We hear it so often that its implications may not resonate: “Our keiki are our future”. Too often, those are merely words or political pontifications. But recently, three schools here were honored by the U.S. Department of Education- Mānoa Elementary, Ma`ema`e Elementary, and Wheeler Middle School. You might have missed this due to news ennui or numbing daily COVID numbers, but all three were designated as National Blue Ribbon Schools. Only 325 schools were awarded this honor nationwide.
There are about 130,000 schools, grades K-12, across the U.S. and while all obviously don’t apply for this award, being anointed a Blue Ribbon winner means that something special is going on. Since 1982, the DOE annually honors schools nationwide “…based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups”, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s website.
Sure, every school has its challenges. There are great schools, teachers, and administrators in Hawai`i working tirelessly under less than ideal conditions far too often. Wheeler deals with its ever-changing military population, which also exaggerates staff turnover. Its award application stressed Wheeler’s attention to social and emotional aspects of growing up and learning beyond classroom mandates. With so many coming and going, creativity, flexibility, and patience are keys.
Ma’ema’e Elementary is using a strong, digital platform (especially during COVID) to enhance the school’s reputation of having solid neighborhood and parental involvement. Ma’ema’e and Mānoa Elementary test scores in math and English exceeded statewide averages by 18 to 27%. Mānoa has a strong PTA which passionately provides support and resources. And Mānoa Elementary fields a particularly strong robotics team which has repeatedly won awards at the state level, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Pride, respect, innovation, empathy, teamwork, goal-setting, selflessness… These are traits our keiki should aspire to- everyone stroking the boat in the same direction, with egos left at the door. Kids who love playing with one another who learn to love learning. Committed parents getting involved. Young kids get along and treat everyone as equals; too often it’s adults that get in the way of this simple value.
The acknowledgment received by these noteworthy schools can hopefully serve as a role model for schools searching for guidance or a roadmap. Maybe these shining stars can alter mindsets and emphasize a “can do” attitude where others seem stuck in their ways or in their past.
Think about it…