, 2011 - West Complex @Waimea High School Cafeteria 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.;
Thursday, April 7, 2011 - Central Complex @Kauai High School Cafeteria 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.; and
Friday, April 8, 2011 - East Complex @Kapaa High School Cafeteria 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Our students will be released at 1:15 p.m. on Friday, April 8th and more information to be provided shortly.

Personal/Professional Development Leave with Pay: Sharing this reminder again that when taking personal leaves , all teachers must give at least 48 hours advance notice and for professional development leaves must submit the leave form at least one week in advance. Important that we have consistent practices and more information can be found in Article XII of the Agreement between the HSTA and the State of Hawaii Board of Education.

Title III – U. S. DOE monitoring: A team from the U. S. Department of Education will be in Hawaii monitoring schools across the state addressing working
with English language Learners students during the week of April 11th.

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.

Kapaa High School Foundation grants available

2011-03-22T11:50:00.000-07:00

The Kapaa High School Foundation is now accepting applications for three grants of $500.00 each to Kapaa High School Class of 2011 Seniors. Although a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required, academic achievement is not a major consideration for this grant. The emphasis for the getting the award will be on the students’ active participation in community and school service projects and programs.

The deadline is April 15, 2011. For more information, please visit the website at: http://kapaahighschoolfoundation.org

For more criteria on the awards, go to the Kapaa High School Counselors Office or download The Student Grant information page and application form through the above website.

Welcome back and hope that everyone had a restful Spring Break!

2011-03-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

As we begin the 4th quarter, important that we take inventory of our students' progress to the standards. Knowing and strategizing what needs to be instructed over the next ten weeks of school is critical. Kapaa High School's Academic/Financial plans outlines our academic accountability and as the school year winds down, we will need to share our progress with the School Community Council, PTSA and greater community.

In the midst of disasters that continues to impact Japan, global upheaval especially within the middle east countries, worldwide economic fallout, and the current financial deficits faced by several states, puts into perspective how we are all globally impacted. Preparing our students as citizens for the 21st century global economy is a reality and whatever our roles, collectively we are entrusted with that important responsibility.

Truly believe that our focused actions continues to be the right course. We continue to be proactive in striving for our vision addressing:
Implementation of the Smaller Learning HUIs and Pathways in providing focused learning supports, safety nets, and personalization. Current evidence shows that we need to take action as nearly 30% of our ninth graders continue to fail/drop-out by their senior year;
Improving pedagogy practices, differentiating instruction based on students' needs, and using data effectively are fundamental for student achievement progress;
Implementing a bell schedule that meets the required BOE Policy 4540 of a minimum of 25 credits affording more academic flexibility and opportunities;
Highly qualified staff in all content areas with focused evidenced based professional development support; and
Our school's master schedule reflects that first level of differentiation where qualified staff are assigned strategically in meeting students' needs.

We will stay the course in strengthening our foundation and purpose. Collectively, our collective wisdom, talents and focused commitment will afford solid learning opportunities for "ALL" students.

Reminders:

Inventory Folders: Inventory folders will be distributed this week and are due no later than April 13th. Please do not write over the property number located to the left of each item. For those who did not turn in your inventory last year by the due date, your deleted items will still be listed on this report. There are many items that are unaccounted for and the search in the missing file will be a large task. If you have any questions contact Leila Kaneholani.

Personal/Professional Development Leave with Pay: Reminder that when taking personal leaves, all teachers must give at least 48 hours advance notice and for professional development leaves must submit the leave form at least one week in advance. Important that we have consistent practices and accountable. More information can be found in the Agreement between the HSTA and the State of Hawaii Board of Education under Article XII.

Faculty Meeting: We will be having a faculty meeting on Wednesday, March 23rd 2:00 p.m. @Library. Discussion topics will cover updates for our Smaller Learning Community progress, addressing questions per the proposed SY 2012-13 bell schedule, SY 2011-12 staffing and master schedule updates.

Summer School: Ryan Harper will be serving as this year's Summer School director and appreciate his willingness to take this on. More information will be forthcoming addressing courses, teaching staff, etc.

Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO): Not to be confused with summer school, we are continuing to implement extended learning opportunity time for those targeted students based on data. Presently, we will focus on the 9th grade students to minimize failures and/or having to retake courses next year. Intervention is part of the Smaller Learning Community (SLC) focus and the ELO coordinator will be shared shortly.

Have a great week!

Back to School: 4th Quarter Begins Monday 21st, 7:45 am sharp!

2011-03-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some clarifications regarding No School days happening in the next week.

There has been some confusion. Those darn furloughs affected dates that had already been published...so this is a correction to some of those calendars. Please help spread the word!

THIS WEEK

MON 21

7:45 am Back To School - 4th Quarter Begins – REGULAR SCHOOL DAY!

FRI 25

Prince Kuhio Day - No School

NEXT WEEK

MON 28

Furlough Day - No School

Updates - Week of Feb. 28th

2011-02-28T17:10:00.000-08:00

Let me begin in welcoming Tanya Wadhwani to our "ohana" as she officially started this past Friday, Feb. 25th as our new English teacher. Tanya most recently was at Hawaii Tech Academy and will be a great asset to our school. Ms. Wadhwani spent a good amount of time in working closely with Heather Wickersham to help for that smooth transition.

Kudos to Lisa Mireles as she also became an official member of our staff effective Friday Feb. 25th. Lisa will continue to serve as our half-time SLC grant coordinator as this effort is a critical component of our school's Academic/Financial plans. Mrs. Mireles brings much experience and energy as a former principal, back ground in teaching academia, IB, accreditation, etc.

This past week, our school has benefited in having two key work groups come together in planning and strategically looking at how we can better support our students to be ready for college, career and citizenship for the 21st century:

On Thursday, Feb. 24th a planning group comprised of Diane Ayre, Waianela Boiser, Stephanie Carvalho, Terri Christensen, Ryan Harper, Erin Millard, Lisa Mireles, Brent Mizutani, Cheryl Pahl, and Fred Rivera had a very fruitful session with Larry Gloeckler and Patti from the International Leadership Center looking at how we can better support co-teaching. This commitment to better support teachers involved with co-teaching will happen and school-wide data will be always utilized when making any decisions.

On Friday, Feb. 25th and Saturday, Feb. 26th, our "Laulima" Smaller Learning Community representatives came away from a very productive work session on Maui. Our school team worked with the consortium high schools comprised of Castle, Maui, McKinley, and Pearl City facilitated by Michelle Swanson and Theron Cosgrave. Over the two days, this group worked hard at addressing school structures, strategies and decision points in better supporting students. Members were Diane Ayre, Evan Costa, Janis Gowan, Robyn Keawe, Erin Millard, Lisa Mireles, Calvin Paleka, Catherine Paleka, and Wendy Schwarze. Important updates will be shared at the special faculty meeting on Wednesday, March 2nd.

Want to acknowledge our staff who generously dedicate and volunteer their time. It is truly very humbling, powerful and spiraling when people come together for a common purpose. Believe that the Japanese culture call this "Kaizen"....when you come together in spiraling forward.

At your Monday meetings, ask that each department allow time for discussing/sharing pedagogy practices. Time must be dedicated to learning and sharing with your peers. Examples could be sharing strategies addressing differentiation, clear learning objectives at the beginning of class (bell-to-bell practices), teaching to the various types of learners especially males & females, taxonomic levels of learning from basic knowledge recall to more rigorous levels of analyzing and evaluation, etc. As we support, remind, share and use this time wisely, it will truly help make each one of us more skillful at our craft!

Dialogue w/Kapaa Middle School: Will be continuing our dialogue with the Kapaa Middle for focused discussions based on data addressing the various needed students transition data. The first mtg on Feb. 23rd with their faculty went well in discussing/providing that larger picture. Ongoing discussions will be planned for over the coming months.

Donation to Kapaa High: On March 1st, leaders representing American Savings Bank and DOE are scheduled to be on campus around mid-morning for a donation ceremony to our school. Please remind your students that about the GLO practices as we continue to be blessed with business and community supports....we must continue to build our community's confidence in our school as they entrust us with their children's education.

Special Faculty Meeting: With the Spring Break time frame and items needed to be addressed in timely manner, we will be having a special faculty meeting on Wednesday, March 2nd 2:00 p.m. @Library. Items to be discussed are the updated proposals for the SY 2012-13 bell schedule, SLC structure and strategies, staffing/teaching lines and budget.

