OUR SCHOOLS • MA'EMA'E ELEMENTARY
Popular Nu'uanu campus is like one big family

By James Gonser
Advertiser Urban Honolulu Writer

Ma'ema'e Elementary's reputation as a top-notch school in a good neighborhood with dedicated teachers generated about 300 requests for students outside the district to attend the Nu'uanu campus. But if it wasn't for the continuous hard work of the staff, alumni and parents, the old school wouldn't be nearly so desirable, according to principal Susan Minami.

Technology coordinator Sandra Vegas monitors the progress of kindergartners at the computer lab at Ma'ema'e Elementary. Every classroom also has at least two computers with Internet access. Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

"They support our total technology program," Minami said. "We don't get any money from the state for that. They give each classroom money to do educational activities and for teachers to buy extra supplies.

"Without those funds the students wouldn't have all the activities, attention in the classroom, and the educational experience would be half of what it is now."

Many of the nearly 800 students are second- or third-generation at the school, and parent participation is widespread, according to PTSA president Olga Caldwell.

"When you come here you should know that you should put time into helping the students," Caldwell said. "It's expected. Not everyone follows through, but most people give what they can."

The clean campus is well-maintained and landscaped, with native Hawaiian plants along walkways, a kalo patch near the cafeteria and giant monkeypod trees providing shade. A ceramic mural and a metal sculpture were both built with student help and decorate the front of the school.

It is one of the oldest schools in Honolulu, with roots dating to its 1886 founding as a Sunday school by Elizabeth Waterhouse.

Alan Kogami graduated from the school and now has two children attending classes. The computer technician is in charge of fund raising and said parents not only help raise money and maintain the grounds, but also help teach.

"Teachers only have the kids a certain amount of time. After that it is all on the parents," Kogami said. "If the parents don't get involved, you'd really see a slide in the grades. The majority of the parents all get involved, which in turn helps the teachers because instead of having to reinforce the lesson the next day, the teacher can move on."

The school holds dozens of fund-raising events every year, from chicken sales to fun runs to golf tournaments. Family Fun Night, the biggest event of the year with about 10,000 people expected to attend, is set for May 7.

School librarian Julie Tomo-mitsu is also a Ma'ema'e graduate and has been working at the school for eight years. Tomomitsu said people love the school so much that 60 retired teachers come back as volunteers.

"Everyone here is a teacher," Tomomitsu said. "From the custodians, to the secretaries, to the cafeteria manager to every classroom teacher and every parent. We never want to lose that."

But even with the help of dedicated parents, staff, alumni and teachers the school still has needs, Minami said, included replacing outdated math textbooks and a basic science program for the school.

• What are you most proud of? The work of volunteers to make the school a success, Minami said.

• Best-kept secret: Stephanie Koga is the only food-service manager in the state who does nutrition classes, including a monthly nutrition display, Minami said.

• Everybody at our school knows: School counselor Dennis "Mr. T" Takasuki, who has been at the school for 25 years, said sixth-grader Brittney Higuchi. Takasuki plants and maintains the native Hawaiian gardens and teaches students about the importance of plants. "He has been here a long time and knows all the children, all the families and all the teachers," Brittney said.

• Our biggest challenge: "It is really getting every child prepared to function effectively in the 21st century," Minami said. "With the social issues happening around the world, it is a lot to prepare the students for."

• What we need: An inside gymnasium for physical education classes in the rainy valley.

• Projects: A Kalo art mural about to be built in the cafeteria to represent school values.

• Special events: Family Fun Day, starting at 2:30 p.m. May 7 on the campus, will include games, rides, food and entertainment.

Reach James Gonser at jgonser@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2431.