HANDBOOK 2022-2023 - KA WAIHONA O KA NAʻAUAO PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
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Revised 01/30/2023
KA WAIHONA O KA NAʻAUAO PUBLIC
CHARTER SCHOOL
STUDENT / PARENT
HANDBOOK 2022-2023TABLE OF CONTENTS
MISSION 3
PURPOSE 3
VISION 3
HISTORY AND PARTNERS 3
IDENTITY 5
ACADEMICS: ʻImi Naʻauao 6
ACADEMIC PHILOSOPHY AND APPROACH 6
ACADEMIC POLICIES 6
Grading policies for grades K-6 6
Grading Policies for grades 7 and 8 7
Promotion and Retention Policy for Grades K-5 8
Promotion and Retention Policy for Grades 6-8 8
Graduation Expectations 9
Native Culture: ʻōiwi 10
CULTURAL PRACTICES 10-12
Hana: Nā Elele 13
Code of Conduct 13
Suspension Expectations K-5 14
Suspension Expectations 6-8 15
Dress Code 15
Unacceptable School Attire 15
Consequences for violating dress code 15
Field Trip Attire 15
Attendance Policy 16
Chronic Absence Referral and Reporting 16
Lamalama ka ʻOiwi: Glowing Health and safety 17
Health Policies 17
Security 18
Protocol for School Visitors 18
Drop-off and pick-up 19
Emergency Response Plan 19
Pilina: Connections 22
2Ke’ena: Administration Office 24
Admissions 24
Change of Information 24
Reporting an Absence 25
Withdrawal and Transfer Process 25
Food Service and Food for Special Occasions 25
Uniform 25
Student ID 26
Bus 26
After School Programs 26
Pili Nohona: School Structure 26
School Bell Schedule 27
Elementary Bell Schedule 27
Middles School / Blended Bell Schedule 28
3MISSION
Ka Waihona o ka Naʻauao creates socially responsible, resilient and
resourceful young men and women by providing an environment of
academic excellence, social confidence, and Hawaiian cultural
awareness.
PURPOSE
Ka Waihona o ka Naʻauao offers a school experience for Waiʻanae coast children that is a viable
alternative to the existing conventional public school model. Our school is structured to be
responsive to the learning styles, Hawaiian cultural values, and desired future of the families of our
community. It emphasizes a caring collaborative environment for all persons within the school
community. It includes students, teachers, parents, other staff and volunteers, and community
members implementing an effective and relevant educational experience.
VISION
Our students are prepared to excel in intellect, in personal relationships, in social responsibility, and
in wisdom. They are literate, competent, motivated, and confident- with their potential for
excellence grounded in their sense of self-reliance acquired through relationships with the natural
environment, the deep partnership with nature as taught through our Hawaiian culture, and in
possessing a strong sense of time, place and culture.
HISTORY AND PARTNERS
In 2001, Ka Waihona o Ka Naʻauao started in a temporary facility and later relocated to a 35-year
lease in Nānākuli on the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. Currently the school has three classes
per grade level from kindergarten through eighth grade. For the school year 2021-2022, Ka
Waihona will be adding a program that blends online and onsite learning.
Ka Waihona has been celebrated for its programs in robotics, media, performing arts, health and
nutrition, and for its many community partnerships, earning the accolade of Distinguished
Achievement by the Department of Education. Ka Waihona engages in a rigorous self-assessment
through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ (WASC) accreditation program and holds
a contract with the Hawaii State Public Charter Commission through 2026.
Key partnerships have contributed to the school’s growth and robust programs. Partnership
organizations share commonality through the schools mission and are dedicated to bringing
innovative and rigorous education opportunities to students. Partners include:
4● Baker Evaluation Research Consulting (BERC)
● Pili ‘Ohu Educators (POE)
● Hawaiʻi Department of Education
● Department of Hawaiian Homelands
● Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools
● Hawaiʻi Public Charter School Network
● HCAP Head Start
● Kamehameha Schools, Hoʻolako Like, Kanaeokana, Kealaiwikaumoʻo
● Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi: Māhuahua ʻAi a Hoi
● Leeward Lions and Rotary Clubs
● Mālama Learning Center
● Mana Maoli, Mana Mele
● Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu at Māʻilikūkahi
● Office of Hawaiian Affairs
● Office of Hawaiian Education
● Pālehua
● PLACES AND PALS
● Purple Maiʻa
● Liliʻuokalani Trust
● University of Hawaiʻi-Mānoa
● University of Hawaiʻi-West Oʻahu
● ʻIliʻili Farms (Joe McGuinn)
● Olomana Gardens Glenn Martinez
● Hale Ola WCCHC
● Aloha Organic
5IDENTITY
Ka Waihona o ka Naʻauao has many special meanings. Naʻauao can be broken up into two words,
the first is Naʻau meaning gut, of the heart, of the mind, and of our instinctual feelings that guide us.
The second part of the word ao means dawn, to grow light and to regain consciousness. Naʻau and
ao placed together means learned, wise, knowledge, enlightened and literally day-light minded.
The word waihona is a repository, closet or vault. When placed together in the ʻōlelo noʻeau (wise
saying of Kūpuna), Ka Waihona o ka Naʻauao is not only a place where learning is safely kept, but
is said in admiration of a learned person.
Ka Waihona is home to Nā ʻElele, The Messengers. Haumāna and alumni Nā ʻElele are recognized
for their character, readiness and skills to achieve in future academic endeavors, whether continuing
on in DOE, charter or private institutions. As depicted in the school logo, Ka Waihona students and
alumni signal a call to all people. The lei kukui is a symbol of enlightenment, and reflective
naʻauao, or wisdom, as embedded in our school name. The points of the triangle are representative
of students, parents and teachers working in lōkahi. The three points symbolize our mssion’s
academic, social and cultural tenets.
