For Kumu Appreciation Week, we’re highlighting kumu across KS campuses who dedicate themselves to shaping the next generation of ʻōiwi leaders. Their efforts help our haumāna grow, ensuring a bright future for our lāhui.
Meet BJ Peloso, KS Kapālama
What inspired you to become a kumu?
Two reasons: First, I have been blessed with many amazing kumu who have shaped me and my perspective. Those kumu showed me so much aloha through words and actions. They anchored my piko firmly here, knowing that I would like to set the foundation of haumāna just as they did for me. Second, my inoa Hawaiʻi is Kamālamalamaonālani, so I often say that I didn’t really have a choice. That was a kuleana I granted when my inoa was gifted to me.
Tell us about a time you saw your haumāna use what they’ve learned to make a difference. What did that mean to you?
My haumāna make me smile every single day! Especially in the māla. I love to see the growth of our haumāna in the māla. They begin in kindergarten, just enjoying playing in the dirt. Throughout the year, they learn from all our kumu that working together during our māla time, this māla — this ʻāina — belongs to them. They learn to mālama this place, not just for themselves, but also for the keiki who will come after them. By the end of first grade, they are actively looking for ways to better our māla, our plants and our ʻāina. Nani!
What’s one lesson you hope your haumāna carry forward?
Our kūpuna were amazing scientists! We learn that our kūpuna share their science ʻike through mele and ʻōlelo noʻeau, helping us to understand our wonderful world. I hope to instill the knowledge that they are kūpuna-in-training, and because our kūpuna are brilliant, they are too!
What’s your advice for new kumu embracing this kuleana?
Enjoy the keiki! Yes, there are easy days and hard days but these little crazy kamaliʻi are so smart and so fun. They make me laugh every single day. Enjoy them and know that you make a difference.
Shout out a fellow kumu who empowers their students every day!
Shout out to two kumu grounded in the ʻike of our kūpuna, who are absolute magic with keiki: Mary Pittman is the most creative kumu who helps her haumāna to achieve incredible growth. Loke Melchor is the coach that supports her kumu, so they are better prepared to push their haumāna and still be ready to walk into any papa with any haumāna, ready to rock and roll.
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kumu appreciation,e ola educators,world class education,kapalama,kapalama campus,hawaiian culture based education,ks kapalama
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Kaipuolono Article, Regions, Wai’anae Coast, ‘Ewa, Waialua, Kona, O’ahu, Ko’olau, Themes, Culture, Community, Employee ‘Ohana, Ka ʻohana Kamehameha, E Ola!, Kapalama Newsroom, Kapalama Home, KS Announcements, Newsroom, Kapalama, Oiwi Leaders, Kapalama campus
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