Waimea Country School helps the community

Waimea Country School fourth, fifth and sixth grade students volunteered each Tuesday throughout the year at the emergency food pantry at Annunciation Catholic Church in Waimea. Students re-bagged 4,273 pounds of rice into five-pound bags that were included in food boxes handed out to those in need in the community. Waimea Country School families also donated food each week from their own pantries and gardens, totaling 1,154 pounds for the year.

“Through regular volunteerism, students learn the value of contributing to their community,” said Amy Salling, head of Waimea Country School. “The work they have done made a real difference, and they know that.”

This is the third year of the community service relationship between Waimea Country School and the Annunciation Emergency Food Pantry, and both organizations have plans to continue with this rewarding partnership next year.

“We have come to depend on the student volunteers from Waimea Country School, and we appreciate their hard work and commitment,” said Ann Lum, who coordinates the food pantry for the parish.

Waimea Country School awarded accreditation

The board of directors of the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) awarded Waimea Country School accreditation for three additional years, expiring in June 2015. The school was initially granted a three-year term of full accreditation from HAIS and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in May, 2009. With the term ending in June, the private, kindergarten through sixth grade school conducted an in-depth review of its learning program, governance, policies, and practices this year. An accreditation team of representatives from HAIS and WASC visited the school in April and found Waimea Country School had met or exceeded its goals, providing a strong academic learning program delivered in a safe, nurturing environment. Parents were highlighted in the team’s report “for valuing WCS and the core values that are instilled in their children and for serving as ambassadors for their school through parental involvement with school fund raising and school activities.” For more information on Waimea Country School, call 885-0067, or visit www.waimeacountryschool.org.