The school colors are brown, red, and gold. Each color respectively represents ʻaina (brown), aloha
for the native culture of Hawaiʻi (red), and enlightenment (yellow).
It is Ka Waihona’s hope that students will be messengers who share and apply knowledge, skills,
and character to uplift self, ʻohana, Waiʻanae, lāhui Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi and beyond.
LOGO
6ACADEMICS: ʻIMI NAʻAUAO
We are committed to the academic development of our school community
through high expectations and comprehensive support.
ACADEMIC PHILOSOPHY AND APPROACH
Academic achievement and excellence is the ultimate goal of all that we do here at Ka Waihona o ka
Naʻauao. Embedded within that goal is the understanding that academic achievement is not solely
comprised of and based upon the educational components and requirements mandated by the
education system of the state and federal government. Our definition is that academic achievement
is also measured by and founded upon the success factors determined by our community. Our
school addresses achievement through three tenets: Academic Development, Social Responsibility
and Hawaiian Cultural Excellence. It is through these three tenets in concert that we measure the
integrity of our experience here at Ka Waihona.
For example, our papa ʻewalu students were the first class to defend a portfolio in the 2014-2015
school year. The students were tasked with identifying Nā Mea Waiwai that described growth
through a selected learning artifact within their portfolio. A presentation was made to a panel
composed of a faculty advisor, faculty leadership member, and a community member. Each
presentation was evaluated for proficiency, honors, or resubmission. The process of the portfolio
defense is now a traditional rite of passage for all existing Ka Waihona eighth graders.
ACADEMIC POLICIES
GRADING POLICIES FOR GRADES K-5
Students in grades K-5 will receive quarterly standards-based report cards. The report card will
include the most important skills a student should learn in each subject. It is important to supplement
the report card with information from your teacher at parent-teacher conferences to help you
understand your child’s progress. Instead of letter grades, students will receive marks that show how
they have mastered skills.
7Status Report Scale
Grading Marks
ME Meets with Excellence
MP Meets with Proficiency
DP Developing Proficiency
WB Well Below
NA Not Applicable At This Time
SC See Comments
General Learner Outcomes (known as GLO’s) are also graded in grades K-5. The GLO’s include:
1. Self-directed learner
2. Community contributor
3. Complex thinker
4. Quality producer
5. Effective communicator
6. Effective and ethical user of technology
GRADING POLICIES FOR GRADES 6 - 8
Students in grades 6-8 will receive a graded report card quarterly. Grades are calculated through an
average percentage of class assignments, homework, projects, presentations, quizzes, and tests with
varying weights.
90-100% - A A
80-89% - B B
70-79% - C C
60-69% - D D
Below 60%- F F
8PROMOTION AND RETENTION POLICY FOR GRADES K-5
Promotion to the next grade level is achieved through student progress, growth, completion of grade
level assignments, projects and assessments based on standards. In grades K-5, promotion is
determined by the classroom teacher’s evaluation of a student at the end of the school year.
Retention is an extreme intervention that requires much consideration and includes the following
process:
● If a student is at risk of being retained, the teacher will recommend retention to the
Counselor on the first working day in January using the G6-8 Student Retention
Form.
● At this time, an initial parent conference will be scheduled before the end of
January.
● A monitoring plan will be developed and the teacher will communicate with the
parents regularly and as frequently as necessary.
● The teacher will provide the necessary information to the Counselor, including an
action plan folder that includes assessments, report cards, work samples, a
completed Light’s Retention Scale and student attendance.
● The teacher will monitor progress and create modifications when necessary.
● The quarter 3 parent-teacher conference (held at the beginning of quarter 4) is
mandatory and the parent and teacher will evaluate student progress and the
teacher will make a recommendation at this time.
● Next the Counselor will submit the teacher recommendation to the Principal or
Vice Principal and he or she will notify the parent and registrar for placement in
appropriate grade level and class.
PROMOTION AND RETENTION POLICY FOR GRADES 6-8
Promotion for students in grades 6-8 is based on credits earned. Students must earn 12 credits in
middle school. Each year students take four core subject classes (Math, ELA, Social Studies, and
Science) and other mandatory classes (Papa ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Papa Hula, Agriculture, Physical
Education/Health and Guidance, etc). Failing a core class requires credit recovery.
A parent/teacher conference will be scheduled for students who are in jeopardy of not earning
required credits for promotion during the second semester. During the last week of the fourth
quarter, the Counselor will inform the parents of any credit recovery that is necessary. Eighth grade
students who fail one or more classes will not participate in the graduation ceremony, end of year
activity, nor receive a certificate of completion. Students in grades 6-8 who fail a core class will
adhere to the following promotion plan:
9Failing 1-2 Core Classes:
- Student will be retained
- Student can be promoted if credit recovery is completed and results are submitted to the
school one week prior to the start of the following school year
Failing 3 or More Core Classes:
- Student will not be eligible for credit recovery and automatically be retained
- Students in grades 6 and 7 must reapply
- Eighth grade students are ineligible for retention at Ka Waihona
GRADUATION EXPECTATIONS
Participation in the Ka Waihona 8th grade graduation ceremony and designated end of year class
activity is a privilege. Failure to meet any requirement will be reviewed case by case and may result
in the inability to participate in the graduation ceremony and/or end of year class activity, or not
receiving a certificate of completion.
Academic Requirements
- Students will be promoted to 9th grade at the end of 8th grade with no credit recover
necessary
- Students will pass all core classes of math, language arts, social studies and science earning
60% or above for the year end grade.
- Students will defend a portfolio presentation and meet proficiency through an 8th grade
defense.
- Students will participate and meet proficiency in capstone project : ʻAhaʻaina.
