Although our four weeks together passed all too quickly, we learned so much about weather, flight, and space. In our weather unit, we studied the history and importance of tracking weather, air pressure and its effect on weather, how clouds are formed and how to predict the weather from studying different types of clouds, and severe weather. The students made weather instruments and used them to record and analyze data, and they worked in groups to write, video, and edit newscasts about severe weather. Justin Fujioka, a meteorologist from KITV news, came to our class to talk with us about weather instruments, tides, and severe weather. During our flight unit, we studied the parts of a plane and the four forces of flight. A friend of mine, airplane mechanic Rick Nakamura, did a fantastic presentation for the students that really brought these concepts to life. The students also designed and flew paper airplanes to test how modifications on the plane affected how far they flew. They made a variety of flying gadgets with Dr. Gadget (an amazing Manoa resident who I’m saving for another blog topic!), and created tennis ball contraptions in groups to show their understanding of drag. In our space and exploration unit, the students learned about the vast universe and our own immense galaxy. To end our unit, the students learned about rockets, and then built and launched their own rockets at Sandy Beach Park.

Our most valuable learning experiences actually took place outside the four walls of our classroom. I want to share with you the amazing field studies that we participated in so that you can visit these places with your family. I guarantee that you’ll all learn something new!

• The Pacific Aviation Museum- We learned about World War II and the aircrafts that flew throughout our history. We also tried out computerized flight simulator to test our flying skills!
• The Pacific Aerospace Training Center- it was so interesting to find out more about how pilots are trained and how airplanes fly! The students were able to view, sit in, and even control (on the ground) working airplanes! The students had another chance to fly in the training center’s highly interactive flight simulator
• Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station (I couldn’t find a website- the link is to a wikipedia definition of the site with photos)- though the drive up to this site was a little scary for me (I’m not big on cliffs or steep, narrow roads), it was such a unique site. It is where the Air Force monitors satellites as part of the U.S. ballistic missile defense program, and we were able to see the huge antennas as well as an incredible view
• The Windward Community Aerospace Lab and Imaginarium (Planetarium)- we enjoyed hands-on exploration in the lab with Science related toys and gadgets, and then experienced an interesting and interactive trip through the solar system in the Planetarium show
• The University of Hawaii campus- what a resource! We visited the National Weather Service, where we learned about severe weather in Hawaii, as well as the Department of Planetology, where we learned about the Milky Way and beyond.

You can see photos of our experiences here. There were so many photos that I couldn’t choose just a few! After four weeks of studying the sky and space, all I want to do is learn more! Anyone know of other places I can visit?

A few Saturdays ago, my friends Stacie, Shannon, and I decided to splurge a little and meet for tea (“formal” tea is on the pricey side). Stacie, the tea veteran of the group, suggested Wai’oli Tea Room for its reasonable price, convenience, and flexible tea times (not to mention the yummy food and teas they serve). You can have “afternoon tea” at Wai’oli anytime between 10:30am-3:30pm with 24-hour notice for $18.95 per person.

I’ll let the photos below speak for our experience. I’ll just say that it was definitely worth the splurge!

Here’s Stacie and Shannon in front of Wai’oli Tea Room

Love the old fashioned, sweet feel that the outdoor seating offered

Our beautifully prepared-for-tea-time table was ready for us and set the tone for a relaxing experience. I loved the complimentary handmade cinnamon ornament!

Soon after we sat down, our waitress brought over the tea cart. The cart contained over 24 varieties of tea! Our waitress was very knowledgeable, and she explained the different types of teas and encouraged us to take in their scents in order to help us choose which ones we wanted (we each got to choose a different tea). I chose the fruity peaches and ginger tea, Stacie chose a Valentine’s blend with a hint of chocolate, and Shannon chose a Jasmine tea. We enjoyed sharing the teas (though I think each of us liked the one we chose the best).

Here’s our tea being carefully prepared- there were free refills offered as well (though we didn’t need any- you can only have so much tea in one sitting!).

We were then presented with our “special treats” to go along with our tea. The tea menu rotates monthly, and it was so nice to be surprised with these delicacies. We ate our way from the bottom tier to the top. The bottom included delicious blueberry cream cheese scones and pound cake served with two flavored whipped butters. The middle layer included a fresh and flavorful vegetable roll, chicken salad on guava bread, salmon spread, and a mini quiche. The top (which we enjoyed even though we were all quite full) was a celebration of sweets made by Wai’oli’s pastry chef. There were fresh fruits, a chocolate chip cookie, a chocolate fruit cake, and a light chocolate and lemon cake. Yes, it was a LOT of food (one of each treat mentioned above for each of us)!

