Greetings from Maui

Aloha Island School ‘Ohana,

My office is on the road today, and I’m writing you between my driving duties as a team supporter for our 9 Cross Country student athletes who are here to compete under the leadership of Coach Kanānāikahaku and Coach Jerry with nearly 400 other athletes from across the state. What an exciting energy out in Keopualani Park! I got to witness the coaches meeting and runners getting used to the lay of the land that they will race bright and early tomorrow morning. There is a mix of tired-nervous energy while they all get ready to give it their all. 

And what a way to close the week after the Halloween spirit that could be felt all over campus yesterday afternoon. From group costumes to creative, self-made creatures, I loved getting to hear Nā Pua Keiki tour campus, walk through the Elementary School class parties, and taking part in the Upper School Costume contest alongside the Minions and the rest of the cast of Despicable Me. Big shout out to all the ‘ohana who made the class celebrations a fun and delicious success!

But really, my most favorite part of the day was when we had the chance to do what we do best, engage our youngest students with our oldest students in ways that show fun, connection, and care. In case you didn’t here, the end of the day at school closed with K-6th Grade students rotating through Halloween-themed games created by 7th-12th Grade advisories. Whether it was scratch art or donut-on-a-string to the mind-teaser, “Pumpkin Match,” students from 6 years old to 18 were having a great time together. There was so much enthusiasm and laughter that rang across campus; I couldn’t get enough of it! The more we can create opportunities for our youngest to see who they can become in their older peers and be so inspired through their interactions, and the more our older students can be reminded of the joys of childhood amidst the demands of teenage life, all are better for it. We are better for it.

And then we closed the week today and continue into next week conferences between teachers and parents/guardians. These meetings are such an important part of our partnership with you, and we thank you for carving out the time to engage with the educators in your children’s daily lives. 

And as we move into November…wait, is it really November?!?...I hope you enjoy the season of Día de los Muertos and celebrate and remember your loved ones who have gone before, having gratitude for all that they have made possible for us.

Finally, with the election next week, I thank you in advance for how we will walk through this time of transition with our children. We are their role models in how we engage with the diversity of ideas in our world. I believe that we make our paths together, and so whatever the election brings for our national leadership, let’s continue to care, respect, and support each other in the many different paths we all choose to make.

Together,

Nancy Nagramada

n.nagramada@ischool.org

P.S.

Thank you for continuing to spread the word about our Open House sessions - November 5, 12, and 19 for PK-2nd Grades from 8:30 - 10am and November 14 for rising 6th-12th Grades from 5-7pm. Together your help to spread the word about the possibilities of Island School is what will help us grow to an even stronger school community. Encourage your friends and neighbors to come learn about our program!