Accreditation Mid-term Visitation: Over the past few weeks I have been sharing our 3 Year Revisit Progress Report in preparing for our upcoming mid term accreditation for the week of April 23rd. Attached below is the final progress report submitted that reflect our accomplishments. Also attached is a copy of our Academic plan that describes our continued focus from which we are to be assessed. In communicating with Chair Dr. Jim Schlosser, visitation members will be looking/asking for evidence targeting data utilized and standards-based pedagogy. Department Heads and other lead personnel have been asked to review document with their staff.
Disaggregate data to ensure that all students benefit from school-wide initiatives.
Implement standards based learning in all courses and classrooms.
Continue to examine current research based instructional strategies for implementation across the curriculum to ensure active learning.
Study the effectiveness of the current bell schedule as it relates to meeting students needs.
Develop a system to assess all programs, reform initiatives and professional development that is data driven and research based techniques.
Report and celebrate academic progress and successes to parents and the community.
3rd Quarter Reflections: Reminder to submit your 3rd quarter reflections electronically no later than Thursday, April 5th. Will compile into a single report to help support WASC accreditation's 2nd point addressing standards-based learning. Along this line in looking at student learning data, will again work with counselors and Doris in identifying targeted students. With Literacy across all content areas per Common Core soon to be in effect....your feedback addressing literacy activities being taught will go a long way in providing that comprehensive picture. Thank you for your support in our school-wide data efforts.
Final round of Hawaii State Assessment (HSA): The 3rd and final round for the HSA begins this week for mathematics, Reading and Science. Testing time frame is expected to last until mid-April.
Weekly Calendar:
Monday, March 26th: Holiday - Prince Kuhio
Tuesday, March 27th: Final round of HSA begins this week
English Pre-SAT Work Session 7:45 am - 2:30 p.m. @I-102
Principal @Complex Area Leadership Meeting - Lihue
Wednesday, March 28th: Principal @State Bell Committee Work Group @OCISS - Oahu
Thursday, March 29th: Department & HUI/Academy Common Planning 2:30 p.m.
Complex Area VP meeting - Lihue
Principal @State Bell Committee Work Group @OCISS - Oahu
Friday, March 30th: American Savings Presentation 10:00 a.m. Library
Have a great week!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Updates - Week of March 19th
Spring Intercession: Thank you to those teachers/support staff who worked with targeted students during this past intercession. It's always positive when our staff are providing that extra help. Overall, believe that our intercessions attendance are slowly improving.
Student Progress: Teachers will be receiving their 1st semester/2nd quarter reflections back so to add their 3rd quarter reflections. Asking teachers to provide more specific information addressing literacy concepts your that students were focusing on. Literacy concepts include Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening, Solving Problems, Critical Thinking, and Use of Technologies and Media applied to real world situations. Reflections will be compiled with other school-wide data to show overall progress and shared with staff prior to sharing with WASC accreditation team. Reflections are due (electronically) April 6th or sooner.
With 4th quarter upon us, reminder that our goal remains to have 95% of our students proficient in all content areas per classroom formative data. When addressing the Hawaii State Assessment (HSA) summative data, current status for grade 10 scores are: English - 69% of the students are proficient; Mathematics - 39% at proficiency; and Science - 40% are proficient.....there's still much work to be done! Important that I remind everyone that the HSA outcomes reflect "all" grade levels and disciplines as this is a team effort! Data also shows that we need to better coordinate literacy instruction across all discipline areas. The 3rd and final round for the HSA will be administered starting at the end of March.
Student Discipline feedback: Based on the feedback provided, Administration will make every effort to respond to all referrals within 3 school days. Believe that when teachers make a referral, they have done what was needed to deal with the student and their misbehavior. Administration reserves that right to provide consequences based on that larger knowledge of individual student's issues outside of individual classrooms. Chapter 19 will continue to be adhered with when addressing student's consequences as it provides guidance for infractions and definitions of those infractions. Currently, there are 16 possible disciplinary consequences ranging from time in the office to transfer to other programs (feel free to request a copy of Chapter 19 from the office). One of the interventions being more fully implemented is having parent meetings that includes the student, teachers, support staff and administration. This intervention is proving to have a positive impact for a good majority of students. Also looking at having parents sit in on classes to observe first hand.....not a favorite choice of any student. Reminding teachers to contact and document contacting parents as this serves as a critical intervention component. Welcome continued suggestions addressing disciplinary actions.
