LANGUAGE ARTS ENRICHMENT: This program recognizes the need to provide a differentiated program for students in grades 3-6 who have been identified as having above average ability in language arts and demonstrate creativity and a commitment to tasks. The program will provide opportunities whereby students can:
1. Increase competencies in basic language arts skills at an appropriate pace and apply them in life situations.
2. Develop and apply decision-making and problem-solving skills.
3. Pursue and develop individual interests and apply learnings to creative productivity.
4. Develop independence in learning.
5. Expand on and explore a variety of content and student interest areas.
6. Experience a variety of materials and media.
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM: The computer program at Nuuanu School was created out of a belief that the computer is an important instructional tool. Providing opportunities for students to use technology, empowers them as they take charge of their own learning while solving problems and making decisions to enhance their own learning. The responsibility for integrating the program to suit each grade level's curriculum is a team effort facilitated by the collaborative efforts of the classroom teacher, technology teacher, and a group of students working together and planning ways to best incorporate technology into the content. Continued research and planning, upgrading of software and equipment, and inservicing of faculty and staff will allow for greater diversification of usage by the students, teachers, and staff.
The four major categories comprising the development of technological literacy in students are:
AWARENESS: Knowledge of computer-based technologies and how they are used in today's world. The learner needs to develop an awareness and appreciation for their use.
APPLICATIONS: Knowledge and ability to use major technologies enable users to retrieve, access, manipulate, and process information in various ways to accomplish tasks more effectively and learn more creatively.
INTEGRATION: Technology is moved from the peripheral status to the core of curriculum to support student learning, enabling students to access, manipulate, and analyze information; perform simulations; create presentations; etc.
ETHICS: Learning responsible use of these powerful enabling tools is just as important as how to use them.
STUDENT COUNCIL: The Nuuanu Elementary Student Council was organized to provide opportunities for students in grades 4-6 to participate in activities which build leadership, responsibility, and a sense of participation in the community and school. There are four elected officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Elections are held in the spring in grades 3-5 for the following school year These officers provide the core of leadership with the assistance of two representatives from each classroom, grades 4-6. Third grade representatives are asked to join in the second semester
Students are acquainted with the election process, parliamentary procedure, and working together on their selected projects. These activities have included the Book Fair, Canned Goods Drive, Spirit week, Recycling and holiday activities to promote ohana within the school. The goal is for all participating students to experience growth and to expand their self-confidence.
The goals of each member in the Student Council are to:
1. develop leadership skills.
2. experience responsibility for school sponsored activities.
3. develop planning skills.
4. have the opportunity to speak in front of an audience.
5. develop interaction and communication.
6. experience cooperation with peers and adults.
7. acquire an awareness of the community and environment.
MEDIATION PROGRAM: Have you ever had a conflict with a friend or someone in your family that you couldn't seem to solve yourself? Did you look for someone to help you solve the problem? Did that person take one side or listen to both sides? Perhaps that person acted as a mediator.
At Nuuanu School, selected students from grades 4 - 6 receive training to become mediators. They are taught skills such as listening and questioning. Mediators work to divert disputants from questions of punishment, revenge, who is to blame and what happened in the past. Mediators do not serve as judges or counselors, What they try to do is act as a go-between for the people in dispute. Mediators are trained to listen carefully, without blaming one disputant or the other. Mediators help to find a fair way to solve conflicts when people can't solve them by themselves.
JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS (JPOs): The Junior Police Officers at Nuuanu Elementary School are selected by the school Principal with recommendations from teachers and approval by parents. Al-though the mission of the JPO's is to assist the Honolulu Police Department in the traffic safety of students and parents, the primary responsibility of safety to and from school lies with the students themselves and the parents.
The JPO's are on duty from 7:30 - 7:45 a.m. and 15 minutes after dismissal in the afternoons. JPO's are selected from incoming fifth and sixth graders. IPO's must be recommended by a screening committee and must maintain satisfactory grades.