Navigator - Winter 2000-20011

the island school

Navigator

a tri-annual publication Winter, 2011

It’s a Big World Out There What challenges face today’s graduates?

What’s Ahead?

March 4

End Trimester 2

March 4, 5, 6, 7 p.m.

5th grade presents Chocolate Soup Teacher Work Days No School Island School Auction Passport to Carnival Kaua‘i Marriott Parent/Student/ Teacher Conferences Spring Break

March 7 & 8 March 12

March 17 & 18 April 4 - 8 April 19 April 21 April 22 May 6

peggy@ischool.org

Spring Choral Concert, KCCPAC Jump Rope & Hoops for Heart Good Friday - School Holiday May Day Celebration

(808) 246-0233

• Island School Graduates answer some key questions – pg. 3, 4 & 6 • Passport to Carnival - Island School’s 32nd Annual Auction – pg. 7 • Nathaniel Evslin - teaching at his Alma Mater – pg. 8

www.ischool.org

Life After Island School Read the business news and you’ll find …

The worst job market since the Great Depression.

College graduates deep in debt.

A record number of qualified people competing for jobs.

A very tough time to be coming out of college.

When our alumni were students at Island School, their instructors attempted to teach them skills that would lead to success in both college and career. They were encouraged to think ahead and work hard; then doors would open to a promising future. While today’s poor economy hasn’t

deterred our faculty and administrators from believing a bright future lies ahead, it is becoming clear that the world is changing quickly, and our young people are facing challenging times. Over the past 10 years, Island School graduates have taken numerous paths: world travel, graduate school, parenthood, entrepreneurship and community service are some examples. Many have already secured dream jobs, while others are still struggling to find their way. Some are carefree college students while others are juggling marriage and a family with jobs and school. These are not easy times.

Things might be looking up in 2011, according to some reports, and hiring is expected to increase. But for many, adulthood is turning out to be quite different from what they expected.

Read on to learn more about what it’s like “Out There.”

To what extent did your Island School education help you meet your college or career demands?

Kasey (Alcott) Fernandez, ‘05; UH, Manoa, ‘11 My Island School education helped me keep up with the demands required by my college degrees, especially when it came to writing extensive essays!

Kelsey Ritchie, ‘06; University of Redlands, ‘11 Island School definitely helped prepare me for college. With the honors classes, junior/senior counseling, and teachers pushing us to give more than 100%, I had a fairly easy time transitioning from high school to college. As for my future career in Graphic Design, taking yearbook, journalism and other art classes sure didn’t hurt! I was glad that I already had my foot in the door when I started classes at University of Redlands.

Kim Mayfield, ‘08; UH, Manoa, ‘12 My experience at Island School gave me skills I use when teaching in small groups and tutoring. I was also given a strong foundation in writing – a key skill in college.

H

Island School Navigator

Nick Ellenburg, ‘04; University of Denver, ‘08; Mannheim Business School, ‘13 Island School teachers constantly asked me for just a little more effort, or just a little more time to spend on my homework.

The result was that I entered college prepared for the rigorous academic and social atmosphere at a top end university. Rather than presenting me with an overwhelming challenge, I noticed that an everpresent intellectual challenge was what I was used to – turns out I actually liked being in school! While I can’t say how this has impacted my career quite yet, Island School has very much helped me achieve what I have to date and continues to be a strong influence as I prepare to enter graduate school.

How has the current job market affected you?

Brian Couch, ‘82; University of Hawai‘i, Manoa, ‘86; Johnson County Community College, ‘09 Being a stay-athome dad, I have kind of a protected position for the time being. People in my field, the music business, are still working. With the right package and marketing it’s still possible to do well in the live music business.

Chris Hoffman, ‘04; MIT, ‘08 I was fortunate to find a job just before the Bear Stearns collapse, which seemed to be when a lot of companies pulled back on hiring. The hardest hit were‘09 and ‘08 graduates who started looking late in the hiring cycle. The effect was primarily a drastic reduction in compensation, pay freezes and increased workload due to workforce reductions. In the last six months things seem to be turning around. Companies in the industry are hiring agressively and fringe benefits are returning.

