Ka Leo Alakaʻi O Waikīkī

Dear Waikīkī School Ohana:

At Waikiki School, we celebrate the Habits of Mind (HOM)s daily, with a monthly focus on a specific HOM. Each month we will share with our families the HOM for the month with a little background information.

We begin this school year by focusing on a Habit of Mind that is needed now more than ever. Cooperation and Caring is the HEART of our mindful learning community. It's the only Habit of Mind created by the staff at Waikiki School on top of the dispositions identified by Dr. Art Costa. We learn how to work together, think interdependently, encourage each other, show kindness and nurture mutual respect.

All of our classrooms have a Caring and Cooperation (C&C) partner, usually a pairing between an upper and lower grade homeroom. Throughout the year, C&C partners cooperatively work together in doing mindful activities such as "Reading Buddies," STEM projects, and more!

As we continue to build a positive and supportive school community, we know that these values begin at home. Practicing caring and cooperation with your elementary-age child is a wonderful way to help them grow into kind and considerate individuals. Here are some simple tips to help you foster these important skills together as a family.

Caring

Show and name your emotions: Talk openly about how different situations make you feel. When you express your feelings in a healthy way, you model empathy and emotional intelligence for your child.

Help others: Look for simple ways to help others in your daily life. This could be anything from holding a door open for someone to helping a neighbor with their groceries. This teaches children that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Volunteer together: Find a local cause or charity that is meaningful to your family. Volunteering together, even for a short time, can help your child see the impact of their actions on the wider community.

Cooperation

Create a "family team" mentality: Frame daily tasks as team efforts. For example, instead of saying, "Clean your room," you can say, "Let's all work together to tidy up before dinner."

Give choices: When a conflict arises, give your child choices to help them feel empowered and part of the solution. For example, "Do you want to clear the table or put the plates in the dishwasher?"

Practice active listening: When your child is talking, show them you are listening by making eye contact, asking questions, and summarizing what they've said. This not only makes them feel heard but also teaches them how to be a good listener.

By weaving these practices into your daily routines, you are giving your child the tools to build strong relationships and a compassionate outlook on the world. We appreciate your partnership in helping our students become caring and cooperative members of our community.

How does your family practice Cooperation and Caring at home? Share your stories with me at ryan@waikikischool.org!Sincerely,

Mr. Kusuda

Did you know that the school has a farm? We have gardens, a fruit orchard with over 50 fruit trees, a compost-making-station, and more.

Want to find out more? Please come to our open house info session about the farm on

Saturday, August 16th SIGN UP HERE August farm work day

FARM WORK DAY: 10AM-12PM, Includes keiki activities.

OPEN HOUSE/INFO SESSION: 12-1PM

WHAT WE DO:

Sustainability Classes for K-5th grade students

M-F at the school farm

Age/grade appropriate lessons on sustainability for Waikiki School students.

Saturday Farm Work Day for all

3rd Saturday each month, 10am-12pm

We invite school studentʻs & families, staff, and the community to work at the farm. Concludes with a

harvest and sometimes farm food samples.

Community Partnerships

HPU, KCC, Hawaii Tropical Fruit Association

Weekend Sustainability Workshops & Special Events for all

Grafting, pruning, composting and vermicompost, lei making, Earth Day Event, and more!

Donation based, open to the community

ʻĀina Program for K-5th grade students

1x/month

Engages studentʻs family in sustainability/ʻĀina lessons with their kiddos class. ʻĀina program provided by

Kokua Hawaii Foundation.

Lunch bunch and garden club for students

2-3xʻs/week, small group of 4th-5th gr. students participating in work and learning at the farm with Ms.

Karla, usually during lunch and lunch recess.

Friday Farmstand for all

Harvest team - 5th grade

Selling & Service team - 4th grade

Come support our farm program and get some of the best deals on locally and kid grown produce. Every Friday (except school days off) 2:15-3pm BYOBag

CONTACT MS. KARLA FOR QUESTIONS/INFO - karlameek@waikikischool.org

Please take the time to read our 2025-26 Parent Handbook located at our Parent Handbook Link

School begins at 8:00 am and ends at 2:15 pm every day except for Wednesday when school ends at 1:30 pm. Please make sure to park off-campus as school parking is reserved for our staff and faculty. Office hours are from 7:45 am to 3:45 pm and our school phone numbers are as follows. Please note our updated phone numbers:

• Main Office: 808-305-6900

• Student Service Coordinator: 808-305-6922

• A+ Afterschool Care: 808-305-6953

June 20, 2025

Dear Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s):

The safety and security of all students remain a priority for the Hawai‘i State Department of Education. “No Firearms Allowed on Campus” is our annual statewide campaign to remind you and your child/children of the consequences of a firearm violation. Please share with your child/children the dangers of bringing a firearm to school. Should your child bring a firearm to school, he/she/they shall be removed from school for at least one calendar year. Firearms are strictly prohibited on all of our school campuses, in your child/children's backpack(s), on the school bus, and/or at all school-related activities.

