College Visits Help Navigate Transitions

College Visits Help Navigate Transitions

Our dedicated College and Career Counselor, Farris James, is pivotal in preparing our students to address the ever-important question, "What lies beyond high school?" She not only assists them in exploring their post-secondary aspirations but also empowers them to create a clear roadmap toward achieving their dreams.

At Assets, students are guided to explore a variety of postsecondary plans that fit them as learners. In a typical year, approximately 95 percent of our students pursue higher education immediately after graduation. This journey towards college is a collaborative effort involving the students and their families. In addition to offering comprehensive support for students throughout their college application process, Mrs. James coordinates many college visits.

These college visits involve representatives from various universities visiting Assets to engage with our students directly.

"I think it is very helpful for students to learn the different types of schools out there," said Mrs. James. "They also learn about application processes, financial aid, scholarships, student life, and get a preview of what college life may look like."

During the fall semester, juniors and seniors are allowed to sign up for and attend visits with college admission representatives as long as they receive clearance from their teacher for that period. In the spring semester, students in grades 10 to 12 can participate in the sessions where these college representatives come to our campus. 

When possible, Mrs. James likes to open college visits to all high school grade levels, as was done recently for the special 3-college session “Colorado Colleges Talk-Story Session.” Representatives from Colorado School of Mines, University of Northern Colorado, and University of Colorado, Colorado Springs shared detailed information about their campuses and programs, but also information about accessing supports on campus and helpful tips for thinking ahead about college planning in grades 9-12. It is helpful to start college and career awareness early so students can begin to set high school goals aligned with postsecondary plans. 

“I’m interested in the University of Colorado because it has engineering, STEM, science, and wrestling,” said Kaiona ‘27. “I also want to experience snow.”

“The students were engaged,” Louisa Dudley, Colorado School of Mines Associate Director of Admissions said. “I like that the parents came also.” 

Jason Wagner, Dean of Student Life and Mentorship Coordinator, a University of Northern Colorado alumnus, told the students about his experience.

“I went to UNC and was a part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE),” said Mr. Wagner. “This made my out-of-state tuition much more affordable. I applied for as many scholarships as possible, and it was successful. I graduated with no debt and earned my degree in secondary education.”

College visitors who come to Assets share how students can advocate to access needed supports on campus, such as accessibility, or other academic supports or learning communities. 

What is also important about the college visit, is that students get to ask questions about the programs. The visits by college representatives to our schools serve as a vital link, especially because many schools are not on Oahu or in Hawaii.

“College representatives visiting Assets provide a connection, someone who can speak not only to the offerings at a university, but to the culture, the region, and other nuances that are harder to glean from a website, “ Mrs. James explained. “It is much harder for Hawaii families to do visits in person to colleges that are not in the state because we cannot simply drive down the road.”

The significance of external events such as college open houses, college fairs, and family visits to college campuses cannot be understated, as they offer opportunities for students to learn more detailed information about possible schools of interest.

When possible, Mrs. James also plans field trips with students to visit colleges on the island. For example, last year, Assets High School students visited Hawaii Pacific University, University of Hawaii- West Oahu, and Honolulu Community College. 

College visitors also share wisdom with students and families about how to successfully transition to college. In March 2023, Mrs. James held an event in partnership with University of Portland called “Finding the Right Fit College & Thriving workshop.” The session provided valuable information. Click here to watch the video

 

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A poster for Stem Round Table at Sunset for all high school students to attend October 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Assets High School

Team Waffles, the Assets Robotics team, invites students from all high schools to the free STEM Round Table at Sunset, sponsored by the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA) Hawaii, on October 18, from 5-7 p.m. at Damon Hall on the Assets High School campus. Students can meet with professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), expand their knowledge, and network with industry experts. There will be pupus and a beautiful sunset. Please share with anyone who may be interested.

RSVP by clicking here.  

A photo from when team from the Dyslexia Association of Singapore visits Assets School in 2012.

The Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) and Assets School formed a powerful partnership over 25 years ago because of a shared commitment to supporting students with dyslexia.

Siang Lee, CEO of the Dyslexia Association of Singapore, reflected on the collaboration, noting that several DAS team members visited Assets School, where they learned about our Teachers Teaching Teachers program. Inspired by what was known as TTT, they returned to Singapore and launched their version of the program, renamed "Teams Teaching Teams." DAS continues to host Teams Teaching Teams to this day.

Assets High School teacher Len Black at the playground.

It is with deep sadness that we share that longtime Assets High School teacher, Len Black, passed away on August 15. Lennie joined our Assets ‘ohana in June 1992 and retired in May 2016 after 14 years of selfless service. His retirement came one year after his dream of us occupying the former AOP campus became a reality. 

Assets students do presentations to share about their experience at the Mentorship Expo.

This week, our high school kicked off the mentorship program with a record 22 new partners, thanks to connections made by our staff, students, and their families. Among the new partners are Kapena School of Music, Bowers and Kubota, Balanced Obedience, Golden Dermatology, and Hawaii Marine Solutions. 

Assets School Receives The Largest Donation In Its History To Support Tuition Assistance

Assets School has received a $1,250,000 donation to support tuition assistance. This marks the largest single donation in the school’s history since opening in 1955. The $1.25M donation creates The Anne Kirkwood Dick Campbell and H. Benjamin Campbell Scholarship Fund at Assets to annually support financial aid scholarships to students in kindergarten to eighth grade.

Victories in Chess and Sports

Assets School secures back-to-back wins in chess. We have good news in esports, judo, golf, and CSAL Girls Basketball.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz poster

The Assets School Dramatic Arts Program presents "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" for our Spring Play on Saturday, March 16, and Sunday, March 17, at 6:30 p.m. at Palikū Theatre at Windward Community College.

