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.
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