Island Youth

The keiki and `opio of Molokai

Parents as Teachers

Friday, May 1st, 2015

INPEACE News Release

Are you an expectant mother on Molokai?  Did you know you are your keiki’s first, and best, teacher? Interaction with your keiki from the time you conceive is crucial to strengthening family bonds. The earlier you start, the better!

If you don’t know where to begin, Parents as Teachers (PAT), a program by INPEACE, can get you on the path to success. Our staff can guide you through the many stages of your child’s development, through weekly home visits, using the PAT Foundational curricula — and it’s all free!

Most new parents have many questions. And, PAT has the answers.…

Join the E Ola Campaign

Friday, May 1st, 2015

Growing Pono Schools News Release

Are you part of a group who has done a project or activity to improve your school or community this school year?  If so, consider joining the E Ola Pono Campaign by May 15 so your efforts can be acknowledged and your group becomes eligible for a monetary award.

The E Ola Pono Campaign is in its seventh year of encouraging student led initiatives in grades K-12 to proactively work to eliminate bullying and promote the concept of living pono, defined as acting with respect toward everyone and everything.

Campaign sponsors ask groups to submit documentation and a brief reflection about their activity by the mid May deadline.…

Baseball Wraps Up MIL Title

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015

Baseball Wraps Up MIL Title

The Molokai High School boys’ baseball team will be headed to the state tournament for the third year in a row after winning the MIL Division II Baseball Championship this past weekend at Maehara Stadium on Maui.

The Farmers outscored their opponents in the tournament 26- 1 and had solid pitching from their two aces, Nohi Meyer and Hanale Dudoit Enos.

On Thursday, they defeated Lanai 15-0 in three innings, and on Friday they defeated St. Anthony 11- 1 in five innings. Ena Victorino had a home run and a triple in the game against the Trojans, and all of his teammates also contributed to the successful weekend.…

Softball Sweeps First Homestand 

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015

Softball Sweeps First Homestand 

The Molokai girls’ softball field may be brand new, but the path to home plate is already well worn by the cleats of the high-scoring Farmers.

Last weekend in Ho`olehua, the Lady Farmers (7-1) swept the St. Anthony Trojans (1-7) in a pair of three-inning wins, 16-1 on Friday and 23-1 on Saturday.

It was the Farmers’ first and final series on their new home field, which was officially blessed on March 20.

“I’ve practiced here before, but this year, having a game and having everyone from the community and our parents coming to watch us, it just felt really exciting, and I felt really honored,” said senior Kelsie Espiritu-Tanabe.…

Tennis Teams Stay Hopeful

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015

Molokai’s tennis teams exited early in last week’s Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) championships, but not before giving opposing schools a glimpse of what’s to come from this young, growing program.

“Our team is mostly comprised of sophomores and first year players,” said Luke Kikukawa, the team’s only senior. “… We really were starting to become a much bigger figure in MILs. Coaches are becoming more aware of us.”

Multiple underclassmen contributed to the Farmers’ five first-round victories, while sophomores Kaiea Dowling and Preston Pascua-Kaho`okano were named the sixth seed in the boys’ doubles competition and received a first-round bye.

Freshmen doubles teams Cassandra Ragonton and Romelyn Ragonton, and Michelle McGuire and Althea Cariaga got past the first round, as did junior duo Kea`a Davis and Oceana Madani.…

Five-Year Grant Kicks Off

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015

Five-Year Grant Kicks Off

Students and community members learned and created side-by-side at last week’s Molokai LIVE Family Fair. The event at Molokai High School celebrated the start of the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, which Aka`ula School, Molokai High and Middle Schools received this year.

The five-year grant that covers up to $200,000 each year will allow the schools to offer free courses to students and the community through the Molokai LIVE program, which is short for “Learning, Investing Vigorously Everyday.” The program is meant to enrich overall student learning as well as to engage the community, said Lyn Bonk, after-school coordinator for Molokai Middle School.…

Employment Opportunity at Kaunakakai Elementary

Friday, April 24th, 2015

KES News Release

Kaunakakai Elementary School (KES) is looking for a qualified individual to fill its Parent-Community Networking Center’s (PCNC), School Parent Facilitator’s position.

The PCNC role is an important one within our school. The primary focus of the PCNC position is to help schools and families build student esteem and achievement by creating a sense of community with partnerships among students, parents, teachers, and the community.

The PCNC, under the general direction of the Principal, develops, coordinates, and implements programs and activities which meet the assessed needs of the school/community. The PCNC will also be expected to direct, instruct and conduct appropriate learning experiences for parents, teachers, and other members of the school/community as related to program goals; coordinate and train all volunteers; participate in the development and preparation of the school and PCNC budget and serve on faculty committees as assigned; and be responsible for the use of PCNC facilities, equipment and supplies.…

Keiki Learn Conservation

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015

Keiki Learn Conservation

Molokai youth don’t have to wait till they’re older to make a difference in the environment. At Keiki Earth Day last Thursday, elementary students from around the island learned how they can save energy, use natural resources and be on the lookout for invasive species.

“It’s important to know because plants and animals need to stay alive to help our native forests and to help our plants,” said Kilohana third grader Waimoku Pale.

This year’s Earth Day theme, Mai Ke Kupu Mole Hawaii, means “All is found in the Source.” Hokule`a crewmember Mahina Hou Ross said a similar theme applies while voyaging.…

David Rapanot on the Road to His Dreams

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015

David Rapanot on the Road to His Dreams

Molokai High School 2014 graduate David Rapanot is in his first year of college at Feather River College in California. As a freshman, he is the starting shortstop for the Golden Eagles and is having a fantastic season while doing a great job stepping up to the next level.  Born and raised on Molokai by parents Scott and Kim Rapanot, he has played baseball since he could walk with the guidance of his father as his coach. He is now making his family and all of Molokai proud.

Feather River College is located in Quincy, Calif., a little town north of Sacramento across the border from Reno, Nev.…

Summer PALS Registration

Friday, April 17th, 2015

County of Maui News Release

The County of Maui Dept. of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced registration dates for the 2015 Summer Play and Learn Sessions (PALS) program.

Children should be registered in the district in which they will be attending PALS, and payments must be made on registration day. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis; if all the available spaces for a site have been filled before the allotted time is listed, staff will post signs about the site’s closure.

On Molokai, registration will be held on the first two days of the program, June 9 and 10.…