State Board of Education Meeting: The State Board of Education will be having their next public meeting at Kekaha Elementary School on Thursday, March 3rd beginning at 7:00 p.m.

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.

Kamp Kauai’s Open House

2011-02-22T08:23:00.000-08:00

Kamp Kauai’s Open House
By August Trumm (Advertising Director)

On Tuesday, March 1, 2011, the students of Kapa’a High School’s Virtual Enterprise class will be presenting their virtual business at Kaua’i Beach Resort’s Jasmine Ballroom. The presentation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The virtual business, Kamp Kaua’i, is a group/family-based camp that would be located along the Wailua River. It includes on-site and off-site activities, along with activities packages and overnight accommodations. Topics in the presentation will range from the making of the business plan, the employee manual, and the catalog to the construction of the website. The public is invited. Please RSVP as soon as possible, by calling Christine Farina at 808-821-4400 ext. 170.

Weekly Principal's Address Monday February 14

2011-02-13T16:23:00.000-08:00

At Wednesday's, February 16th faculty mtg, will focus on four areas that link closely together as part of our school's long term vision. As you are aware, our school's Academic/Financial plan contains all four elements in providing our overall road map for accountability. Four topics are:
1st) Smaller Learning Communities...... updates in our work on the 9th grade HUIs and the Mini - mags;
2nd) Draft Bell Schedule for SY 2012-13......based on the departments mtg feedback/questions will determine our next steps;
3rd) SY 2011-12 Master Schedule draft.....we will discuss what staffing lines may be in place for SY 2011-12; and
4th) SY 2011-12 staffing projections

Attached below is the breakdown of the instructional minutes per our current, proposed bell schedule and SLC updates Asking that everyone review and discus at your department mtgs this week.

As shared earlier, last week the State Board of Education approved School Year 2011-12 calendar. Attaching Superintendent Matayoshi's memo and approved calendar. 2011-2012 Official School Calendar Memo>>>
Finally, a friendly reminder that all staff must report and sign in on time. Certainly understandable as there are unforeseen situations but quite concerned when this becomes a pattern. This also includes excessive absences as well. As professionals, we must be positive role models and please note that administration will require a meeting and documentation.

Principal @SLC Consortium Mtg: I will be off campus Monday, Feb. 14th attending the Smaller Learning Consortium meeting. Both Diane Ayre and Todd Harrison are in charge.

PACT: Reminder to utilize your afternoon collaboration time fully this week as topics need to be addressed to determine our school's next steps.

Faculty Meeting: The next faculty mtg will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 16th in the Library. Agenda discussions will focus on the proposed bell schedule for SY 2012-13, SY 2011-12 master schedule and staffing, and Smaller Learning Community updates. You'll also get to meet our new PCNC Nancy Boreliz at that time.

Kauai District Science Fair: Hope that you are able to drop in to support Kauai's students whose science projects will be displayed at the Convention Hall in Lihue on Friday, Feb. 18th. Visitation for the public Begins around 4:00 p.m. and the awards ceremony @6:00 p.m.

Have a great week!

Daniel S. Hamada
Principal
Kapaa High School
daniel_hamada@notes.k12.hi.us

Weekly Principal's Address 2-7-2011

2011-02-06T19:40:00.001-08:00

Mahalo for the continued feedback addressing the proposed bell schedule for SY 2012-13. Believe that we are coming to that point where most of the questions/feedback have been addressed. In fact, a good number have shared that the bell proposal was taking a more definitive shape....especially as the "significant adult" period needed more clarification. Remember that our goal is to first collectively create a proposed bell schedule, carry-out the voting process, and ultimately take that quality time next school year in finalizing/planning out the details. Attached is the updated draft that will be discussed with department heads and faculty.

Administration will be sharing SY 2011-12 master schedule draft with the department heads and faculty over the next two weeks. It will reflect number of projected positions and teaching lines. Critical that we always keep that larger picture/goal in mind as each of these elements such the master schedule, bell schedule, and SLC HUIs & mini-mags, DSI assessment, etc. are linked together within our Academic/Financial plans. Collectively all of these critical elements help form our road map toward our school's vision in preparing all students for college and careers in the 21st century. Should any community individual(s) ask what Kapaa High School is about, you have your talking points to speak too.

This past week, the State Board of Education approved SY 2011-12 calendar and attached is the pdf. Will provide a more specific calendar probably in April that includes major activities such as converting instructional days to professional development days, HSA testing dates, etc.

Finally, special thanks to Bridget Arume, the Eastside Family Summit Committee and the many volunteers for another successful event. This past Saturday's event marked the 8th Annual Family Summit held to strengthen and inspire Kauai's families to choose a drug-free life through prevention and education. Special kudos to our students and staff who volunteered and entertained...it was an Outstanding Job and Outstanding Day!!!

Principal @State-level Mtg: I will be off campus for most of Monday, Feb. 7th meeting with State Superintendent Matayoshi and several administrators. Will be back in the office later Monday afternoon. Both Diane Ayre and Todd Harrison are in charge.

Department Head Meeting: The next department head mtg will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 9th in the Student Center Bldg. conference room. Agenda discussions will focus on the proposed bell schedule, SY 2011-12 master schedule and staffing, and Smaller Learning Community updates.

Literacy for Learning: The third session addressing Data for School Improvement - What Comes after Assessment" for Administrators and Literacy coaches will be held on Thursday, Feb. 10th @ 8:30 a.m. in the District Office Conference room 2nd floor. Official memo from CAS Bill Arakaki is forthcoming.

Project Graduation fund-raiser: Hope you can come out to support Kapaa high's Project Grad fund-raiser at the Kapaa McDonalds on Thursday, Feb. 10th starting @5:30 p.m. Number of our staff and community individuals will be working at several stations.

SMART Board training session: For those teachers that signed up for the Smart Board training, reminder that it will be held on Friday, 11th in the library starting promptly at 8:00 a.m.

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

Weekly Principal's Address 1-31-2011

2011-01-31T19:38:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Nancy Borilez who has agreed to serve as our new PCNC. We are currently working with Nancy to get all of the needed forms finalized so she can come on board as soon as possible. I was very impressed with Nancy and know she will be very instrumental in helping Kapaa High continue strengthening our partnerships with community, businesses and families.

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

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

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

Navy highlights science & medicine for Kapaa, Kauai students

2010-12-12T19:18:00.001-08:00

Follow this link to the original article

Key Club Fundraiser - Advisor, V. Saiki

2010-12-12T19:17:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays all!

Key Club is will be taking 8 students to the State Convention held on Oahu in February and need to fundraise about $4,000. We are selling Fundraiser Burritos for $8. Pick up is from now till December 20th at VERDEs in Kapaa Shopping Center next to Big Save.

If you have ever dined at Verdes, you know their burritos are huge and the owners are nice enough to work out a deal with us to make them affordable to you as well as beneficial to Key Club!

Its a large warm flour tortilla stuffed with beans (pinto), rice, cheese and your choice of their Verde Chile Braised Short Rib, or Al Pastor Chicken. Sorry, sold as is no substitutions, but we can opt out the cheese for dairy-free people.

and remember its only $8, if your a family of four thats a dine-out menu price of $32, including chips n salsa!!!! You can also get this burrito for take-out as well!!!

Email me and let me know how many tickets you would like, pick up is on your own, however if enough of you want a nice warm burrito for lunch, buy a ticket and we can organize a day next week that I can pick it up for everyone (delivery charge on me!)

Thanks for all your support!

Weekly Principal's Address 12-13-2010

2010-12-12T19:14:00.000-08:00

This past week a revised "bell schedule" was shared for consideration. Proposed bell schedule brings together the many good ideas and honors the many years of hard work of our staff. Department heads are tasked to meet with their teachers to review and submit recommendations. All feedback will be seriously considered thru a transparent on-going communication process.

The creation of a new and better "bell schedule" is in our hands. As educators, we can no longer expect our students learn within an antiquated schedule that limits students' learning opportunities. We need to work together to create that sustainable schedule that provides more opportunities so that every student is truly "college and career" 21st century prepared. We can no longer spend precious time and energy pointing out the negatives as it must be balanced with constructive discussions and recommendations. Hawaii's Department of Education expectations are very clear....per our Department's Strategic plan, Race to the Top Grant reform commitment, and Board of Education Graduation Policy 4540.....students need more opportunities than our current 6 periods or 24 credits.

We all have important work to do...we will continue to face challenges...and we can't let them become excuses. I am confident that together we will be courageous in making our actions speak loudly in moving forward......our students deserve nothing less!

