Hōkūpaʻa Updates
Resources, community news, and bright spots.
Bright Spot: Transformative Translations
Recognizing that young people from multilingual households are often underappreciated community assets, a West Hawaiʻi teacher gathered support to launch an innovative career pathway and community service project.
Bright Spot: Kohala High School Mental Health Awareness
We believe students are at their best when they feel connected to their schools. When those who work with young people build connections, they’re also building up students’ social-emotional and mental wellbeing.
In the spirit of reconnecting and student wellbeing, Kohala High School counselor Erin Henderson applied for a Hōkūpaʻa mini grant this semester to purchase supplies for a mental health awareness campaign.
BRIGHT SPOT: "WINTER WONDERLAND" AT KE KULA 'O 'EHUNUIKAIMALINO
What to do when Winter Break is approaching and everyone could use a boost?
Kumu Alapaʻi Kaulia, the Parent Community Networking Coordinator at Ke Kula ʻO ʻEhunuikaimalino, applied for a Hōkūpaʻa mini grant for a drive-through “Winter Wonderland.”
GUEST BLOG: TAKE ACTION BY THE COALITION FOR A TOBACCO-FREE HAWAIʻI YOUTH COUNCIL
Hawaiian POG. Blue Razz. Lush Ice. These are not flavors of candy or shave ice but e-cigarettes. Behind these sweet flavors promising notes of sweet and tangy flavors of guava, orange, and passion fruit or freshly sliced candied watermelons with a touch of refreshing menthol are the nicotine equivalent of two packs of cigarettes.
Community Bright Spot: Aloha MAP
While financial cost is a known barrier to going to college, many also face barriers to even exploring the possibility. These families need support systems to help them see college as a viable option. We spoke with Aloha MAP (Meritorious Achievement Program) director Lilinoi Grace to learn about how her program successfully supports local families so that their students can succeed in school, college, and beyond.
STORIES FROM THE (VIRTUAL) FIELD: THE ONGOING HAWAI'I ISLAND YOUTH SUMMIT
The 2021 Hawaiʻi Island Youth Summit kicked off last month with students from the Kealakehe area. Despite many challenges in planning this year — including a rapid pivot to a virtual event in the fall — Hōkūpaʻa and our planning partners kept this important work with youth and community a priority.
Teacher Feature #7: Ric Mendoza and the Honoka'a Dragon Den
Ric Elloy Mendoza is in his third year of teaching grades 9-12. Although he never planned to become a teacher, he fell in love with teaching after taking education classes as an undergraduate and pursuing a minor in education. Before moving to Honoka‘a to join his family, Ric taught in the Philippines for three years as a university Assistant Professor of business, and for one year at the Senior High level. After arriving here, Ric considered what he could offer his new community, especially the kids.
STORIES FROM THE FIELD: CINCO DE MAYO CUP-OF-CHEER AT HONOKA'A
As the unprecedented 2020-2021 School Year comes to a close, we wanted to share some photos from a fun school event with Honoka‘a High & Intermediate School and Honoka‘a Elementary School. While we weren’t there for the whole event, we were able to kick things off with a spin on our usual morning coffee “Cup-of-Cheer.”
Community Bright Spot # 4: Tamaroa Atkinson-Adona and Lili'uokalani Trust Youth Leadership Council
We’re excited to announce a new partnership with Big Island Now and Vibrant Hawai‘i to publish Teacher Feature and Bright Spot articles.
The project highlights innovative educators and honors those serving young people, schools, families, and community. We hope that others will be inspired to take on similar projects or contribute to existing work.
STORIES FROM THE FIELD: PARTNERING TO HOST VIRTUAL CAREER FAIRS FOR WEST HAWAII PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Last fall, nobody knew how long distance learning would be the norm. We decided not to wait around, and talked to our partners. West Hawaii Complex Area’s awesome district office was willing to rapidly produce a pilot virtual event together.
FAMILY GUIDE TO TALKING TO STUDENTS IN YOUR FAMILY ABOUT THEIR FUTURE PLANS
Talking about what to do after high school can be awkward, scary, embarrassing, stressful, confusing…but it doesn’t have to be that bad.
Here are some simple tips from Hōkūpa‘a. Good luck!
College-Career Transition Resources
Sharing some resources from organizations and schools offering accessible help for students and 2020 graduates. Some deadlines are very soon (the career exploration class deadline is THIS FRIDAY), so check things out today!
Post-High School Transformations
Choosing what to do after graduation is difficult enough, but this year the graduating class must also make guesses about what the world will look like as they finalize their post-high school path.
Post High School Options
Although these are uncertain times, and we don’t know when education facilities will reopen, for many students college has been an ongoing question. Is college for every student? Do all students benefit from a four-year degree?
Teacher Feature #4: Student Voice in Action
Students have thoughts, opinions, dreams and aspirations. We need to give students opportunity to share their thoughts in a meaningful way. Doug McDowell, Honokaa High School teacher, gives students voice through visual language as they communicate issues that matter to them and their community.