Kanuikapono PCS
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Our Mission
Plan for one year, plant kalo
Plan for ten years, plant koa
Plant for a hundred years, teach the children.
Cultivate the 21st Century Learning Ohana by combining the teachings of our elders
and the best of the 21st Century...
He ho`omau a he a`o `o Kanuikapono i nã loina ku`una Hawai`i ma ke `ano he mea ola, `o ia ho`i, he mea i hiki `ole ke kaupalena `ia i loko o ke ke`ena wale nã. He kula ia `a`ohe ona paia
Kanuikapono perpetuates and teaches the Hawaiian Culture as a living breathing being, something that cannot be contained in a classroom alone. It is a School with out Walls.
Me nã ha`awina i kãkulu `ia ma luna o nã loina Hawai`i a me ke a`o `ana mai o nã kumu `oi loa mai waena mai o nã pae makahiki like `ole, he a`o nã haumãna e na`auao me he ipu kã`eo o ke `ano; he po`e `imi mau i ka na`auao no ka wã holo`oko`a o ke ola `ana, a he na`auao pã ma ka mãlama `ana i nã ku`una o nã haumãna e na`auao me he ipu kã`eo o ke `ano; he po`e `imi mau i ka na`auao no ka wã holo`oko`a o ke ola `ana, a he na`auao pã ma ka mãlama `ana i nã ku`una o nã kãpuna a me nã ha`awina o ke kenekulia 21 kekahi; he po`e mãlama i ke kaiaulu me ka hã`ihi pã `ana iã lãkou iho, ka `ohana, a me ka `ãina a puni.
Through the Hawaiian Cultural based curriculum and inter-generational teachings from our excellent Kumu and Kupuna, students learn to be He ipu ka'eo; a full calabash; life long learners able to walk between the world of our ancestors and the 21st century; community minded with a deep respect for self, family and environment.
Me nã papa hana e like me ka mahi kai `ana a me ka hana lolouila, pãlã e ho`onui `ia ai ka `ike a me ka no`eau o nã haumana e lako pono ai lãkou a mãkaukau no ke komo `ana i lolo o kekahi `oihana a i `ole no ke kãkulu `ana i `oihana. He a`o `o Kanuikapono i nã hanauna hou i nã hana e pãmaika`i a e palekana ai ka noho `ana i kãia milenio hou.
With programs like aqua culture and computer technologies students receive a hands-on opportunity to develop knowledge and skills that could lead to future careers and businesses. Kanuikapono teaches future generations life long skills to face the many challenges of this new millennium.
Ma o ke a`o `ana o Kanuikapono, he mana`olana mãkou e ho`opau `ia nã mana`o ho`okae a e ho`oulu `ia nã ha`awina o ke ALOHA, ka `OHANA, ke KULEANA, a meka MãLAMA `ãINA `ana.
It is through Kanuikapono we hope to dissolve stereotypes and replace them with Hawaiian values of aloha, ohana, kuleana and malama aina.
KANUIKAPONOLearning Center
School without walls…Minds without limits
KANUIKAPONO, is a highly successful Community-Centered Education Program. Since 1997, KANUIKAPONO has provided Kauai’s island-wide community with programs designed to improve the educational achievements of our youth and families through Hawaiian culture and nature based programs. Over the years,KANUIKAPONO has provided after-school programs,youth leadership programs, family based enrichment programs, sports and recreation programs.
In 1999, a steering committee was established to design a detailed implementation plan for a new century public charter school. In August of 2001, the Hawaii Board of Education approved the detailed implementation plan for a New Century Public Charter School submitted by KANUIKAPONO. The charter school opened in September of the year 2002 as a K-12 school of 55 heterogeneously diverse students, serving the entire island of Kauai.
KANUIKAPONO believes in providing a “school without walls”, in which the environment, or nature, is considered the best classroom. Grounded as such, outreach sites throughout the island serve as authentic learning environments for the curricula. Although the educational model is based in the Hawaiian way of learning, all programs are non-discriminatory and open to anyone on the island of Kauai. However, participants must demonstrate interest and appreciation for the Hawaiian culture.
In 1999, a steering committee was established to design a detailed implementation plan for a new century public charter school. In August of 2001, the Hawaii Board of Education approved the detailed implementation plan for a New Century Public Charter School submitted by KANUIKAPONO. The charter school opened in September of the year 2002 as a K-12 school of 55 heterogeneously diverse students, serving the entire island of Kauai.
KANUIKAPONO believes in providing a “school without walls”, in which the environment, or nature, is considered the best classroom. Grounded as such, outreach sites throughout the island serve as authentic learning environments for the curricula. Although the educational model is based in the Hawaiian way of learning, all programs are non-discriminatory and open to anyone on the island of Kauai. However, participants must demonstrate interest and appreciation for the Hawaiian culture.
