As students transition into, through, and out of high school it is important for them to be prepared to make these transitions as smoothly and successfully as possible. Therefore, the Papa Kākoʻo program was established to support students and provide them with knowledge, skills, and practice to best accommodate their needs related to these transitions and to prepare them to make better informed decisions about their future.
Within Papa Kākoʻo students experience components that include academic practice and support, Papa Kalikiano – Christian education, Kūlia I Ka Nuʻu – Hawaiian language and culture, character education, organization and time management, research, and guidance activities to inform decision-making with regard to careers and post-secondary education.
Freshmen Papa Kākoʻo [MH08791 – Fall] [MH08795 – Spring] – Semester A/B
0.5 Credits. Transition to High School The high school setting provides a new set of challenges for many middle school students. Freshmen Papa Kākoʻo is a course designed to help in-coming high school students manage this transition successfully. This course focuses on providing support for students’ core academic coursework, developing students’ skills, as well as practicing time management and organizational skills and note-taking and test-taking strategies. Guidance counselors address bullying behaviors and positive relationships, in addition to decision-making skills, PSAT prep, and college and career exploration. The Papa Kalikiano component focuses on developing a Christian education framework with students.
Sophomore Papa Kāko‘o [MH08792 – Fall] [MH08796 – Spring] – Semester A/B
0.5 Credits.. Transition to Academies Sophomore Papa Kāko’o builds skills students need to be successful in both school and the work environment. Students review critical study skills, undertake career planning in an academy setting, create resumes, and begin to build portfolios. Students research college and university admission requirements. Guidance counselors offer PSAT prep and PSAT test result analysis, career academy advising, and lead discussions of ethical and respectful behavior. Papa Kalikiano focuses on personal faith discipline, and the Kūlia I Ka Nu’u kumu provides language and culture instruction.
Junior Papa Kāko‘o [MH08793 – Fall] [MH08797 – Spring] Semester A/B
0.5 Credits. Charting Career Paths Having enrolled in their chosen academies, Papa Kāko’o students continue college prep, working with guidance counselors to identify college options based on needs and interests while preparing for the SAT, exploring career options, and beginning the college application process. The required Hō’ike Nui project includes an internship in the community as well as the completion of a formal research paper, supervised by the seminar instructor and the student’s advisor. Papa Kalikiano focuses on understanding world religions (which aligns with World History in Grade 11).
Senior Papa Kāko‘o [MH08794 – Fall] [MH08798 – Spring] Semester A/B
0.5 Credits. Developing a Post-Secondary Plan Senior Papa Kāko’o helps students build a bridge between high school and their future. Seminar teachers and guidance counselors prep students for the SAT and/or other college entrance exams, assist with college admissions and financial aid applications, and focus students on important life skills and knowledge such as money management, rental agreements, and taxes. Students complete their Hō’ike Nui requirement with their senior presentation. Papa Kalikiano has students explore personal theology, and Kūlia I Ka Nu’u provides a capstone language and culture component to complete their Kamehameha Schools experience.