WAIKELE, Oahu (KHON2) — “College and career readiness” is something that’s usually associated with secondary school. But for Waikele Elementary School, their academy pathway program gets kids thinking about careers well before.
This program has been a central part of the school’s curriculum for years, and now, that focus has helped them receive national recognition, becoming the first Elementary school to do so.
“Waikele Elementary School is the first elementary school in the nation to receive certification from the National Career Academy coalition for our academy pathway program and as Elementary academy,” said Michelle Tavares-Yamada, Waikele’s Academy Pathway director.
This honor recognizes schools that fully integrate career and technical education into their curriculum, something that no other elementary school in the country has done.
“It’s milestone moment for the faculty and staff,” said Waikele Elementary principal Sheldon Oshio on the importance of such an accomplishment. “We always talk about #ourschool, #waikelerocks, so it took an entire village.”
“We want our students to be competitive and locally committed,” said Vice Principal Jacqueline Nuha-Tabernero, on why the school pushed to have academy pathways as a focus. “Starting at the elementary school will give our students the best chance as they go through the pipeline.”
On Wednesday, Nov. 5, the school held a recognition ceremony to celebrate the accomplishment, which included remarks from the principal, Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, Representative Cory Chun, and much more.
“The fact that Waikele Elementary is getting this distinction for career pathways, which will integrate not just this elementary school but into the entire Waipahu complex, is so exciting,” Lt. Governor Luke told KHON. “It’s getting our kids ready, not just in school, but for their lifestyle.”
But despite the national honor, the school says that they’re not done yet, true to their motto: together we aim higher.
“It’s been a collective success by everyone within Waikele Elementary, the entire school community, the partnerships, businesses, leaders, elected officials, huge success,” said Oshio. “We’re going to continue to evaluate, and continue to look at how we can improve and grow.”