Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of articles on the pillars of Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School’s educational philosophy and approach. So here we are. We’ve explored six of the seven habits and why they’re important to us and our learners at Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School, and hopefully by this point you… Read more
Category "Culture and Curriculum"
Exploring Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School Culture: Habit 6 of the 7 Habits
Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of articles on the pillars of Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School’s educational philosophy and approach. Whether in the classroom, the workplace, relationships, or life in general, learning to compromise can be an important and helpful tool. However, what if there were a way to even further enrich… Read more
Exploring Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School Culture: Habit 5 of the 7 Habits
Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of articles on the pillars of Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School’s educational philosophy and approach. They say communication is key, but if we lack understanding in our relationships and interactions, how can we ever hope to truly, clearly communicate? This week, we’re examining Habit #5: Seek First… Read more
Exploring Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School Culture: Habit 4 of the 7 Habits
Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of articles on the pillars of Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School’s educational philosophy and approach. “In the long run, if it isn’t a win for both of us, we both lose. That’s why win-win is the only real alternative in interdependent realities.” — Dr. Stephen Covey This week,… Read more
Exploring Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School Culture: Habit 3 of the 7 Habits
Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of articles on the pillars of Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School’s educational philosophy and approach. You can find more articles by clicking here. This week, we look at Habit #3: Put First Things First. This habit, which all of us at Alaka`i O Kaua`i are working to… Read more
Exploring Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School Culture: Habit 2 of the 7 Habits
Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of articles on the pillars of Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School’s educational philosophy and approach. You can find more articles by clicking here. When was the last time you went on a trip to a new place without first looking up directions? Unless you have a superhuman… Read more
Exploring Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School Culture: Habit 1 of the 7 Habits
Last week, we introduced a vital element of Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School’s approach to education — The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Learning and practicing the 7 Habits has been instrumental to our learners’ success living out the Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School approach of empowering kids to be “free to think, inspired… Read more
Exploring Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School Culture: The 7 Habits
We’re happy to introduce a new series of articles in the Monday Message, aimed at unpacking some of the essentials of the Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School educational model. Our educational model is driven by much more than simply making sure children are good students. Rather, it’s focused on equipping them to be lifelong learners… Read more
Exploring Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School Culture: Habit 7 of the 7 Habits
Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of articles on the pillars of Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School’s educational philosophy and approach. So here we are. We’ve explored six of the seven habits and why they’re important to us and our learners at Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School, and hopefully by this point you… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Social Intelligence
In the Alaka’i O Kaua’i approach to project-based learning, which produces well-rounded kids, social intelligence is a key component of whole-child development. What do we mean by social intelligence? It’s a person’s ability to interact well with others. It’s often simply called people skills, or tact. It isn’t necessarily a natural-born characteristic, but it can… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Components of Social-Emotional Learning — Optimism
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is one of the core elements of the Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School approach to education. Through social-emotional learning, learners understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Academic achievement is only one aspect of a… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Building 21st-Century Skills
At Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School, what’s important is not only ensuring learners are receiving an academically well-rounded education but also that they have the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. That’s why we place a high priority on 21st-century skills. These skills are essential in a worldwide market that’s moving faster… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Social Intelligence
In the Alaka’i O Kaua’i approach to project-based learning, which produces well-rounded kids, social intelligence is a key component of whole-child development. What do we mean by social intelligence? It’s a person’s ability to interact well with others. It’s often simply called people skills, or tact. It isn’t necessarily a natural-born characteristic, but it can… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Partnering with Home and Community
At Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School, we don’t believe that education happens solely within the four walls of a school. On the contrary, we believe education that produces well-rounded children is a result of synergy and collaboration between the school, the home, and the community. That is why it is so important to us to… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Components of Social-Emotional Learning — Optimism
