Walk around Wai'alae School's campus, and you will witness firsthand the love and positive energy that beats through Wai'alae School. Where does it come from? Our Wai'alae community!
Teachers, staff, school leadership, parents, students, and community members - collectively, we inspire each other and generate what I like to call, "Wai'alae magic.” Everyone in our community is dedicated to providing a high-quality, student-centered, whole-child education (one that encompasses nurturing the mind, body, and spirit) to all students, regardless of socioeconomic status.
We are a public school—full of diversity and unique perspectives. We are democratic and we don't just tolerate our differences; we celebrate them. In the process, we create an opportunity for children to learn empathy and compassion.
To put it frankly, I give to Wai'alae because our charter freedoms come at a price. In exchange for more independence, charter schools receive less state funding and centralized supports than a traditional Hawaii Dept. of Education school.
I also give because we are at the beginnings of exciting times at Wai'alae! John Constantinou, our new CEO, embodies Wai'alae magic. I want to support Mr. Contantinou because he is a tireless advocate of students and teachers, and is dedicated to making Wai'alae a shining example of a highly effective public school. With the help of the school community, I am confident John will lead the school to do even more great things!
I hope you will consider giving to the Annual Fund, even if it’s a small donation. It will go far to support the educational innovation we have at Wai’alae. However, if you cannot donate financially to the fund, please consider sharing your time with Friends of Wai'alae, the'ĀINA IS gardening and nutrition program, and/or your child's classroom teachers. We all have our strengths and talents, and Wai'alae School is such a special place because of us—the community that supports it.
Lianna Lam
Chair-Elect, Wai'alae School Governing Board
Wai’alae parent and mom to three boys