Mustn’t Be Late With Video Entry

Windward public high school students have until March 10 to enter a video competition promoting good attendance.

The contest is Phase Two of a district-wide “Be Pono, Be In School” campaign to tackle the issue of serious, chronic absences in the Castle, Kahuku, Kailua and Kalaheo complexes. It was established by seven school social workers who ran with the idea and marshalled together all the sponsors, judges and contest materials.

All students in grades K-12 may enter by creating 30-second videos conveying why it’s pono, or right and good, to attend school daily, arrive on time and stay there. Prizes range from $1,750 cash to a pizza party, from a class day at Sunset Ranch or Kualoa Ranch to gift certificates and a custom surfboard (not during the school day, of course, but handy for weekends).

“We’re helping many students think seriously about absences and tardiness, and their impact on their education,” said Paula Wong, campaign manager and district educational specialist. “The contest can have great impact on helping them value their education.”

For contest rules and details, email beponobein-school@gmail.com. Winners will be announced April 30.