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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0348.008 2002-2004 r_ , . , ~ _ '03 OCT 6 P(~ 3 37 Wai Ola `Waters of Life' New Century Public Charter School RR4 Box 2249 Pahoa, HI 96778 COU'. GL ` i .i: Ph: 968-1275 Fax 968-8011 COUNTY . d= H.",V~,!~~II Email: watersoflifepcs(a)aol.com October 6, 2003 To: Hawaii County Council Members ~ ~ - sFrom: Laurie Saazinen, Wai Ola PCS, Local School Boazd Chair Aloha! We aze presenting some information to you about our public charter school in preparation for the Planning Committee Meeting Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003 at 3:OOPM. In this packet of info you will find our school's Vision and Mission statement, some school policy regazding student conduct, and other pertinent information. Wai Ola PCS is a kindergarten-to-l2a' grade public school open to all Hawaii students and does not chazge tuition. The student population of approximately 160 has a high percentage of disadvantaged youth from Hilo and Puna. Wai Ola serves this population well. Among other services, we also provide transportation, the National Free and Reduced Food Program, and the "Running Start" (college credits in high school) to our students. This is our fourth yeaz as a charter school. We have completed three challenging and successful years. The purchase of the Sunshine Fazms property is a highly significant milestone for Wai Ola PCS, allowing us to live our vision & mission, as our curriculum is project-based and environmentally driven, with the business of agriculture a main theme! We have a very dedicated, hardworking staff, many of whom have been with us for 3 or 4 years. All of our teachers must meet federal No Child Left Behind certification standards. Our curriculum is based on the Hawaii Content Performance Standards (HCPS) and we provide teacher and staff development training. Last yeaz, Wai Ola was one of only a few schools on the Big Island to have met the Federal standards in increasing scores in reading and math We will be good neighbors and have always been willing to work with the Ala Loop community to prevent and solve problems. We have already sponsored 2 meetings with the community. We strongly feel that there is no issue that has come up that cannot be solved to the satisfaction of all, and to meet the safety and health requirements of all concerned. We aze workin cg lonely with County and State ggencies to ensure a safe healthful and leeal presence at our siteiusing_the County's own guidelines for charter school facilities. Mahalo! Local School Board Officers Ms. Laurie Saarinen, Chairwoman Dr. Nina Buchanan,Vice-Chairwoman Ms. Patricia Fernandes, Secretary Comm Ref. Toy R®f. Ucte Wai Ola `Waters of Life' Public Charter School Mission Statement Lead and Succeed As We Cultivate Global Leaders and Build Sustainable Communities. Vision Statement Wai Ola `Waters of Life' School's vision is embodied in the spirit of the following Aloha chant: Aloha Oli Oli A_kahai E Na Hawai'i L_okahi Aku Like ~Olu ~Olu Ka Manao Ha ~a Ha ~a Kou Kulana A_honui A Lanakila Aloha E, Aloha E, Aloha E A Akahai Modest are the people of Hawaii L Lokahi In unison and harmony we should all get along in the world as one O 'Olu 'Olu Always have pleasant thoughts and feelings H Ha'a Ha'a Always feel secure about oneself to be humble A Ahonui In patience we will succeed in all our goals wai Ola fosters, as a complement to its academic goals, a sense of unity in its students. The school develops an appreciation and respect of all cultures through learning and living the principles of Aloha. There are four major domains emphasized at Wai Ola: academic, environmental, service and technology programs. Our individual and collective goals are actualized through implementation of these programs as summazized below. Academic programs emphasize holistic human development. We are committed to a "hands-on, heart-felt, reality-based" cognitive development approach in all core and elective subject areas. This orientation enables students to consolidate understanding, concepts, and skills appropriate to age and grade level. Physical, spiritual, social and emotional attributes of all students are cultivated and nurtured. Academic programs also endeavor to balance and integrate creative activities, technologies, values, practical experiences and service opportunities. Env[ronmental programs provide opportunities for students, staff, parents and the wider community to increase their knowledge, understanding and commitment as they engage in earth stewardship activities. Living in harmony with the environment, we utilize solutions such as recycling, sustainable agriculture, reforestation and conservation activities that support our commitment as stewazds of the `aina. As expressed by an American Indian teaching: "We have not inherited the earth from our ancestors, we are borrowing it from our children". The environment of Service Wai Ola endeavors