Recent headlines tell the story of school funding cutbacks, but the Hawaiian Humane Society is ensuring that dozens of classrooms are getting free teaching material.

This September, the Hawaiian Humane Society launched its Adopt-a-Classroom program where donors can earmark their gifts for nine-month subscriptions to Kind News, a grade-school publication that teaches kids about kindness to animals. Thirty-two O'ahu classrooms have benefited.

The classroom newspaper features articles, activities, puzzles and celebrity interviews that emphasize the importance of kindness, and teach children about the value of compassion, responsibility and respect.

Benefactors are of all ages and backgrounds. Sixteen-year-old Raven Matsushita is a Kaimuki High School junior who donated a subscription to 'Ewa Beach Elementary School.

"I love animals, and the best way to make their lives better is to teach future generations how to be kind," Matsushita said.

'Ewa Beach Elementary teacher Jennifer Pimentel received her first issue of Kind News and shared it with her peers.

Teachers were so pleased with the publication, it resulted in the entire second-grade class adopting the newspaper as part of its curriculum and connecting it to the state's health, reading and language arts teaching standards.

"We're exposing an entire community of second-graders to important values while meeting some of our requirements for teaching," Pimentel said.

"It's a win-win. And nothing excites the kids more than a lesson involving animals. It's such a natural fit."

Supporters interested in sponsoring a $30 nine-month subscription for a classroom can contact education@hawaiianhumane.org or call 356-2206. Teachers can find a subscription application at www.hawaiianhumane.org/education/teachers.html.

ADOPTABLES

DALE

TAG NO. 08-14963

Two-year-old Dale with a crooked tail is so relieved to be off the streets. He arrived as a stray and with no one to claim him, he's looking for a new place to call home.

FLUPPY

TAG NO. 08-21402

Fluppy arrived the same day as Dale to the shelter. Yet he was surrendered by his owner. He looks as if Labrador and golden retriever are in his heritage, so his new family can look forward to a playful, fun-loving time.

ROCKY

Tag No. 08-22195

Rocky the Rabbit is rambunctious. With a black and tan coat and piercing blue eyes, he's a looker and a lover as he adores to be touched.

These animals already may have found homes. Go to www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals, ext. 4.