Tyler Kim, 8th grade grad, ‘87, Stanford University, ‘94 The current job market has created opportunities for our company to attract people from other geographic regions that would probably not have previously considered relocating.

For example, in the past year our Montreal office has hired and aquired work permits for several people from Ireland, the UK, and the United States.

Sean Head, ‘02; University of the Pacific, ‘06 I already had a job when the economy tumbled. I’ve been told that the job market for software engineers and other information-technology fields was not hurt much by the recession, but there were salary freezes (no raises or bonuses) in my company and those of my friends. Some companies even had salary reductions. Also “belt tightening” measures reduced some benefits like time off. On Kaua‘i, the earmarks moratorium that is going through Congress is worrying my office and some other high-tech companies here. Without earmarks, it may be more cost effective to move development to locations on the Mainland.

Alana Kaholokula, ‘04; Whitman College, ‘08; Brown University, ‘09 The current job market has made me reconsider the “they’ll always need” types of jobs. I earned a masters degree in teaching because everyone always says that we need more teachers. Unfortunately, while we may need more teachers, no one has the money to hire them. I have friends who are just finishing up law and medical programs with the same problems. There are just not enough jobs to go around. Fingers crossed that the economy is beginning to rebound.

Devaki Murch, 8th grade grad‘88; University of Utah, ‘11 The current job market has actually opened up many opportunities for me as a Communications/Media consultant. Project and freelance work is a good option for companies that are not looking to fill full time positions.

This gives me a chance to work with companies, build my portfolio and develop skills in different industries.

Toby (Wilson) Neal, IS Kealia alumna; Bethel College, ‘99; UH, Manoa, ‘05 I have more work than ever in the current economy. In my DOE job (behavior specialist) I am doing what four people used to do, because jobs were downsized or not replaced. In my private mental health practice I’m turning away clients because I’m too busy.

Michelle (Rosa) Johnson, ‘02; UH, Manoa, ‘07; Kaplan University, ‘11 It took me almost 7 months to find the position that I am in now.

There are many people competing for the same positions, and there are not enough jobs to go around. Also, there have been budget cuts and layoffs at the company I work for (across all employees and contractors); everyone is feeling it.

Island School Navigator

H

Centerfold Island School Auction Passport to Carnival March 12, 2011 Make your Reservation Now Call 808.246.0233

2009 - When Elizabeth Bailey and her family left Kaua‘i, they moved to Johnson City, Tennessee, where Liz attended Science Hill High School.

She graduated in 2009, and is now a member of the Class of 2014 at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. She is in the pre-law program, and is interning as a journalist for a startup/tech journal called BostInnovation. Northeastern’s five-year program alternates between a semester of classes and a semester of interning. Internships have been hard to come by, due to the poor job market, and she feels fortunate to have a job that allows her to focus on her writing skills as well as be her own boss! Starting next fall, Kariann Lee will be one of 25 Puget sound University students on a trip around Asia. She will visit Mongolia, then Japan, then China, then Malaysia. During winter break, she is allowed to take a 10 day trip anywhere in the world (except the United States). She and her friends are thinking of going to Thailand, Bali and Singapore. She will spend the spring semester in India and Sikkim (“… which is part of India now, but with its own culture, so it is like a different country”) and on a trek across the Himalayas. The group will also spend time in Seoul, Korea, and in Cambodia. The program includes staying in a range of locations: youth hostels, university dorms and private homes.

Katy Talvi, Isabelle Worley, Carly Snyder and Juli Blachowiak met up with Isabelle’s mom and sister in Rome over winter break. “I loved Rome,” said Katy. “It was full of so many stories and I want to read more into the history and Isabelle Worley, Katy Talvi, go back again.

Carly Snyder and Juli Blachowiak I loved the on their winter trip to Italy.

Roman Forum and all the ruins surrounding it. I had never seen things so old in my life. Italy has ignited the spark in me to travel.”

2008- Maddisen Domingo, a student at Occidental College in Los Angeles, is in Thailand for several months as part of a program to learn about development and environmental issues in that part of the world. She takes classes part of the time, sight-sees, and also stays with Thai families, taking part in their daily activities. She has sampled a variety of Thai foods, including crickets!

