On July 1, 2013, we had our Groundbreaking Ceremony which indicated the start of our $33.2 million construction project. A number of dignitaries joined us, including Governor Abercrombie, School Superintendent Matayoshi, and General Pete Johnson of US Army Garrison Hawaii. What an exciting time to be able to re-invent Hale Kula which hadn't had any major changes since it was built in 1959, the same year that Hawaii became the 50th state!
Today, exactly one year later, our school is undergoing a transformation. The new administration building should be done, and we should be settled in prior to the start of the new school year on August 1. The library will be moved temporarily to rooms F4 and G4, and very shortly, these two buildings (office and library) will be demolished to make room for the new library/tech/media/student center. The 2-story, 10-classroom building should be ready sometime during the next school year, and five wings are being renovated this summer - new paint, new flooring, new cubbies and new storage closets. Next summer, new fans will be installed in all the renovated classrooms. Additionally, we will have a new phone and data system which should improve wireless access for our students and staff. This will make it possible to access technology as a tool for collaborating, communicating, thinking critically, and creating - the 4 C's of 21st century teaching and learning. So many new things, and that's why everyone is so accommodating of all the disruptions we are enduring to make all the changes possible.
I have been attending a conference in Atlanta for the past few days, but I will be returning to work on Thursday, July 3. At that time, I will post more photos of all the changes that have taken place during the past week. I can't wait to share with you!
Until next time . . . aloha!
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