Native Education and Community Renewal
KANUIKAPONO provides a Hawaiian culture-based educational opportunity that is significantly different from other educational programs on Kauai. Inviting children and their families of all ethnicities, KANUIKAPONO establishes a Learning Ohana of students, teachers, parents, and community members who nurture each other in personal growth and commitment to contribute to the community.
Grounded in their island environment via Hawaiian culture, and an understanding of natural phenomena, human needs, and behavior, students balance the best of the past with the 21st Century. The outcome produces community members who are secure in their island lifestyle, skilled and committed to accomplish self-sufficiency, and interested in interacting with other cultures on our planet.
We believe that we can offer an option, for some families, that is different and more suitable than that which has been available to them. The beliefs that guide our philosophy of learning support a more natural and holistic view of learning. Parents and other family members are required to actively participate in the educational growth of their children. Learning configurations should as nearly as possible mirror the natural world of learning, such as: working in authentic and natural environments, multiage grouping, recognition of multiple intelligences and learning styles. The development of the whole child as a part of the natural environment, as well as the human community must deal with emotional spiritual, mental and physical development.
We have no problem with standards for learning, but we object to standardized education. We believe that each child is an individual who must be nurtured as part of a community. The combination of respect for the needs, styles and intelligences of the individual are balanced with involvement in a community that requires responsibility and a willingness to put others before self.
Kanuikapono Educational Program Model
Indigenous Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Native Education and Community Renewal
Grounded in their island environment via Hawaiian culture, and an understanding of natural phenomena, human needs, and behavior, students balance the best of the past with the 21st Century. The outcome produces community members who are secure in their island lifestyle, skilled and committed to accomplish self-sufficiency, and interested in interacting with other cultures on our planet.
We believe that we can offer an option, for some families, that is different and more suitable than that which has been available to them. The beliefs that guide our philosophy of learning support a more natural and holistic view of learning. Parents and other family members are required to actively participate in the educational growth of their children. Learning configurations should as nearly as possible mirror the natural world of learning, such as: working in authentic and natural environments, multiage grouping, recognition of multiple intelligences and learning styles. The development of the whole child as a part of the natural environment, as well as the human community must deal with emotional spiritual, mental and physical development.
We have no problem with standards for learning, but we object to standardized education. We believe that each child is an individual who must be nurtured as part of a community. The combination of respect for the needs, styles and intelligences of the individual are balanced with involvement in a community that requires responsibility and a willingness to put others before self.
Kanuikapono Educational Program Model
Indigenous Approaches to Teaching and Learning
- A formal and informal system guided by Native values
- Instruction and assessment tailored to Native learning styles and multiple intelligences
- An educational environment that recognizes, respects and promotes Native values, ideologies and philosophies
- A strong integration of the natural environment and the community into daily learning including protocol and traditional spirituality
- Strong familial relationships and family involvement especially utilizing the essential wisdom of elders in the education process
- Traditional Native educational methods such as interdisciplinary and interactive education, hands - on activities, project based learning, aural/ oral learning, multi-age grouping
- Academic rigor based on personal and collective excellence
- Incorporation of the latest in educational technology for the purpose of communication, research and documentation
- Promotion of the use of Native language at all ages and comprehension levels
- A strong bilingual, bicultural component to assure success in both worlds
- Emphasis on moral education and developing leadership and active citizenship skills which serve the community
- A strong career exploration/life skills component to prepare students for adult life via an entrepreneurial component which assists self-sustainability efforts.
Native Education and Community Renewal
One pedagogical emphasis of KANUIKAPONO is to encourage students and families to research areas of interest to them that are relevant and real. The projects are developed, managed, staffed, and evaluated by the students. Projects will involve not just KANUIKAPONO staff, but also mentors, community members, employers, and university teachers and students. These projects, at first will all relate to Kauai, culture-based themes, and hands-on problem solving. The purpose of these projects is to have a social-impact, develop economic self sufficiency, increase academic knowledge, and perpetuate the native culture, language, and traditions of Hawai’i. As students progress in their global awareness through research into other indigenous cultures and comparative study, they take on issues that may not directly relate to our island home. Project-based learning provides an interdisciplinary structure that encourages relevant real-world thinking, culturally-balanced development, mentorship and apprenticeship programs and projects that benefit the direct community, the environment, and society.
Learning ‘Ohana (Family)
Students, teachers, staff, administration, family members, school board, volunteers and involved community are all members of KANUIKAPONO Learning ‘Ohana. Families participate in the “learning residencies” both as learners and as teachers. Participating in an inventory as to what kinds of skills they would like to learn, i.e. literacy, culture, music, healthy practices, financial management, etc., KANUIKAPONO creates opportunities for intergenerational learning. There are many opportunities for all to participate in activities and projects.
Families will be involved in student learning through family projects, and will share in the responsibilitiy of the individual learning plan of their children
Parents or other family members contribute to the overall success of the school by attending monthly parent meetings, actively participating on a committee, and donating inservice hours to the school each month.
