There was much laughter and only a few tears as our teaching staff said ‘aloha’ to the graduating keiki, and those moving on to new schools. Keiki were treated to all kinds of fun surprises, from face painting and bubble machines to shave ice trucks.

Here at Partners in Development Foundation we say hoʻomaikaʻi to all the graduating keiki, and send heartfelt mahalos to all the families who help to make our Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool programs so special.

See more photos from the Tūtū and Me graduations on our Facebook page here. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to see more videos like this, and the latest from our programs!

The annual graduation event saw the keiki perform a few songs for their families, collect ‘diplomas’ and receive certificates inside brand-new backpacks. Project Director ‘Aunty’ Lora Perry and her staff even helped one keiki graduate via FaceTime when he and his family were unable to be present.

The event is their way of showing the families how much the Nā Pono team is blessed to have the families be part of the program. Some families have been part of it for 10 years, and Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana would not be what it is without each and every one of the families, their keiki, and everyone else they bring with them.

“Here in Hawaiʻi, it is so hard to get into a preschool program,” says Keera Ho-Mook, the Project Coordinator with Nā Pono. “I think providing this opportunity for these families gives them an option that they might not otherwise have.”

Following the graduation, families gathered around their keiki to celebrate this first of many big steps in their education. In completing the Junior Kindergarten, the children have shown that they are prepared to come into a kindergarten classroom and thrive.

“It gives the graduates and their families a sense of accomplishment,” continues Keera. She explains the importance of education to these families, and how vital it is to show the keiki how important school can be for them.

Besides the excitement of graduating and celebrating with their families, Nā Pono treated the keiki to a showing from the Reptile Man, a shave ice truck, and a delicious brunch.

When asked about a message for the graduating keiki, Keera had insightful words.

“We wish them well and hope that we have provided a stepping stone for them for the rest of their future. We believe that success can start at any age, and if we teach our families and our children that all of this can be possible, then they know that every step that they go towards, they can accomplish it.”

Hoʻomaikaʻi to the Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana Junior Kindergarten graduating class of 2019! We wish you all the best for your future!

To see more photos from the graduation, go to our Facebook album here.

Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool East Staff

‘Anake Brandy, ‘Anake Kristen, ‘Anake Malia, ‘Anake Shai

The fun celebration continued as we enjoyed each other’s company and fellowship over the ‘ono food and desserts provided by our families. Keiki had much to do as they enjoyed playing with bubbles, bouncing balls, hula hoops, balance beams and more! They also enjoyed the tattoo station as they rubbed on some their favorite characters along with a photo booth. The photo booth provided a bundle of fun stick props such as funny masks, tubes, hats and cool words and phrases. As the event drew close to an end we began to say our aloha (good bye) and a hui hou (unitl we meet again) to our keiki and ‘ohana. Bitter sweet moments filled the room as we felt the big hugs and memories rush through our minds and hearts. It was a proud moment to see our keiki walk away knowing they are ready to begin a new journey of growing and learning. Every keiki is highly valued and treasured in our hearts forever. We will never forget the lessons we also learn from each keiki because as a Tūtū and Me ‘ohana, we grow and learn together. We truly enjoyed our graduation and ‘ohana day and we look forward to many more that has yet to come.

Me ke aloha pumehana, Tūtū and Me Hilo

This year’s theme was “Under the Sea” and our amazing staff ran with it! There was a gross motor tunnel where the children could dress up in scuba gear and explore 3 different stages of the ocean and the life therein. Our keiki were able to walk on the seashore, “swim” in the shallows and “dive” down into the abyss. Families also got to work together to create their very own pāpale ‘opihi and pa‘u limu; we had some seriously adorable little sea creatures at graduation. There were games for the children and their caregivers to enjoy together such as “Let’s Go Fishing” and “Octopus Ring Toss” and everyone in attendance was able to take a few turns in our ocean-themed photo booth.

