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Education

Big Keiki Turnout

Saturday, April 3rd, 2010

Big Keiki Turnout


What a great day was had at our 6th Annual Moloka’i Keiki Expo, held on Saturday, February 7 at the Mitchell Pauole Center.  A set of four books were gladly given to each family surrounding our theme, “Keeping Our Keiki Healthy”.  The titles of the books were “Wash ‘um”, “Brush ‘um”, “Eat ‘um”, and “Move ‘um”.  These books included beautifully illustrated pictures with a local twist, featuring island keiki and a true gift for each family that attended.

Oodles of educational prizes and books were given out and tons of fun activities were made as the crowd rolled in through out the morning.  It was enlightening to watch the little one’s enjoy the hands on activities as well as take on the challenge of the obstacle course while their parents gathered information about the different services/programs they were interested in. 

Congratulations to Azaelah Lavoie-Kahalewai, daughter to Malia & Marlin Lavoie, who was our Diaper Dash winner, taking home a keiki push buggy.  Thank you to all the contestants who participated.

It is our hope that through our efforts we can continue to showcase all of our on island services (early childhood/health/family support/parenting support), to promote literacy, to bring awareness on the importance of early childhood education & services, and to provide a venue for our families to access the many services and programs we have here on our island all at this “one stop shop” annual event.

On behalf of The Moloka’i Keiki Group, we would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude and extend our warmest Mahalo to all those who made our event a huge success.  Big Mahalo to our very generous sponsors who made this event possible: Punana Leo o Moloka’i, The County of Maui-Parks & Rec and staff, Kamehameha Schools, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Queen Lili’uokalani Children’s Center and Rawlins Chevron Service. A Special Mahalo to The Moloka’i Health Foundation who sponsored the set of four books (valued at $16 each set), which every single family who attended received.  It was a huge hit and if you missed the event and wish to order this awesome health book series set at $4 each book, please contact Dana Gorecki at Oahu Head Start www.oahuheadstart.org or you may call 808-847-2400 for more information.

Mahalo to Matthew Helm (our great MC), to our entertainers: Halau Hula o Kilohana, Punana Leo o Moloka’i Preschool, and Becky Takashima & Debs Mapel for the skits, Lohea Audio/Sherman Napoleon, Kawika Crivello, Kanoho Helm, Ron Kimball, Claire Iveson, Kai Sawyer, Kathy Bennett, Miki’ala/Poema/Keoki Pescaia, Michelle/Francis Nae’ole & ‘Ohana (Keiki Jumper), Moloka’i High School Leo Club, Moloka’i High School Teens Who Read Book Club, Kamehameha Schools ATP, Kime Kala Girls Volleyball Club, Sarah Kawa’a and Students, Edrian Apo, Melani Rawlins, Lynn Decoite, Hula Halau o Kilohana, and Punana Leo o Moloka’i for all your kokua.

To all of the services who participated, Mahalo nui!!  Punana Leo o Moloka’i preschool, MEO Headstart, Na Kamali’i Hoaloha preschool, All God’s Children preschool, Keiki Steps, Tutu & Me Traveling preschool, Kamehameha School’s, Kualapu’u School, Maunaloa School, Kaunakakai School, State DOH-Moloka’i Public Health Nurse, Na Pu’uwai: Asthma / WIC, Moloka’i Dental Health Coalition, Moloka’i Community Health Center, Chevron Hawai’i-Keiki ID’s, Moloka’i Early Headstart, IKAIKA Program (MCHC), PATCH, Moloka’i Fathering Initiatives, Na Lei Mamo, Queen Lili’uokalani Children’s Center, Alu Like-Native Hawaiian Library, Read to me, and MHS Business Class. 

If we had missed anyone, e kala mai…and Mahalo nui!!

Mahalo nui once again and see you all at next year’s event!
Lori-Lei Rawlins-Crivello & Becky Takashima

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Baseball Hits Two Out of the Park

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

Baseball Hits Two Out of the Park

It wasn’t over for Molokai High School’s baseball team when they fell short, 6-5, to Lanai at Lahaina Ball Park last Friday. In fact, it wasn’t over in the least bit.

