Our kindergarten entrepreneurs recently brought their classroom lessons to life through a hands-on, "zesty" culminating activity. This project transformed abstract concepts like supply, demand, and production into a refreshing reality for our students and families.

Before the first lemon was even squeezed, our Advertising Committee—comprised of students unable to attend the event in person—got to work. These young marketers created vibrant flyers to inform our school ohana that fresh-squeezed lemonade would be sold at the school-wide event.

On Friday afternoon, our Production Team of volunteer students and parents gathered for a "squeeze session." This phase highlighted the importance of labor and collaboration in creating a product from raw materials.

During Spring Ohana Night, the cafeteria transformed into a bustling marketplace. Our students, their parents, and their teachers took charge of operations—scooping ice, filling cups, and managing "customer service."

The results were a powerful lesson in Market Demand. Our entire inventory was sold out within just 30–45 minutes. The high demand meant that patrons at the back of the line were unfortunately disappointed, and we received inquiries for the rest of the evening—a perfect example of what happens when demand exceeds supply!

The project doesn't end with the final pour. To round out our lesson on community and social responsibility, we are thrilled to announce that we will donate our proceeds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Our hard work will go directly toward helping make a courageous child's wish come true!

Key Takeaway: Our students didn't just sell a drink; they learned that hard work and a great product can create a positive impact far beyond the cafeteria walls.

A Heartfelt Mahalo

This project would not have been possible without our incredible community. A huge thank you to the parents and students who donated essential ingredients and supplies, created the wonderful advertisements that drove our "sold out" success, and volunteered their time to bring this economic experiment to fruition.

This experiential lesson used a "controlled mess" to help students visualize the tangible impact of human waste on their immediate environment and the world at large.

Students returned from recess to find their classroom covered in "pollution"—scattered newspapers, plastic bottles, and debris. Under a strict "no touch" policy, they observed the chaos and discussed the consequences. The students noted that the room looked "messy and dirty," and identified serious risks: the spread of germs, the attraction of pests, and safety hazards like tripping. They further connected this to the global stage, realizing that land-based trash eventually enters our water, making it unsafe for humans and deadly for animals.

Then the focus shifted from the problem to the solution: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The lesson culminated in a high-energy "Recycle Relay" game. Students worked in teams, rushing to "clean" the room and apply their new knowledge by correctly sorting the scattered items into the proper categories. This activity turned a moment of chaos into a memorable, positive lesson on environmental stewardship.

This hands-on experience served as a powerful introduction to our environmental unit. We will continue to learn more about diverse ways to reduce human impact on our planet in the forthcoming weeks.

Our class recently took an enchanting trip to Honolulu Theatre for Youth to experience the heartwarming production of The Tiny Tree. It was a day filled with wonder, imagination, and a lot of giggles!

Throughout the performance, the students were captivated by the story of growth and patience. The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the grand finale—the theater was filled with joyful laughter and cheers as we watched the tiny tree finally burst into full bloom. It was a beautiful reminder that big things come from small beginnings, and judging by the smiles on their faces, it’s a memory our little gardeners won't soon forget!

This week, our classroom transformed into a bustling riverbank as students took on the role of nature’s finest architects: beavers.

Students collaborated to design, build, and test their very own beaver dams. Using a variety of natural and classroom materials, they had to navigate the same challenges real beavers face—stopping the flow of water while ensuring their structures remained sturdy.

Activity Highlights:

• Design & Strategy: Teams brainstormed ways to use soil and PlayDoh (clay), sticks, and rocks to create a watertight seal.

• The Big Flood: We put the designs to the ultimate test by pouring water against the barriers to measure their effectiveness.

• Iterative Learning: After the first "flood," students analyzed where their dams leaked and worked together to reinforce their structures.

It was a fantastic hands-on lesson in problem-solving, environmental science, and teamwork. Check out the gallery below to see our engineers in action!

Thursday proved that a little rain can’t dampen our spirits! While the weather kept us off the grass, it led to a wonderful cross-grade collaboration between our Kindergartners and 2nd Graders.

We kicked things off in the cafeteria, where our Kindergarteners dashed around to find their treasures. Every student successfully collected 4 colorful eggs!

Our 2nd graders were fantastic mentors, helping the younger students navigate the "indoor terrain."

The fun didn't stop there! We moved the festivities back to the Kindergarten classrooms, where it was the 2nd graders' turn to hunt for hidden treats.

It was a morning filled with smiles, teamwork, and plenty of treats. A huge thank you to all the students for being so flexible and making our indoor hunt a "cracking" success!

On March 12th, the Kahala campus was transformed into a hub of professional inspiration as experts from across our community joined us for Career Day. Our kindergarteners had a front-row seat to the world of work, starting with a fascinating look into the hospitality industry. We were thrilled to host a General Manager from a local hotel, who taught the students all about the responsibilities and perks of running a "home away from home." The excitement continued with a visit from a Registered Nurse, where students learned about the essential tools of the medical trade and even got to experience some "hands-on" care with professional finger bandaging!

Finally, the kindergartners met the brave firefighters from Kaimuki Station 5. Our students became "fire-safe experts" as they learned:

• Emergency Essentials: The importance of calling 9-1-1 and the "Stop, Drop, and Roll" technique.

• Gear & Gadgets: A close-up look at the heavy protective clothing and specialized tools used to save lives.

• The Fleet: An exclusive tour of both a fire engine and a ladder truck parked right on our campus!

It was an unforgettable day of learning that sparked many conversations about what our students want to be when they grow up.

Photo to the left:  Our kindergarten students and the brave firefighters of Kaimuki Station 5 taken from the ladder above.