MAKAWAO, Maui — Learning at Makawao Elementary School goes on well after the last bell of the day rings.

Students at the Upcountry school, nestled on the slopes of Haleakala, can get tutoring during an after-school program funded by a federal 21st Century grant, and homework includes a daily reading assignment with parents.

The after-school program was launched three years ago, and this year about 150 students enrolled to get extra help in reading and math, said Principal Emily De Costa. Instruction in 'ukulele, hula and music also is offered.

Two other academic programs are propelling Makawao Elementary students to success, De Costa said. One is the "Success For All" literacy program, now in its seventh year, and the other is "EveryDay Math," implemented two years ago. The reading program includes a 90-minute daily block of small-group instruction and activities for children at the same reading level. Students also take home a 20-minute reading assignment that involves parents.

The math program uses games and manipulatives, such as beads and blocks, which can make the subject more fun. "Every student, from kindergarten to fifth grade, learns the same concepts, however, in different degrees," De Costa said.

To make sure the programs stay on track, teachers from each grade level meet monthly during school time to discuss what's working and what's not, and to make sure struggling students don't fall through the cracks.

This year, Makawao Elementary was one of three Maui schools achieving Adequate Yearly Progress under the No Child Left Behind Act and was recognized as the only school on the island to have three years of continuous improvement, De Costa said.

Along with an academic focus, the school maintains a close-knit 'ohana atmosphere befitting the friendly, rural communities it serves.

Last year, as a memorial to a late student teacher, Lori Rich, students completed a tile mural of children playing hopscotch, climbing a jungle gym and enjoying other playground activities. Rich died in 2004 at age 24 of a rare autoimmune disease.

Her parents donated $1,500 to the school, which helped pay for the materials for the art project.

What are you most proud of? "I am most proud of our faculty and staff who are highly committed to the students at Makawao Elementary," De Costa said. "The teachers at Makawao Elementary are always striving to have their students meet the standards while they foster an 'ohana feeling in our educational setting. Each student is treated with respect and love."

Best-kept secret: The school's rich history, which began when the campus opened in 1936. During World War II, Makawao School was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers, and one of the classrooms was turned into a morgue.

Everyone at our school knows: Vice principal and disciplinarian Wailana Purdy-Kaai. "She is fair and consistent and treats all students with respect. All students know that inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and consequences will be given," De Costa said.

Our biggest challenge: Increasing parental involvement. "Many of our parents need to work two jobs to make a living. Forty-eight percent of our students are on free- and reduced-lunch status. Due to this, parents are unable to volunteer during school hours. It is our strong belief that a parent's involvement in their child's education is the major factor for success."

What we need: "A magic wand that will assist us to meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind mandate in future years," De Costa said. Also needed are new computers to replace outdated models, and other technology "to help prepare our students for the modern world." A bigger cafeteria is also on De Costa's wish-list. The current facility holds 150 people. Consequently, assemblies must be held on the lawn in front of the library. "When it rains, which is often in Makawao, our assemblies are canceled, depriving our students of quality performances," she said.

Reach Christie Wilson at cwilson@honoluluadvertiser.com.