Classes and Events

May 2, 5:30-7:30p, Kailua Elementary School Library
Objective: Participants will learn how to understand emotions and how they develop; to recognize core emotional experiences through the signal of behaviors; to develop strategies for managing difficult emotions as a way of providing ‘discipline’.

Ever wonder why your child repeats the same behavior over and over again no matter how you try to change it? Participants will learn why their child continues to engage in the same behaviors, and the importance of addressing the emotional component(s) that trigger certain behaviors. In this workshop you will learn a different way of identifying what is really going on with your child, and how to help them manage difficult emotions.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Nancy Halevi
Dr. Nancy Halevi has worked with families as a teacher, school director, high school counselor, and therapist for over 25 years. Her extensive professional experience includes work in public and private schools, an adolescent day treatment facility, state hospital, crisis hotline, and mental health service agencies. She has a private practice in Kailua where she works with individuals, families, couples, teens and children. She also works as an Adjunct Professor at Argosy University where she teaches courses in Therapy, Research and Professional Development in their Doctoral program.

Location
Kailua Elementary School Library

Objective: Participants will understand what changes to expect before, during, and after the transition period from elementary school to middle school and learn ways to effectively support and communicate with their children, and the school, throughout the process.

Your child is almost a teenager! He or she is headed off to middle school? What questions do you have?
What are instructional programs like in middle school?
How can I help my child make a successful transition to middle school?
How can I start to prepare my child for college?
How can I support his or her learning and development at home and school?

Moving from an elementary school to a middle school brings about a wide variety of emotions, behaviors, and concerns for both your youngster and you. Join this interactive workshop to address your concerns and questions about the complex world of the adolescence and learn practical ways for both you and your child to survive–AND thrive during middle school and beyond!

Workshop Facilitators: Hawaii Association of Middle Schools (HAMS), Parents for Public Schools Hawaii, PJ Foehr

Hawaii Association of Middle Schools (HAMS)

Parents for Public School Hawaii is a grassroots group of parents, community members, and educators working to support and improve public education by building the relationship between families, communities, and schools. For the 2011-12 year, they sponsored eight tours of seven middle schools to enable parents to explore public school options available in the East Honolulu area and hosted a Middle School Transitions evening meeting with representative parents, teachers, and principals from the schools.

Patrick J. (PJ) Foehr has been in education for the past 23 years as a teacher, administrator, and education consultant. He is the father of three children (daughter -13, son -12, daughter -10). His work has allowed him to be intrinsically involved with his kids lives both personally and professionally which has allowed him to develop a broad and rich perspective on the interconnectedness of schools and parents and the role that relationship plays in the development of our children.

Location
Kailua Intermediate School Library

Bank of Hawaii presents the 7th Annual Hawai‘I Book & Music Festival, A Celebration of Story and Song. This unique Festival draws over 35,000 attendees, providing the opportunity for all to enjoy over 500 authors, performers, hula halau, speaker panels, and enriching keiki activities, along with the popular Bank of Hawaii Book Swap, and dozens of vendors and booksellers. Visit their website at http://www.hawaiibookandmusicfestival.org for additional information.

Location
Civic Grounds at Honolulu Hale

Bank of Hawaii presents the 7th Annual Hawai‘I Book & Music Festival, A Celebration of Story and Song. This unique Festival draws over 35,000 attendees, providing the opportunity for all to enjoy over 500 authors, performers, hula halau, speaker panels, and enriching keiki activities, along with the popular Bank of Hawaii Book Swap, and dozens of vendors and booksellers. Visit their website at http://www.hawaiibookandmusicfestival.org for additional information.

Location
Civic Grounds at Honolulu Hale

Objective: Participants will understand different forms of bullying and how they can communicate with their child and their child’s school about these issues.

Would you like to bully-proof your child? Attend this session to understand the dynamics of bullying and ways to prepare your children to know what to do and what to say to protect themselves and others. We will identify specific bullying behaviors and discuss a variety of helpful strategies and actions that adults, victims, and bystanders can immediately take to stop harassment and create safer schools. We will also discuss ways to assist bullies in getting the assistance they need in order to replace harmful behaviors with ones that are socially appropriate and respectful of others. Complex Area Superintendent Suzanne Mulcahy will share what our complex is currently doing to foster safe schools. Join us to watch the Kailua Intermediate School Peer Education Program students kick-off this workshop with a terrific skit they have developed on bullying.

Workshop Facilitators: Cindy Jenness, Debbie Krekel, PJ Foehr
Cindy Jenness was recently recognized by the Hawaii Association of Middle Schools as the Middle Level Educator of the Year. She has been a DOE educator for over 25 years, and is a certified Tribes Trainer with 15 years of experience. Ms. Jenness developed the Peer Education Program (PEP) at Kailua Intermediate School, trains students to support a safe learning environment, and facilitates her PEP students to create assemblies that promote positive health choices.

