List of 8 frequently asked questions.

• Why is parent education and engagement so important?

  One of our highest priorities at Punahou is to create a strong partnership with parents so that students can realize their full potential. We know through extensive research that students thrive most at school and in their lives when parents are engaged in their child’s education. When families are engaged, students feel more connected at home and school, fostering a safe and supportive learning environment, improving their academic success and enhancing their social and emotional well-being.

• What is Punahou’s parent education initiative?

  In school year 2020 – 2021, Punahou announced Team Up, an educational initiative for parents. Team Up is guided by parents, faculty and staff to garner and represent the needs of families and the School.The goal of the initiative is to create a community where meaningful parent engagement and school partnerships support students to realize their full potential. 

  
  

  Punahou regards its parents as vital partners in the educational journey of our students. We know children and teenagers face a myriad of challenges as they navigate through both Junior School and the Academy. We believe that together, as partners, we can offer the support and guidance to help students gain confidence, and lead full, well-balanced lives as they find their own paths. 

• Is there a parent education initiative working group?

  Yes, the working group is composed of administrators, faculty, staff and Punahou Parent Faculty Association volunteers. The team meets quarterly to discuss systemic processes and practices to create meaningful parent engagement opportunities.

• How does Punahou anticipate implementing this parent education initiative?

  The parent education initiative working group will intentionally co-design programs, including defining, framing and creating structures to support the goals of the initiative. It is imperative that the parent education offerings are intentional and that the initiative is coherent across the Punahou community.

• What does Team Up stand for?

  Team Up is the branded title for Punahou’s parent education initiative symbolizing the many individuals from both school and home working together as a team in support of our students.

• What is the Parent Faculty Association role in the Parent Education Initiative (Team Up)?

  Punahou’s Parent Faculty Association (PFA) plays a vital role in this initiative. Punahou’s PFA is a diverse organization dedicated to supporting and enriching Punahou’s vision, program and activities to benefit all members of the School community. Specifically, the PFA Parent Enrichment Committee (PEC) is a committee that designs events for parents to provide greater insight into innovations in education and developments in curriculum, and to showcase unique programs at Punahou . The co-chairs of the PFA Parent Enrichment Committee are members of the Parent Education Initiative Working Team and play an integral part in ensuring the activities and offerings align with the needs of parents as well as the goals of this initiative.

• What are some of the events and activities I can expect from the initiative?

  Our aim with Team Up is to provide parents with useful, relevant and up-to-date information to help  children thrive. Parents are invited to join speaker sessions, workshops and other events. This also includes interviews and conversations with local and national guests who will address some of the most pressing and relevant issues affecting parents and families today. More specifically, the initiative will strive to provide a robust and coherent program of events that are regular and timely throughout the year.

• I have an idea or expert that would be great for this initiative, who can I contact to provide a suggestion/recommendation?

  We’d love to hear from you, please email teamup@punahou.edu.