Tess's Story
The Cunitz Family
Ronnie Cunitz |
Wendy Marx-Cunitz |
"It has been a very positive experience to be in charge of my own education in many ways. I also feel I have benefited from improving my skills with technology and with communicating with my teachers.
I have always wanted to do my best at the things I try, and my academics were no exception. HTA has a format that removes many distractions that would otherwise be there, which has allowed me to really focus on improving myself and learning in my classes. Both the online classes and the in-person teachers allow students to learn at their own pace, which has been very important to me. I really appreciate the flexibility that HTA has offered me. I am able to do so much more outside of school than I otherwise would have been able to do. I am involved in academic competitions and participate in Science Olympiad, CyberPatriot, and Aloha Bowl. I am a very active Girl Scout and take a lot of art classes, as well. I also love playing the piano, guitar, and ukulele. One of my accomplishments I'm most proud of is my Girl Scout Gold Award project, which is running an Elementary Science Olympiad program for HTA 3rd-5th graders. It has been approved and is currently in implementation. I am applying to 12 colleges, so I'm not exactly sure yet which one I'll be attending. I do know that I plan to major in chemical engineering. I think it's most likely that I will be getting a masters degree and perhaps a PhD in order to really be able to make a difference in environmental research and issues. I would love to be able to work on either making current fossil fuels more energy-efficient or working on developing new renewable energy technologies." - Ronnie Cunitz, Class of 2020 and National Merit Finalist |
“We chose HTA for Ronnie because her older sister was in HTA's high school at the time, and we knew the blended-learning model worked well for our family. We believed that HTA would be a more positive learning environment than the other options we had explored.
The model has allowed Ronnie to branch out and devote time to multiple interests rather than being stuck in a school building five days a week. She has flourished academically, especially since it has afforded her flexibility in her schedule to participate in extracurricular activities. Ronnie has gained confidence in her abilities over the years at HTA, a direct result of her being responsible for her own learning. As a Learning Coach, I've helped her manage her workload efficiently, and I've always held her accountable. When she first started in 7th grade, my oversight was much more involved, but as she's gotten older, I've been able to step back and let her make almost all of the decisions about how best to get her work done. One piece of advice I’d give to another Learning Coach is - don't let your student get behind on his/her schoolwork! I've always reminded my daughters that, especially in high school, grades matter. College admissions officers consider high school grades to be the most important factor in predicting success in college. My husband and I consider Ronnie's recognition as a National Merit Semifinalist to be validation that our educational choices were the right ones, and that it doesn't take paying for private school tuition to ensure a quality education." - Wendy Marx-Cunitz, mom/learning coach |
The Weber Family
"In 2013, we enrolled two of our kids at HTA because we felt they could benefit from the blended learning style. Plus we wanted to spend more time with our kids. Gabriel was entering 8th grade and Lily entering 6th grade. Both kids needed extra one-on-one help with the teacher.
Both Gabe and Lily blossomed in their own way. Gabe came out of his shell and went on to graduate early. He enrolled in college at 17. He is about to start his second year of college, and also works in the graphics and digital department, learning on the job what he is studying. He's applying so much of what he learned at HTA.
Lily has gone from being this shy, struggling, and frustrated student to this very outgoing and up-beat, happy young lady. She sets goals for herself and achieves them. Last school year she set the goal of earning all A's and not falling behind, and she did it! She is in her sophomore year and excited.
Lily has become this very organized student. Because of the blended learning, she has gained confidence in her capabilities. Through the patience and understanding she's received from all the teachers at HTA, she went from feeling like she just couldn't get it, no matter what the subject was [in public school], to feeling like she can learn and do anything!
‘Discouraged’ is the word I’d use to describe Lily before she came to HTA. Now, I’d say ‘happy’ because she loves school, she loves her teachers, and she thrives in the HTA environment.
We feel like we've grown with HTA. No matter where Lily is, at school or at home, she feels supported. She can reach out to any of her teachers with confidence they'll reach back. She has learned how to express her feelings and her needs. We truly feel we are HTA family."
- Elizabeth Weber
Both Gabe and Lily blossomed in their own way. Gabe came out of his shell and went on to graduate early. He enrolled in college at 17. He is about to start his second year of college, and also works in the graphics and digital department, learning on the job what he is studying. He's applying so much of what he learned at HTA.
Lily has gone from being this shy, struggling, and frustrated student to this very outgoing and up-beat, happy young lady. She sets goals for herself and achieves them. Last school year she set the goal of earning all A's and not falling behind, and she did it! She is in her sophomore year and excited.
