Service Learning
ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY was founded on two main values – the power of human kindness and generosity of spirit. At IPA, we believe that knowledge is for knowledge’s sake has little meaning, rather it is what you do with knowledge that has meaning and power to make a difference in our communities.
At IPA, we believe in using our knowledge to give back to our communities and make a positive difference in the world around us. The founding Headmaster of IPA, Dr. Daniel White, developed a mantra that captures the culture of the campus: “Wherever you can, help.”
As part of our curriculum, IPA is expanding the number of service opportunities presented to our students. In the Elementary School, this involves finding opportunities that meaningfully connect to their learning, such as during Kindergarten’s “Wherever you can, Help!” unit in which the students go holiday caroling at a nearby retirement home. Our Grade 5 students all have the opportunity to serve on the Student Action Committee, which works to contribute to the IPA community and to the greater Kapolei community through various service activities. Past projects include collecting food for the Hawaiʻi Food Bank and holiday gifts for children living in transitional shelters.
In the Secondary Division we begin the year with our IPA Gives Back day that involves all Grade 6-12 students and teachers volunteering their time and energy at different locations in our island-wide community. Some examples of locations include the OSPCA, Kalaeloa Heritage Park, Sustainable Coastlines, and other organizations that impact our island home. In Middle School, Grade 6-8 students are encouraged to attain a minimum of 10 service hours per year. In the Upper School, Grade 9-12 students are encouraged to complete 25-75 hours of school and community service per year. Service to the community is a graduation requirement for every student at ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY.
IPA Gives Back
One of our major service initiatives is our annual IPA Gives Back day. In the Fall of 2017, students in grades 6-12 participated in our annual IPA Gives Back day. Students had the option of selecting one of four service activities in which to participate:
- Mari’s Garden: Students worked on a Dragon Fruit Project and various tasks to help the farmers with the aquaponics and hydroponics systems.
- Waʻanae Mountain Watershed Partnership: Students worked in Makaha Valley weeding and planting native and endemic trees and plants.
- Oʻahu Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA): Students worked with the volunteers to help maintain the facility and deliver donated kitty litter.
- Sustainable Coastlines Hawaiʻi: Students learned about ocean plastics at Kalaeloa Beach Park (Barber’s Point) and then did a beach clean up.