MPI-etag:www.midpac.edu,2010:/elementary/182010-07-13T00:41:05ZMovable Type Pro 4.34-enShowcasing Our Learningtag:www.midpac.edu,2010:/elementary//18.97792010-07-12T23:59:03Z2010-07-13T00:41:05ZAttending a school assembly is always a special occasion because students are able to share the things they've learned -- and are always quite proud to do so! This summer session's final gathering in the dining room featured students in...Ms. HusseyAttending a school assembly is always a special occasion because students are able to share the things they've learned -- and are always quite proud to do so! This summer session's final gathering in the dining room featured students in Reading and Writing Workshop, Math Adventures, the Genius of Invention, Ocean Explorations, Ikebana, Sewing & Knitting Magic, and Camera! Lights! Action! The students in Money Doesn't Grow on Trees proudly presented a check in the amount of $930.84 to a representative from the American Lung Association. Several high school classes and other MPI staff also participated in the fundraiser. Students learned basic principles of economy, created hand-made items, baked tasty treats, and sold these items to raise funds for their student-chosen charity. One of the highlights of the morning assembly was the video premiere by the iMovie class, an entertaining, informative overview of the summer program. (See the photo gallery to view images from the summer program.)]]>
summer session teachers' blogs. And check out our summer session photo gallery. Enjoy the gift of your children!
For our children,
Edna L. Hussey
Principal
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Better than fireworkstag:www.midpac.edu,2010:/elementary//18.97582010-07-04T02:07:54Z2010-07-04T08:07:12ZWhile our students were reading, singing, counting, playing, writing, measuring, painting and having hours of fun this past week, I joined 20,000 other participants at the 2010 International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference in Denver, Colorado. Representatives from...Ms. Hussey
While our students were reading, singing, counting, playing, writing, measuring, painting and having hours of fun this past week, I joined 20,000 other participants at the 2010 International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference in Denver, Colorado. Representatives from 18 Hawaii independent and private schools involved in the Schools of the Future initiative as recipients of funding from the Castle Foundation also participated in the conference. (MPI is the only preschool through high school SOTF participant in Hawaii.) MPI's middle and high school principals and I attended a range of sessions -- lectures, hands-on sessions, labs, and presentations -- to learn more about how technology can be better used to support teaching and learning. I liked the focus of the ISTE conference on revolutionizing student learning by encouraging teachers to be innovative, creative, and passionate about teaching. There's an incredible expanse of tools for all ages of learners and for all content areas. I learned more about websites with primary sources and how students can gain multiple perspectives on historical events. Since my particular area of interest is writing, I was pleased to have learned about the National Gallery of Writing as a means to give student writers a worldwide audience for their writing. My colleagues were excited about ways to plan and implement an electronic portfolio process and system. Clearly, our teachers have amazing tools available to them to take their teaching to new heights.
fun best describes their daily learning.
Take note of a summer session class for entering 5th and 6th graders, which just began this week -- Ocean/Island Explorations. Bruce Black has been teaching this popular session for eight years, and some students are taking this session again because it is so much fun. His blog appears under MPI Classroom Happenings, 5-Black, just below the Summer Session blogs.
You're invited to two assemblies, if you have time. Only July 9, the first assembly at 8:30am highlights some of the learning in our morning sessions. By this Friday, every student will have had an opportunity to showcase something they've learned at an assembly (our last assembly was two weeks ago). The second assembly will be at 1:00pm for students in the camp program (afternoon sessions). Both assemblies will be in the dining room. Students will also be taking home their last set of assessments.
The faculty and I will be posting one more summer session blog on the MPI website next weekend. FYI: July 5, Monday, is the observance of our nation's July 4th holiday.
As I look at the breadth of the Ko`olau and shimmering waters of Kane`ohe Bay, I'm mindful of the history of our nation and all that has already transpired so that I can gaze at this wondrous view every day. Better than fireworks. Happy Fourth of July!
