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| A ranger leads a hike to the top of Pu`u o Lokuana at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Sunday. NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane |
KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY WON unanimous approval of the county Windward Planning Commission to begin teaching classes at Discovery Harbour July 29 for the 2015-2016 school year. At the meeting yesterday, founder Kathryn Tydlacka told commissioners the academy plans to use the golf course clubhouse for three years and would then move to Lehua Court in Ocean View, according to Nancy Cook Lauer, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. She also said two other sites, one in Discovery Harbour and one in Ocean View, are available if Lehua Court isn’t built in time.
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| Discovery Harbour's Golf Course Clubhouse has been approved as a schoolhouse for Ka`u Learning Academy. |
Documents submitted to the commission by KLA included a petition of support signed by area residents and a letter of support from Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Creagan.
See westhawaiitoday.com.
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HAWAI`I HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS in its public schools as a result of its systemic reforms, according to the latest U.S. Department of Education monitoring report. USDOE yesterday provided Hawai`i’s Department of Education its Elementary and Secondary Education Act Flexibility Monitoring Report with across the board ratings of “meets expectations.”
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| Kathryn Matayoshi |
“The progress that Hawai`i has made in its educational transformation is incredible. Much credit goes to the state’s educators and school leaders for showing tremendous courage and doing the hard work to improve outcomes for all students,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “From instituting afterschool and summer enrichment programs at the state’s lowest performing schools to providing toolkits and resources to help teachers smoothly transition to the state’s new, higher academic standards, Hawai`i is a model for the rest of the country. I congratulate the state for its accomplishments, and I hope the state continues its leadership in improving outcomes for all students."
Beginning School Year 2013-14, DOE was granted its ESEA flexibility waiver, which resulted in Hawai`i’s new school accountability and improvement system, the Strive HI Performance System. Strive HI replaced many outdated requirements of the No Child Left Behind law with meaningful benchmarks aligned with goals of the DOE and Hawai`i State Board of Education Strategic Plan.
“A critical step in our transformation was getting approval for multiple measures of success, so that recognition and supports can be tailored to the needs of Hawai`i’s students, educators, and schools,” Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said. “The amount of change that has taken place has not been easy. There have been bumps in the road, and we’re still making adjustments based on ongoing feedback from teachers and principals. However, this report validates our strategic direction and our momentum in keeping Hawai`i public schools on an upward trajectory.”
Among achievements highlighted in the report was establishment of the CAST system. CAST, or Complex Area Support Teams, were created to assist schools in planning, resources, staffing and support to the six Priority Strategies. These strategies are the DOE’s academic focus within the Strategic Plan for measurable progress.
In addition to the work of CAST, the report pointed to state achievements in its data collection mechanisms to “evaluate and revise its project implementation across all principles of ESEA flexibility based on multiple sources of data.”
The report also made recommendations to strengthen the impact of recent changes to the use of the Tripod Student Survey in the Educator Effectiveness System. Work on the recommendations is already underway.
“Teachers and principals play a critical role in ensuring that we have a performance system that supports success,” Matayoshi said.
WORKSHOPS ON RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS take place today at Ocean View Community Center from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and tomorrow at Na`alehu Community Center from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For more information on these and other professional workshops, see arcsa.org.
DR. CLAIRE HORWELL CONTINUES her vog surveys tomorrow at Ocean View Swap Meet. Horwell is researching how residents protect themselves and how those methods relate to official advice. Surveys take 10 to 15 minutes.
FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK explore Pu`u Loa Petroglyphs led by Pohai Montague-Mullins Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Non-members may become members in order to attend. Preregistration is required at 985-7373
KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S CRATER RIM CAFÉ in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hosts its monthly Mongolian BBQ Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Diners choose from an array of veggies and proteins for chefs to wok up. $.85 per ounce. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more information.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
Beginning School Year 2013-14, DOE was granted its ESEA flexibility waiver, which resulted in Hawai`i’s new school accountability and improvement system, the Strive HI Performance System. Strive HI replaced many outdated requirements of the No Child Left Behind law with meaningful benchmarks aligned with goals of the DOE and Hawai`i State Board of Education Strategic Plan.
“A critical step in our transformation was getting approval for multiple measures of success, so that recognition and supports can be tailored to the needs of Hawai`i’s students, educators, and schools,” Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said. “The amount of change that has taken place has not been easy. There have been bumps in the road, and we’re still making adjustments based on ongoing feedback from teachers and principals. However, this report validates our strategic direction and our momentum in keeping Hawai`i public schools on an upward trajectory.”
Among achievements highlighted in the report was establishment of the CAST system. CAST, or Complex Area Support Teams, were created to assist schools in planning, resources, staffing and support to the six Priority Strategies. These strategies are the DOE’s academic focus within the Strategic Plan for measurable progress.
In addition to the work of CAST, the report pointed to state achievements in its data collection mechanisms to “evaluate and revise its project implementation across all principles of ESEA flexibility based on multiple sources of data.”
