Mahalo to the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and the Kauaʻi Ocean Safety Bureau for a comprehensive first aid and water safety training that was built directly into the Namahana School curriculum. Over two days, students were able to work directly with lifeguards and Namahana kumu (teachers), weaving together real world skills with their ongoing education. 

Namahana was deeply honored to receive a $150,000 gift from Matthew Monahan, Brian Monahan, and Catlin Powers of Biome Trust, whose commitment to earth care, self care, and community care beautifully mirrors Namahana’s ʻāina-based model.

The McInerny Foundation recently granted $150,000 to Namahana School. Dispersed over 3 years, it is a big honor to receive a grant of this size from this prestigious Hawaiʻi-based organization. We are extremely thankful to the North Shore community, who stepped up in many ways to recommend Namahana for this grant.

As Namahana students begin Quarter 2, students, their families, and their kumu came together to create Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) for each student. These meetings are a special time  to come together and reflect on the work and experiences of the prior quarter. 

This month, Namahana School launched ulu ʻāina (field studies)—seven weeks of our students learning in community, one day each week culminating in a Hōʻike (demonstration of learning). This is the foundation we're building for our haumāna to be comfortable learning off-campus regularly, developing the skills and relationships that will serve them when they pursue internships during high school.