Monday message 10.16.2023

Aloha mai kakou to the Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School learning community, and we hope this message finds you rested, relaxed, plus ready to return for the second quarter of the 2023-2024 school year. We look forward to welcoming back our learners on Monday, October 16th for a full day on campus after Fall Break.

As you may know, the character trait focus for the month of October is EMPATHY and we have clear examples of how empathy shines on our campus. To take this character trait a touch deeper, we wish to let you know that October is National Bullying Prevention Month across our country and we will celebrate a special day on campus this week.

Wednesday, October 18 is set aside as United Day to unite for kindness, acceptance, and aloha across the state of Hawai’i. We are encouraging everyone to wear orange to school on Wednesday to show support that all people in our society, including our talented learners, deserve to be safe at school and in our community. Each learner and staff member will also be given an orange plastic bracelet as a happy reminder that we can all make a difference in addressing bullying.

Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School is already incredibly fortunate to have aloha in action on campus, as seen in the photos this week. An anonymous donor from our parent community donated a microwave oven to the school to help shorten the line-ups at lunchtime. Our learning community continues to give generously to the “Change for Change” Maui relief program. Our Grade Three class just completed a food drive with over 100 pounds of food collected for those in need. Every Friday we take the time to honor those people on campus both learners and staff who demonstrate kindness to others through our weekly “Kindness Matters” draw.

Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School also acknowledges that we may have people on campus who do not treat others with kindness, acceptance, and aloha from time to time. Should you or any of our learners be experiencing bullying, please connect with school staff. The only way to stop bullying is to address it directly. We embrace a practice of zero avoidance in which we will address the problem if we are aware of the problem. Sadly many individuals with bullying behaviour may do so in secret. Please let us know of any issues so that we can assist everyone involved.

Mahalo for your support of our unique charter school and best wishes for a wonderful week ahead.