Alex Haley, author of “Roots: The Saga of an American Family” once wrote:
“Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.”
In Hawai‘i, kupuna play an active role in the family and raising our next generation. Schools are tapping into this senior resource with programs that bring grandparents to campus.
A 2011 study by BYU Department of Family Life showed that with grandparents involved in their daily lives, children are more social, more engaged in school and more likely to show care and compassion for people outside their immediate family and friends.
Assets School is dedicated to helping students with learning differences achieve their fullest potential in a student-centered, nurturing and accepting atmosphere, with an individualized, integrated learning environment that instills confidence and resilience in each student.
4th grader Zach Ihara enjoys his family at Kupuna Day — grandparents retired U.S.Army Colonel Les Ihara, Grandma Shirley, and Dad Percy Ihara.
Assets places a strong emphasis on the importance of family. We host Kupuna Day to honor the wisdom, respect and aloha that our kupuna embody and share with us. Our students’ eyes lit up with excitement and pride as they introduced their school, work, teachers and friends to their guests. The children’s glee reminded me that the “stardust” comes from a special relationship that began at home, in their formative years.
This day, students, kupuna, and school staff enjoyed breakfast together. Later they spent time creating art together. Students performed a hula to “E Ku‘u Tutu (My Grandmother),” a vintage song popularized by Genoa Keawe and her Hula Maids. Kupuna then visited classes for activities with students. We had an incredible morning together.
Mahalo to all the kupuna! We thank you for your guidance, unconditional love and brilliant, remarkable “stardust.”
