DVIDS – News – Inspiring our children: Mokapu Elementary hosts a professional development day

Marine Corps Base Hawaii – To end the summer, Mokapu Elementary School hosts its Professional Development Day, where teachers can learn about the history of the Mokapu Peninsula and mo’olelo, or Hawaiian stories.

120 staff members were given a tour of the Nu’upia Ponds led by June Cleghorn, senior cultural resource manager and archaeologist with MCBH’s Department of Conservation and Environmental Services. Staff from Mokapu Elementary learned about the cultural history and heritage of the peninsula.

The staff learned of the gods who made a model of the lands of the earth in Kāne’ohe Bay between Kualoa and Kāne’ohe. When the gods saw that there was no chief to rule over all things, they drew a man on the red-black soil facing the sunrise. They brought the figure to life with a chant: “I have come; live!” Thus man was created. Teachers were inspired by Cleghorn to incorporate the Nu’upia ponds and local legends into their cultural and national history classes.

Mokapu Elementary staff learned of future plans to integrate Hawaiian culture into MCBH, including plans for a Mokapu Burial Ground, a 125-acre region on the north shore of the base. MCBH is committed to preserving Hawaiian burial grounds for the local community.

MCBH continues to show appreciation and be proactive in learning about the island and its culture. The Mokapu Elementary School staff, which includes several local teachers, is currently working to incorporate the rich Hawaiian culture into the classroom for their students.