For our children,
Edna L. Hussey
Principal
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Impressive curriculum sharing at the assembliestag:www.midpac.edu,2010:/elementary//18.97372010-06-27T14:47:41Z2010-06-29T03:25:40ZA steady hum of learning permeates the preschool and elementary campus. Within the classrooms, children are discussing, building, creating, observing, writing, and listening. Outside on the playcourt and playstructure, our students are running, climbing, hopping, skipping, riding trikes and exerbugs,...Ms. Hussey
A steady hum of learning permeates the preschool and elementary campus. Within the classrooms, children are discussing, building, creating, observing, writing, and listening. Outside on the playcourt and playstructure, our students are running, climbing, hopping, skipping, riding trikes and exerbugs, and playing games. At our second assembly of the summer program, several students from different morning sessions shared what they've been learning. One class involved the audience in a punctuation game; another group premiered a public service announcement on the value of respect. We learned a welcome song and were impressed by fascinating inventions using pulleys, gears, and inclines. Students in math sessions explained how math is everywhere, from fractions and shapes to finding area and perimeter -- useful knowledge and application to life skills. We delighted in the display of Lego-robot cars' speed and building design. The afternoon camp-session students also gathered in the dining room to share what they've been learning. Mandarin language students sang songs about parts of the body and a poem. Several children in the art class showed us their paintings and explained the artistic processes. ]]>
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Summer school memoriestag:www.midpac.edu,2010:/elementary//18.97122010-06-20T02:21:47Z2010-06-20T05:47:01Z During the second week of summer school, I observed fun and exciting moments -- • Students programming the movements of their LegoRobot cars (speed, ability to turn and stop, ability to move up and down an incline) on the...Ms. Hussey
During the second week of summer school, I observed fun and exciting moments --
• Students programming the movements of their LegoRobot cars (speed, ability to turn and stop, ability to move up and down an incline) on the computers
• Little hands gently holding slender embroidery needles and making running stitches on quilt squares
• Small groups of students re-enacting a scene from a story they've just read
• Structures of toothpicks and gumdrops nearly as high as a foot!
• Kindergartners drawing their observations of plants
• Students plotting their dream house on chart paper to determine area measurements
• Preschoolers frolicking under water sprinklers, happily drenched
• Several groups of students building simple machines complete with gears and wheels
• Teacher, assistant, and a group of students discussing the elements of a video production
• Inventors developing prototypes of their first inventions
• Hand-clapping to rhythmic beats based on students' names, and then patterns copied to GarageBand
• A small circle of children singing a song in Mandarin about panda bears
• Sunflowers made with tissue paper, mosaic pieces, and tempera paint
• Students checking their stance before bolting across the playcourt in a timed race
For more descriptions and photos, go directly to the elementary page to read the teachers' updated blogs. ]]>
Then there was the summer with a theatre company. After all the activities of thinking, speaking, and moving in character -- many of these activities were solo demonstrations! -- I was cast as one of several clowns in a circus-themed play. I had to do cartwheels, juggle balls, and prance around the length of the stage at least three times. The final performance was at the Waikiki Shell, and I still remember feeling very tired after such a robust performance! Another summer I took art classes from the Academy of Arts and my elementary art teacher. That was a productive summer of still life's, clay work, collage, oil painting, and charcoal sketches.
All of this is to say that summer school provides many refreshing, memorable experiences. Our students are taught by talented teachers, many who are not regular faculty but who have returned to teach at MPI summer school for a change in pace or are new to our summer school and have something just as valuable as the other faculty to contribute to our program. Students who attend summer school have steep learning curves in the sense that they are challenged to make new friends in a short time or work at developing positive relationships with their teachers. Our students also interact with the teacher aides who are from our MPI middle school, high school, or college students. Our children are learning how to build relationships with their peers, adults, and the environment, as well as learning content and skills in their various sessions. I'd say this is a lot for any child to navigate through the day!
This Thursday and Friday, June 24-25, the Money Doesn't Grow on Trees class is sponsoring a snack sale, proceeds to go to charity. There are posters around the campus advertising the sale (e.g., brownies, musubi, fruit roll-ups, etc.). If you'd like you child to purchase a snack, I think $1 to $2 is a sufficient amount to give your child. You're also invited to the Friday assembly in the dining room at 8:30am when several classes will be sharing some of the things they've been learning in our summer program.
Happy Fathers' Day to dads, granddads, uncles, hanai uncles, and godfathers! You are all much loved and appreciated.
For our children,
Edna L. Hussey
Principal]]>
Yes, we're ready! Open the gate!tag:www.midpac.edu,2010:/elementary//18.96822010-06-12T03:50:51Z2010-06-12T03:53:24ZThe other morning at 7:30 as I stood at the entrance of the elementary campus to open the gates, I peered through the slots and asked the children -- Are you ready to start the day? -- they cheered, "Yes,...Ms. Hussey
The other morning at 7:30 as I stood at the entrance of the elementary campus to open the gates, I peered through the slots and asked the children -- Are you ready to start the day? -- they cheered, "Yes, we're ready! Open the gate!" They streamed through quickly, eager to get to their classrooms and talk with new and old friends. Having visited every class this past week, I just have to say how impressed I am by the efforts of every teacher. Students are indeed immersed in learning, from hand-stitching quilts or building robots, to measuring lengths and distances to greeting one another in Mandarin. Class size is small so that children are able to receive individualized attention and many opportunities to work in groups of 2-3. And every teacher has at least one aide, a current MPI high school or middle school student or MPI alumnus, to assist in the classroom. For a glimpse into our summer school sessions, go to p5.midpac.edu and scroll down the page to any of the teacher's blogs. Some have included photos so that you have a better idea of the class. Expect teachers to post weekly blogs and a letter from me on the MPI website with weekly highlights.
teachers' blogs, this amazingly sunny three-day weekend, and 200th celebration of King Kamehameha. Ahh, summer.