Discipline Requirements
Students will not commit any Class A or B offense in the second semester of eighth grade.
Papa ʻEwalu Project
Students will complete a cultural project for use in the ʻAhaʻaina and graduation ceremony. The
project will be completed prior to the ceremony. Non-refundable supply fees may apply.
Financial Obligation Requirements
All fees must be paid in full by the first business day in May. Fees may include books, supplies,
field trips, Papa ʻEwalu project for graduation and other fees.
School-wide Cultural Events and Field Trip Requirements
Students will attend and participate in school wide cultural events and grade level scheduled field
trips as allowed throughout the school year. During this current school year, we will maintain the
health and safety of our students and limit the amount of gathering and transitional movement we
conduct. However, when appropriate, students may be provided the opportunity for smaller events
and trips.
10NATIVE CULTURE: ʻŌIWI
We are committed to honoring the values of our ancestors, which will guide
our students in building a strong future.
Ka Waihona believes that layers of cultural curriculum, programs, and events
evoke deep learning and self-reflection. We believe this sets our students up
for great self-discovery and achievement through life.
Located on the Department of Hawaiian Homelands in Nānākuli, Ka Waihona o ka Naʻauao services
the largest concentration of Native Hawaiians in the world through education. Each year, on
average, 80% of the student body are Native Hawaiian. Learning about one’s culture connects,
excites, and impacts powerfully. Through these experiences, students begin to see how wisdom of
kūpuna continues to be a part of who they are today. More and more, students are able to make
connections with the past, the present and the future
CULTURAL PRACTICES
NĀ MEA WAIWAI
Nā Mea Waiwai are school core values that set behavioral expectations. These values originate from
kūpuna who, through traditions and practices, demonstrate ways of kūpono living. Students are
expected to strive, apply and reflect on Nā Mea Waiwai through all learning experiences and
interactions.
PAPA HULA
Papa Hula includes instruction in Hawaiian culture with an emphasis on hula. In this class, Papa
Hula will prepare students and kumu on appropriate protocol for special and everyday instances.
WEHENA KAIAO
Daily protocol begins the school day with the entire student body, administrators, faculty and staff
gathering together with social distancing. A kumu will greet students and lead announcements. The
school then unifies in hīmeni of mele or chanting of oli. Students center themselves with the request
to enter the learning space. When in agreement, kumu will accept the request to learn. Ka Waihona
practices protocol to center and realign for a day of learning ahead.
ʻAHA HOʻOLAʻA HALE
At the beginning of the year, the school body will gather at Hale Naʻauao for an opening ceremony
led by our Papa 8. This ceremony signifies the wehena (opening) of this learning space and kula for
students' enlightenment.
11WELCOME PROTOCOL
Welcome protocol is a formal greeting to school guests. Students and kumu prepare lei, oli, mele
and hula to demonstrate hospitality and honor the purpose of the visit.
MAKAHIKI
Makahiki season traditionally covers four consecutive lunar months from October or November
through February or March. Kanaka stopped work, made offerings to aliʻi, and then spent time
practicing sports, feasting and dancing. War was kapu. Students will learn about this time of year
and participate in cultural practices including opening and closing event.
ʻAHA ʻAINA
ʻAha ʻAina is an event that showcases the cultural lessons our 8th graders studied throughout their
school years here at Ka Waihona o ka Naʻauao, pcs. ʻOhana are honored through haʻi ʻōlelo, hula,
mele, hīmeni, and oli to culminate with the preparation of traditional foods.
LĀ ʻOHANA
Quarterly cultural learning experiences and work days for families on campus to enhance the
learning spaces. ʻOhana will experience learning that mirrors the curriculum their keiki experience
daily on campus.
GRADUATION CEREMONY
The graduation ceremony symbolizes the conclusion of Nā ʻElele’s journey in the eighth grade.
Graduating students will have met all of the academic and social expectations of the school. These
students will prepare and exhibit a cultural project that will be included in the graduation ceremony
to culminate the completion of study at Ka Waihona o ka Naʻauao.
PĪKAI
Pīkai marks the beginning and closing of the school year. The school reflects and celebrates
individual and collective goals achieved. Students enter the kai or sprinkle themselves with
saltwater under the care of the Poʻokumu, kumu and certificated lifeguards to conclude the school
year as a school ʻohana.
12HŌʻIKE
Special performance by the entire school body for ʻohana at the end of the school year. Organized
by Papa Hula kumu.
PAPA ʻŌLELO HAWAIʻI
Papa ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is an important content area for all students. Students are introduced to
Hawaiian language and spread the use of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi throughout the school.
INDIGENOUS CONFERENCES
Indigenous conferences are opportunities for haumāna, kumu, and Poʻokumu to learn and share from
others who support and continue to develop innovative indigenous education. Partnerships formed
and strengthened through conferences have helped Ka Waihona grow, identify and implement
strategies to reach students through a cultural and 21st century lens.
PAPA MAHIʻAI (AGRICULTURE CLASS)
Part of Ka Waihona mission and vision is for our school community to understand their kuleana to
our wahi, our ʻāina. In support of the vision growth is for all haumāna to participate in our Papa
Mahiʻai (Agriculture class) which shifts the mindset of viewing our wahi as ʻāina. As ʻāina this
means we mālama our space and cultivate, understanding the cycle from cultivating, to harvesting,
to consumption. Included in our Papa Mahiʻai is studying composting, cultivating, and much more.
Our campus will potentially be housing livestock as part of the curriculum which may include :
puaʻa (pig), moa (chicken), and lāpaki (rabbit). If your keiki have any allergies to the
aforementioned animals, please be sure to advise our Health Aide, also provide any documentation
from your keiki doctor. Information will be sent home directly by your keiki Kumu Papa Mahiʻai.