Accreditation Mid-term Visitation: Attached is the latest revision in preparing for Kapaa High's mid term accreditation review scheduled for Thursday, April 26, 2012. Reminder that we are tasked to address six key areas and demonstrate evidence to this effect.
Disaggregate data to ensure that all students benefit from school-wide initiatives.
Implement standards based learning in all courses and classrooms.
Continue to examine current research based instructional strategies for implementation across the curriculum to ensure active learning.
Study the effectiveness of the current bell schedule as it relates to meeting students needs.
Develop a system to assess all programs, reform initiatives and professional development that is data driven and research based techniques.
Report and celebrate academic progress and successes to parents and the community.
Please review document provides a comprehensive story of the good work to date. Will be posting this document on our school's website and feel free to use information to help support grant funding proposals, resumes, etc. Appreciate your feedback.
Planning for SY 2012-13: Work continues in creating the master schedule per student registration, staffing for HUI/Academies personnel, and overall school-wide budget. Planning to provide an update in early April as refinements will continue until the start of the new school year.
Purchase Orders: Reminder that submitted purchase orders must identify which of our Academic plans goals it will be supporting.
Weekly Calendar:
Monday, March 19th: 1) Dept/Cross Curriculum Articulation 2:30 p.m.
2) Leadership Meeting 1:00 p.m. @Principal's Office
Wednesday, March 21st: 1) Department Head Mtg 1:45 p.m. @Library
Thursday, March 22nd: 1) Decision Making for Results & Data Team Seminars 8 - 3:00 p.m. @Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall
2) Department & HUI/Academy Common Planning 2:30 p.m.
Friday, March 23rd: 1) Decision Making for Results & Data Team Seminars 8 - 3:00 p.m. @Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle Library
2) 3rd Quarter Grades due to Registrar
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
Student Progress: Teachers will be receiving their 1st semester/2nd quarter reflections back so to add their 3rd quarter reflections. Asking teachers to provide more specific information addressing literacy concepts your that students were focusing on. Literacy concepts include Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening, Solving Problems, Critical Thinking, and Use of Technologies and Media applied to real world situations. Reflections will be compiled with other school-wide data to show overall progress and shared with staff prior to sharing with WASC accreditation team. Reflections are due (electronically) April 6th or sooner.
With 4th quarter upon us, reminder that our goal remains to have 95% of our students proficient in all content areas per classroom formative data. When addressing the Hawaii State Assessment (HSA) summative data, current status for grade 10 scores are: English - 69% of the students are proficient; Mathematics - 39% at proficiency; and Science - 40% are proficient.....there's still much work to be done! Important that I remind everyone that the HSA outcomes reflect "all" grade levels and disciplines as this is a team effort! Data also shows that we need to better coordinate literacy instruction across all discipline areas. The 3rd and final round for the HSA will be administered starting at the end of March.
Student Discipline feedback: Based on the feedback provided, Administration will make every effort to respond to all referrals within 3 school days. Believe that when teachers make a referral, they have done what was needed to deal with the student and their misbehavior. Administration reserves that right to provide consequences based on that larger knowledge of individual student's issues outside of individual classrooms. Chapter 19 will continue to be adhered with when addressing student's consequences as it provides guidance for infractions and definitions of those infractions. Currently, there are 16 possible disciplinary consequences ranging from time in the office to transfer to other programs (feel free to request a copy of Chapter 19 from the office). One of the interventions being more fully implemented is having parent meetings that includes the student, teachers, support staff and administration. This intervention is proving to have a positive impact for a good majority of students. Also looking at having parents sit in on classes to observe first hand.....not a favorite choice of any student. Reminding teachers to contact and document contacting parents as this serves as a critical intervention component. Welcome continued suggestions addressing disciplinary actions.
Accreditation Mid-term Visitation: Attached is the latest revision in preparing for Kapaa High's mid term accreditation review scheduled for Thursday, April 26, 2012. Reminder that we are tasked to address six key areas and demonstrate evidence to this effect.
Disaggregate data to ensure that all students benefit from school-wide initiatives.
Implement standards based learning in all courses and classrooms.
Continue to examine current research based instructional strategies for implementation across the curriculum to ensure active learning.
Study the effectiveness of the current bell schedule as it relates to meeting students needs.
Develop a system to assess all programs, reform initiatives and professional development that is data driven and research based techniques.
Report and celebrate academic progress and successes to parents and the community.
Please review document provides a comprehensive story of the good work to date. Will be posting this document on our school's website and feel free to use information to help support grant funding proposals, resumes, etc. Appreciate your feedback.