Debbi Krekel is a passionate parent and advocate for ALL children. Mrs. Krekel holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology. She has a background in school based behavioral and mental health and has worked extensively with special needs children and at risk populations. Currently working as a behavioral therapist/consultant in a Title I elementary school, Mrs. Krekel devotes her time and energy to assessing and addressing the behavioral needs of all children through early intervention and prevention, targeted counseling groups, and the delivery of a school-wide violence prevention program.

Patrick J. (PJ) Foehr has been in education for the past 23 years as a teacher, administrator, and education consultant. He is the father of three children (daughter -13, son -12, daughter -10). His work has allowed him to be intrinsically involved with his kids lives both personally and professionally which has allowed him to develop a broad and rich perspective on the interconnectedness of schools and parents and the role that relationship plays in the development of our children.

Location
Kailua Intermediate School Library

Objective: Participants will understand the importance of sleep and breakfast for their children, how these factors can impact student achievement, and learn communication strategies for discussing these important issues.

Does your child get enough sleep every night? Does he or she skip breakfast? A growing body of connects the importance of regularly eating a nutritious breakfast and getting adequate sleep to the health of children and adults. For children there is consistent evidence that skipping breakfast is related to unhealthy weight. Lack of breakfast has also been shown to increase fatigue, which negatively affect a child’s academic performance, , problem-solving skills, school attendance and mood. Many children are staying up later at night and sleeping less. Studies show there is a close link between sleep and academic performance, mood, and health.

Join us to learn how you can improve sleep and breakfast routines at home and help shine a light on this topic at your child’s school. We will help you identify some goals and action steps you can take at home and at school to implement a healthy sleep and breakfast promotion program. Participants will be partnered with a local pediatrician to support them in their efforts.

Workshop Facilitator: Dr. May Okihiro
Dr. May Okihiro is a pediatrician at the Wai’anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and the Associate Director with the University of Hawaii Department of Pediatrics Koko’okolu Fellowship in Community Pediatrics. Dr. Okihiro is the brains behind Hawaii 5210 Let’s Go!, an initiative aimed at promoting healthy eating and active living and preventing childhood obesity in Hawaii through a coordinated, collaborative, locally relevant health education campaign.

Please email us at friends@hawaiieducationmatters.org to RSVP for this workshop.

Location
Ka‘elepulu Elementary School Multi Purpose Room

Location
YWCA of Oahu

Objective: To demystify the current reading assessment tools (i.e. Accelerate Reader, Kid Biz) available at our complex area schools and learn how these tools can help parents and students find a book that is “just right for them” (a book that will assist their child to become a more powerful and proficient reader).

Does your child love to read, or does he or she struggle? Do you know what your child’s “independent guided reading level” is? Would you like to always be able to find books your child will be able to successfully read in a silent, sustained, and an independent manner – a “just right” book? Join us to learn skills that will help you and your child to select books that are interesting and matched to his or her reading level. Learn new ways of asking your child “just right” questions during your reading sessions that will keep them engaged in the book and enjoy reading more!

This workshop will include a ‘field trip’ to the Kailua Public Library, where families can meet the children’s Librarian and sign up for the library’s summer reading program.

Guest Speakers: Darren Tanaka, Esmeralda Carini
Mr. Darren Tanaka is the Librarian at Kailua Elementary School. He earned a Masters in Library and Information Science degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, specializing in K-12 school librarianship. In 2010, the American Association of School Librarians recognized Kailua Elementary School as one of 35 “outstanding library programs” in the nation. In 2012, Mr. Tanaka was awarded the Golden Key Award by the Hawaii Association of School Librarians for outstanding librarianship and contribution to the professional organization. On campus, Mr. Tanaka is a dedicated to providing excellent library and information service to the students, faculty, staff, and families. He collaboratively works with the school leadership, co-teaches the school’s Enrichment program focusing on aquaponic gardening, co-coaches the “Honubots” Lego robotics team, and instructs students in developing 21st Century Learner skills: asking questions, thinking critically, problem-solving, organizing and managing information, and effectively communicating ideas.

Ms. Esmeralda Carini works as the Literacy Content Specialist for the Kailua & Kalaheo Complex of Windward District. She is a certified reading specialist by the International Reading Association (IRA), was a recipient of the National Council of Teachers of English award for Hawaii in 2006. Esmeralda brings 16 years of classroom experience in elementary education including the areas of English Language Learning (ELL) instruction, and Gifted and Talented (GATE) instruction.

Please email us at friends@hawaiieducationmatters.org to RSVP for this workshop.

