Meet our Administrators
Meet Our Principal
Aloha Konawaena ‘Ohana,
Welcome back to another year of excitement and excellence at Konawaena Elementary School. We hope you have had a rejuvenating summer. Our team is READY to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our keiki - We bring our very best every day, because that is what our keiki deserve. We are a school committed to inspiring creativity, sparking joy, and elevating our students to reach their highest potential. How are we going to accomplish this? With Fierce Wildcat Aloha.
Our vision for the school has followed the growth of a tree. Two years ago, we built upon the strength and legacy of our community with the theme Our Roots are Strong. Last year, under the theme Our Roots Ground Our Hearts, we united around our shared values, to redefine our mission and vision, guiding our students to make a positive impact on the world. This year, our theme is Reaching for Excellence, where our students will continue to grow into the best versions of themselves. We will dedicate ourselves to elevating our keiki to the high levels of academic performance that we know they can achieve.
Academically, we have made gains in writing, but lost a bit of ground in math. We are delighted to roll out an improved RTI Block, supported by our PE and Library teachers, which will allow our teachers to better target student needs and work in a small group with students who are more than a year behind. Furthermore, regular daily attendance is also a growth area for our school. We need your help to ensure that our keiki are in class every day, on time. Please insist to your child that EVERY minute in class matters! Our teachers will continue to place emphasis on posting Learning Targets and Success Criteria aligned to the essential standards.
This year, our school Title 1 funds have purchased all the necessary supplies for families. The only things needed are a water bottle and backpack. Please write your child’s name on both items. You can reach out to your child’s teacher if you are unable to provide these for your child.
Similarly, we continue to be a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school. Therefore, breakfast and lunch will continue to be free for the next two years. Be mindful that there is a charge for second meals: $7.50 for a second lunch and $3.50 for a second breakfast. Students may purchase an ala carte milk for 90 cents. Money must be deposited on the student’s ID card prior to purchase.
We are delighted to welcome the following New Staff Members to our ‘ohana:
● Shalonda Young - Student Services Coordinator
● William Trammell - SPED Resource K-2
● Malie Koehler - 5th Grade
● Mariel Fermin - 4th Grade SpEd
● Devie Lestino - 2nd Grade
● Lorenzo SantaBarbara - PE
● Tatia DenisMcright - 4th Grade
● Willow Roback - Kindergarten
Open House will be held in our Cafeteria on Monday, August 3rd. Last names A-M from 8:00-11:30, and last names N-Z from 12:00 - 2:30, if your schedule permits. Packets can be picked up in advance the week before, and can be returned the following day. This is an opportunity to fill out forms, get questions answered, and meet your child’s teacher. Teachers will be calling to invite you to this event the week before.
That being said, I invite you to stop in and introduce yourself, or for us to reconnect and chart our course forward together. Mahalo for your willingness to come together and make our school the best it can be. This promises to be an exciting new school year. I canʻt wait to see our students flourish once again!
With gratitude and aloha,
Jessica Dahlke
Konawaena Elementary School Principal
Meet Your Vice Principal
Chelsea Qualey
Hello, everyone! I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce myself as your Vice Principal, Chelsea Qualey. My journey in education has been driven by a deep passion for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every child can thrive. I am a proud Konawaena graduate and am honored to give back to the community that has given me so much.
I'm here to lend a helping hand, a listening ear, and a warm smile to all our students, teachers, and parents. Whether it's organizing exciting events or working behind the scenes to ensure smooth operations, I'm dedicated to making our school community the best it can be.
With years of experience dedicated to the growth and well-being of young learners, I'm excited to bring my expertise to our school's leadership team. Together, let's embark on an incredible journey of learning, discovery, and friendship!
Vice Principal Qualey