Community Presentation: On Monday, Dec. 13th, we will be sharing Kapaa High's SY 2011-12 Academic/Financial Plans with the our School Community Council and PTSA. You are welcome to attend and attached is the mtg information.

Faculty & Staff Meeting: A faculty and support staff meeting will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 15th @2:00 p.m. in the library. Agenda to follow shortly.

Leadership Meeting: I will be away from the office on:
Monday Dec. 13th 7 - 8:30 a.m. attending East Complex Principals' mtg;
Tuesday, Dec. 14th from 8 - 4:00 p.m. attending the Kauai Complex Area Leadership mtg. (Diane Ayre and Todd Harrison will be in charge).

Other Reminders:
Thursday, December 16th - Last "full" day of Instruction before winter break;
Friday, December 17th - Furlough Day;
Monday, January 3rd - Teachers' workday (no students); and
Tuesday, January 4th - Planning & collaboration Day for East Complex Schools (No Students).

As 2010 comes to an end and a new year quickly approaching.....take time to reflect for we have much to be appreciative and proud of! 2011 looks like it's going to be an even brighter year! Have a great week and remind our students to be safe!

Daniel S. Hamada
Principal

Weekly Principal's Address Monday November 29

2010-11-28T18:28:00.000-08:00

Welcome back and hope everyone had a restful and relaxing Thanksgiving break!

Congratulations to Carol Shikada as effective Wednesday, December 1st., she will be starting in her new role as Kauai Complex Area Academic Officer. Carol's vast experience ranges from a classroom Teacher, Vice-principal, Principal, School Renewal Specialist, and currently the Director for Student Support Branch within OCISS. Kauai schools are very fortunate to have someone of such experience and talent return home.

Over the next two weeks, students will be taking the Hawaii State Assessment portion for the Language Arts/Reading and Science. With the immediate feedback as to how our students are progressing, will be having content area teachers visit our data room to review students' results and strategize re-teaching focus areas.

Administration will be continuing with classroom visitations this week. Please note that we are monitoring "bell-to-bell" instruction and also listening for higher level questioning where students are challenged to think, respond, and produce work of such quality.

Thank you for dedicated efforts in helping Kapaa High School is second to none in providing "all" students with quality education.

Academic/Financial plans: Attached are the draft for SY 2011-12 and key talking points visual. As shared, please review and provide any feedback thru your department chair. Appreciate feedback to date from a couple of our department chairs. Kapaa High's Ac/Fin plan will also go thru a "peer review" by the Complex Area office this Friday from 8 - 12:00 p.m.
Smaller Learning Community (Laulima): Attached are the responses to the questions received from the November 17th faculty meeting. Should you have further questions, feel free to share them through your Dept. Chair and will respond as soon as possible.

Common Core Standards: Asked by several teachers to resend the information on the "crosswalks" between the Common Core State Standards and the Hawaii Content & Performance Standards (HCPS III). Crosswalk information can be found at this website http://standardstoolkit.k12.hi.us/index.html and click on DOCUMENT LIBRARY. I was able to verify with both Educational Math Specialist Dewey Gottlieb and Educational Language Arts Specialist, Dr. Petra Schatz that the Office of Curriculum Instruction and Student Support (OCISS) will be conducting professional development beginning second semester and into next school year.

Principals & Vice-Principals Mtgs: Effective January 2011, Kauai Complex Area principals' mtg will be move to the fourth Tuesday of the month January 25th and vice-principals' mtgs will be held on the fourth Thursday January 27th. Reason is to avoid conflicts with the State level mtg changes for the Personnel Regional Officers, and District Educational (SPED & SBBH) Specialists.

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

"Wisdom is knowing the right path to take....integrity is taking it." M. H. McKee

Kapaa High Robotics Team Assist @ Lego Robotics Competition

2010-11-23T20:50:00.000-08:00

Kapaa High School Robotics Team members participated in the recent Lego robotics competition at Wilcox Elementary School his past Saturday.

The Garden Island had coverage of the event but no mention was made of the Kapaa High Robotics Team Students of Faculty Advisors.

Other notable news is the recent PTSA sponsorship of the Kapaa HS Robotics Team that assisted the team in obtaining basic materials that will advance the designing and production of competitive robots for Kapaa High School Team when participating in the VEX high school robotics league.

Mr. Cox was joined by a student member of the club at the November PTSA meeting where the goals and challenges of the Robotics team were shared with the PTSA Board and members and Principal Daniel Hamada..
Mahalo to the PTSA for their support of academics and specifically S.T.E.M.* education on The Garden Island!
*S.T.E.M. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Land, Natural Resource Education

2010-11-23T20:42:00.000-08:00

Students from Kapaa High participated in a pasture restoration field trip. The trip was organized by Kapaa High Science Teacher Meghan Ornellas.

JROTC Adventure Team Brings Home 2 Trophies!

2010-11-23T20:36:00.001-08:00

Congratulations – JROTC
Last Saturday, the JROTC Adventure Team competed in the Baldwin Triathlon on Maui. They was a total of 23 teams in the competition. We earned the third place trophy in two categories: the all male team and mixed male/female team. The competition events were the obstacle course, swim relay and two mile run. The following cadets made-up the all male team: Joe Blair, Kleiff Pascual, Kyle Jimenez, and Christian Perdue and the mixed team consisted of Jonah Plemer, Jennifer Mata, Shawna Duhigg, and Jameson Macadamia. Congratulations to the JROTC Adventure Team for bringing home some hardware and representing yourselves, your families, the Army JROTC program and Kapa’a High School with great pride. Hooah

SENIORS & Their Parents/Guardians: Fall 2010 FAFSA Information Night

2010-11-22T22:02:00.000-08:00

Helping your teen navigate post secondary choices?

If your teen is college bound, don't miss this workshop!

FAFSA Scholarship and Financial Aid Worshop

Thursday Dec 2, 2010

6pm @ the Library

Mark Your Calendar: Freshmen Parent/Guardian Registration Info Night

2010-11-22T21:56:00.000-08:00

Parents of Incoming Freshmen: Not to be missed!

The annual Kapaa High Freshman Parent Information Night.

Monday December 6th, 2010

6pm @ The Library

Course Registration is happening now for next years' sophomores, juniors and seniors. Freshman Orientation is next!

Come get information a general overview, details on course options, graduation requirements, honors and advanced placement courses and the registration process for the 2011-12 school year. This meeting offers parents the opportunity to have question answered or get personal assistance from the administration and academic counselors

According to Mrs. Robyn Keawe, Kapaa High Counselor, “Kapaa High School and the DOE are constantly evolving and improving. There are changes, new opportunities and developments each year. We hope Kapaa High parents and guardians of incoming freshmen attend this registration night to benefit from all the most recent information and take advantage of assistance we are offering for success course registration for the 2011-12 school year."

Come Meet our new principal, Mr. Hamada and find out about the new Smaller Learning Communities plan that will be starting next year at Kapaa High

Reminder: SY2011-12 Course Registration Forms Due BY Friday December 3rd.

2010-11-22T21:37:00.000-08:00

Students: Registration forms need to be completed and turned in before Dec. 3rd.
If you need a new form, extras/replacements are available from the Registrar, Mr. Barcial.

Weekly Principal's Address Monday November 22

2010-11-22T21:35:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving nearly upon us, important to take time from our busy schedules to take stock and truly acknowledge everyone's dedicated efforts! Please know that Diane, Todd and I are often commenting about the many good things happening here at Kapaa High School. The business of education will continue to be both challenging and filled with new opportunities as we are tasked with that noblest of responsibilities......the education of our future generations.

Margaret Mead said it well...."Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed...it's the only thing that ever has."

Thank you for doing what you do and who you are....together as an ohana, will make Kapaa High School second to none in providing "all" students with quality education.

Teacher Learning Community mtgs: On Monday, Nov. 22, 2010, the administrative staff will be attending your TLC mtgs to discuss updates on the AC/Fin draft, Smaller Learning Comm (Laulima) grant and future master calendar. We will attempt to get to all of the department's TLCs in a timely manner. Principal will also be sure to speak with all department heads on Monday prior to their mtgs. Copies of the draft Ac/Fin have been e-mailed to all GLC's.

Common Core Standards: The "crosswalks" between the Common Core State Standards and the Hawaii Content & Performance Standards (HCPS III) are now available for your review. Crosswalk information can be found at this website http://standardstoolkit.k12.hi.us/index.html and click on DOCUMENT LIBRARY. Content staff from the Office of Curriculum Instruction and Student Support (OCISS) are planning to do professional development beginning second semester and into next school year. Will keep everyone posted.

