Welcome to the UPLINK (Uniting Peer Learning, Integrating New Knowledge) STEMworks AFTERschool Program. UPLINK is the result of a special initiative requested by Lieutenant Governor James Aiona. UPLINK is federally funded by the Department of Human Services and administered by the Department of Education.

The UPLINK program is for middle school students and is intended to be an educational enrichment program that will engage students in age appropriate and worthwhile activities. The Program will provide a safe and secure place for youth build competence, confidence, connections and develop positive character traits that will help them to contribute to community.

This year we will be partnering with MEDB's STEMworks AFTERschool Program to offer our students more opportunities to develop 21st Century and employability skills. We focusing on developing STEAAM Skills, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Academics, and Math in fun and engaging ways.  All of the work that students complete and activities they participate in will be recognized at bi-annual Show Case nights which we strongly encourage parents to attend.

The staff appreciates your support as we provide this program. This program is free to families, and we hope that you will encourage your children to attend. 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The program will start after school daily, with students reporting to the check in area for their UPLINKS program. The first session for the daily program will be devoted academic pursuits, including homework, tutoring, reading, and math activities. The second session will allow students opportunities to participate in activities based on their interests. Students will be encouraged to use the program productively to complete school work and engage in interactive activities that will focus on self development, working cooperatively, setting goals, making good choices, developing a passion for and competency in 21st century skills, and contributing to the community on a school and beyond level.

The program will be under the oversight of the DOE. Many of the staff members will be DOE employees. Certain instances, however, may require hiring or accessing services from the community following all DOE protocols.

The program ends at 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, a guardian, parent or other designated family member will be required to check out students by the end of the UPLINK program, or sign a waiver stating your child has permission to sign him/herself out by 4:30 P.M.

STUDENT CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

All after school clubs are open to any registered student attending Maui Waena.  The school rules apply so please look over your child's planner.  Rules that apply specifically to uplink and may result in immediate expulsion from the program are:

• Disrespect or insubordination to club facilitator

• Leaving campus and returning.  Once a child leaves campus after school they may not return that day--this includes going to get snacks, etc.  

• Students must remain in the cafeteria for the first 45 minutes

• Any class A or B offences (as outlined in the planner) and possibly class C and D depending on circumstances

PROGRAM GOALS

• To instill the concepts of leadership development based on the 5 C's:

  1. Competence

  2. Confidence

  3. Character

  4. Connections

  5. Contribution 

• To provide an after-school program environment that is supportive for all students.

• To provide opportunities for students to complete their homework each day and strengthen their academic standing.

• To strengthen the connections among the school, families and community.

• To provide opportunities for students to achieve and be recognized. 

• To increase career and college readiness

• To increase 21st Century Skills to develop grit and resilience and to practice these skills.

• To develop a growth mindset.

• To learn goal setting and time management skills

• To increase opportunities to showcase work. 

ELIGIBILITY, SELECTION AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS 

All students enrolled at Maui Waena Intermediate School are eligible to participate in the program. If for some unforeseen reason enrollment must be limited, no student will be discriminated against on the basis of religion, sex, or ancestry. For those disabled students who are identified by their parents or are known by the staff to have special needs, reasonable accommodations (as are necessary) may be made to afford the student an opportunity to participate. The UPLINK program is not part of the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).

To request reasonable accommodations: 

1. The parent makes the request to the site coordinator

2. The Standard Request Form is completed to obtain information about the child and his/her needs

3. The site coordinator and Principal discuss the request and make their recommendations to the District Superintendent

4. The District Office will determine/approve if a special needs aide or other accommodation is required and will inform the UPLINK site coordinator and/or Principal. 

5. The UPLINK site coordinator will follow appropriate procedures specified by the District Office

6. The District's determination as to the disposition of each case shall be final.

REGISTRATION & ENROLLMENT

When registering a student for the UPLINK program, parents/guardians will be asked to provide the following:

• Fill out the online registration and digitally sign for authorization.

PROGRAM EVALUATION

Maui Waena Intermediate School will participate in the evaluation of the after-school program. This will include assisting with the collection of data from the school, parents, students, and teachers.

Programs will be evaluated based on the following:

• Students' personal growth: self-reported, staff observation.

• Students' academic achievement: self-reported, teacher reported 

• Students' avoidance of risky behaviors, including teen pregnancy: Self reported

• Students', parents' and teachers' assessments of the program: Beginning and end of year survey of student and parent.