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is one of the core elements of the Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School approach to education. Through social-emotional learning, learners understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Academic achievement is only one aspect of a… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Whole-Child Development
At Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School, social-emotional learning is integral to our whole-child educational approach. A whole-child mindset means that we are focused on far more than teaching to tests or holding up state standards as the be-all, end-all of education. We believe in focusing on the whole child and promoting social-emotional learning, because education… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Components of Social-Emotional Learning — Grit
What does it take to really succeed? Some might call it drive or determination. At Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School, we like to call it grit, and it is a crucial component of social-emotional learning. We define grit as “having courage and resolve, and strength of character.” Someone with grit works hard and passionately, sets… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Culture: Components of Social-Emotional Learning — Zest
“Enthusiasm is the electricity of life.” —Gordon Parks Central to the Alaka’i O Kaua’i approach to project-based learning is a belief that education works best when it’s energetic. Rather than being stale and rote, it’s filled with excitement. That excitement, which we call zest, is a core element of social-emotional learning. Individuals who approach life… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Culture: Components of Social-Emotional Learning — Curiosity
“Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.” — Golda Meir Within the Alaka’i O Kaua’i education model, we believe kids are more empowered to learn and retain knowledge when learning means asking questions. That’s why we reinforce curiosity as a component of social-emotional learning (SEL).… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Culture: Components of Social-Emotional Learning — Self-Control
By definition, social-emotional learning (SEL) helps kids tap into their emotions and how they affect what they do. So it should follow that an essential component of SEL is an understanding of self-control, or self-management. As defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) — which has informed the Alaka’i O Kaua’i… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Social Intelligence
In the Alaka’i O Kaua’i approach to project-based learning, which produces well-rounded kids, social intelligence is a key component of whole-child development. What do we mean by social intelligence? It’s a person’s ability to interact well with others. It’s often simply called people skills, or tact. It isn’t necessarily a natural-born characteristic, but it can… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Whole-Child Development
Last week we introduced the importance of social-emotional learning at Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School. Social-emotional learning is integral to our whole-child educational approach. A whole-child mindset means that we are focused on far more than teaching to tests or holding up state standards as the be-all, end-all of education. We believe in focusing on… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Culture: Components of Social-Emotional Learning — Gratitude
“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson Did you know that consciously practicing gratitude can help improve your physical and psychological health? Did… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Components of Social-Emotional Learning — Optimism
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is one of the core elements of the Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School approach to education. Through social-emotional learning, learners understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Academic achievement is only one aspect of a… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Social-Emotional Learning
In our approach to education at Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School, we emphasize methods that foster learners’ social-emotional learning. Social-emotional learning is the process through which learners understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, and establish and maintain positive relationships to make responsible decisions. We believe it’s… Read more
Alakaʻi O Kauaʻi Charter School Culture: Real-World Experiences
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School emphasizes 21st-century skills and preparing learners for the work world, and tangible experiences help elevate the learning process. Examples include our third graders’ podcast; our DreamUp to Space challenges, where teams of learners come up with scientific research projects that launch to the International Space Station for testing; or our… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Building 21st-Century Skills
At Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School, what’s important is not only ensuring learners are receiving an academically well-rounded education but also that they have the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. That’s why we place a high priority on 21st-century skills. These skills are essential in a worldwide market that’s moving faster… Read more
Exploring Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School Culture: Habit 7 of the 7 Habits
Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of articles on the pillars of Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School’s educational philosophy and approach. So here we are. We’ve explored six of the seven habits and why they’re important to us and our learners at Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School, and hopefully by this point you… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Culture: Project-Based Learning
Spend even just a few moments inquiring about the Alakaʻi O Kauaʻi approach to education, and one of the first things you’ll hear about is project-based learning, or PBL. It’s at the core of our approach to school and a proven asset to education. So what is project-based learning? In PBL, learners actively explore real-world… Read more
Exploring Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School Culture: Habit 6 of the 7 Habits
Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of articles on the pillars of Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School’s educational philosophy and approach. Whether in the classroom, the workplace, relationships, or life in general, learning to compromise can be an important and helpful tool. However, what if there were a way to even further enrich… Read more