The Farmers found some extra runs needed to close out their season-opener doubleheader, winning the first game 12-4 and the second 12-0 in five innings on Saturday.

Molokai, a Maui Interscholastic League’s (MIL) Division II team, is tied with St. Anthony High School at 2-1.

will go to state.”

Molokai girls placed sixth overall out of eight teams, earning a total of six points, while the boys placed eighth out of 10 teams with nine points.

Ford said the boys did exceptionally well, even though most other teams are 10 times the size of Molokai’s.
Senior sprinter Mahi Kan-Hai advanced to the finals in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.5 seconds – just one tenth of a second off of state consideration.

Freshman mid-distance runner Akona Adolpho improved from preliminaries to the finals in the 1500, while senior Kaili Levi also reached the finals in shot put and discus.

A highlight for the boys’ team was when Hunter-Pawn Kalilikane, Akoha Adolpho, Mahi Kan-Hai and Gaig Yap, whom had never run together before Saturday, earned the fourth-place slot in the 4x100 meter relay, awarding them each with medals.

The track & field team will take a break next week, but will return to face off with its competition at the second MIL Meet April 9 at War Memorial Stadium.

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A Different Kind of Spelling Bee

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

A Different Kind of Spelling Bee

Everyone knows Molokai students are multi-talented, and their wide variety of skills and attendance in competitions is getting attention. Last week, three Molokai High School students competed in a HOSA – Health Occupation Students of America – event in Oahu. While the events varied among interview and CPR skills, a large part of the competition is health-related spelling.

Senior Candice Pauole competed in human growth and development, junior Edwin Mendija in medical spelling, and sophomore Nika Mendija in dental spelling. Nika was a part of the first Molokai team to attend last year and came in second in the same category, but placed fifth this year. Her brother Edwin placed sixth, and Pauole placed seventh.

are a way to get out into real world and build self-esteem,” he said.

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Full Throttle Basketball

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Full Throttle Basketball

The 2010 molokai menehune basketball champs, ‘we goin full throttle,” went to Maui on March 4-7 to play in the menehune tournament and played four awesome games.
Coach Ron Rapanot Sr. and assistant coach Scot Rapanot Sr. took only seven players: David Rapanot, Noah Caparida, Kilo Gonzales, Rayden McCutcheon, Likehe Shonley, Jarvin Namauu and Kamekona Pelekani. Several comments were made in Maui that they would call themselves the Super 7 Kids, because of the way they played.

We were the only team that had seven players while the rest of the teams that they played against had 12-15 players. Their first game played against Kahului Bays, and lost 29-31, because the referees called 18 fouls to Molokai and Kahului only had four. Our boys left robbed and really disappointed, but they lifted their spirits and surly did not let those officials keep them down for like their team shirts says, “we goin’ full throttle” and believe me, they did exactly that.

The second game was played against Kihei I, and again they played hard with seven of our boys against 12. This time we came on top with 41 points and Kihei 38. David had 22 points, Noah 13, Kalei two, Keke had two and Brayden had two points.

Even at this point, our boys had more speed and condition, out ran and surely out smarted a lot of plays with determination to win and show them what Molokai is made of.
The third game was played against Kihei II, and Molokai came on top with 35 points and Kihei 31. The final fourth game against Pukalani, molokai won 36 to Pukalani 27.

Special clinics should be set up for referee training, especially for the younger and 13-14 year group tournaments. It should be fun and exciting for the teenagers to participate and not have to wonder if the referees are going to call the games again. All in all, the team enjoyed themselves, took the consolation bracket and represented Molokai proudly.

So the Maui County, Molokai district superiors Mike Salas, recreation technician Gerard Starkey, and Ryoko Victorino thank you for making it possible for us to participate in Maui. To the county of Maui – a special thanks to Aunty Jackie for seeing that we were comfortable and allowing us to stay in the wrestling room and using the facilities.
Mahalo! Last but not least, we would like to send a special thanks to Catlin Kaahanui for helping us with transportation and lunch.