to create and maintain, encourages and empowers students to contribute to the welfaze of self and others. By nurturing attitudes and attributes that reflect an unselfish devotion to school, family and community, students develop an inner sense of commitment to service. Through activities that promote acquisition and utilization of life skills students are enabled to put words into action, so they can emerge as positive and productive leaders of the world community. Technology, utilized as a supportive component of the school's cumculum, provides students, staff and parents with opportunities to become adept and ethical users of electronic tools. Students learn to create and critically evaluate multimedia technologies in order to interact and succeed in a complex and competitive society. The parents, staff and Local School Board of Wai Ola aze united and firmly committed to the unflagging actualization and consolidation of this lofry vision, in service to the future of our children, youth and school. Wai Ola `Waters of Life' Public Charter School Welcome to School Year 2003-2004 Dear Parent/Guardian and Student: Wai Ola `Waters of Life' fosters, as part of its academic goals, a sense of belonging in its students. The school develops and encourages appreciation and respect for all cultures through learning and living the principles of `Aloha'. Four major thrusts Wai Ola concentrates on are: academics, environment, service, and technology. We appeal to our families to support us in achieving the following standards. Health and Safetv Standards: School must be a healthy and safe place in order for students to learn. Wai Ola has a zero tolerance for violence, drugs, alcohol and weapons at the school site. Infractions will be dealt with swiftly and in accordance with disciplinary policies. Communication Standards: Use of appropriate language is critical for success in life; students learn this by using acceptable language in school. Vulgarity or swearing is unacceptable. Appropriate language is expected in classrooms, at various school and athletic functions and in social conversations. Social Skills Standards: Respect for authority and peers is both a measure of self- respect and a practice that grooms students for successful interactions with others. Students are expected to use honorifics such as Mr., Mrs., Miss, etc., followed by the proper names of teachers and staff. The frequent use of phrases such as, "excuse me", "please" and "thank you" is important. Adults and students are expected to practice appropriate social skills. Dress Standards: Students are required to wear uniforms to meet the dress standard at Wai Ola, `Waters of Life' School. Details regarding the uniform are outlined in an attachment to this letter. Academic Standards: Students succeed best when they are supported by teachers and parents to evolve cognitively, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Teachers plan, organize and provide holistic instruction and maintain high standards. Teachers and support staff assist students who require additional help. Parents are asked to provide home environments that encourage learning. NOTE: at the end of each quarter, to help parents monitor academic pro reg ss, report cards will be prepared. Parent/Teacher/Student conferences are arranged as needed throughout the school year. Attendance Standards: Students who attend classes regularly and on time will learn and achieve at higher levels. We encourage regular school attendance and ask for parent support in helping all students maintain consistent attendance. Parents must sign students in and/or out when students are arriving late and/or arriving early. Late sign in and early sign out sheets are in the office. Dr. visits should be followed up with note from the Doctor. Let us work together to ensure the success of every student. Please support our standards and maintain effective communication with school staff and the Local School Board. Together we will inspire our youth to live productively and purposefully. Sincerely, Wai Ola `Waters of Life' School Laurie Saarinen, Local School Board Chair WAI OLA `Waters of Life' New Century Public Charter School RR 4 Box 2249 Pahoa, HI 96778 Ph: (808)968-1275 SCHOOL UNIFORMS & DRESS REQUIREMENT UNIFORM REQUIREMENT In addition to a very specific dress code Wai Ola `Waters of Life' Public Charter School also requires uniform shirts be worn by all students. Our School Board has negotiated with a local vendor to keep the cost of the uniform shirts at a very reasonable price. DRESS REQUIREMENT School t-shirts may be worn with jeans, skirts, or shorts. Skirts and shorts must be long enough to reach the fingertips when arms are hanging straight down at the sides and fingers are extended. Spaghetti strap shirts, halter- tops, tube shirts, etc. are not allowed. Shoulders, backs, and stomachs must be covered at all times. UNIFORM PRICES The price is $5.00 for an elementary shirt and $6.00 for a Middle School