Academic/Financial plans: Attached document contains those key talking points addressing our 2011-12 . Our Smaller Learning Community grant (Laulima) is very closely aligned in supporting our school-wide focused efforts. Please use this visual as your reference when speaking to students, parents and other community members.

Have a safe and restful Thanksgiving break!

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

"Wisdom is knowing the right path to take....integrity is taking it." M. H. McKee

Reminder: FAFSA Parent Workshop Thurs Dec 2

2010-11-18T22:30:00.000-08:00

The Financial Aid Workshop is scheduled for Thursday, December 2nd at 6:00 pm in the Kapaa High School library. The purpose of this workshop is to introduce parents to the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and to give them some tips on how to complete this application on-line and on time.

Mid-Quarter Progress Reports Going Home

2010-11-16T00:20:00.000-08:00

Mid-Q2 Progress Reports have been put in 1st period teachers' boxes ready for distribution to students.

If a student is missing a progress report, they have been instructed to go to the registrar's office during morning or lunch recess only.

This Week! Course Registration Night- Tues. 16th

2010-11-14T20:58:00.000-08:00

Who: Parents & Guardians of Current Kapaa HS Students
What: Annual Course Registration Information Night
When: Tuesday November 16th, 2010, 6PM
Where: Kapaa High School Library

Kapaa High Academic Counselors will present information on course options, graduation requirements, honors and advanced placement courses and the registration process for the 2011-12 school year. This meeting offers parents the opportunity to have question answered or get personal assistance from the academic counselors

According to Mrs. Robyn Keawe, Kapaa High Counselor, Kapaa High School and the DOE are constantly evolving and improving. There are changes, new opportunities and developments each year. We hope Kapaa High parents and guardians attend this registration night to benefit from all the most recent information and take advantage of assistance we are offering for successful course registration for the 2011-12 school year.

Kapaa High students will have already received their registration forms through their first period teacher on November 12th, 2010. Due date for registration forms will be specified on the registration form.

There will be a separate meeting for incoming freshmen for SY 2011-12 dates TBA. Letters regarding freshman year course registration will be distributed to all incoming freshmen currently enrolled in middle schools in the East Kauai school complex.

Weekly Principal's Address 11-14-2010

2010-11-14T18:40:00.001-08:00

Want to take this opportunity to share feedback per administration's classroom visitations.....

Overall, students are focused as instruction are "bell-to-bell", standards taught are clearly written, and word walls can be seen in a good number of classrooms. Balanced pedagogy can be seen in terms of instruction balanced with students involved in independent/group work. Pleased to see several classes where instruction clearly identified students' strengths and structured to appeal to those attributes. While evident in some classes, would like to encourage more higher level questions instead of just memorizing for facts.....helping our students to develop into competent problem solvers and critical thinkers.

Want to also acknowledge our support staff....whether it be helping someone at the office area, maintaining a safe/clean campus, or ensuring that students are fed in a timely manner.....our classified staff continue to demonstrate that level of pride and dedication.

Mahalo to everyone for your good work as we prepare all students for college, careers, and citizenship in the 21st Century!

Faculty Mtg - Wednesday Nov. 17th 2:00 pm: Topics to discuss will address updates on the Smaller learning Community Grant titled "LAULIMA I MAKAUKAU NA KEIKI", meeting Lisa Mireles - Grant Coordinator, discussion on the current and future Academic/Financial plans, etc. Should any departments have other topics to be discussed, please have Dept Heads contact administration.

Registration SY 2011-12: Want to thank Mr. Barcial for working late into the evening hours on the SY 2011-12 registration forms and instructions so to ensure a smooth coordination. Reminder that the forms are due on December 3rd.,

Vice-Principals' Mtg: Diane Ayre and Todd Harrison will be attending their monthly vice-principals' mtg on Tuesday, Nov. 16th @Kauai Complex Area Office from 8:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Kauai Complex Area Principals' Meeting: I will be off-campus attending the Complex Area principals' mtg on Thursday, Nov. 18th. 8 - 3:30 p.m. Both Diane and Todd will be in charge.

FIRST Lego Competition: The Annual FIRST Lego competition will be held this Saturday, Nov. 20th 8 - 3:00 p.m. at Wilcox Elementary School. Teams from our elementary and middle schools will be competing for top awards and berths into the State FIRST Lego Competition on Oahu. This event is sponsored in partnership with the Kauai Economic Develop ment Board and the Kauai Complex Area. Great to see what students are able to create as they'll be entering high sc hool in a few short years!

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

"Wisdom is knowing the right path to take....integrity is taking it." M. H. McKee

Come On Out & Support PTSA Project Grad 2011

2010-11-08T00:29:00.000-08:00

Join us for McNite at Kapa'a McDonalds

November 10th, Wednesday, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m

Fundraiser to benefit Kapaa High School PTSA- Project Graduation 2011

All you need to do is order your families meal at McDonalds for Wednesday night or get some delicious apple pie, sundae or McFlurrys.

Make sure to stop by between 6 and 9 pm

Come and Support our Serving Team

Mahalo, Felina M.K Silva Co-Chairperson

Weekly Principal's Address Monday, November 8

2010-11-07T18:33:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the many individuals who helped to make this past Thursday's State Board of Education meeting a huge success. Special kudos to Leila Kaneholani in coordinating getting the tables, table cloths, and chairs; Suwela Esteban and custodial staff for setting-up and back-ground decorations; our great chefs/servers...Debbie Lacaden, Robert Purdue & Margaret Goode for the outstanding dinner; and Catherine Paleka and her students for the wonderful performances. Special thanks to Pastor Steve Thompson, North Shore Christian Church and Beth Haddock, Kauai Beach Resort for their donations of the tables and table cloths. This was certainly an example of outstanding collaboration, partnerships and hard work!
Congratulations to Catherine Paleka and her students at the Tournament of Bands held at Kamehameha School's campus this past Saturday evening. Kapaa High School and community should be very proud as our students really gave a terrific performance. Nearly twenty public and private high schools (Division I, II and III) participated late into the evening.....truly awesome event and experience for all students involved.

Data for School Improvement: As you are aware, Data for School Improvement (DSI) item bank serves that one formative assessment to be used by all schools beginning SY 2010-11. The DSI contains about 10,000 (Math & Language Arts) items that are aligned to the HCPS III in grades 3 - 8 and 10. Teachers may have their students take the assessment at anytime as it provides immediate feedback as to students' progress to the content standards. While teachers will appreciate this as an instructional resource, it also brings that systemic alignment where all schools will be on the same formative assessment system. Kapaa High's first DSI training will be given this Wednesday, Nov. 10th 1:45 - 2:45 p.m. in I100 lab for the initial teacher group. Please check with Beth should you have any questions.

Academic/Financial Plans: Reminder that departments heads need to meet with their departments to review and facilitate discussions as to the progress per our Academic/Financial plan targets. Critical that we take that "gut-check" as to where we are as a school in terms of accountability. Appreciate that you send your department mtg. minutes sent to Beth, Diane, Todd and myself.

Co-Teaching: Thank you to those teachers who provided feedback. Will work with Todd to review comments and plan for a follow-up mtg so that we can continue to strategize toward continuous improvement.
Have a great week!
Daniel S. Hamada
Principal
Kapaa High School
4695 Mailehuna Road
Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii 96746
PH: (808) 821- 4401 ext. 102
FAX: (808) 821- 4420
daniel_hamada@notes.k12.hi.us

"Wisdom is knowing the right path to take....integrity is taking it." M. H. McKee

Kapaa VEX and Kauai Island FIRST Robotics On the Rise

2010-11-07T18:32:00.000-08:00

Aloha,
On Saturday afternoon November 6th, 2010, Kapa`a High School VEX Robotics and our Kaua`i Island FIRST robotics team #2465 hosted the second Kaua`i VEX Friendly of the robotics competition season. The event was again hosted at Kapa`a High School with all the exiting VEX robotics teams from our Garden Island participating: Island School , Kaua`i High , Kapa`a Middle , and Kapa`a High School . (Next year we hope this list will include all schools on Kaua`i.)