There were words of advice, love and encouragement from our President and Chairman of the Board Jan Dill and Ka Pa‘alana Program Director Danny Goya. Representative Andria Tupola, this year’s keynote speaker, graced us with an interactive and rousing speech. Representative Tupola made 3 points in her speech: the first was patterns; “What kind of patterns are you setting for your child?” Are you making an effort at regular dates with your child, such as a weekly visit to the park or library? Secondly, sounds; “What kinds of sounds are we showing our keiki?” Do you want to leave your child with sounds of love or anger and disappointment? Finally, impressions; “What kind of impressions will we leave our children with?” Are you going to be the parent cheering and encouraging on the sidelines or the parent that never makes it to a performance or recital?

Our graduates were gifted with makana from Nicole Souza and Kamehameha Schools, Uncle Corbett Kalama and The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Aunty Debbie Nakanelua-Richards and the Yoneda ‘ohana. The smiles from ear to ear of the keiki and their parents lent to an overall atmosphere full of laughter and excitement. As we close one school year here at Ka Pa‘alana and prepare for a new one we must keep in mind one critical question from Uncle Jan: “Pehea nā keiki?” Our goal as always should be the answer, “Maika‘i nā keiki.” The children are well.

Graduation day was filled with many fun activities! Keiki and caregivers had the opportunity to ride a train provided by the owners of Keiki Express, the Paio ohana. The Paio’s gave of their service for two hours allowing every keiki to ride the colorful-song-playing-train. Keiki also got to dip their little hands in a pool filled with water beads and they loved feeling the texture of the squishy and jelly water beads. Not far from the water bead pool was a sidewalk covered in bubbles. Bubble machines, bubble trays and bubble wands were laid out for our keiki to enjoy. Some keiki loved chasing the bubbles and some just loved making the bubbles. They definitely were having a bubbly time! Keiki and caregiver also enjoyed the tattoo station and proudly wore their princess or action hero tattoos. Everyone enjoyed the fun, food and fellowship of our graduation day and it was a celebration to remember!

We would like to give a special Mahalo to Locations Hawai’i LLC for their generous donations. Their representatives, Michael Marks and Kengo Ueno, presented to Ka Paʻalana a monetary donation of $2,100. Thank you very much for attending the graduation ceremony, and for your continued support and generosity.

We would also like to express our deep appreciation for guest speaker Sam Kapu III, who presented us with a wonderful graduation speech, and entertained us with a song that was in keeping with our “Super Hero” theme, Maui the Hawaiian Superman.

A big shout out to the Ke Kama Pono Program participants for attending and helping serve lunch to the families and guests. And, to all the administration, board members, family and friends of the graduates for attending this event.

We would also like to thank the Honolulu Police Department, Honolulu Fire Department, and Honolulu EMS team for volunteering your time.

Last but not least, Mahalo Nui to the staff members of the Ka Paʻalana program for doing such a wonderful job decorating and setting up this event. Not only that, but thank you for your dedication to our keiki and their families and for another wonderful school year. Congrats class of 2015!

On May 27th, 2015, 25 keiki (children) graduated from Nā Pono’s Junior Kindergarten program and will start kindergarten in the fall. As family and friends gathered for Circle Time in the main classroom to watch their keiki graduate, our staff did their usual routine of setting up and getting everyone situated to experience this wonderful and thrilling event.

This exciting event was a great experience for the community but these preschoolers were exhilarated themselves. Upon graduating from their pre-kinder class, these keiki were able to experience what success feels like at an early age. It’s milestone events such as this that motivate these children to succeed in the future and encourage them to continue to thrive as they grow.

Family members and friends came out to show their love and support. This program was designed to point parents, caregivers, and their children in the right direction as they learn and grow together. The Nā Pono Junior Kindergarten is structured as an FCIL (Family Child Interactive Learning) programs, which encourages a unique learning style environment, which includes both child and caregiver. We believe that children learn best from their most intimate caregiver.

The graduation ceremony followed with lunch, games, and activities coordinated by Ka Paʻalana staff. City Church Of Honolulu’s youth group helped with preparing Kalua Pig earlier this week and served it for lunch to guests. Congratulations Ka Paʻalana graduates of 2014!

Mahalo to Office of Hawaiian Affairs for continued support of this program and the encouraging words from Ka Pouhana (CEO), Dr. Kamanaʻopono Crabbe and OHA Trustee Oswald Stender.