Lily has become this very organized student. Because of the blended learning, she has gained confidence in her capabilities. Through the patience and understanding she's received from all the teachers at HTA, she went from feeling like she just couldn't get it, no matter what the subject was [in public school], to feeling like she can learn and do anything!
‘Discouraged’ is the word I’d use to describe Lily before she came to HTA. Now, I’d say ‘happy’ because she loves school, she loves her teachers, and she thrives in the HTA environment.
We feel like we've grown with HTA. No matter where Lily is, at school or at home, she feels supported. She can reach out to any of her teachers with confidence they'll reach back. She has learned how to express her feelings and her needs. We truly feel we are HTA family."
- Elizabeth Weber
The Higa Family
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“We chose HTA because we were looking for a school where Brent could expand his horizons and flourish,” said Mary Higa, Brent’s mom, Learning Coach, and active HOC member. “In his previous school, he was thwarted in confidence and academics. Timid would be the word to describe him. Brent's teachers were shocked if he spoke since he hardly did.
Brave would be the word to describe him now. Thanks to the care and tenacity of his teachers, especially Mr. Inglis, Brent is an accomplished and confident student today. He thrived because of the openness and availability Mr. Inglis provided him. Brent is now courageous to try new things, meet new people, and even join the military after he graduates.” - Mary Higa |
The Haywood Family
Michela Haywood and her children Josiah (12th grade) and Kaylan (5th grade) attend their church with nine other Hawaii Technology Academy Oahu families. Michela has coached many of these families through the enrollment process and beginning stages of transitioning to this alternative learning community. Josiah and Kaylan both struggled with reading at their previous grade schools. Michela saw that Josiah wasn’t getting the attention he needed. So she took on the role of Learning Coach and embraced the task of mentoring her kids as they accepted the responsibility that comes with HTA’s blended learning program.
As a hands-on parent Michela was instantly drawn to the collaboration between teacher and Learning Coach. Josiah entered HTA as a sixth grader with a high fourth grade reading level. “HTA placed him in fifth grade English, by the end of the school year he was caught up to sixth grade English. Kaylan also struggled and is now in a special HTA program,” said Michela. Josiah credits his mother for his success, “HTA helped me to focus on my school work; my mom knows what we are learning so she really helps me stay on track (with my independent learning.) You only have to go to the school two days a week but you can go in any day for more help.” The Learning Center’s small class sizes allow for the individual attention many non-traditional students need. Teachers are able to notice challenges right away during face-to-face instruction and communicate with parents. The support of the parent Learning Coach at home empowers the student to embrace school-life balance.
Josiah and Kaylan both enjoy outdoor activities, “HTA works so well with sports; the kids are done with all their school work before practice,” said Michela. Kaylan loves gymnastics, biking and rock climbing. Josiah participates in football, paddling and track & field. He also enjoys art and is a visual learner. Michela appreciates that Josiah is able to study in ways conducive to his learning style, “if your kid learns in a different way, you can adjust with HTA,” she said. Josiah draws while listening to his voice-activated lessons. “You wouldn’t think he would retain the information,” said Michela, “but it actually helps.”
Michela and her family have lived in Hawaii for over 20 years. “The people in Hawaii are family,” she said, “it’s a very family-oriented island and there is more of a family type of environment at HTA.” HTA support students inside and outside of the classroom as a community embracing the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.
As a hands-on parent Michela was instantly drawn to the collaboration between teacher and Learning Coach. Josiah entered HTA as a sixth grader with a high fourth grade reading level. “HTA placed him in fifth grade English, by the end of the school year he was caught up to sixth grade English. Kaylan also struggled and is now in a special HTA program,” said Michela. Josiah credits his mother for his success, “HTA helped me to focus on my school work; my mom knows what we are learning so she really helps me stay on track (with my independent learning.) You only have to go to the school two days a week but you can go in any day for more help.” The Learning Center’s small class sizes allow for the individual attention many non-traditional students need. Teachers are able to notice challenges right away during face-to-face instruction and communicate with parents. The support of the parent Learning Coach at home empowers the student to embrace school-life balance.
Josiah and Kaylan both enjoy outdoor activities, “HTA works so well with sports; the kids are done with all their school work before practice,” said Michela. Kaylan loves gymnastics, biking and rock climbing. Josiah participates in football, paddling and track & field. He also enjoys art and is a visual learner. Michela appreciates that Josiah is able to study in ways conducive to his learning style, “if your kid learns in a different way, you can adjust with HTA,” she said. Josiah draws while listening to his voice-activated lessons. “You wouldn’t think he would retain the information,” said Michela, “but it actually helps.”
