Waiau Elementary School

I am a bit befuddled on how people find this school so great. My child is currently attending this school and I am well, disappointed for a variety of reasons. Since my list is lengthy lets just bullet point on what I find substandard:
1. Appearance– This school is covered with weeds and half dead plants. In part their janitors seem to do nothing. They move so slow and have zero pride in the school they are tending to.
2. There is no playground. So the kids have limited resources to exert their energy. I think it’s especially important for boys to have an outlet.
3. There is no covered walkway so the kids are always exposed to the natural elements of sun or rain.
4. The principal, Mr. Takezono is not approachable at all. You will see him only once in the school year and it will ONLY be on the first day of school. You will never see him again. He does not belong in an elementary school. His personality and philosophy is more befitting for high school.
5. There is zero parent support or participation. Its not because parents are not willing its because the school doesnt communicate their needs or create a sense of community within the school.
6. Art is non exisistent.
7. Disciplinary action in this school is ridiculous. Their approach and expectations are more fit from a high schooler not an elementary school aged child. They treat troubled students more like prisoners than address the child and their needs. You must fit their mold of an obedient child anything outside of that will not be embraced.
8. Its obvious which teachers need to retire or need to get counseling themselves. In first grade my child witnessed his teacher fly a chair in anger. In second grade my child was brought to the front of the class to be made as an example of poor behavior. To basically be humiliated in front of the class. Which I witnessed and confronted the teacher after school.
9. The lunch line system is terrible. If the cafeteria is full, students are to wait sitting outside on asphalt under the hot sun until they are called.
My children attend different schools to fit their needs. Its easier for me to make the comparison. And yes, I wanted to change schools but my child did not want to make new friends.
My other children attend schools within the Pearl City district. They experience so many wonderful opportunitities with field trips, Grandparents Day, May Day, a Christmas program and several other family fun nights throughout the year that allow parents to get involved, to help with various events to stay connected so there is a sense of family being on campus.
Waiau has just 3 events that families can attend. They are Ho’oike The their May Day program. Each class has their own routine performance. They do not change that routine. So if youre curious about your childs performance next year just watch the grade above your child’s grade. It’ll be the same performance. Next they have a Family movie night. Same menu different movie each year. Lastly, Talent show. Last year they featured a boy who shared his life story of moving from school to school because of his poor behaviour and his vow to the to do better at Waiau. It was heartbreaking. Not appropriate for a Talent Show.
Even their fundraisers are predictable. Brownies or ice pops. When I approached them on other ideas to consider their answer was that «demographically these families can’t afford much more.» I believe Waiau is middle class.
It’s unfortunate that over the years Waiau has not grown. Not with the families, not with their approach. I know that half the teachers there are really wonderful. They are compassionate and have a true love for teaching. The other half not so much. They bark orders rather than teach.
All public schools are run autonomously. Each principal have different values and different ways of enriching your child’s experience. I urge you to meet with the principal before you decide on this school or others for that matter.
I attended Waiau many years ago and yes, it was a great school back then. It’s unfortunate that it had changed for the worse. I really do believe it’s the mentality of the principal that makes or breaks a school. In this case I believe he has broke it. Broke down the teachers, the morale and the students.
Again, this is just my opinion. It seems as though that I am the only parent who feels this feels this way.
If you’re a parent who is reading this and have to decide on which school to send your child to, I encourage you to do your due diligence. Walk the campus and compare it with other schools. Chat with the staff and meet with the principal. Ask about whatever it is that is important for you and your child. Like curriculum, support and enrichment. I just feel the need to share since I learned the hard way. Good luck on your journey. I do hope you find what’s best you and your loved one.
Aloha.

I LOVE THIS SCHOOL!!!
My son is on a GE, so we travel an hour in the am and pm everyday to drop him off and it is so worth it!
This is one of few schools that welcomes the Hawaiian Immersion program to their campus and it is limited on enrollment, so apply early!
The staff are so awesome from Principal, V.P., teachers, office staff, librarians, and custodians… all awesome!!!
They have lots of school activities, music programs, and sports.
I wish my other children could have experienced this wonderful school.

I’m sure most people could say this about the schools they are associated with, but the people here are very friendly. Everyone from administration to the custodians that work here are cool people. The school is in a nice neighborhood which I just happened to live in. My neighbor’s kids all went to this school and they seemed to have enjoyed their stay. Not a bad place to spend those early public school years if you ask me.

Such a great elementary school!
I went here when I was a wee lil’ tyke and I enjoyed all of my years here, kindergarten up until the sixth grade. It was such a beautiful home away from home and I don’t remember having any upset feelings about attending school.
All of the faculty members were so great and although I am sad that my favorite teachers have already retired before I got to say my goodbyes, the familiar faces of the other staff members brought me back to when I attended the school. Many of the teachers here have pushed me and inspired me to go above & beyond academically and that’s what I’m still striving for in college.
The classrooms were a good size and the amount of space to play was so vast. I can clearly remember my PE classes outside because they were so fun and the activities that Mr. Jeff planned were always so exciting.
Whenever I was ill, the school nurses weren’t at all evil like in the cartoons or movies; they were the complete opposite: quite angelic. They were so nice and helpful that I felt at home and ease. I constantly got migraines when I was a child so the nurse’s office was a great place for me to sleep it off then jump back on my feet to go about my elementary school duties.
I would love for my kids to go to this school if they keep up with their amazing & successful ways.