“Firearm” as defined by Hawai‘i Administrative Rules Title 8, Chapter 19 Student Misconduct, Discipline, School Searches and Seizures, Reporting Offenses, Police Interviews and Arrests, Restitution for Vandalism, Complaint Procedure and Investigation of Discrimination, Harassment (Including Sexual Harassment), Bullying and/or Retaliation means:

(1) Any weapon, including but not limited to a starter gun, shotgun, or air gun which includes BB guns, pellet guns, paintball guns, crossbows, or any other instrument that will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile;

(2) The frame or receiver of any such weapon;

(3) Any firearm muffler, firearm silencer; or

(4) Any destructive device. The term “destructive device” means:

a. Any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas:

(i) Bomb;

(ii) Grenade;

(iii) Rocket having a propellant charge;

(iv) Missile having an explosive or incendiary charge;

(v) Mine; or

(vi) Device similar to any of the devices described in the preceding clause;

b. Any type of weapon which will, or which may be readily converted to expel a projectile, including but not limited to a weapon that expels a projectile by action of an explosive or other propellant; or

c. Any combination or parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device described above, and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled.

In addition, we emphasize that toy guns, including but not limited to Nerf guns, water guns, super soakers, spud guns, rubber band guns, gel guns, prop guns, or other types of toy guns, are strictly prohibited on campus. Depending on the circumstances, even a toy gun may be considered a firearm.

Only the Superintendent of Education or designee, on a case-by-case basis, may modify a student's dismissal. If you have any questions, please contact your school principal. Thank you for helping to keep our Hawai‘i schools safe for our children and school community.

Sincerely,

Keith T. Hayashi

Superintendent

June 20, 2025

Dear Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) and Students:

The safety, social-emotional health, and well-being of our students continue to be a top priority for the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (Department). The Department is committed to fostering culturally responsive, supportive, and inclusive learning environments in all schools and classrooms. In line with this commitment, the Department emphasizes the following:

Hawai‘i Administrative Rules, Chapter 19

The Hawai‘i Administrative Rules (HAR), Chapter 19 Student Misconduct, Discipline, School Searches, and Seizures, Reporting Offenses, Police Interviews and Arrests, Restitution for Vandalism, Complaint Procedure and Investigation of Discrimination, Harassment (Including Sexual Harassment), Bullying and/or Retaliation includes definitions, behavioral offenses, and procedures for filing complaints of discrimination, bullying, harassment (including sexual harassment), and retaliation. This rule also guides schools to maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment, ensure appropriate responses to student misconduct, and protect the rights and well-being of students in compliance with state regulations.

It is important that you discuss this rule with your child(ren) to ensure his or her understanding of this rule. A copy of this rule can be found at bit.ly/HIDOE-Chapter-19. Additionally, in this link, there is a template titled, “Department of Education Hawai‘i Administrative Rules Title 8, Chapter 19 Complaint Form,” which is used for filing complaints of student-to-student discrimination, bullying, harassment (including sexual harassment), and retaliation to be used by parent(s)/legal guardian(s) or other adults on behalf of students. Individuals who do not have access to or prefer not to use this complaint form may make a complaint in either writing or orally to the school, complex area, or Civil Rights Compliance Branch.

Speak Now Mobile Application

The Speak Now anti-bullying application (app), visit bit.ly/HIDOE-Speak-Now, recommended for students in grades 4-12, is a reporting tool that provides students another way to report incidents of bullying on Department campuses, transportation, and during Departmentsponsored activities that they have either experienced or witnessed. Reports may be submitted anonymously. The free application is available to download from the Apple App and Google Play stores.

School Safety

The Department is dedicated to ensuring all schools have safe and secure environments. Enhanced safety measures such as regular drills, adequate security personnel, and law enforcement partnerships will continue to be utilized to maintain school safety. For more information about safety at school, visit the bit.ly/HIDOE-Keeping-Our-Schools-Safe portal.

Social and Emotional Learning

The Department recognizes the importance of addressing the social and emotional learning (SEL) of our students and provides resources, support, and professional development for educators and families to promote these skills, which may include practices such as restorative discipline and trauma-informed care. For more information about SEL, visit the bit.ly/HIDOESEL portal.

Student Behavior, Mental Health, and Overall Well-Being (Here to HELP)

The Department is committed to fostering a positive school climate that promotes the well-being of all students by working toward creating inclusive learning environments that respect and value the diversity of all students. This includes providing appropriate resources and services for students who are in need of support. For more information about Here to HELP, visit the bit.ly/HIDOE-Here-to-HELP portal.