For our children,
Edna L. Hussey
Principal]]>
After the confetti settles tag:www.midpac.edu,2010:/elementary//18.96392010-05-30T00:02:19Z2010-05-30T00:16:52ZIt's Saturday at MPI. The quiet of this morning is a stark contrast to the whirlwind of activity and joyful noise over the past two weeks. Just moments ago, students were finishing up inquiries, celebrating their classroom community in end-of-year...Ms. Hussey
It's Saturday at MPI.
The quiet of this morning is a stark contrast to the whirlwind of activity and joyful noise over the past two weeks. Just moments ago, students were finishing up inquiries, celebrating their classroom community in end-of-year parties, and packing up their belongings. The week before, children and their parents met with respective teachers to reflect on the student's learning progress over the semester, and more impressively, progress over the school year. On Tuesday, we acknowledged the efforts of many students who have provided meaningful acts of service and who have brought honor to the school community. This past Wednesday, the preschool through fourth grade witnessed the fifth grade Leavetaking ceremony in the dining room. The fifth graders participated in a touching, meaningful closing to their elementary years, joined by their parents and family members. I can't think of a better way to end the school year than Field Day! Imagine the baseball field teeming with children dressed in swim apparel splashing down a water slide, running water-play relays, eating shaved ice in rainbow flavors, tossing and catching balls, and salsa dancing en masse with the teachers and parents! All of this followed by a light lunch of pizza and fruit! Now THIS is the way to end a fabulous school year and to celebrate the gift of this community!
Hug your child often.
For our children,
Edna L. Hussey
Principal
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Suitcase unpacked - the work continues!tag:www.midpac.edu,2010:/elementary//18.96032010-05-18T09:35:25Z2010-05-18T09:40:08ZSuitcases are unpacked. I arrived home late Sunday night, still thinking about the once-in-a-lifetime experiences I enjoyed just a few days ago. After a 23-hour journey from Italy to Germany, across the Atlantic and continental U.S., then over the Pacific,...Ms. Hussey
Suitcases are unpacked. I arrived home late Sunday night, still thinking about the once-in-a-lifetime experiences I enjoyed just a few days ago. After a 23-hour journey from Italy to Germany, across the Atlantic and continental U.S., then over the Pacific, it's a wonder that I was half way around the world from Hawaii just a day ago. I lived in a municipality of about 100,00 in Reggio Emilia (northern Italy) then traveled to Florence, population not quite 400,000, and on to Rome, population nearly 3 million! The progression, though not entirely intentional, was advantageous for this traveler. The highlights of my journey include the weeklong study tour in Reggio Emilia where I learned first-hand how fortunate we are to have modeled our preschool on the early childhood schools in Reggio Emilia. Other highlights include having seen the great masterpieces of artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and Caravaggio, then the incredible architectural wonders such as the Coliseum, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Hadrian Wall surrounding Rome. I admit nearly crying when I gazed at Michelangelo's "Creation" on the Sistine Chapel ceiling and then his Pieta. Did I fail to mention the food? Hands down, the best food I ate was in Reggio Emilia. Incredible pasta, mama mia! There are many other reflections I have about this journey through Italy, most about what I learned while in Reggio Emilia, which you'll continue to hear about now and then.
If you've checked the teachers' blogs, many have reminders about the upcoming conferences this week, May 20-21. I'd like to also remind you about meetings you are welcome to schedule with any of the specialists. By this Wednesday, you will have received your child's performance continua in pdf. form. Please review these continua so that you're prepared to look at your child's progress portfolio, which documents the placement of your child on the continua. Your child's other evaluations from the specialists will be mailed home the following week.
We hope you've indicated whether or not you'll be joining our end-of-the-year celebration on Field Day, May 27. Your child's teacher will provide details about appropriate clothing for this outdoor event, right on the baseball field. The official end of the school year is 12:00noon. All children should be picked up by noon at the autoline. You should have already informed the office if you need childcare until 2:30pm (at no charge) or regular afterschool care until 5:30pm for preschool and 6:00pm for kindergarten through fifth grade (fee assessed).
Finally, you may have heard that Leah Lorenzana, a teacher in one of the multiage third-fourth grade classes, and Leigh Oshiro, preschool assistant teacher in the class with 3-and 4-year-olds, will not be returning next year. We are very much saddened about their departure from MPI. Leah came with us from Epiphany as a student teacher then accepted a position as a full-time teacher when we became MPI. She is returning home to California with her husband and one-year-old daughter. Leigh began with us when MPI's first preschool classrooms opened five years ago. Leigh will be teaching in a nearby school, sharing all that she has learned about the Reggio approach to new colleagues. It is bittersweet to bid aloha to two very intelligent, compassionate, warm-hearted, excellent teachers and friends.
