Hawai'i State Public Charter School Commission

Congratulations to Shiloh Francis of Hawaii Technology Academy on being named the 2024 Hawaiʻi History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute! Shiloh’s dedication to bringing history to life for students has been recognized on a national level. Check out her recent interview with Hawaiʻi Public Radio to hear more about her passion for teaching and inspiring the next generation. 📚🎤

Hawaiʻi Technology Academy educator named state's History Teacher of the Year Shiloh Francis is one of 53 national finalists announced last week. In addition to a $1,000 prize, Francis will receive an archive of American history books as recognition at a local ceremony.

Navigating Success: Mālama Honua 5th Grade Portfolio Defense Story!

Mālama Honua Public Charter School in Waimānalo celebrated the achievements of its 5th graders with a series of milestone events, highlighting their journey and growth through the portfolio defense which started in March, as well as sailing training, and the Kīhei ceremony in May. These activities embody the school's commitment to cultivating the "mind of the navigator" in its students, combining academic learning with cultural and practical experiences.

Passing the 5th grade defense opens the path for students to participate in the 6th grade sail- a 4 day and 3 night journey on the waʻa in the waters of Kāneʻohe Bay. Wow! What an amazing experience they will have.

We share their story:

Navigating Success: Mālama Honua 5th Grade Portfolio Defense Story Mālama Honua Public Charter School celebrated the achievements of its 5th graders with a series of milestone events, highlighting their journey and growth th...

Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha on Kauai Celebrates Publishing 400+ Books in Olelo Niihau

Students and staff at Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha (KKNOK) have written and published more than 400 books in the Niihau dialect of the Hawaiian language. This effort aims to perpetuate the language and provide students with literature in their native dialect that resonates with them.

KKNOK is the only Hawaiian Language Immersion Niihau dialect school in the state. Six years ago students and staff began writing and publishing books, creating a vibrant literary legacy.

Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha Charter School Celebrates the Publishing of 400+ Books in Olelo Niihau Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha (KKNOK) Charter School on Kauai celebrates publishing over 400 Books in Olelo Niihau. Students and staff at KKNOK have written and p...

We are thrilled to share that Hawaiʻi Academy of Arts & Science (HAAS) Workplace Readiness students have been recently recognized by the Dane Silva Hawaiian Healing Center and Kīpuka Garden! 🎉

The Kīpuka Garden was created by Kumu Dane Kaohelani Silva, he was a kahuna la'au lapa'au. The garden is part of the first phase of the Hawaiian Healing Center's development. This beautiful herb garden is not only a nursery for la'au but also a vital source of Hawaiian plants for medicine and food. One of its goals is to supply kupuna with plants for their home gardens, supporting their self-care and well-being. 🌱✨

Situated on five acres near Pāhoa town, the garden, affectionately known as the "farmacy," focuses on Native Hawaiian medicinal herbs. It's also designated to become Puna's first emergency hospital.

The dedicated Work Readiness students contribute to this inspiring project by spending a day every other week caring for and propagating native plants for the garden.

Before the end of the school year, the nonprofit managing the garden visited HAAS to honor our students with certificates of appreciation. The celebration continued with our students entertaining the guests with mele and a hula performance.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the HAAS Workplace Readiness Program for making a difference. Your dedication and hard work are truly inspiring!

In Hawaiian, the word hōʻike means “to show, exhibit” one’s learning. In this spirit of celebrating growth and accomplishment, the Early Learning Program recently gathered pre-K teachers and staff from all 18 classrooms at the end of every school year. Kumu(teachers) arrived at Windward Community College carrying artifacts they used to tell their stories of learning. Teaching teams carefully laid out keiki books, photographs, and laptops with short video reels on tables and easels draped with elegant black tablecloths. Throughout the morning, they took turns telling stories about their successes and as their peers listened and provided feedforward, their stories grew in meaning and strength.