Our robots have really evolved, and our student's skills have improved since the initial Friendly held just two weeks ago. All of our Garden Island teams continue to work together in the spirit of gracious professionalism and cooperation. The Island School VEX team shared the information they learned from attending a VEX qualifying tournament held on Oahu on Saturday October 30. It seems that many teams have developed a "mischievous" defensive strategy for this year's game. There are a few robots that can climb the ladder located in the center of the field, some robots that can score at will, with more teams continuing to develop design concepts and then build and improve upon the prototypes. It's STEM education in action.

We have only 4 more weeks of designing, building, and practicing before we all head to Oahu for the Pan Pacific VEX Robotics Tournament. We have designed our Oahu trip so that all the teams from our Garden Island will be on the same Friday morning flight. We will all fly to and from the tournament together and when we get there one of our team members has arranged for all us to travel by bus to the tournament. This means that all of our Garden Island robotic teams will arrive at the tournament together, making a further statement of the unity of all of our team, a Purple Wave of about 40 people.

Also in the news, our Kaua`i Island FIRST Robotics Team #2465 has taken on the project of setting up, tearing down, and helping with the Kaua`i First Lego League (FLL) tournament. FLL is the elementary and middle school entry level robotics competition. This tournament will be held at Wilcox Elementary School on Saturday November 20. VEX robotics team members as well as FIRST Team members from across the island will be volunteering at this event on Friday night and all day on Saturday. Our vision includes cultivating and nourishing robotics education throughout all grades at all Kaua`i schools.

We plan to have one more VEX Friendly before the Pan Pacific tournament. We are hoping to bring SEMPRA Field and hold the next Friendly at Kaua`i High School. The first two VEX Friendlies have been here at Kapa`a High School.

We want to thank all of you for supporting robotics education on Kaua`i. Our students are the future and the future is in good hands.

Do the math, save the world.

Jim Cox
Physics/ Physical Science/ Robotics Teacher
Kapa`a High School

Mahalo to Dr. Kalk, of KCC for outstanding "Statistics for Science Fair" Workshop, Support of Science Curricuulum @ Kapaa and Island-wide

2010-11-07T18:29:00.000-08:00

Aloha,
We would like to express our deep gratitude to Dr. Jon Kalk, of Kauai Community College for giving up his Saturday morning to teach a workshop on "Statistics for Science Fair". The workshop was held at Kapa`a High School, from 9 until noon.

Dr. Kalk has been incredibly supportive with his time and expertise in our efforts to raise the rigor of our science fair projects around the island. Due to his patience and training and the increased efforts of our teachers and students across the island our Kauai District Science Fair continues to grow and the quality of the projects continues to improve.

Teachers expressed an interest to have this workshop early in the science fair "season" so we could better help our students during the process. The workshop was attended by Justin Yamagata (science) from Waimea Canyon Middle School, Kevin Johnson (science) and Robert Odoya (math) from Kaua`i High, and Jim Cox (science) Kapa`a High School.

The next workshop held by Dr. Kalk will be the weekend of Dec 17th. This December workshop will be offered through KSTEM.

Mahalo Dr. Kalk.

Jim Cox
Physics/ Physical Science/ Robotics Teacher
Kapa`a High School

Kapaa Warrior Student Students Beat out Kamehameha and St. Louis in Statewide Video Contest

2010-11-07T18:25:00.000-08:00

Kapa‘a High School students won first prize and $2,000 in a video contest on safe teen driving that took place in the third week of October as part of National Teen Driver Safety Week.

Finalists included:

$ 2,000 to Kapaa High School for "Intexticated"
$ 1,000 to Kamehameha Schools Big Island campus for “Football and Texting"
$ 500 to St. Louis High School, for “If Not You, Then Who?”

Congrats to the students and to all the teachers, , administrators, parents/guardians and any community mentors who contributed! Go Warriors!

If you have indepth information about these student projects, the classes or Kapaa High faculty that participated, please comment below, or send an email to khsprincipalsforum@gmail.com or to Principal Hamada for forwarding.
Mahalo, Principal's Forum

Go here to see videos from this contest (uTube)...

2nd Quarter Mid-Quarter cut-off is Wednesday

2010-11-07T18:07:00.000-08:00

Attention Parents/Guardians: Faculty will be finalizing Mid-Quarter grades Wednesday. Please remind your teen to check with their teachers to ensure that s/he has no missing assignments, etc. If you have questions or concerns, as your child's first educator, you are always invited if not urged to contact your teens teachers.

Also, FYI: Teachers are always available for private conference by appointment.

Here are some ways to contact your teen's teachers:

by phone during their daily preparation period. See the KHS Directory aka "TeacherFinder (pdf version)" for the full information on each teacher, their phone extension, WHEN they have their prep. Also provides email address and room number.
email. the email format for all DOE employees is "firstname_lastname@notes.k12.hi.us"
Engrade/ edu20. Some teachers use engrade, others edu20. A few others, well intended, use additional alternate web tools. Contact individual teachers for information/assistance and access codes.

Best Wishes to Kapaa High Band & Color Guard Competing in State Competitions

2010-11-07T17:50:00.000-08:00

Kapaa High Band and Color Guard under the direction of Kapaa High Music Director and Fine Arts Dept Head Catherine Paleka are on Oahu participating in 3 statewide marching band competitions thru this coming week:

The Kamehameha Schools Tournament of Bands (11/6)

The University of Hawai'i Rainbow Invitational (11/10)

The Kapolei Hurricane Marching Band Competition (11/13). According to Ms. Paleka, they will be competing against bands 3x their size...

We are all rooting for them. Go Warriors!

FYI: Kapaa High Science Teacher Mrs. Meghan Goodale's new email address

2010-11-07T17:05:00.000-08:00

FYI: students, parents/guardians, Kapaa High staff,
Kapaa High faculty member who you may refer to and know as Meghan Ornellas officially changed her name to Meghan Goodale and her DOE email address has been updated to reflect the change. Please note it in your email address contacts!

meghan_goodale@notes.k12.hi.us.
Mahalo!

Weekly Principal's Address Monday, November 1

2010-11-01T01:26:00.000-07:00

Please keep reminding your students on the importance of getting to class on time. Thank you to those teachers who have been standing at their doors helping students into their classes as it really reflects on the importance and value of learning time.

It was great seeing the students receive their ice-cream this past Friday as part of their GLO recognition. While this may be a small way of recognizing them for their good work...taking time to acknowledge them for their positive efforts certainly goes a long way in helping to build their confidence and self-esteem! "We Care for and We Prepare ALL Students for Careers, College, and Citizenship in the 21^st Century”

State Board of Education Meeting: Reminder that the State BOE mtg will be held at our school cafeteria this Thursday, Nov. 4th. @3:30 p.m. Anticipate having State Department of Education administrators and Board members to be visiting our campus and classrooms.

Academic/Financial Plans: Departments heads are asked to meet with their departments to review and facilitate discussions as to the progress per our school's Academic/Financial plan goals. We are about mid-w ay for the second quarter and this would be another good time to assess our status. Please e-mail your discussion minutes to Beth, Diane, Todd and myself.

Program Reviews: To ensure that we are providing students with effective learning opportunities on a consistent basis, we are meeting with various staff to discuss, revisit and strategically revise as needed. Currently we are discussing:
1) Co-Teaching: Assessment of our inclusion programs where both general and special education teachers are teaching as partners; as co-teaching provides students that level of equity in terms of access, need to en sure that are having on-going discussion and reviews as to how we can improve; and
2) Honors Application: We are currently reviewing the application process for students interested in taking an honors course; goal is to help provide more students with that opportunity to take honors courses while clearly knowing the expectations;

Principal's Forum News/Update: By now you should have received the electronic copies of the "Principal's Forum News/Updates" targeted toward informing parents, guardians and community. Communication remains critical for any organization and ask that you help in sharing about this site. Want to especially recognize Margaret Goode for her good work!

That's it and don't forget to vote on Tuesday if you haven't yet done so. Have a great w eek!

Daniel S. Hamada
Principal
Kapaa High School

Supporting Good Schools is Good Business: Kapaa High Smaller Learning Community A New Way to Engage

2010-10-31T14:43:00.000-07:00

by Milt Goldberg,
From Edutopia | What Works in Education. The George Lucas Educational Foundation.

The business community cares more than ever before about assuring that every youngster has access to a first-rate education. We must not have enormous gaps in student achievement that essentially disenfranchise large segments of our population. The surest way to create a better future for our nation, and thereby better lives for our citizens, is through improving the quality of education over one's lifetime, wherever and whenever this education takes place and whoever provides it. In all these avenues, we must exploit the wonders of new technology.

