Grade 9 Rocket Launch

When we first began to design smaller learning communities at Kapa'a High, we were cautiously excited about the curricular possibilities. Dedicated teams of teachers sharing common students and planning time afforded the opportunity to work together on everything from classroom expectations, common study skills and student support. Probably most rewarding has been the joint curriculum planning.

Mr. Paleka & Mrs. Millard Kick Off the Event!

The possibilities we dreamed about a year ago came to life on Tuesday, May 22nd when the entire freshmen class converged upon our softball field to participate in a Rocket Launch event.

Rocket Math!

Students researched and designed rockets alone or in pairs. They could enter one of three categories: distance, precision or height. Students learned the mathematical concepts needed in Algebra class, while in Physical Science they explored chemical reactions.

 In English class, they practiced their oral presentation skills as they had to present their hypothesis, process and final product to their peers prior to Rocket Launch day. In Social Studies, students were learning about the atomic bombs used during World War 2. Social studies teachers also supported students as they tested their rockets prior to launch day.

Successful spray launch

Innovative Design

Launch day was a great success. Students brought innovative and creative rockets, teachers manned the different stations, while parents volunteered by  bringing snacks/lunch for the student.  What was very clear to observers was the level of student engagement and enthusiasm for the project. Students were able to clearly explain their designs, their thinking and why launches worked well or didn't work as well.

Award Winners

Dads Came to Help!

This event would not have been possible without the vision of our Grade 9 math teachers and the support of the rest of the Hui teachers, the parents and the school leadership. Special thanks to the Kapa'a High School Foundation and PTSA for helping to support the event so we could give out awards and raffle prizes to the students. This was definitely a whole team effort and we look forward to continuing this and other great exhibitions of learning that bring our community together moving forward!

Snack Bar Crew! Thank You!

Warrior Faculty Never Stop Learning

As we wind down our school year, it’s time to reflect on the progress we have made in implementing our Smaller Learning Community Initiatives. Our extremely busy semester included the following:

• Selecting and training the two Grade 10 Academy Teams. Each team had four full days of training in teaming, developing academy identity, defining common expectations and joint curriculum planning.
• Implementing the Academy Selection Process for the first time with our Grade 9 students.
• Strengthening the Grade 9 Hui Teaching Teams & identifying what works best with teaming and integrated projects.
• Developing and/or revising our Hui and Academy Handbooks.
• Planning our first Grade 9 Launch Day event for the last week of school.
• Sending 20 teachers and school leaders to the Smaller Learning Community Biennial Conference at McKinley High School on April 14th.
• Completing our Annual Progress Report.
• Participating in a federal audit of our program.
• Preparing for a successful 2 day WASC Accreditation Mid-year Visit
• Revamping our master schedule to ensure that common teachers with common planning time share common students in Grades 9 & 10.
• Articulating with the middle school regarding incoming freshman.
• Including over 40 student leaders and 8 staff members to design orientation for our incoming freshmen.
• Planning for and advertising our Summer Bridge Vampires and Zombies program for incoming freshman to ease the transition to high school.
• Preparing teachers to teach on the new block schedule.
• Training teachers in the new Common Core Standards
• Training teachers in how to effectively implement Data Teams.

Whew! What a list. At any other school teachers might have shut down under such a heavy load but at Kapa’a High, our teachers are extremely committed to ongoing student success. In order for success to become a consistent reality for each and every student, the Warrior faculty recognizes the need for ongoing training & collaboration. It has been exciting to witness the different teams come together to discuss teaching, learning and student support systems. Although we are about to begin our break, Kapa’a High School teachers will continue to learn over the summer. We are sending several teachers to Advanced Placement & AVID training in July and hosting a 2 day Project Based Learning Workshop the week after school ends on campus. Our faculty deserve a special shout out for their professionalism, camaraderie and continual willingness to work on improving our school.