Wailuku Elementary School on Maui is committed to whole-child education, project-based instruction, multi-disciplinary enrichment, and developing student voice and talents to empower keiki for a bright future.
The school began a partnership with Book Trust in 2007 to increase book access, choice, and ownership for students. Since that time, 6,566 Wailuku students have built their personal libraries through Book Trust. During the 2023-24 school year, 560 students selected more than 3,687 books including How to Catch a Snowman by Adam Wallace and Pokémon: Wrath of the Legends by Simcha Whitehill.
On February 25, 2024, Book Trust awarded Wailuku Elementary School with the inaugural Laulima Award. Principal Nikan Arapoff accepted the award honoring the school’s long-time collaboration.
“Wailuku Elementary is honored by the Book Trust’s Laulima Award,” said Nikan. “On behalf of our keiki we are grateful for the strengthened partnership Book Trust has provided us, in particular the expansion to serve all of our grade levels. We look forward to all that the future holds as we forge ahead together towards literacy via wonder and a love of learning.”
“Laulima” literally translates to “many hands.” The meaning of laulima is tied to the idea of cooperation and the power of people working together.
The Book Trust program is successful when school partnerships are strong.
We’re grateful for the long-standing and collaborative partnership with Wailuku Elementary School!