“…Physical activity can have an impact on cognitive skills and attitudes and academic behavior, all of which are important components of improved academic performance. These include enhanced concentration and attention as well as improved classroom behavior.” – Centers for Disease Control (CDC) As a small, first-year K-7 elementary school, we don’t have a physical education… Read more
Category "Monday Message"
Getting the Word Out About Alaka’i!
We have NEW flyers! Please come to the office and take some with you to distribute in the community! Enrollment is open and we are looking to put the word out about our school. We’d love your help in getting flyers to all local businesses and families. MAHALO for your support!! Please follow us on… Read more
A Huge Mahalo
MAHALO to the Berginz family for our school’s new guitar! MAHALO to the Salamey family for our school’s first ukulele! MAHALO to Christine Ferguson, Leia Makaneole and the Tapia family for coordinating our first Spirit Week! MAHALO to all our amazing volunteers who show up EVERY week to support our school!
Upcoming Events
(Please see the school calendar for more information) Monday-Friday, March 11-15th: Alaka’i O Kaua’i SCHOOL SPIRIT WEEK! March 16-24th: SPRING BREAK Monday, March 25th: End of Enrollment Period Tuesday, March 26th: Prince Kuhio Day – NO SCHOOL Thursday, March 28th: OHANA NETWORK Meeting, 2:45 p.m. Thursday, March 28th: Enrollment lottery held (if needed)
Our Inaugural SCHOOL SPIRIT WEEK at Alaka’i O Kaua’i
Alaka’i O Kaua’i is celebrating its inaugural SPIRIT WEEK, starting tomorrow, Monday, March 11. Families are encouraged to send learners to school dressed up throughout the week in order to participate. MONDAY is Super Hero Day TUESDAY is Pajama Day WEDNESDAY is Wacky Wardrobe Day THURSDAY is Aloha Day FRIDAY is School Colors Day (Purple… Read more
Ohana Network Meetings
Our Ohana Network meets every third Thursday of the month at 2:45 p.m. The next meeting is Thursday, March 28th, at 2:45 p.m., to begin some exciting new projects in school enrichment, fundraising and outreach. Please join us to get involved! New projects include school spring celebrations, new fundraising campaigns and a full calendar of… Read more
Spring Break Camps Offered on Kaua’i
Here are two great options for Spring Break programs that have been shared with us by community organizations offering camps for children: Reef Guardians Hawaii is offering a Coral Reef Kids Camp, March 19-21 (see attached flyer) Poipu Beach Athletic Club is offering a Spring Break Sports Camp (see attached flyer)
Upcoming Events
(Please see the school calendar for more information) Monday-Friday, March 11-15th: Alaka’i O Kaua’i SCHOOL SPIRIT WEEK! March 16-24th: SPRING BREAK Monday, March 25th: End of Enrollment Period Thursday, March 28th: Enrollment lottery held (if needed)
Seeking Office Helpers
We are looking for several individuals interested in helping in the main office on a weekly basis. Tasks for office volunteers include assisting students, answering phones, cleaning and organizing, and generally supporting our office staff. Right now, we have a small crew of wonderful volunteers which we’d love to expand! Please email Claire at claire.woolger@alakaiokauai.org or… Read more
Alaka’i Enrollment is Open for Next School Year!
Enrollment for school year 2019-2020 is open! Please spread the word that anyone interested in enrolling can obtain an application by clicking here or stopping by the school’s main office. They can also get in touch directly with us by calling (808) 635-5110 or emailing Registrar Claire at claire.woolger@alakaiokauai.org. We give priority seats to re-enrolling… Read more
Upcoming Events
(Please see the school calendar for more information) Wednesday, Feb. 27: 8:15-9 a.m., Coffee & Conversation with Director Fred Thursday, Feb. 28: 4-5:30 p.m., Parent Info Night (for new prospective families) Monday-Friday, March 11-15th: Alaka’i O Kaua’i SCHOOL SPIRIT WEEK!
Captain Mark Jeffers Visits Alaka’i
Last week, our school community was fortunate enough to receive a visit from Captain Mark Jeffers and his giant inflatable sea creatures. Our learners were thrilled to experience his presentation on marine ecology. Captain Mark educates audiences through storytelling around Hawaii about the importance of protecting our seas and coral reefs. Mahalo, Captain Mark, for… Read more
Multicultural Education with Kinder Music
In Kindergarten, our Kinder Music program with Auntie Claire is exploring new songs in both Hawaiian and African languages. Keiki are learning to create and hold rhythms while singing “Obwisana” and “Tue Tue,” both folk songs from Ghana. Kindergarteners are learning quickly and are happily engaged in singing and moving with the music. We are… Read more
Project-based Learning in First & Second Grade
Miss Kim and Miss Megan have begun their second unit in Project-Based Learning. First and second graders are learning about the world through their explorations with “Flat Stanley,” our literacy guide, a character from a series about a boy who was flattened and travels the world. Each child has the opportunity to send their own… Read more
Upcoming Events
(Please see the school calendar for more information) Monday, Feb. 18: NO SCHOOL (Presidents’ Day) Wednesday, Feb. 20: Reports of Progress will be sent home Thursday, Feb. 21: Mark Jeffers Eco Marine Tour/Presentation (Parent volunteers welcome!) Thursday, Feb, 21: NAEP Testing will be held for 4th grade learners Thursday, Feb. 28: Open House at 4… Read more
A Friendly Reminder
Please remember to send your child to school with a change of clothes in their backpack and warm clothing on cooler days. Mahalo!
