island school

Curriculum Detail

Our Staff

School Level

Department

Math

Algebra I

Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra. Any exceptions need department head approval. Using the Glencoe Algebra I text, develops the art and craft of using variables to solve numerical problems. The first trimester begins with the study of algebraic properties and the translation of word problems into algebraic expressions and solving linear equations. The second trimester includes solving linear inequalities, solving systems of equations and inequalities, and the study of exponents and exponential functions. Students also explore using algebraic techniques in factoring. In the last trimester students master techniques of solving quadratic equations. Students learn throughout how to interpret, represent, and visualize solutions to linear and quadratic equations through graphing in the coordinate plane. In addition, students learn to solve problems in statistics and probability including the topics of simulations, permutations, combinations, and compound events. Applications of techniques to solve math and science problems are emphasized. Graphing calculator (model TI-83 or higher) is required.
Algebra I - MS
Algebra II
Fundamentals of Math

Uses Glencoe Math Connects Course 2. Concentrates on proficiency in working with numbers to solve problems involving fractions, decimals, percents, integers, solving equations and inequalities, using proportions, linear functions and probabilities. Students will create and interpret graphs and models to represent, analyze, and solve problems. Students will justify and apply formulas for surface area and volume of three-dimensional shapes and understand geometric concepts. Prerequisite: knowledge and skill of basic math facts. No calculators allowed.
Fundamentals of Math
General Math

The General Math course is designed to increase student proficiency with problem solving skills, numbers and number sense, computation, patterns, functions and algebra, measurements and geometry, statistics and probability. The curriculum follows the Math in Focus Singapore Math Course 1A and 1B over the course of the academic year. Students work with decimals, ratios, proportions, percentages, fractions, and mixed numbers and solve problems using these concepts. Students learn absolute value, operations with integers. Also simplifying, evaluating, and isolating variables with algebraic expressions.
General Math
Geometry
Pre-Algebra

Using Glencoe Pre-Algebra text, prepares students for Algebra 1 by reviewing order-of-operations involving fractions and integers. Students solve multi-step equations and inequalities. They continue the study of ratios, proportions and similarities. They study graphing as it pertains to linear and non-linear functions.
Pre-Algebra

Our Faculty

Jeff Kozak

Dean of Academics, Math Department Head, Teacher

Virginia Tech - Ph.D.
Virginia Tech - M.E.
Gannon University - B.S.

j.kozak@ischool.org
Bio
Before coming to Island School in 2009, Dr. Kozak was a tenured professor at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for nine years. In 2008, he was the youngest professor to earn the Eisenhart Award for Outstanding Teaching, which is the highest honor a faculty member at RIT can receive. He also received four other teaching awards from four different organizations while at RIT. Dr. Kozak has over a dozen publications on topics including multidisciplinary senior capstone projects, aircraft engines, and micro-air vehicles. At Island School Dr. Kozak is the Math Department Head; teaches AP Calculus AB, Honors Physics and AP Physics C; and is the Senior Capstone Coordinator.
Stephanie Achuara

Upper School Division Director (Grades 6-12)

Niagara University - B.S.

s.achuara@ischool.org
Bio
Stephanie Achuara is the Middle School Division Director who has been an educator on Kauai for 17 years. In her 12 year at Island School she has taught Math & Science before and along-side her administrative roles. She is a part of the Administration and Academic Leadership Teams and contributes to various committees including the Academic Affairs and Activities Committee. She also served on the Interim Head Search Committee in the spring of 2021, as a faculty and staff representative. Stephanie graduated from Niagara University, New York with a degree in Business Commerce and a minor in Marketing. During college she competed in division I soccer. Her husband Archie is the P.E. Health & Wellness Instructor at Island School and they have two sons, Archie Ali'i III (age 10) and Alexander John Ali'i (Age 9).
Joseph Corbo

Teacher

Pennsylvania State University

j.corbo@ischool.org
Bio
Lived in Costa Rica for one year. Began career in outdoor education in Costa Rica. Worked for Outward Bound in Costa Rica and Boston. Is a former SCUBA instructor. Worked at the Fay School in South Borough Massachusetts, where he coached football, hockey, and lacrosse and lived on campus as a dorm parent. Played Ice Hockey at Penn State. Has worked at Island School since 2007. Lives in Kapaa with his son William and wife Andrea. At Island School has worked as the middle school activities coordinator, led SCUBA club, and is currently the coach of the middle school science olympiad team. Currently teachers math science and PE.
Peter Joffrion

University of Alabama School of Law - Juris Doctor
Vanderbilt University - Bachelor of Science

p.joffrion@ischool.org
Andy Kakutani

a.kakutani@ischool.org
Jenny Lewis

Teacher

8082460233

University of Phoenix - M.A.
North Carolina State University - B.A., B.S.

jenny@ischool.org
Bio
Mrs. Lewis graduated from North Carolina State University in 2001 with bachelor degrees in Environmental Engineering, International Environmental Policy, and a minor in Spanish. Before moving to Kauai, she worked in North Carolina as an engineer and also as a K-5 Spanish teacher. Upon moving to Kauai, she discovered her love of teaching and went to graduate school online to earn her teaching certificate and master of arts degree in secondary education (mathematics). Before joining the staff of Island School in 2014, she taught various science, math, and physical education classes in Hawaii in both public and private schools. She is interested in foreign policy, social justice, travel, non-profit organizations, Hispanic culture, and served as a volunteer teacher in Trujillo, Peru. She is happily married to Peter Roach, has three children, Porter, Sofia, and Owen, and resides in Wailua Homesteads, Kauai.
Joe Walch

STEM Department Chair, Math & Science Teacher

University of Washington - M.A.
University of Texas - B.A.

joe.walch@ischool.org
Bio
Joe teaches Geometry and Physics. He has nine years of experience teaching science, math, sociology, and statistics classes at the high school and college level. After earning his MA in Sociology at the University of Washington, he worked as a researcher and data analyst with the Center for Education Data and Research for six years. His research focused on teacher effectiveness, teacher labor markets, student achievement, and social mobility. His work has been published in Education Next, Economics of Education Review, Statistics and Public Policy, Phi Delta Kappan, Educational Evaluation Policy and Analysis, and the WERA Educational Journal. He also served as the head coach for the handball team at the University of Washington for four years. Joe enjoys hiking, snorkeling, surfing, handball, playing music, and spending time outdoors. He currently lives in Kapaa with his wife Stacey and two year old son Tony.

island school

3-1875 Kaumuali’i Hwy Līhuʻe, HI 96766
(808)246-0233 | info@ischool.org