Aloha Grade 1 Families in Kumu Catherine Aki’s class (E-3) — We have hired a teacher for your child’s grade 1 class, Kumu Corinne Bello.  Kumu Corinne will be meeting your child on Monday, October 17th.  Mrs. Aki will be helping so the transition with your child will be smooth.  Below is Kumu Corinne’s introduction to herself.  Please welcome Kumu Bello to Kualapuu School:

Aloha Ohana e Keiki o’ ka aina —
I am Kumu Corinne , who is looking forward to meeting you and your keiki . Born and raised on the eastside of the island of Hawaii, I have great respect for the aina, believing in sustainability and malama ke aina .   As your keiki’s Kumu, it is important your keiki feels safe and respected in my classroom. The values of hoi ‘hi and lokahi is important in my classroom. I believe in the old ancient African proverbs , “it  takes a village to raise a child .” We in lokahi and with open communication will help to instill in your keiki a love for learning . First grade is an important year to build that foundation of curiosity, discovery and application.
 
My career as an educator was teaching high school special needs students in Hawaii, Oregon and Los Angeles.   Returning to Hawaii I did long term substitute teaching at the elementary level and observed wonderful teachers who inspired me to teach at the elementary level.  For a semester I was given the opportunity to teach at a Waldorf charter school on the west side of the island. I appreciated the hands on curriculum: use of color, art, story telling and making connections with the aina. 
Learning for me is an on going part of life, which is why I am looking forward to this new journey, teaching at Kualapu’u.  I thrive spending time in nature, immersing myself in different cultures, creating vegan dishes, photography, dancing ,writing poetry and art. I am grateful to be given this opportunity. Being a positive part of your keiki life is important to me . Enjoy these precious times with your keiki . Be safe !
 
I look forward to meeting your precious keiki and their Ohana.  Mahalo Nui Loa !
Kumu Corinne 
 
We are still setting up Kumu Corinne’s school email.  If you wish to contact Kumu Corinne, please email me and I will forward the message.   Welcome Kumu Corinne Bello!
 
Lydia Trinidad, Principal
 
 
 

Kualapuu Public Charter Elementary School