Hōʻike is a time for Early Learning pre-K kumu to work together, eat together, talk and laugh, and reflect on their year of growth and learning. The room was filled with celebration, joy, and pride as kumu shared their moʻolelo (story) with one another and will remain a memorable milestone in each kumu’s professional journey.

https://youtu.be/CZO4g-Ht0TI?si=8vVrbNAFbpd_UMkq
This story was featured in the Commission's June 2024 newsletter KaʻElele. To learn more about the early learning program, please visit the Commission's website at www.chartercommission.hawaii.gov

SPCSC Early Learning Hōʻike 2024 In Hawaiian, the word hōʻike means “to show, exhibit” one’s learning. In this spirit of celebrating growth and accomplishment, the Early Learning Program ga...

Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha recently celebrated its birthday by honoring their founders in song and dance. The Kauai school is the only Hawaiian Language-Niihau Dialect Immersion school in the state.

It was founded in 2001 by five tenacious and determined women: Annie Kamakahikilani Kelley Kanahele - Mama Ane Kanahele, Jean Ileialoha Keala Beniamina- Mama Ilei Beniamina, Josephine Kaohuokalani Kelley - Tutu Pine Kelley, Lina Kawahinekaulana Kanahele Kaaumoana - Mama Lete Kaaumoana and Rhoda Susana “Sana” Kahale Pahulehua.

Although the founders have all passed away, their mission to strengthen and perpetuate the Niihau dialect of Hawaiian among the children and youth of the Niihau community on Kauai lives on through the hard work and dedication of the school's leadership, teachers, and families. Every student at the school is a published author, with students and staff having published over 400 books, all written in Olelo Niʻihau.

Check out the video of their 23 birthday celebration on our YouTube Channel!

Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha Celebrates Birthday & Founders Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha celebrated its birthday by honoring their founders in song and dance. The Kauai school is the only Hawaiian Language-Niihau Dialect I...

Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo Students Selected for Project Showcase at Smithsonian Museum

The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian will host a special showcase on June 12, highlighting five student historical research projects presented in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian) language. This event, part of the National History Day® (NHD) program, celebrates the theme "In Language There Is Life: I ka ‘ōlelo nō ke ola."

Middle and high school students from Hawai‘i who completed a National History Day project in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and qualified through a local contest were invited to Washington, D.C. to share their work with a national audience. These projects offer unique cultural perspectives and support broader community efforts to revitalize Indigenous languages.

Three of the showcased projects are produced by students from Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo Public Charter School. Kilolani Smith produced a documentary titled He huliau ma ka mōʻaukala: Hikiau Heiau. Mana Inoue’s exhibit is titled Nā Kepanī ma Hawaiʻi, and Māhealani Figueroa-Lee’s documentary is titled Nā Radiō o Hawaiʻi: He Huliau. The three students are heading to Washington D.C. this week.

“Inspiring students to take their study of history beyond the classroom is a core tenant of our work at National History Day. In our organization’s 50th anniversary year, we are excited to share these NHD projects in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi with visitors at the National Museum of the American Indian,” said National History Day’s Executive Director, Dr. Cathy Gorn. “We appreciate the collaborative effort of NMAI and Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities to showcase the outstanding and important work of these history students.”

The projects will be available for public viewing at the National Museum of the American Indian on Wednesday, June 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and at the University of Maryland, College Park, in the Stamp Union Building on Monday, June 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Congratulations to the students, teachers and the Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo ʻohana!

Students, parents, and special guests came together to celebrate the conclusion of Ke Kula ʻo Samuel M. Kamakau High School's inaugural surf season with a friendly competition. The event took place in the waters off Haleiwa recently, where students and parents faced off in a surfing contest.

The occasion was graced by special guests, including the Commission's Executive Director Ed Noh, and Ēweleiʻula Wong, the older sister of Kamakau surf team member ʻOlali Wong and the 2022 ISA World Junior Champion.

Check out the friendly competition between students and parents as they enjoy a fun day in the water.

Ke Kula ʻo Samuel M. Kamakau Celebrates Wrap of Inaugural Surf Season With a Surf Competition Students, parents, and guests came together to celebrate the conclusion of Ke Kula ʻo Samuel M. Kamakau High School's inaugural surf season with a lively and...

Hawaiʻi is making significant strides in early childhood education, according to a recent national report from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER).