The report also made recommendations to strengthen the impact of recent changes to the use of the Tripod Student Survey in the Educator Effectiveness System. Work on the recommendations is already underway.
“Teachers and principals play a critical role in ensuring that we have a performance system that supports success,” Matayoshi said.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
REBECCA KAWEHI INABA IS THE NEW HEAD of Hawai`i County’s Department of Research and Development, replacing Laverne Omori, who retired. Hawai`i County Council unanimously approved Mayor Billy Kenoi’s appointment Wednesday.
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| Rebecca Kawehi Inaba |
Inaba founded Mokulele Airlines as well as several other companies. She is also involved with many community organizations, including Daniel Sayre Foundation, Jonathan Dale Miller Foundation, Ulumau Leadership Series and Hawai`i Community Foundation. She is also a Life Plan Program mentor at Kealakehe High School.
“I realized I couldn’t tell our mayor no,” Inaba said about her nomination. “This is a gift, and there is something I can do to help.”
Ka`u’s County Council member Maile Medeiros David said, “In the time that I have known you, you have made me so proud to be … born and raised on this island… . I really am so humbled by your success and everything you do for this community. I thank the mayor, and because I know all the good things you are definitely capable of doing, I really look forward to the 22 months (left in Kenoi’s tenure) to work with you.”
R&D Department oversees several programs.
Agriculture Program provides facilitative leadership to public and private sectors to support sustainable development of agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and other natural resources.
Business and Community Economic Development Program facilitates development of a sustainable economy that enhances residents’ standard of living of and economic viability of businesses.
Energy Program develops and initiates energy efficiency programs and renewable energy projects based on renewable energy resources.
Big Island Film Office promotes and supports film production, expands infrastructure to sustain production and builds a supportive climate between business, government, community and filmmakers on Hawai`i Island.
Tourism Program provides active leadership to strengthen and enhance Hawai`i Island’s visitor industry.
Information Resources Program collects, maintains and disseminates statistical, reference and program information to county and state agencies and the general public.
“It’s not a big department, but it’s an important department,” Kenoi said.
Ka`u’s County Council member Maile Medeiros David said, “In the time that I have known you, you have made me so proud to be … born and raised on this island… . I really am so humbled by your success and everything you do for this community. I thank the mayor, and because I know all the good things you are definitely capable of doing, I really look forward to the 22 months (left in Kenoi’s tenure) to work with you.”
R&D Department oversees several programs.
Agriculture Program provides facilitative leadership to public and private sectors to support sustainable development of agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and other natural resources.
Business and Community Economic Development Program facilitates development of a sustainable economy that enhances residents’ standard of living of and economic viability of businesses.
Energy Program develops and initiates energy efficiency programs and renewable energy projects based on renewable energy resources.
Big Island Film Office promotes and supports film production, expands infrastructure to sustain production and builds a supportive climate between business, government, community and filmmakers on Hawai`i Island.
Tourism Program provides active leadership to strengthen and enhance Hawai`i Island’s visitor industry.
Information Resources Program collects, maintains and disseminates statistical, reference and program information to county and state agencies and the general public.
“It’s not a big department, but it’s an important department,” Kenoi said.
See more about the county’s Research & Development Department at hawaiicounty.gov.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| During the March on Selma 50 years ago, marchers, led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., worn lei presented by Rev. Abraham Akaka. Photo from Hawai`i News Now |
SEN. MAZIE HIRONO TRAVELS TO ALABAMA to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday this weekend. Tomorrow, Hirono will join civil rights leaders, President Obama and a bipartisan group of lawmakers in marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. Hirono plans to present flower lei to civil rights leaders commemorating the march, just as Rev. Abraham Akaka did for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1965.
This is Hirono’s second trip to Selma to commemorate Bloody Sunday; she previously went in 2009.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
WORKSHOPS ON RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS take place today at Ocean View Community Center from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and tomorrow at Na`alehu Community Center from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For more information on these and other professional workshops, see arcsa.org.
DR. CLAIRE HORWELL CONTINUES her vog surveys tomorrow at Ocean View Swap Meet. Horwell is researching how residents protect themselves and how those methods relate to official advice. Surveys take 10 to 15 minutes.
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| Pu`u Loa Petroglyph field is the site of this month's Sunday Walk in the Park. NPS Photo by Jay Robinson |
PU`U O LOKUANA PROGRAM TAKES PLACE Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Kahuku unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants learn about formation and various uses of this grassy cinder cone over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u on this short, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended.
FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK explore Pu`u Loa Petroglyphs led by Pohai Montague-Mullins Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Non-members may become members in order to attend. Preregistration is required at 985-7373
KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S CRATER RIM CAFÉ in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hosts its monthly Mongolian BBQ Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Diners choose from an array of veggies and proteins for chefs to wok up. $.85 per ounce. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more information.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
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| See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March2015.pdf. |
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| See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf. |