Location
Kailua Elementary School Library

May 2, 5:30-7:30p, Kailua Elementary School Library
Objective: Participants will learn how to understand emotions and how they develop; to recognize core emotional experiences through the signal of behaviors; to develop strategies for managing difficult emotions as a way of providing ‘discipline’.

Ever wonder why your child repeats the same behavior over and over again no matter how you try to change it? Participants will learn why their child continues to engage in the same behaviors, and the importance of addressing the emotional component(s) that trigger certain behaviors. In this workshop you will learn a different way of identifying what is really going on with your child, and how to help them manage difficult emotions.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Nancy Halevi
Dr. Nancy Halevi has worked with families as a teacher, school director, high school counselor, and therapist for over 25 years. Her extensive professional experience includes work in public and private schools, an adolescent day treatment facility, state hospital, crisis hotline, and mental health service agencies. She has a private practice in Kailua where she works with individuals, families, couples, teens and children. She also works as an Adjunct Professor at Argosy University where she teaches courses in Therapy, Research and Professional Development in their Doctoral program.

Location
Kailua Elementary School Library

Objective: Participants will understand what changes to expect before, during, and after the transition period from elementary school to middle school and learn ways to effectively support and communicate with their children, and the school, throughout the process.

Your child is almost a teenager! He or she is headed off to middle school? What questions do you have?
What are instructional programs like in middle school?
How can I help my child make a successful transition to middle school?
How can I start to prepare my child for college?
How can I support his or her learning and development at home and school?

Moving from an elementary school to a middle school brings about a wide variety of emotions, behaviors, and concerns for both your youngster and you. Join this interactive workshop to address your concerns and questions about the complex world of the adolescence and learn practical ways for both you and your child to survive–AND thrive during middle school and beyond!

Workshop Facilitators: Hawaii Association of Middle Schools (HAMS), Parents for Public Schools Hawaii, PJ Foehr

Hawaii Association of Middle Schools (HAMS)

Parents for Public School Hawaii is a grassroots group of parents, community members, and educators working to support and improve public education by building the relationship between families, communities, and schools. For the 2011-12 year, they sponsored eight tours of seven middle schools to enable parents to explore public school options available in the East Honolulu area and hosted a Middle School Transitions evening meeting with representative parents, teachers, and principals from the schools.

Patrick J. (PJ) Foehr has been in education for the past 23 years as a teacher, administrator, and education consultant. He is the father of three children (daughter -13, son -12, daughter -10). His work has allowed him to be intrinsically involved with his kids lives both personally and professionally which has allowed him to develop a broad and rich perspective on the interconnectedness of schools and parents and the role that relationship plays in the development of our children.

Location
Kailua Intermediate School Library

Bank of Hawaii presents the 7th Annual Hawai‘I Book & Music Festival, A Celebration of Story and Song. This unique Festival draws over 35,000 attendees, providing the opportunity for all to enjoy over 500 authors, performers, hula halau, speaker panels, and enriching keiki activities, along with the popular Bank of Hawaii Book Swap, and dozens of vendors and booksellers. Visit their website at http://www.hawaiibookandmusicfestival.org for additional information.

Location
Civic Grounds at Honolulu Hale

Bank of Hawaii presents the 7th Annual Hawai‘I Book & Music Festival, A Celebration of Story and Song. This unique Festival draws over 35,000 attendees, providing the opportunity for all to enjoy over 500 authors, performers, hula halau, speaker panels, and enriching keiki activities, along with the popular Bank of Hawaii Book Swap, and dozens of vendors and booksellers. Visit their website at http://www.hawaiibookandmusicfestival.org for additional information.

Location
Civic Grounds at Honolulu Hale

Objective: Participants will understand different forms of bullying and how they can communicate with their child and their child’s school about these issues.

Would you like to bully-proof your child? Attend this session to understand the dynamics of bullying and ways to prepare your children to know what to do and what to say to protect themselves and others. We will identify specific bullying behaviors and discuss a variety of helpful strategies and actions that adults, victims, and bystanders can immediately take to stop harassment and create safer schools. We will also discuss ways to assist bullies in getting the assistance they need in order to replace harmful behaviors with ones that are socially appropriate and respectful of others. Complex Area Superintendent Suzanne Mulcahy will share what our complex is currently doing to foster safe schools. Join us to watch the Kailua Intermediate School Peer Education Program students kick-off this workshop with a terrific skit they have developed on bullying.

Workshop Facilitators: Cindy Jenness, Debbie Krekel, PJ Foehr
Cindy Jenness was recently recognized by the Hawaii Association of Middle Schools as the Middle Level Educator of the Year. She has been a DOE educator for over 25 years, and is a certified Tribes Trainer with 15 years of experience. Ms. Jenness developed the Peer Education Program (PEP) at Kailua Intermediate School, trains students to support a safe learning environment, and facilitates her PEP students to create assemblies that promote positive health choices.