Planning for SY 2012-13: Work continues in creating the master schedule per student registration, staffing for HUI/Academies personnel, and overall school-wide budget. Planning to provide an update in early April as refinements will continue until the start of the new school year.
Purchase Orders: Reminder that submitted purchase orders must identify which of our Academic plans goals it will be supporting.
Weekly Calendar:
Monday, March 19th: 1) Dept/Cross Curriculum Articulation 2:30 p.m.
2) Leadership Meeting 1:00 p.m. @Principal's Office
Wednesday, March 21st: 1) Department Head Mtg 1:45 p.m. @Library
Thursday, March 22nd: 1) Decision Making for Results & Data Team Seminars 8 - 3:00 p.m. @Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall
2) Department & HUI/Academy Common Planning 2:30 p.m.
Friday, March 23rd: 1) Decision Making for Results & Data Team Seminars 8 - 3:00 p.m. @Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle Library
2) 3rd Quarter Grades due to Registrar
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
Monday, March 5, 2012
Updates - Week of March 5th
Recognition: Want to recognize our students for a job well done at the Kauai Complex Area Science Fair this past week. Kapaa High School was especially proud to have four of the five top five finalists awarded to our students. Kudos to our Science teachers and asking that they coordinate with Harriet Watanabe so students can be featured on the morning announcements especially those moving on to State/International competition. Our students continue to demonstrate attainment of high expectations as this was recently also seen in the Virtual Enterprise presentations and the CTE State events.
Thanks to Greg Gonsalves and Suwela Esteban for their leadership in helping carry-out the final inspection for our Girls Softball Stadium. Happy to share that stadium was finally approved/accepted and our girl's softball team have their own home field. Kapaa High School also has the honor to be the first high school statewide to have this Title IX equity realized. Appreciate everyone's patience and support!
Spring Intercession: With Spring Break just around the corner, intercession supports will be provided for those struggling students on March 12, 13, 14 and 15, 2012 (4 half-days 8:00 - 12:00 pm). Teachers are asked to identify their students who can use this support and submit names to the counselors and Doris Morioka Fulks. Upon confirmation that identified students will be attending, teachers must submit work for their students so the intercession teachers can better focus their supports. Thanks to the counselors, majority of the seniors have already been identified/contacted. If you are interested in teaching over the break, please check with Doris.
Student Support feedback: Over the course of this week, administration will be reviewing our disciplinary practices to assess it's effectiveness in terms of helping to address negative student behaviors. We will be comprehensively looking at referral timeliness, recurring negative behaviors, levels of interventions, communication, as well as overall success. Appreciate feedback from teachers and asking Department Heads to coordinate feedback and to maintain confidentiality of staff names by end of this week. Will provide an update after Spring Break.
Accreditation Mid-term Visitation: Attached is our draft report in preparing for our mid term accreditation review to validate that we are on course per our Academic plans. Visitation is scheduled for the second half of 4th quarter. Reminder that the visiting committee identified six critical areas for follow-up and improvement:
Disaggregate data to ensure that all students benefit from school-wide initiatives.
Implement standards-based learning in all courses and classrooms.
Continue to examine current research-based instructional strategies for implementation across the curriculum to ensure active learning.
Study the effectiveness of the current bell schedule as it relates to meeting students needs.
Develop a system to assess all programs, reform initiatives and professional development that is data driven and research based techniques.
Report and celebrate academic progress and successes to parents and the community.
Administration's walk-through observations continue to ensure that standard based instructions are consistent school-wide, standards taught are posted, use of rubrics & assessments, and ultimately student outcomes. Please review and provide feedback to administration and Beth Pemberton for consideration.
Weekly Calendar:
Monday, March 5th: Dept/Cross Curriculum Articulation 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 6th: East Complex Leadership meeting @Kapaa High Library 8 - 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, March 7th Principal @SLC consortium meeting - Maui High School
Early Release 1:45 p.m. for Teachers (part of the 3 hrs give back)
Thursday, March 8th: Common Planning 2:30 p.m.
End of 3rd Quarter
Friday, March 9th: Teacher DLWOP (No Students)
March 12 - 16, 2012SPRING BREAK
Have a great week and a restful Spring 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
Thanks to Greg Gonsalves and Suwela Esteban for their leadership in helping carry-out the final inspection for our Girls Softball Stadium. Happy to share that stadium was finally approved/accepted and our girl's softball team have their own home field. Kapaa High School also has the honor to be the first high school statewide to have this Title IX equity realized. Appreciate everyone's patience and support!