I end this week's letter with a note of congratulations to Donna Revard, recipient of the Helen Ogata Teaching Award, a former alumna and parent. Each year, a teacher from each of the school divisions is selected for this prestigious recognition of teaching excellence, an attitude of putting children first in all matters related to classroom teaching and community building, and an overall spirit of generosity towards families and colleagues. Our heartiest appreciation to Donna!
For our children,
Edna L. Hussey
Principal
A Page from the Principal's Journaltag:www.midpac.edu,2010:/elementary//18.95572010-05-10T21:52:07Z2010-05-10T22:56:07Z Outside my window, a breathtaking view of the Duomo or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Basilica of San Lorenzo, and the bell tower of the Duomo. Each of these structures was built in the 12th century. Next...Ms. Hussey
Outside my window, a breathtaking view of the Duomo or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Basilica of San Lorenzo, and the bell tower of the Duomo. Each of these structures was built in the 12th century. Next to our hotel is the cloister of Ognissanti from which the bells peal in the morning, noon, and evening, but then again, the bell towers from surrounding cathedrals ring somewhat in unison, creating an echo effect. And then a horse-drawn carriage comes down the cobblestone street now and then. Today I did my stairmaster workout by climbing 135 steps at a steep vertical angle up to the cupola (dome) of the Duomo. It's one of those tourist experiences that you can forever claim -- I did it! These were the very steps that artists trudged up and down to complete the basilica. Tourists like myself climb the heights not only for a terrific view of the city of Firenze (Florence) outside the dome, but also to get an up-close view of the incredible ceiling frescoe began by Brunelleschi in the mid 1500s then completed by another artist named Vasari. The frescoe depicts the ascent from hell to heaven in the Last Judgment. My heightened, sensory awareness is a daily reminder that, yes, I am in Italy!]]>
At each school, I learned about the history of the school from the pedagogista (akin to the director of the school or curriculum head). It's important to remember that the schools in Reggio Emilia were actually first organized and developed after World War II by women, many of them mothers, whose goal was to provide children with the best early childhood education in response to the political and social ills in Europe.
The most important concept is the image of the child -- a view of the child as a citizen from the very beginning, a "protagonist" who is capable of making choices and who is naturally predisposed to curiosity and to learning. School is regarded as a place for making connections and building relationships to others, that is, the interconnectedness between cognition and emotions. We also spoke with the atelieristi who are the art studio teachers and how they try to support students' thinking by providing various materials and experiences.
I was deeply impressed by the level of commitment of these teachers. They meet two to three times each week in the afternoons for three hours at a time to discuss the evidence of students' learning (e.g., drawings, sketches, structures, video, photos, etc.). Their meetings are intensive discussions full of speculations and possibilities about their interpretations of children's work. And I do mean they think deeply about learning.
All schools outside Reggio Emilia (Italy) that implement this approach are called "Reggio-inspired" schools. Hawaii has one Reggio-inspired school. Mid-Pacific Institute began its Reggio-inspired preschool five years ago, and I feel we've made significant progress in our journey towards creating a community and environment that values children as citizens, protagonists, decision-makers, and unique persons.
I know we've made progress because during my study tour in Reggio Emilia, there was so much that I felt we have implemented, discussed, are aware of, and are considering, given our context as a preschool within a larger independent school in Hawaii. The essential pieces are in place at Mid-Pacific. We have a pedagogista, atelierista, committed team of early childhood educators who mindset and attitude are as researchers, inviting spaces such as the atelier (art studio) and classrooms, and an approach based on the pedagogy of listening to children and having meaningful conversations with them. Other elements such as documenting learning and daily communication with parents are also practiced.
But we have not yet "arrived." As I learned from new friends at Reggio Emilia, our inspiration is an active process that is a continuous journey. We are learning how to identify possible learning projects based on our observations and documentation. We are learning how to think about children's thinking. We are learning how to talk with colleagues and talk with parents about the extraordinary learning in ordinary moments. As I said in last week's website letter, I am convinced that Mid-Pacific has chosen the best early childhood model of education to implement.
I was so pleased to be right there (virtually) in the gym on May 7 watching Motown in Manoa via Skype. It was 12:45am for me on Saturday morning when the program began with Chaplain Koyama and President Rice. I'm sure you've read your child's teacher's classroom weblog about the May Day program and viewed photos in the online gallery. Many thanks to Diane Koshi for creating a unique program that was a nostalgic experience for some of us in the audience who grew up with Motown hits and a grand dance party for the children. I enjoyed everything, especially the finale when everyone got on the floor and danced en masse. Kudos to our talented choreographer Noe Vitarelli. I'd like to also commend the many parents who volunteered several weekends to work on the glitzy set and the costumes. Truly a labor of love.
