Our philosophy is that all children can learn and must be helped to develop their skills, knowledge and attitudes and be provided the experiences that will prepare them to live as contributing citizens in a world of rapid technological changes.
Our Vision: At Nuuanu School, we are learners for life.
Mission statement: to develop and nurture the knowledge, skills and capabilities of all so that we are able to use information wisely, adapt to change and pursue lifelong learning
A Learner for Life...
- Has a positive attitude: an "it can be done!" attitude. Is willing to try and believes in self and others. Doesn't discourage others; shows respect to self and others.
- Is open-minded: has a mind open to ideas, opinions, or arguments and speaks up.
- Is enthusiastic: displays interest, eagerness, passion, the joy of learning, and makes learning fun.
- Is a risk-taker: exposes oneself to new ideas in unfamiliar ground; willing to take chances and seize new opportunities, recognizing the possibility of making sacrifices.
- Is a problem-solver: applies the knowledge gained to situations encountered requiring decisions or solutions to solve problems.
- Is inquisitive: asks questions, explores, and poses questions about his/her environment.
- Is persevering: steadfast, tenacious, diligent, relentlessly persistent and demonstrates "stick-to-itness."
- Is interdependent: has awareness of mutual connectedness and support among all students, community and the world; being there for others and knows how to work together.
- Is empowered: is a "do-er" who sets out to accomplish things. Has the following attitudes and attributes: self-confidence, decision-maker, risk-taker, and is able to make decisions for his/her own learning. Likes to accomplish things; knows how to delegate as a leader.
- Is imaginative/creative: is open-minded, a risk-taker, inquisitive, curious, problem-solver, inventor, flexible.
- Is a decision-maker: makes choices after looking at all the alternatives. Is not afraid to make a choice.
- Is flexible: adapts easily to new ideas and situations and is accommodating.
- Is an effective communicator: transmits or receives information or feelings so that the message is clearly and satisfactorily understood.
- Is responsible: is reliable, trustworthy, able to commit and to fulfill obligations and duties, accepting consequences of decisions or actions.
- Possesses life skills: demonstrates practical application of basic skills. Continually reads and learns for knowledge, self-improvement, enjoyment and appreciation of life.
Our task is to provide equal educational opportunities for students of all levels of ability and back ground through learning experiences that help them to demonstrate growth in the following areas:
I. Develop the basic skills for learning and effective communication with others.
II. Develop a positive self-concept.
III. Develop decision-making and problem-solving skills.
IV. Develop independence in a love for lifelong learning.
V. Develop physical and emotional health.
VI. Develop knowledge of and pursue options for work and career development.
VII. Develop responsibility to self as well as to others.
VIII. Develop creative potential and aesthetic sensitivity.
IX. Develop leadership and cooperative skills.
X. Develop global awareness, knowledge, and understanding.
XI. Develop a concern for preserving and restoring our environment.
We are guided in our pursuit of the following NATIONAL AND STATE OF HAWAII GOALS 2000 along with the Performance Standards developed by the Hawaii State Commission:
1.READINESS FOR ALL: all students entering school will be ready and eager to learn.
2. STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT: all students will demonstrate achievement in a range of subjects, including, but not limited to, English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies enabling them to think critically, to solve problems, to communicate effectively and to function as contributing members of society.
3. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AND CITIZENSHIP: all students will be responsible and caring citizens with respect to themselves, for others, and for the world in which they live.
4. LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: all students will be provided with a nurturing environment that is conducive to learning.
5. EDUCATIONAL STAFF COMPETENCE: all teachers, administrators, and support staff will continue to demonstrate their commitment to quality education.
6. GOVERNANCE: all six role groups of the Nuuanu School community will share in the governance of the school.
7. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: all role groups will accept responsibility for meeting the educational goals of the school community through individual commitment and collaborative action.
8. LIFELONG LEARNING: all role groups will value lifelong learning and collaborate to ensure success to continue educational opportunity for everyone.