Spring Intercession: With Spring Break just around the corner, intercession supports will be provided for those struggling students on March 12, 13, 14 and 15, 2012 (4 half-days 8:00 - 12:00 pm). Teachers are asked to identify their students who can use this support and submit names to the counselors and Doris Morioka Fulks. Upon confirmation that identified students will be attending, teachers must submit work for their students so the intercession teachers can better focus their supports. Thanks to the counselors, majority of the seniors have already been identified/contacted. If you are interested in teaching over the break, please check with Doris.
Student Support feedback: Over the course of this week, administration will be reviewing our disciplinary practices to assess it's effectiveness in terms of helping to address negative student behaviors. We will be comprehensively looking at referral timeliness, recurring negative behaviors, levels of interventions, communication, as well as overall success. Appreciate feedback from teachers and asking Department Heads to coordinate feedback and to maintain confidentiality of staff names by end of this week. Will provide an update after Spring Break.
Accreditation Mid-term Visitation: Attached is our draft report in preparing for our mid term accreditation review to validate that we are on course per our Academic plans. Visitation is scheduled for the second half of 4th quarter. Reminder that the visiting committee identified six critical areas for follow-up and improvement:
Disaggregate data to ensure that all students benefit from school-wide initiatives.
Implement standards-based learning in all courses and classrooms.
Continue to examine current research-based instructional strategies for implementation across the curriculum to ensure active learning.
Study the effectiveness of the current bell schedule as it relates to meeting students needs.
Develop a system to assess all programs, reform initiatives and professional development that is data driven and research based techniques.
Report and celebrate academic progress and successes to parents and the community.
Administration's walk-through observations continue to ensure that standard based instructions are consistent school-wide, standards taught are posted, use of rubrics & assessments, and ultimately student outcomes. Please review and provide feedback to administration and Beth Pemberton for consideration.
Weekly Calendar:
Monday, March 5th: Dept/Cross Curriculum Articulation 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 6th: East Complex Leadership meeting @Kapaa High Library 8 - 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, March 7th Principal @SLC consortium meeting - Maui High School
Early Release 1:45 p.m. for Teachers (part of the 3 hrs give back)
Thursday, March 8th: Common Planning 2:30 p.m.
End of 3rd Quarter
Friday, March 9th: Teacher DLWOP (No Students)
March 12 - 16, 2012SPRING BREAK
Have a great week and a restful Spring 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
Monday, February 27, 2012
Updates - Week of Feb. 27th
Congratulations to the Boys Basketball team for an outstanding season and solid play at this past weekend's State Finals. This group of young men continued to improve over the course of the season and very evident that they had developed to another level as it showed in the second half of the season.
Special Presentation: Reminder that we'll be having two assemblies on Thursday, March 1st, addressing ethics in a digital world entitled "Digital Tattoos". Guest speaker is FBI Special Agent, Arnold Laanui Jr and this is sponsored by PCNC and Title I. Assembly schedule: Period 2 - Grades 9 and 12; and Period 3 - Grades 10 and 11. Students are to report to their classes first to check in with their teacher and teachers will accompany their students to the gym.
A special evening presentation is planned for parents from all of the East complex schools on Thursday, March 1st @Kapaa High Library 6:00 p.m.
Coordinated Training: Just a heads-up that Kauai Complex Area will be having several coordinated K -12 training beginning March 2012. Projected training dates are listed below and focus will address Common Core State Standards and Using Data for instructional Decision Making. Will be working with content areas to coordinate planned training sessions after our leadership meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 28th.
Decision Making for Results and Data Team Seminars:
March 22 and 23, 2012 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Power/Prioritizing Common Core Standards and Unwrapping Seminars:
April 20 and May 7 6-12 Math 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
May 8-9, 2012 6-12 LA 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
May 10-11, 2012 6-12 Others 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
CCSS Work Sessions:
May 30, 2012 6-12 Math 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
May 31, 2012 6-12 LA 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
June 1, 2012 6-12 Others 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Parent conferences updates: Meetings with parents of targeted struggling students continue and certainly fulfilling to have parents, students, and school personnel in the same room having focused dialogue. While we may not see immediate positive changes for all of the students, believe that we are seeing progress for a good number of students. We will stay the course for the rest of the year as it will help address issues related to attendance, tardiness, disruption, and academics. It also serves as our documented interventions. Building Hawaii’s future for college, career, and citizenship in the global society of the 21st century is challenging and hard work.....like that final art work, every student takes hours of hard work to mold, to shape, with tears, frustration and joy in ultimately creating that final sculpture that we call Kapaa High graduate!
