I had a wonderful opportunity Thursday morning to take a peek at Momilani Elementary School’s new portable classrooms and cafeteria sidewalk extension while under construction.
Momilani Elementary Principal Garrett Arakawa gave me a tour and preview of the new construction that will soon provide staff and students with much needed multi-purpose space for students in preschool through 6th grade.
The new construction projects were the vision of recently retired Momilani Elementary Principal Mrs. Doreen Higa, along with legislative and state financial support led by the office of State Representative Gregg Takayama.
The two portable classroom project is scheduled for completion by fall break which is in early October. The extension of the cafeteria sidewalk’s projected completion date is February, 2022, but according to Principal Arakawa, it looks like its on track for early completion.
Garrett Arakawa, Principal, Momilani Elementary School
Two Portable Classroom Construction
“We have two portable classrooms being built on our campus. It’s a rather large building that will provide space for things we do on campus. Right now our cafeteria space is being used by some of our students for a classroom, so we will make use of that and will free up office space as well. In the past years we have had to take away space from our cafeteria to do instruction as a classroom space. We’ve taken space in our library and our office to provide instruction to other students. The two portable classrooms will give us the flexibility and opportunity to expand instruction all over the place, not just in those two classrooms. It will allow us to service student’s preschool through 6th grade in ways that we haven’t been able to do because of space limitations.”
Cafeteria Sidewalk Extension
“The extension of cafeteria sidewalk is going to be a covered space that’s gated that will provide flexibility as an outdoor learning space for our students. Also, a space perhaps that we can expand our lunch service in an outdoor setting for students which would help us in the distancing needed to serve students lunch during the pandemic.
The Pearl City High School side of our cafeteria is where the café extension is and it’s a big space. We could use it as a rainy day area where kids could actually go out to play because it’s covered. It could also provide additional practice space for when we rehearse for Drama. It will give us our Drama education flexibility to do multiple things. “
Mahalo!
“We do want to thank Representative Gregg Takayama’s office for supporting these projects. Both projects were done through Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and allowed the funding for the projects. Both projects were put in through CIP prior to Principal Higa retiring. The extension of the cafeteria sidewalk is one of the last visions that she had in providing a celebetory space for our sixth graders. The intension is that the sixth graders could eat outside. Almost like a lounge area.”
As Principal Higa’s vision approaching full bloom, Principal Arakawa at the helm, and the heart, soul, and spirit of the Momilani Elementary ohana beaming with pride and anticipation, the future looks bright as the learning experience at Momilani Elementary is elevated to a brand new level of expectation and success.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Garrett Arakawa, Principal, Momilani Elementary School
Two Portable Classroom Construction
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Principal Garrett Arakawa is pictured with construction crew from Amethyst Builders, LLC
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Cafeteria Sidewalk Extension
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]