Visit www.growingponoschools.com to learn more about the E Ola Pono Campaign and how schools can join this statewide effort to improve the social and emotional environment of their school.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie officially recognized four Hawaii public schools selected as winners for their first semester entries in this year’s annual E Ola Pono Campaign. The governor also declared February as “E Ola Pono Campaign Month” in support of this program that encourages student-generated activities and projects that promote peace and pono at schools.
In his proclamation, Abercrombie asked the people of the Aloha State to join in the efforts of the E Ola Pono Campaign by understanding the importance of being pono and working toward improving the social/emotional environment at schools. The proclamation signing occurred on Feb. 6 with students, staff, and parents in attendance.
Winning the first place award of $1,000 were McKinley High School and Kainalu Elementary School, both located on Oahu. Waiakea Elementary School in Hilo placed second in the elementary division, receiving $500. Kualapuu Elementary Public Conversion Charter School on Molokai submitted a campaign entry that was recognized with a honorable mention for the elementary division. These monetary awards are provided to support ongoing efforts of schools to “grow pono” and become even safer, more nurturing places to learn.
At Waiakea Elementary School, Activities Coordinator Hallie Adolf asked the student council what things made them happy at school and what things made them unhappy. The group then talked about what worked at their school that reinforced positive behavior. Video clips about “pono” were viewed to see what other students were doing.
Visit www.growingponoschools.com to learn more about the E Ola Pono Campaign and how schools can join this statewide effort to improve the social and emotional environment of their school.