KANUIKAPONO continues to develop partners in the community both for the resources that they offer, and the opportunity for us to share in the future of our children.
Students learning Hawaiian Chants in authentic learning environment with founding board member Kainani Kahaunaele.
Using Cultural and Community Resources
One aspect of KANUIKAPONO’s educational framework is utilizing community resources and experts to provide authentic learning experiences. By inviting families and community to play an active role in its educational program, KANUIKAPONO believes that it is fostering community renewal. Community and family involvement provides tremendous financial support to the educational program.
Rural Self-Sufficiency and Entrepreneurship Learning
Students develop skills in various aspects of farming, creating cultural materials for marketing, and establishing and running small businesses. Students are guided in developing business plans and have their skills and talents developed so they can feel the pride of being able to support themselves.
21st Century Technologies incorporated with Native Hawaiian Education. Mentored by community experts, students prepare a plot for planting native medicinal plants.
Multi-Media Storytelling
Young children are engaged with an architect designer from the community. Our curriculum is grounded in Hawaiian traditions, culture & values. Children sharing traditional hula with crew members of Hokulea
Affective Learning and Competencies
It is our belief that the emotional empowerment of individuals through a nurturing family/community environment, addressing the challenge of a rigorous curriculum, community service learning, and the acceptance that faith and diligent work enables one to reach for the stars, are as important in the education of people as academics. The ability to productively collaborate with others, in a peaceful environment, is as important as individual work habits. Commitment to helping others learn is as important as a commitment to one’s own learning.
Service Learning
All students at KANUIKAPONO will extend their commitment to community through group and individual service projects. At the secondary level students will select an area in which they wish to offer service, and develop their talents. Each will design a plan for his/her offering and the subsequent evaluation of his/her effectiveness. KANUIKAPONO will make workshops available to the general public and students will contribute sharing what they have learned through service projects.
Learning ‘Ohana (Family)
Students, teachers, staff, administration, family members, school board, volunteers and involved community are all members of KANUIKAPONO Learning ‘Ohana. Families participate in the “learning residencies” both as learners and as teachers. Participating in an inventory as to what kinds of skills they would like to learn, i.e. literacy, culture, music, healthy practices, financial management, etc., KANUIKAPONO creates opportunities for intergenerational learning. There are many opportunities for all to participate in activities and projects.
Families will be involved in student learning through family projects, and will share in the responsibilitiy of the individual learning plan of their childrenParents or other family members contribute to the overall success of the school by attending monthly parent meetings, actively participating on a committee, and donating inservice hours to the school each month.
KANUIKAPONO continues to develop partners in the community both for the resources that they offer, and the opportunity for us to share in the future of our children.
Students learning Hawaiian Chants in authentic learning environment with founding board member Kainani Kahaunaele.
Using Cultural and Community Resources
One aspect of KANUIKAPONO’s educational framework is utilizing community resources and experts to provide authentic learning experiences. By inviting families and community to play an active role in its educational program, KANUIKAPONO believes that it is fostering community renewal. Community and family involvement provides tremendous financial support to the educational program.
Rural Self-Sufficiency and Entrepreneurship LearningStudents develop skills in various aspects of farming, creating cultural materials for marketing, and establishing and running small businesses. Students are guided in developing business plans and have their skills and talents developed so they can feel the pride of being able to support themselves.
21st Century Technologies incorporated with Native Hawaiian Education. Mentored by community experts, students prepare a plot for planting native medicinal plants.
Multi-Media Storytelling
Using technology for research and communication, and data access with institutions provides a broad opportunity to network and learn. As a medium for reproduction, a vehicle for learning and a self-sufficiency skill, technology is heavily utilized as students develop their concepts, themes and projects. The mobility of the program and the use of all of the rich resources available to us are facilitated by technological resources including video, audio, and computer-assisted organization of knowledge. Publishing of books and articles as well as project presentations will be enhanced by a wide range of written, data analysis, graphic computer technology, video production and photography In order to use these technological tools students embrace the works of the wisdom of the ancients and the capacities of the future as they engage in learning.
Young children are engaged with an architect designer from the community. Our curriculum is grounded in Hawaiian traditions, culture & values. Children sharing traditional hula with crew members of HokuleaAffective Learning and Competencies
It is our belief that the emotional empowerment of individuals through a nurturing family/community environment, addressing the challenge of a rigorous curriculum, community service learning, and the acceptance that faith and diligent work enables one to reach for the stars, are as important in the education of people as academics. The ability to productively collaborate with others, in a peaceful environment, is as important as individual work habits. Commitment to helping others learn is as important as a commitment to one’s own learning.
Service Learning
All students at KANUIKAPONO will extend their commitment to community through group and individual service projects. At the secondary level students will select an area in which they wish to offer service, and develop their talents. Each will design a plan for his/her offering and the subsequent evaluation of his/her effectiveness. KANUIKAPONO will make workshops available to the general public and students will contribute sharing what they have learned through service projects.
