Nurture the children While re-organizing the modus operandi of the State of Hawai‘i’s Department of Education may be a step in the right direction, the “follow-through” should focus on allowing the administrators and faculty on each campus to set the
Nurture the children
While re-organizing the modus operandi of the State of Hawai‘i’s Department of Education may be a step in the right direction, the “follow-through” should focus on allowing the administrators and faculty on each campus to set the programs and priorities which will best meet the needs of the clientele it serves. Otherwise, the teachers and students will be stuck with similar frustrations they are being subjected to now.
The “one-size-fits-all” approach just doesn’t cut the mustard. Surely, the ABCs of learning strategies and methodology need emphasis, especially at the elementary-school level. At middle school, major paradigm shifts need to be considered to address the age-of-puberty aspects of the child-in-transition to harness that surge of physical, mental, and emotional tides churning in each child. At the secondary school level, developing the interests and skills in varied fields of endeavor should be offered, even to the extent of allowing the teenager to access the courses available (as it may be possible through technological approaches).
Also, parents and guardians (along with the rest of the community surrounding each school) should be encouraged (if not required) to be a part of the effort in the educational endeavors of each child.
Remember, “it takes a village to raise a child.” That concept is still applicable today, anytime, anywhere.
By clearly placing the emphasis on nurturing the child rather than in acquiring standardized test scores, education can be a significantly satisfying experience for all to enjoy. It’s worth a try.
Jose Bulatao Jr., Kekaha
Queen’s Bath photo
Some of us were very unhappy to see the gorgeous “island album” photo of a young boy plunging into Queens Bath (Page 2 of The Garden Island, Nov. 28). This is a locale that should not be promoted or advertised — with the possible exception of during June, July, and August, the months where a north swell is highly unlikely.
As the photo shows, it is a gorgeous spot, and it is much promoted in many guidebooks and on-line sites. (I’m pleased to report that some guide books and safety oriented web-sites and App-sites absolutely do not promote it). Despite the wishes of our ocean-safety people, Queens Bath is packed with visitors every day, even on days when north swell waves are exploding up onto the lava ledge on which the “bath” is located. Deaths there are predictable and consistent, and unfortunately it is highly likely that there will be at least one this winter season.
A local business person, in consultation with the state Department of Land Management, has done a fabulous job of putting up several “Stay back from the edge, you might be swept out to sea by a rogue wave” signs along the 150 or so yards of lava bench that you walk on to get to the lava pool that has come to be known as Queens Bath. We are very thankful for this effort. It has saved lives, guaranteed.
We also appreciate our many North Shore concierges who do a great job of warning their guests to ignore their guide books and not go there. What we don’t appreciate is promotional efforts.
We recognize that “the cat’s already well out of the bag”, i.e. the site is now so well known that no one photo will affect the fact that the area is frequented daily by many dozens of visitors who are naive about what might happen to their family when they go to Queens Bath. But that doesn’t justify circulating such a photo.
One good thing about the photo: The boy is plunging in feet first and not diving in. We have cases of Queens Bath quadriplegia because of the latter.
The Garden Island has been a terrific partner in Kaua‘i’s ocean safety efforts, and it is easy and understandable to slip up for a moment in our vigilance. The ocean, on the other hand, is relentless at seeking out and finding visitors who are mis-informed or uninformed about hazards that exist in our “vacation paradise”, and we in turn have to try to be relentless in our efforts to give out good information.
Monty Downs, M.D, Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association
Art Night summary
The Hanapepe Art Night issue boils down to this:
1 — Every minute visitors spend with street vendors is a minute lost to the galleries.
2 — Every penny spent on vendors is a penny less that could be spent in galleries.
3 — Also: every minute spent asking visitors not to bring food and drinks into galleries is a minute lost in their appreciation of ART.
4 — But it was the ART galleries who spent major dollars over 15 years to dress up the town and bring visitors in.
It is time for street vendors to take the initiative (and initiation) to create their own venue and no longer lean on the galleries. Their creativity and fun will surely blossom when they stand on their own.
Arius Hopman, Hanapepe
