Island Youth

Making Middle School Feel Like Home

Wednesday, August 29th, 2012

Community Contributed

By Kalei “Pumpkin” Moss

When I was in sixth grade, the thought of entering middle school was quite intimidating. This summer, Molokai Middle School (MMS) tried to make the transition for students a little bit easier with a summer program funded by the 21st Century grant program.

The summer program, open to current MMS students and incoming seventh graders, offered classes in academics, physical fitness and arts and crafts.

MMS strove to increase student achievement this summer by challenging learners in various areas of education, especially math and science. Students learned how to properly create a science project, review the scientific process, complete experiments and document research.…

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Sunday, August 26th, 2012

MHS assesses achievement and areas for improvement

Classes are back in full swing at Molokai High School (MHS) as students returned to school on July 30. While last year saw monumental improvements in student achievement and academic success, there is still room for students, staff and teachers to grow, according to MHS Principal Stan Hao.

No Green Hair for Hao
At the start of last school year, Hao promised students that if they made the state Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standards this year, he would dye his hair green and spike it. MHS failed to meet the benchmark this year, in large part due to a technical error, according to Hao.…

Leading By Example

Sunday, August 19th, 2012

MHS student represents Molokai on teen council against meth use

It’s no secret that methamphetamines –commonly known as “ice” –has been a prevalent problem on Molokai. Meth is currently the top drug of choice and the number one drug problem in Hawaii, according to the latest assessment done by The National Drug Intelligence center.

But one student from Molokai High School (MHS) is taking action in the fight against meth use. MHS Junior Hope Will has become the first student from Molokai to serve on the Teen Advisory Council for the Hawaii Meth Project, a statewide campaign started in 2009 to prevent and reduce meth use across the islands, especially amongst teens and young adults.…

Long Legacy of Service

Sunday, August 19th, 2012

Mr. Nip moving from Molokai

Over 50 years ago, Kenneth Nip, known to many as Mr. Nip, came to Molokai to teach at the Mission School, which used to be held outside Kaunakakai. Since then, he has become not only an integral part of the community, but an example of service and volunteerism. This month, Mr. Nip is moving to Oahu to be closer to his family and medical services.

Mr. Nip grew up in Honolulu, where the site of his childhood home is now a freeway, he said. As a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Mr. Nip started teaching at mission schools on Maui and Kauai after he graduated from La Sierra University in California.…