The Final Blog.

This is my last blog. Really. Not just the final blog of school year 2025-2026, but The Final Blog as principal of the preschool and elementary. Twenty-two years of blogging (and seven years of paper-printed weekly letters at Epiphany School) about teachers in the artistry of teaching, students as protagonists of their own learning, school traditions, aspects of curriculum and assessment, the rationale behind the practices, and many images documenting moments in time.

There is yet so much to say about education and so much to do in the service for educating. I suppose everything to this point in time I have said in my archive of blogs. More importantly, everything I have believed to be true and essential is evident in the daily work of the preschool and elementary.

Mid-Pacific is home to Hawaiʻiʻs only Reggio-Emilia-inspired preschool, 20 years in its evolution and still evolving. The year-long inquiry projects are a testament to the childrenʻs cognitive abilities — imagination, creativity, storytelling, and command of the metaphorical “hundred languages.” Innovations in the Learning Stories, Daily Plans, documentation of learning set the preschool apart from traditional preschools. How proud I am of the preschool faculty who have been the architects and designers of our unique preschool.

The inquiry-based teaching and learning approach in the elementary began in the 1990s while we were Epiphany School and carried forward during the merger with Mid-Pacific. The integration of social studies and science concepts while supported by skills development in reading and writing has evolved over 30 years into the inquiry framework. The performance continua was created by teachers, and educators from other schools often ask about it. Its focus on developmental growth over time is consistent with progressive views on assessment. Character education was long practiced in the elementary before the concept of social-emotional learning was recognized as a critical part of education. Art, music, physical education are “languages” that enable children to share their intellectual curiosity.

Mid-Pacificʻs approach to using technology continues to be at the forefront of educational practice. The goal is developing digital citizens to be responsible, ethical innovators rather than only consumers.

The engine that makes all of this work is undoubtedly a professional community of faculty and staff. They are bright, articulate, creative, innovative, collaborative, ethical, and caring individuals who together, comprise a formidable Team second to none.

As I close this chapter in my professional life as founder and principal of Mid-Pacificʻs preschool and elementary, I extend deep and enduring gratitude for your trust and belief in me. Thank you for entrusting your children to us in order to provide your children the best possible learning experiences and place of belonging for becoming their best selves. I am honored to leave this legacy. A hui hou.

E Kūlia Kākou! Let’s strive and aspire together!

For our children,

Edna L. Hussey, Ed.D.
Principal