Ka Lei ‘Ike girls explore the scientific properties of chocolate. (Photo courtesy of Sacred Hearts Academy)
Twenty girls in a chocolate shop, what could be more fun than that? Well, for 10 fourth graders from Palolo Elementary School and 10 fourth graders from Sacred Hearts Academy, a whole lot more.
The two groups from the neighbor schools merged for a month for Ka Lei ‘Ike (Embrace the Knowledge), a brand new summer class at Sacred Hearts Academy in Kaimuki. From June 9 through July 11, they were immersed in challenging lessons on iPads, Zumba, musical theater, robotics and sewing.
The girls also made a behind-the-scenes tour of Hawaiian Airlines, took healthy cooking instruction at Whole Foods Market and licked their way through bon bon-making lessons at Kokoa Bar by Ricard Chocolat, a Kapahulu Avenue chocolatier.
Of course, to make teachers and parents happy, there were also daily intensive classes in reading, math and leadership training.
The Academy-Palolo Elementary connection is part of a state and national movement called Private Schools with a Public Purpose. The Palolo students, who were chosen by their teachers and school administrators, will return to the program every summer through the eighth grade. Ten new fourth graders will be added to the program annually, for a total of 50 over five years.
The mission of Ka Lei ‘Ike is to provide students with an opportunity to gain academic knowledge, develop life skills, encourage community service and seek higher education.
Ka Lei ‘Ike is made possible by a grant from The Learning Coalition. In addition to this summer program, the two schools plan to develop other joint programs during the school year.
