Aloha Island School ʻOhana,

Congratulations for another great week in our work together! We loved seeing our Upper School families moving about campus taking on the steps of their children. Our teachers were able to share their passion for what they do and frame how they approach their work with your children. With our two Back-to-School Nights completed, we now look forward to our Nā Pua Keiki Pau Hana event next Friday! 

These rituals of coming together to begin the school year help us all mark the passage of time and feel the opportunities that lie before us in this new beginning. As we start the year, we also spend time in important training and reviewing key policies and practices so we can have the best year possible as a community. Over the last two weeks, our team has been immersed in anti-bullying training—alongside CPR/AED certification and other fundamental reviews that we revisit on a regular cadence. This year, we are especially focused on the work we will do with our teachers, students, and families around building a Community of Care, where all of us understand what it means to be an upstander when we observe hurt or harm to others. Please stay tuned for updates in our community work on this important issue.

As referenced last week, you will soon see a form to review for all parents/guardians and students grades 6-12 to acknowledge you have received and reviewed our Student and ʻOhana Handbook. This form will appear in MyVoyager and will have directions as to how to easily provide a confirmation of your review.

The start of the year is also the time to kick-off student government. We had over 15 upper school students present speeches on Wednesday at an all Upper School assembly, sharing why they want to serve their fellow students in a leadership role. And I’ve had the pleasure of signing endorsement papers for elementary students who are looking to run for office. So many young leaders in the making! Whether they win a role or not, if they are in an election race, they have already achieved so much by being willing to stand up and say they’re ready to lead and make a positive contribution to our school community!

And before I sign off, I want to acknowledge that today wasn’t just a typical Friday for some of our students. Ten of our ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi haumana got to spend the day in Hanalei participating in welcoming protocol and waʻa activities for Hoʻākea 2025. Be sure to check out pictures and news of this great morning in the High School section of the Compass from Kumu Kanānāikahaku Kuhaulua.

Wishing you a weekend that includes time outdoors walking a trail and / or on the water to refresh and take in our beautiful home. And as always, mahalo for the opportunity to walk with you through these important years.

In partnership,

Nancy Nagramada P’29

Head of School

n.nagramada@ischool.org