HCAP Weekly August 8, 2016

In this week’s issue:

Featured Student Writer from the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program
HCAP Staff Provide Valuable Information to the Senior Residence at Iwilei
Former Kumuhonua Resident Reconnects with his Family
Hā Initiative Students Design Robot-Powered Catapults!
HCAP Head Start Children Develop Classroom Rules and Enjoy Story Time
HCAP Head Start Now Accepting Applications for the 2016-2017 School Year

Featured Student Writer from the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program

This week, we are excited to introduce Harmoni as our feature writer from the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program’s Windward STEM Exploration Center. Harmoni is a 6th grader at Waiahole Elementary School.

HCAP Staff Provide Valuable Information to the Senior Residence at Iwilei

The Kalihi-Palama District Service Center and the Senior Community Service Employment Program staff were invited to the Senior Residence at Iwilei to provide information on HCAP’s various programs and services. HCAP staff shared information about the Ohana Produce program, Senior Community Service Employment Program, Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program, and the Kupuna Independent Life Series. HCAP has already been actively working with the Senior Residence at Iwilei through our Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). HCAP staff looks forward to continuing this valuable partnership. Mahalo to the coordinators at Iwilei Homes, Liz and Josie, for inviting HCAP staff to visit the residents!

Former Kumuhonua Resident Reconnects with his Family

Harry had health problems and was unable to find housing, so he moved into the Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center. When Harry arrived at the Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center, he was able to maintain his independence and address his health concerns. Harry was also able to actively participate in physical rehabilitation. While at Kumuhonua, Harry also reconnected with his family members. Harry recently moved to the mainland and will be living with his cousin. Kumuhonua staff is very happy for Harry and are glad that his family members will surround him and support him on his journey.

Hā Initiative Students Design Robot-Powered Catapults!

This week the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program students at the Kalihi-Palama STEM Exploration Center developed their STEM skills by learning about robotics and physics.

The class had a special guest this week, HCAP’s Technical Projects Coordinator Keith Nakano! Keith assisted the students in creating aerodynamic and low-friction boxcar designs for the upcoming boxcar derby competition. The students were very engaged and excited to see their designs come to life. Next week, their designs will be cut out of actual wood with Keith’s assistance.

This week, the students also learned more about robotics. The challenge of the week was the “robot shot-put”. First, the students learned about fulcrums, projectile motion, and levers. Then the students were instructed to design a robot-powered catapult that was capable of throwing small ‘shot-put’ balls the furthest distance. The students recorded and analyzed each catapult arm’s length. They also observed the success of each of the team’s robots and the distance each robot threw the ‘shot-put’ ball. Then they recorded the distances on a line graph. Albert, one of the students, commented, “It looks like the longer the arm the further it throws. Maybe we should make the arm one hundred feet long!”

This was a fun filled week for the students at Kalihi-Palama STEM Exploration Center and they are looking forward to the boxcar derby competition!

HCAP Head Start Children Develop Classroom Rules and Enjoy Story Time

Kalihi Kai Head Start kicked off the school year by engaging students in developing Positive Behavior Support Rules. Having rules in the classroom helps children take care of their classroom and materials, know classroom expectations, and respect themselves and their peers.

At the start of the year, the Kalihi Kai Head Start children also enjoyed the first of many story times! Reading aloud to young children helps them acquire the information and skills they need to succeed in school and in life. Some of the skills acquired during story time include learning the meaning of words, acquiring knowledge of printed letters and spoken words, and learning the relationship between sound and print. The children also learned about varieties of writing styles, the difference between written language and everyday conversation, and most importantly how fun reading can be!

HCAP Head Start Now Accepting Applications for the 2016-2017 School Year

Are you or someone you know in need of free or affordable preschool? Spread the word! HCAP Head Start is now accepting applications for children 3-5 years for the 2016-2017 school year. Families are encouraged to apply by calling (808) 847-2400 or visiting our website.