There are many levels of business involvement, starting with individual employees who commit their own volunteer time and resources to improving conditions in schools. Businesses are actively involved in their own communities in helping to set policies and practices aimed at raising student performance.

Read full article here.

For more information on how you or your business can strengthen Kapaa High and support student achievement, click here. or contact us directly. Mahalo!

Class of 2011 Project Grad Samoan Crab Tournament Fundraiser

2010-10-28T02:07:00.000-07:00

Aloha Warrior Parents & Guardians,
Please follow this link to see the time, date, place for the crab tournament.
Please also see the attached flyer with all the details about the tournament and information on how you can help!.

Project Grad McNite fundraiser

2010-10-28T01:58:00.000-07:00

Kapaa High PTSA Project Grad will be having a McNite Fundraiser. They are planning a monthly fun night by working and servicing the McDonald’s customers at the Kapa’a restaurant for a three hour shift. McDonald’s will donate 20 % of the total sales during this three hour period to Kapa’a High School Project Grad.
They humbly ask for your participation in supporting the Kapa’a High School PTSA Project Graduation McNite Event. Here are all the dates:
November 10, 2010
December 14, 2010
January 11. 2011
February 8, 2011
March 2, 2011
April 12, 2011
Please visit the new web site of the PTSA Project Grad subcommittee. for all the details!

School pictures are being distributed.

2010-10-26T22:39:00.001-07:00

All underclassmen pictures have been hand delivered or placed in your boxes (if you weren't in your class at delivery time). Please distribute to your 1st period students .
Parents/Guardians: If there are any questions concerning school photos, contact is Ralph Nishimoto at Pono Studios at 822-4671.
Mahalo, Chanelle Quinones, Kapaa High Faculty, Yearbook.

Benefits for the Kapa’a Warriors Basketball Teams

2010-10-26T22:29:00.001-07:00

Who: Warrior Parents & Guardians and students and Kapaa High Community!

What: Warrior Basketball Program is having it's McWarrior night

Where:Waipouli McDonalds in Kapaa.

When: Thursday, 10/28/10 from

Time: 5-8p.m.

Also...here is our next upcoming Fundraising event:

A Benefit for the Kapa’a Warriors Basketball Teams (Girls and Boys)
Green and White Game- JV and Varsity Teams
Saturday, November 20, 2010- Kapa’a Gym

1:00p.m.- Hanakila A vs. Hanakila B (11U)
3:30 p.m.- Hanakila vs. Kaua’i Ballers (13U)
5:00p.m.- JV Boys Green vs. JV Boys White
6:30p.m.- JV and Varsity Girls Green and White
8:00p.m.- Varsity Boys Green vs. Varsity Boys White

Adults- $5.00, Students and Children- $3.00
The concession will be OPEN for your convenience, and will be serving delicious food and drink for your enjoyment! Mahalo!

- Submitted by Mylie Aui.

Kapaa High Hosts 1st 'Friendly' for high school VEX robotics teams

2010-10-25T23:10:00.000-07:00

Contributed by Jim Cox, Faculty, Kapaa High School Science Department-Physics, Robotics Club Advisor.
On Saturday October 23rd, Kapa`a High School Robotics Team hosted the initial VEX Friendly of the robotics competition season. We hosted teams from Island School, Kaua`i High, and Kapa`a Middle. The teams worked together in the spirit of gracious professionalism. We shared ideas, designs, strategies, even parts in what we callcooperation . Students from all the schools are working together getting ready to compete in the Pan Pacific International Tournament which will be held on Oahu in December. We treated this like a preseason event. This is Kapa`a High Robotics Team's second year participating in VEX robotics competitions. Along with Island School we helped start teams at Kaua`i High and at Kapa`a Middle this year.

Island school had one robot that went undefeated, and Kapa'a High Robotics Team had the only robot that was able to successfully climb the ladder. We are looking forward to a 2nd VEX Friendly competition in two weeks. The real winners in this type of competition are the students who are learning problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, building self confidence and attitude. These high school students are already practicing and doing engineering. They are the future and the future is in good hands.

Do the math, save the world.

Jim,
P.S. If you want to know more about the game, the rules, and the scoring come by any Tuesday after school and ask the team.

Weekly Principal's Address 10-28-10

2010-10-24T20:46:00.000-07:00

As we enter into the last week of October, want to share my appreciation as most of the classrooms visited students were focused and on task . In fact, a good number of them were able to share what they were learning, why they were learning, whether they were doing good work and how they could valid this. The word walls and student products displayed helped provide relevance and understanding in validating student learning. One reminder is that we need to tighten our focus on bell-to-bell instruction....students need to be focused from the beginning until the end of the period. Administration will be continuing classroom observations during the course of this week as well. Overall, very pleased and kudos for your good work!

Hawaii State Assessment: Reminder that our grade 10 students begin their first round of HSA testing this week. Asking that Dept Heads work with their teachers and with other Dept. heads to strategize how to target students need areas per the data. Will ask the VPs and Beth to also join me in speaking to this when we sit in with the various Dept. mtgs on Monday. Dept. Heads may also use this Wednesday's time as I am not planning to call mtgs this week.

Vice Principal/Athletic Directors' mtg: The next Kauai Complex Area VP and AD mtg is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 26th @Koloa Elementary School. Principal Debbie Lindsey has graciously opened her school so that the administrators can do walk-throughs to observe various grade-levels standards-based instruction.

Principals mtg: Kauai Complex Area principals mtg will be held on Thursday, Oct. 28th at the Kauai Complex Area Office from 8:00 a.m. I will be leaving for Oahu later that morning to testify to the Federal Office of Special Education monitoring team from around mid-day until 5:00 p.m. addressing the state-wide status of SPED. This is one of my IOUs that I assured the Superintendent that I would assist per the Feds monitoring of programs, co-teaching, fiscal, etc.

State Board of Education Mtg: Kapaa High School will be hosting the next State Board of Education mtg Thursday, Nov. 4th, 2010 in the cafeteria from 3:00 p.m. Please note that teachers should expect BOE members to be visiting our campus and classrooms that day. Please share with our students as the Board members may be speaking with them both within and outside the classrooms.

That's it and have a great week!

Daniel S. Hamada
Principal
Kapaa High School
daniel_hamada@notes.k12.hi.us

"Wisdom is knowing what to do next, skill is knowing how to do it, and virtue is doing it." David Starr Jordan

Tues. Nov 16 is SY2011-12 Course Registration Information Night

2010-10-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

Mark Your Calendars! Kapaa High’s annual course registration night where Kapaa High Counselors will share information on course options, graduation requirements, honors and advanced placement courses and the registration process for the 2011-12 school year. Parents and guardians of current Kapaa High students should plan to attend.

Who: Parents & Guardians of Current Kapaa HS Students
What: Annual Course Registration Information Night
When: Tuesday November 16th, 2010, 6PM
Where: Kapaa High School Library

Kapaa High Academic Counselors will present information on course options, graduation requirements, honors and advanced placement courses and the registration process for the 2011-12 school year. This meeting offers parents the opportunity to have question answered or get personal assistance from the academic counselors
According to Mrs. Robyn Keawe, Kapaa High Counselor, Kapaa High School and the DOE are constantly evolving and improving. There are changes, new opportunities and developments each year. We hope Kapaa High parents and guardians attend this registration night to benefit from all the most recent information and take advantage of assistance we are offering for successful course registration for the 2011-12 school year.
Kapaa High students will have already received their registration forms through their first period teacher on November 12th, 2010. Due date for registration forms will be specified on the registration form.
There will be a separate meeting for incoming freshmen for SY 2011-12 dates TBA. Letters regarding freshman year course registration will be distributed to all incoming freshmen currently enrolled in middle schools in the East Kauai school complex.

WIN! Warriors In the News: Raquelle Matayoshi

2010-10-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

Good Morning,
We made the news! Kapaa High Student Raquelle Matayoshi's winning video on traffic safety aired on KHON 2 Morning Show a few days ago. She worked very hard on her project
Congratulations Raquelle!
Submitted by Michelle Rundbaken, Kapaa High Faculty

WIN! Warriors In the News: Crystal Rowe

2010-10-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

Kapaa High Special Ed Transition Teacher Crystal Rowe featured in article on the Kauai Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa inThe Garden Island News

Alpha Delta Kappa is an organization dedicated to women who continuously strive to promote high standards of education and assist in strengthening the advancement of the teaching profession.
Hawai‘i’s Alpha Delta Kappa was chartered in 1959, the year Hawaii became a state, and the Kaua‘i chapter was chartered in 1981.

