Ho‘oha‘aheo Newsletter, April 3

Hawai'i State Department of Education sent this bulletin at 04/03/2024 03:30 PM HST

April 3

Editorial Mission: As the Department's primary publication, we aim to live up to the meaning of ha‘aheo – to cherish with pride – by bolstering and sustaining pride in public education and touting the successes happening across our system.

In the Loop with SuperIntendant Keith T. Hayashi

Aloha, HIDOE Community –

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

2024 Hawai‘i Assistant Principal of the Year

This week is National Assistant Principals Week — a perfect time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of our hard-working vice principals and recognize their pivotal role in fostering positive learning environments and supporting student success in our schools.

I had the recent honor and privilege of recognizing Mililani Middle School assistant principal Jeffery Horstman as the 2024 Hawai‘i Assistant Principal of the Year by the Hawai‘i Association of Secondary School Administrators. Mr. Horstman is also one of three national finalists for the National Association of Secondary School Principals Assistant Principal of the Year program, which annually names an outstanding secondary assistant principal who has succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students. The winner will be announced at a gala in Washington, D.C., at the end of the week. We’re rooting for you, Mr. Horstman!

Employee housing survey

The Department has partnered with SMS Research to survey employees about their housing situations and preferences. We encourage employees to take the survey sent out this week which will be used to help inform planning and strategies around employee housing and recruitment and retention initiatives. Each survey has a unique password to begin, so please check your inboxes for the link. The deadline to complete the survey is April 15.

#HIPublicSchoolsProud

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

Mililani Uka Elementary

» Who knew we could fly to another island without even leaving the comfort of the school library? Our students experienced the virtual flight of a lifetime! A huge thanks to Mrs. Lee for organizing this learning experience! #HIPublicSchoolsProud

Ho‘okele Elementary

» Today was a reminder that it’s never too early to start dreaming big! Today’s presenters helped inspire future generations at our school’s Career Day! #HookeleCARES #HIPublicSchoolsProud

Hawai‘i County Prosecutors Office

» Mahalo again to Ronda Baker, Shonnalee Ontiveros, and rest of the staff and students at Kealakehe Intermediate School for inviting us to participate in their annual Career Fair.

King Kamehameha III Elementary at Pulelehua

Federal, state and local officials and school staff came together on March 25 to mark the opening of a temporary replacement campus for King Kamehameha III Elementary, which was damaged beyond repair in the Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfires.

The new campus, located in the upcoming Pulelehua development below Kapalua Airport, opened for students on April 1. Approximately 350 students, including about 60 Hawaiian language immersion students, were in attendance.

Important Dates

Math Awareness Month
Month of the Military Child
National Financial Literacy Month
National Poetry Writing Month
National Volunteer Month
April 1-5 - National Assistant Principals Week
April 4 - National School Librarian Day
April 7-13 - National Library Week

Community Query

Do you know the answer to this LifeSmarts question? 11% of participants on Instagram answered correctly.

Class of 2024 Ceremonies Schedule

High school graduation ceremonies have been scheduled for the Class of 2024. See here for date, time and location information.

HIDOE Headlines

A roundup of announcements, resources and shoutouts.

» Kapolei High senior Jonah Fuentes brought community members, the Honolulu Police Department, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hawai‘i and Honolulu City Council member Andria Tupola together to bring awareness to the dangers of driving under the influence.

» Friday Night Prime Time brought together special needs and at-risk students for a fun-filled game of basketball at the ‘Aiea High School Gym. Mahalo to all the students, school administrators and community partners who helped make the event happen!

» Hawai‘i educators, school personnel and all who support our keiki are invited to a 2024 Teacher Appreciation celebration on April 20! Enjoy various food, drink and craft vendors, live entertainment and prizes. For more info and to RSVP visit bit.ly/2024htc.