Kanuikapono Public Charter School in Anahola is building a new campus that will give the school that has moved six times in 10 years a permanent and sustainable home, according to a press release. Kanuikapono, a Hawaiian-culture-based, public-charter school that
Kanuikapono Public Charter School in Anahola is building a new campus that will give the school that has moved six times in 10 years a permanent and sustainable home, according to a press release.
Kanuikapono, a Hawaiian-culture-based, public-charter school that serves grades kindergarten through eighth grade, plans to move to its new campus next fall when phase one of its facilities-development project is completed. With limited financial resources, the school is working with students, families and the community to build the new campus.
The school took sustainable-project, community- service and culture-based education to new heights this year by partnering with its students in a year-long project that they refer to as ‘Ike ‘Aina (knowledge from the land), states the release.
When the school put its landscaping plan out to bid two years ago it discovered that it would cost approximately $1 million. Rather than spend the money, the school immediately built native-plant propagation into its curriculum.
“The cultural landscape is a living, breathing learning lab that offers teachers, students, families and the community the opportunity to delve deep into the wisdom that exists in nature as well as the Hawaiian culture without the expense of elaborate structures,” said Ipo Torio, school executive director, in a press release.
This year students have become experts in native-plant propagation, transplanting, irrigation and landscaping. They have developed a deep connection to the land, the plants and to each other, she said.
Middle-school students mentor the younger students, and the results have been amazing, she said. Students work hard and express appreciation for the opportunity to give to the land as well as the school.
The final project for the last quarter of this year focuses on constructing chicken tractors and edible garden beds to be ready for fall of next school year. Students will provide food for the school’s lunch program and generate revenue. This will give the students an opportunity to explore economics, entrepreneurship, nutrition and culinary arts in a meaningful way that prepares them to thrive in the 21st century.
Kanuikapono plans to increase enrollment from 75 students to 90 students next school year, she said. Spaces are limited and tuition is free. Call Delton Johnson for open-house dates and more information at 823-9160. Visit kanuikapono.org for applications.
