School news and events for the week of 07.28.2025

Aloha e ka ʻohana o Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School,

Ke Ala o ke Kula (the path to school begins)! The quiet hum of summer is beginning to mix with a new, exciting energy on campus! While our haumāna (learners) enjoy their last few days of vacation, our kumu (teachers) and staff are returning, and the campus is buzzing with preparations. You can smell the freshly cleaned campus and hear the faint sounds of classrooms being lovingly arranged. This is the time of hoʻomākaukau – of making ready – and we are so excited for the journey ahead.

Based on the walaʻau in our email inboxes and the dates filling up our calendar, below you will find what you need to know as we prepare for a wonderful 2025-2026 school year!

He Lā Koʻikoʻi – Important Dates Ahead

Mark your calendars! The first couple of weeks are full of important events to ensure a smooth and positive start to the school year.

• Monday, July 28-30: Kumu & Staff Campus Preparation and Professional Development Days (Campus closed to the public).
• Friday, August 1: Meet Your Kumu & Campus Open House from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon. This is a wonderful, informal opportunity for all students and parents to see their new classroom, drop off class materials and connect with their teacher.
• Monday, August 4: First Day of School for Learners! School begins at 8:45 AM and ends at 12:30 PM. This is a half day of school for students. Please plan accordingly to pick-up your child.

Ho’olaha No Ka Pule – Announcements for the Week

We’ve received many great questions from you all! Here are some key announcements to help you prepare.

• School Supply Lists: For those of you asking, the 2025-2026 school supply lists for all grade levels are now available on our website. You can find them here: https://alakaiokauai.org/supply-lists/.
• Finalizing Registration: If you have not yet completed your child’s online registration or submitted updated forms (e.g., health records, emergency contacts), please do so as soon as possible. Our office will be open Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. A big mahalo to the many families who have already completed this!
• E Komo Mai! Welcome to our New Staff: We are thrilled to welcome several new members to our school ʻohana this year. This week, we want to give a special aloha to a few new educators: Ms. Jennifer Cain, our new 4th Grade Kumu, Ms. Ellen Wegner, our new Kindergarten Kumu, Ms. Pamela Tipton, our new Special Services Kumu, Ms. Nicholle Alfaro (EA), Ms. Brenda Kuwamura (EA). We know they will be a fantastic addition to our community!
• Parking and Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures: A reminder that our drop-off and pick-up procedures will be the same as last year. A detailed map and instructions can be found here: https://alakaiokauai.org/opening-plan/. Please help us keep our keiki safe by following the established routes.
• A special note: Please help us be a great neighbor in the Kahili Mountain Community by driving slowly in and out of campus on the private road. The acceptable speed limit is below 15mph. Enjoy the beautiful time to slow down. ☺️

Ka Manaʻo o ka Pule – A Thought for the Week

Our thought for this week is centered on the value of Kuleana (Responsibility, Privilege). As we begin a new school year, we are all reminded of our shared kuleana. Our teachers have the kuleana to create a safe and inspiring learning environment. Our students have the kuleana to be active and respectful learners. And as ʻohana, we have the kuleana to support our children on their educational path. It is a privilege to share in this important work together.

We are filled with anticipation for the year to come and can’t wait to see all of our students’ shining faces on campus again. Have a great week!

Mahalo and malama pono.

Paul Zina
Po’okumu / Director
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School