120 of us off to the Big Island!
May 4th, 2008 by KristenThere are currently 83 very excited fourth graders from Noelani Elementary School anxiously awaiting our grade level trip to the Big Island on May 7-9 (the 37 adult chaperones are getting sleep while they can).
Throughout the school year, the students have learned about how the hot spot under the Pacific Plate formed underwater volcanoes that eventually became our Hawaiian island chain. They learned about the Polynesians traveling to Hawaii with their canoes, about the early life of the Hawaiians and the ahupua’a, and about Kamehameha the Great and the monarchy that followed. The students learned about the overthrow of the monarchy, plantation life and the sharing of cultures, and all of the other major events that shaped what Hawaii has become today. All of these things will come to life when we visit the Big Island in just a few days. The students will walk through a lava tube, stand on an active volcano, and circle the crater of Kilauea. They will relive history as they visit the missionary house at the Lyman Museum, walk the grounds of Pu’uhonua O Honaunau (the City of Refuge), and explore the Amy Greenwell Gardens (where they will learn about the ancient Hawaiian foods, plants, and lifestyle). The students also will go to the amazing Imiloa Astronomy Center, where they will participate in hands-on Science activities and see a state-of-the-art planetarium show.
Although the trip is stressful for us teachers, it is the highlight of the year and one of the reasons that I feel so fortunate to teach fourth grade. For three days, we get to take our children on what is for most of them the biggest adventure they’ve had in their young lives. We get to experience things that are new and exciting, and make memories together that will last a lifetime.
There are so many people who make our trip happen, so a big THANK YOU goes out to all of you. Noelani’s PTA has always supported our trip, and our dedicated fourth grade parents have tirelessly worked all year long on everything from fundraising, to ordering t-shirts, to packing hundreds of snack bags. We appreciate all of you, and are grateful for your commitment to helping us provide this opportunity for our children.
As 120 of us are getting ready for a visit to our youngest, ever growing island for an educational and fun-filled three days, please wish us a vogless and happy time! Aloha!
May 6th, 2008 at 10:24 am
SO exciting! I still have great memories of my 4th grade Big Island trip with La’ie Elementary. Make sure to bring back lots of pics for us…HAVE FUN!
May 6th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Have fun and be safe.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Thanks, Caryn and lei! I am REALLY excited! The kids were jumping off the walls today at school! Gotta get some sleep. We’re meeting at the airport at 4am!
May 7th, 2008 at 9:59 am
i live in Manoa but raised in Hilo and just came back too. kind of ironic, kind of not. hope the kids have a good one.
May 7th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Well you guys are on the beautiful island of Hawaii. I hope you are all having a blast. I was once involved in the Big Island Trip as a student and as a teacher. The students are so lucky to have such dedicated teachers who are willing to taking them on this experience….of a lifetime. I still remember my trip as a fourth grade student.
May 16th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Thanks for the comments! The Big Island was amazing… the kids had a blast and learned so much. It was exhausting for the adults, but so worth it!
May 19th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
I remember when I was in the 6th grade, our class went to Kauai. My mom said I could not go because our family had been to Kauai regularly for summer vacations so she did not see why I needed to go again. Well, the final day to bring in your $10 to pay for the trip came and when my dad dropped me off at school, he handed me $10. He knew I wanted to go so of course I was thrilled and proudly handed in my $10. I still remember my dad paying for the trip even though 50 years later I can only vaguely remember the trip itself. He did not want me to be left out and after the trip I was glad I went. I will always remember how sweet he was.