The Wai’oli Tea Room also has a small store that sells their pastries, teas, and specialty items such as tea sets, ornaments, jewelry, and soaps

Even though I’m not really a tea person, I’m now soooooooo into tea time! Any of you out there have a favorite tea time place? Share them here!

Wai’oli Tea Room
2950 Manoa Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
(808)988-5800
Monday-Friday Lunch: 10:30am-3:30pm
Weekend Breakfast: 8am to noon
Weekend Lunch: Noon to 3:30pm
Afternoon Tea: Daily wiht 24-Hour Advanced Reservations

Thank you for commenting in the past on our Lower Manoa Neighborhood Watch garden on McKinley Street. As you may know, the garden was started years ago as a Neighborhood Watch effort after a group of students rampaged through the ‘hood, throwing eggs at people and houses. Well, I called the police and they were apprehended. As penance, they agreed to some “community service”: assisting in putting in the garden…taking out the heaviest weeds and bushes…that sort of thing.

Before, it was a place where people parked their cars at the base of an enormous lava rock wall. It was scruffy, dirty and unsightly. Today, the garden serves as a source of pride for neighbors, and also a meeting place for persons who would like a quiet chat, or dog-walkers who come by the dozens every evening. At Christmas, the garden is a focal point for our “Light Up McKinley Street” activity, which is now approaching a decade. Accompanying the lighting up of almost every home on the street is a block party, which brings neighbors together in the spirit of the holidays.

So, what’s happening at the garden now? Well, I have roughly 100 stalks of corn growing, for those who have never seen corn in anything but the picked or canned state; a bunch of apple bananas setting; some papayas; kale, which I don’t know what to do with; various special hibiscus; and a low-water cactus garden. What’s not to like?

When I am out-of-town, the neighbors pitch in to water or cut the grass. It’s very much a community effort, although not a “community garden” in the City-and-County sense, where everyone has a piece of the plot. Nope, I call the shots and try to keep some uniformity. Folks around here have told me the garden has never looked so good as June 23, 2008.

I invite all of your readers to come by for a visit, with or without canine. I’m usually up there watering (a hose is stretched 100 yards from my house), and I would be happy to show Manoa Valley residents around. Maybe they would like to start a garden in their neighborhood, too!

I decided to take Mr. Fassler up on his offer to show me around the garden, and I arranged to meet with him on Tuesday evening. Although I have passed by and appreciated the garden thousands of times, its beauty seemed particularly special to me on Tuesday night. Perhaps it was that I took the time to notice the details of every plant, or maybe it was that I was with the person who took great care to make sure that those details were beautiful. But there in the garden, I saw more than the plants- I saw the dedication and pride of neighbors, and the welcome embrace and peacefulness of our neighborhood. The photos below do not do it justice, but I hope that in some small way they’ll help bring you those feelings, too. And may it help bring you to the garden!

This sign hangs in the garden

Here’s Mr. Fassler with the sweet corn he grew (check out all of the stalks!)

Can you see the big bunch of apple bananas growing?

Love the color of these plants!

These bright, colorful flowers were planted to welcome people to the neighborhood

Aren’t these beautiful?

The very first blog I wrote back in March of 2007 was about the people in Manoa, and how proud I was to be their neighbor. I thought of this as Mr. Fassler said something to me that really moved me- “Being a neighbor is one of the joys of being a human being.”

Mr. Fassler, thank you for reminding us that being a neighbor is more than simply living next to someone- it’s welcoming each other into our homes and watching out for one another, and it’s nurturing the place where we live and the relationships we form. See you in the garden!

My favorite “little spot to shop” is a gift shop on the second level of Manoa Marketplace called, “Green Time.” The shop, originally opened about a year and a half ago as a café that also sold specialty items, was transformed five months ago into a full gift shop. Although I miss the shop’s tea, I love that it now has more room to display all of its unique items.

So why is it my favorite little spot to shop?

• Green Time is very serene and leaves me with a peaceful feeling (even after spending money!)
• The owner is very sweet and extremely helpful in helping you find that perfect gift. She also thinks of us, the consumers! She told me that she recently was able to lower prices on items in Green Time when she struck up a deal with the companies shipping them by purchasing the items in larger bulks. Rather than keep that extra money she was saving, she made her items even more affordable for us, knowing that we are all need every break we can get!
• The unique gifts (perfect for a girlfriend, mom, child, or new parents) that you can pick up here are hard to find elsewhere and really irresistible!

Just check out some of the items in Green Time! Every nook and cranny holds sweet treasures!

The gift shop’s located on the second floor of Manoa Marketplace, right above Island Manapua

Look through the door window- isn’t it already charming?

