HCAP WEEKLY September 8, 2025

HCAP Head Start’s First Policy Council
Meeting of the School Year

Recently, Head Start hosted its first Policy Council meeting of the school year. During the meeting, governance training and elections were held, and four proud Head Start parents accepted the honor and responsibilities of serving as Policy Council officers. Their leadership marks the beginning of a collaborative year, where parent voices will help shape decisions that impact our children, families, and program direction.

Before elections, governance training covered essential topics including shared decision-making, parents’ vital role in program oversight, and the collaboration among the three entities that drive effective operations and outcomes. Roles and responsibilities were clearly outlined and nominees were able to share why they were willing to step into the role. Shortly after the induction of the officers, the room was filled with applause and cheers as parents were excited about their involvement in a fundamental aspect of program operations!

Click here to learn more about Head Start.

HCAP Staff Conducts Outreach at KEY Project’s Windward Community Resource Fair

KEY Project recently organized a Windward Community Resource Fair in partnership with the local Lions Club and Castle Adventist Health. HCAP staff from the Windward District Service Center, the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services program, and Head Start provided information about each program and how attendees can get connected to support and services.

Participants learned about available services such as job readiness training and tuition assistance for vocational training, assistance for utility bills, and how to apply for Head Start early childhood services. HCAP shared an interactive punch board where many keiki enjoyed punching open the tops of cups to find a sweet surprise inside to keep all engaged.

This resource fair acted as a one-stop shop for Windward community members to discover valuable resources accessible to them, including HCAP’s wide range of programs. HCAP was grateful to be involved in forming partnerships, fostering connections, and raising awareness to build a stronger, more informed community.

Click here to learn more about HCAP’s programs and services.

Hā Initiative Learns About Aerodynamics

The Hā Initiative Kalihi STEM Exploration Center students jumped into their own engineering challenge: designing and testing the fastest paper airplanes. The exciting challenge helped the students learn and visualize the study of aerodynamics. Students created their own paper airplanes and took turns observing how the solid body moved in the air and how it interacted moving through it.

The students were inspired to learn about these movements after seeing the photos, videos and news articles of an event the STEM teachers and staff attended over their summer break.

The Hā Initiative staff were honored to attend the annual Kaneohe Bay Air Show event featuring an exciting car show, STEM exhibits, and the world-famous Blue Angels. The STEM staff were thrilled to host a booth where they could interact with community members, share the incredible work happening in the Hā Initiative program, and spark curiosity in future STEM explorers.

The booth had intriguing activities for everyone that visited. A handmade marble roller coaster had kids and adults mesmerized as they visually followed the marble rolling through its twists and turns. Catapults were used to launch candy pieces towards a target and participants could practice their precision and accuracy. The STEM staff also set up a raffle where visitors could enter to win a special prize. The most popular activity of the day was a spin-the-wheel game that challenged participants to answer fun STEM questions in exchange for candy rewards. The collage board highlighted the exciting opportunities that Hā Initiative students experienced, from robotics to family events, field trips, and daily STEM curriculum being taught in classrooms across the island.

The Hā Initiative staff are so grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such a thrilling event. It was a great day of outreach, community connection, and celebrating the fun of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Click here to learn more about Hā Initiative.