Alakaʻi O Kauaʻi Culture: Project-Based Learning
Spend even just a few moments inquiring about the Alakaʻi O Kauaʻi approach to education, and one of the first things you’ll hear about is project-based learning, or PBL. It’s at the core of our approach to school and a proven asset to education. So what is project-based learning? In PBL, learners actively explore real-world… Read more
Exploring Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School Culture: Habit 5 of the 7 Habits
Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of articles on the pillars of Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School’s educational philosophy and approach. They say communication is key, but if we lack understanding in our relationships and interactions, how can we ever hope to truly, clearly communicate? This week, we’re examining Habit #5: Seek First… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Whole-Child Development
Last week we introduced the importance of social-emotional learning at Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School. Social-emotional learning is integral to our whole-child educational approach. A whole-child mind-set means that we are focused on far more than teaching to tests or holding up state standards as the be-all, end-all of education. We believe in focusing on… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Partnering with Home and Community
At Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School, we don’t believe that education happens solely within the four walls of a school. On the contrary, we believe education that produces well-rounded children is a result of synergy and collaboration between the school, the home, and the community. That is why it is so important to us to… Read more
Exploring Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School Culture: Habit 4 of the 7 Habits
Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of articles on the pillars of Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School’s educational philosophy and approach. “In the long run, if it isn’t a win for both of us, we both lose. That’s why win-win is the only real alternative in interdependent realities.” — Dr. Stephen Covey This week,… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Partnering with Home and Community
At Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School, we don’t believe that education happens solely within the four walls of a school. On the contrary, we believe education that produces well-rounded children is a result of synergy and collaboration between the school, the home, and the community. That is why it is so important to us to… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Components of Social-Emotional Learning — Optimism
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is one of the core elements of the Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School approach to education. Through social-emotional learning, learners understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Academic achievement is only one aspect of a… Read more
Exploring Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School Culture: Habit 3 of the 7 Habits
Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of articles on the pillars of Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School’s educational philosophy and approach. You can find more articles by clicking here. This week, we look at Habit #3: Put First Things First. This habit, which all of us at Alaka`i O Kaua`i are working to… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Culture: Components of Social-Emotional Learning — Growth Mindset
At Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School, we believe when kids learn how to face challenges, they grow into leaders. As part of our emphasis on social-emotional learning (SEL), we believe it’s important to develop what we call a growth mindset. Let’s do a quick test. Do you tend to agree or disagree with the following… Read more
Alakaʻi O Kauaʻi Culture: Project-Based Learning
Spend even just a few moments inquiring about the Alakaʻi O Kauaʻi approach to education, and one of the first things you’ll hear about is project-based learning, or PBL. It’s at the core of our approach to school and a proven asset to education. So what is project-based learning? In PBL, learners actively explore real-world… Read more
Exploring Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School Culture: Habit 2 of the 7 Habits
Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of articles on the pillars of Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School’s educational philosophy and approach. You can find more articles by clicking here. When was the last time you went on a trip to a new place without first looking up directions? Unless you have a superhuman… Read more
Exploring Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School Culture: Habit 1 of the 7 Habits
Last week, we introduced a vital element of Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School’s approach to education — The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Learning and practicing the 7 Habits has been instrumental to our learners’ success living out the Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School motto of “free to think, inspired to lead” — not… Read more
Exploring Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School Culture: The 7 Habits
We’re happy to introduce a new series of articles in the Monday Message, aimed at unpacking some of the essentials of the Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School educational model. Our educational model is driven by much more than simply making sure children are good students. Rather, it’s focused on equipping them to be lifelong learners… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Social Intelligence
In the Alaka’i O Kaua’i approach to project-based learning, which produces well-rounded kids, social intelligence is a key component of whole-child development. What do we mean by social intelligence? It’s a person’s ability to interact well with others. It’s often simply called people skills, or tact. It isn’t necessarily a natural-born characteristic, but it can… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Whole-Child Development
Last week we introduced the importance of social-emotional learning at Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School. Social-emotional learning is integral to our whole-child educational approach. A whole-child mind-set means that we are focused on far more than teaching to tests or holding up state standards as the be-all, end-all of education. We believe in focusing on… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Social-Emotional Learning
