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Update from the School Director
Kasserian Ingera ~ "And how are the children?"
A traditional greeting by the Maasai people of Kenya
Dear Lanikai Families:
Kasserian Ingera in Swahili means, "And how are the children?" I learned that the Maasai people would greet one another with this traditional phrase (even in battle), acknowledging their cultural value and interest in the well being of each child. For the Maasai, life is properly balanced only when the children are doing well.
I share this phrase and philosophy to highlight the fact that we can learn much from our brothers and sisters in Kenya! This is a theme the staff and I embraced to begin this school year and one that will guide and direct us in the days ahead.
So, how are our children doing at Lanikai Elementary? They are doing quite well, in every sense! Our 3rd-6th grade students scored in the 99th percentile in reading and the 96th percentile in math for all elementary schools (including charter) on last year's Hawaii State Assessment*. While we are careful to recognize that it is only one measure, it does allow us to compare ourselves with other students throughout the state. The staff is very proud of the students and the HSA results simply affirm and validate all the hard work that everyone has put in throughout the years. Congratulations to all!
But we know there is so much more than testing and the health and wealth of a school are not only measured by its performance on the HSA, but how our students interact and relate to one another. I am very impressed with our student body and their overall courtesy and respect for the school, staff and community. We have successfully placed our student council members and JPO's (Junior Police Officers) for the coming school year thanks to Mrs. Pao, Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Rocky, respectively. I am excited to work with both leadership groups and expect them to be models of excellence for the whole school.
Lastly, I want to personally thank our Local School Board for their dedication and leadership to the school, the PTSA Board for unwavering support and to each and every family for your partnership here at Lanikai Elementary. Your commitment to education is evident every day that your child(ren) is present at school and ready to learn. And if the first two weeks of the new school year are any indicator to the rest of the year, it's going to be an incredible year of growth and learning for all of our students!
Onward,
Mr. Noh
*Results were based on Preliminary AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) reports that the Department of Education posted for 2010-11 HSA.
For a more comprehensive HSA data presentation, please join me for a "Coffee Hour" here at the school. Dates and times TBD.
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