Roots School

Our teachers are continuing their preparations for another great school year! We can't wait to see all our students and families next week. It's going to be such a fun year of learning and growing!

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Before the last day of summer, before the first day of school, before our students fill our classrooms again, our teachers have been hard at work preparing, learning, reconnecting, and getting ready for another amazing year of growth at Roots School! We are so excited to welcome our students back next week. Mahalo to our parents and families for entrusting us to guide your keiki in their learning journeys!

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Roots School has a limited number of spaces available in our 2026/2027 Preschool class! If you are looking for an arts-integrated, project-based, small-school environment in the Ha`iku/Upcountry area, we would love to meet you!

Call (808) 250-7988 or email [email protected] for more information.

Did you know that PATCH's Preschool Open Doors program provides funds for up to three years of preschool? It's not too late to apply!
https://www.patchhawaii.org/programs/families/preschool-open-doors-pod/

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Happy birthday to our amazing Cultural Connections teacher, Ms. Heather Benton!

Born and raised on Maui, Ms. Heather received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Hawai`i. After originally working at Roots School from 2011-2015, she taught at Pomaika’i Elementary with an emphasis in Arts Integration teaching and learning strategies and Hawaiian Studies. Through her work as a hula dancer, with Kumu Cliff Ahue, her hula group shared and practiced many aspects of the culture, including chanting, farming, and lei making. Ms. Heather seeks to activate a passion to connect to the land for each child who is growing here. She also hopes that keiki will feel the kuleana to care for each other and their place.

Happy birthday Ms. Heather!

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Roots families become our 'ohana as well, and we are so grateful for all the parents who trust in us to help their children learn, grow and thrive! Shannan Kaurin (Mayla's mom) recently shared this with us:

"We chose Roots because it balances strong academics with a creative, playful environment, something that was especially important to us during preschool and the transition into kindergarten. The way Roots nurtures each child’s individuality and creativity is unlike anything we’ve experienced, and it’s the heart of why we knew this was the right place for our family.

Our daughter’s preschool experience was truly magical, and as she’s moved into a more structured curriculum, the staff has been incredibly supportive. The extra guidance she receives with speech and literacy has made such a difference, and we’re grateful for the tools her teachers have given us to support her at home.

What makes Roots stand out is the whole child support- they care for the children and their families in such a genuine and meaningful way. Our daughter absolutely loves being there. Her favorite moments are seeing her preschool teacher for a hallway hug and participating in cultural connections and mindfulness time.

Thank you to the entire Roots team for creating such a joyful foundation for these early school years."

There are a very limited number of spaces left in our Preschool class for the 26/27 school year. Call (808) 250-7988 or email [email protected] for more information.

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We love to see how our Roots alumni are making an impact in their communities! Former Roots student Tallulah (Lucy Ghantous), is teaching this summer at Pine Point School's Evergreen program in Stonington, CT. This fall she begins her senior year at Connecticut College, in New London, CT. She is majoring in Education and Human Development and following graduation, she will seek a position as an elementary school teacher in Connecticut or Rhode Island. Congratulations Tallulah! We are so proud of you!

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Are you looking for a rewarding and fun position where you can make a difference in the lives of Maui keiki? Roots School is hiring for Teacher Assistants in our Preschool classroom and our K-1 classroom.

Click here for more information:
https://rootsmaui.org/pages/employment-opportunities
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Cross Country, Photographer Needed, Japanese Camp and More! - https://mailchi.mp/9df55035d918/roots-school-newsletter-10347791

We recently had another successful parent workday! Mahalo Juan for the repairs to the preschool treehouse, Jaime for repairs in the Liko classroom, Malia and Nina for painting the cubbies, Landon and his dad for landscaping, Ms. Nancy and Mahina for the French toast and to all of our old and new friends who came to lend a helping hand. We appreciate you all so much! Thanks to you, our campus will be ready for another great school year!

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