I would like to introduce myself. My name is James Toyooka and on September 18, 2006, I officially became the principal of Nuuanu Elementary School. I graduated from Kaimuki High School and attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa where I received a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Education Administration. I am an Elementary trained teacher who taught at Alvah Scott Elementary School in Aiea before becoming the temporary acting vice principal there for one year. I then entered the Educational Office program, which lasted two years. For the past six years, I have been an administrator at Moanalua Middle School, Kaimuki High School and Queen Lili'uokalani School.

Since coming here, I have been learning a lot and I am enjoying being at this school. I have been busy getting to know the staff, faculty and students and have had little time for anything else. Most of my time and energy were spent learning all I could about Nuuanu Elementary School. I am still learning much about the school and my goal is to learn all that I can to enable me to make the proper decisions when working with all stake holders to help our school become even better than it currently is. The dedication, competence and enthusiasm that I have witnessed has reassured me that Nuuanu School is filled with able bodied caring teachers, staff and parents.

Each day at Nuuanu Elementary School, we start refreshed and renewed. The Koolau Mountains and the mist of rain greet us each morning. The surroundings remind us that it is care and nurturing that breathes life into what we do.

Nuuanu is a special school. Our vision, "At Nuuanu School, We are Learners for Life," guides our efforts and the implementation of a standards based system. As professionals, we learn and work together to facilitate our students academic success. We also work to instill this belief in our students through our curriculum and programs.

As a school, we are unable to do it alone. The support of school administration, faculty, parents, community and state agencies is systemic and based on a clearly articulated vision for our children. There is a strong sense of "Ohana" (family). Our parents team with us in the education of our children. Students receive support at home to prepare them for school. Our parent / teacher organization, Aikane o Nuuanu, provides much needed assistance in the areas of volunteers and financial support. The School Community Council provides input and facilitates school decision making. Together we share a sense of school ownership and pride.

Nuuanu was recognized for its sustained excellence and was named a Hawaii Blue Ribbon School for 2005. This recognition is shared with the the parents and community of Nuuanu Elementary. The dedication and hard work of the teachers, students and parents and the ablity to work together is the foundation of this recognition.

Thank you,

James Toyooka

Principal