Thirty-three Hawai'i teachers have earned National Board Certification, bringing the total number of nationally certified teachers in the state to 161, the Hawai'i Teacher Standard Board announced this week.

National Board Certification is a process that certifies teachers who meet standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. Teachers voluntarily undergo the year-long, rigorous certification process.

The 33 Hawai'i teachers were among 8,500 teachers nationally who completed the certification process.

GRAFFITI BUSTERS BACK ON CAMPUS

A program intended to fight graffiti vandalism on school campuses was restarted this week by the Hawaii 3R's program and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades.

The Graffiti Busters program, originally established by the painter's union, assists the state Department of Education with vandalism by arranging for professional painting contractors to immediately address areas with graffiti on school campuses.

The Hawaii 3R's program has agreed to provide up to $50,000 in funding to the union for the program. The union has also agreed to match the funds.

Currently, Graffiti Busters is an O'ahu-based program, but Hawaii 3R's intends to work with the DOE to expand it to the Neighbor Islands, officials said.

CHINA STUDY TOUR OFFERED FOR 2008

The Pacific and Asian Affairs Council is accepting applications for its 2008 summer study tour of China and Taiwan for Hawai'i public and charter high school students.

A total of 20 students will receive full scholarships to spend two weeks in China taking educational tours and gaining first-hand experience of current-event issues facing Asia.

Scholarships include return international airfare, airport transfers, domestic travel, all lodging, three meals per day, all visa fees and admission costs for all scheduled group activities.

All public and charter high school students are eligible to apply, but preference is given to students who participate in PAAC's clubs, conferences and afterschool classes.

For more information, contact the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council at 944-7780, or by e-mail at ed@paachawaii.org.

GILLENTINE GETS PRESCHOOL AWARD

Preschool educator Jonathan Gillentine last month was presented with the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators' Outstanding Early Childhood Practitioner Award.

Gillentine, who earned both his master's of education in special education and doctorate in curriculum studies from the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, has taught special education for 26 years. Since 1994, he has taught in the preschool inclusion classroom at Rev. Benjamin Parker School.

CHOIR INVITED TO DISNEYLAND

The 'Aina Haina Elementary School Choir has been invited to perform at Disneyland during spring break next year.

The choir is scheduled to perform on Disneyland's center stage on March 19, 2008. It will also take part in the "Disney Magic Music performance workshop," while at the theme park.

The choir, composed of third-, fourth- and fifth-graders, is raising money to pay for new uniforms and travel expenses.

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