April 2

Aloha, HIDOE Community –  Welcome to this week’s edition of the Ho‘oha‘aheo Newsletter. Two school administrators win top awards Congratulations to Palisades Elementary Principal Gavin Tsue and Keonepoko Elementary Vice Principal Hidi Boteilho for being named as Hawai‘i’s 2025 National Distinguished Principal and Hawai‘i’s 2025 National Outstanding Assistant Principal, respectively, by the Hawai‘i Elementary and Middle School Administrators Association! Tsue was recognized for creating meaningful project-based learning experiences for students in emerging fields like renewable energy and artificial intelligence. Boteilho was praised for her focus on culture-building, student-centered programming, and strong family engagement.

Palisades Elementary School Principal Gavin Tsue, left, and Keonepoko Elementary Vice Principal Hidi Boteilho were named Hawai‘i’s 2025 National Distinguished Principal and Hawai‘i’s 2025 National Outstanding Assistant Principal, respectively by the Hawai‘i Elementary and Middle School Administrators Association.

Summer learning opportunities
This summer, we will offer programs for students in grades K-12 for enrichment, remediation, credit advancement or credit recovery. Our robust summer learning opportunities have been integral in accelerating and enriching student learning. We encourage families to explore the many options available to support their child’s learning and growth this summer. Programs will be available for all grade levels – from a kindergarten transition program for incoming students to paid internships for high school students. Families should check with their child’s school for specific program offerings and registration details. 

Class of 2025 graduation ceremonies
It’s hard to believe that the end of the school year is quickly approaching and graduation season is right around the corner. The full list of commencement ceremonies is officially out and I’m looking forward to celebrating our Class of 2025 graduates.

High school graduations are a special tradition in Hawai‘i, bringing together families, schools and entire communities to celebrate the achievements of our students who have shown focus, talent and drive. We’re proud of all our graduates as they take the next step in their journey, embodying our commitment to ensure they are globally competitive and locally committed.

Students shine in Amazing Shake
Congratulations to students from Admiral C.W. Nimitz Elementary, Āliamanu Middle, Hickam Elementary, Makalapa Elementary, Pearl Harbor Elementary, Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary, Waikoloa Elementary and Waikoloa Middle for representing Hawai‘i in the Global Amazing Shake competition last week in Atlanta, Georgia! Out of 412 students from all around the world, Āliamanu Middle student Natalie Dalton advanced as far as Top 12, beating out tough competition from Honduras and Canada. These students showed what it means to be globally competitive and locally committed and I’m so proud of each and every one of them.

The Amazing Shake is a competition run by the Ron Clark Academy, a nonprofit middle school in Atlanta, that teaches students professional skills. The goal is to prepare students for future success by helping them develop social and interpersonal skills and focuses on developing students' poise under pressure, charisma, confidence and problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios.

Students from Admiral C.W. Nimitz Elementary, Āliamanu Middle, Hickam Elementary, Makalapa Elementary, Pearl Harbor Elementary, Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary, Waikoloa Elementary and Waikoloa Middle represented Hawai‘i in the Global Amazing Shake competition March 22-24 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo Courtesy: Corey Allen / Nimitz Elementary School

Ho‘oha‘aheo Photo of the Week

Reverend Benjamin Parker Elementary Parker School second graders Aliya Dela Cruz, Vivien Braddock, Jahzell Brinkley and Anona Criadoheld buy earrings from third grader Kamamalulaukoa Kimokeo at the school’s first-ever Market Day on March 13. Market Day was the culminating project for third graders in their economics unit where they got to experience being entrepreneurs for a day. School staff and fellow students shopped around for hand-made products such as paper bookmarks, confetti poppers, T-shirt shopping bags, koa pendant necklaces and more. The student entrepreneurs produced their products, created ads and adjusted prices according to customer demands.

Credit: Trina Nishimura / Reverend Benjamin Parker Elementary School

Submit your public school-related image from this school year for a chance to be featured as next week’s Ho‘oha‘aheo Photo of the Week!

#HIPublicSchoolsProud

Social media highlights of the most engaging posts of the week. 
Use the #HIPublicSchoolsProud hashtag for a chance to be featured!

Ho‘okele Elementary School

» Fourth graders launched their "Rollercoaster Madness" project with an inspiring visit from guest speakers from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa's Engineering program! Students were introduced to the diverse world of engineering, exploring different disciplines and gaining insights into the critical role of structural foundations in building safe and thrilling roller coasters. 

Pāhoa High & Intermediate School

» Are you seeing this?!?! Principal Williamson shaved his beard for the first time in 24 YEARS! Over the past few years, he has bet every senior class if they could get $1,000,000 in scholarships, he would shave off his beard. CONGRATULATIONS to the PHIS Class of 2025! You have earned OVER $1,000,000 in scholarships and now Mr. Williamson can say his beard was worth $1M!! 🧔🏻‍♂️🪒👨🏻‍🦲

Hawaiʻi School for the Deaf & the Blind

» Feeling the rhythm! Our first-time middle and high school performers lit up the stage with two incredible Taiko drum performances, each under the guidance of Sensei Chizuko Endo! #TaikoDrums

Important Dates & Upcoming Events

• April: Math Awareness Month
  
  
• April: Poetry Month
  
  
• April: Month of the Military Child
  
  
• Apr. 4: National School Librarian Day
  
  
• Apr. 7-11: National Assistant Principals Week
  
  
• April 10: Board of Education Human Resources Committee, Student Achievement Committee and General Business Meetings
  
  
• April 22: Board of Education Community Meeting, City & County of Honolulu

April is Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize and celebrate the unique experiences, resilience, and contributions of military children and their families. There are eight Hawai‘i public schools that are located on military installations. Which of the following schools is not one of them?

