The Heart of Haleʻiwa

February 26, 2021

In this issue...

• Who's Who in the Office
• The winner of "Name Mr. Pai's Broom" contest
• Student Showcase: Ms. Felz' students and Mrs. Tuvera's students
• Furry Family Members of Hale`iwa staff
• Literacy Corner
• Read Aloud: Can I Be Your Dog read by Ms. Boudreau
• Join our Haleʻiwa Book Club
• Nurse Connie: How Vaccines Work
• Kumu Kuʻuipo: Kaʻena

• Choose Love: Forgiveness
  
• PCNC Mrs. Cyndy: Meaningful Connections
• Get Ready! Read Across Haleʻiwa Week March 1-5

Everyday the Hale`iwa office fields numerous calls from parents, business people and others that need information from the school for various reasons. Most of the time, when someone calls, that person will speak to one of two people who work in our office -- Ms. Odelyn Ramil-Castillo our Office Assistant or Mrs. La`ai Felix, our SASA. These two ladies keep the school running. In this issue, "Ms. Ode" and "Ms. La`ai" answer some questions about themselves for us -- instead of answering questions about the school. We will get to know the people behind the helpful and pleasant voices that answer the phones everyday.

1. How long have you worked at Hale`iwa?

I have worked at Hale`iwa since the start of SY 2016-2017. I started as a PPT in Mrs. Tuvera's class. Then in 2017-2018, I became the Office Assistant and that is where I am now.

2. What is the favorite part of your job?

The part that I like most about my job is helping people. I get to help everybody at our school. I get to help parents, students, and staff. I like being that person that hopefully helps people make their days a little easier by knowing what they need and how to help them ... at least schoolwise.

3. If you did not work at Hale`iwa, what would be your dream job?

If I didn't work at Hale`iwa, I would probably like to work at an aquarium. When I was in elementary school and lived in CA, we spent multiple weekends at Monterey Bay Aquarium and as a kid I thought it was the best thing ever. So I guess I would want to be an aquarist, someone who helps with the animals and makes sure they get taken care of and remain in good health so that other people can be as amazed as I am about all the ocean has.

4. Who has had the most influence on you in your life? Why?

My grandparents have probably had the most influence in my life. They came to Hawaii from the Phillippines when they were in elementary school and didn't have the best circumstances but still managed to make a great life for themselves and their children. They taught me a good work ethic. Even though they did not excel in school because of their major move, they worked hard at everything they did. I watched my grandparents work hard, move up in the companies they worked at, and now retire and get to spend their days keeping up with all of their grandkids. They have shaped me and my views on the importance of family, a good work ethic, believing in myself and having faith.

5. What is your favorite quote and why?

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi

This is my favorite quote because it is a reminder that if I want to see change, it has to start from me. It just means that the way I choose to act and talk needs to be a reflection of my thoughts and beliefs and that I am responsible for my own change. I am learning to be kinder and look at things with a more positive perspective so that is the change I am making within.

1. How long have you worked at Hale`iwa?

Almost 2 years

2. What is the favorite part of your job?

Being able to help in anyway I can with the students and staff on a daily basis. Also, I love seeing and interacting with the students when selling ice pops... LOL

3. If you did not work at Hale`iwa, what would be your dream job?

Hmmmm... at one time I thought of being an Event Coordinator (wedding planner, parties, etc.). I thought it would be FUN.

4. Who has had the most influence on you in your life? Why?

My mom. She was the strongest person I know. Her examples of unconditional love, patience and being a good listener and a great advisor are some of the values that I cherish. Growing up she would always say, "If at first you don't succeed, try again"... and "Don't worry, be happy." We often joke and laugh about it now but her words of encouragement will always be a reminder for me. I am blessed. Thank you Mom!!!

5. What is your favorite quote and why?

"Don't sweat the small stuff." If we learn to let go of the littlest problems we face, life will be so much better and happier. Avoid the negatives and focus on the positive.

In last week's edition of THOH, we had a contest to "Name Mr. Pai's Broom". There were over 30 entries (the most for any of our contests) so Mr. Pai had a tough time making a decision. But the winner he chose just "stuck" with him. First grader, Mikayla Rosser suggested the name "Sticky" and it is the winner. Thank you to everyone who entered the contest. Mr. Pai was very touched that so many people wanted to help him name his broom. Congratulations to Mikayla who has won an icepop for every school day for the rest of the school year!