The 2023 State of Preschool Yearbook by NIEER shows that Hawaiʻi stands out as one of only five states nationwide to meet all 10 research-based quality benchmarks for pre-kindergarten programs.

This recognition underscores the dedication and commitment of Hawaiʻi's charter schools' early learning programs and the Commission’s Early Learning Team to provide a nurturing and enriching early education environment.

While the report acknowledges Hawaiʻi's excellence in quality, it also sheds light on areas for growth, notably in preschool enrollment. The state ranks 44th in the nation for preschool enrollment among four-year-olds and 31st for three-year-olds. However, with the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke and committed community partners through the Ready Keiki initiative, Hawai’i will see a substantial enrollment increase over the next few years.

Lieutenant Governor Luke has been at the forefront of this transformative journey, spearheading the state's universal access to preschool initiative, Ready Keiki, since January 2023. "In just one year, we've witnessed remarkable progress, creating over 200 new preschool seats for our children," remarked Lieutenant Governor Luke. "This initiative, coupled with the unwavering commitment of our charter and public preschools, reinforces the critical importance of quality early education in shaping the futures of our keiki."

The Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL), in collaboration with the Lieutenant Governor's office and the State Public Charter Schools Commission, is diligently working to bridge the gap in pre-K access statewide.

Hawai’i Public Charter Schools serve over 330 three- and four-year-old students on Hawai’i Island, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu. In January of this year, the Commission approved the pre-k-only charter application for PACT Parkway Villages Preschool in Kapolei. The campus is under construction and is slated to open in January 2025. It will serve up to 80 students in four classrooms.

As we celebrate the accomplishments of Hawaiʻi's charter schools in elevating preschool quality standards, we look forward to a future where every keiki has equitable access to high-quality early education, setting the stage for a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow.

Teachers Want Parents to Step Up to Curb Cellphone Misuse. Are They Ready? A program from the National PTA aims to partner with schools to give parents resources on teaching their children healthy tech habits.

Check out the excellent piece by Esme Infante, Education Reporter at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser!

She interviewed Ed Noh, the Executive Director of the Charter School Commission, who shared valuable insights into the unique challenges and successes of charter schools, highlighting their diverse programs and innovative approaches to education.

Commission leader Ed Noh seeks to improve awareness of public charter schools That Ed Noh grew up in California and got his start in school leadership in Seattle ironically works in his favor in some ways now that championing the charter-school cause is a big part of his job as the first permanent executive director of the Hawaii Public Charter School Commission in four years...

Congratulations to University Laboratory Charter School Sophomore Kwynn T.! She won a $40,000 scholarship for using BigFuture, the College Board’s online planning guide that helps students explore careers, plan for college, and pay for college.

All class of 2024 and class of 2025 students are now eligible to win hundreds of $500 and two $40,000 scholarships every month to use at two- or four-year institutions. There are no essay, test score, citizenship status, family income, or minimum GPA requirements. To learn more, visit BigFuture.org today!

Calling all talented high school artists in Hawaii's Second Congressional District!

The U.S. House of Representatives sponsors a high school art competition in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students in Hawaii's Second Congressional District.

Congresswoman Jill Tokuda's office is now accepting submissions through Friday, April 19, 2024.

This is a great opportunity for Hawaiʻi student artists to showcase their creativity on a national stage.

The winning artwork from each Congressional district will be displayed in a year-long exhibit in the Cannon tunnel leading into the U.S. Capitol!

For more details, visit Rep. Jill Tokudaʻs website: https://tokuda.house.gov/services/art-competition

Let's inspire and support our talented young artists in making their mark on a national platform!

Exciting News! The surf club at Ke Kula ʻo Samuel M. Kamakau was honored and recognized today by the Honolulu City Council for their dedication to perpetuating the Hawaiian sport in 'Ōlelo Hawai'i.

This is the surf teamʻs inaugural year, joining 10 other high school surf clubs on Oʻahu that compete under the Hawaiʻi Surfing Association. The Kamakau Surf Club is the first and only club at a Hawaiian language immersion school.