Should you have questions and/or would like to request a printed copy of the HAR, Chapter 19, please contact your child’s respective school administrator for assistance. Thank you for your partnership and cooperation in keeping all students safe and well.

Sincerely,

Heidi Armstrong

Deputy Superintendent

June 20, 2025

Dear Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s):

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (Department) cares about your child(ren) and is aware that there are numerous social pressures and misinformation about the devastating impact of tobacco and e-cigarette products. As such, the Department is committed to working with you to keep your child(ren) away from these products. Please talk to your child(ren) about making healthy choices and the law regarding these products for persons under the age of 21.

Pursuant to Hawai'i Revised Statutes §712-1258, it is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 to purchase or possess any tobacco product or electronic smoking device (ESD). An ESD is any electronic product that can aerosolize and deliver nicotine or other substances to the person inhaling from the device. This includes, but is not limited to, an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, or electronic pipe, and any cartridge or other component of the device or related product.

In addition, any tobacco product and ESD found in a student's possession is a violation of the Hawai'i Administrative Rules, Chapter 19, which can result in disciplinary actions. The school administration shall seize the ESD accordingly. Should you have further questions, please talk to your child(ren)'s school administration.

Sincerely,

Heidi Armstrong

Deputy Superintendent

While we love animals, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home when you come to any campus event or for drop-off and pick-ups. Animals on campus are permissible only with expressed permission to school administration.

It's time for picture taking! Mark your calendars and have your child looking their best on Thursday, August 7!

Effective for the school year 2025-26, students who qualify for reduced-price meals will receive one breakfast and one lunch daily at no charge, in accordance with Act 139, Session Laws of Hawaii 2025.

If a student would like to purchase a second meal or a la carte items such as milk, funds will need to be deposited into their account. Online payment is available at ezschoolpay.com.

Prices for student second meals and adult meals at breakfast and lunch, have increased to $3.50 for breakfast and $7.50 for lunch.

Each year, illness from respiratory viruses such as influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) leads to absences from school, primary care visits, hospitalizations, and serious complications for some individuals. To maintain a healthy learning environment, every Hawaii public school follows a plan to respond to respiratory viral illnesses and outbreaks.

Stay Home When Sick

Students and staff should stay home until fever free for 24 hours after the fever ends (without fever-reducing medications). The timeline for each person will vary; below are four visuals depicting common timelines.

Symptoms may include but are not limited to chest discomfort, chills, cough, decrease in appetite, diarrhea, fatigue (tiredness), fever or feeling feverish, headache, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste or smell, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, vomiting, weakness, wheezing.

Drop Off Option 1 - Walking to School

If you plan on walking your child to school in the morning, please be sure to park off-campus. Our front lot is reserved for the school staff.

Any parent looking to eat breakfast with their keiki will have to park off campus.

Drop Off Option 2 - FRONT LOT

Use of this drop-off area for vehicles will start at 7:15 am for students eating breakfast. Cars attempting to drop off students prior to this time will be asked to leave. The only exception is for students enrolled in Early Morning Care.

No students are allowed on campus except the cafeteria till the 7:45 am bell. Any students coming to campus between 7:15 and 7:45 (Grades K-5) will be directed to the cafeteria or a designated area near the cafeteria.

All cars using the FRONT LOT for drop-off and pick-up will have to exit onto Monsarrat Avenue by turning RIGHT.

Drop Off Option 3 - Leahi Avenue BACK LOT

This lot will open at 7:45 am for students in Grades 3-5 drop-off. Do not attempt to enter this zone by either turning left from Monsarrat Avenue or driving straight across on Leahi Avenue from the Kapahulu neighborhood. Please enter this area by turning left onto Paki Avenue from Monsarrat Avenue. Proceed to drive down Paki and then turn left onto Noela Street and then another left onto Leahi Avenue. This will allow cars to turn right into the Leahi Avenue drop-off and pick-up areas.

The school day ENDS at 2:15 pm (M, Tu, Th, F) and 1:30 pm (Wed.) for K - 5th grades. Students will be released at the end of the school day when the bell rings.

For students in Grades K-2, the designated pick up spot is our FRONT LOT.

For students in Grades 3-5, the designated pick up spot is our BACK LOT.

If you are a family with multiple siblings at Waikiki, please note that:

- Upper El. Siblings (ie. Student A in 3rd Grade AND Student B in 5th Grade) should go to the BACK Pick-Up Location

- All other sibling situations (ex. Kinder, 1st, & 5th Grade), pick-up is in the FRONT LOT.

After you pick-up your child, we ask families to head off campus. Our A+ program AND After-school Enrichment programs utilize the campus after school.