The sign outside the store announces its specials- these are great ones!

Here’s a display of Precious Moments- my mom used to collect them so there’s a special place in my heart for these sweet ceramic figurines

Wouldn’t these make great gifts for that friend who already has everything?

I fell in love with these large plush rugs (or are they stuffed blankets?). The owner told me they’re her top selling item, and customers swear by their ability to get babies (and pets!) to sleep peacefully. You have to feel them to believe how soft they are!

These made-in-Japan “cakes” are actually towels!

Here are the zoo of stuffed animals that open up to flat, comfy pillows

Here’s my own stuffed pillow bear from Green Time, given to me by my student, Ke’alohi. His home is my bed- I’m one of those big kids who loves to hug a stuffed animal every once in a while!

What’s your favorite little spot to shop in Manoa and/or Makiki? Share it here!

Green Time
Manoa Marketplace
2752 Woodlawn Dr. #5-213
Honolulu, HI 96822
(808)988-0588
Mon-Fri (10-6)
Sat (10-5)

On ending the school year…

What can I say but I already miss my kids? This year’s was a really special group of children and parents, and we grew a lot together. And as much as I’d hope they’d remember the novels we read, they types of rocks that make up our Earth, and the names of the native plants and birds we studied, what would make me really proud as their teacher is to know that they’d remember my most important lessons… to keep asking questions and searching to find answers, that reading can open worlds and that writing from their hearts can inspire themselves and others, to listen to and respect people, and to always work hard, be positive, and try their best. I’m looking forward to hearing about their continued successes as they enter a busy and exciting fifth grade year!

On my summer home…

For the next month, I’ll be teaching a Sky and Space summer school course for fifth graders at the University of Hawaii’s Curriculum Research and Development Group (CRDG) summer program. Although I felt a little out of my element this week while preparing my new curriculum in my new classroom, everyone I’ve met involved with the program have been wonderful. I’m looking forward to an exciting summer as we explore weather, flight, astronomy, and space!

On my summer tips for students (I think all teachers say this)…

*Read, read, read! Check out your local library for exciting summer reading programs. My step-son, Kainalu, signed up at Manoa’s library this past week, and is especially motivated to keep reading by the weekly prizes (awarded for reading at least one book per week) and fantastic drawings.
*Keep practicing those math skills you learned throughout the school year so you’re ready to go next year!
*Keep a journal about the things you see and do this summer- then you’ll be set with lots of topics to write about when school starts
*Play a lot (enjoy the sun- with sunscreen, of course!)
*Have fun! You deserve it for working so hard during the school year!

On things for kids to do this summer…

Kai is enrolled in summer school at Nu’uanu Elementary School, and I know he’ll learn a lot there. He just finished participating in the annual UH men’s basketball camp, which he loved.

Always one of the highlights of the summer

Aside from enforcing all of the “academic” tips listed above at home with him, we’re looking for lots of ideas on how to play and have fun this summer. Any suggestions? Know of a good family movie that’s coming up? Games to play? Parks to visit? Hikes to go on? You get the idea… let me hear ‘em!

The little shop is more than a printing place, although its printing options are extensive (everything from simple copies to greeting and postcards, posters, banners, labels, and book binding). I urge you to visit the store for its unique specialty items, which make fantastic gifts. There are many specialty items, from the more common calendars, magnets, buttons, mugs, and bookmarks, to the more unique basketball nets, baby bibs and blankets, jewelry, and wall clocks (all very reasonably priced). What makes each and every item wonderful is that you can personalize it with your own photo or graphic! Your photos will turn ordinary items into priceless keepsakes!

If you live in Manoa, you’ve probably passed this shop many times! It’s just a bit past Manoa Marketplace, so convenient for those of us in the valley!

Here’s Ms. Borges, showcasing some of the items that can be personalized!

My husband and I gave my grandfather three special shirts (made at Tom Terrific’s) for his last birthday. He absolutely loves wearing the shirts, one with him in his old Korean War uniform, one with his sweetheart of 60+ years, and one with his whole family

Here’s a book of “chicken soup” personal stories written by Noelani fourth graders. We had the three books printed and bound at Tom Terrific’s to be sold at our Silent Auction for last week’s Mayfair. The books were a hit!

We also printed and bound three of these Big Island books, which contained photos from our recent trip and captions written by the students, to sell at Silent Auction. Ms. Borges stayed at her store until 7pm (two hours after closing) the day before the silent auction to finish the books for us (our fourth grade team was so grateful, as we had been completely scrambling to get the books done in time!)

