HCAP Weekly May 11, 2020

STEM Students Discover DNA Facts Through Hands-on Remote Learning
HCAP Receives Donation from MaskUp Hawai`i
HCAP Partners with Community Member to Assist Kupuna
HCAP Head Start Students Share More Home Learning Activities

STEM Students Discover DNA Facts Through Hands-on Remote Learning

At the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program, a Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center, STEM staff assembled and delivered our first STEM kit directly to students at their homes. Included in this kit were all of the materials needed to build a 3D model of DNA, including red vines to make the deoxyribose backbone, colored marshmallows for the nucleotides bases, all held together with toothpicks symbolizing chemical bonds.

We have been offering our STEM program online on google classroom, and conduct live sessions on Zoom classroom from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. In Zoom classroom, students got to see real DNA extracted from a strawberry. As it turns out, this was the first time many of our students were introduced to DNA and the immensely important role it plays in living things.

HCAP Receives Donation from MaskUp Hawai`i

HCAP Board Member Anne Chipchase, Natalie Ho-Talamoa and their partners in MaskUp Hawai’i made and donated masks for HCAP’s frontline staff and Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center residents. MaskUp Hawai’i has undertaken an initiative to create and distribute face masks to all Hawai`i residents as one method to prevent the spread of Coronavirus 19.  The goal is to have a pair of masks available at no charge to any Hawai`i resident making a request. 

MaskUp Hawai’i wants to do this for the community for a number of reasons.  First among them is that it is the Hawai`i thing to do.  Aloha, Kōkua, Malama, and many other words from the host culture urge us to help … not just give handouts, but help our neighbors understand and learn to act for themselves.  It is also important because many people are very confused by the mixed messages they have gotten from public officials regarding the efficacy of a mask.

According to Ms. Chipchase, there is no charge for the masks, but a small charitable donation will keep the operation going. Details can be found at https://www.maskuphi.com/ 

To order a mask, please contact:
Anne M. Chipchase, MA
Maskuphi@gmail.com
annechipchase@yahoo.com
(808) 282-3899

HCAP Partners with Community Member to Assist Kupuna

HCAP Windward District Service Center continues to reach out to the Kupuna in their community by making weekly courtesy calls.  Staff offer their assistance with no-contact doorstep drop-off of essential needs, as well as just a friendly check-in to see how they are doing.

With so much emphasis on health and safety, and the mandatory use of face masks, Windward staff members wanted to provide our Kupuna with something special.  Windward Community Worker, Mollie, reached out to a local mom, Brittany, who has been sewing face masks for families, frontline workers, and essential workers.  Together, they were able to provide several dozen face masks to the Kupuna in the North Shore area.

HCAP recognizes our Kupuna as a priority, especially during this time of COVID 19.  Ensuring their safety and well-being is especially important, and we will continue to make every effort to provide them with the support and comfort they need.

HCAP Head Start Students Share More Home Learning Activities

Azriel from Waipahu Head Start showing off the box car he made with his mom. Azriel has been staying healthy by utilizing the free grab and go meals provided by DOE schools throughout the island.

La’akea from Waipahu Head Start with his box car. 

Karsyn from Makaha I planted a sunflower while at home and the second picture is an update on the growth.