Posted on: Thursday, December 2, 2004

Education Snapshot — Hoala School

By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Education Writer

At a time when many other schools are scaling back art programs to concentrate on academics, Hoala School in Wahiawa has focused on fine arts, connecting visual arts, music, dance and drama to the guiding philosophy of character education.

The small private school, with children in kindergarten through Grade 12, attempts to strengthen character in its students by creating an environment in which they can flourish and take charge of their lives.

Arts fit into that by giving students a place to explore who they are and find ways to express themselves, said Tina Markel, who teaches visual arts and drama.

"What I think the arts can provide is an opportunity for depth that they may not receive in their everyday life," she said.

Markel's students regularly have their work selected for display in exhibits at the Hawai'i Convention Center and the Honolulu Academy of Art.

Students in drama classes say the school creates a nurturing, uncompetitive environment where they can hone their skills. "It's just a place where you can let yourself go," said senior James Bushong, who plans to pursue a career in theater.

Junior Casey Fern said drama exercises that force the students to improvise also help them get past their inhibitions about taking risks, which carries over into the rest of their lives. For example, some of the same skills gained in performing arts could be applied in the business world, he said.

Teachers say these drama exercises help students become better problem solvers.

"They might look for more creative solutions for what seems to be a difficult situation," said drama, voice and movement teacher Linda Turnbull.

Because the school has only 115 students, those who want to participate in activities generally have the opportunity, Fern said. The small numbers force everyone to put in more effort than might be required in other schools, but it also means students do not have to compete for a few select positions.

"There's a chance for everyone in the class to participate," Fern said.

Reach Treena Shapiro at tshapiro@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8014.