Michela and her family have lived in Hawaii for over 20 years. “The people in Hawaii are family,” she said, “it’s a very family-oriented island and there is more of a family type of environment at HTA.” HTA support students inside and outside of the classroom as a community embracing the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.
The Dilley Family
Brian Dilley and his family moved to Hawaii’s island of Kauai about three years ago. A family raising nontraditional students, Brian and his wife began homeschooling their children Isaac (11th grade) and Olivia (10th grade) during their early years of elementary education. Brian and Olivia both skipped a year upon entering Hawaii Technology Academy. The transition to HTA from homeschooling took curriculum and teaching pressure off of mom and dad as they transitioned to collaborative Learning Coaches and exposed Isaac and Olivia to a new learning experience at a public charter school.
Isaac and Olivia are diligent students, both advanced in math and science. Isaac earned 11 college credits this school year, taking all of his 10th grade requirements the first semester. The second half of the school year he focused on Spanish and public speaking courses offered at the local community college and, “although there was a bit of uncertainty,” said Brian, Isaac was able to maintain a perfect GPA the entire year. With aspirations of attending medical school, Isaac plans to get as many college credits under his belt as he can. “I really like that I can learn at my own pace, if I didn’t have the blended learning program I don’t think I’d be as far ahead as I am,” he said. Isaac also surfs with his dad regularly and is a part of the worship band at their church. HTA’s blended learning program has been a great benefit to Olivia as well, providing the tools necessary for college and career readiness.
Olivia wants to be a veterinarian. With the flexibility of face-to-face instruction, virtual instruction, and independent learning, she’s able to participate in gymnastics and volunteer at the humane society frequently, building relationships with the vets and shadowing them during procedures. “Most kids in a traditional setting wouldn’t be able to volunteer on a Wednesday morning, but I can,” Olivia credits HTA’s flexibility as a privilege that allows her to balance her schedule on independent learning days.
Brian and his wife take a lot of accountability and responsibility for Olivia and Isaac’s education, keeping everything in perspective and reminding them of the payoff hard work brings.“We really love HTA, not just for the academics but for the flexibility it offers our family to be as well-rounded as we can be in other areas,” said Brian. “There’s real potential for the student who just doesn’t feel comfortable in the traditional school setting.” “As the kids got older,” he said, “it was going to become important for them to have other influences and expertise involved in their schooling.” Isaac and Olivia’s success is a testament to HTA’s visionary community of passionate parents, enthusiastic educators, and special students who are embracing the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.
Isaac and Olivia are diligent students, both advanced in math and science. Isaac earned 11 college credits this school year, taking all of his 10th grade requirements the first semester. The second half of the school year he focused on Spanish and public speaking courses offered at the local community college and, “although there was a bit of uncertainty,” said Brian, Isaac was able to maintain a perfect GPA the entire year. With aspirations of attending medical school, Isaac plans to get as many college credits under his belt as he can. “I really like that I can learn at my own pace, if I didn’t have the blended learning program I don’t think I’d be as far ahead as I am,” he said. Isaac also surfs with his dad regularly and is a part of the worship band at their church. HTA’s blended learning program has been a great benefit to Olivia as well, providing the tools necessary for college and career readiness.
Olivia wants to be a veterinarian. With the flexibility of face-to-face instruction, virtual instruction, and independent learning, she’s able to participate in gymnastics and volunteer at the humane society frequently, building relationships with the vets and shadowing them during procedures. “Most kids in a traditional setting wouldn’t be able to volunteer on a Wednesday morning, but I can,” Olivia credits HTA’s flexibility as a privilege that allows her to balance her schedule on independent learning days.
Brian and his wife take a lot of accountability and responsibility for Olivia and Isaac’s education, keeping everything in perspective and reminding them of the payoff hard work brings.“We really love HTA, not just for the academics but for the flexibility it offers our family to be as well-rounded as we can be in other areas,” said Brian. “There’s real potential for the student who just doesn’t feel comfortable in the traditional school setting.” “As the kids got older,” he said, “it was going to become important for them to have other influences and expertise involved in their schooling.” Isaac and Olivia’s success is a testament to HTA’s visionary community of passionate parents, enthusiastic educators, and special students who are embracing the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.
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