Spirit is on the upswing
after decline

After 50 years, Kailua still keeps
trappings of its "country" past

Kailua High School has been around so long that it's hard not to think of it as a family rather than an educational institution. Attitudes, styles and many other conventions can change drastically over such a long period of time, yet family bonds still remain strong in this tightly knit community. The halls echo with so many memories that it's hard to put them all on paper.

About Hawaii's Schools Each week, Hawaii's teenage reporters and photographers tell us about their high school. Today's is Kailua High School. Name The Surfrider Faculty adviser Melanie Mitchell Co-editors Justin Uta and Casey Correa Address 451 Ulumanu Drive Kailua, HI 96734 Principal Francine Honda Nickname Surfers School colors Blue and white Enrollment 1,077 (559 boys, 518 girls) Faculty 68 full-time staff

Kailua High School, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has gone through its share of changes. The school originally was located on Kainalu Drive, where Kailua Intermediate School stands now. After a few years there, the high school moved to its current location on Ulumanu Drive.

"When I first started teaching, more students had respect for authority and school property," said longtime math teacher and 2005 State Teacher of the Year Winona Oato. "Students don't feel like they are part of the school community, and they are easily influenced by the media and society."

Oato, who has been teaching since 1965, said technology, standards and culture have changed the way teachers do their job. For example, when Oato started teaching, it was considered OK to give out physical punishment, most notably "the paddle," to misbehaving students. Luckily for students, that policy is not in effect today. Dress codes also were less strict, though the styles of the time were more modest than today's styles.

Jan Young, a 1969 graduate, described Kailua High as "a nice country school." Several things that existed then still exist now, like cliques and the Kailua-Castle football rivalry. Yet, along with things that remain the same, there have been improvements.

But have the students improved as well? After a slow decline in school spirit, the class of 2005 is trying to turn things around. This year alone, students have expressed their school spirit more than in the past.

At this year's homecoming assembly, the inexperienced "newbie" freshman class of 2008, who have no idea what to expect at their first homecoming, did their best to compete with the other classes. Despite the low participation by freshmen, the seniors still encouraged them because they knew they needed positive reinforcement.

Special-ed students
bask in camaraderie

The students find themselves
welcome in school activities

Kailua High School has an extraordinary special education, or SPED, program, which is unique in the way the student body treats its students. SPED teachers agree that, compared with the other high schools where they previously taught, Kailua surpasses their hopes of how they wish their students could be treated.

Brett Matsukawa, department chair for the past two years and a part of the program for the past six years, said, "Our school's attitude toward special-education students is unique in that they are treated like any other student."

Kimi Kamiyama, an English teacher in the department, said, "They allow our students to be a part of activities that the high school students participate in -- for example, dances, student elections and assemblies."

Several years ago two SPED students put on a show for everyone in the courtyard during lunch. One student danced while the other passionately played his harmonica. Some students hanging around in the halls and courtyard clapped along to keep the rhythm, encouraging the two students. Other students came out of the cafeteria to see what was going on, and soon a large portion of the student body encircled the enthusiastic entertainers.

After observing how the Kailua High student body interacted with her students, one teacher noted that she had a change of heart and realized that teenagers aren't as cruel as she thought.

Another teacher said: "When we are walking down the halls pushing the wheelchairs, some of the football players offer to help push the students back to the classroom. This is especially great when we are really tired."

Sam Kamauu, a member of the custodial staff, agreed the students "(have) been treated real good by the others."

There are 20 SPED teachers and 22 educational assistants at KHS who are a part of the state Department of Education. The department's budget makes it possible for KHS to hire skills trainers.

COURTESY OF KAILUA HIGH SCHOOL Special education student Edward Pihana holds up his certificate after being honored as Student of the Week. The award is designed to be a reward for good behavior, teaching students to distinguish right from wrong and to follow the rules.

The department focuses on teaching students life skills, depending on each student's individual abilities and conditions. Matsukawa stated that their goal is "to offer the best possible education for the Kailua High School special-education students while making the necessary accommodations and modifications."

Many of the students attend several classes, just as any other high school student would. They participate in hands-on activities that allow them to interact with the school and community. They also spend time with the band listening to music, occasionally attend physical education classes to observe and play sports with the other students, and take part in art projects.

Students go on regular field trips to the YMCA and the Waimanalo Town and Country horse ranch for therapy. Trips to Windward Mall and fast-food restaurants teach the students communication skills and how to purchase things. The students visit Castle Medical Center and the Kailua police and fire departments to learn where to go if they ever need help. Currently, teachers are excited because they are planning a dance party to teach their students social skills.

Kailua High School students are well aware of the Student of the Week award presentation every Friday because they hear the enthusiastic cheering coming from the classroom. Kamiyama said, "(Students) come to the Student of the Week to cheer them on."

However, many people do not know how a student is chosen for the honor. Matsukawa said: "The Student of the Week is a behavior modification plan. It teaches the students right and wrong and to follow the rules. If a student behaves well, he or she will be rewarded."

Overall, the students and teachers make the program what it is today. Clerk typist Kim Ho'olulu said she has a special relationship with the students.

"They always come to the office to give us pictures," Ho'olulu said. "You just gotta love them."

You Asked...

Keali'i Camtere
Sophomore
"(Kailua running back) Damien Torres, because he's a great football player."

Chanelle Magee
Senior
"My friends, because those are the people I spend most of my time with."

Hogan Paleafei
Senior
"Jesus, because He helps me with everything."

Kehau Glassco
Teacher
"My husband, because he encourages me to do my best, and my son, because he encourages me to do the best for him."

James Akase
Freshman
"Superman, because he's strong, brave and helps people."

Hapaki Nakamura
Senior
"Myself, because I'm the only one who can make myself do better."

Rosa Paleafei
Campus security guard
"My kids, because they listen, they're good and they treat me with respect."

Kelroy Kohatsu
Senior
"God, because He's always there for me."

Sierra Allen
Junior
"My friend Alicia, because she's a good dancer and choreographer."