We Need Instruments!
Alaka’i is looking for instruments! If you have any percussion instruments (drums, rattles, shakers) you would like to donate, our Kinder Music program is looking for more rhythm-makers. We are also seeking a guitar, and eventually more! Please help us find instruments for Alaka’i.
Upcoming Events
(Please see the school calendar for more information) Monday, Feb. 11: Reports of Progress sent home Wednesday, Feb. 13: NO SCHOOL (HTSA Institute Day) & Open House at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Friday, Feb. 15: Reports of Progress will go home Monday, Feb. 18: NO SCHOOL (Presidents’ Day) Thursday, Feb. 21: Mark… Read more
National and State Testing
In approximately two weeks, we will begin the process of testing our learners to see how they measure up with other learners in the state of Hawaii, as well as nationally. While Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School does not believe that standardized tests are the only way to measure the academic progress our learners are… Read more
Mark Jeffers Comes to Alaka’i for Marine Eco-Tour Presentation
We are very excited to have Kaua’i’s own Mark Jeffers come share his Marine Eco-Tour Presentation with us on Thursday, February 21st. All classes will have the chance to participate in his educational program about marine life, including the chance to step inside the belly of a whale! Mark brings his two inflatable marine creatures… Read more
Upcoming Events
(Please see the school calendar for more information) Thursday, Feb. 7th: Ohana Network Meeting at 2:45 p.m. & Open House at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11: Reports of Progress sent home Wednesday, Feb. 13: NO SCHOOL (HTSA Institute Day) & Open House at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18: NO SCHOOL (Presidents’ Day) Thursday, Feb. 21:… Read more
Learning More About Project-Based Learning
Alakai’i O Kaua’i and iLEAD Schools are pleased to have Dr. Thom Markham, founder of PBL Global, visit our school this week to work with our staff on developing rigorous project-based learning (PBL) in every grade level. Also, there are two opportunities to hear Dr. Markham’s presentation on Project-Based Learning this Tuesday, February 5th… Read more
Lemonade For Sale!
Learners from Miss Ashley’s third and fourth grade class have recently partnered up with Bizgenics, a nonprofit foundation whose goal is to empower kids to discover personal skills and learn positive social values to catalyze a bright future. From their partnership, they have begun implementing Project Lemon Tree. Project Lemon Tree is a living, outdoor classroom program where… Read more
Rotary Club of Poipu Visits Alaka’i
Last week, the Rotary Club of Poipu visited our school. Members were given a tour of classrooms and campus and met with Director Fred Birkett about joining forces with their organization. We are so thankful to Peter Baldwin (2nd grader Raegan Baldwin’s grandfather) for visiting our school and considering us for future programs that connect… Read more
Alaka’i Enrollment is Open!
We have opened enrollment for school year 2019-2020! Please spread the word that anyone interested in enrolling can obtain enrollment forms by visiting our website or stopping by the school’s main office. Our enrollment process has changed slightly as we will no longer be using the SchoolMint system, so if you or someone you know… Read more
Upcoming Events
(Please see the school calendar for more information) Thursday, Jan. 31: End of First Semester Friday,Feb. 1: NO SCHOOL Thursday, Feb. 7 at 2:45 p.m.: Ohana Network Meeting Monday, Feb. 11: Reports of Progress sent home Wednesday, Feb. 13: NO SCHOOL (HTSA Institute Day)
Alaka’i Kinder Music & Movement
We are very happy to share that our first music program has begun at Alaka’i O Kaua’i! Our very own Office Manager, Miss Claire, has started doing a weekly Kinder Music & Movement class with our Kindergarten classes. With a background in music, dance, and theater, Miss Claire is thrilled to share her love of… Read more
We Are Expanding
There are lots of exciting changes underway at Alaka’i O Kaua’i, including expansion into new parts of our campus, adding: a new health room, staff lunch room, learner work room, and meeting room. We are also in the process of renovating our enormous gym, which will hopefully be ready for use by the end of… Read more
Intent To Re-Enroll & Registration for 2019-2020
Please keep your eyes open for Intent to Re-Enroll forms coming home with all learners this week. We ask that you please complete this form by Monday, February 4th to secure your child’s seat for next school year. Registration for all grades will also open up this Monday, January 28th. We will be adding two… Read more
Upcoming Events
(Please see the school calendar for more information) Monday, Jan. 21: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day observed (No School) Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 8:15 a.m.: Coffee & Conversation with Director Fred Birkett Thursday, Jan. 31: End of First Semester Friday,Feb. 1: NO SCHOOL Thursday, Feb. 7 at 2:45 p.m.: Ohana Network Meeting Monday, Feb. 11: Reports… Read more
Preventing and Treating Ukus
Last week, we sent home an informational article: Preventing and Treating Ukus. This article was sent out due to a few incidents we’ve had at school regarding ukus (head lice). We contacted the Department of Education District Office (Kaua’i), and found out that this problem is prevalent in all schools, especially elementary schools, since children… Read more
Ohana Network has NEW Committee Leaders!