or High School shirt. Based on last year's experience, we strongly recommend that parents purchase at least five shirts for their child(ren). ORDERING AND SIZE SELECTION Parents/Guardians are requested to bring their child(ren) to the school ASAP, after submitting the initial enrollment documents, to order and select the correct uniform shirt size. PAYMENT OPTIONS We encourage full payment for the uniforms at the time of ordering and selecting the correct size. Alternatively, a $20.00 down payment for uniforms is requested for each student. The balance of the payment, ie: $5.00 for elementary and $10.00 for Middle and High School uniforms, is required when all uniforms are delivered. Medical Requirements for Entering School 1) Before or by the first day of school, all students must have completed the health requirements for entry or have an appointment slip from their doctor. a) Out of State/Foreign Students: 1) TB Clearance with doctor's signature. 2) Immunizations Record. 3) Current physical exam or appointment slip from doctor. b) Public School Students (transferring to another public school): 1) Form 14 from previous school. c) Effective 07/01/2002 -entering 7"' graders and all new students into the public school system will need: 1) 2 MMR vaccines. 2) 3 Hepatitis B vaccines. 3) 1 or 2 varicella vaccines. 4) TB Clearance documentation for new students. d) Exemption from Immunization based on Religious Grounds does not exempt student from needing TB Clearance. Student must have TB Clearance to attend school. State of Hawaii -Department of Education 2003-2004 OFFICIAL SCHOOL CALENDAR Teachers' Work Year -First Semester: August 19, 2003, to January 16, 2004 Second Semester: January 20, 2004, to June 9, 2009 Students' Work Year -First Semester: August 21, 2003, [o January 15, 2004 Approved 01.09.03 Second Semester: January 20, 2004, to June 8, 2009 Week Student Teacher $ M j 1,7( I E $ Days Days 2003-August 1 z 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 August 6 -First day for administrators 10. ~~_._.12_._13_.._..14 -9?3„__16-__.__..._A~ust15 _AdmissionD~ 1 2 4 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 1st SEMESTER - 91 Student Days 2 7 9 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 August 19 -First day for teachers 3 11 13 September 31 9 2 3 4 5 6 August 21 -First day for students 4 16 18 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 September l -Labor Day 5 21 23 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 6 26 28 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 7 31 33 ~CtOber 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 Oct. 13 - 17: One student day off for 8 36 38 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Teacher Institute Day (dates set by 9 40 93 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 HSTA and subject to change). ]0 45 98 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 1st QUARTER (45,days) Ends - Oct. 24 11 50 53 NOVember 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 12 55 58 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 59 62 9 10 9 9 12 13 14 15 November 11 -Veterans' Day 14 69 67 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 IS 67 70 23 24 25 26 23 ~ ~3 n 29 November 27 -Thanksgiving Day i6 72 75 December 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 November 28 -School Holiday 17 77 80 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 18 82 85 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Dec. 22 - Jan. 2 -Winter Recess 21 4 ~ ~ ~ a ~ a3 ~ ~ 27 Dec. 25 -Christmas Day 2004 January 28 93 fl ~J 00 33 9 9 3 3 Jan. l -New Yeai s Day 19 87 90 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2nd QUARTER (46 days) and 20 91 95 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 1st SEMESTER Ends -Jan. 16' 21 95 99 18 9 9 20 21 22 23 24 2nd SEMESTER - 93 Student Days 22 100 104 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 January 19 -Martin Luther King Day 23 105 109 February 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 24 Ito 119 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 25 I l4 118 15 11 Ct3 17 18 19 20 21 February 16 -Presidents' Day 26 1t9 123 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 27 124 128 March 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 28 129 133 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 . 