A huge shout out to the seven talented and dedicated surfers - Ka'iwa Foster, 'Olali Wong, Kanana Kelling, Kaleikoa Cuban, Pi'ilani Hong, Ma'aloa Punua, and Kauhaanui Domingo and their head coach Kaipo'i Kelling, as well as their community makua coaches: Steve Hong and Pekuna Hong.

The Kamakau Surf team competes in the papa loloa (longboard) wahine and kane, papa poko (shortboard) wahine and kane, papa pumai'a (boogie board) mixed team.

Mahalo nui loa to the City Council for this recognition! Congratulations and best wishes to the Kamakau Surf Team as they continue to perpetuate the Hawaiian language and the sport of surfing! The high school surf season wraps up next month!

Celebrate Hawaiian Language Month with a heartwarming story from Ka Waihona o ka Naʻauao Public Charter School in Nānākuli! Valerie-Mae Manoa, a dedicated third-grade teacher, is going above and beyond to ensure her students embrace and perpetuate ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.

Nanakuli teacher inspires future leaders by sharing Olelo Hawaii in the classroom February is Hawaiian Language Month, and one educator at a public charter school in Nanakuli is working to ensure her students continue to perpetuate Olelo Hawaii.

Discover Alaka'i O Kaua'i Charter School, a tuition-free public charter school. 🎓✨

With a focus on project-based learning, small class sizes, and outdoor classrooms, we provide an engaging educational experience that empowers children for a lifetime of inspired learning and leadership. 🌱📚

Our curriculum emphasizes social-emotional learning, Hawai'iana and art studies, and strong community connections. 🌺🎨

Enroll your keiki now in Alaka'i O Kaua'i Charter School and give them the gift of a personalized education that nurtures their talents and passions. 🏫❤️

Join our community and experience the beauty of education on the mountainside of Kauai.

Enroll now! 🌄📝 https://alakaiokauai.org/

HSTA's Supporting Hawaiʻi’s New Educators (SHiNE) Committee invites teachers new to the profession to attend an informational webinar on raising your salary! We’ll cover understanding the reclassification process and how to take professional development courses to increase your salary. Learn about reimbursable PD offered through HSTA and National Board Certification that can lead up to a $10,000 annual bonus. This session is open to all teachers with documents and resources available for HSTA members.

Thursday, March, from 3 to 4 p.m.

Register: https://bit.ly/4bzooBz

Congratulations to Kristi Desuacido, a dedicated educator at Hālau Kū Māna Public Charter School, for being recognized as an outstanding educator by ClimbHI, a Hawaiʻi nonprofit.

Kumu Desuacido is being commended for her efforts in connecting students with valuable career opportunities and fostering workforce development. Over the past year, she actively participated in at least 10 events, contributing to the school's commitment to students' career growth.

ClimbHI, with its ClimbHI Community Engagement Awards, acknowledges educators, businesses, schools, and complex areas, establishing a statewide standard for community engagement. This initiative focuses on the vital collaboration between educators and businesses. The awards also recognize top-performing schools, educators, and complex areas, measured through the ClimbHI Bridge online portal, which boasts participation from 240 schools and 440 businesses, including Hawaiian Airlines, HMSA, Queen's Health Systems, Blue Wave Technologies and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Happy Aloha Friday! We've got a wonderful story to brighten your day. Meet Tasi Savage, a remarkable student at West Hawaiʻi Explorations Academy who has taken her baking skills to the national stage on the Food Network's Kids Baking Championship!

This talented teenager has secured a spot among 12 young bakers nationwide, all competing for the grand prize of $25,000. Tasi is proudly representing Hawaiʻi Island and is genuinely grateful for this amazing opportunity.

Before diving into her club volleyball practice, we managed to catch up with this busy teen for an interview. Hear firsthand about her thrilling journey and culinary delights.

Big Island Teen shares her culinary talent on the Food Network's Kids Baking Championship We share with you an inspiring story of a talented 13-year-old from Kona who is making waves in the culinary world. Tasi Savage, an 8th grader at West Hawaiʻ...

State Champions! Congratulations to the HHSAA Division 2 State Champion Pac-5 Girls soccer team! Winning their third consecutive State Championship!

