
Assets School makes a difference in the lives of gifted and dyslexic students through a strengths-based learning environment. We place a strong emphasis on the importance of family support to help to build confidence and resilience in each child.
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” — Marcel Proust
I remembered this quote on Kūpuna Day, one of my favorite days on the school calendar. This year, we welcomed 150 guests to campus: grandparents, parents, grand aunts and uncles, as well as aunties, uncles and family friends. We are excited to meet the many different adults and elders who make a positive impact on our students’ lives. As we shared breakfast together, two classes greeted us with a song and dance. Then, we had fun making arts-and-crafts and moved to the classrooms where children and ku¯puna engaged in all kinds of fun activities. As I listened to ku¯puna sharing stories about their school-aged years, I couldn’t help but wonder who had more fun, the children or the adults?
“I was thoroughly entertained and so glad I made the effort to attend on both days for both of my grandchildren,“ said Susan Lee, grandmother of Zak Campos, grade 3 and Bella Campos, grade 5. “Visiting Assets gives me a unique perspective on Zak and Bella’s world and brings us closer together.”
ASSETS SCHOOL
1 Ohana Nui Way, Honolulu, HI, 96818
808-432-1356 | www.assets-school.net

If retirement is on your horizon, we can answer your questions about Social Security benefits. Here are some common questions:
Arlene’s mother’s last breath was soft and peaceful. Arlene welled up and sobbed — not entirely from sadness, but also from release. She had done all she could do. She had honored mom’s wishes and here they were, alone at Arlene’s home on O‘ahu; Mom’s pain and frustration were over.
Independence is a matter of choice and circumstances. And as we age, we naturally become more dependent on others. Living “independently” may mean that you own a home with a yard or a condo, you rent an apartment, or you rent a room in a senior living community. Most people who live a long life can expect to move from one level of independent living to another as yard work, driving and housekeeping become impossible tasks. The newest senior living communities now offer several options in one living complex: independent living, assisted living, short-term respite care for rehabilitation, a memory care neighborhood, and skilled nursing facility. This broad array of services allows clients to easily transition to a higher level of assistance and care within their new home.

Pets are great at any age. Do you remember your first pet and learning how to care for Spot or Fluffy? It doesn’t take much time and effort to keep a mature pet. The love, attention and companionship they give seems so much more than the protection, food and exercise we offer.
Need more encouragement? Just look at this cute dog who was up for adoption in January. We missed the chance to give him a home then — but the pet of your dreams may be waiting for you right now at your local Humane Society.
MIGUEL GONZALEZ, President, Catalyst Factor Agency Public Relations, is a former newspaper
SANTIAGO RIVERA, Chief Operating Officer, Interim Healthcare Honolulu, is an innovative
JEFFREY SISEMOORE, JD is Director of Planned Giving and Major Gifts for the National
STEPHEN B. YIM, JD, LLM is a sole practitioner tax attorney specializing in elder law and
ALAN MATSUSHIMA, Enagic ™ Ionized Water Consultant, developed a keen interest in
MAILE KAWAMURA, Executive Director of the Arthritis Foundation Hawai‘i, is responsible