You're reminded that May 14, this Friday, there is no school. Teachers need the time to work on their assessments and evaluations of students and to prepare for the parent-student-teacher conferences, which have been scheduled next week, May 20-21.
Tomorrow I visit Sienna. Everytime I hear or see a child, I think of our children at MPI.
For our children,
Edna L. Hussey
Principal
Preschool and Elementary]]>
Reggio Emilia: Impressions & Reflectionstag:www.midpac.edu,2010:/elementary//18.95152010-05-04T22:47:18Z2010-05-04T23:02:08ZImpressions and reflections: The first two days on my Reggio Emilia study tour have been very affirming about the work and efforts of our preschool team. The approach is often referred to its origin, which is the municipality of Reggio...Ms. Hussey
Impressions and reflections: The first two days on my Reggio Emilia study tour have been very affirming about the work and efforts of our preschool team. The approach is often referred to its origin, which is the municipality of Reggio Emilia in northern Italy. The underlying philosophy of the Reggio Approach -- a strong image of children as having enormous potential and ability to make choices -- and promoting children's education through the development of all their languages: expressive, communicative, symbolic, cognitive, imaginative, and relational -- has had extensive international impact. Concepts and theories I've mostly read about during the formation process of our preschool and over the past five years of the preschool's development are finally contextualized in visits to early childhood centers and conversations with other educators.
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ristorante, you're served a pizza per person, and you find the appetite to eat the whole thing?). I'll have more to share in the next website blog this weekend.
You're in for another treat at this year's May Day program, Motown Manoa, this Friday at 12:30pm in the gymnasium. Parking will be available on the football field.
Please check your child's classroom blog for details. Although I am very disappointed about not attending the program, I did hear ALL the practice sessions from my office and got a sneak peek at the costumes. You may take your child home after the program, but you must see your child's teacher for security and safety reasons.
Tomorrow -- I visit the Rosa Galeotti preschool. More impressions and more reflections. Ciao!
For our children,
Edna L. Hussey
Principal
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Confusion: Appreciating the nature of a problemtag:www.midpac.edu,2010:/elementary//18.94602010-04-26T10:08:31Z2010-04-26T10:11:31ZTypically as we approach the merry month of May, there is a rise in the level of activity on campus and in the classrooms. We're certainly experiencing high energy levels in the last few weeks of school, from May Day...Ms. Hussey
Typically as we approach the merry month of May, there is a rise in the level of activity on campus and in the classrooms. We're certainly experiencing high energy levels in the last few weeks of school, from May Day practices and preparations to synthesizing information on inquiries to making selections for portfolios. Several classes are still on fact-finding missions and data gathering for inquiries while on excursions. If you check the teachers' weblogs, you can read about a wide variety of inquiries in many classrooms, including specialists' classes.
We want to spend our time wondering with children about problems they understand as problems. We teach this way not to motivate the children, but because we know the child needs to appreciate the nature of the problem. He must be clearly confused. Without a good handle on the problem, the explanation will have no meaning. The problem needs to generate some dissonance, some confusion that in its own way, is a form of knowing.
And so, some of the faculty are providing more time for students to theorize, speculate, or ponder rather than jumping from a question to answers that might be found in a number of resources. We are trying to tease out our students' big ideas, which reveal much more about the genius of our students' thinking. Who knows what our lunchtime meetings this week might yield?
This past week, three 5th graders were recognized for their award-winning haiku poetry in an annual national contest sponsored by Japan Airlines. Ethan Siegfried placed 3rd from over 1,000 entries. Kendall Murphy and Rocky Cusmano each received honorable mention as two of the top fifty entries. Two representatives from Japan Airlines presented certificates and awards; the proud parents and grandparents of our three students also attended the informal gathering in the classroom. You can find the students' haiku on Ms. Hoddick's weblog and photos on Mr. Black's weblog.
On Friday, our entire preschool and elementary was treated to a preview of Mid-Pacific kumu hula Lanakila Casupang's halau of over 80 middle and high school students in their Pupukahi performance. I have to say that the performance was professionally rendered, from staging to dancers' entrances and exits. They were poised, graceful, and mature in demeanor. For myself, the joy is always seeing our very own students who matriculated through the elementary school (as Epiphany students) and are now in high school! We are so proud of the halau who represent Mid-Pacific with honor.
For our children,
Edna L. Hussey
Principal
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Confusion: Appreciating the nature of a problemtag:www.midpac.edu,2010:/elementary//18.94592010-04-26T09:58:01Z2010-04-26T09:59:40ZTypically as we approach the merry month of May, there is a rise in the level of activity on campus and in the classrooms. We're certainly experiencing high energy levels in the last few weeks of school, from May Day...Ms. Hussey
Typically as we approach the merry month of May, there is a rise in the level of activity on campus and in the classrooms. We're certainly experiencing high energy levels in the last few weeks of school, from May Day practices and preparations to synthesizing information on inquiries to making selections for portfolios. Several classes are still on fact-finding missions and data gathering for inquiries while on excursions. If you check the teachers' weblogs, you can read about a wide variety of inquiries in many classrooms, including specialists' classes.
