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March 12
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.
Editor's Note: The newsletter will be taking a publication recess over spring break and will resume weekly editions on March 25 (due to Prince Kūhiō Day on March 26).
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Aloha, HIDOE Community –
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Ho‘oha‘aheo Newsletter.
Monitoring federal impacts
The U.S. Department of Education has announced a significant workforce reduction, impacting nearly half of its employees. While the U.S. Education Department has assured that core programs — including formula funding, special education funding, student loans and Pell Grants — will continue, we recognize that such a large-scale shift could have downstream effects on K-12 education.
We are closely monitoring this situation to assess any potential impacts on our schools, educators and students. Our commitment remains steadfast: we will continue advocating for the resources and support our public education system needs.
A dedicated HIDOE work group meets weekly to analyze federal policies and their implications. We recognize the significant threats to education funding and the state’s financial plan. We will continue working closely with our federal and state partners to ensure continuity in the services and programs that support Hawai‘i’s students.
The safety, privacy and rights of our students remain our top priority. I want to emphasize that our schools follow established procedures when approached by law enforcement. This includes verifying the credentials of law enforcement officials, reviewing documents that would be necessary for law enforcement to enter campus, consulting with the complex area superintendent and Attorney General's Office when necessary, and only releasing students to legal parent or guardian or emergency contacts. We understand that misinformation can cause concern, and we want to reassure our families that we remain steadfast in protecting and supporting every student in our care. Employees may continue to send information to fedwatch@k12.hi.us.
2024 Employee, Manager and Team of the Year
Yesterday we celebrated our latest HIDOE employee, manager and team of the year award nominees and winners at the 2024 Incentive and Service Award Ceremony. Congratulations to Employee of the Year winner Gary Bignami, facilities planner in the Environmental Service Unit of the Office of Facilities and Operations, who was crucial in helping Lahaina schools safely reopen following the wildfires; Manager of the Year winner Renee Kim, longtime school food services manager at Wilson Elementary, who has been serving school meals with a smile for over 40 years; and to the Team of the Year Leadership Institute’s Maui Support team who helped Lahaina school communities recover after the wildfires.
Students are at the core of everything we do as HIDOE employees – this was especially evident through the passion and commitment demonstrated by all the employees who were nominated. It’s an honor to work alongside such exceptional individuals who consistently exceed expectations in their service. Mahalo to these outstanding employees for their continued contributions to education and the students of Hawai‘i!
Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Awards
On Saturday, I had the opportunity to help recognize 15 principals – one from each complex area – who were honored as the latest nominees for the 19th annual Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award. The 2025 principal nominees each received a $1,000 prize and were honored for their vision, entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to students and the community. A top winner will be named in April at the Public Schools of Hawai‘i Foundation annual dinner and receive $25,000 – a $10,000 personal cash award and $15,000 toward a school project of the principal’s choice.
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Ho‘oha‘aheo Photo of the Week
 Real skills, tasty treats! Kaʻelepulu Elementary's special education students run the Treat Trolley, using play money to build real-life skills and give teachers a fun and delicious way to support their learning.
Credit: Sara Wong / Kaʻelepulu 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!
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#HIPublicSchoolsProud
Social media highlights of the most engaging posts of the week.
Use the #HIPublicSchoolsProud hashtag for a chance to be featured!
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 Ala Wai Elementary
» ⭐️COLOR RUN✨thank you to our support teams, staff, families, and volunteers for making this a successful Color Run for the keiki!
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 He‘eia Elementary
» We had a fun week of celebrating our love of reading. Everyday students and teachers dressed up in green, hats, wacky socks, crazy hair and finally, red, black and white.
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Important Dates & Upcoming Events
- March: National Reading Month
- March 13: Board of Education Finance and Infrastructure Committee and General Business Meeting
- March 17-21: Spring Break
- March 26: Prince Kūhiō Day (Schools and offices closed)
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 Happy National Reading Month! Let’s celebrate the joy of reading and help our students reach new heights in literacy. As part of the Department’s #808Reads challenge, we’re tracking our progress toward our reading goal of 12 million minutes logged by the end of the school year! Log your reading minutes in the Beanstack app and help us reach our goal! Let’s keep reading and make this our best month yet!
Which school is leading the #808Reads challenge at the end of 2nd quarter with 923,291 minutes logged?
- ʻEwa Beach Elementary
- Hoʻokele Elementary
- Kaimukī Middle
- McKinley High
- Mililani Waena Elementary
Find the answer at the end of this newsletter.
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Student Voice: “We must fight for a safe and healthy climate”
By Mia Nishiguchi, Kalani High School
 The Hawai’i Climate Future Forum, a youth-led initiative dedicated to advancing sustainable solutions for Hawai‘i's pressing climate challenges, presented on worldwide human rights and climate justice before other youth and lawmakers at the Hawaii State Capitol on Nov. 16, 2024. Photo courtesy: Mia Nishiguchi / Kalani High School
Living in a safe and healthy climate is not a privilege – but our fundamental right.
Hawai‘i is a melting pot of cultures and people. Our precious ʻāina and ocean define our way of life. Connection to the ʻāina is often disregarded in our world of distractions; we constantly take our beautiful islands for granted. Hawai‘i is on the frontlines of climate change consisting of sea level rise, coastal erosion, droughts on Maui and Lahaina wildfires. These devastations are constant reminders that climate change is not a distant threat. These issues demand immediate, informed action. Our youth and future generations are endangered without taking action and responsibility now.
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Mia Nishiguchi is a junior at Kalani High School and an intern for Rep. Jeanné Kapela through the Keiki Caucus Legislative Internship. She also serves as an O‘ahu Representative on the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Youth Council, a youth policy leader for the Climate Future Forum and the Hawai‘i Youth Food Council, and a NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador. She plans to study political science and international relations and aspires to continue amplifying youth voices and stay active in the legislative branch. During her free time, she enjoys making matcha, traveling, vlogging and hanging out with loved ones. |
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HIDOE Headlines
A roundup of announcements, resources and shoutouts.