During our last Ohana Network meeting we met in our three committees — Fundraising, Outreach, and School Enrichment. Everyone had the chance to connect, get to know each other, and communicate some of their ideas. We were able to choose leaders for each committee, so that committees can begin meeting independently and go into action.… Read more
Seeking Office Helpers
We are looking for several individuals interested in helping in the main office on a weekly basis. Tasks for office volunteers include assisting students, answering phones, cleaning and organizing, and generally supporting our office staff. Right now, we have a small crew of wonderful volunteers which we’d love to expand! Please email Claire at claire.woolger@alakaiokauai.org or… Read more
Friends of Alaka’i O Kaua’i Library
A HUGE THANK YOU to our group of parent volunteers helping organize our library! We are very thankful for all your hard work and dedication: Chad Long, Summer Dillberg, Amber Martinez, Taitai Ka’uhini, Leia Makanole, and Bonita Garma. NOTE: We are not accepting more library book donations at this time. Please hold tight if you… Read more
Enrollment for School Year 2019-2020
This Friday, January 25th, all of our families will receive Intent to Re-Enroll forms as well as copies of our new school application. Please return these forms to us no later than Monday, February 4th, if you want to secure your child(ren’s) seat(s) for the coming school year. **All of our current students and their siblings… Read more
Upcoming Events
(Please see the school calendar for more information) Tuesday, Jan. 15: Love and Logic Parenting Workshop, 2:45-4 p.m. Jan. 21: No School – Martin Luther King Day observed Friday, Feb. 1: No School –Professional Learning Day for Facilitators Friday, Feb. 15: No School – HTSA Institute Day
Love & Logic Parenting Workshop
Linda Krystek (former interim school director) will be offering a workshop called, “Parenting with Love and Logic,” Part 1, on Tuesday, Jan. 15, from 2:45-4 p.m. in the Alaka’i Library. Please join us to learn how to show love and empathy while setting limits and holding children accountable with logical consequences. We will be diving… Read more
Searching for a Kumu & Educational Assistants
We want to let our ohana know that the search for a Hawaiian Kumu has begun! This particular Kumu is to help us plan and carry out Alaka’i’s very first May Day celebration this spring. This is a contracted position and we will be accepting bids. If anyone in our community has connections to a… Read more
Attendance
We recently sent letters to every family regarding learner attendance. Please do not be alarmed if you received a letter concerning your child’s attendance. The purpose of the attendance letter is to bring awareness to the issue and remind parents/guardians that learners need to be at school every day, on time! Feel free to stop… Read more
School Quality Survey
On Friday, the “School Quality Survey” form from the Department of Education was sent home with each child. The purpose of this survey is to provide the State Charter School Commission with one indicator of parent satisfaction with Alaka`i O Kaua’i Charter School. Please do your best to complete and return these surveys with your… Read more
Upcoming Events
(Please see the school calendar for more information) Jan. 7: No School Jan. 8: Classes resume Jan. 10, 2:45 p.m.: Ohana Network Meeting in the Library Jan. 17: Photo Retake Day Jan. 21: No School – Martin Luther King Day Jan. 31: End of First Semester Feb. 11: Reports cards sent home
A Few Reminders
When driving on our school road, PLEASE DRIVE 15 MPH! Although we are aware that everyone wants to make it to school on time, it is very important that we SLOW DOWN. We share our road with the Mount Kahili community as well as the animals, keiki, and staff who live there. It is understood that 15 mph is… Read more
Volunteers
We greatly appreciate our volunteers! A HUGE MAHALO to all of you who have been helping our little school thrive. Your presence makes a big impact for our teachers, staff, and keiki! In this new year, we ask that all volunteers submit a volunteer application, along with background check and fingerprinting documentation to Claire or Joann… Read more
Ohana Network
We are gearing up for some exciting new projects this new year, and would love your participation! Ohana Network participation forms will be sent home this week. If you are interested in getting involved in creating enrichment programs for our school, helping with fundraising or community outreach, we are forming committees in each area. If you are… Read more
Upcoming Events
(Please see the school calendar for more information) Dec. 24-Jan. 8: Winter Break (no school) Jan. 10, 2:45 p.m.: Ohana Network Meeting in the Library Jan. 21: No School – Martin Luther King Day Jan. 31: End of First Semester Feb. 11: Reports cards sent home