ULS seniors Solala N. and Camrynn N. Both contributed PK goals to help Pac-5 capture the State Championship win over KS-Hawaii 1-0 (PK)

Special congratulations to Solala N. Who was named the tournaments Most Outstanding Player for the third year in a row and to Camrynn N. who was also named to the All-Tournament Team.

ULS Girls Soccer players:

Solala N.
Camrynn N.
Jhazryne T.I.
Kwynn T.
Leah O.
Kiana O.
Zelah O.

Credit: Adam O.

Exciting news! Six talented students from University Laboratory School have clinched Gold Key Awards in the Hawai‘i Regional Scholastic Art Awards Competition!

Let's give a round of applause to these amazing young artists:
Angelina N: "Floodlight" (Painting)
Kian S: "Sisyphus" (Photography)
Jayda G: "Dystopia" (Mixed Media)
Jenesis Faith D: "Underestimating the Thousand Cranes" (Mixed Media)
Alyna W: "Full of Loveliness" (Mixed Media)
Chelsey Lei B: "Over the Rainbow" (Printmaking)

Catch a glimpse of their creative works at the Hawai‘i State Art Museum from February 24 to March 23, 2024.

Congratulations to SEEQS 8th grader Asahi Eve, who won a 2024 Gold Key Award in the Hawai‘i Regional Scholastic Art Awards Competition for her exceptional relief sculpture titled “Swim with Camellia Flower.”

Eve created her master piece in Ms. Robin’s Exploring Sculpture class and it will be on display at the Hawai‘i State Art Museum from February 24-March 23, 2024.

Celebrating eSports Excellence at HTA!

Exciting News! We are thrilled to announce Dr. Ed H. Noh as the new Executive Director of Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission! With 30+ years of education leadership, Dr. Noh's vision aligns seamlessly with fostering innovation and ensuring top-notch education standards for Hawaiʻi's students. Dr. Noh will begin in mid-February.

Join us in welcoming him to lead the way into a new era of growth and excellence!

Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission Announces Dr. Ed H. Noh as Next Executive Director with support from KEES Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission Announces Dr. Ed H. Noh as Next Executive Director with support from KEES

Mahalo Nui Loa! A heartfelt shoutout to Catherine Toth Fox for penning an incredible column on Waiʻalae Elementary Public Charter School. She really captured the essence of a school that goes beyond grades and test scores, emphasizing aloha, kindness and community impact. Thank you for shedding light on the inspiring stories that remind us of the true purpose of education. Mahalo!

Catherine Toth Fox: How A Honolulu Charter School Teaches Kindness What sets Waialae Elementary Public Charter School apart from schools focused on grades and test scores is its focus on emotional learning.

West Hawaii Explorations Academy (WHEA) charter school in Kona in collaboration with FreediveSafe! Hawaiʻi is now offering an in-school freediving safety course to students.

This initiative, completely free for students 12 and up, not only equips them with life-saving skills but also aims to transform the mindset around diving. Dive into the full story to discover how WHEA is creating ripples of change and setting a precedent for ocean safety education!

Kona charter school launches freediving safety course KAILUA-KONA — It’s never too early to mitigate risks, and perhaps no one knows that better than West Hawaii Explorations Academy.

🎉🏆 Big Congratulations to Jaylen Rabago of DreamHouse ʻEwa Beach for clinching 1st place in the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for Hawaiʻiʻs First Congressional District! 🏆🎉

Rabago's innovative creation, the SpeakSafe app, promotes women's safety. "The voice recording library in SpeakSafe is designed to provide a sense of security by creating the illusion of an ongoing conversation, which can help deter potential attackers," explained Rabago. The app also features a panic button that instantly alerts loved ones about the user's location in case of a dangerous situation.

Congressman Ed Case made the exciting announcement during a reception at the Entrepreneurs Sandbox in Kakaʻako. "The Challenge is a great opportunity for our local students to focus on their skills and creativity on developing, testing, and analyzing new applications for real-world use," commented Case.

Kudos to Jaylen Rabago for turning her passion into a powerful tool for enhancing safety and well-being!