2007 - Lachlan Dungan is a sophomore at University of Hawai‘i, Manoa, majoring in architecture. He’s enjoying life and getting in plenty of surfing.

2006 - Nick Seymour is studying graphic design at UH, Manoa. He is also gathering a client base to get a head start in the business. Naturally, he is bodyboarding and surfed in the Pipeline Pro in February. He has taken up BMX when he has time. “Life is great and I can’t wait to move back to Kaua‘i!” he said. David Miles is traveling in Japan, Taiwan and elsewhere in Asia. He spent several semesters at

Germanna College in northern Virginia and works on and off at the St. Regis, Princeville, as a bellman to fund his travel bug.

2005 -Tesla Tiege graduated from UH, Manoa in December with a nursing degree. Kasey (Alcott) Fernandez is interning in the fourth grade at Kapa‘a Elementary, prior to receiving her Bachelor’s in Education from UH Manoa, in May. She’s already trying to figure out how to send her son, Ezekiel, to Island School for pre-school next year!

2004 -Nick Ellenburg has been accepted into the MBA program at Mannheim Business School in Mannheim, Germany. He and his girlfriend will be moving there in June. Jean Shiraki was chosen as this year’s Hawai’i Cherry Blossom Princess for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC. She will be honored by The Hawai’i State Society at a coronation dinner on April 2, 2011, where she will be crowned by The Honorable Senator Daniel K. Inouye and his wife, Ms. Irene Hirano Inouye.

2002 - Nicole French is a Workforce Development Specialist for Coconino County, Arizona. She helps people train for and find the right job.

2001 - Roger Scott is in the Ph.D. program at University of Montana, Bozeman, where he works with laser-trapping of sub-micron particles. He hopes to complete his degree in a couple more years.

1994 - Chia Granda and family have moved back to Kaua‘i. She is a child psychiatrist and pediatrician working as the Clinical Director at Kaua‘i Family Guidance Center. Her son, Ahanu, is a Pre-K student and, “loving Island School!” Milo Spindt recently moved back to Kaua‘i from Spokane, WA, where he’s been a real estate broker and a volunteer fireman with Spokane County Fire District 3.

He and his wife, Amy, have a 3 year old son, Kai, and a 10 month old daughter Nai‘a.

1993 - Jeff “Hubb” Hubbard won the first event in the 2011 International Bodyboard Association World Tour, the IBA Pipeline Pro. This is his third Pipline Pro trophy; he also won this event in 2002 and in 2006!

Way to go, Hubb!

1992 - Alan Goto lives in Seattle, Washington and works as Alan Goto, ‘92, in uniform, works for the a fireman.

Seattle Fire Department “Some people think this is funny,” he said, “but I have unwaveringly wanted to be a fireman since Honolulu FD’s Engine #17 visited my preschool class in 1979.

In 1998 it all finally came true for me when I was hired by the Seattle Fire Department.

2000 - Lars Hansen and his wife, Elissa, announced the birth of their first child, Torsten Karl Anders Hansen. “We’re Lars Hansen, with baby,Tor. calling him Tor for short,” he said.

River Young has moved back to Kaua‘i and spent January traveling in South America. He traveled south to the island of Tierra del Fuego and visited Michael Bianchi, ‘01, who lives there.

“I did everything from ATV riding to jumping around That’s River Young herding horses in road blocks caused Patagonia. by a gas strike.” Another highlight was herding 20 wild horses on to a Patagonian ranch while using a traditional sheepskin saddle! Brooke (Connolly) Henninger and husband, Rich, greeted their first baby in February - Kai!

1989 - Iam Kessler Bouret has achieved the status of Captain of the new Airbus for Hawaiian Airlines. He is also the husband of Sari and father of Jordan Luc, age seven, and Django age two.

1999 - Ka‘iulani Barretto Martin gave birth to her second child, a girl, in February. She and husband, Umi, and son Haloa, live in Waimea.

Join the Island School Alumni Group Just SEARCH and JOIN! Keep up with the latest announcements and keep everyone updated.

1984 - Megan (Loomis) Powers is living on Maui, singing and writing songs for two bands.

One, called Divinos’ Allstars, occasionally backs up Willy Nelson or Pat Simmons of the Doobie Brothers.