Gladys Rapanot

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The Future of Health Care

Friday, March 26th, 2010

The Future of Health Care

While the nation grapples with a new health care insurance reform, closer to home Molokai students are taking health care into their own hands. Last week Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) – Hawaii Chapter had their fifth annual competition, discussing and competing in CPR and first aid abilities, as well as spelling of healthcare occupations.

Senior Candice Pauole, junior Edwin Mendija, and sophomore Nika Mendija attended the competition in Oahu with their advisor and health teacher, John Van Ornum. While none of the Molokai High School students placed in the top three, Van Ornum said was proud of their performance against over 500 other participants. Mika came in second place last year, but wasn’t able to make it to the national competition; this year she competed in dental spelling. Her brother Edwin competed in medical spelling, and Pauole in human growth and development.

More information can be read in next week’s Dispatch.

 

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Fishpond Findings

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Fishpond Findings

By Kailana Ritte-Camara and Ka’imiola Sagario
From a series by O Hina I Ka Malama (Molokai High School Hawaiian immersion students) which focuses on place-based scientific inquiry.

Mai ke kuahiwi ki‘eki‘e ‘o Kamakou a i ke kai hohonu a Ka La‘au, welina mai me ke aloha e ka lehulehu a Moloka’i Nui A Hina. ‘O Kailana Ritte-Camara laua ‘O Ka’imiola Sagario ko maua inoa, he mau pakana maua no ka papa ‘epekema. No keia makahiki holo’oka’a, ua pono maua e noi’i i ka ‘aina ‘o Ka Hina Pohaku i malama ia e ka ‘ohana me hoa a ‘Anakala Leimana Naki.

Aloha e Moloka’i, Kailana Ritte-Camara and Ka’imiola Sagario are our names, we are currently attending the Hawaiian Immersion program called, “O Hina I Ka Malama.” We are both juniors in high school, and recently were assigned to research about the fishpond called, “Ka Hina Pohaku,” located towards the eastern side of the island. We were introduced to ‘Anakala Leimana and his helper Bryson, who are the current caretakers of this fishpond. During our visits to Ka Hina Pohaku we experienced the Hawaiian vibe of working in the footsteps as our ancestors did.

Stepping out of the bus, we started off our visit with the usual protocol that we do, which is to ‘oli kahea (asking to be welcomed into his domain) and being welcomed in with a full hearted, passionate ‘oli komo from ‘Anakala Leimana. Then we had the chance to have a little “talk story” with him about how we as the younger generation should start connecting more with the ‘aina, and our culture, rather then trying to keep up with the technology and the social issues that can impact us everyday, and find a more cultural balance with everyday life. 

We had the chance to gather and study native and invasive limu species while helping rebuilding the stonewall at Ka Hina Pohaku. Some of the students also had the privilege to go diving in the ocean along side with ’Anakala Leimana to experience his lifestyle. After spending a couple hours out in the ocean, some of the students were lucky enough to catch some squid, lobster and some ‘ono fishes such as manini, kala and some weke.

On our down time, we occupied ourselves by paddling the canoe in the loko i’a, cleaning the fish that were caught and just talk story with ‘Anakala Leimana. Going to these field trips, helped us gain more knowledge about the importance about sustainability. We as the next generation need to realize that we are the ones to help guide and deliver the message of continuing the Hawaiian culture, tradition, and language that has been passed down from ancestor to ancestor to the younger youth.

We would both like to thank ‘Anakala Leimana along with his helper Bryson for giving us a great experience at the Loko I’a of Ka Hina Pohaku. We would also like to thanks Uncle Mervin Dudoit for driving us around on these field trips. We know that he has a lot of fun with us! Also to Kumu Mahinahou for setting everything up and giving us the opportunity to learn and experience about the marine life. Mahalo Nui Loa for taking the time to read about our experience at Ka Hina Pohaku!

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Aka`ula School Receives Large Grant from OHA

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Aka`ula School News Release

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Matching New Threads

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Molokai High School students won’t have to fuss over what to wear to class next year. Their options just grew slimmer.

On March 12 the School Community Council (SCC) passed a new edict that will require students to wear uniforms – aiming to take effect during the 2010-11 school year.