Also included in our Papa Mahiʻai program, haumāna will learn proper lawaiʻa practices, traditional
and modern to perpetuate the value of aloha ʻāina. Haumāna will be accessing our shoreline fronting
our campus for lawaiʻa activities, studies in limu, seasonal migrations of juvenile fish (breeding
fish), proper limu harvesting techniques. Safety is our utmost first priority, appropriate supervision
and water safety protocols will be practiced.
13HANA: NĀ ʻELELE
We are committed to developing social confidence and character within our school community
through a clear code of ethics based on our Nā Mea Waiwai.
CODE OF CONDUCT
With Nā Mea Waiwai as a foundation for student behavioral expectations, student conduct should be
reflective of our mission’s social tenet. Nā ʻElele code of conduct has been designed with a
commitment to developing social confidence and character within our school community through a
clear code of ethics based on our Nā Mea Waiwai and providing a safe and positive environment for
student learning.
This code of conduct is used as an instructional and corrective tool. The goal of this policy is to
provide students with necessary tools to develop a sense of self-discipline, self-understanding, self-
direction and successful interpersonal skills as well as a sense of self-worth. The code of conduct is
not intended to address the entire spectrum of student misbehavior; instead it outlines a range of
appropriate responses for certain inappropriate behaviors. School officials retain the discretion to
address student misconduct that is not specifically included in this discipline policy. This code
applies to actions of students before or after school hours and off school property if those actions
disrupt the learning environment of the school. Our code of conduct is a combination of our school
policy based on the DOE Chapter 19.
Staff members shall consider all mitigating circumstances prior to disciplinary action and ensure due
process for each student, while consistently following the policies outlined below. Mitigating
circumstances include, but are not limited to the following factors: age, health, maturity, the
student’s discipline record, including previous similar incidents; the student’s attitude and
willingness to change, the cooperation of parents or guardians.
14KA WAIHONA O KA NAʻAUAO, PCS – CHAPTER 19
Class A Class B Class C Class D
• Assault • Bullying • Abusive language • Contraband; possession or
• Burglary • Cyberbullying • Class cutting use of
• Dangerous Instrument • Disorderly conduct • Insubordination • Minor problem behaviors
• Dangerous Substance • False Alarm • Laser pen/pointer • Candy/Food
• Dangerous Weapons • Forgery (possession or use of) consumption
• Drug Paraphernalia • Gambling • Leaving Campus without • Disrespect
• Extortion • Harassment consent • Gum Chewing
• Fighting • Hazing • Truancy • Inappropriate Language
• Firearms • Inappropriate or • Cheating • Lying
OFFENSES
• Homicide questionable use of • Tardiness
• Illicit Drug(s) internet material or • Teasing/Taunting
• Intoxicating substances equipment
• Property Damage or • Theft Other school rules
Vandalism • Trespassing • Dress Code violations
• Robbery • Electronic devices
• Sexual Offenses (possession and/or use
• Terroristic Threatening of cell phones, game
• Tobacco and/or E- systems, Ipods, MP3
cigarettes; possession players, Ipads, Tablets,
and/or use of etc).
• DOE Gun Policy • Chapter 19 Policy • Chapter 19 Policy • Chapter 19 Policy
• Chapter 19 Policy • KWON School • KWON School • KWON School
REFERENCE
• KWON School Policy Policy Policy Policy
15Examples of student choice that do not meet Nā Mea Waiwai:
Student Choice Consequence Range
Using abusive language Teacher warning - detention
Cutting class Detention- suspension
Chewing gum Teacher warning- detention
Cell phone use during school Teacher warning, confiscation of phone
- detention
Harassment of another student or staff Teacher warning-suspension
member
Gambling Detention-suspension
Theft Detention, restitution-suspension
Defacing or damaging property Detention, restitution - suspension
Bullying or cyber bullying Teacher warning-suspension
Forgery Teacher warning-suspension
Inappropriate use of technology Teacher warning, loss of privilege to
use technology- suspension
Trespassing Teachers warning-suspension
Rendering a false alarm Detention-suspension
Noncompliance with Mask and Social Teacher warning-suspension
Distancing rules
Students are not allowed to use their cell phones on campus during school hours. If students are
seen using their cell phone during school hours the consequence will be as follows:
• First occurence : The phone will be immediately confiscated by their teacher and returned at
the end of the day. If this happens, parents will be notified by their kumu via email.
• Second occurence : The phone will be confiscated and sent to Administration at the main
front office where a parent or guardian will retrieve at their earliest convenience.
A suspension of 1-5 days or longer and the involvement of police may occur if there is reason to
believe a student is involved in any illegal activity. This includes, but is not limited to, bringing a
weapon or illegal substance (including tobacco and vaping products) of any kind into the school. A
16weapon is defined as anything that can inflict harm including, but not limited to a firearm, taser,
knife, BB gun, toy gun, water, air or paintball gun.
SUSPENSION EXPECTATIONS K-5
On the first day back from suspension the student will be provided with all missed assignments and
are required to complete all assignments for full credit.
SUSPENSION EXPECTATIONS 6-8
On the first day back from suspension, the student must request all classwork and homework
assigned during the suspension from each teacher. Students are required to complete all assignments
for partial credit.
If a project is due during the suspension, it must be dropped off at the main office on the designated
due date.
Any assessments, including quizzes, tests and exams, must be made up on the first day back to class.
DRESS CODE
Students are required to wear the school uniform Monday through Thursday. The uniform consists
of:
- Students in K-5 will wear a Ka Waihona gold uniform t-shirt.
- Students in grades 6-8 wear a Ka Waihona red collared uniform shirt.
- Optional face mask (mouth and nose covering) to assist in appropriate social
distancing.
