Updates - Week of August 29th

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:

1. Student work (scored samples of writings, etc.)
2. Formative assessments (results achieved)
3. Grade books (evidence of standards taught)
4. 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

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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Updates - Week of August 15th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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.