The Heart of Hale`iwa

January 29, 2021

In this issue...

• An interview with Cane Fires Coach Jared Haiola
• Meet our new teachers: Ms. Phelps, Ms. Boudreau and Mrs. Tauanu`u
• An article about 2nd grade's virtual field trip to Loko Ea
• Kumu Ku`uipo explains the cultural significance and importance of Loko Ea fish pond
• Choose Love tidbits
• Thinking about gratitude...

The Hale`iwa Robotics team has been competing for the last 5 years thanks to Mr. Jared Haiola, a long time Hale`iwa teacher. Mr. Haiola's love of science and his desire to instill that love of science and a love of learning brought him to create Hale`iwa's first and only competitive robotics team. In just their third year of existence, the Hale`iwa Robotics Team 96712B (5th graders) earned 2nd place in the state tournament which qualified them for a trip to the World Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky. Hale`iwa is very fortunate to have Mr. Haiola. Below is more about him in his own words.

What is your coaching philosophy?

My philosophy as a robotics coach is to develop confident lifelong learners in their ability to make the world a better place through honesty, integrity, collaboration, innovation and perseverance.

What are your goals for this year's teams?

My goals for this year's teams are as follows:

• To develop "unity"" as a team
• To instill in themselves the importance of "self-assess" and be open to feedback
• To help them accomplish their goals -- which usually is to go to States and Worlds

What events have the teams participated in this year?

With all competitions being held virtually on campus, we were able to participate more frequently than ever before. Here are the following events we participated in so far:

• Vex IQ California North Tournament
• Vex IQ California South Tournament
• Vex IQ West Oahu Tournament (twice)
• Vex IQ Central Oahu Tournament
• Vex IQ Big Island Tournament

How many versions of the robots have there been - what were the changes made each time?

• The 5th grade team has gone through two different versions of their robot. Although the drivetrain and chassis have remained the same, changes were made to the apparatus, from stationary to mobile. They have also increased the speed of each robot model.
• The 6th grade team has gone through three different versions of their robot. Instead of making minor changes to their robot, they've created an entire different model from the previous one. This team has also increased the robot speed with each build.

Any other information you would like to share?

• First, I want to thank Pam Yamakawa, MJ Burigsay-Tuvera and Nami Dolan who sacrifice most of their Saturdays to be with me and the kids to help make our events run smoothly.
• Next, I want to thank the parents of our teams for supporting Hale`iwa Robotics and sacrificing family time to support their kids by getting them to both practices and all robotics events on time.
• I also want to thank all of our robotics kids both past and present who have contributed hours of their time and effort to further our program each year.
• Finally, I want to thank my wife for her support and sacrifice she makes to take care of our home, so I can be with our robotics kids regularly

3 words that best describe you:

Creative, Kind, Genuine

2 of your most favorite places that you have lived in and why they are your favorites:

New Hampshire and Hawaii - Where I'm from and where I live now. Both places have ocean and mountains, the best combination in my eyes!

The 1 thing that you love the MOST about your Hale`iwa students:

I love how FLEXIBLE my students have been this year. They have made the most of this wild school year and bring all the FUN whether we are learning together face to face or online.

3 words that best describe you:

Easy going, Playful, Curious

2 of your most favorite places that you have lived in and why they are your favorites:

• Wellington, New Zealand -- I found Kiwis to be the friendliest people and I love New Zealand's many landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure!
• 
  
• Namibia -- I taught preschool in Namibia, and I adored my students (as I do every year)! I lived on an animal sanctuary so my house was always full of animals. I raised a baby goat and a baby baboon, and a mama cat with her four kittens made my living room their home.

The 1 thing that you love the MOST about your Hale`iwa students:

My students are so gentle and kind this year! Watching how eager they are to learn and how well they get along and take care of one another brings me so much joy every single day!

3 words that best describe you:

Creative, organized and compassionate

2 of your most favorite places that you have lived in:

I grew up in Guam and Hawaii and love both places due to being a huge lover of all things ocean! I love being outside exploring with my family or tending to my plants!

The 1 thing that you love the MOST about your Hale`iwa students:

One thing I love about my Hale'iwa students is the true Ohana we have created together! Each and every one of my students holds a very special and personal place in my heart, and they truly make coming to school everyday my pleasure!

The 2nd graders had a virtual class on January 21st with Malama Loko Ea in Haleiwa. Savili and Sayo prepared Ku’u Aloha Aina Planting Project kits for each student. They got a quick tour of the 3 fishponds at the Loko Ea (Big Pond, Middle Pond, and Keiki Pond). During their virtual lesson they planted Malabar spinach, ‘Ahu ‘awa (a native Hawaiian grass that helps with soil erosion), and crown flower. It connected so well with what they’ve been learning about nutrition, erosion, and butterflies. They’ll have to wait and see how their plants grow. Students will compare the growth of the plants at school and the plants of the distance learners at home. They hope to one day visit Malama Loko Ea so they can see the beautiful fishpond and plants.

To see more about what the 2nd graders have been learning, please check out their butterfly video and a feature article in the Kokua Hawaii Foundation newsletter below.

Located in the Ahupua’a of Kawailoa (land division from the mountain to the sea), in the Moku O Waialua (district of Waialua), you will find the Wahi Pana (Sacred site) Loke Ea fishpond. The 400-year-old fishpond is a loko pu’uone, sand dune pond which is connected to the ocean via a stream, or ditch. Its purpose is to sustainably propagate fish to feed the community. The ancient kanaka maoli (natives) were able to thrive because of the abundance of food cultivated and the sustainable management practices they had in place.

The design of the pond was to enhance nature and provide a safe and nutrient full habitat for the young fish who found their way through the makahā (fishpond gate with slits big enough for baby fishes to swim in). Once in the pond, they would be safe from predators and thrive on the abundance of food in the pond, until they matured to the perfect size for harvesting.

Loko Ea is a place of cultural significance as it is the home of the Mo’owahine Laniwahine, who is the female water deity that guards this sacred pond.

Today, the staff of Mālama Loko Ea Foundation continue to restore and keep alive the rich stories and fishing practices of ancient ones. They provide educational experiences and community outreach where they pass on cultural knowledge to the next generation and continue to be a natural resource to grow healthy fish.

"To get to the point where you can feel this type of Real gratitude, even in stressful situations, begin by associating gratitude with both awareness and appreciation. These two skills lead to the kind of heartwarming gratitude that is both genuine and fulfilling."

Excerpt from The Velveteen Principles by Toni Raiten=D'Antonio

Play Musical Hearts

Cut out 20 hearts using felt or construction paper. On the back of each heart, write a fun action that you know your child would love to do, whether it's acting like a chicken or hopping on one foot. Place the hearts in a big circle on the floor, put on some music, and walk around the circle as if you were playing Musical Chairs. When the music stops, flip over the closest heart and perform! From Parents Magazine, February 2021 issue

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