Her other band, Passengers, performs three of her original songs.

In addition, she Megan (Loomis) Powers, ‘84, with her children, Shakeena and her mom are and Zen. helping her father write a book.

1983 - Jonathan Duarte lives in Columbia, South Carolina where he works as a Workers Compensation Adjuster. He lives on a farm with two horses, and is considering adding a little herd of goats into the pasture this spring.

On Facebook?

What factors helped shape your career goals?

Kyle Lee, ‘10, University of Puget Sound, ‘14 I would have to say the teachers at Island School were a major factor in shaping my goals. My career path has been steered by teachers with a passion for the subjects they teach and with a desire to help students understand the material. Also, supportive family members and friends have motivated me to pursue my degree. Right now I’m applying to become a orientation leader for next year’s incoming Puget Sound freshmen. Student Government, Leadership Kaua‘i and other extracurricular activities definitely taught me to give back to the community.

Kimberley Mayfield, ‘08, UH, Manoa, ‘12 Working at the National Tropical botanical gardens over the years had a big influence on me. Joining Island School’s Junior Restoration Team was also a factor.

Chris Hoffman, ‘04; MIT, ‘08 Can’t point to a single event that shaped my interest in aerospace, but I think it was something I settled on in high school. I said at Island School graduation that I would work on airplanes; I now design airplane engines. My focus narrowed from aerospace to gas turbine engines during a thermodynamics class my sophomore year, despite getting a C in the class.

Nick Ellenburg, ‘04; University of Denver, ‘08, Mannheim Business School, ‘13 My career goals have been shaped by an almost instinctual desire to create. Although I do not aspire to create the next masterpiece of prose, poetry or paint, I am fascinated by the concept of a business as a self-sustaining unit. Like it or not, money is the motivating factor on which our society is built. This idea, while certainly subjective and absolutely the root cause of modern materialism, has the incredible effect of attaching an individualistic purpose to hard work.

My ambitions have been shaped by this understanding, and by the desire to be part of the innovative world.

What college or career advice can you give current high school students?

Charles Chapin, ‘04 Good work ethic is infinitely more valuable than genius, so do your homework, no matter how boring it is.

Kelsey Ritchie, ‘06; University of Redlands, ‘11 Honors or advanced classes will help for college. When I took them I started to learn how to write real papers and begin doing in-depth research. Also the Junior/Senior college counseling classes really helped when I needed to start studying for the SATs or find colleges to look at and apply to.

Kim Mayfield, ‘06; UH, Manoa, ‘12 If you can’t pinpoint your ideal major or job right now, just follow the studies and activities that you enjoy, as long as they pay! If you can’t get paid to work in your field as an undergrad, then why would you be able to make a sustainable living doing it in the “real world” post-graduation?

H

Island School Navigator

Nick Seymour, ‘06; UH, Manoa, ‘12 Get good grades so you have the opportunity to go to college for free [through scholarships] and start off your career debt free. Also, while in college take advantage of the facilities as well as your teachers. Take as much as you can from them; they are there for a reason.

Chris Hoffman, ‘04; MIT ‘08 I was lucky that my career interest identified in high school led to good career opportunities. However, I’ve seen many classmates at MIT who pick a major based on classes they like without understanding what careers they translate into. You don’t want to find out your senior year that your classes lead to jobs you don’t like, or that the jobs you want need an advanced degree that will take 2-7 years to get. I think it is worth spending some time looking into what the related careers are like when trying to pick a major.

Preparing for the Future

by Robert Springer Head of School The reputation of a school rests on the success of its graduates. What matters is how well they have been prepared for the world of their future.

This suggests that Island School’s curriculum must come under continuous review. As conditions throughout the world change, so must the courses offered and the means whereby these are taught.

For example, at Island School we have modified our social studies curriculum to take account of the post bi-polar world following the collapse of the Soviet empire; also, we want students to be aware of the increasing influence of nations such as China and India, the effects of culture and religion on national politics and international relations, and the global effects of economic fluctuations. We have added intense and comprehensive instruction in technology, and we now offer hands-on experiences to students in robotics, in aquaponics, and in growing vegetables for our lunch program.

