Ka Malu o Kaimana Hila

Under the Protection of Diamond Head

Waikiki School Parent Bulletin - March 25, 2024

Dear Mindful School Ohana:

As we embark on the fourth quarter of the school year, I want to extend a warm welcome back to all our Waikiki students, families and staff. I hope everyone had a fun and restful spring break. It's hard to believe how quickly the year is progressing, and we are excited to continue our journey of learning and growth together.

This month, our focus at the Mindful School is on "Managing Impulsivity." It's an essential skill that empowers our students to pause, think, and make thoughtful decisions, both inside and outside the classroom. We encourage you to reinforce this habit at home by discussing strategies for managing impulses and making responsible choices.

As our children spend more time online, it's crucial to help them manage their impulses and make responsible choices in their digital interactions. Here are a few tips for monitoring your elementary-age children on the internet:

Set clear guidelines: Establish rules for internet usage, including time limits and appropriate websites or apps.
Monitor their activity: Keep an eye on your child's online activity by regularly checking their browsing history and social media accounts.
Educate them about online safety: Teach your child about the importance of privacy, never sharing personal information online, and being cautious when interacting with strangers.
Use parental controls: Utilize parental control software or settings on devices to restrict access to inappropriate content and monitor their online behavior.
Encourage open communication: Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their online experiences and asking for help if they encounter something concerning.

Please remember that this week, both Tuesday and Friday are holidays, and there will be no school on those days. We hope this provides an opportunity for you and your family to enjoy some additional well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Mental health continues to be an important component of student well-being. In addition to our awesome counselor Mr. Eduardo Garibay, the Hawai'i Site Department of Education has a partnership with Hazel Health for additional mental health support through virtual counseling sessions. Hazel Health is a resource that provides short-term teletherapy to K-12 students with a highly qualified licensed therapist, at no cost to families. All visits take place remotely over video chat. Therapy sessions with Hazel are a safe space and are always private and confidential. For more information, take a look at the Hazel Health flyer below.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or the school office. Together, we can ensure a successful and fulfilling fourth quarter for all our students.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education.

Mr. Kusuda

Great Job Waikiki School Fourth Graders!

We're excited to share some remarkable news from our students' participation in the We Grow Hawaii Youth Food Summit held over two days in February. This summit, centered around the theme of "Farm to School and School Food Advocacy," provided a platform for students and educators from Hawaiʻi schools (K-12) to come together and explore how we can enhance school food quality while supporting local producers.

We're especially proud of the efforts of the students in Ms. Carrʻs fourth-grade class, who showcased their advocacy skills by drafting op-eds, or opinion articles with a call to action. In groups of nine, her 22 students passionately wrote pieces advocating for the incorporation of more locally sourced foods in school cafeterias. Their dedication and enthusiasm for creating positive change in our school food system are truly commendable.

As a testament to their hard work, three videos featuring our students' voices and perspectives were showcased at the We Grow Summit. These videos encapsulate their commitment to promoting healthier and more sustainable food options for our school community.