1. Hickam Elementary School
2. Mokulele Elementary School
3. Pearl Harbor Elementary School
4. Mōkapu Elementary School

Find the answer at the end of this newsletter.

HIDOE Headlines

A roundup of announcements, resources and shoutouts.

» Ka Lama Hawai‘i was the first newspaper in Hawai‘i produced in 1834 by students in the Hawaiian language. A Lahainaluna High School teacher is bringing the publication back with his newswriting students. "Lahainaluna has been at the center of Hawaiian literacy since the beginning of the kingdom, and I don't think people are talking about it enough," Jarrett Chapin told Hawai‘i Public Radio.

» At his 50th reunion in 2019, Konawaena High School alumni Clyde Brumaghim was surprised to learn how many other classmates also served in the Vietnam War. Now, he’s leading the effort to raise funds for a monument to be placed on the school’s campus to honor all of the alumni who served in Vietnam.

» Farrington High School hosted top gaming students from the University of Utah’s Asia Campus at the Honolulu International Esports Tournament on campus. The tournament aimed to foster relationships between Hawai‘i and South Korea through esports and highlight career opportunities.

Staff Spotlight

Mitch Tamayori Title: Architect VI (Project Coordinator, Unit II Head) Job site: Office of Facilities and Operations Years in the HIDOE: 17 Years in the position: 17 Q: Briefly describe your career path. A: I started at Kapiʻolani Community College, taking general courses, not knowing where I was headed in life's journey. After a couple of semesters, I joined the Hawai‘i Air National Guard and went off to training on the mainland and overseas. When I returned home two years later, a little more mature and focused, I attended Honolulu Community College and earned an Associate of Liberal Arts degree. I transferred to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and, by chance, applied to the architectural program, not knowing what I was getting into, but I was fortunate to be accepted and eventually earned my bachelor’s degree in architecture. In addition, I gained lifelong friends and the understanding and value of listening, sharing, and supporting one another. After graduating, I entered the workforce and worked at several small architectural firms, learning what I could until work ran out.  Along the way, I observed different methods, styles, and techniques for running a project.  When work ran out at my last private firm, the former Facilities Development Branch public works administrator said they needed help and asked me to come over. Seventeen years later, I’m still here helping to repair and build new facilities to support the DOE’s mission. Q: How did you get into this field? A: I got into this field by chance.  Back in the day when the UH School of Architecture was a cluster of rundown wooden portables, one of the students saw me walking around the school and offered me a tour. At the end of the tour the student said, “Why don't you submit an application to the school?” So I did. As fortune would have it, I got in and have never looked back. Q: What are your primary duties? A: My primary duties as a project coordinator involve managing the design contracts, coordinating, and collaborating with the DOE planners, design consultants, school administration, and other HIDOE offices to establish the scope of work for each project. I'm also responsible for processing, reviewing and generating paperwork necessary to keep the project moving forward until its completion. Q: Favorite part about the job? A: My favorite parts about this job are the various types of projects I work on (e.g., new schools, new buildings, covered play courts, track and field projects, baseball fields, softball fields, unexpected projects, etc.). It allows me to learn about other disciplines besides architecture. I also like meeting and working with different people for each project. I also appreciate the chance to visit the schools I have projects at, especially on the neighbor islands. I also enjoy sharing what I've learned with my coworkers at the grassroots level. Q: Most challenging part about your position? A: The most challenging parts of my job are waiting months/years for approvals from outside agencies, which I have no control over. Another challenge is balancing limited funding with high expectations for comprehensive project features. While we aim to deliver robust solutions, available resources may sometimes only support a simpler structure. Q: How does your job support students? A: My job supports the students by moving forward, repairing, upgrading, expanding or building new facilities that provide the best learning environment for students. Q: What advice do you have for people considering this position? A: Be prepared to work hard for the benefit of the students, faculty and community. You will make a difference.

Are you a Hawai‘i State Department of Education employee and want to share about how your role supports student success? Please fill out this form for a chance to be featured as a future staff spotlight.

Work With Us!

Federal workers or contractors impacted by the federal cuts are encouraged to explore employment opportunities with Hawai‘i public schools. Sign up for personalized notifications at this form or scan the QR code.

Architect III, IV, V, Project Management Section (Oʻahu)
Grade 6 College Career Readiness Teacher, Wahiawā Middle School (Oʻahu)
School Psychologist, Kaua‘i District (Koloa Elementary (Kauaʻi)
EOEL Preschool Teacher, Wailuku Elementary School (Maui)
Middle Literacy Coach Teacher, Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School (Hawai‘i Island)

To learn more about career opportunities in the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education, please visit hawaiischooljobs.com or stop by our booth at our upcoming recruiting events:

Operation Hire Hawai‘i Hawai‘i Convention Center 1801 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 Friday, April 11 from 1-6 p.m. Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  Honolulu Star-Advertiser Career Expo Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall 777 Ward Ave., Honolulu, HI 96814 Wednesday, April 30 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Public School Pop Quiz! Answer: 3. Pearl Harbor Elementary School

HAWAI‘I STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Keith Hayashi

Superintendent

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS

Ho‘oha‘aheo

PUBLIC SCHOOL PROUD

Contributors

1390 Miller St. Honolulu, HI 96813 | Phone: 808-784-6200 Fax: 808-586-3234

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