Happy Anniversary Sandi and Darlene

Happy Anniversary Sandi and Darlene

As we head into our 66th year of transforming lives, we want to congratulate 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.

Darlene and Sandi both began their careers within two weeks of each other, during the summer, at the Assets campus located on the Pearl Harbor Naval Base. Both were initially hired on as Teaching Assistants, now known as Second Teachers.

Sandi received her degree in Psychology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. One of her professors had worked at Assets School, so when she began attending Graduate School at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa, he connected her to the Head of School at Assets. Part of Sandiʻs studies involved being trained on how to administer the WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children), which made it a natural fit for working at Assets as she not only assisted with teaching but also became one of the main academic testers for the school. Under Barrett McCandless’ tutelage and through professional development Sandi continued to learn about the importance of testing, how to write follow-up reports and understand how to help the children who came to Assets for an education. Sandi has also spent her years teaching enrichments (Rocketry and Dissection), as Director of Diagnostic Services, part of the Multidisciplinary Team (Curriculum, Counseling, Diagnostics/Testing and Administration), Interim Head of School and most recently the Director of Admissions and Assistant Head of School. 

Through her many, important roles, the one that created the most joy was being the Head of the Design Committee for the Ala Ānuenue playground. Sandi shares, “It was so much fun to think like a kid again, but it was such important work. We interviewed all the students to understand what they envisioned for the playground. We got to work with so many great people who wanted to bring this project to life for our kids. I remember the week of construction - it was such a great feeling, it was so amazing to see it all come together. I’ll never forget that moment in our history.” 

About the future, Sandi says, “I believe that innately, all kids want to learn but this often gets crushed when their learning challenges are overwhelming and teachers don’t know how to help them. I wish all kids were understood. I wish people would take the time to truly understand them. If something is not working, ask why and look for ways to help the student develop the skills to move forward. What I aspire to is a world where all students get the education they need.”

Darlene received her degree in English and a Teaching Certification from Lewis and Clark College and then went on to their Graduate Program to receive a Reading Certification which helped her to understand and work with students who were both gifted and also behind in reading proficiency.

Darlene’s most important job, however, is training teachers how to teach literacy using the Slingerland Multisensory Approach and other like-minded methodologies. While she loved working in the classroom with students in grades K-8, which she did for the first half of her career, she knew that training teachers would be a far more effective way to reach more children.  Darlene has also been providing community outreach with the ultimate goal of her program being widespread community awareness about learning differences and helping others better understand how to educate our children who learn differently. 

Looking back through the years, Darlene shares, “I've learned a lot being here and I feel fortunate that I came to Assets at a time when it was developing its identity and solidifying its programs. I got to be part of that! The people, the community of teachers and families are so amazing. Back then, people didnʻt know about Assets or what we did. Now, when I'm out and about talking to people, everyone seems to know someone who has attended Assets - and they have such great things to say! I remember the building of the playground in 1994. It was such a huge highlight in our history because it brought together students, parents, staff and so many volunteers from the community. And it created a lasting memory for lots of children. But the most rewarding part of my job, the most memorable, are all the stories from parents and children who have attended Assets and shared how much it ' s changed their lives. Hearing these stories even after theyʻve left provides such gratification, knowing that you've positively impacted someoneʻs life forever!”

We are so fortunate to have Sandi and Darlene on our team of dedicated, incredibly knowledgeable and caring administrators and thank them for 40 years of invaluable service to our school and community!

 

KEEP READING...

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.