Kamehameha Schools

Mālama Ola articles

February 8, 2023

Mālama Ola Minute: 8 tips for raising heart-healthy keiki

You can take charge of your child’s heart health by developing habits now that will reap benefits later in life. See story »

January 9, 2023

10 ways to keep your keiki organized

January is “Get Organized Month.” Here are some strategies to help your keiki improve their organizational skills so they can be prepared for success. See story »

December 5, 2022

5 ways to stem stress and generate joy during the holidays

Holiday burnout captures the feelings of exhaustion, disengagement and overwhelmingness that can result from the pressure to “do it all” for the holidays. Here are some helpful tips on how to stem stress and generate joy during the holiday season. See story »

November 3, 2022

10 ways to teach your keiki gratitude during the holiday season

In a world that seems to value overabundance, teaching gratitude can feel like an uphill battle. Despite the challenges you might face, helping our keiki to feel grateful can be worthwhile. See story »

October 28, 2022

Tips to having a spooktacular and safe Halloween

Whether your Halloween plans are for mākua or keiki, there’s plenty to consider before choosing a costume, putting on makeup, and filling your ‘opu with sweet treats. See story »

October 19, 2022

KS provides insight, resources during Safe Schools Week

Kamehameha Schools is recognizing Safe Schools Week by sharing important tips, resources and tools that help to equip our haumāna, ‘ohana and kumu with information on fostering safety and positive well-being. See story »

October 10, 2022

Mālama Ola Minute: Helping keiki cope with cyberbullying

Here are some tips on what to do if your keiki is experiencing or engaging in cyberbullying. Learning about this dangerous threat can protect our keiki and encourage pono behavior.
See story »

September 29, 2022

Mālama Ola Minute: Talking to Teens - Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a difficult topic, but it’s too important to ignore. In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, this edition of Mālama Ola Minute highlights risk factors, warning signs and steps to help those in need. See story »

August 22, 2022

Mālama Ola Minute: Easing back-to-school stress

Returning to the back-to-school routine can be a stressful time for parents and haumāna alike. Learn some simple stress-busting tips to help you and your keiki get the school year off to a great start in this monthʻs Mālama Ola Minute. See story »

July 18, 2022

Six sun safety tips for you and your keiki

July is Ultraviolet Safety Awareness Month. Follow these tips from the American Academy of Dermatology to protect your family’s skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays and reduce your risk of skin cancer. See story »

June 1, 2022

Read named KS Health Services director

E ho‘omaika‘i to Nicole Read who was recently named Health Services director for Kamehameha Schools. Prior to her new post, Read was interim director and Health Services manager at Hale Ola at KS Kapālama. See story »

May 31, 2022

Talking to your keiki about mass shootings

Children who are struggling with their thoughts and feelings about the Uvalde, Texas shooting may turn to trusted adults for help and guidance. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, here are some tips on how to talk to children about mass shootings. See story »

May 12, 2022

6 tips for managing end-of-school-year stress

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a fitting time to manage your child's end-of-school stress and anxiety. Although there is no easy fix, here are six ways to help prepare your child for the transition from school to summer. See story »

April 7, 2022

Mālama Ola Minute: Five tips to teach kids the dangers of underage drinking

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Here are five tips to having a vital conversation with your kids about alcohol use and the dangers of underage drinking. See story »

March 9, 2022

Mālama Ola Minute: Five tips to help keiki cope with academic anxiety

In today's environment of high-stakes testing and increased competitiveness in college admissions, experts worry that academic stress without enough down time, can take a serious toll on students. See story »

February 9, 2022

Mālama Ola Minute – Teen dating violence: Tips for parents

Take a moment to learn what teen dating violence is, how to recognize its warning signs, what to do if you suspect your child is in an abusive relationship, and how we can work to prevent teen dating violence as a community. See story »

December 6, 2021

Mālama Ola Minute: Give time, stress less

Studies show that volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine. See story »

November 9, 2021

Mālama Ola Minute: Is kindness a cure for everything?

In commemoration of World Kindness Day, Nov. 13, KS Hawai‘i Kahu Kaunaloa Boshard KSK'77 shares his mana‘o on kindness and its many health benefits. See story »

October 7, 2021

Mālama Ola Minute: Eat Together, Eat Better

Here are some tips on how to encourage smart eating habits and prepare locally sourced meals to help you and your keiki eat healthy all year long. See story »

September 9, 2021

Mālama Ola Minute: Helping a child at risk for suicide

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. None of us wants to believe that our keiki are at risk for suicide. But during this tumultuous time, staying alert to warning signs and talking openly with kids about their feelings are more important than ever. Here are a few tips on suicide prevention to follow and to share with those around you. See story »

August 10, 2021

Mālama Ola Minute: Helping your keiki transition back to school

Anxiety and stress are high during this pandemic, parents and guardians play an influential role in helping keiki cope, encouraging a positive back-to-school transition and reducing anxiety and worries. See story »

July 13, 2021

Kūkahekahe: Join the ‘Plastic-Free July’ movement

In this Kūkahekahe column, we encourage you to join “Plastic Free July,” a global movement to reduce the use of plastics and encourage sustainability at home and in the workplace. See story »

July 7, 2021

Mālama Ola Minute: Keeping your keiki safe at the beach

Summer is in full swing and many of us are heading to the beach to cool off. But before you unload your picnic cooler and pool noodles, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the following tips to make sure you and your keiki stay safe. See story »