Please plan accordingly, coming early is not always the best option, as we will be doing airport style pickup in our front lot. We cannot have the traffic backing up onto Leahi Avenue. If your child is NOT out when you come through the line, you will be asked to loop back around. Keep in mind if you have multiple children to pick up, that it may make more sense to give them more time and arrive slightly later.

For A+ families, coming to pick up your child during the 2:15-2:45 pm window is also not recommended, as parking on campus is not available.

It is important for families to talk with their children to remind them to come straight down to pick-up when the bell rings. It takes the average 1st/2nd grader 2-3 minutes to make their way down to the front pick-up.

Parents can come onto campus (and are encouraged to) 5 minutes before the end of day to meet their child(ren). Parents just need to park off campus. If picking your child(ren) up via walk up, please make sure your child(ren) know where to meet you daily. Otherwise students will be sent to their designated areas.

There are three filtered water bottle filling stations currently on campus. One filling station is located in the cafeteria dining room near the door fronting the parking lot. Please send your child to school every day with a clean water bottle with their name written somewhere to help with lost & found.

Each year, the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) provides parents and eligible students (those 18 and older) with a comprehensive Notification of Rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This federal law, along with Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 8-34, safeguards the privacy of student education records maintained across HIDOE's schools and offices, whether in paper or electronic formats. These records can include enrollment forms, report cards, disciplinary letters, and any personally identifiable information (PII) linked to a student. The annual notification ensures that families are informed of their rights regarding the access, review, and amendment of these vital educational documents.

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Parents/Guardians:

In 1986, Congress passed the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)

which mandated the Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools Rule, 40 CFR Part 763.

It requires all primary and secondary school buildings to be inspected by AHERA

accredited inspectors and to identify all asbestos-containing building materials. The

rule further requires the development of a management plan by an AHERA accredited

management planner that is based on the findings of the inspection. The management

plan outlines our intent in controlling the potential for exposure to asbestos fibers in our

school.

In February 2001, Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 11-502 was adopted by the

Hawaii State Legislature. These rules essentially mirror the requirements of the AHERA

regulations. In both cases, the rule requires our school to notify parents, teachers, and

employees of the presence and status of asbestos containing material in our school

buildings.

The initial inspection of our school was conducted in May 1989 and identifies some

asbestos-containing materials. Since that time, we continue to conduct periodic

surveillances and re-inspections to ensure that the asbestos-containing materials remain

in good condition and do not pose a hazard to our students and staff.

An asbestos management plan was drafted based on our initial inspection and submitted

to the Hawaii State Department of Health. It outlines in detail the methods we will use to

maintain the material in a safe manner. The management plan is updated regularly as

asbestos is removed or conditions change.

A copy of the management plan is on file in the administrative office and is available for

your review during our regular school hours.

Should you have any questions, please call the school at 808-305-6900

Sincerely,

Ryan Kusuda

Principal

August 4 - First Day of School for Students

August 7 - Picture Taking Day

August 15 - Statehood Day Holiday- No School

August 16 - Food Farm Work Day

August 26 - Vision Screening (Tentative)

August 27 - Read to Me Activity with Kindergarten families

September 1 - Labor Day Holiday - No School

September 3 - Federal Survey Cards

September 9 - Grandparents Breakfast Day

September 19 - Fun Fair

September 26 - PC Day - No School for students

October 6 - 10 - Fall Intersession Break

October 24 - Haunted House Event

October 27- November 7 - Parent-Teacher Conferences

November 11 - Veteran's Day Holiday - No School

November 27 - 28 - Thanksgiving Holiday - No School

December 2-4 - Winter Store

December 17 - 18 - Winter Fete (Tentative)

December 22 - January 5 - Winter Intersession Break

The Hawaii State Department of Education (Department) and its schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, and religion. This requirement extends to all of the Department's programs and activities, including employment and admissions as applicable. Please direct inquires regarding the Department nondiscrimination policies and/or complaints of prohibited conduct to the Civil Rights Compliance Branch as follows:

Civil Rights Compliance Branch

Hawaii State Department of Education

P.O. Box 2360

Honolulu, Hawaii 96804

(808) 784-6325 or relay

CRCB@k12.hi.us

Beth Schimmelfenning, Director

Rhonda Wong, Compliance Administrator

Krysti Sukita, ADA/504

Anna Tsang, Title VI

Alphonso Braggs, Compliance

Blue Kaanehe, Title VII

Nicole Isa-Iijima, Title IX

Dana Takahara-Dias, Title IX - Athletics

The Department's non-discrimination policies and grievance procedures may be located at:

https://hawaiipublicschools.org/useful-links/policies/nondiscrimination-policy/

Email: ryan@waikikischool.org
Website: waikikischool.org
Location: 3710 Leahi Avenue, Honolulu, HI, USA
Phone: (808) 305-6900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaikikiSchool
Twitter: @WaikikiSchool