Central Oahu Teachers Win Extra Cash For School Projects

When it comes to teacher needs, Hawaii State Federal Credit Union is willing to give credit (actually hard cash) where it is due, and this year is no exception.

The credit union recently awarded $500 each to dozens of public school-teachers statewide who submitted compelling essays on why and how they would use an extra $500.

Among the 39 winners statewide are five Central Oahu teachers from classrooms at Hale Kula, Mililani Ike and Mililani Mauka Elementary; and Leilehua High and Mililani Middle schools.

“I am hoping to buy an iPad to use with both general education and inclusion students needing other ways to improve or enrich their learning,” wrote Cori Anne Muraoka of Mililani Ike.

She explained that her inclusive class has students with widely different skills and goals, and the iPad is a versatile tool for any of them – and also for her to “record real-time notes as they work.”

At Leilehua High School, Jennifer Martin will purchase the Ben Kaplan resource books and DVD program to make students aware of all the college scholarship help out there.

“Due to recent budget cuts and loss of a counseling position,” she explained, “we are unable to afford these resources – which would be used for the entire student population for years to come through our advisory classes.”

The Investing in Education grant program (previously called Helping Hand) began in 2009, and HSFCU has given just under $100,000 to the cause so far, boosting the grant amounts along the way. Winners must be HSFCU members as well as DOE classroom teachers.