The donation doubles the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation’s support for the school system.
It’s not intended to fill budget holes, but instead to help turn schools around and achieve tens of millions more in federal Race to the Top money.
These fifth graders at royal school are part of the graduating class of 2018, the time by which Hawaii has to hit all goals in its race to the top initiative to get $75 million in federal funds.
"High rigorous math and literacy skills, reading and writing, science,” said Kathryn Matayoshi, superintendent.
Getting there means making big changes now in how teachers teach, leaders lead and students learn.
"We know the stakes are high, and we want to do our best, we are a little nervous, but we’re ready, we want to see our kids succeed and we want the best for them,” said Nicole Rompasky, 5th grade teacher.
Helping them meet the mark will come in the form of significant private support to supplement public funds.
The Castle Foundation’s $10 million donation over the next four years focuses on things like getting 36 turnaround principals into schools by 2014, and ensuring every new teacher has a highly experienced mentor by 2013.
“All the things that will help you work together to continue to make Hawaii a great place and make you successful in life,” said Mitch Dolier of the Castle Foundation.
The kids got to take hold of the $10 million check but even more importantly, it’s really sinking in what they’ll have to do to take hold of the opportunities the money supports.
"I think I am ready, but even though I’m going to think it’s hard, it’s going to help me as I get older,” said Dean Carillo who is 10-years-old. “Maybe there’s going to be even more technology, so the world will be a little more efficient.”
"I was really happy because now I know that they really care about our education,” said 11-year-old Angelyn Aris. “I might want to be a scientist who studies the environmental stuff, like how to save the earth and stop the pollution.”
The governor was on hand for the donation and told kids that’s exactly the kind of goals the money’s supposed to be earmarked for.
“Our job is to make sure you have the best possible chance to use whatever abilities you have to be everything that you can be,” said Governor Neil Abercrombie.
The Castle Foundation has already spent more than $10 million over the past eight years focusing on leadership training for principals.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
