School news and events for the week of {date}

Aloha to the great people in the Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School learning community, and hope this message finds you in good health and happiness in the first week of November.

The end of October saw various projects to celebrate fall and the Halloween season. 

Our creative learners, under the steady guidance of Ms. Nicole, have created numerous colorful art at each grade level. Ms. Kate and our energetic 4th graders built pumpkin vehicles, and their level of engagement was simply outstanding. 

Despite all the challenges and issues we have faced on our planet, our school was able to successfully host a physically distanced Trunk-or-Treat event on Friday. We were overwhelmed with the outstanding support we received from our learning community and proud of the extra effort put forth by our diligent staff to make this event a reality. Trunk-or-Treat is another clear example of the great outcomes that are possible when all members of our learning community work together in collaboration.

As we turn the calendar over to the month of November, we find Election Day coming up quickly. The wise words of the American author Sharon Salzberg perhaps capture it best: “Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country and this world.” In recognition of the importance of Election Day, we share that the Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School campus will be closed on Tuesday, November 3.

One of the pillars of our school is the outstanding work being performed by our selfless Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Board of Directors. These dedicated individuals donate countless hours sharing their expertise, wisdom, and governance to keep our school moving forward in a positive direction. Recently an individual who has served on the Board of Directors, well past any expected term requirement, concluded it was time to take a well-deserved leave from duty and move on to her next endeavor. Our Vice Chair Nicola Sherrill agreed to share a few thoughts on our behalf:

Elizabeth “Indy” Reeves was as dedicated and hardworking as any up-and-coming public charter school chairperson is expected to be and beyond. Often working behind the curtain making sure every line has its i’s dotted and its t’s crossed, relentless and inspiring, she helped to keep the school on a trajectory toward success. 

Our kids grew up running around any kitchen table that would have us, keiki observing the grass-roots movement in motion. From initial community outreach to official board member and then chair, Indy rose graciously to each occasion. After becoming chairperson of the board, Indy stepped up even further and took on what became an all-encompassing job making sure Alaka’i stayed true to the mission and vision that was set forth in its inception. It was a solid job well done! Perseverance and determination are the CliffsNotes in this story. 

Mahalo, Indy, from Alaka’i, for the blood, sweat and tears of all these years. Your efforts will live on as a part of the Alaka’i legacy forever.   

Mahalo to all for your work in continuing to follow the revised Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School Opening Plan. We are blessed to have enjoyed three straight weeks of on-campus education for all of our keiki, and we all wish to remain open. As our island opens up to more travel, we understand that adherence to government and health official guidelines give us all the best chance to offer face-to-face education for our learners.

Best wishes to you all for a happy and healthy month of November.

DJ Adams

School Director