When Rachelle Matsumura became principal of Honokaa High and Intermediate School (HHIS) seven years ago, she never imagined she would be leading her school through a lasting pandemic.
Now, as another school year has begun, she’s learning to be extra flexible and roll with the punches.
“I have to take things one step at a time, and to have many, many plans in case plan one, two and three aren't working,” Matsumura told the Big Island Times.
Matsumura is a 1988 graduate of HHIS and began her teaching career there as a senior English teacher in 1993. Established in 1888, HHIS serves a large geographic area including the communities of Waimea, Kawaihae, Ahualoa, Honoka’a, Kukuihaele, Pa’ahau and Pa’auilo.
“I love teaching, interacting with young people and helping to make a difference in my community,” Matsumura said. “… Having a relationship with our students and families is so important here at HHIS. We make sure that building community happens on day one as having a team approach is essential to learning.”
Over the years, she’s watched as the education system transformed from a traditional curriculum focused on the classroom learner to something more complex where academic progress is measured by growth.
“Now, educators are not only leading learners for students, but working on problem solving, teaching new and relevant curriculum and supporting students in becoming community minded individuals,” Matsumura said. “…We are a little school with a big heart.”
With COVID-19 concerns still lingering, Matsumura said many students are underperforming as school becomes secondary. There’s a lack of transportation, medical concerns and the need for students to help economically support family members who may have lost jobs due to the pandemic.
According to the school's website, since COVID began, the school’s free and reduced lunch population has increased to over 56%.
For the community looking to help out, Matsumura said the district is in dire need of substitute teachers, encouraging anyone who is interested to get certified.