MAHALO & ALOHA Earlier this year I announced my intention of moving out of state to pursue another Head of School opportunity. As I look back on my tenure as Head of School the past five years, a few highlights come to mind. Most importantly, I want to reiterate it has been a pleasure working with all the quality people in the Kaua‘i community that have embraced our family. I attribute the enjoyment of this experience to the caliber of people in the Island L. School family which include faculty and staff, students, alumni, our Board of Directors and parents. The highlights of my tenure were collaborating with students daily in providing an excellent student centered education and in developing partnerships with both Kaua‘i Community College and Kamehameha Schools. We doubled our pre-K program from 20 to 40 students and Native Hawaiian students from 44 to 90. Another accomplishment is the growth in enrollment from 376 students when I began my appointment in 2015 to 426 students in 2020. Additionally, our standardized testing and Advanced Placement test scores have increased each year. Island School ranks third in the state among private schools with an average score of 640 in math and 637 in reading on the SAT. Our average score on Advanced Placement exams is 3.66. Because of the high expectations for our students, Island School is poised for continued growth in academics. Island School is a fantastic school and Kaua‘i is a fabulous community. I have had the privilege of watching two of my children graduate from here. Board President Kathy Richardson and I have worked together during this time of transition of my Head of School duties so that the school continues to function smoothly after my departure. With the appointment of Kate Conway, exciting days lie ahead as Island School embarks on a new era with Kate’s experience in private school education. I am pleased with the selection and wish Kate and Island School every success. When I was appointed Head of School in 2015, academically the school had a solid reputation, and we continued to build on the strengths of the academic opportunities for our students while developing partnerships with the community to expand enrollment, and make Island School attractive to students from all over Kaua‘i. We made strides in expanding extra-curricular activities and athletics to develop a well-rounded education for our families. We added basketball, won three league titles in boys cross country, sent numerous athletes to state competitions in track, cross country, air riflery, swimming,
SHANNON GRAVES / HEAD OF SCHOOL . golf, and tennis. Volleyball and soccer teams are more competitive and are on the verge of qualifying for states. Due to the increase in participation and competitiveness in athletics, we plan to add baseball and girls basketball in the coming school year. Chorus concerts continue to excel and sell out within 24 hours. The Mock Trial team won the State Championship in 2018, Science Olympiad dominates at the county level, drama productions continue to provide opportunity for our students to gain confidence speaking in front of audiences. State and county level art awards are common for our students as well as recognition in the state spelling bee. Senior Capstone and National Honor Society projects continue to tackle many issues that affect all of us and help to educate our greater community. Island School students excel in all aspects of the educational experience because they are surrounded by students and faculty that have a desire to be great. The next step is to continue to develop the commitment to fundraising and development so that we can build additional classrooms for our students as we have outgrown our current classroom buildings. Financially the school is debt free and uses its resources conservatively while providing for the needs of students and teachers. However, the need to make a concentrated effort to develop a culture of philanthropy is instrumental in expanding the already exceptional opportunities offered to our students. I want to thank the Island School community for the opportunity to work for you and the Island School students. I wish the board, faculty and staff, and our students all the best and I look forward to hearing about the continued growth and excellence produced by Island School children. Sincerely,
3 Spring Edition
