Community Bright Spot #3: "Cup-o-Cheer" Teacher Appreciation
Volunteers serve teachers at the first in a planned series of “Cup-o-Cheer” events to uplift Konawaena Middle School staff. Photo credit for all images in this article: Sandra Taosaka.
IT DOESN’T TAKE MUCH TO SHOW SOMEONE YOU APPRECIATE THEM.
That was the key takeaway from the “Cup-o-Cheer” event put on at Konawaena Middle School by the HIDOE district SEL team, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Hōkūpa‘a.
Distance learning hasn’t just been a challenge for students and families. When teachers told us that they were feeling overwhelmed and in need of support, we worked together to show them that the community appreciates their hard work.
District SEL resource teacher Joy Personius behind the hot drink station, holding the self-care handout given to teachers.
Delta Kappa Gamma member, Konawaena alumni, and former Hōkūpa‘a Program Coordinator Sandra Taosaka ready to welcome teachers to campus with gifts and words of encouragement.
“We gave a cup of cheer and got two cups back — actually, we didn’t get a cup, we got a kettle!” -Sandra Taosaka, event organizer, Delta Kappa Gamma membership chair, Konawaena Foundation chair, Konawaena Centennial Celebration co-chair, and proud Konawaena complex graduate.
Sandra has immense compassion for teachers, having been one herself, and can’t imagine what it’s like to face the challenges teachers have now. Her passion for networking and service led her to link back up with Hōkūpa‘a to help “bring the cheer” to our struggling educators.
That day, Sandra was joined by Britney Kunihiro and Karen Lucker-Rom of Konawaena Middle School and DOE district resource teacher Joy Personius to uplift and serve attendees. They were also instrumental in helping to organize.
All told, about 45 teachers and educational support staff were served, and their energy was, well, cheerful! Many teachers expressed that the event was “just what they needed” and very timely. It was rewarding just to see and hear the gratitude and enjoyment from teachers.
This event couldn’t have been possible without a team effort. The support of people like Sandra, Britney, Karen, and Joy who care about teachers and schools was invaluable. Hōkūpa‘a would also like to thank the DOE district SEL team, school administrative staff, Neighborhood Place of Kona, and Delta Kappa Gamma for their support in organizing and putting on the event, as well as donors Personius Maximus coffee farm, Veteran’s Affairs, DoTERRA, and Office Max for providing gifts and goodies for this and future events. Mahalo!
Feeling inspired? The community can always support local schools and teachers. This is not an easy time, and your support is always valuable. Supporting teachers means supporting keiki, and there are many ways to do it.
If you want to support future events, message @DKGrho on Facebook. Donations are welcome, but due to COVID-19 safety protocols, we must limit the amount of volunteers. You are also welcome to ask how to put on your own Cup-o-Cheer event or ask for help networking! We would be thrilled to see more efforts like this to support and thank our schools.