We want to spend our time wondering with children about problems they understand as problems. We teach this way not to motivate the children, but because we know the child needs to appreciate the nature of the problem. He must be clearly confused. Without a good handle on the problem, the explanation will have no meaning. The problem needs to generate some dissonance, some confusion that in its own way, is a form of knowing. And so, some of the faculty are providing more time for students to theorize, speculate, or ponder rather than jumping from a question to answers that might be found in a number of resources. We are trying to tease out our students' big ideas, which reveal much more about the genius of our students' thinking. Who knows what our lunchtime meetings this week might yield?
This past week, three 5th graders were recognized for their award-winning haiku poetry in an annual national contest sponsored by Japan Airlines. Ethan Siegfried placed 3rd from over 1,000 entries. Kendall Murphy and Rocky Cusmano each received honorable mention as two of the top fifty entries. Two representatives from Japan Airlines presented certificates and awards; the proud parents and grandparents of our three students also attended the informal gathering in the classroom. You can find the students' haiku on Ms. Hoddick's weblog and photos on Mr. Black's weblog.
On Friday, our entire preschool and elementary was treated to a preview of Mid-Pacific kumu hula Lanakila Casupang's halau of over 80 middle and high school students in their Pupukahi performance. I have to say that the performance was professionally rendered, from staging to dancers' entrances and exits. They were poised, graceful, and mature in demeanor. For myself, the joy is always seeing our very own students who matriculated through the elementary school (as Epiphany students) and are now in high school! We are so proud of the halau who represent Mid-Pacific with honor.
For our children,
Edna L. Hussey
Principal
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Wondering vs. Pondering - What's the Big Idea?tag:www.midpac.edu,2010:/elementary//18.94122010-04-19T08:39:21Z2010-04-19T08:46:50ZThis past week Dr. George E. Forman, emeritus professor of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, co-editor of the Hundred Languages of Children (first and second editions, third edition in process), and most renown for his work in the schools of...Ms. Hussey
Hundred Languages of Children (first and second editions, third edition in process), and most renown for his work in the schools of Reggio Emilia, spent three days in our preschool through second grade classrooms observing students and teachers during inquiry work. He interacted with the children and met with the faculty to share his thinking on the "big idea" versus thematic teaching. We learned that the notion of "big idea" refers to the big ideas of children when they grapple with their questions about the world and try to make sense of things that they ponder ("construct" meaning). Big ideas are deeper, more complex than learning about dinosaurs, magnetism, colonization, or transportation (themes and topics). Big ideas are often theories and speculations that come from children's own thinking processes. For an actual example from a classroom, see Jen Matsumoto's current blog about her kindergartner's explorations of systems in the human body or Donna Revard's blog about her students' recent discussion on "needs" versus "wants."
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wonder about what time his father will come from work; whereas, a child might ponder why it is that his father always comes home at the same time each day. Or a child might wonder about how stars seem to shine at night versus a child pondering why these same stars are invisible during the day. Pondering, you see, has to do with encountering some confusion, and this disequilibrium becomes the catalyst for further probing and deeper thinking about the confusion. Dr. Forman has given the faculty a different lens through which to view inquiry as an approach to teaching and learning. Next week, I'll share some of Dr. Forman's observations about his classroom visit and interactions with the faculty.
We celebrated April birthdays at last Thursday's assembly. Lauren H., a Kindergartner, read her winning essay about attending a UH Rainbow Wahine basketball game. She won first place for her grade level and a pizza party for her classmates! Students in Ms. Lorenzana's multiage third-fourth grade class presented their mini-inquiry on an oli, Na Po, about the phases of the moon. In fact, the entire school had learned this oli last semester. The inquiry on the moon is related to their Hawaiian Studies research on agricultural practices in ancient Hawaii and the prominence of the moon in determining the best times during the month for planting, harvesting, and fishing. The entire school sang the oli, this time with a much better understanding of the words and motions.
The Fifth Graders returned home safely from their adventures at the YMCA camp in Keanae, Maui. Although it rained the entire two-and-half days they were at Keanae, they learned about the lo`i (kalo or taro farms) which are predominant in the area. They also enjoyed a campfire each night, participated in team-building activities (one of them was cleaning toilets and kitchen duty!), walked to a nearby arboretum, and spent nearly a day at Baldwin Beach Park. They'll also remember the long bus ride along the famous winding road to Hana.
Good time to fly a kite? We'll be celebrating Kite Day schoolwide on April 29. Thar she blows!
