When Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i Middle School implemented its one-to-one laptop program giving its sixth, seventh and eighth graders personal laptops, Poʻo Kumu (Principal) Scott De Sa celebrated the fact that haumāna could continue their learning online, outside of the classroom.
The only problem was, that students had no dedicated space for such learning to occur. They formed indoor and outdoor study groups, huddling around the few power outlets their classrooms and buildings had to offer.
De Sa took notice, and decided to create an innovative learning space for the haumāna. He teamed up with fellow middle school staffers and students to create the space in the campus’ Kamāka‘imoku building, which houses administrative offices and classrooms.
After months of research, consulting and construction, middle school students now enjoy an area conducive to 21st-century learning.
The flexible learning space allows students to work independently, collaborate in small clusters, or converge into larger groups – all with a few quick furniture moves.
“I feel a sense of satisfaction especially with all that we went through and the number of people involved,” De Sa said. “To actually see the students use the space the way it was designed and then take ownership and responsibility over it, is really all that we as educators can ask for.
“This renovation brings new life and new energy to our campus and I’m excited to see how far our students will take their learning.”
Born and raised on Hawai‘i island, De Sa, earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, returning home to teach kindergarten at Keonepoko Elementary School in Pāhoa. He served in various positions during a seven-year span at Keonepoko, before joining KS Hawai‘i in 2001 as a sixth grade English and social studies teacher.
De Sa went on to earn a master’s degree in education from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, and after four years in the classroom stepped into the role of K-8 curriculum coordinator and summer school director for KSH. He eventually moved to just the middle school grade levels.
His career took him down a different path following the departure of former middle school Principal John Colson in 2008.
“I still remember when John walked into my office and told me he was leaving,” De Sa said.
“My long-term goal was to be a principal, but it was happening must faster than I expected. It’s now eight years later and it’s been quite the journey.”
Having spent 21 years in education, De Sa credits the KS environment for inspiring him to be a better educator.
“When you have an environment where people are committed to the vision – they are creative, they are open, they really take to heart developing the whole child – it makes you want to continue to strive and that’s what I love about Kamehameha,” said De Sa.
“I come through these gates every day and there’s always a sense of pride, tremendous gratitude and excitement, and I think, ‘Wow! This is where I work!’”
This story is part of “I Mua Kamehameha,” an ongoing effort to celebrate the excellence of KS campus and community education programs. Inspirational stories will be shared throughout the year about KS servant leaders who are improving the lives of KS haumāna and contributing to a thriving Lāhui.
Fun Fact
In addition to being an innovative educator, De Sa is an avid horseman. If you’re on Hawaiʻi island this Saturday, look for him in the Merrie Monarch Royal Parade as he leads his family’s pāʻū unit in its last parade appearance.
Pāʻū units retire from the parade when they have represented all of the Hawaiian islands. This year the 11 members of his ‘ohana are proud to represent Moku o Keawe, their island home.
When you have an environment where people are committed to the vision – they are creative, they are open, they really take to heart developing the whole child – it makes you want to continue to strive and that’s what I love about Kamehameha
Scott De Sa, KSH Middle School Principal
The flexible learning space allows students to work independently, collaborate in small clusters, or converge into larger groups.
Educators have also taken to the new space, holding small learning circles outside of the classroom.
In addition to being an innovative educator, De Sa is an avid horseman. He and his ‘ohana will represent Hawaʻi island in Saturday's Merrie Monarch Royal Parade.
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