Tom Terrific’s
2961 E Manoa Road Ste. D
Honolulu, HI 96822
(808)988-1556
Mon & Thurs: 7am-5pm
Tues, Wed, Fri: 7am-6pm
Saturday: 9am-5pm
Sunday: Closed

There is a lot of work that goes into this special day. The Mayfair committee of parent and school volunteers worked for countless of hours planning everything from the keiki games to the silent auction to the baked goods and produce areas. The children have also spent time perfecting (well, as close to “perfect” as they can get) their grade level dances for our Mayfair program. From the Kindergarteners’ rendition of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” to the fifth graders’ traditional Maypole dance, the children’s energy and pride are completely charming. There’s nothing like children singing and dancing to make a May day beautiful.

If you have a chance, stop by and join us! The silent auction, produce, baked goods, and famous haku lei sales begin at 7am, with the Mayfair program at 9:30am, and the keiki games to follow.

Enjoy the photos below showing just a little of Mayfair preparation for our haku lei sales! I meant to get more photos previewing everything, including the Silent auction spread, but we were just too busy!!

Sharlene Arita, a teacher at Noelani, undertakes the huge task of organizing the haku lei making every year. Check out the absolutely gorgeous haku lei!

Here are two loyal alumni of Noelani, coming back to make haku lei!

As an educator, I am now in the position to teach my children that very same lesson. A few months ago, we started our career unit and I asked the students that age old question: What do you want to be when you “grow up?” I got a few professional athletes, doctors, veterinarians, and even teachers. But my favorite? The one who said he dreams of being a college graduate. At ten years old, my students do not really know what their futures hold. But the boy who dreams of that college degree knows that that is the golden ticket that will help get him wherever he wants to go.

Hundreds of men and women will receive their tickets (also known as college degrees) this Sunday, May 18, 2008 at the University of Hawaii’s 97th Commencement Exercises. I will be there watching (and cheering) as some of my friends celebrate this momentous occasion. And even though I’m not the one walking to the tune of, “Pomp and Circumstance,” I still get goose bumps when I see the pride on the faces of all the graduates, hear the inspirational commencement speech, and watch the turning of the tassel. Graduation symbolizes a lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance, and most of all, the beginning of an exciting future. Congratulations to the Class of 2008! May you use your golden tickets to redeem everything that your hearts desire!

This is actually a photo from the Winter 2007 graduation, which I attended to see my friend, Shannon, get his Masters degree! Looking forward to a similar scene this Sunday!

In the spirit of graduation, please share your favorite college memories, post-college advice, or congratulations messages here. And here’s a question for you- how has your college degree helped you achieve what you have wanted in life (I’m going to share your comments with my students, so inspire away!)?

My college degree has allowed me to spend every day working alongside dedicated professionals and friends, teaching the best people on Earth- children. Can’t beat that ticket for the biggest chocolate factory in the world.

*** Updated photos! Post-graduation 5/18/08

The program from the commencement exercises

Here’s what it looked like on our way to give leis to the graduates. It was very crowded, extremely hot, but an environment positively charged with excitement and pride!

The University had everything well organized! It was easy to find all the graduates I was looking for, and the graduates seemed to have lots of space to spread out with their friends and families

This Spring, I’m celebrating the graduation of my fantastic friend and student teacher (our students send their love!) Natalie Liu (left), who has earned a Bachelors degree in Education, and my colleague and dear friend, Sarene Oda (right), who has earned her Masters Degree in Education! She is an amazing Kindergarten teacher that I’d wish for my own child.

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!

On Saturday, April 19, Noelani Elementary held its annual Beautification Day. Noelani students, faculty and staff, parents, and community groups worked from 8 to 11 am weeding and painting areas throughout the campus. The difference we made in just a few hours was amazing! What was even more beautiful than the campus itself was seeing our combined hands, energy, and hearts working together.

Announcing Beautification Day

Here are my friends (fellow Noelani teachers) painting!

I worked on cleaning this bed of all the dead leaves

Doesn’t it look tidier?

On Sunday, April 20, I checked out Malama O Manoa’s Great Tree Giveaway at Manoa Valley Pavilian Park. Malama O Manoa had prepared to give away over 1,000 trees to loving families promising to plant the trees. By the time I arrived at 11:30am, there were only about 30 trees left! I talked with a volunteer arborist who told me all about the remaining trees- the Kukui Nut, Monkey Pod, and Milo. He also told me about the wonderful chaos that took place when the line of people waiting for the giveaway began swarming the front of the pavilian and grabbing the trees that were placed in alphabetical order. I am looking forward to an even greener Manoa as those trees begin to flourish.

Just a few of the trees were left from the 1,000 tree giveaway!