For our children,
Edna L. Hussey
Principal
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Planning MPI's Roadmap into the Futuretag:www.midpac.edu,2010:/elementary//18.93622010-04-12T07:57:03Z2010-04-12T08:00:39ZMPI has embarked on a new chapter in its 102nd year of providing a high-quality education to students in Hawaii. For now, I'm calling the working title of this chapter "From Good to Great: MPI's Educational Plan for the 21st...Ms. Hussey
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Dr. George Forman, emeritus professor from Amherst, Massachusetts and
expert Piagetian psychologist who has worked extensively with Reggio
Emilia schools, will be observing preschool classes this week. He has
been consulting with us for over two years, and we have been quite
fortunate to work as closely as we have with this world-renown and
much-respected expert of Reggio philosophy. He will be presenting this
Saturday in our dining on the topic of "big ideas" in teaching versus
themes. The conference is open to the public, however, reservations are
required. Call our main office at 441-3800, if you're interested in
attending.
I'm off to Keanae, Maui on Monday morning with the fifth graders and
their teachers. The neighbor island trip is a fifth grade tradition,
and we're looking forward to lots of community-building fun. I return
Tuesday, after the long drive along the winding Hana Highway.
For our children,
Edna L. Hussey
Principal
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A Touch of Hollywood at MPItag:www.midpac.edu,2010:/elementary//18.93032010-03-29T09:09:03Z2010-03-29T09:16:17ZSo much for a quiet spring break in Manoa. Hollywood came to Mid-Pacific Institute.This past Thursday and Friday, a film crew from Fox Studio swooped onto the campus and set up shop in the elementary school in one of the...Ms. Hussey
This past Thursday and Friday, a film crew from Fox Studio swooped onto the campus and set up shop in the elementary school in one of the fifth grade classrooms. Director Alexander Payne (film: Sideways) and a crew of nearly 100 transformed the elementary school into a sound set for a couple of scenes in an adaptation of Kaui Hart Hemmings book, The Descendants. The plot is about a long-time Hawaii land baron with missionary roots who attempts to re-connect with his two daughters as his wife is dying from a boating accident. Yes, George Clooney was here. High school principal Grace Cruz landed a minor role as the younger daughter's fifth grade teacher who has a parent-teacher conference with Clooney (Matthew King). Two of our fifth graders also have minor roles, one as a student and the other as a double for one of the main characters.
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After the full day of Hollywood mania, which began at 7:00am and ended
at 7:00pm, I can certainly appreciate the fact that for every 30-second
scene there might be at least fifty people behind the scenes from the
set director to the grips to all the hired actors or actresses who might
hover in the background as part of the set. And I see now how many
"takes" are necessary to get just the right shot. The actual shooting
time begins at noon (that's when everyone shows up), which is the
official start of their workday. That's why "lunch" for cast and crew is
around 6:00pm. It was good to see many homegrown folks employed by
Hawaii's own film companies, including several UH students in graduate
programs related to the film industry. I understand that the film crew
is shooting at various locations on island, so there might be other
George-Clooney sightings.
We continue into our second week of Spring break with business as usual.
When your children return to school, there will be eight weeks of
school remaining in this school year. As a reminder, these are the
important dates ahead:
• For 5th graders, April 12-14 trip to Camp Keanae
• For 4th and 5th graders, Stanford Achievement Testing, April 26-30
• For preschool through elementary, May Day program on May 7
• No school on Teacher Conference Prep Day, May 14
• Parent-student-teacher conferences on May 20-21
• Fifth grade Leavetaking, May 26
• Last day of school, May 27, which is Field Day and a half-day of
school
It dawned on me that Easter weekend falls within Spring break this year,
as I've been accustomed to thinking Easter is celebrated sometime in
April. It'll soon be time to dye eggs and prepare the Easter baskets
for our children and grandchildren. Wishing all our families a Happy
Easter and glorious alleluia!
For our children,
Edna L. Hussey
Principal
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Jumpstart to spring break with Ho`olaule`a!tag:www.midpac.edu,2010:/elementary//18.92922010-03-22T00:44:41Z2010-03-22T07:58:27ZMs. Hussey
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The assembly ended with Ms. Holzman's third and fourth graders who held
bright green paper shamrocks. They shared reasons why they felt lucky --
having a home, drinking clean water, attending a good school, having
parents, knowing a good friend -- and many more reasons which gave the
rest good reason to reflect on our own good fortune.
What happens on campus during spring break? Life goes on! Several
teachers are on trips; others are enjoying the comforts of home or
finding more time to be with their families. All school offices at each
division are open, as well as the offices for business, admission,
development, and maintenance. The elementary office daily hours are
7:00am - 3:30pm. These interim periods are the best time for a school to
catch up on maintenance and repair work. For example, the soft surface
for the playground structure will be repaired. I'll be able to attend to
school business that had been tabled. I've also scheduled some down
time for myself. Hopefully, the teachers and students return rested,
energized, and ready to launch into the remaining eight weeks of school
year 2009-2010!