- All students will use school issued identification for lunch, field trips and as part of
the daily uniform.
- Buttoned or zippered jackets, sweaters, and hoodies are allowed but school uniforms
(or appropriate top on free dress days) should be visible beneath.
- If students are asked to show wearing school uniform and student not in dress,
they will be marked as insubordinate and dress code infraction
- Clothing should be clean and neat.
- Pants, shorts and skirts must be worn at the waist.
- Shorts, skirts and dresses should be of modest length. In grades 6-8, the bottom of
skirt or shorts should be no more than five inches above the knee.
- Footwear is required. Maximum one-inch heel allowed. No wheeled shoes.
UNACCEPTABLE SCHOOL ATTIRE
- Images of violence, nudity, drugs, alcohol or offensive language on clothing
- Modification, including cutting or writing on school uniform
17- Shoulder straps less than one inch wide
- Strapless, backless, exposed midriff, halters, or low cut, low back, tank or sheer tops
- Overly large or tight clothing
- Clothing with holes (even with patches)
- Any clothing that covers a studentʻs school uniform (exception Hoodies)
- Pajamas
- Wearing sunglasses, hats, or hoods indoors or at protocol
- Cosmetics in grades K-5, middle school students may wear modest make-up
- Dangling earrings
- Temporary tattoos or hair paint
- Permanent loud hair dye during school events or programs
CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATING DRESS CODE
If students are in violation of the dress code, parents will be contacted to correct attire by 9:30a. If
the attire is not corrected by 9:30, a student uniform will be issued and the parent will be billed. If a
uniform correction is not made by 9:30, the student will not be allowed to return to class and must be
picked up from the office.
FIELD TRIP ATTIRE
Class or grade level field trips- white uniformed collared shirt, shorts, or pants, covered shoes.
Attire for outdoor field trips to be determined by the teacher.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Academic achievement and success is greatly impacted by attendance. Absences, tardiness and
early release minimizes a studentʻs instructional time creating barriers for teachers to build skills and
cover curriculum to progress students individually and the class as a whole.
Getting students to school on time and affording them a complete instructional day teaches many
lessons associated with preparedness, responsibility, achievement, school success, and future
employment. Early release should only occur in cases of emergencies and scheduled appointments.
Students will be notified when their parents or guardian is in the office.
As much as possible, schedule dental and doctor appointments after school or on weekends to avoid
missing class. Submittal of a doctor’s note upon return to school will excuse an absence.
Parents should notify the school of a student’s absence on the day student returns by submitting
notes directly to the Administration Office. Excused absences include:
- Illness or injury of 1-2 days with a written parent note
- Illness, injury, quarantine (chicken pox, measles, Covid, etc.) with three or more
consecutive days of absence verifiable by a doctor’s note
- Doctor or dentist appointment with doctor’s note
- Death in the family or funeral (with obituary or program)
18- Court or legal proceedings with court documentation
- Special cases approved by the Principal
Students are expected to make up all work and turn in all assignments upon return.
CHRONIC ABSENCE REFERRAL AND REPORTING
- Upon 5 absences, the attendance clerk will email teachers to contact the parent,
document and notify the Counselor.
- Ten absences triggers a Counselor contact with the parent.
- At fifteen absences the attendance clerk will schedule a meeting with the parent, an
administrator and social worker. Absences beyond 15 may result in home visits,
reports of educational neglect to Child Welfare Services and student re-application
and attendance action plan for the following school year.
- Continued chronic absenteeism or tardiness may result in a petition to Family Court
for a parent’s non-compliance of the State’s Compulsory Attendance law.
REQUESTING SPECIAL APPROVAL FOR ABSENCES
Ka Waihona o ka Naʻauao supports student participation in extracurricular activities and
celebrate their accomplishments. Should special consideration be needed to excuse an
absence due to cultural or team events, submit a written letter to the Administration office at
least 10 school days prior to intended absence for Administration approval. Administration
will contact the parent/guardian and kumu via email whether or not the absence is approved
excused. Please note that absences due to cultural and/or team events will be excused for a
maximum of 3 days. Every subsequest absence will be unexcused.
Family vacations are considered unexcused. Only absences tied to approved family emergency
situations are excused with prior Administration approval.
Assignments for unexcused absences must be requested directly to kumu at least 10 school
days priot to absence and only a total of 50% credit can be earned for this completed work
when turned in on the day the student returns to school.
19LAMALAMA KA ʻOIWI: GLOWING HEALTH AND SAFETY
MAI KE KUMU A KA WĒLAU
FROM TRUNK TO LEAF BUDS
WHEN BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT ARE HEALTHY, LEARNING FLOURISHES
HEALTH POLICIES
Health Requirements for Enrollment
1. TB Clearance
2. Annual physical exam by a medical doctor required for incoming kindergarteners and
7th graders.
First Aid and Emergency Care
If a child is injured and requires first aid or medical attention, parents will be called followed by the
emergency contact. If medical attention is necessary, an ambulance will be called. A staff member
will accompany your child in the transport should a parent or emergency contact person not arrive to
campus before the ambulance departs. The Department of Human services requires that we inform
parents in case of a serious emergency. An incident report will be documented by the school.
If a student has an abrasion, staff will apply first aid by cleaning the wound with water and applying
a band aid or dressing. Ice may be used if swelling occurs.!
If a student is seriously injured, the child will remain in the position where he or she is injured and
staff will call for an ambulance and immediately contact parents or emergency contact persons.
Illness
If a student has a fever or symptoms of illness, parents will be contacted and required to pick up their
child.
20If a child has head lice, parents will be contacted and required to pick up the student from the health
room. The health aid will need to clear the student to return to school.