Every week, Ms. Felz's third grade class writes and presents an opinion piece. This week's question was, "What is your favorite animal, and why?"

Click on the image to read what Olivia and Stella wrote.

The sixth graders are learning the different characteristics of ancient civilizations. Through their learning, they answer the essential question: "How do the characteristics of a civilization affect how they live?"

Click on the video below to listen to Ms. B read one of her favorite books!

If you're like many of us, it is not always easy to forgive. According to a Choose Love video, "forgiveness is the choice to let go of anger toward yourself or someone else, to let go of the thought of revenge, and to move forward with your personal power intact."

If you haven't registered to be a part of the Choose Love enrichment program it's never too late to do that. Go to: https://chooselovemovement.org/join/

NOTE: The following are excerpts only. For the entire article, please refer to: Real Simple Magazine/January 2021 Issue or go to: https://app.blackhole.run/#Ahs7NQ0DSB1BfZVT1YNoWc5xVWTsZEnGNPgscFQb4Diz

5 Ways to Be a Better Listener

In these pinging, buzzing, distraction-packed times, active listening is harder than ever. Here's how to give someone your full attention -- and make every conversation count.

1. Pretend you're watching a movie. Immerse yourself in the person's story. Read their body language for the message behind their words.
2. Put the other person in the spotlight. You want to convey that the speaker has your complete attention.
3. Ask (lots of!) the right questions. "But wait -- isn't it impossible to eat keto with little kids at home?" "What was the look on his face when he told you?" Let sincere interest guide your queries.
4. Repeat the important stuff. For tough talks -- a disagreement with your mother, a vent session with a friend who's going through a messy divorce -- it can help if you repeat the gist of their crucial comments.
5. Don't solve their problems. As a listener, your most important job is to just try to understand the person. That's often what people want most.

Infection happens when germs, virus or bacteria, enter the body to attack and make more copies of itself or multiply. Our immune system protects us by making and using different kinds of immune cells to defend us from this attack.

After an infection, immune cells “remember” the germ, and learns to protect us for next time. Vaccines help prevent disease by imitating an infection in order for us to make antibodies that fight disease causing germs. Many serious diseases can be prevented by vaccines.

Our goal as a society, especially with COVID-19, is to prevent serious disease that lead to hospitalizations. Please click on the link below for the most frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Click on the picture below for a full flyer.

The Hawaiian culture is one that is rooted in spirituality and connectedness to all things, such as the land and natural environment. The belief is, there is no separation between the physical and spiritual realm. They exist simultaneously. The spiritual connection to the land is apparent in the many sacred sites throughout the pae ‘āina (archipelago), such as the Leina-a-ka-‘uhane (Leap of the spirit), which is the sacred place where departed souls leap into Pō (spirit realm). Every island has a Leina-a ka-‘uhane located on the northwestern area of the island. As the sun sets in the west, so does one’s soul when they depart. Oʻahu’s Leina-a-ka-‘uhane is at Kaʻena (the heat), which you can see from behind our school’s campus at Kaiaka Bay Beach Park.

Not only is Kaʻena a sacred site, but it is also the natural habitat for many native coastal plants and sea birds. The State’s Hawai’i Land and Natural Resource Agency owns and manages fifty-nine acres that has been designated as Kaʻena Point Natural Area Reserve. At the reserve are the homes of the many threatened indigenous nesting birds such as the Mōlī (Laysan Albatross) and our school’s mascot the ʻIwa (Great Frigate Bird). There are also endangered endemic (found only in Hawai’i) plants, such as the ‘Akoko, which is found only at Kaʻena Point.

Unfortunately, the introduction of the mongoose and other predatory animals have contributed to the decline of the endemic and native species. There are ongoing efforts in protecting this area with projects like installing pest proof fences and community outreach, but much still remains to be done. Today, Kaʻena is frequented by many hikers and nature lovers from far and near. My hope is that as visitors tread on this sacred land, they do so with reverence and awareness of how their presence can have a negative impact by stepping on rare native plants, as well as a positive impact by picking up trash and walking lightly upon the land.

If you and your ‘ohana decide to venture to Kaʻena, remember to enter with humility and aloha. If you are interested in protecting Kaʻena Point, contact DLNR at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/nars/.

Email: haleiwaschool@haleiwa.k12.hi.us
Website: haleiwaelementary.com
Location: 66-505 Hale`iwa Road
Phone: 808-637-8237