Kauai High School

Archive of Principal's Messages

Dear Parents, Guardians and Community members,                                     February 8, 2015

Creating and sustaining a culture so that all students are Educated (toward their personal goals), Engaged (in their learning at High School), and Empowered (for their future dreams) is the focus at Kauai High. Improving students reading levels is a big part of that empowerment; reading is the door to their future.   All students need to read at a sufficiently high level to be successful in the work place and in higher education.  A student’s ability to read complicated materials, required in any workplace job, is measured using a score referred to as “Lexile Levels”.  Lexile scores range from 500 (elementary school) to high school expectations for a senior of about 1200 points on the “Lexile score” measurement.

On April 21, 2015 we will have a parent night where parents can learn more about a program called Achieve 3000.  Achieve 3000 is a computer based reading program that reaches every student at his or her own level.  Your student will be given articles that are not too easy nor too difficult, but are at just the right level to help increase his/her literacy skills and to prepare for college.  Knowing that craftsman, nurses, military need Lexile levels of 1100-1300 encourage your student to utilize this on-line program.  (see following article for more information)

There are many upcoming events at school regarding student testing.  On March 3, ACT college test will be taken by all grade 11 students. This opportunity will provide grade 11 students at least their first try at a test required by all colleges in the application process.  Grade 9 and 10 students take a “pre” ACT test which provides them practice and also does career interest inventory.  All parents regardless of the specific test will receive a report containing results.  Seniors will have a unique activity to allow senior bonding and planning for their graduation day.

This spring, the annual State Test called SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium), will replace the HSA (Hawaii State Assessment).  This is the same test over 30 states are using so we will have consistent information almost nationwide.   Grade 11 students will be the only students taking this test required by the State.  The test covers English and Math.  The University of Hawaii community college system is considering looking at your students SBAC scores to determine placement in English and Math courses; certain minimum SBAC scores will be necessary.  So encourage your grade 11 student to do their best on this statewide exam as it demonstrates their learning.

As always contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Anne Kane, Principal