September 2009 Newsletter

International Micro-Robotics Competition

Following the lead of Art Kimura, I have been pursuing the possibility of hosting the First Annual Micro-Robotics Competition and Symposium here on the Big Island. At Art's suggestion and as part of the ground work, I visited with the Waiakea High School Robotics Club which meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3 - 6 PM to work on various projects.

Laupahoehoe School Celebrates AYP

Laupahoehoe School held an assembly today to celebrate a school wide effort by students, teachers, parents and staff to achieve AYP or Annual Yearly Progress required by the federal No Child Left Behind law. The law requires testing of students in math and reading and requires students to reach benchmarks in a variety of demographic categories.

Students meeting benchmark, students with the highest math and reading scores as well as students achieving the greatest improvement in scores were recognized with certificates. All students were encouraged to continue their efforts so that next year, everyone would be recognized for meeting the benchmark.

To end the ceremony, and amid shouts of "Mohawk! Mohawk!" Principal Tom Ekno followed through on a promise made last year to shave his head if the student met five goals that the school set out last year.

Playgound Tests

Tests were conducted today on newly installed fitness equipment at Honoka'a Elementary School. The equipment sits on a special padded surface that is meant to absorb the impact of students should they fall from the equipment to the ground. The inspection involved dropping a measurement instrument from the height of six feet and determining the level of impact on the cushioned surface.

The contractor is currently awaiting approval to complete cement work to reattach sidewalks from the play area to the adjacent building. Once this is completed, students will be able to enjoy the new equipment. Identical equipment was also installed at Paauilo School.