29 134 138 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 March 22 - 26 -Spring Recess 21 `C3 `l3 `C3 ~ `C3 Q `C3 g `(3 27 March 26 Kuhio Day 30 139 ,143 Apr%1 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 3rd QUARTER (48 days) Ends -Apr. 2 31 143 147 4 5 6 7 8~ 10 Apri19 -Good Friday 32 148 152 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 33 153 l57 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 34 158 t62 May 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 35 163 167 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 May 3l -Memorial Day 36 168 172 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 June 8 -Last day for students"" 37 l73 177 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 June 9 -Last day for teachers 38 l78 182 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 4th QUARTER (95 days) and 39 182 186 ,June 30 3J JI 1 2 3 4 5 2nd SEMESTER Ends -June 9 40 184 189 6 7 8 9 10 9 Jl 12 June 11 Kamehameha Day 3' tl ° 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 June 17 Last day for administrators 180 190 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 ,Ju/y 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 ~ 6 7 8 9 10 July 5-Independence Day (observed) Single-track year-round or modified 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 calendars musthave the same number 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Summer Schoo! dates and times are set by ofinstructlonal and work days. 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 each participating school. 'Schools shallconvertlour OFFICIAL STATE HOLIDAYS, 2003-2004 SCHOOL YEAR instructional days tonon-student Admission Da Au ust 15, 2003 Dr. Martin Luther Kin c, Da days far the purposes ofschool Y 8 g. l y January 19. 2004 ' planning and collaboration. Labor Day _ September 1, 2003 Presidents' Day February 16, 2004 Veterans' Day November 11, 2003 PdnceJonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day March 26, 2004 I ° The employer may assign an Thanksgiving Day November 27, 2003 Good Friday Apd19, 2004 additlona/day (six-hour equivalent Chdstmas Day December 25, 2003 Memorial Day May 31, 2004 in half-hour blocks) for training New Year's Day January 1, 2004 King Kamehameha I Day June 11, 2004 I~ and meetings beyond the teacher's Independence Day (observed) July 5, 2004 regular work day. _ _ * January I6: Teachers' work day; no school for students. Commencement Exercises: No sooner than June 4, 2009. d Wai Ola `Waters of Life' New Century Public Charter School RR4 Box 2249 Pahoa, HI 96778 Ph: (808)968-1275 Fax: (808)968-8011 Email: watersoflifepcsna~aol.com The Wai Ola bus service will begin on: to be arranged MORNING SCHEDULE AFTERNOON SCHEDULE Pahoa (Cash & Carry Parking Lot) 6:40am Drop off... Wed...12:30......M,Tu,Th,Fr...2:30pm Orchidland (Wiki Wiki) ..............6:SSam ..............Wed...12:45......M,Tu,Th,Fr....2:45pm Keaau (Hongwonji) ...................7:10am ..............Wed.....1:00......M,Tu,Th,Fr....3:00pm Hilo Boys & Girls Club ...............6:40am ..............Wed.....1:15......M,Tu,Th,Fr....3:15pm Food Fair Kinoole .....................6:SSam ..............Wed.....1:00......M,Tu,Th,Fr....3:00pm J. Hara's Store Kurtistown............7:10am ..............Wed... 12:45......M,Tu,Th,Fr....2:45pm STUDENT BUS RULES The following rules have been made to ensure the safety and protection of the students when riding the school bus. Please review the following rules carefully. 1. Obey the Driver's instructions under all circumstances. 2. Use quiet inside voices, do not shout or yell on or from the bus. 3. Food and Drink should not be consumed on the bus. 4. Remain in your seat at all times when the bus is in motion; do not stand, walk or play. 5. Keep hands and feet to self; no hitting, kicking etc. 6. Do not stick, throw or spit anything out of the windows of the bus. 7. Keep book bags and other personal items out of the isles. 8. Uniforms must be worn on the bus (i.e. school t-shirt and shoes). 9. Use appropriate language at all times; do not use profanity, insulting or teasing language. 10. Written permission is required, each time, in order for student to get off at different stop. 11. Students unable to comply with the Bus Rules will be suspended or expelled from the bus. 12. Relatives and friends of Wai Ola students are not permitted to ride the bus. PARENT GUIDELINES 1. Parents are requested to bring their child/teen the bus pick-up and drop-off points at least ten (10) minutes prior to the scheduled departure and arrival times. 2. If parents do not wait for the bus they should not drop off their child/teen more than fifteen minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. 3. Parents should pick up their child/teen no later than fifteen minutes afrer the scheduled drop-off time. Inability to follow the rules, guidelines or instructions of the driver will result in students losing the privilege to ride the school bus. Local School Boazd Officers Ms. Laurie Saarinen, Chairwoman Dr. Nina Buchanan, Vice-Chairwoman Ms. Patricia Fernandes, Secretary Mr. Michael Barnes, Treasurer Wai Ola `Waters of Life' New Century Public Charter School RR4 Box 2249 Pahoa, HI 96778 Ph:968-1275 Fax: 968-8011 Email:watersoflifeocs o aoLcom I the parent/legal guardian of Have received and read the Rules and Guidelines that apply to my child(ren) riding the school bus. I accept the responsibility to explain and ensure that my child teen understands the Rules and Guidelines. I understand that if my child/teen does not comply with the Rules