Interact Club: Kauai United Way Walkathon

2010-10-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

Interact Club Oct. 22 - Oct 29
Interact Club members must sign up for refreshments at the counseling office for the Kauai United Way Walkathon. This is a mandatory event. If you are unable to attend please see Aunty Joan ASAP. Our Picnic is on the same day. If you weren't able to come to the last meeting, please see Aunty Joan.

First Quarter Status Reports Distributed

2010-10-20T02:22:00.000-07:00

1st period teachers distributed first quarter status reports to students today. First period classes that had a substitute teacher may be affected in the form of a delayed distribution.

Mailihuna Rd. lane closure, Oct. 20- Nov. 12, 2010.

2010-10-20T02:09:00.001-07:00

Effective Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010 thru Nov. 12, 2010, Jennings Pacific Construction will be doing water line projects to existing residential homes across our school. This will result in Mailihuna Road becoming a one-lane only from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. daily. Students and staff who use the lower parking lot may be faced with traffic congestion when leaving the school grounds.

Student mediators to share positive communication skills with freshman Warriors

2010-10-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

The next thing coming up for Peer Mediation is mediators will be going into Mrs. Sanchez and Ms. Linnemann's classrooms to conduct presentations for the freshmen on Fri. October 29. We will be talking about conflict resolution and positive communication skills.
Contributed by Mr. Keith Kitamura, Kapaa High Math Department Faculty, Peer Mediation Coordinator.

Weekly Principal's Address 10-18-2010

2010-10-18T02:17:00.000-07:00

Please extend my kudos to the students for their overall positive spirit, participation, and hard work during homecoming week. Want to also thank the many staff individuals that came together in making this past week a very successful one....certainly shows the strength and power when we all come together for that common purpose...our students!

Donation: Kapaa High is again fortunate to receive it's second donation within a few days. State Farm Insurance has donated $750 to help support the school. Funds will support the Science Dept for as you are aware, the new proposed Board of Education policy 4540 will call for specific science courses that students will need for their graduation (starting with Class of 2018 - 25 credits) requirements.

Hawaii State On-line Assessment (HSA): Reminder that the HSA will be from October 18, 2010 - May 20, 2011. Plans are to administer the Mathematics assessment over the next two weeks this month followed by English in later November and early December. Reminder that this new process allows teachers to get immediate feedback as to their students' progress and allows for re-teaching. I will be discussing the format of the HSA at Wednesday's faculty mtg as it involves other content areas..... so it is critical that each Dept is ensuring that are addressing the HCPS III.

Classroom visitations: Administration will be doing classroom visitations/observations throughout this week.

East & Central Administrators' mtg: I will be attending the East & Central Complex mtg on Monday Oct.18th from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m.

PTSA Board mtg: Monday Oct. 18th 6:30 p.m. @Student Center

School Community Council mtg: Tuesday, Oct. 19th 1:30 p.m. @Student Center

Faculty mtg: Wednesday, Oct. 20th 1:50 p.m. @Chorus Room

That's it and have a great week!

Daniel S. Hamada
Principal
Kapaa High School

Weekly Principal's Address 10-14-2010

2010-10-17T02:19:00.000-07:00

Note: Mr. Hamada drafts a weekly message. The first message was posted Oct. 17, 2010. FYI, here is his first weekly message dated Oct. 14, 2010.
Classroom observations: Over the next few weeks, administration will be doing classroom observations. To ensure clarity and minimize disruption, appreciate if those standards/benchmarks being covered can be listed on your boards. Looking forward to also having follow-up discussions as well.

Literacy for Learning/Data for School Improvement: Kelly Bailey, Janis Gowen, Catherine Paleka, Beth Pemberton and myself will be attending the Kauai Complex Area training on Thursday, Oct. 14th addressing using data aligned with Literacy for Learning strategies. Session will be from 8:30 - 2:30 p.m. @Kauai District Office.

Donation: Kapaa High received a $2,000 donation from Kukui'ula Development Company to support our students per their "Senior Projects". Want to acknowledge both Brent E. Harrington, Kukui'ula President and Gini Kapali (former Kapaa High graduate), Community Relations Manager for their support. Special kudos to Doris Morioka - Fulks for her perseverance in putting together the proposal.

Faculty/Staff: In preparing for Wednesday, Oct. 20th meeting, will e-mail copies of what I'll be covering. To honor time, please review as attachments contain items such as the power point, 2011-18 Strategic plans, Race to the Top information, etc.

Thanks and please contact me should you have questions.

Daniel S. Hamada
Principal
Kapaa High School

Aloha Address from Mr. Hamada

2010-10-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

Aloha Parents and Guardians of Kapaa High School,

It is with deep appreciation, excitement and humility that I take on the responsibility as Kapaa High School's principal. It's truly special to return home and work with terrific students, staff, and community. As a proud 1970 graduate of Kapaa High and a member of this community, I feel a great sense of responsibility to ensure that our students receive a quality education that prepares them for college and/or careers.

Kudos to Gilmore Youn for his 40 years of dedicated service to Kapaa High School, and the Department of Education. As a teacher and administrator, Mr. Youn efforts have had true impact on our island community and beyond. He will be missed and we wish Mr. Youn the very best in his retirement!

The adage that it takes a village to raise a child holds even more true today. The education of our students will require the partnership efforts of our island community.

Be assured that the leadership and staff of Kapaa High School is committed to this vision and will lead that charge in making this happen. Feel free to contact me as collectively we can accomplish more and greater things for our students when we work together.

Finally, the measure of success in any organization begins with leadership and its people. I believe that the faculty at Kapaa High is comprised of individuals who believe we will make that positive difference for our students! As a leader, I hold myself accountable and assure you that as an organization we are accountable.

Daniel S. Hamada

Principal

Kapaa High School

Yearbook Order Form and Senior Pages Available

2010-10-13T01:36:00.000-07:00

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS, FACULTY & STAFF:
Current yearbook price is $50. On Nov. 1, price will raise to $55. If you wait until May to try to purchase one, it will cost you $60. Purchase your book today! View or download the order form.

Yearbook add-ons for sale: Please see Mrs. Quinones in D-103 for more.
- personalized name stamp
- plastic cover
- additional autograph pages

ATTENTION ALL SENIORS: Personal pages now available!
Full page = $175; half and quarter pages also available. You can share a page with other seniors and split the cost. See Mrs. Quinones by Fri. Nov. 19 to reserve a page.

Follow this link to the related calendar entry where you can view or download the order form.

Chanelle Quinones
Yearbook Adviser / ACCP Core / Graphic Communications
Kapaa High School
808.821.4401 ext. 19

Last Call for Parent Project Fall Session

2010-10-12T02:32:00.000-07:00

Parent Project - the fall session of Parent Project at Kapaa High is still accepting adult and teen participants.
There is no tuition cost for this valuable training. A nominal material fee applies.
Any newcomers please:
1- Please contact Bridget Arume to let her know you are joining. She can be reached at 821-6972 x116.
2- Please arrive a half an hour early to get the rapid review session covering content of the first two weeks of material.

Here are some words from a fellow Warrior Parent about her experience so far:
"I highly recommend the Parent Project workshop for parents and teens. I’ve only attended two classes but I can already tell that the information is very helpful in improving relations with my teenage daughter.
The facilitator Bridget, a mom of two grown daughters is energetic, knows the material well and has "been there”. She does a great job of delivering the curriculum in an interesting and engaging way and facilitates the sharing between parents, which is also very valuable.
The information presented thus far helps to remind me of how I can best respond to my teenager to improve our relationship and help her make healthy choices.
Whether you have troubled teens, strong-willed teens and/or easy going teens, the investment of a few hours a week is well worth it to ensure that you are doing everything you can to support them through the teen years.
The parent project has information we all need to be better parents. Plus the teens attend their own empowerment workshop at the same time to help them be more responsible, accountable, and fulfilled in their life. I hope more parents will see the benefit of learning this information and join the program."

Due to increased interest and economic stresses in our community, the tuition for this session is on a sliding scale and can be waived. There is a nominal fee for the course handbook that can be paid in installments. For more info please contact the Kapaa High PCNC, M. Goode @ 639-3453 or just show up on Wednesday evening.

