Ho‘oha‘aheo Newsletter, April 15

Aloha, HIDOE Community – 

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Ho‘oha‘aheo Newsletter.

Weather impacts
As we continue recovery efforts following last month’s storms, we also prepared for and responded to last week’s severe weather across the state. We understand the importance of maintaining instructional time. Our goal is always to keep schools open and students learning whenever it is safe to do so. At the same time, when statewide or county safety decisions are made, we align our operations to prioritize the well-being of our students and staff. We are reviewing the overall impact of recent closures and remain focused on ensuring students continue to receive the support and learning opportunities they need.

WorkHawaiʻi Hiring for Graduating Seniors
Yesterday, I attended the WorkHawaiʻi Hiring Event for graduating seniors, hosted by the City & County of Honolulu’s Department of Community Services, at Dole Cannery. The event brought together high school seniors from Oʻahu and recruiters from more than 80 public and private sector employers, giving students a valuable chance to connect with potential employers and even secure jobs before graduation. A similar event is scheduled for Maui County students on April 24 at the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel. These hiring fairs support our goal of ensuring that every student graduates with a clear post-high school plan, whether it’s college, career training, military service or entering the workforce. Mahalo to Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Mayor Richard Bissen for creating these meaningful opportunities for our students!

National Board Certified Teachers
Thirty Hawai‘i educators were recognized for their completion of the rigorous National Board Certified Teacher program over the weekend. Obtaining this certification is not an easy process. It can take up to three years and asks educators to really reflect on their practice —  to examine what’s working, where they can grow, and how they can better serve their students. It requires staying current with best practices, being open to feedback and continually refining their craft.

With the latest cohort of newly certified teachers, there are now 569 NBCTs in Hawai‘i. We are incredibly proud of these educators who have demonstrated a deep commitment to students, to growth and to the teaching profession. Congratulations to the newest cohort! 

Makawao Elementary School: Our 4th graders went wild this week! 🐗✨ During the Operation Wildlife (OWL) presentation, students got hands-on with over 100 exotic biofacts— from skulls and feathers to furs and skins. It wasn’t just about the “cool factor,” though; we took a deep dive into animal preservation and why caring for our natural resources is so vital, especially here in Hawai‘i. 📍Did you know? Hawai‘i has more endangered species than any other state. Our students are ready to change that! 🌿💪

James B. Castle High School: Castle High School’s Auto Club had an amazing time last weekend at the Hot Import Nights car show! 🚗💨 Our students brought the energy by hosting fun Easter egg hunt games for attendees and keeping the crowd engaged all evening long. We’re proud to share that Castle High School is currently the only high school partnered with Hot Import Nights—what an incredible opportunity for our students to showcase their passion and leadership in the automotive community! 🔧🔥 #CastleHigh #AutoClub #HotImportNights

Pearl City High School: Awesome 2026 Chargerpalooza at PCHS. What an amazing showcase by our Chargers to share their learnings and their projects with our community. There was so much engagement, connections, and fun from everyone! A huge thank you to all the working hands that made this event possible. Even with the rainy weather, we still Charged up everyone! 2026 is in the books, and we are excited for the Chargerpalooza in 2027! Aloha and mahalo! Excellence with Honor!

The Maui High School robotics team 2443 Blue Thunder made history at the FIRST Robotics Competition Denver Regional, capturing the Regional Championship title and earning a coveted spot at the World Championships in Houston, Texas. In addition to the championship title, Team 2443 also earned the Team Sustainability Award

Keaukaha Elementary School in Hilo shares a meaningful connection with Oʻahu’s Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua, which won the overall title at the 2026 Merrie Monarch Festival. Students from the school participated in cultural activities with members of the hālau during festival week and even assisted in printing the designs on the kīhei worn in competition. Led by Kumu Robert Keʻano Kaʻupu IV, who is a former Keaukaha student, Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua also captured top honors in the kāne division, including wins in Kāne Overall, Kāne Kahiko, and Kāne ʻAuana at the 63rd annual hula competition.

More than 160 students from 40 Hawaiʻi public high schools with an interest in health care professions competed in the first Hawaiʻi Anatomage Tournament at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine, using life-sized 3D anatomy tables to test their knowledge of human anatomy in a team-based competition. See Civil Beat’s photo essay of the inaugural event.

Erin Henderson

Title: Counselor
Job site: Kohala High School
Years in the HIDOE: 20
Years in the position: 10

Q: How did you get into this field?
A: I started as a Primary School Adjustment Program counselor, then became a full-time elementary counselor focused on mental health. When the position opened up at Kohala High School, I applied and was offered the job. At a small school like Kohala High, I support both college and career counseling and mental health. The former is something I had to learn through on-the-job training. Attending national and local conferences, as well as completing numerous professional development courses at the HIDOE and college level, has given me a solid foundation necessary to support my students. I have also had amazing support from our district college and career specialist, Alana Haitsuka-Fernandez, as well as critical support from my principal and vice principal. 

Q: Favorite part about the job?
A: My favorite part of my job is when I can help students with challenging situations, whether it is with their mental health, college applications, scholarships and financial aid, or providing them with something from the thrift store. Students put a lot of trust in me, and I am really honored by that. I want to be my best for them.

Q: What advice do you have for people considering this position?
A: Counseling is a very rewarding job. Being the person who puts a smile on students' faces is priceless. The ability to be flexible and adaptable has helped me tremendously. Having a systems approach to counseling makes my life easier. Finally, a good organizational structure is key!

Q: Fun fact about yourself?
A: As someone who has lived in Hawai‘i since birth, you would never guess that my favorite hobby is SKIING!