May 13, 2021

Mālama Ola Minute: Healthy changes to help prevent diabetes in your keiki

Learn about diabetes risk and prevention in keiki and join us in the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes by the American Diabetes Association to help raise awareness of the disease. See story »

January 20, 2021

What you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine

The Mālama Ola Minute is a series brought to you by the Kamehameha Schools Mālama Ola Division to increase awareness, promote discussion, and offer tools to improve the physical and mental health of our haumāna. See story »

December 16, 2020

Celebrating safely during the holidays

The holidays are upon us, and parents are evaluating which traditions and festive activities are safe for their ‘ohana to engage in this year. As our Christmas and New Year’s celebrations often involve sharing food, time and gifts, some adjustments are needed. See story »

October 20, 2020

Tips for a safe and healthy Halloween

Even as we all continue to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Halloween is still one of the most magical days of the year. To help ensure that you and your keiki have a safe and healthy Hallows’ Eve, we are sharing the following advice from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. See story »

September 17, 2020

Pandemic causes uptick in suicide rate among teens

August 20, 2020

10 tips for parents navigating the ‘new normal’ of distance learning

The statewide surge in COVID-19 cases has prompted Kamehameha Schools and other educational institutions to close their campuses and implement distance learning programs. With that in mind, our Mālama Ola team would like to offer the following suggestions for your ‘ohana as you adjust to the new reality of learning at home. See story »

June 18, 2020

Talking to keiki about racism

As protests over the violent deaths of black Americans dominate the news and social media, many children are feeling scared, confused or angry. Talking to keiki about the turmoil is tough but necessary. Following are some guidelines and valuable resources parents can use to help keiki better understand racism. See story »

May 20, 2020

Caring for your keiki’s mental health during the pandemic and beyond

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In the spirit of raising awareness, Kamehameha Schools behavioral health specialists offer the following suggestions on how to care for your keiki’s emotional health and mental well-being during this difficult time and beyond. See story »

April 23, 2020

Help students feel connected while practicing social distancing

Connectedness refers to having relationships with others who can provide understanding and support. As we practice social distancing, and realize that most public places have closed, educators need to get creative to help students feel connected. See story »

April 16, 2020

Fostering a sense of safety

A sense of safety is the belief that your needs—and the needs of those you care about—will be met. It is a belief that you will be protected from harm and that those around you will be safe.
See story »

April 9, 2020

Prioritize relationships, well-being before checking on compliance

In shifts to distance learning, educators will need to actively focus on maintaining attitudes of inclusivity. Now more than ever, students should feel valued and welcome regardless of their background or identity. See story »

April 7, 2020

The importance of self-care in the time of COVID-19

When you’re a parent, self-care is often your last priority. But as we face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, caring for yourself is more important now than ever. See story »

April 2, 2020

Establishing a routine and maintaining clear communication are crucial

Maintaining and communicating predictable routines is very important. Doing so helps students to maintain a sense of psychological safety—a sense that they can manage stress or connect with someone who can help them manage stress. See story »

March 15, 2020

KS Kapālama will begin Spring Break early in response to COVID-19 developments

Kamehameha Schools Kapālama will begin spring break earlier than scheduled in response to the developing COVID-19 situation. Spring break will now commence on Tuesday, March 17. Haumāna are scheduled to return to school on April 6 unless otherwise instructed.
See story »

March 11, 2020

The important role of sleep in student well-being

Sleep is an essential part of a child’s daily routine and a critical component of a healthy lifestyle. The proper amount of sleep at night can help students stay focused, improve concentration and enhance academic performance. See story »

February 13, 2020

Protecting our keiki from online predators

The thought of someone using online gaming, social media or other Internet platforms to harm your keiki may be hard to stomach, but it’s an unfortunate reality of today’s modern world. See story »

January 15, 2020

Setting healthy New Year’s resolutions with your keiki

Learning how to set and achieve goals is a necessary life skill for success. Many of us ring in the new year by making resolutions, however studies show that only about 8% of us achieve our goals! See story »

December 13, 2019

Reducing holiday stress for your keiki

The holiday season is about aloha, gift-giving and gathering with friends and family – but the frenetic festivities can be nerve-wracking, not just for adults but for keiki as well. Remember, holidays do not have to be perfect. See story »

November 18, 2019

How to handle bullying

KS is committed to providing a learning environment free from all types of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, hazing or violence that may interfere with a student’s ability to learn and enjoy his or her educational experience. If you are a student who has been bullied, a parent of a bullied child, or witness to a bullying incident, please tell a kumu, an administrator, or report it via the See story »

October 25, 2019

KS cultivates a culture of safety

Crystal Busey – senior director of Enterprise Safety and Student Well-Being – shares details on KS’ Hi‘ikua Student Helpline that helps students and their families report well-being or safety concerns. See story »

October 24, 2019

Learn how to play it safe on the playground

Alan Abara – a KS Kapālama Safety and Risk specialist and certified playground inspector – shares valuable tips on how to keep keiki safe. See story »

October 23, 2019

KS Safety and Risk staffers promote lab safety

KS Kapālama Education Safety and Risk Specialist George Iuta explains how his team helps budding young scientists and science kumu steer clear of hazards in campus laboratories, and how readers can implement similar safety practices at home. See story »

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