Application Information (School year 2026-2027)

Eligibility: The HŌ‘Ā program is for students grades 2-6. All public and charter schools are eligible to apply, with preference given to schools within HŌ‘Ā moku hub areas - currently: 
- Ko‘olaupoko (Windward), O‘ahu - Kona, Hawai‘i Island
- Wai‘anae, O‘ahu - Hilo, Hawai‘i Island
- Ewa, O‘ahu

Program Description: Students grades 2-6 and their teachers work with a Teaching Artist and ‘Āina Educator during five scaffolded sessions that introduce them to their home moku, engage them in outdoor, place-based learning, and lead them through the artistic process. Two of the five sessions will take place in the mālama ‘āina site where the ‘Āina Educator is based. These field trips will offer students an opportunity to build relationships with a culturally important place near their home while reflecting on their learning through art making with the Teaching Artist. The Hawai‘i SFCA’s Art in Public Places artwork will help students connect their learning at the mālama ‘āina site with their lives. Lessons will be tied to Nā Hopena A‘o and National Core Arts Standards.

Commitment: All fees for the field trips, buses, guest teacher stipends and supplies are covered by the HŌ‘Ā program. We ask that classroom teachers and school administrators contribute by assuring there is ample time for meetings with the HŌ‘Ā team, including a kick-off, 2 planning meetings and a reflection meeting. During these meetings, classroom teachers along with the teaching artist and ʻāina educator will co-design the program theme and create integration points with classroom curricular units. 

Program Requirements
School administration and faculty are expected to:

- Commit to three classroom sessions, two field trips, and a hōʻike (student-led presentation facilitated by classroom teachers). The required instructional time per classroom session is 1-2 hrs. The required instructional time per field trip is 3 hrs minimum. Teachers will be expected to dedicate time as needed to support their students in the creation and execution a hōʻike which could be a presentation for younger students, parents, or community.

- Designate a staff person or faculty member to be a point of contact for the school and assure the coordination of program schedules, bus reservations, chaperones, and the collection of field trip and media release forms. This person will also be expected to act as a liaison between the HŌʻĀ program teaching team and the school community.

- Designate a classroom space where the Teaching Artist and ʻĀina-based Educator can complete the art activities. Please note that different art forms will have different space needs.

- Schedule three time blocks for all participating teachers to engage in an orientation, planning meeting and a reflection session (1 hour per meeting) led by HŌʻĀ staff. All participating teachers are also expected to attend a half-day program kick-off at the mālama ʻāina site on a Saturday in quarter 1.

- Assure participation of classroom teachers in all program activities, including supporting their students in the creation and execution of a hōʻike - presentation for younger students, parents, or community

- Assure participation of at least one grade level per school.

- Complete all final report materials, including classroom teacher reflections, student reflections, final report form, and field trip, HŌʻĀ, and SFCA waivers. 

- Send a written letter to the State Representative and Senator from the school’s district thanking them for supporting the HŌ‘Ā program through funding from the SFCA’s Art in Public Places program. Please send a copy of the letter to the HŌ‘Ā program director: hawaiiopenarts@gmail.com