While we are alert to the need for change, so too we are deeply committed to the traditional values of Western civilization and the origins and anchors of what it means to be an American. Having students learn about and understand the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution is central to their year-long course in American history. Then, of course, students must develop skills of communication, habits of good health, and sensitivity to the marvelous variety of expressions of the human experience through the arts.

In addition, five years ago we began the senior project program. The idea was borrowed from Thacher School of Ojai, California. Seniors independently research a topic of their choosing and then present their findings to a public audience, fielding questions at the conclusion of their presentation.

We are delighted to see that this approach works. Our graduates major in fields as diverse as journalism, engineering, computer science, the fine arts, music and drama. There is not a single vocational track they follow, yet they do exude a love for learning and a capacity to tackle new and challenging tasks. They embody the realization of Island School’s mission, “. . . to prepare our students to live productive, fulfilling lives as confident, responsible life-long learners and contributing members of society.”

Gourmet Buffet Dinner, Open Wine Bar, Jazz Entertainment, Dancing and…

Disneyland Passes & Accommodations at the Hyatt Orange County Lunch with Senator Daniel K. Inouye Maui Getaway including 3 nights at the Ritz-Carlton Residences Hyatt Keiki Pool Party for 30 Hyatt Presidential Suite Package Private Wine Tasting Event at the Wine Shop

One Week in a time share in Australia Po‘ipu Bay Golf Tournament for 20 golfers including dining credit for the 19th hole 5 Nights at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman 3 Nights at the Gillin Beach House at Maha‘ulepu His and Hers Trek Navigator Bicycles A Day at Sea with Sean Magoun

Plus

Art by Tom Lieber, Carol Bennett, Joanna Carolan, Patrice Pendarvis, Raymond Massey, Robbrecht Troost and more!

Tubing, Zipline, biking and golf and many more activities Dining at Keoki’s, Beach House, Roy’s, Dondero’s, Kilauea Fish Market, Bouchon’s, Pomodoro, Living Foods Market and more!

Massages, Acupuncture, Teeth Whitening,Yoga, Health Club membership, Manicures, Pedicures and more!

Browse the items up for bid at

http://ischool.auctionserver.net Make Your Reservation Now For

March 12, 2011 Call 246-0233

Support Island School’s Biggest Fund Raiser of the Year!

Island School Navigator

H

Nathaniel Evslin

The Evslin “dynasty” began back in 1979, when little Tanya enrolled at Island School. Since then, there has been Evslin influence on the Board of Directors, the Auction committee, as parents, grandparents and now as our 4th grade teacher, Nathaniel!

Nathaniel’s interest in teaching began as a student at Oregon State University.

He began his college career as a computer engineer major, but quickly discovered he didn’t enjoy hours at a desk behind a computer screen. He enjoyed his internship at an outdoor camp for middle school children and also shadowed Lynda Liesse for a couple of weeks in her third grade classroom.

Elementary teaching was a good fit.

Landing a job at his alma mater was pretty exciting. “It took me awhile to get used to the fact that many of my collegues used to be my teachers.” After a year of getting settled, he made an amusing discovery; in the far reaches of his classroom closet, he found some of the textbooks he used when he was in Adie’s 5th grade class! He was also a student in Mrs. Cristy’s) and Ms. Jackie’s classes, and in Peggy E’s 5th and 7th grade plays. “We still sing some of the same songs at Morning Circle!”

Although the school has grown to include a high school with a college prep curriculum, Nathaniel finds that the relationships students have with their teachers remain close and caring. “I really enjoy working with the elementary staff,” said Nathaniel.

“They are always open to new ideas and supportive of one another.”

Nathaniel believes that students who enjoy school will become lifelong learners. This is true of teachers as well. Nathaniel’s interest in computer engineering is fully employed at Island School. He has expanded the use of technology in his classroom through the use of a Smart Board, Smart Respose devices and laptop computers.

Along with sister, Tanya, whose two children are students here, Nathaniel carries on the Evslin dynasty as teacher and now as an Island School parent. His son, Max is a pre-K student. Nathaniel and his wife, Marissa, live in Lihu‘e with Max and Isaac (6 months).

Island School 3-1875 Kaumuali´i Hwy Lihu´e, HI 96766