Our Schools • Liholiho Elementary
Children delve into school's past for 75th anniversary

By Alice Keesing
Advertiser Education Writer

They're doing the Charleston at King Liholiho Elementary. Plus the electric slide, the hustle and the Macarena.

Third-graders at Liholiho Elementary School learn the Charleston as part of a presentation of famous dances during the school's 75-year history. For the occasion, some students have developed a Web site that details the school's history while others have interviewed alumni. Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

In the lead-up to the celebrations, students have been helping to uncover the school's past. One class prepared a Web site about the school's history, while others have recorded interviews with alumni.

Principal Christina Small pulls out an old photograph showing a Junior Police Officer class from the 1950s: the students clean-cut in their uniforms, sashes and hats. What strikes Small about the photo is there isn't a girl in sight.

"Only boys were allowed to be JPOs back then," she said.

"That's what the children are learning: how different the times are," she said.

• What are you most proud of? "This is a warm and caring school," Small said. "It has the ability to turn the negative into the positive, and the staff are always pitching in." She also noted the school's strong parent support and the students' stellar test scores.

• Best-kept secret: "Not too many people even know about our school. It's a hidden little gem in the middle of urban Honolulu."

• Everybody at our school knows: Walter Amaral — the octogenarian walks from his home in Palolo to the school twice a day to help distribute student meal tickets and collect the money. "He's so conscientious, and every time he gives high-fives to the kids."

• Our biggest challenge: Like many schools, Liholiho is waiting for new playground equipment after the Department of Education ordered old equipment removed because of safety concerns. And, as a sign of its age, Liholiho needs electrical upgrades so classrooms can keep up with new technology demands.

• What we need: Quite simply: money. Because of its good test scores and its relatively low number of children from poor families, Liholiho doesn't qualify for the extra money that other schools receive, "yet we feel there is still a need because we do have students who need extra help," Small said.

• Projects: Renovations will soon begin on the 1930s cafeteria. It will get new ceiling fans, better lighting and acoustics, and will be checked for asbestos. The city also will add parking bays outside the school to alleviate traffic congestion during the busy pick-up and drop-off times.

• Special events: The school will celebrate its 75th anniversary Oct. 25. The Ho'olaule'a will include student performances, a gathering of retirees and alumni, the return of the 1953 May Day Queen, a memory walk of pictures, a lu'au and entertainment.