Happy End of the School Year!
It is hard to believe that this school year is finally coming to an end. At times, it felt like the year was speeding by and at other times it has felt like this year would never end. Despite some challenging times, overall it was a fabulous school year with so many things to be thankful for.
Our sixth grade graduating class is the biggest we have had in 15 years! We will say “aloha” to 45 sixth graders! It has been a joy to watch so many of them grow up over these past few years. For the students that just joined us this year or last year – it has been a pleasure being able to have them as a part of our “Hale’iwa ‘ohana”. Our sixth graders were wonderful in setting a positive example for their younger peers. We will miss them dearly and wish them the very best!
Not only are we saying goodbye to our sixth graders, but there are some staff members who will also be leaving at the end of this school year. Each of these individuals has contributed to Hale’iwa in different ways. And each person has made Hale’iwa a better school because they have been a part of our faculty and staff. We are so grateful for their time, commitment, and contributions over the years.
Ms. Cyndy Sumbad – PCNC
Mrs. Sumbad is concluding her second “stint” as PCNC. Mrs. Sumbad has worked tirelessly to bring our parents into our classrooms and on our field trips. Her parent volunteer posse has generously donated treats to our faculty and staff on many occasions, including some very special treats during staff appreciation week this year. Mrs. Sumbad will be leaving Hale’iwa to spend more time with her precious grandchildren who are the lights of her life.
Ms. Jessica Medina-Orozco - Educational Assistant
Every student (and adult) on campus knows “Ms. Jess” because of her friendly, outgoing, and loving personality. In turn, Ms. Jess literally knows every student’s name and at least a little bit (if not a lot) about each student because she takes the time to get to know each and every student on a personal level. She has been a huge asset to Hale’iwa with her flexibility and willingness to go wherever she has been needed to help our staff and our children. Ms. Jess is leaving Hale’iwa to start her own family. Her first baby is due this July.
Ms. Arleen Tanaka – Reading Intervention Specialist
Hale’iwa has been very fortunate to have Mrs. Tanaka as a reading intervention specialist. Despite retiring from the DOE after teaching for over 30 years, Mrs. Tanaka came to Hale’iwa to help our students improve their reading skills. Over the years, she has helped countless students become better readers. Mrs. Tanaka has also graciously shared her expertise with many staff members, serving as an “informal” mentor to teachers who are still developing their repertoire of teaching strategies. Now Mrs. Tanaka will finally have the chance to enjoy her retirement with her husband and their two dogs.
Ms. Osiris Terada - Vice Principal
Mrs. Terada’s first year as an administrator was here at Hale’iwa when COVID upended everyone’s lives. She learned quickly about the challenges of being a Vice Principal during unprecedented times. Over the years she has contributed to Hale’iwa in so many different ways. Mrs. Terada’s numerous contributions include serving as our ‘Aina in the Schools Coordinator, our yearbook creator and editor, and the Heart of Hale’iwa editor. She has also helped to make Mrs. Wetzel’s life much easier. She will be missed dearly! Mrs. Terada will become the Vice Principal at Mililani Mauka Elementary to be closer to home and her new son, Mateo, who will turn one in July.
We wish all of these individuals the very best as they move on from Hale’iwa. We also hope that they will come back and visit whenever they are able to.
We hope that everyone has a safe and happy summer. The new school year begins on August 5 for all of our returning students. See you soon!