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 » James Campbell High School broke ground on a new athletic facility that will include a boys and girls locker room building, office spaces, a weight room, pressbox, stadium lights, and bleachers to seat nearly 3,000 spectators.
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 » King Kekaulike High School is the winner of the 29th Annual Honolulu Festival Maui Mikoshi design contest, creating a mikoshi to symbolize togetherness of people from all walks of life.
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 » A Big Island teacher focusing on biodiversity is leading voting in America’s Favorite Teacher competition.
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Alumni Spotlight
Aris Doike
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Occupation: Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra Cellist
What school you grad? Moanalua High School ‘10
College: University of Colorado at Boulder, Southern Methodist University
Location: Honolulu, HI
Aris Doike, a locally born and classically trained cellist, enjoys a diverse career as a performer, educator and arts administrator. He holds cello performance degrees from the University of Colorado at Boulder and Southern Methodist University, where he had the privilege of studying with renowned cellists Andres Diaz, Christopher Adkins and Judith Glyde.
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His performance experience spans international recitals and solo appearances with the Honolulu Symphony, Boulder Philharmonic and O‘ahu Civic Orchestra. A passionate advocate for music education, Aris is actively engaged in the local music community. His past roles include treasurer for the American String Teachers Association – Hawai‘i Unit, director of operations for the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony, and orchestra teacher at ‘Iolani School. He has also served as a clinician for schools statewide, the Hawai‘i Chamber Music Festival's Young Artist Program, the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony and Pacific Music Institute. Currently, Aris is a member of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra and maintains a private cello studio.
Q: Briefly describe your journey after high school.
A: After graduating from Moanalua High School, I earned a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder. In 2014, I pursued further studies at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and returned home in late 2016 and have been here ever since.
Q: What are you up to these days?
A: While I recently transitioned to a full-time, non-musical position with the federal government, music remains a central part of my life. I am proud and fortunate to also be a member of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. Growing up, both of my cello teachers played with the Honolulu Symphony (as it was then known), so it's a true honor and privilege to now share the stage with those I admired and learned so much from. I also maintain a private cello studio. It's incredibly rewarding to witness my students’ progress and growth year after year. I love sharing my experiences with them, hoping to help them achieve their musical aspirations and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for classical music.
Q: Why did you choose this career path and what do you enjoy most about it?
A: I chose this career path because of the impact music had on me growing up, fostering community, friendships, and self-confidence. While I wasn't always certain about pursuing music professionally, I knew there was still so much more to learn and experience, and that's what ultimately drew me in. Like any meaningful relationship, time cultivates a deeper connection and a richer appreciation. A musician's life requires wearing many hats, and I've been fortunate to develop and grow as a performer, educator, and arts administrator. Through these experiences, I've discovered that what I cherish most is the camaraderie with my colleagues and the opportunity to serve our community through music. Hawai‘i's music community is truly special, and I'm incredibly grateful to be a part of it.
Q: What makes you #PublicSchoolProud?
A: I take immense pride in being a local, public school kid who now performs on stage as a member of the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. I don't think many public school students envision themselves there (I know I didn't), and I hope I can represent them well, demonstrating that anything is possible through hard work and dedication, regardless of background and upbringing. #PublicSchoolsProud
Q: Favorite subject in school?
A: This may be obvious, but orchestra because of the sense of community!
Q: What type of extracurricular activities were you involved in?
A: I was a part of numerous service clubs, student government, the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony, and attended festivals on the mainland during the summer.
Q: Name of a teacher or mentor you’d like to thank?
A: I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my high school orchestra teacher, Mr. Elden Seta. While I deeply appreciate his musical guidance, I am especially thankful for everything he taught me beyond the music itself. His class instilled in me a belief in my own leadership potential and the importance of contributing to something larger than myself. (Editor's note: Elden Seta is now a state office teacher for fine arts - music, under HIDOE's Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design, serving all public schools.)
Q: What advice do you have for students?
A: Say "Yes!" Countless opportunities will come your way, and you'll never know what you're missing unless you try and give it your best effort. I always tell my students, "What if you love it?”
Are you or do you know someone who exemplifies the Hawai'i State Department of Education's mission to prepare all graduates to be globally competitive and locally committed? We are looking for individuals who graduated from a Hawai'i public school and are passionate about their communities. Please fill out this form for a chance to be featured as a future alumni spotlight.
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Public School Pop Quiz! Answer: 3. Kaimukī Middle. |
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HAWAI‘I STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Keith Hayashi
Superintendent
Heidi Armstrong
Deputy Superintendent
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Dean Uchida
Deputy Superintendent
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Tammi Oyadomari-Chun
Deputy Superintendent
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ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS
Sean Bacon
Talent Management
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Brian Hallett
Fiscal Services
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Audrey Hidano
Facilities and Operations
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Elizabeth Higashi
Strategy, Innovation and Performance
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Kinau Gardner
Student Support Services
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Amy Peckinpaugh
Information Technology Services
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Teri Ushijima
Curriculum and Instructional Design
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Ho‘oha‘aheo
PUBLIC SCHOOL PROUD
Nanea Ching
Executive Editor
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Kimberly Yuen
Managing Editor
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Contributors
Chanel Honda
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Derek Inoshita
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Stan Lee
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Sara Miyazono
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Kimi Takazawa
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Krislyn Yano Moore
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1390 Miller St. Honolulu, HI 96813 | Phone: 808-784-6200 Fax: 808-586-3234
Share your story ideas, questions and feedback to newsletter@k12.hi.us
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