GENERAL INFORMATION The Institution: What kind of school is Island School?
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Island School is a rigorous, college preparatory institution. Its curriculum is based on ideas of Howard Gardner, of Harvard University. Gardner argues that human potential encompasses a variety of what he calls “intelligences” – verbal, mathematical, musical, spatial, kinesthetic, social, and personal. At Island School each of these “intelligences” is addressed in required and elective classes and at special events. Island School is an ohana, a community. Each part is necessary to its existence. The Board of Directors sees to financial matters and monitors the effectiveness of operations. The administration, teachers, and staff provide educational services for the students. Students must do the learning. Teachers facilitate the learning but cannot learn for the student. The student’s engagement in lessons and educational activities fosters his or her development. When misbehavior of a few students is disruptive, academic theft is the result. Academic theft is robbing others of their opportunities to learn. Therefore, such behavior is a serious violation of Island School’s culture and is dealt with accordingly.
Island School students are expected to be . . . •
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Reliable – i.e., keep their word; follow through on commitments, even if this is inconvenient. When individuals are reliable, others are helped, and when they are not reliable, others are let down or embarrassed or suffer other negative effects. Responsive – i.e., respond positively to requests, instructions, and assignments in a timely manner, without excuses or whining; meet deadlines or anticipate reasons for missing these and talking with those involved ahead of time, letting them know how missed work will be made up and by when. Respectful – i.e., treat others as they would like to be treated, with genuineness and courtesy. Disrespect is showing attitude through indifference or arrogance. Being respectful means taking an interest in others, sensing their needs and pursuing what might be done to address these. Disrespect includes taking advantage of others, as with pranks, or joining a clique and picking on someone outside the clique, where another’s discomfort or injury becomes a source of pleasure. Responsible – i.e., take initiative, showing concern for others and for the buildings, grounds, equipment, and materials of others and the institution. Reflective – i.e., think about their activities and actions in ways that promote self-growth and the good of the Island School ohana. Resilient – i.e., have the capacity and will power to persevere when things get difficult.
At Island School, students are to progress in their learning – i.e., to attend to their lessons, do their homework, and participate in co- and extra-curricular activities so that they become increasingly more knowledgeable and skilled. If they fail to do this, they will be subject to disciplinary action, including the possibility of expulsion.
The Students at Home and School. Island School students represent a
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wide range of Kauai’s community. They come from all parts of the island, are of various ethnic groups, and have different home behaviors and values. This means that a school culture must consciously be built and adhered to. In some cases this may be at variance with behaviors in the home. Our approach is not to criticize home practices but to insist on common ways of doing things at school and at all school‐related activities. 3.
The School Schedule: What classes take place and when? For 2013-14, classes begin at 7:50 a.m.; the last class ends at 3:00 p.m. 17/01/13