Waiahole Elementary School in Windward O'ahu will be closed to students today, according to the state Department of Education. Teachers and staff should report to work at Kahalu'u Elementary.

High winds damaged the roof of a classroom building Wednesday, the department said in a news release. Students and teachers were not present when the incident occurred.

Facilities specialists have made temporary repairs and will inspect the building today for other possible damages.

The school is expected to reopen Friday.

PRESCHOOL OPENS IN 'EWA BEACH

Seagull Schools' new 1.25-acre Ocean Pointe preschool campus in 'Ewa Beach will open today with 70 children from 2 to 5 years of age. The school has the capacity to become one of the largest childcare facilities in the state but has capped its enrollment for now at 180 children.

The school was built on land donated by Ocean Pointe developer Haseko, which also provided $200,000 for building costs.

On March 3, from 11 a.m. until noon, the community will be able to visit the new campus for a "Blessing Day."

Located at 91-203 Kaimele Place, the new school sits next to 12 acres of land Haseko donated for the new Keone'ula Elementary School.

Healthy kupuna are invited to volunteer for its classes, and qualified teachers are encouraged to apply for future classes. Student applications are being accepted. Call 689-6021 for all inquiries.

'AMERICAN IDOL OF SCIENCE' EYED

Noting the success of the popular TV show "American Idol," state Rep. Gene Ward, R-17th (Kalama Valley, Queen's Gate, Hawai'i Kai) has introduced a bill that would find the "American Idol of Science."

The bill would seek the most innovative and creative science projects in the state, specifically projects that address or solve a problem facing Hawai'i.

"The purpose of House Bill 1961 is to encourage Hawai'i's youth to excel in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM subjects," Ward said. He hopes his idea could be used in conjunction with the governor's proposal to create new science academies in 14 public schools.

"If this program is successful, it could become a national phenomenon," Ward said in a statement. "In the long run, I believe this type of program will help Hawai'i become more competitive in the international economy and will help stimulate Hawai'i's own home-grown, high-tech labor force."

ASTRONAUT TO ADDRESS STUDENTS

NASA astronaut Donald Thomas, a veteran of four space missions, will speak to students today at Kawana-nakoa Middle School as part of the annual Ellison Onizuka Science Day held on the Big Island and sponsored by American Savings Bank.

The bank has sponsored the event for seven years in honor of Hawai'i native astronaut Onizuka, who died in the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger 1 minute and 13 seconds after launch on Jan. 28, 1986. His brother, Claude Onizuka, was a former American Savings employee and also will be in attendance.

The annual event is a collaborative effort by members of the scientific community on the Big Island, the state Department of Education, NASA and the University of Hawai'i-Hilo faculty.

Thomas will speak to students at the first assembly at 8:30 a.m. and at the second assembly at 9:30.