Dear Parents/Guardians, students and community,

 

     Liholiho's Class of 2021 will be having their graduation event on Thursday, May 27.  The fifth grade teachers have organized a special ceremony for parents/guardians.  Kindly follow the instructions sent by the teachers regarding the event.  We will miss this class, as they are talented, enthusiastic and many are multilingual, speaking Japanese, Korean as well as English. The Class of 2021 students will attend a variety of middle schools. Students will be attending the following schools:  Kaimuki, Nui Valley, Washington and Stevenson Middle Schools, as well as Mid-Pac, Punahou and St. Louis Schools.

 

     The school will say farewell to technology teacher, Mr. Peter Nakashima, who will be retiring after 29 years of DOE service.  Mr. Nakashima has been at Liholiho Elementary for 24 years and is credited for building and coordinating the school's technology program.  He has elevated the technological skills of our students, teachers and staff!  Mrs. Naomi Salaveria will also be leaving the DOE.  She has taught for 23 years as a grade level and special education teacher!  She represented our school in the Honolulu District State Teacher of the Year Program.  Also retiring is Educational Assistant, Gwen Barcuse who came to our school after the closure of Liliuokalani Elementary School.  She has spent over 25 years caring for and working with special needs students.

 

     Coach Tom Holden will be retiring after 11 years at Liholiho, 11 years as Punahou's Athletic Director and 25 years as a P.E. teacher.  Coach Holden has lifted the school's physical education program to new heights.  His enthusiasm, dedication and collaboration with Coach Kelly Majam Elms has had a major impact on the physical education classes.

 

     It has been uplifting to see students attending school daily.  One can observe students enjoying lunch and joyfully playing with their classmates.  This year has definitely been a test of everyone's flexibility, stamina and resiliency.  The 2021-22 SY will open with all students daily attending in person.  The Kaiser, Kalani and Farrington Complex Schools will not be offering Distance Learning programs.  Parents however may elect to Home School their child. 

 

     Continue to check the school's website for updates that occur during the summer.  Have a relaxing and positive summer break.

 

Aloha and Mahalo,

Christina Small, Principal

Liholiho Teachers and Staff