Hōkūpaʻa Updates
Resources, community news, and bright spots.
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.
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.
Community Bright Spot #3: "Cup-o-Cheer" Teacher Appreciation
Distance learning hasn’t just been a challenge for students and families. When teachers told us that they were feeling overwhelmed and in need of support, we worked together to show them that the community appreciates their hard work.
TEACHER FEATURE #6: THE HAWK NEST AT KEALAKEHE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
What does it look like to turn student voice into student action? At Kealakehe Intermediate School, teacher Mathieu Williams works to create student experiences that allow them to design, test, and redesign solutions that connect their learning to self, place, and others.
BRIGHT SPOT #2: KEALAKEHE HIGH'S KOKUA CLOSET
While you can’t walk in for now, the Kōkua Closet is open for giving and taking. It was launched earlier this year to provide clothing, school supplies, food, toiletries, and more for Kealakehe High School students and families – no questions asked.
Community Bright Spot #1: Partners in Development Foundation, Kohala
A basic need important to Hawaii’s culture is feeding one another. In March, April, and May, Partners in Development Foundation helped to distribute a portion of ~9,000 “Keiki Care Packs” of snacks, masks, and activities for students in all grade levels with the intention to feed and uplift.
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.
Teacher Feature #2: Joy Personius, District Resource Teacher
Joy Personius, SEL Resource Teacher is our October Teacher Feature
Teacher Feature #1: Geri Ann Davidson of Kahakai
There are many good things happening in our West Hawaiʻi schools and we appreciate the opportunity to share what our teachers and schools are doing. Geri Ann Davidson is our first teacher to be featured. Enjoy!