Summer program applications now available

KS Hawai‘i is taking a new approach to summer learning with its Hālau Kupukupu Innovations Academy which features courses that challenge students with a rigorous culture-based curriculum. Above, KSH summer school haumāna use their natural environment as a classroom.

Jan. 7, 2015

Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth

Kamehameha Schools summer programs support learning for both KS campus students and haumāna in the community. Summer programs offer opportunies for students from Hawai‘i and around the world to experience learning in new ways, make new friends and build stronger cultural and academic foundations.

Applications for KS' Explorations Series, Kapālama campus Summer School and Hawai‘i campus Hālau Kupukupu Innovations Academy programs are now available. All summer program applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered to KS by February 14, 2015.

The Exploration Series
The Explorations Series is comprised of three different summer boarding programs – Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i, Ho‘olauna and Kūlia I Ka Pono. Each week-long program targets specific grade levels and offers hands-on opportunities for haumāna, with activities and huaka‘i designed to cultivate an understanding of Hawaiian cultural traditions and knowledge.

Programs take place in a variety of locations throughout Hawai‘i. The series is open to students who are currently in grades 5 through 8 who are not enrolled in a Kamehameha Schools campus program. Students from Hawai‘i, the continental United States and throughout the world are eligible to apply and attend these programs. Visit the Explorations Series web page for more information. Read more about the program’s global reach in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs publication, Ka Wai Ola. This year, all Explorations Series programs will start on June 7 and continue through July 17 unless otherwise noted.

Summer School
KS Summer School programs are offered at both the Hawai‘i and Kapālama campuses for students in kindergarten through grade 12 . Summer school offers a number of enriching program options to keep students engaged in learning throughout the year.

For high school students, summer school is also an opportunity to earn credits and better prepare for the upcoming school year. Kapālama Summer School will run from June 8 through July 17 for grades 9 thorugh 12 and June 15 through July 17 for grades 1 though 8. Visit the KS Kapālama Summer School web page to see a listing of course offerings.

The KS Hawai‘i campus is taking a new approach to summer learning this year with its Hālau Kupukupu Innovations Academy. This summer, new and innovative courses at all levels have been developed to challenge keiki and ‘ōpio with rigorous and authentic culture-based STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and math) curriculum. Hālau Kupukupu is intended to maximize the opportunities of summer and pilot new curricular design which bridges KS regional and community resources.

Take a look at the course catalog and learn more about some of the exciting new course offerings. Registration for current KSH students will be processed online through KS Connect. There is no need to complete a paper application and doing so may delay enrollment.

HOW TO APPLY

Additional information and applications for Explorations and summer school programs can be downloaded at KS’ Admissions and Program Enrollment web site. All program applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered to KS by February 14, 2015.

ANCESTRY VERIFICATION
KS’ policy on admissions is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law. To be considered under that policy, each applicant’s Hawaiian ancestry must be verified by Kamehameha’s Ho‘oulu Hawaiian Data Center.

To request an ancestry registry form, please call the Data Center at (808) 523-6228 or toll free at 1-800-842-4682, then extension 36228. Details can also be found on the Data Center web site.

NEED KŌKUA?
KS’ Applicant Service Center provides one-on-one assistance to families applying to the Ho‘oulu Hawaiian Data Center as well as KS campus, community and scholarship programs.

Visit the center at 567 S. King St., Suite 102 in Honolulu, or call (808) 534-8080 or (808) 541-5300 for kōkua. Help is also available at KS Resource Centers across the state.

Kapālama summer school performing arts academy students rehearse before their hō‘ike.

Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i students clean their ipu in Waipao. Generations of past participants still have this treasured keepsake from their weeklong Explorations Series experience.