Building Strong Minds and Hearts at Holualoa Elementary
At Holualoa Elementary, we believe in nurturing the whole child. We go beyond academics to cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. This commitment is reflected in our unique approach, which integrates the Nā Hopena A’o (HĀ) framework into our daily practices.
The HĀ Framework: A Guiding Light
HĀ, meaning "aspirations" in Hawaiian, provides a roadmap for fostering well-being in our students. Its six core outcomes - belonging, responsibility, excellence, aloha, and total well-being - shape our school vision and mission statement. These values permeate everything we do, from the curriculum to school-wide initiatives.
Getting Along Together: Building Social and Emotional Skills
Our Getting Along Together program is designed to equip students with the essential skills to thrive within the HĀ framework. This SEL program focuses on areas like:
Positive Relationships: Students learn how to build healthy connections with peers and teachers, fostering a sense of belonging and fostering aloha.
Empathy: Developing empathy allows students to understand and connect with others' emotions, creating a more supportive environment.
Self-Awareness: Through the SOAR Matrix (a tool to demonstrate the HĀ outcomes), students gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their strengths, and their role within the school community.
Building a Supportive Community
We bring the HĀ framework and Getting Along Together program to life through engaging activities:
Weekly Assemblies: Every Monday, we host school-wide assemblies focused on SEL topics. Counselors and student leaders lead interactive skits and discussions, encouraging positive social interactions and building a sense of community.
Morning Announcement Videos: These daily videos reinforce SEL themes, providing students with consistent reminders and positive messages.
Peer Problem-Solving: We equip students with the tools to solve interpersonal conflicts constructively through the "peace path" approach.
Data-Driven Support: We use surveys like Panorama to track student well-being, allowing us to tailor our programs and interventions to meet their evolving needs.
Holualoa Elementary is committed to fostering a learning environment where students feel empowered to reach their full potential. By nurturing social and emotional well-being alongside academics, we empower our students to become well-rounded individuals ready to thrive in a diverse world.