Waikele Elementary School

Our second graders had an exciting fourth quarter to wrap up the school year! Their recent adventures kicked off with an LET to the Honolulu Zoo, where they got a glimpse into different animal habitats up close. Our students have also been working hard to raise awareness about local issues. They heard from the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) about current challenges in our community, and also visited Honolulu Hale to learn about local issues like e-bikes and recycling. Helping to cross the finish line of the school year, our second graders put their vocabulary skills to the test in an exciting and energetic Spelling Bee! 🐾👮🐝 📚

These are just a few highlights from a packed quarter, and a showstopper was the culmination of a project our students have been working on since the beginning of the school year. We are so grateful to for their incredible guidance, vision, and collaboration. They championed student voice by empowering our second graders throughout the creative process, shaping their ideas into a masterpiece. Under HOT’s mentorship, our young artists took on the roles of writers, producers, and performers to debut their very own opera! They truly shined on stage during a daytime performance for the whole school, followed by an unforgettable evening show for their families!🎭🎤🌟

Our first graders took their learning out into the community for a walking LET to the Waikele Center! 🌼

To connect with what they’ve been learning in class about goods and services, our students went on a scavenger hunt through numerous businesses. They put on their detective hats to observe and learn about the specific goods available and the essential services these businesses provide to our community. 🛒📦

A huge mahalo to all the Waikele businesses for welcoming our students and helping them see the types of goods and services available in their own neighborhood!

Earlier this quarter, our fifth graders went on an LET to the Hōkūlani Imaginarium and the Aerospace Exploration Lab for a day filled with wonder and hands-on discovery. 🔭

At the Hōkūlani Imaginarium, our students got a glimpse into the universe. This experience allowed them to see the patterns of constellations up close and truly brought their science curriculum to life. 🌌🪐

Their adventure continued at the Aerospace Exploration Lab, where they explored everything from the mesmerizing motion of Newton’s Cradle to the principles of aeronautics, which they even tested out by creating their very own paper airplanes.

A huge mahalo to for helping to fuel a love for discovery, critical thinking, and endless possibilities in our students. 💫

Last night, our Waikele families got to dive deep into their child’s learning during our Learning Celebrations! 📚🎉

Our students were the leaders of the night, showcasing their growth and achievements through their PLB projects and goals. It was wonderful watching them reflect on their hard work and share their learning journey with their families. ✏️📓

Thank you, Waikele ohana, for coming together to celebrate your child and all of our students with us!

Our hearts (and tummies) are officially full. As we close out Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, we wanted to take a moment to say a huge THANK YOU to our incredible Waikele students, families, and community. We are beyond grateful for the overwhelming support and love shown to us this week and every week.

We want to extend a huge mahalo to our Waikele businesses and community partners for your generosity and for helping our teachers and staff feel so very appreciated. A special thank you also goes out to our amazing PTSO for providing the delicious pastries, fresh fruits, and snacks that kept us energized. A big mahalo to our cafeteria team and office staff for their incredible heart and hard work they poured into creating our appreciation luncheon.

We are so lucky to be part of such a supportive Waikele ohana. Thank you for making us feel like superstars!

Kicking off Teacher and Staff Appreciation week with gratitude for our wonderful Warrior educators!!! ✏️🍎
Coffee, tea, hot coco, insulated cups, tumblers, snacks, and ice cream! 🍵🍨🍿

Huge mahalo to our teachers and staff and community partner Starbucks Waikele for your partnership and generosity! ☕️

🌟 Encore! 🌟

Our talented 2nd Graders shined this past weekend at the Blaisdell Concert Hall!

In incredible partnership with Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre, our keiki performed original songs on the big stage alongside professional opera productions. 🎶

This was a rare opportunity for our young artists to experience the magic of a world class venue and showcase their hard work to the community! 🎙️

Please join us in cheering on our 2nd grade stars! 👏 ✨

Last night, we celebrated the pillars of responsibility, scholarship, leadership, and service at our National Elementary Honor Society Induction and Officer Installation Ceremony! We are incredibly proud to welcome our newest members into the Mighty Warriors chapter! 🤝

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Kailiawa, Ms. Mitani, and all our faculty and staff for your support and for guiding our students toward this milestone.

We also want to extend a huge mahalo to our distinguished guests. Your presence and encouragement mean the world to our young leaders and their families! ✨

Our kindergarten and pre-K students recently went on a Learning Experience Trip to Kualoa Farm. They learned about so many animals and had fun feeding the goats, miniature horse, and donkey! 🐐🐴🫏 They enjoyed petting the bunny and tortoise. 🐰🐢 They also went on a nature walk and searched for different types of birds. 🦜🦉🐦‍⬛🦚

Thank you Kualoa Farm for a great adventure! 🌟

As part of our Project Based Learning, our kindergarten students have been thinking of ways to include all children on the playground. Our students worked together in groups and designed playground equipment they felt would be safe, fun and accessible for all children.

Mr. Eric from the Department of Health, Mr. Naira from Hawaiian Dredging, and our very own science teacher Mr. Scoville visited our classrooms and gave us valuable feedback on how to improve our inclusive playground models. 🛝👷‍♀️👷

Our kindergarteners are very grateful for these experts and know that the feedback will improve their playgrounds even more!