Kamehameha Schools Celebrates He‘eia Preschool LEED Certification, Milestone
WHAT: Kamehameha Schools’ He‘eia Preschool has been awarded a Silver rating in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. This Friday, the preschool will celebrate this acknowledgement along with the milestone of completing their first full year of operation.
“The LEED certification reflects our strong commitment towards sustainability,” said Malia Newhouse, KS He‘eia Preschool educational coordinator. “Our haumāna (students) now have this unique opportunity to learn that it is everyone’s kuleana (responsibility) to do the right thing regarding the relationships that they have with themselves, others, and the world.”
The preschool earned the LEED certification by emphasizing the surrounding natural environment, and by including open air ventilation, low-flow water fixtures and the use of natural light in each classroom. He‘eia Preschool is Kamehameha Schools’ first building to receive LEED certification.
Created by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is the agreed-upon standard and certification that recognizes environmental leadership in more than 30 countries around the world. With the third party verification, the record keeping and the testing done during the building process; LEED far exceeds any other certification process available.
“I want He‘eia Preschool to be a model for other schools to follow,” Newhouse added. “Our staff has developed ‘āina-based learning experiences for our haumāna, promoting a relationship with the environment that supports a sense of place and identity.”
He‘eia Preschool provides educational support and services for 3- and 4-year old Kāne‘ohe and Kahalu‘u keiki. The KS staff embraces opportunities to embed Hawaiian values and practices to promote whole child development and a positive first school experiences to students. Kamehameha Schools established its preschool program in 1980 and continues to expand educational efforts around the state.
WHEN: Friday, July 27th 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Kamehameha Schools He‘eia Preschool
46-430 Kahuhipa St.; Kāne‘ohe, HI 96744
46-430 Kahuhipa St.; Kāne‘ohe, HI 96744
HIGHLIGHTS:
· KS preschool staff will present oli and mele to commemorate this milestone
· Presentation from Maila Newhouse, He‘eia Preschool principal
· Presentation from Terry Kelly, KS Community-Based Early Childhood Education director
Kamehameha Schools is a private, educational, charitable trust founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. The year 2012 marks the 125th anniversary of the opening of Kamehameha Schools, which today operates a statewide educational system enrolling over 6,900 students of Hawaiian ancestry at K-12 campuses on O`ahu, Maui and Hawai`i and 31 preschool sites statewide. Over 40,000 additional Hawaiian learners and caregivers are served each year through a range of other Kamehameha Schools’ outreach programs, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities in Hawai‘i and across the continental United States.