Debbi Krekel is a passionate parent and advocate for ALL children. Mrs. Krekel holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology. She has a background in school based behavioral and mental health and has worked extensively with special needs children and at risk populations. Currently working as a behavioral therapist/consultant in a Title I elementary school, Mrs. Krekel devotes her time and energy to assessing and addressing the behavioral needs of all children through early intervention and prevention, targeted counseling groups, and the delivery of a school-wide violence prevention program.

Patrick J. (PJ) Foehr has been in education for the past 23 years as a teacher, administrator, and education consultant. He is the father of three children (daughter -13, son -12, daughter -10). His work has allowed him to be intrinsically involved with his kids lives both personally and professionally which has allowed him to develop a broad and rich perspective on the interconnectedness of schools and parents and the role that relationship plays in the development of our children.

Location
Kailua Intermediate School Library

Objective: Participants will understand the importance of sleep and breakfast for their children, how these factors can impact student achievement, and learn communication strategies for discussing these important issues.

Does your child get enough sleep every night? Does he or she skip breakfast? A growing body of connects the importance of regularly eating a nutritious breakfast and getting adequate sleep to the health of children and adults. For children there is consistent evidence that skipping breakfast is related to unhealthy weight. Lack of breakfast has also been shown to increase fatigue, which negatively affect a child’s academic performance, , problem-solving skills, school attendance and mood. Many children are staying up later at night and sleeping less. Studies show there is a close link between sleep and academic performance, mood, and health.

Join us to learn how you can improve sleep and breakfast routines at home and help shine a light on this topic at your child’s school. We will help you identify some goals and action steps you can take at home and at school to implement a healthy sleep and breakfast promotion program. Participants will be partnered with a local pediatrician to support them in their efforts.

Workshop Facilitator: Dr. May Okihiro
Dr. May Okihiro is a pediatrician at the Wai’anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and the Associate Director with the University of Hawaii Department of Pediatrics Koko’okolu Fellowship in Community Pediatrics. Dr. Okihiro is the brains behind Hawaii 5210 Let’s Go!, an initiative aimed at promoting healthy eating and active living and preventing childhood obesity in Hawaii through a coordinated, collaborative, locally relevant health education campaign.

Please email us at friends@hawaiieducationmatters.org to RSVP for this workshop.

Location
Ka‘elepulu Elementary School Multi Purpose Room

Location
YWCA of Oahu

Objective: To demystify the current reading assessment tools (i.e. Accelerate Reader, Kid Biz) available at our complex area schools and learn how these tools can help parents and students find a book that is “just right for them” (a book that will assist their child to become a more powerful and proficient reader).

Does your child love to read, or does he or she struggle? Do you know what your child’s “independent guided reading level” is? Would you like to always be able to find books your child will be able to successfully read in a silent, sustained, and an independent manner – a “just right” book? Join us to learn skills that will help you and your child to select books that are interesting and matched to his or her reading level. Learn new ways of asking your child “just right” questions during your reading sessions that will keep them engaged in the book and enjoy reading more!

This workshop will include a ‘field trip’ to the Kailua Public Library, where families can meet the children’s Librarian and sign up for the library’s summer reading program.

Guest Speakers: Darren Tanaka, Esmeralda Carini
Mr. Darren Tanaka is the Librarian at Kailua Elementary School. He earned a Masters in Library and Information Science degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, specializing in K-12 school librarianship. In 2010, the American Association of School Librarians recognized Kailua Elementary School as one of 35 “outstanding library programs” in the nation. In 2012, Mr. Tanaka was awarded the Golden Key Award by the Hawaii Association of School Librarians for outstanding librarianship and contribution to the professional organization. On campus, Mr. Tanaka is a dedicated to providing excellent library and information service to the students, faculty, staff, and families. He collaboratively works with the school leadership, co-teaches the school’s Enrichment program focusing on aquaponic gardening, co-coaches the “Honubots” Lego robotics team, and instructs students in developing 21st Century Learner skills: asking questions, thinking critically, problem-solving, organizing and managing information, and effectively communicating ideas.

Ms. Esmeralda Carini works as the Literacy Content Specialist for the Kailua & Kalaheo Complex of Windward District. She is a certified reading specialist by the International Reading Association (IRA), was a recipient of the National Council of Teachers of English award for Hawaii in 2006. Esmeralda brings 16 years of classroom experience in elementary education including the areas of English Language Learning (ELL) instruction, and Gifted and Talented (GATE) instruction.

Please email us at friends@hawaiieducationmatters.org to RSVP for this workshop.

Location
Kailua Elementary School Library