Weekly Calendar:
Monday, Feb. 27th: PTSA Board Meeting - Student Center @6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 28th: Principal @Complex Area Leadership meeting - Lihue
Wednesday, Feb. 29th: Faculty PLC sessions - Chorus room @1:50
Thursday, March 1st: Digital Tattoo Assembly @Gym
VPs and Athletic Director at Vice-Principals' meeting - Lihue
Friday, March 2nd: Principal @Girls' Softball Stadium Final Inspection
Kauai Complex Area Science Fair Public Viewing 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. @Convention Hall - Lihue
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.
Special Presentation: Reminder that we'll be having two assemblies on Thursday, March 1st, addressing ethics in a digital world entitled "Digital Tattoos". Guest speaker is FBI Special Agent, Arnold Laanui Jr and this is sponsored by PCNC and Title I. Assembly schedule: Period 2 - Grades 9 and 12; and Period 3 - Grades 10 and 11. Students are to report to their classes first to check in with their teacher and teachers will accompany their students to the gym.
A special evening presentation is planned for parents from all of the East complex schools on Thursday, March 1st @Kapaa High Library 6:00 p.m.
Coordinated Training: Just a heads-up that Kauai Complex Area will be having several coordinated K -12 training beginning March 2012. Projected training dates are listed below and focus will address Common Core State Standards and Using Data for instructional Decision Making. Will be working with content areas to coordinate planned training sessions after our leadership meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 28th.
Decision Making for Results and Data Team Seminars:
March 22 and 23, 2012 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Power/Prioritizing Common Core Standards and Unwrapping Seminars:
April 20 and May 7 6-12 Math 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
May 8-9, 2012 6-12 LA 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
May 10-11, 2012 6-12 Others 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
CCSS Work Sessions:
May 30, 2012 6-12 Math 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
May 31, 2012 6-12 LA 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
June 1, 2012 6-12 Others 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Parent conferences updates: Meetings with parents of targeted struggling students continue and certainly fulfilling to have parents, students, and school personnel in the same room having focused dialogue. While we may not see immediate positive changes for all of the students, believe that we are seeing progress for a good number of students. We will stay the course for the rest of the year as it will help address issues related to attendance, tardiness, disruption, and academics. It also serves as our documented interventions. Building Hawaii’s future for college, career, and citizenship in the global society of the 21st century is challenging and hard work.....like that final art work, every student takes hours of hard work to mold, to shape, with tears, frustration and joy in ultimately creating that final sculpture that we call Kapaa High graduate!
Weekly Calendar:
Monday, Feb. 27th: PTSA Board Meeting - Student Center @6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 28th: Principal @Complex Area Leadership meeting - Lihue
Wednesday, Feb. 29th: Faculty PLC sessions - Chorus room @1:50
Thursday, March 1st: Digital Tattoo Assembly @Gym
VPs and Athletic Director at Vice-Principals' meeting - Lihue
Friday, March 2nd: Principal @Girls' Softball Stadium Final Inspection
Kauai Complex Area Science Fair Public Viewing 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. @Convention Hall - Lihue
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.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Updates - Week of Feb. 13th
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.
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.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Updates - Week of February 6th
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.
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.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Updates - Week of January 30th
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.
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.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Updates - Week of Jan. 23rd
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!
Monday, January 16, 2012
UPDATES - WEEK OF JAN 16TH
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:
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.
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:
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
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
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Updates - Week of Jan. 9th
Sharing feedback per classroom visits.....
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.
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
- 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.
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
Friday, January 6, 2012
Registration Parent Meetings
Registration Parent Meetings
9th: Mon. January 9 in Cafeteria
10th & 11th: Tues. January 17 in Library
Incoming 9th: Wed. January 25 in Library
10th & 11th: Tues. January 17 in Library
Incoming 9th: Wed. January 25 in Library
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Updates - Week of January 3th, 2012
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.
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!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Updates - Week of December 5th
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!
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!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Updates - Week of November 28th
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!
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!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Weekly Updates for Nov. 14-17
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
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
Sunday, November 6, 2011
UPDATES Sunday, November 06
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!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Weekly Updates for 10/31/11
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.
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.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Updates - Week of October 24th
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!
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!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Updates - Week of October 17th
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!
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!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Additional Updates - Week of Oct.10th
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!
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!
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