and Guidelines he/she will lose the privilege to ride the school bus. I understand that if the Acknowledgement of Rules statement is not returned within one week of my child starting to ride the bus that my child will be suspended from riding the bus until the statement is signed and returned to the School. / Date: Print Name Signatwe / Date: Print Name Signature Local School Board Officers Ms. Laurie Saarinen, Chairwoman Dr. Nina Buchanan, Vice-Chairwoman Ms. Patricia Fernandes, Secretary Mc Michael Barnes, Treasurer Wai Ola `Waters of Life' PCS Special Needs Form Student's Name Grade Parent/Guardian's Name The administration and staff of Wai Ola `Waters of Life' Public Charter School are committed to meeting the needs of every student. To assist us, we would like to know as soon as possible any special need(s) of a student. These needs may include a physical disability, special reading/leaming problems, participation in a gibed and talented program, and others. Please circle all that apply: 1. My son/daughter has no special needs of which I am aware. 2. I wish the school administration and staff to note the following educational need(s) of my son/daughter: a. SPECIAL EDUCATION: yes no My son/daughter has a current IEP: yes no b. COUNSELING SERVICES: My son/daughter has a current 504 Plan: yes no My son/daughter is currently receiving counseling from a school or an outside agency: yes no If yes, please specify which school or agency: c. Other: Please ensure that you have filled out this form as accurately as possible. Incomplete, incorrect, or false responses may delay or negatively affect your child's enrollment status. Parent/Guardian's Signature Date Wai Ola `Waters of Life' New Century Public Charter School RR4 Box 2249 Pahoa,HI 96778 Ph: (808)968-1275 Fax: (808)968-8011 Email: watersoflifepcs~a aol.com GENERAL PERMISSION CLASS/SCHOOL OUTINGS Student's Name: Grade: (one form per student) I , Parent/Guardian of the above named student, grant Wai Ola `Waters of Life' Public Charter School permission to take my child on planned Educational Social/Cultural and Recreational Outings throughout the 2003-2004 School Year. I understand that these outings are usually no more than about 20 minutes travel duration from the school. I also give designated school officials permission to authorize Medical Care in case of an emergency if I cannot be contacted or reached for a decision. / Date: Print Name Signature / Date: Print Name Signature Local School Board Officers Ms. Laurie Saarinen, Chairwoman Dr. Nina Buchanan, Vice-Chairwoman Ms. Patricia Fernandes, Secretary Mr. Michael Barnes, Treasurer 1N~ WAS OLA 'Wafers of Life' Public Charter Sehool Action Meeting: September 3, revised October 3, 2003 RULES for STUDENTS and STAFF 1. Spread aloha all around-reach out to others with caring ways. 2. Make music with your smile, we will sing in harmony together, but please, leave all personal CD players and other electronics at home. 3. Using the telephone is a privilege grunted by a staff member-- cell phones are to be kept off and hidden unless requested by staff. 4. Show respect by taking hats o in Lokahi Circle and inside buildings 5. Sun glasses (shades) are for outdoors only 6. Wear clean school uniform with pride every day. Skirts, shorts, and shirts must adequately cover bodies-necks to knees. Exception: if we are not traveling, Friday is Aloha wear. 7. Wear safe shoes: flat, low soles nt all times. 8. Wear farm uniform: grubby clothes, long pants and shirts, covered shoes, rain jacket with hood, hats and sunglasses are okay, insecticide if necessary, close toed shoes with socks on unpaved areas, like the farm or hiking trails. 9. Bring water in a bottle every daX, so your brain doesn't shrink 10. Eat right at lunch and recess, but NOT in class. eat your salad and vegetables--it makes your skin and hair nice; drink your milk (unless allergic)--it is good for strong bones and teeth; eat breakfast and lunch-they keep you healthy, energetic, and smart) 11. Smile when you are happy, ask for help when you are sad. 12. Stay on campus in approved areas: need parent and teacher signed permission to leave 13. We are a drug free school- NO tobacco, etc, on or near the school or farm sites at a~ time of the day. 14. Gr 6-12 Athletic grounds: Play safe, be a good sport, pick up all trash. Students must be supervised by an adult from Wai Ola. 15. K-5 Playyard: Only gr K-3 students on curling slide, merry-go-round is off limits-too dangerous Gr 6-12 students are not allowed in the yard except for class-sorry 16. Trnvelina: Look cool, be cool, stay cool ! wear the school uniform. Follow all bus rules. Be respectful to everyone--say Aloha and Mnhalo. Demonstrate that "Wai Ola students live Aloha with Lokahi (unity with hormony)". Learn a lot, be ready to talk about it. Ho'o loulimo lets work together: lack of cooperation will yield consequences! Date: Student Signature: Parent(s) Signature: Maha/o nui loa!! IMUA Kakou... E'O WAI OLA!