Medication
The school is not permitted to administer medication without proper doctor’s consent through the
Request to Administer Medication form. If a child needs medication during the day, the parent or
authorized adult must administer the medication. Children will not be allowed to medicate
themselves without a Self Administration of Medication form for prescribed medicines. Children
will not be allowed to medicate themselves with unprescribed or holistic treatments. If a child has a
disability, each case will be assessed on an individual basis. If a student is on medication that may
affect behavior, please notify the teacher and Health Aide.
SECURITY
A priority for the school is ensuring the safety of all students, faculty, staff and visitors on campus.
Ka Waihona employs security to monitor and secure designated school drop off and pick up lanes,
parking lots, bus depot, buildings, portables and fields.
To assist security in keeping the school safe, cooperation of all visitors is a school expectation. Not
cooperating with school security, administration, faculty, or staff may result in police intervention
and or an issuance of a No Trespassing Ban by school administration and security.
PROTOCOL FOR SCHOOL VISITORS
1. All visitors must check into the Administration Office if you have a meeting,
scheduled visit, or are dropping items off for your child.
2. Communication between all school employees, visitors, parents and students will
reflect the school’s core values, Nā Mea Waiwai. This includes phone calls and
formal or informal school meetings.
3. Do not approach any student on campus regarding a concern or issue between
students, parents or school staff.
4. Do not use inappropriate language, or engage in yelling, name calling, defamation of
character, harassment, threats or intimidation of any student or employee.
5. Do not use tobacco, drugs or alcohol.
6. Do not damage or remove school property.
7. Escort children while walking through the parking lot.
21DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
There are two designated drop-off and pick-up areas before and after school. If you prefer to park,
you may park in any unmarked stall in the Kapolei end of the campus parking lots, but please escort
children through the parking lot. No parking is allowed in the drop off lanes in the morning or
afternoon.
The bus depot is designated for school bus drop off and pick up only. Turning around, loading, or
unloading in the bus depot is prohibited.
Before school:
1) Main Front parking lot near cafe: - Kapolei end of campus: Turn right into the
driveway, enter the first parking lot, use the coned lane for drop off only.
2) P.E. Parking lot - Wai’anae end of campus: Turn left or right into the driveway,
follow the fence line to the Fire Lane, proceed to the end of the Fire Lane and PE
facility for drop off. The foot gates adjacent to A and B building will be inaccessible
from 7:30-8:15 am and 2:30-3:15pm. All students dropped off may enter campus at
the PE facility drop off.
After school:
1) Main Front parking lot near cafe: Kapolei end of campus: This driveway is
designated for parents who will be parking a vehicle after school. School visitors
may park in any unmarked stall. Please adhere to the coned lanes and flow of traffic.
2) P.E. Parking lot: Waiʻanae end of campus: Turn left or right into the driveway,
follow the fence line to the Fire Lane, proceed to the end of the Fire Lane and PE
facility for drop off, the school gates adjacent to A and B building will be
inaccessible from 2:15-3:15 pm.
Students who are still on campus at 3:00pm will be escorted to A+ in the cafeteria which the mākua
would be charged for after school care. Students who walk to and from school are to access campus
through designated foot gates : Kalanianaʻole Beach park (located on Kapolei end of campus), front
foot gate along Farrington Hwy between A and D building. For the safety of the students, foot gates
on the Waiʻanae side of campus between A, B, and C building will be secured in the afternoon as the
2 neighboring schools (Māʻilikūkahi and Kamehameha Preschool) are dismissed at the same time, so
traffic is heavy in that area in the afternoon.
22EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
The goals of the Emergency Response Plan is to ensure the safety and security of students, staff and
visitors, to minimize disruption of academic programs and business operations, to minimize property
loss, and to assist the community in time of emergency. The plan is activated any time a Civil
Defense Warning is issued.
Information can be obtained through local radio and news stations, or through our school call
system. The Principal will decide upon school closure in the event of an emergency, or activation or
conclusion of a safety procedure that include but is not limited to evacuation, emergency drills,
lockdown, fire, severe weather conditions, hurricane, tropical storm, flooding, tsunami warning or
earthquake. Although a school may remain open in your neighborhood, Ka Waihona services
students from multiple neighborhoods and districts, which may be affected by a major emergency.
Evacuation
If students must be evacuated, staff will move students to a safe location. If we are unable to contact
parents, we will stay with students until an authorized person can be reached from the emergency
contact list. If the school evacuates please follow this protocol:
● Do not call or rush to school. Phone lines and staff will be used for emergency
response efforts.
● Obtain official school updates from local radio and news stations, Hawaii State
Charter School Commission or the school call system that will inform you of the
evacuation site to pick your child up. Ka Waihona’s designated evacuation site is
Nānakulu High School football field 89-980 Nānākuli Ave.
● In case of an emergency evacuation, families will be notified via email and phone,
only authorized persons listed on emergency contact list will be permitted to pick up
student. Authorized person must show a valid government issued id (ex. valid
driver’s license, state id, etc.).
● School Closure is also a possibility and can happen very quickly. In case of this
emergency, parents will be notified and will come to immediately pick up students.
Emergency Drills
The school participates in school drills and inspection by the Fire Department. All visitors on
campus during a drill are required to participate.
23Lock Down
The decision to implement a school lock down will be made by the Principal or Vice-Principal,
Safety Officer or designee when the Principal is unavailable. The Crisis Management Team shall be
activated and meet at the command post. School personnel will be briefed on the method of
notification for a lock down to preserve the safety of the student body and staff on campus. Students
will remain indoors, be instructed to move away from exits and windows, position themselves low in
the class, and remain quiet until the all clear is announced.
The Principal will announce the official conclusion of the lock down. After a lock down the school
will notify parents of the incident through the call system. For the safety of our school body and
ʻohana, during lock down the campus will be closed to any visitors until the “all clear” is given by
Administration and local law enforcement.