Rodney Nelson, MHS math teacher and SCC member, said the 11-2 vote in favor of uniforms stemmed from the overall belief that mandatory dress instills a positive and professional learning environment.

“Various studies have shown that uniforms bring a decrease in violence, students attending class more, less write-ups, uniformity and school spirit,” he said. “The SCC deals with educational impact. These are the kinds of things we look at when making decisions.”

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Molokai High School Goes to Washington D.C.

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Molokai High School Goes to Washington D.C.

Community Contributed by Diane Mokuau

Following a 17-year tradition, 17 Molokai High School students and three co-advisors left Friday, March 12, 2010 for Washington D.C. to participate in the  Close Up program. 

Since 1990, Molokai High School students and their families have raised thousands of dollars to annually travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in this exciting program.  At Close Up students and their teacher-chaperones explore the inner workings of Washington, meet with elected officials – such as Senators Inouye and Akaka and Representative Hirono – policy experts and media, and live and learn with peers from across the country.

For these students during their weeklong stay, Washington will become a living classroom.
Twenty-nine high and middle schools from Hawaii will participate in Close Up 2010 with Molokai High School having the largest participation at 17 students.

To follow the Close Up groups’ daily happenings, go to http://www.molokai.k12.hi.us/, click on the school logo, and locate the Close Up site. Students will be posting their reactions and reflections day-by-day.

Come join them on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at the Molokai High School Library where the students will be able to show their appreciation to their parents and the Molokai community for their support. They will share what they’ve seen and learned in Washington, DC in a multimedia format that will recount stories and behind-the-scene efforts that made Close Up 2010 a mobile community of learners for the Molokai community.

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Mo`omomi Meandering

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Mo`omomi Meandering

By Maluhia Mendes-Medeiros, with Kealakai Alcon
From a series by O Hina I Ka Malama (Molokai High School Hawaiian immersion students) which focuses on place-based scientific inquiry.

Welina mai me ke aloha e na makamaka ‘o Molokai nei. ‘O Maluhia Mendes-Medeiros ko’u inoa. A ‘o Kealakai Alcon ko’u hoa pakana. I keia makahiki pili ko maua pahana ‘epekema I ka ‘aina ‘o Mo`omomi.

Aloha, my name is Maluhia Mendes-Medeiros. With my partner Kealakai Alcon, we focused our project this year on Mo`omomi.

First quarter we did a project, based upon the limu of Mo`omomi. We were required to create a booklet, model, and power point. We had the privilege of taking a field trip to Mo’omomi to gather specimens for our research.

On our field trip we learned that there are many different species of limu all over our island. We observed how we are losing some native limu and gaining invasives.

We have to keep in mind that we should only take what we need, and preserve for our future generations. The removal of invasive limu is an advantage, because it creates a less stressful environment allowing native limu to re-generate and re-populate.

Limu is one of the main food sources for our native fish. Without limu the life cycle of the oceans ecosystem diminish, and native species as well as many others would die off. It is very important to preserve our limu of Hawaii.

Our second quarter project focused on invertebrates of Mo`omomi. On a return visit we observed invertebrates found along the shoreline and collected specimens such as Sea Cucumbers, Wana, and ‘Opihi. In school we dissected them to observe and study their body parts. Overall this quarter we learned about invertebrate diets, habitats, purposes, and uses.

On a third trip to Mo`omomi we studied fish, so we went diving and saw them in their own habitat. We also observed tide pool fish and gathered some of them to bring back to our classroom aquarium.

We enjoy place-based learning because it allows us to be better involved and engaged in the task at hand. Place based learning allows for hands-on activities providing a more fun learning environment for students, and we learn about our culture and develop Hawaiian skills that our kupuna use. Throughout these trips we learned skills that can help us in our future.

We would like to say mahalo to Mac Poepoe, Mervin Dudoit, and The Hui Malama O Mo’omomi for the transportation and access to the facilities.

Mahalo nui loa no ka ho’olohe ana mai. I na he ninau kau, mai hilahila e noe aku. Mai na Haumana ame na Kumu ‘o ‘O Hina I Ka Malama.

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