(I will not be posting a letter next week, unless a newsworthy event
occurs on campus.)
Attending a school assembly is always a special occasion because students are able to share the things they've learned -- and are always quite proud to do so! This summer session's final gathering in the dining room featured students in Reading and Writing Workshop, Math Adventures, the Genius of Invention, Ocean Explorations, Ikebana, Sewing & Knitting Magic, and Camera! Lights! Action! The students in Money Doesn't Grow on Trees proudly presented a check in the amount of $930.84 to a representative from the American Lung Association. Several high school classes and other MPI staff also participated in the fundraiser. Students learned basic principles of economy, created hand-made items, baked tasty treats, and sold these items to raise funds for their student-chosen charity. One of the highlights of the morning assembly was the video premiere by the iMovie class, an entertaining, informative overview of the summer program. (See the photo gallery to view images from the summer program.)]]>
summer session teachers' blogs. And check out our summer session photo gallery. Enjoy the gift of your children!
For our children,
Edna L. Hussey
Principal
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Then there was the summer with a theatre company. After all the activities of thinking, speaking, and moving in character -- many of these activities were solo demonstrations! -- I was cast as one of several clowns in a circus-themed play. I had to do cartwheels, juggle balls, and prance around the length of the stage at least three times. The final performance was at the Waikiki Shell, and I still remember feeling very tired after such a robust performance! Another summer I took art classes from the Academy of Arts and my elementary art teacher. That was a productive summer of still life's, clay work, collage, oil painting, and charcoal sketches.
Outside my window, a breathtaking view of the Duomo or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Basilica of San Lorenzo, and the bell tower of the Duomo. Each of these structures was built in the 12th century. Next to our hotel is the cloister of Ognissanti from which the bells peal in the morning, noon, and evening, but then again, the bell towers from surrounding cathedrals ring somewhat in unison, creating an echo effect. And then a horse-drawn carriage comes down the cobblestone street now and then. Today I did my stairmaster workout by climbing 135 steps at a steep vertical angle up to the cupola (dome) of the Duomo. It's one of those tourist experiences that you can forever claim -- I did it! These were the very steps that artists trudged up and down to complete the basilica. Tourists like myself climb the heights not only for a terrific view of the city of Firenze (Florence) outside the dome, but also to get an up-close view of the incredible ceiling frescoe began by Brunelleschi in the mid 1500s then completed by another artist named Vasari. The frescoe depicts the ascent from hell to heaven in the Last Judgment. My heightened, sensory awareness is a daily reminder that, yes, I am in Italy!]]>
At each school, I learned about the history of the school from the pedagogista (akin to the director of the school or curriculum head). It's important to remember that the schools in Reggio Emilia were actually first organized and developed after World War II by women, many of them mothers, whose goal was to provide children with the best early childhood education in response to the political and social ills in Europe.
The most important concept is the image of the child -- a view of the child as a citizen from the very beginning, a "protagonist" who is capable of making choices and who is naturally predisposed to curiosity and to learning. School is regarded as a place for making connections and building relationships to others, that is, the interconnectedness between cognition and emotions. We also spoke with the atelieristi who are the art studio teachers and how they try to support students' thinking by providing various materials and experiences.
I was deeply impressed by the level of commitment of these teachers. They meet two to three times each week in the afternoons for three hours at a time to discuss the evidence of students' learning (e.g., drawings, sketches, structures, video, photos, etc.). Their meetings are intensive discussions full of speculations and possibilities about their interpretations of children's work. And I do mean they think deeply about learning.
All schools outside Reggio Emilia (Italy) that implement this approach are called "Reggio-inspired" schools. Hawaii has one Reggio-inspired school. Mid-Pacific Institute began its Reggio-inspired preschool five years ago, and I feel we've made significant progress in our journey towards creating a community and environment that values children as citizens, protagonists, decision-makers, and unique persons.
I know we've made progress because during my study tour in Reggio Emilia, there was so much that I felt we have implemented, discussed, are aware of, and are considering, given our context as a preschool within a larger independent school in Hawaii. The essential pieces are in place at Mid-Pacific. We have a pedagogista, atelierista, committed team of early childhood educators who mindset and attitude are as researchers, inviting spaces such as the atelier (art studio) and classrooms, and an approach based on the pedagogy of listening to children and having meaningful conversations with them. Other elements such as documenting learning and daily communication with parents are also practiced.
But we have not yet "arrived." As I learned from new friends at Reggio Emilia, our inspiration is an active process that is a continuous journey. We are learning how to identify possible learning projects based on our observations and documentation. We are learning how to think about children's thinking. We are learning how to talk with colleagues and talk with parents about the extraordinary learning in ordinary moments. As I said in last week's website letter, I am convinced that Mid-Pacific has chosen the best early childhood model of education to implement.