Triggers for a lock down can include a hostage situation, firearm or other dangerous weapon on
campus, campus disturbance, disorderly or unruly adult on campus, gunfire nearby, hazardous
material spill on campus or nearby, or other emergency situations.
Hurricane or Tropical Storms
Hurricane or tropical storm WATCHES are issued by the National Weather Service 36 hours prior to
the arrival of storm effects. Hurricane or tropical storm WARNINGS are issued 24 hours in advance
of reaching Hawaiʻi. When a WATCH is issued, the Administration will monitor the storm and
make decisions to close before a WARNING is issued.
Flooding
In the event of flooding, we are advised to evacuate immediately and move the children to
higher ground. Ka Waihona’s designated evacuation site is Nānakulu High School football field
89-980 Nānākuli Ave.
Tsunami Warning
If a tsunami occurs, the first level is a watch, the second level is an advisory and the next level is a
warning and indicates the tsunami is here. If a WARNING is used while we are in school, we will
remain with students until they are picked up by parents. It is recommended that you remain in a
safe area until the “ALL CLEAR” is announced by officials. If evacuation is required, we will
evacuate. If a WARNING is issued before the school day begins, school will be cancelled and
school will be closed.
24Earthquake
Should an earthquake of significant magnitude occur on our island, school could be damaged along
with road networks. If indoors, we will stay indoors and take cover under desks and tables. If
outdoors, we will stay outdoors and move toward a designated safe area away from electrical lines,
tall trees and buildings. After an earthquake, when tremors stop, we will care and treat injuries and
then assess the structural integrity of the school. If the school is damaged we will evacuate to our
designated site.
PILINA: CONNECTIONS
1. CALL SYSTEM
2. WEBSITE WWW.KAWAIHONAPCS.ORG
3. SOCIAL MEDIA (FACEBOOK: KA WAIHONA O KA NAʻAUAO, PCS, INSTAGRAM: KAWAIHONAPCS)
4. INFINITE CAMPUS GRADE BOOK / TEACHEREASE GRADE BOOK
5. EMAIL (FIRST INITIAL, LAST NAME @KAWAIHONAPCS.ORG)
6. PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
7. PROTOCOL FOR PARENT CONCERNS PARENT COFFEE HOURS
1. Call system
Ka Waihona uses a call system through School Messenger to keep you abreast of school
announcements. In the event of an emergency, we will aim to provide multiple updates as soon as
they occur. Announcements will be sent to voicemail and/or emails. Make sure to update any
changes to your phone numbers and email addresses.
2. Website www.kawaihonapcs.org
Connect with Ka Waihona through the school’s website to find the handbook, calendar, information
on upcoming events, pictures of past events and programs, governing board agenda, minutes and
meeting schedule, contact information, and a directory of administration, faculty and staff.
3. Social Media
Connect with Ka Waihona through social media sites:
- Facebook: Ka Waihona o ka Naʻauao, PCS and
25- Instragram: kawaihonapcs.
The goal of the social media sites is to provide information to our school community about
upcoming events or needs. All comments should be reflective of the school’s core values or Nā Mea
Waiwai. Parent, student or community concerns should be presented to the Administrator in person,
by email or phone. Concerns will not be addressed on the social media platforms.
4. Infinite Campus and TeacherEase Gradebook
A tool used by teachers, counselors and administration in grades K-8 to document grades, behavior
and discipline. This is a new grading tool and more information will be sent once teacher training is
complete. Parents should keep an updated email address and their child’s homeroom teacher to
access information.
5. Email
info@kawaihonapcs.org
6. Parent- Teacher Conferences
Conferences are required for all students after the first quarter and will be conducted in person.
Quarter 3 conferences will be scheduled as necessary at the beginning of quarter 4. For middle
school students earning a 59 or below in a core class after quarter 3, a parent teacher conference is
required. An action plan will be implemented for the remainder of the fourth quarter. The counselor
will monitor assignments, student attitude, and implement academic counseling as necessary.
Report cards may be withheld until a conference (in person or by phone) is held.
Parents may schedule a phone conference or meeting before or after school with a teacher at any
time throughout the year to address academic or behavior concerns. A scheduled appointment
allows teachers to gather work samples, directions for assignments, and current grades.
7. Protocol for parent concerns
If concerns remain after a parent teacher conference or no improvements are made after the
consistent implementation of the agreed upon plan, parents should contact the school counselor and
next an administrator.
26Administrative complaints or concerns that require further attention can be made in writing and
addressed to the Governing Board Chair, who will investigate the issue and address the findings with
the parent and administration. The Hawai’i State Charter School Commission can be contacted if
further assistance is required.
8. Parent Coffee Hours
Parent Coffee Hours are designed to invite parents on campus to meet the needs of connecting
school and home. At coffee hours, the school facilitates discussions and presentations about varying
topics that can be academic, social or cultural in subject or explore fundraising and school
community service projects. These will be held on campus outdoors throughout this school year.
KE’ENA: ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
The administration office is the first step for all visitors. The office will be able to assist your
inquiries and direct you to the appropriate faculty or staff. The administration office is responsible
for assisting in the school’s day to day operations including:
- Admissions
- Change of Information
- Reporting an absence
- Withdrawal or transfer
- Food services and food for special occasions
- Uniforms
- Student ID
- Bus
- After School Programs
- School Calendar
CAMPUS HOURS 7:00AM - 4:00PM
ADMINISTRATION OFFICE HOURS 7:30am - 3:30pm
27ADMISSIONS
Any parent or legal guardian may apply to enroll their child at Ka Waihona.
