For Immediate Release
October 1, 2025
Contact: Katie van Nispen, Manager of Annual Fundraising
Phone: 808-440-3625 Email: kvannispen@assets-school.org 
Linda Jameson Myers, VP of Institutional Advancement 
Phone: 808-440-3605 Email: lmyers@assets-school.org

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month: Assets School Shines a Light on Students Who Learn Differently

Honolulu, Hawaii — October is recognized nationwide as Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to increase understanding of dyslexia and highlight the strengths, challenges, and needs of those who learn differently. At Assets School, Hawaii’s only school specializing in educating students who are gifted, dyslexic, or have other language-based learning differences, every day is dedicated to unlocking the potential of learners who think outside the box.

“Dyslexia Awareness Month is an important time to shine a light on the unique strengths of students with dyslexia,” said Ryan Masa, Head of School. “At Assets, we don’t just acknowledge their differences—we design every part of our school experience to help these learners thrive by unleashing their potential.”

Dyslexia is defined as a language-based learning difference that is neurobiological in origin, characterized by difficulties with word recognition speed and accuracy, spelling, and decoding, often due to a phonological deficit. These difficulties are unexpected given other cognitive abilities and appropriate instruction, and may lead to problems in reading comprehension which inhibits reduced growth in vocabulary and content knowledge (IDA, 2002).

Assets School’s approach is rooted in evidence-based instruction delivered by highly trained faculty and staff. “Each summer, teachers have the opportunity to receive intensive training in the Slingerland® Approach, equipping them to teach reading and writing in ways that truly make sense to dyslexic (and dysgraphic) students,” shared Sungalina Lee, Assets School K-8 Principal. “At Assets, learning isn’t anecdotal—it’s authentic, intentional, and designed to ensure neurodiverse students receive the education they deserve.” Assets is proud to have the most highly trained active Slingerland® educators in Hawaii, including Julia Payanal and Tiana Lee, who bring deep expertise and experience to our school.

Through this integrated model, students with dyslexia not only overcome challenges but also discover their strengths. Alumni of Assets School go on to succeed in higher education, careers, and creative endeavors, carrying with them a lifelong love of learning.

As Dyslexia Awareness Month begins, Assets School invites the community to celebrate the gifts of students who learn differently. Families interested in learning more are encouraged to attend one of Assets School’s upcoming Open Houses: Thursday, October 2, 2025 for High School, and Thursday, October 16, 2025 for Grades K-8. These events provide an opportunity to tour the campus, meet faculty and staff, and see firsthand how the school supports dyslexic learners. For more information about Assets School and its programs for dyslexic students, visit www.assets-school.org.