Posted on: Thursday, January 13, 2005

School proud of enriched learning

By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Education Writer

At Hokulani Elementary School in Manoa, academic subjects are important, but so are enrichment classes.

Some schools have cut back on music, foreign language and art programs to focus on math and reading, but a focus on arts and language has not hurt test scores at Hokulani. On the last Hawai'i State Assessment, 80 percent of third-graders and 83 percent of fifth-graders met or exceeded the reading standards, while 66 percent of third-graders and 57 percent of fifth-graders performed at or above proficiency in math.

The pupils' marked pro-gress has earned the school a nomination for the national 2005 Blue Ribbon Schools program.

"Hokulani is unique in a number of different ways," said principal Donna Lum. "We have a multitude of enrichment programs that we offer our students."

The goal is to create a well-rounded person, she said.

Students study music and Japanese, Mandarin and Hawaiian language and culture. In addition, through the Artists in the School program, different classes can select art programs, such as ceramics, poetry, storytelling or dance.

The Parent Teacher Association — Aikane O Hokulani — helps make the enrichment programs possible, Lum said. About 45 percent of the pupils come from outside the district to attend Hokulani.

The school also benefits from its proximity to both the University of Hawai'i and Chaminade University.

"We welcome and embrace student teachers ... so they can put into practice what they've learned," Lum said.

The school also has a cultural exchange program with Kinki School in Osaka, Japan, through which Japanese students come to stay with Hokulani host families for a few days, then the following year a contingent from Hokulani visits Japan.

Perhaps most importantly, the school has a unified purpose, strong parent involvement and an experienced staff willing to create a nurturing, safe environment where children can blossom, Lum said.

"We have a staff that is really committed to going beyond what is expected."

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