CHANGE OF INFORMATION
Notify the office in writing or in person when there are changes to:
- Mailing, physical or email address
- Home, cell, business phone
- Emergency contact information
- Persons authorized to pick up your child
- Guardianship, custody, or other relevant court documentation
- Medical and health conditions from a doctor
REPORTING AN ABSENCE
Parents should notify the school’s Administration office of a student’s absence before the start
of the school day 8:15am. Excused absences include:
- Illness or injury with three or more consecutive days of absence verifiable by a doctor’s
note
- Doctor or dentist appointment with doctor’s note
- Death in the family or funeral
- Court or legal proceedings
- Special cases approved by the Principal
Students are expected to make up all work and turn in all assignments upon return.
WITHDRAWAL AND TRANSFER PROCESS
Any parent or legal guardian withdrawing a child from school should notify the Administration
office in writing and include: student full legal name, current mailing address and contact phone
number, parent/guardian requesting the withdrawal, reason for transfer, new school name, and
effective last day of attendance. Geographic exception schools will provide you with the approved
GE form from the accepting school.
FOOD SERVICE AND FOOD FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Breakfast and lunch are available to all students at a Free charge through the National Breakfast and
School Lunch Program. Students with prior balances must be paid in advance, and if not able to
settle accounts in the current school year, statements will be sent home with your child if not paid in
full, once per month. All meal accounts should be paid in full by the end of the school year.
28Students are allowed to bring a snack from home for morning and afternoon recess consumption
only (not to be eaten during class). Candy is not permitted. Students may bring lunch from home
but lunch must be ready to eat and include a drink, napkin, and utensils. There is no available
microwave for student use. A school lunch may be provided to a student if his or her home lunch is
inadequate and fees will apply.
UNIFORM
Uniforms can be purchased in the office. A requirement dress attire for students to wear during the
Monday through Thursday school week.
STUDENT ID
The Student ID is a required part of a daily student attire for all students. A fee will be charged for
replacing lost IDs. These IDs are required for the National School Meal Program. If a 6th-8th grade
student does not have his or her ID at lunch, they will participate in cafeteria duty.
BUS
Bus transportation is currently being offered free of charge for our enrolled Ka Waihona students.
Bus service is one pick up and drop off destination without exception. Students need to know before
school if they are to take the bus home- notices to classrooms may not be received prior to the end of
the day and classrooms will not be interrupted.
Should Ka Waihona charge for bus service, a non-refundable and non-transferrable prepaid quarterly
or annual bus pass will be available for purchase and is required to ride the bus. All rules and
regulations must be followed on the bus. If a student receives an incident report from the bus driver,
the parent will be notified and a bus suspension or removal of bus privileges may follow.
BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
" Before school care will start on the first day of school when students return, starting at
7:00a.m. at the cafeteria area. For safety purposes, students will need to be registered
ahead of time in order to participate in the before-school care program.
" A+ is available for students to enroll. The after school program includes study hall,
activities and games for grades K-8. Monthly and late fees apply. A drop in fee will also
apply for those not registered in the program. If an enrolled student does not attend for
five consecutive days, he or she will be dropped on the sixth day. More information is in
the A+ Handbook that is available in the administration office in addition to being posted
29on Orientation Packet website. Program Times: Monday – Thursday 2:40-5:30 and
Friday 1:00-5:30
PILI NOHONA: SCHOOL STRUCTURE
Ka Waihonaʻs Administration, faculty, and staff come from a diverse background. Many hail from
Waiʻanae, are committed to the Waiʻanae community or are Native Hawaiian. We are proud to
employ a faculty and staff who bring their education, skills, experience and passion for the schoolʻs
vision, mission and haumāna.
As a public charter school, Ka Waihona is governed by a volunteer Governing Board made up of
members of the community, parents, school, and students. Board members are elected by members
of the designated segment, with skills and experience to assist the school in meeting its mission and
vision. Each member serves a three year term. The Governing Board is responsible for hiring and
evaluating the Principal. Together, the board works to create and approve policies to provide the
very best of the vision, mission and students of the school community. The Governing board
agenda, minutes, and meeting schedule is posted on the school’s website. Contact the Governing
Board in writing to place an item on the agenda at gb@kawaihonapcs.org. General board meetings
are open to the school community and the public at large.
30PAPA: DAILY SCHEDULE
CAMPUS HOURS 7:00AM - 4:00PM
WEEKLY CAMPUS SCHOOL HOURS
MONDAY - THURSDAY 8:15AM - 2:40PM
FRIDAY (EARLY DISMISSAL) 8:15AM - 1:00PM
BELL SCHEDULE
Kula Kamaliʻi (Elementary) (Monday - Thursday)
Time Papa
8:15am Start of School
8:20am Wehena Kaiao (opening protocol)
8:30 - 10:50am Instruction
10:50am - 11:20am Lunch
11:20am - 2:40pm Instruction
2:40pm Dismissal
Kula Kamaliʻi (Elementary) (Friday - Early Dismissal)
Time Papa
8:15am Start of School
8:20am Wehena Kaiao (opening protocol)
8:30 - 10:50am Instruction
10:50am - 11:20am Lunch
11:20am - 1:00pm Instruction
1:00pm Dismissal
31Kula Waena (Middle School) (Monday - Thursday)
Time Papa
8:15am Start of School
8:20am Wehena Kaiao (opening protocol)
8:30 - 11:30am Instruction
11:30am - 12:00pm Lunch
12:00 -2:40pm Instruction
2:40pm Dismissal
Kula Waena (Middle School) (Friday - Early Dismissal)
Time Papa
8:15am Start of School
8:20am Wehena Kaiao (opening protocol)
8:30 - 11:30am Instruction
11:30am - 12:00pm Lunch
12:00 -1:00pm Instruction
1:00pm Dismissal
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