Welcome to Kapa’a Middle School, where we are dedicated to building a strong foundation for our students by fostering character, confidence, and compassion. Our commitment to the success and well-being of every student is reflected in the implementation of key characteristics advocated by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE). While we are at the foundational stage of building these characteristics, we expect all students, teachers and non-teaching staff members to commit to these successful middle school practices.
Positive and Inclusive School Culture:
Kapa’a Middle School strives to create a positive and inclusive school culture where students feel safe, valued, and respected. Our staff is committed to promoting a sense of belonging and acceptance for all students, fostering an environment conducive to character development.
Responsive Advisory Programs:
We are building responsive advisory programs that focus on growing strong relationships between students and staff. Advisory provides a platform for students to discuss social and emotional concerns, enhancing their academic confidence and interpersonal skills. Advisory groups serve as a support system throughout their middle school journey.
Academic Excellence:
Kapa’a Middle School strives for high academic standards to ensure that students are well-prepared for the challenges of high school and beyond. Our curriculum is designed to not only develop academic skills but also instill a growth mindset, encouraging students to approach challenges with confidence and resilience.
Teaming for Students and Teachers:
Teachers and students are placed in teams to collaborate and work closely together to support the academic, social, and emotional development of each specific group of students. This approach fosters a sense of community and allows for a more personalized and supportive educational experience. For teachers, this involves collaborative teaching, advisor-advisee relationships, common planning time, and opportunities for cross curricular integration of learning.
Character Education Programs:
Kapa’a Middle School has implemented the Character Strong education program that emphasizes the importance of integrity, respect, and responsibility. These programs are integrated into the curriculum and are reinforced through regular discussions and activities to help shape students' character positively.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL):
Recognizing the importance of social-emotional development, we have implemented SEL programs to help students navigate the challenges of adolescence. These programs focus on building self-awareness, self-regulation, and interpersonal skills, contributing to the overall well-being of our students.
Effective Communication:
Open communication between teachers, students, and parents is a priority at Kapa’a Middle School. Parent-teacher conferences, newsletters, and online platforms are utilized to keep families informed about students' progress and to create a collaborative partnership in supporting the growth of each child.
At Kapa’a Middle School, we are dedicated to laying a solid foundation for our students, focusing on character, confidence, and compassion. By incorporating these AMLE successful middle school characteristics, we aim to prepare our students not only academically but also socially and emotionally for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Our Pledge to Being a Successful Middle School
At Kapa'a Middle School,
We have chosen to be middle grades educators, for we recognize that the years of early
adolescence are pivotal and abound with individual potential and opportunity.
We will care for our students, respect them, listen to their voices, and engage them in
meaningful educational experiences that will prepare them for a promising future.
We believe that every young adolescent:
- Has the capacity to learn, grow, and develop into a knowledgeable, reflective,
caring, ethical, and contributing citizen.
- Must have access to the very best research-based programs and practices a
school can offer.
- Should be engaged in learning that is challenging, exploratory, integrative, and
diverse.
- Faces significant life choices and needs support in making wise and healthy
decisions.
- Thrives academically, socially, and emotionally in a democratic learning
environment where trust and respect are paramount and where family and
community are actively involved.
- Benefits from policies and practices that are student-centered, unbiased, and
fairly implemented.
- Deserves educators who are prepared to work with this age group, who are
themselves lifelong learners, and are committed to their own ongoing professional
development and growth.
Therefore, we proudly dedicate ourselves to becoming the best middle grades educators
we can be and active advocates for all young adolescents.