The Spirit Of Giving For Our Keiki

Your gratitude for Assets and desire to help others greatly appreciated and impressive, especially on our campaign finale, Giving Tuesday.

College Visits Help Navigate Transitions

Our dedicated College and Career Counselor, Farris James, is pivotal in preparing our students to address the ever-important question, "What lies beyond high school?"

Adventures In Geometry In Fifth And Sixth Grade

Students investigated areas around campus to identify and take pictures of parallel, intersecting, and perpendicular lines. They also learned about different angles, their classification, and how to measure and draw them using a protractor.

Embarking on a Journey of Learning

We're reminded that the learning journey is remarkable as we gather our backpacks, sharpen our pencils, and open our minds to new possibilities.

Mentorships Launch at High School

Mentorships at the High School start this month. Every Wednesday, for the entire day, students participate in a mentorship of their choosing.

US Patent Director Kathi Vidal Tours Assets School

Kathi Vidal, who serves the Nation as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property (IP) and the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), toured Assets School on Friday, June 16.

Valedictorian Noa '23 on KHON2's Way 2 Go! segment May 23, 2023

Our Valedictorian Noa '23 was on the KHON2 Way 2 Go segment on the 4 p.m. newscast that aired on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

Senior presents at Senior Showcase Friday, May 12

At Senior Showcase on Friday,  graduating seniors shared a little bit about themselves, their favorite memories of Assets, their educational journey, and their plans with family, and friends.

Thank You for Supporting Illumination 2023

Under twinkling lights, the music of alumnus Kapono Wong ’20 with a special appearance by former student Imani Colon, more than 200 guests including our Trustees, corporate sponsors, families, alumni, faculty and friends celebrated Illumination 2023 at The Pacific Club on April 15.

Arts Night Showcased Amazing Talent at Assets

Our student artists shined as they shared their masterpieces at Arts Night with their 'ohana. The halls of the K-8 campus turned into an art gallery showcasing sculptures, drawings, paintings, and more art all made by our students.

MidWeek Hot Shots 5-3-2023

MidWeek newspaper featured Central Pacific Bank and Assets School in the Hot Shots section on May 3.

Illumination Gala is April 15

We look forward to Illumination, our Gala Tuition Assistance Fundraiser. It will be on April 15, at The Pacific Club at 5 p.m. We are planning a special evening. We hope you can come. Board Chair Kitty Yannone shares what she loves about Illumination.

Love is in the Air

In honor of Valentine's Day, we share these Assets School love stories.

Summer School Registration Begins

Summer School classes will be from June to July at both K-8 and High School campuses, with distinctly different programs offered at each site. 

Thank You to the Robotics Sponsors

We extend a hearty mahalo to all the sponsors and supporters who believed in our robotics teams, Team Waffles, and Team MEAF.  Thank you for encouraging them on their journey from the start.

Assets School logo

On behalf of our Head of School Ryan Masa, Assistant Head of School and Admissions Director Sandi Tadaki, and Vice President of Institutional Advancement Linda Jameson Myers, we thank you for supporting our Annual Fund which supports Tuition Assistance, the Brace Library, Robotics, Athletics, and the School's Greatest Needs

This Family Appreciates Your Support

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, consider donating to our Annual Fund and help a family feel the magic of Assets School. Donations support much-needed scholarships to help transform the life of a student! 

A Giving Heart Educates A Grateful Heart

Mahalo to Assets parents Byron and Yumi Petrossian and their company Bright International Group, LLC for supporting Assets School's Annual Fund and our Robotics Program. 

High School Mentorship and Rocketry Programs Excell

Our High School is lively with excitement growing over the start of the Mentorship Program for this school year which includes new sites such as Foodland Farms at Ala Moana, Nimitz Elementary, and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Sea Urchin Hatchery Program.

Assets Launches its First Middle School Robotics Team

This robotics program is geared towards students nine to sixteen years old and teaches them to program, build, and work with a team while having fun and exploring the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). 

Happy Anniversary Sandi and Darlene

Congratulations to Assistant Head of School and Director of Admissions Sandi Tadaki and Director of Professional Development and Outreach Darlene Robertson on their 40th Anniversaries with Assets School.

Ryan and Kanoe Gibson

Ryan Masa is interviewed by Kanoe Gibson on HINOWDaily and shares about our Illumination auction and "Celebrating 65 Years of Transforming Lives" television show. 

Announcing Assets' TV Show

Assets is producing a one-hour television show: “Assets School-Celebrating 65 Years of Transforming Lives.” 

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 14th at 8 p.m. on K5, Saturday, April 17th at 6 p.m. on KGMB-TV (CBS) and Sunday, April 18th at 4 p.m. on KHNL-TV (NBC).

Assets School Donates 1,254 Pounds of Food

Assets School's community of #GreatMinds collected 1,254 pounds of food and $300, which was donated to the Hawaii Foodbank for Assets School's first Giving Back Tuesday.

Message from Hawaiian Studies Teacher Mele-Aina Wood

Hawaiian Studies teacher Mele-Aina Wood shares how important it is to pay it forward because someday those children, who have benefitted from your generosity, will be the ones giving back: https://youtu.be/d42FgQzmjws

Robot-assisted Graduation 2020

Special times called for special measures. Thanks to Assets' Robotics Coach, Peter Han, our #greatminds had one of the most unique graduation ceremonies that included a Diploma Robot!

Highway Overhead Shot at Night

Research suggests that because of the freedom we had growing up, which included the freedom to do some foolish things that necessitated taking responsibility for our actions, we became capable problem solvers and resilient individuals.