GENERAL INFORMATION 1.The Program: What kind of school is Island School?
As indicated in the Mission Statement, Island School is a college preparatory institution that seeks to have students realize their highest potential – i.e., know who they are and what they might become in the context of contemporary society. Its educational program is based on ideas of Howard Gardner (of Harvard University), who states that human potential encompasses a variety of what he calls “intelligences,” including verbal, mathematical, musical, spatial, kinesthetic, social, and personal. Island School’s approach to teaching recognizes that learning is what students do. Teachers structure and facilitate the learning but cannot learn for the student. The student’s active engagement in lessons and educational activities is what generates his or her development. At Island School, students are expected to progress in their learning – i.e., to attend to their lessons, to do their homework, and to participate in co- and extra-curricular activities. These contribute to the students’ growing knowledge and skills. Students should be able to demonstrate on tests and through various projects what they have learned. In addition, they are to comply with rules and regulations as outlined in this Handbook. Failure to do these things may result in the student being asked to attend school elsewhere.
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The Students: Who comes to Island School? Island School students represent a broad spectrum of Kauai’s community. They come from all parts of the island and are of various ethnic groups. Some 46% of the families receive some amount of financial aid. As a group, these students want to learn. They are above average in academic achievement and promise. To meet their needs and expectations, the program is challenging. Please Note: In a few instances, a student may need special assistance to bring him or her to an expected level of achievement. Should this occur, Island School staff members may recommend one or more professionals to provide such assistance. The responsibility for these services, including the choice of the professional and any fees that may be involved, is that of the parents. 3. The School Day: How early and how late? For pre-kindergarten through grade 5, the school day begins promptly at 7:50 a.m. For grades kindergarten through five, school officially ends at 2:40 p.m. Those riding a school bus must report to the Learning Center until 3:05 p.m. The school bus leaves at 3:10 p.m. For pre-kindergarten, the school day ends at 2:30 p.m. Parents who accompany their children to the classroom should drop them off at the door. This gives the teacher time to talk with the children and complete work that needs to be done before Morning Circle. Some parents enjoy socializing with other parents during this time. The Teacher Workroom can be used for this purpose. Parents are welcome to use this room to grab a cup of coffee and talk with each other. In the classroom, after attendance is taken and homeroom announcements are made, students in kindergarten through 5th grade proceed to the Main Hall for Morning Circle. Na Pua Keiki (the prekindergarten children) remain in their classroom, but may attend morning circle every Friday and for various occasions. If the student is tardy first thing in the morning, he or she must report to the front office and register prior to going to class. A pattern of tardiness is considered a serious problem, requiring a parent conference to find a suitable response to this situation. Parents must not leave their children on the campus longer than 20 minutes prior to the opening of 7/02/13