The Heart of Haleiwa

On August 4, 2025, Haleiwa Elementary School proudly welcomed back its students for the start of the new school year. Excitement filled the campus as students were greeted by our dedicated faculty and staff.

Ahead of the first day, families had the opportunity to participate in our Meet and Greet event on July 30, 2025. This event allowed students and parents to meet their new teachers and visit classrooms, helping students become familiar with their new environment and easing the transition into the school year.

As we look ahead, the Heart of Haleiwa newsletter will continue to shine a spotlight on the many wonderful things happening at our school. With a strong focus on academic rigor and social-emotional learning, we aim to provide a well-rounded educational experience that helps our keiki grow into confident, capable individuals.

We would like to share that our Vice Principal, Mr. Sanbei, has been selected for a new position at the district level. While we are truly sad to see him leave Hale'iwa, his new role is a wonderful recognition of his leadership and dedication.

We are deeply grateful for all that Mr. Sanbei has contributed to our school. His support of students, staff, and families has left a lasting impact on our community. Please join us in congratulating him on this well-deserved achievement and in wishing him the very best as he begins this next chapter.

Aloha,

My name is Melissa Barit. I graduated this past May from UH Mānoa with my bachelor's degree in Special Education – Severe Disabilities/Autism, and I’m thrilled to be joining Haleʻiwa Elementary School as the FSC classroom teacher.

This is my first year teaching here, and it’s especially meaningful because this is the same school my own children attended. I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to give back to the community I grew up in.

My goal is to create a classroom environment where every student feels welcomed, safe, and comfortable being their authentic selves. I believe that when students feel supported, they thrive—and I’m committed to helping each one of them grow and succeed.

I’m looking forward to a wonderful school year together and to many more years of serving the keiki of our community.

Mahalo,
Ms. Melissa Barit

Congratulations to our "Splash Into Stories" winners and participants!

• Grade 4 - Vaughn H was our top reader
• Grade 3 - August S earned 2nd place
• Grade 2 - Max B earned 3rd place
• Grade K - Lorenzo N
• Grade 1 - Alaia C, Rella H, and Kyzani R
• Grade 2 - Ada W
• Grade 4 - Rylan Y and Reef O
• Grade 5 - Khayszten R and Trinity C
• Grade 6 - Cooper H

Keep reading every day!

Mahalo to our Honor Guard students for their outstanding service. They have demonstrated true leadership by raising our flag, assiting younger students to class, and upholding the values of honor, respect, and kindness.

Show your Hale'iwa pride by participating in our School Spirit Week!

Awards assemblies will be held during the final week of each quarter. To ensure timely preparation of certificates, the cutoff for all perfect attendance awards will be two weeks prior to the ceremony. Any accomplishments from the final two weeks of the quarter will be recognized in the following quarter's assembly.

Download the welcome letter and newsletter to read more about available support and resources.