Kapaa HS Boys Soccer 2010-11 General Meeting

2010-10-12T02:21:00.000-07:00

Who: Young men of Kapaa High interested in playing soccer this year.
What: General Meeting
When: Wednesday, 1:45
Where: Outside the locker rooms.
This information provided by Coach Cram, Kapaa Warrior Varsity Boys Soccer Coach

SAT Test Taking Strategies

2010-10-08T18:19:00.000-07:00

Fall SAT Testing is upon us. Here are some SAT test taking strategies from College Connections:

Work at an even, steady pace, but keep moving.
Most of the questions in each section range from easy to hard.
Keep track of time during the test.
Know which questions are best for you.
Skip questions that you can't answer without spending a long time figuring it out.
Answer the easy questions first.
Remember that all questions are worth the same point value.
Eliminate your choices.
Make an educated guess.
Watch the time you spend on any one question.
Use your test booklet as scratch paper, and mark questions to back to.
Check your answer sheet regularly to make sure you're answering the right question.
Keep you answer sheet neat.
Think positively.
Stay focused.
Concentrate on your own progress.
Keep the test in perspective.
Remember...you're in control.

Click Here for more about College Connections.

Kapa’a High Announces Principal Youn’s Retirement; Welcomes Mr. Hamada

2010-10-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

by Tylor Schwarze, for The Tradewind, Kapaa High School.

At the recent parent information fair and Warrior barbeque, Vice Principal Todd Harrison announced the retirement of esteemed Principal Youn, effective September 30, 2010. He then introduced Daniel Hamada as Youn’s successor.

Mr. Youn began his career in the DOE as a teacher in January 1971; he served in that capacity for 16 years before ascending to the rank of Vice Principal. After 11 years of service as a V.P., he continued in his leadership role as Kapaa High’s principal for 13 years.

When asked if he had any parting thoughts or words of wisdom to impart of the students and faculty of Kapaa High, Mr Youn replied, “I think Kapaa High has risen to be the number one school on Kauai. We need to be the number one school in the state. We have an opportunity to do that by welcoming our new principal Daniel Hamada. He has the expertise to take us to the next level. Everyone needs to work harder in order to reach this next benchmark. Instruction in the classroom is one of the most crucial factors in reaching that goal. Another factor is, students need to be focused on their education starting from freshman year.”

During his retirement, Mr Youn plans to spend more time in the ocean and enjoying the things he put aside while working. To sum things up, he said that he really just wants to “kick back and cruise” when he retires.
Reprinted from The Tradewind, Vol 66, No.1.

Kapaa High Wins Share in 10M Smaller Learning Communities Grant

2010-10-01T16:49:00.000-07:00

Kapaa High School and the other four consortium schools (Castle HS, Maui HS, McKinley HS, and Roosevelt HS) won the award for the 2010 Smaller Learning Community Grant. This means the consortium has 10 million dollars to implement the strategies and professional development to prepare your students for college and careers in the 21st Century.
Look for more on this important development and what's ahead for Kapaa High in upcoming posts.

e-Waste Recycling Opportunity

2010-10-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

From The Garden Island

"LIHU‘E — There is still time for schools, nonprofits, government agencies and small businesses to register for free electronics recycling through the University of Hawai‘i’s Education and Government eWaste Disposal Days program, a press release states.

The event is at Kaua‘i Community College in Puhi Oct. 27 to 29. A public drop-off is Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with no pre-registration requirement.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Electronic waste contributes 70 percent of the toxins found in U.S. landfills (lead, mercury, cadmium, etc.), while only contributing 2 percent of the volume of materials in landfills.”"

Read the Whole Story Here

Kapaa High's Kula Kaiapuni Hawai‘i o Kapa‘a Shines

2010-09-27T15:24:00.000-07:00

From the Garden Island:

"Pepe Kuhaulua of Kula Kaiapuni Hawai‘i o Kapa‘a, Ke Kula Ki‘eki‘e left little doubt in the standing-room-only audience of her prowess in the Hawaiian language. The Kapa‘a High School student exuded confidence in introducing the group’s two numbers for the competition."
Go here for the whole story.

Senior Parent Information Night- Follow Up!

2010-09-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

Mahalo to all of you who came out last night to attend or present or exhibit at this annual "All Things Senior" meeting. If you have any questions or concerns or feedback on how we can improve the event, please feel free to email any member of Kapaa High administration us at khsprincipalsforum@gmail.com. Mahalo for actively supporting your teen.

For the benefit of those who attended and those who were unable to join us, here are some web links for many of the things referenced by the various speakers.

UPCOMING DEADLINES from the "To-Do" list.

Cap & gown, class ring, etc: (Jostens.com)

Senior Yearbook Picture submissions

Reminder: ASVAB aptitude test- a helpful test for anyone!

Reminder: Financial Aid Info Night. December 2nd, 2010. 6:30 pm, Kapaa High Library.

SENIOR PROJECT

The Senior Project Packet (pdf)

Overview of Senior Project Milestones (series of deadlines) (from the online school events calendar)

STAYING INFORMED

The calendar

Warrior Network blog: Provided by the PCNC - regular posts covering all the news that the PCNC hears about....designed especially to help parents help their teens succeed and navigate their high school years...(info to help you keep in touch and on top of what's going on...)

Principal's Forum e-subscription online: Selected updates for you - delivered directly to your inbox.

COLLEGE PREP

SAT web site

ACT web site

Scholarship info from 2009-2010 school year-for reference only

This year's Scholarship info so far- IN PROGRESS - check back often.

PROJECT GRAD

PTSA and Project Grad meeting dates

About Project Grad...(they'll have a new web site in the future, but here is something for your reference for now)

Mahalo,

-Principal's Forum

ASVAB (Military Aptitude Test) Sign-Ups, Test Dates Announced

2010-09-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

Parents, Guardians: FYI
Seniors, Juniors and Sophomores: Sept. 21 - 24
Any interested Senior, Junior or Sophomore may sign up to take the ASVAB (Military Aptitude) Test, at the Counselor's office during Recess and Lunch. The test will be held on Thursday, Oct 14 in the Library from Period 1 - 4.

SENIOR PARENT Information Pow Wow,Tues. Sept 21, 6:30 in the Library.

2010-09-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Please join us for this Senior Parent Information Pow Wow where all the different topics and areas of concern and interest that Seniors and their parents and guardians have will be addressed. All areas will be covered including:academics, graduation/diploma info, senior contracts, athletics, scholarships, SATs, college applications, upcoming FAFSA meeting info, Project Grad...and so on.

PTSA / Project Grad will be cosponsoring the event and there will be plenty of ono offerings and refreshments.Tuesday Sept. 21, Library, 6:30 pm.

Featured in Principal's Forum August 20, 2010.
Originally Posted August 18th, 2010.

Energy Overflows at the Parent Info Fair & BBQ. Pictures, Feedback Sought

2010-09-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

Wow! The Parent Information Fair & BBQ was a new twist on an annual theme and by any account, the event overflowed with an abundance of energy. Many fair goers were busy taking pictures evidenced by waves of flashing rolling through the room. We want to chronicle the event and are inviting photo contributions. Please :)

If you would like to contribute photos please email them to us @ khsprincipalsforum@gmail.com. Caption content welcome- especially in regards to naming any persons pictured in your photos. MAHALO!

We're interested in hearing your feedback about the event- what was good, what wasn't so good. We're open to suggestions too. e-Mail us at khsprincipalsforum@gmail.com or make your comments below.

PTSA Pres. Robert Perdue serving as Grill Master, joined forces with Beth Pemberton- Kapaa High Curriculum Coordinator to produce the Parent Information Fair and Warrior BBQ.

Parent Info Fair & BBQ Tomorrow Nite!

2010-09-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

Do you REALLY know the options & choices for your teen to

explore, enjoy and develop during their years at Kapaa High, and to be ready for the choices ahead?

Do you REALLY know the Kapaa High School of TODAY?

There's a lot going on- don't miss this chance to Find Out All About It!

Parent Information Fair & Warrior BBQ,

Tuesday September 14th

Kapaa High Cafeteria

5-7:30pm

Browse, Network, Grind:)

Presented by Kapaa HS Faculty, Adminstration and the Kapaa High PTSA.

Help your son, your daughter stay headed in the Right Direction.

Get Involved. Get Informed. Get Real.

Besides, the food will be great, and it's pretty much impossible to get all this information down by yourself.

Join Us Up @ Kapaa High School....Our Kids Are Counting on All Of Us.

See also...Back-2-School Parent Information Fair & BBQ

See also... this event on the Kapaa High online calendar