Last week was intense, even for an Ironmom. It had nothing to do with training, or even business. It was centered around an ongoing issue at school that finally caused a major problem. It started with loitering and litter, which put a student into a dangerous situation, and resulted in bullying and uncovering a greater issue of vaping, alcohol, and drug use that should not be happening amongst our students or on our campus.When we moved to Hawaii we had heard rumors the school system was a little rough, especially the one we were in. Figuring we would move before having children, we were not worried about it. Ten years and two children later we are obviously still here, growing roots deep within this community. Most of our son's preschool classmates go to another school nearby, but with geographic exchange closed due to saturation, and no spots open at the charter school, we turned in kindergarten enrollment paperwork along with a thick volunteer application at Kealakehe Elementary. I figured I would just be involved more to make sure Jason would have every advantage and help his teacher if needed.
We met Jason's teacher Mrs. Robinett at his assessment, and toured campus. It was clear we had a great teacher, and we were excited that things were no where as bad as rumored to be. Our teacher assured us at the parent orientation before school that she was there for our children. She came from a reservation on the mainland and has seen it all. She told us we had a diverse class with students at all levels academically and emotionally, but she could handle the 30 students she had (even without an aid) if they could not open a 7th class due to late registrants in the system. She also told us the lack of parent involvement in our schools is an issue, but mostly because parents have to work multiple jobs to care for their children and that hopefully we can change this because parent involvement is important for the success of the students.
We have had ups and downs this year, but Mrs. Robinett has held true to her word, always being there for us and our son even with an overloaded schedule. She is the grade level chair for kindergarten and on the ILT Instructional Leadership Team and is not only working to educate my son, but also bring innovative teaching techniques to our schools. Our son trusts her, and so do we. If he has a problem, he would go to her. When she is out at meetings for her grade level chair role he misses her and we talk about the fact he has subs a lot so she can do important work. So the fact she has been out for over a week because of the incident last week, and may or may not return because of it, is sad and wrong. We want her back, and we stand behind her. This situation has given us the opportunity to bring attention to a growing issue.
So here's what happened, which I have confirmed with the principal.
Last Monday our teacher's son, who is 9 years old and a student at KES, was playing at recess. He found garbage on the playground-(turns out it ended up being a rusty mod unit (internal battery thing inside a vaporizer with a lithium battery known to explode spontaneously when tampered with))which he did not know was dangerous on the playground, tossed it into the field and it lit the field on fire. He didn't know what the thing was at the time and didn't know why it exploded. (His dad figured it out eventually and even educated some at the fire station who had no idea what it was either. I still don't really know what it looks like or if I would know it if I saw it now.) The student went and told the playground assistant, who put into action a live fire protocol. The school was evacuated, the fire department came, and the fire was put out. After investigating what happened it was deemed and unfortunate accident that could have happened to anyone, and was dismissed.
The rest of what happened is my observation after having conversations with Mrs. Robinett, other parents, and comments on social media. I was only first aware of the situation via a Facebook post, but since then have seen with my own eyes the result of the rumors that circulated before the facts were known.
While all of this was happening, rumors began to circulate on campus among the staff, students, and later parents about the intent of the student, the parenting of his mother (our teacher), and the floodgates opened for speculation and blaming, labeling, name calling and general bullying. While trying to figure out what happened, those involved (our teacher, the student and the administration) did not talk about the incident because nobody knew what happened, so the rumors were allowed to circulate further. The family wants to make clear that the student did not know what he had found, and that nobody knew what it was or that it could start a fire. Even the firemen did not know what it was or that it could start a fire until the student's father figured it out after researching it online, and educated others. He did not do it on purpose, and it was an accident. Nobody was able to stand up and advocate for the family, and they were left without a formal apology for the hurt and hardship the family has had to face because of it. It has been forgotten or a non-event for some at the school already, even with the trauma it has caused for the family. What to some is "not a big deal" has shaken Mrs. Robinett's foundation and faith in the school system, and she feels uncomfortable bringing her family back to the school until something is done about the situation.
Instead of addressing the fact trash was left on campus after weekends and evenings loitering of students and adults, or that A 9 YEAR OLD CHILD was left unattended at recess and even able to start a fire at all, or that issues with drugs, alcohol, and vaping happen on a regular basis on our campus a CHILD was blamed for being reckless and cast out for it. It is our job to protect our children. The vaping and loitering problem on our campus is swept under the rug for who knows what reason. It is clear that the students outnumber the faculty, and can be wild and unruly. I have volunteered on campus and seen it firsthand. The middle school is right next to ours and the behaviors of those students seep onto our campus. Some of those students were our students and our students will be there someday. At our school the kids push the limits it's true. But at the same time they listen and want to learn. They will eat their vegetables at lunch and pick up their litter when asked to. I have asked, and they are excited to be strong from carrots and put their straws in the trash for a simple "good job, thank you!" I know teachers are already trying to teach manners and morals, but why is there still so much trash and rude behavior?
I can't help but wonder if we started a strong campaign as parents and community members to clean up the school campus, monitor who is on it, encourage students to take pride in their school, if we might actually be able to help the administration and teachers change things. Right now it is scary where some of these students might end up and the staff seems overwhelmed and have settled in to "the way things are". So here's the plan: clean up the school, build a playground we can be proud of, get the community involved and give the kids something to do. Put garbage cans around and restart the litter patrol. Boost the programs that will give everyone something to do. Invite people on campus to volunteer and make things better including the middle and high schoolers, and disallow those on campus who are partaking in dangerous and illegal behaviors. Monitor the campus and hold people accountable. It is up to us to make a change and this time, it's going to work. I am going to do whatever I can to keep the bad stuff out of our kids hands and put the right stuff in their minds. Hard work, accountability, respect, and inspiration to reach for their BIG dreams. Because given the chance, these kids will save the world.
We want our teacher back and we are hoping a resolution is coming, instead of letting a valuable resource for our children leave. Wherever she might go would be lucky. Why would we not do whatever it takes to get her to stay? If all the teachers and parent who care get driven out, nothing will change or get better. That's what it feels like right now, and has felt like for the 10 years we've been here.
Last year there was no parent teacher organization (PTO). This year, about 6 of us have committed regularly, with a few others doing what they can, to trying to help make the school better. By default (I'm the only one who didn't say no) I am the president. It is a title I am proud to have, and I take seriously my responsibility to do whatever it takes to make this school better for my own children and all of those who do not have someone to stand up for them. But I can't do it alone. I need your help to truly make change happen.
If you want to help me make a difference we need all the help we can get. You can stop by the office at Kealakehe Elementary School and fill out a volunteer packet, or donate to our PTO fund for special projects like the playground, litter cleanup, and security for our campus. If the school district isn't going to move fast enough to save our students, we will.
Last Thursday I walked the campus and picked up litter near the office and cafeteria. This is what I came up with. As I walked I thought of our teacher, and her son. I felt angry. That could have been us. If my son had found that mod unit he could have picked it up. I wouldn't have known what it was and could have picked it up myself. If Jason had started a fire would rumors spread about us? My goal: no more trash-teach the kids not to litter. No more trash talk-bullying is not ok. No more trash in our kids bodies-raise awareness about the dangers of drugs and vaping. It's an uphill battle I know, but I'm an Ironmom and I know, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.
If you'd like to help my cause please email me at Kelsie@TrunkTrainers.com.
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