
Head of School April Update
April 15, 2022 Aloha Ho`ala ‘Ohana, I hope this email finds you well and enjoying the extended holiday weekend. So many wonderful activities and events have occurred since my last update in March. Allow me to provide a quick summary. Last evening, the Ho`ala Talent Show was a smashing success and what a turnout! The children were nothing short of amazing. We want to thank all the parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, friends, and acquaintances who came out to cheer the children on. I would also like to acknowledge and thank all those who supported last night's event. Don’t forget, the Silent Auction ends on the 24th, so place your bid: I Heart Ho`ala School Online Auction. On Saturday, March 26th, we held our second Open House. All the attendees plan to enroll their child or children and felt the special spirit of Ho`ala while on campus. A special thank you goes out to all those who supported this event and our teachers and students who welcomed these newcomers to the school. On that very same Saturday, Ho`ala participated in the 2022 Keiki Great Aloha Run led by our team leaders Sheri and Kanani. The Ho`ala Team raised nearly $300 for the school. A big mahalo goes out to: Kanani, Sheri, Peyton, Deejey; Michelle, David, Joji, and Tomi; Darlene; Jessica and Sean; Emily, Erika, and John; and Amanda, Christina, Jerry, and Rajah. Ho`ala is nationally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and at the state level by the Hawai’i Association of Independent Schools (HAIS). On March 31st and April 1st, the school underwent our Mid-cycle Review. I want to thank all those who participated in this process: our Board members: Tiffany, Leo, Martha, Jef, Nora, and Linda; Sheri and Yuko from our Education Committee; Emma and Kelley from the PTSO; our teachers, Tina, Lori, Carolyn, Amber, and Jodie; our Student Council representatives, Adrienne, Emily, Peyton, Beatriz, Caylee, Kylie, and Rae; and Ho`ala’s administrative staff, Darlene and Justine. We received very positive feedback from Principal Ross and Dr. Shiraki that will be shared with the Board on the 28th and then shared with the larger Ho`ala community. Please keep an eye out for the April edition of the Ho`ala Herald and an upcoming field Trip to Waimea Falls. Some additional April/May activities and events include:
Finally, if you are looking for an outstanding summer program that combines both academics with fun activities, Ho`ala will be offering a seven week program beginning June 6th. Each week will have an exciting theme such as: Kitchen Chemistry; the Wizard Academy; All Ball – Sports and More; Construction Camp; Teaching the 3 Rs - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle; and Rainforests. In addition, we will be bringing back “Camp Kokua” (a service learning program for students who have completed 3rd through 6th grade, that takes place over two weeks beginning July 5th; this is a day program). For more information about summer programs, please see Darlene or Chris. In closing, as we approach the final month of school, we look forward to continuing to restore the student experiences that make Ho`ala truly extraordinary. We deeply appreciate and are grateful for you understanding and trust. Warmest regards, Chris |