In our approach to education at Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School, we emphasize methods that foster learners’ social-emotional learning. Social-emotional learning is the process through which learners understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, and establish and maintain positive relationships to make responsible decisions. We believe it’s… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Real-World Experiences
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School emphasizes 21st-century skills and preparing learners for the work world, and tangible experiences help elevate the learning process. Examples include our third graders’ podcast; our DreamUp to Space challenges, where teams of learners come up with scientific research projects that launch to the International Space Station for testing; or our… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Building 21st-Century Skills
At Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School, what’s important is not only ensuring learners are receiving an academically well-rounded education but also that they have the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. That’s why we place a high priority on 21st-century skills. These skills are essential in a worldwide market that’s moving faster… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Culture: Project-Based Learning
Spend even just a few moments inquiring about the Alakaʻi O Kauaʻi approach to education, and one of the first things you’ll hear about is project-based learning, or PBL. It’s at the core of our approach to school and a proven asset to education. So what is project-based learning? In PBL, learners actively explore real-world… Read more
Exploring Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Habit 7 of the 7 Habits
So here we are. We’ve explored six of the seven habits and why they’re important to us and our learners at Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School, and hopefully by this point you feel more equipped and empowered to approach your own life and work with clearer focus and vision. But how do we maintain that… Read more
Exploring Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Habit 6 of the 7 Habits
Whether in the classroom, the workplace, relationships, or life in general, learning to compromise can be an important and helpful tool. However, what if there were a way to even further enrich and strengthen our communication and interactions? That’s what’s behind Habit #6: Synergize. Synergy brings into focus the old adage that “two heads are… Read more
Exploring Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Habit 5 of the 7 Habits
Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of articles on the pillars of Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School’s educational philosophy and approach. They say communication is key, but if we lack understanding in our relationships and interactions, how can we ever hope to truly, clearly communicate? This week, we’re examining Habit #5: Seek First… Read more
Exploring Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Habit 4 of the 7 Habits
“In the long run, if it isn’t a win for both of us, we both lose. That’s why win-win is the only real alternative in interdependent realities.” — Dr. Stephen Covey This week, we’re examining Habit #4: Think Win-Win. Someone with a win-win mind-set sees life as a cooperative arena, instead of a competitive one. Win-win… Read more
Exploring Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Habit 3 of the 7 Habits
This week, we look at Habit #3: Put First Things First. This habit, which all of us at Alaka`i O Kaua`i are working to put into practice, is about identifying and organizing one’s priorities. In essence, someone who puts first things first is saying, “I spend time on things that are most important. I set… Read more
Exploring Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Habit 2 of the 7 Habits
When was the last time you went on a trip to a new place without first looking up directions? Unless you have a superhuman sense of direction, you searched for how to get where you were going, whether on your phone or an old-school paper map. That’s what this week’s habit is all about. Last… Read more
Exploring Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Habit 1 of the 7 Habits
Last week, we introduced a vital element of Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School’s approach to education — The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Learning and practicing the 7 Habits has been instrumental to our learners’ success living out the Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School motto of “free to think, inspired to lead” — not… Read more
Exploring Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School Culture: The 7 Habits
At Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School, our educational model is driven by much more than simply making sure children are good students. Rather, it’s focused on equipping them to be lifelong learners who are fully developed and prepared to lead in the 21st century. Whether you’ve been part of the Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Culture: Components of Social-Emotional Learning — Grit
What does it take to really succeed? Some might call it drive or determination. At Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School, we like to call it grit, and it is a crucial component of social-emotional learning. We define grit as “having courage and resolve, and strength of character.” Someone with grit works hard and passionately, sets… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Culture: Components of Social-Emotional Learning — Zest
“Enthusiasm is the electricity of life.” —Gordon Parks Central to the Alaka’i O Kaua’i approach to project-based learning is a belief that education works best when it’s energetic. Rather than being stale and rote, it’s filled with excitement. That excitement, which we call zest, is a core element of social-emotional learning. Individuals who approach life… Read more
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Culture: Components of Social-Emotional Learning — Curiosity
“Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.” — Golda Meir Within the Alaka’i O Kaua’i education model, we believe kids are more empowered to learn and retain knowledge when learning means asking questions. That’s why we reinforce curiosity as a component of social-emotional learning (SEL).… Read more