The programs include the University of Hawai'i's Master in Education and Teaching where student teachers practice their skills and teaching innovations, and the University of Chicago's Positive Action School, a research project that teaches character traits such as self-management and responsibility, Hibbs said.

Positive Action includes rewarding pupils for good behavior and regular attendance, with quarterly activities like swimming at the district park pool and coupons that are redeemable at Honu Hut, a store that carries trinkets, pencils, erasers and other items.

"It's a good incentive," Hibbs said.

Prior to the program's inception, the pupils had 300 disciplinary referrals a year. Now there are only 100 a year, she said.

Hibbs also points to a literature lab that has been on campus for two years for the improved academic scores. This year the school has added a math lab and has seen good results, Hibbs said.

She said the school also gets lots of support from the community.

• What are you most proud of? Making annual yearly progress two years in a row.

• Best-kept secret: The Billie Fund. Billie McGill, a Lanikai resident, has donated about $3,000 to the school fund to pay for field trips and essential items that children can't afford. Java Thru, a coffee kiosk, also donates 5 cents for every cup of coffee it sells.

• Everybody at our school knows: Dora Largo, who is the meal ticket supervisor, office volunteer and, this year, PTSA president. "She's all around always helpful," Hibbs said. "She has good rapport with the children (who call her auntie) and the parents."

• Our biggest challenge: Teaching the new math program, Everyday Mathematics, where students have to solve problems and write out answers.

• What we need: Air conditioning for the library.

• Projects: Literature and math labs.

• Special events: Curriculum night Feb. 9 where children get to show off their work and enjoy a movie, and Hoike May 27, which is a time to share music, culture and games.