Presentation of Learning
Thank you to all of the families who came out to celebrate our first Presentation of Learning on Friday, Dec. 14. Our facilitators and learners were so excited to show off all the hard work that has gone into our school-wide unit of study focused on the garden and sustainability here on Kaua’i. The learning… Read more
Discipline with Love and Logic
At Alaka’i O Kaua’i, our school-wide discipline policy is based on the foundational skills of Love and Logic. Love and Logic is a philosophy founded in 1977 by Jim Fay and Foster W. Cline, M.D. It is the approach of choice among leading educators, parents, and other professionals worldwide, as it is dedicated to making… Read more
Love and Logic Parenting Workshop on Jan. 15
Linda Krystek will be offering “Parenting with Love and Logic, Part 1” at Alaka’i O Kaua’i on Tuesday, Jan. 15, from 2:45-4 p.m. in the Library. Join us to learn how to show love and empathy while setting limits and holding children accountable with logical consequences. We will be diving deep into the Five Core… Read more
Ohana Network Membership
We sent home Ohana Network Membership forms on Friday. If you would like to join our school’s first parent/family organization, please return this form to the front office. Meetings will be held regularly to support efforts in the areas of outreach, fundraising, and creating enrichment programs for our students. Our next meeting will be held… Read more
Alaka’i Bumper Stickers & Pencils for Sale
We have some great Alaka’i O Kaua’i bumper stickers and pencils for sale in the front office. They are $2 per sticker; $1 per pencil.
Extra Change of Clothing for Your Keiki
Now that we are in the heart of mud season here at Mount Kahili, please be sure to put an extra change of clothes in your child’s backpack so they are able to change if they get muddy or wet. We are also happily receiving clothing donations of all sizes/genders for children who do not… Read more
Lost and Found
Please check the Lost and Found right outside the office for any items that may belong to your child. Any items not recovered by Winter Break will be donated to charity or discarded.
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Facebook Page
Did you know that Alaka’i O Kaua’i has its own Facebook page? We invite you to “Follow” or “Like” our page to get the latest pictures, videos, and information about what is happening on campus. This is also a great way for everyone to share news about our wonderful school with their friends and community.
The Giving Tree
The Giving Tree in our front office is to show our appreciation for all the hard work and time our facilitators at Alaka’i O Kaua’i invest with our keiki. In the main office, you will find a Giving Tree with paper ornaments that include teacher’s name and what they may be needing or hoping for… Read more
School Photos
Our Photo Retake Day has been rescheduled to Thursday, January 17th. If your child was absent on the previous photo day, or you would like a picture retake, please put this date on your calendar. Order forms will be available at the front desk once we return from Winter Break.
Volunteer Requirements
At Alaka’i O Kaua’i, we love and appreciate all of our volunteers! If you haven’t already done so, please get a volunteer application and fingerprinting/background check packet if you intend to continue (or begin) volunteering with us in the school. We ask that everyone please complete these packets as soon as possible! We will also… Read more
Reminders Regarding Arrival and Dismissal
Please note that school begins at 8:15 a.m. Please drop your child off by 8:10 a.m. so they make it to class on time. This is very important for the flow of our classroom schedules and their morning meetings. Similarly, we want to remind you also that dismissal is at 2:25 p.m. Please do not… Read more
Seeking a Few Winter Break Volunteers
Hanging out on Kauai for winter break? Looking for a way to support your school? We are looking for just a few volunteers to help paint and reorganize a certain space in our school (what will become the new teachers lounge!) If you happen to have paint brushes, paint pans or rollers we can borrow,… Read more
Upcoming Events
(Please see the school calendar for more information) Friday, Dec. 14, 12:30-1:40 p.m.: PBL Presentation of Learning (POL) – All Grades Dec. 24-Jan. 8: Winter Break (no school) Jan. 10, 2:45 p.m.: Ohana Network Meeting in the Library Jan. 21: No School – Martin Luther King Day Jan. 31: End of First Semester Feb. 11: Reports cards… Read more
Lights on Rice Parade
Alaka’i O Kaua’i participated in the Lights on Rice Parade on Friday, Dec. 7. We had a great turnout of families and staff draped in lights and wearing holiday apparel, with decorated scooters, strollers, and wagons, and the peace bus made an appearance, too, adorned with lights! It was great to see our school represented… Read more