Charrettes Are Next Step For Castle High School Redesign

Castle High School hosts a series of mini-charrettes this month to engage the community in important steps toward improving the school.

Several months of work already are completed, but more input is needed during the next two months for the Castle Redesign Initiative. The first mini-charrette was held May 3 at KEY Project in Kahaluu.

The next three sessions are scheduled for 5:30 to 8 p.m. May 16 at Kokokahi YWCA, 5:30 to 8 p.m. May 22 at KEY Project and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 26 at Windward Mall. Dinner will be served at the evening meetings, so an RSVP is requested at castleredesign@gmail.com.

“This is a great chance to meet others in the community, hear about what’s being developed and most importantly, give us your feedback,” said Lea Albert, Castle-Kahuku Complex area superintendent. “Your participation would be much appreciated.” Albert also noted that a charrette is “a series of presentations that builds upon previous sessions.”

Concepts being considered aim to make every child “life-ready” by aligning curriculum, character education, college/career readiness, data collection and evaluation. Small learning communities and strategies to link the school with community partners are all part of the equation for a better, more student-centered campus. After all, officials and parents say, Castle is the final, vital stop for students from the complex’s nine elementary schools and one intermediate school.

Reports so far indicate that keys to educational achievement come from family, students, social services and health programs – all supported by community-building, leadership development and civic engagement.

The Castle Education Summit VI is also in the works for 8:45 a.m. to noon June 2 at Heeia Elementary School.