Posted on: Thursday, June 21, 2007
Innovating in Upcountry Maui
By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser Staff Writer
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Students use the Active Lifestyle room for a Dance Dance Revolution session before classes start in the morning.
Photos by CHRISTIE WILSON | The Honolulu Advertiser
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AT A GLANCE
Where: 120 Makani Road, Makawao, (808) 573-8735 Principal: John Costales Jr., six years School nickname: Panthers School colors: Navy blue and silver History: The school opened in 1985 with seventh- and eighth-graders, and four years later sixth-graders were added. Stanford Achievement Test: The combined percentage of Kalama Intermediate students scoring average and above average (compared with the national combined average of 77 percent): Sixth-grade reading, 77 percent; math, 78 percent. Seventh-grade reading, 76 percent; math, 73 percent. Eighth-grade reading, 75 percent; math, 74 percent. Hawai'i State Assessment test: The combined percentage of school students meeting or exceeding state standards: Sixth-grade reading, 39 percent (state average, 47.5 percent); math, 14 percent (state average, 27.6 percent). Seventh-grade reading, 46 percent (state average, 47.3 percent); math, 18 percent (state average, 29.1 percent). Eighth-grade reading, 38 percent (state average, 38.6 percent); math, 20 percent (state average, 25.1 percent). Computers: More than 160 computers in three computer labs and at least two computers in each classroom, available to students. Enrollment: 928 students, with room for 300 more. Average enrollment is 950.
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Nico Garvin balances on an IndoBoard outside the Active Lifestyle room at Kalama Intermediate before classes in the morning.
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From turning out top-notch spellers and accomplished musicians to being a leader in offering DDR — the popular arcade game Dance Dance Revolution — as a part of the school's physical education classes, Kalama Intermediate School has no shortage of accomplishments.
Much of the Upcountry Maui school's innovation has been forged from necessity, said the school's principal, John Costales Jr. For example, since the school was built in the mid-1980s, its educators have been trying to get a covered basketball court. And for much of school year, especially during the winter rainy season, physical education class is held along covered walkways, Costales said.
The school has many dedicated teachers, some of whom are retiring soon, Costales said. The school is now working to attract young teachers who may have grown up in the community and want to return.
"We're having trouble trying to attract young teachers to Upcountry," Costales said. "The high cost of housing is affecting recruitment and, geographically, we have the largest area on the island. We're spread out and where the affordable housing is, it's too far for teachers to travel. Our teachers are the backbone of the school."
What are you most proud of? "Our teachers and programs that have allowed students to reach beyond their grasp," Costales said. "For example, our band, chorus, bells and 'ukulele programs have taken our students throughout the Islands and to California to perform."
Best-kept secret: "Our students," Costales said. "They have gone on to become presidential scholars, finishers in the National Geography Bee, finalists in the National Spelling Bee, Math Counts district champions, poetry contest winners and contributing citizens in our community."
Everybody at our school knows: Mitzi Toro. "She is so full of energy and she provides many activities for students. She was the state Counselor of the Year in the 2005-2006 school year."
Our biggest challenge: Finding highly qualified teachers.
What we need: Highly qualified teachers, an administration building and a covering for the school's outdoor basketball court for the rainy days.
Special events: Home-Economics Night, Standards-Based Night, Fright Night, Transition Breakfast for new students and incoming sixth-graders, the Renaissance Banquet, band performances, fishing tournaments and community cleanups organized by the Fishing Club.
Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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