Page 2 - MidWeek - Oct 6 2021

2 MIDWEEK OCTOBER 6, 2021
Flushing Wheat From Chaff
“It is the time you have devoted to your rose that makes your rose so important.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
WBlue Ribbon Cheer
In-laws deserve a lot of appreciation. Never would I admit to it, but they have been my saving grace lately. As I have been unable to visit my own par- ents across the globe, my Hawai‘i family has embraced me, while keeping intact the personal space so dear to sons- and daughters-in-law.
e hear it so often that its implications may not resonate: “Our keiki are our future.” Too often, those are merely words or politi-
without their eyes, distin- guish between the wheat and the chaff. They, like my in- laws, understand that the gift of time spent in replacing a toilet fill valve goes beyond a clean flush.
Ignace “Iggy” Jang is concertmaster for Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra. He also teaches violin at Uni- versity of Hawai‘i at Mā- noa, is a chamber music coach for ‘Iolani and Puna- hou schools, and is the solo and string quartet program director for Pacific Music Institute of the Hawai‘i Youth Symphony.
Chasing The Light is developed and produced by Lynne Johnson and Robin Stephens Rohr.
cal pontifications. But recently, three schools here were honored by the U.S. Department of Education: Mānoa Elementary, Ma‘ema‘e Elementary and Wheeler Mid- dle. You might have missed this due to news ennui or numbing daily COVID numbers, but all three were designated as National Blue Ribbon Schools. Only 325 schools were awarded this honor nationwide.
It can be tricky to com- municate with your in-laws though. When bubbly lan- guage isn’t your cup of tea, conversation is minimized. That’s when house and yard chores bring a welcome out- let: weed whacking, toilet bowl repairing, vacuuming. Yes, please, I’m happy to help!
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince reinforces that what is essential is not always seen. AP PHOTO/FRANCOIS MORI
There are about 130,000 schools, grades K-12, across the U.S. and while all obviously don’t apply for this award, being anointed a Blue Ribbon winner means that something special is going on. Since 1982, the DOE annually honors schools nationwide “based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups,” according to the its website. Sure, every school has its challenges. There are great schools, teachers and administrators in Hawai‘i working tirelessly under less than ideal conditions far too often. Wheeler deals with its ever-changing military population, which also ex- aggerates staff turnover. Its award application stressed Wheeler’s attention to social and emotional aspects of growing up and learning beyond classroom mandates. With so many coming and going, creativity, flexibility and patience are keys.
or do we just want to be liked in return? Are there ulterior motives? Do we take time to forge alliances to make the world a better place, or is short-term gain the end goal?
ant truth about authenticity: What is essential is invisible to the eyes.
Ma‘ema‘e Elementary is using a strong digital platform (especially during COVID) to enhance the school’s reputation of having solid neighborhood and parental involvement. Ma‘ema‘e and Mānoa Elemen- tary test scores in math and English exceeded state- wide averages by 18%-27%. Mānoa has a strong PTA that passionately provides support and resources. And Mānoa Elementary fields a particularly strong robotics team that has repeatedly won awards at the state level, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
KELLEY
Come to think of it, much communication is rather shal- low these days. But what is its purpose? Validation? Instant gratification? Everything
Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince ultimately realizes that the love for his rose is unique because of his devo- tion to her. In that author’s classic book, the wise fox tells him another import-
As a professional musi- cian, I am often reminded of this quote when marveling at some performers’ intense facial and body contortions. They put audiences in a trance, but sometimes I won- der about what is essential.
happens too quickly. Take the immediate reactions in social media: do we truly “like” something or someone,
New Century Schoolbook bold (scaled H 73.6)
Fortunately the people of Hawai‘i are genuine and can,
CHASING THE LIGHT
Pride, respect, innovation, empathy, teamwork, goal setting and selflessness. These are traits our keiki should aspire to — everyone stroking the boat in the same direction, with egos left at the door. Kids who love playing with one another and who learn to love learning. Committed parents who love getting in- volved. Young kids who get along and treat everyone as equals.
Think about it ...
john@thinkaboutithawaii.com