Congratulations to HSTA teachers for ratifying a contract that will save jobs in these tough economic times.

"Students need to be more self-directed and make connections from the classroom to the real world — or they can choose to do nothing," said Hawai'i superintendent Patricia Hamamoto, regarding furlough days.

"Self" comes from the students and their drive to learn, but the "directed" part comes from the teachers and parents.

Many teachers out there go above and beyond this broad philosophy, incorporating life lessons, critical thinking and fun into their lessons, thus captivating their students, fostering their love of learning.

Local news reports have only focused on the negative effects on cutting 17 school days, but there is a lesson to be learned here.

Teachers will now be forced to ask themselves, "Do I love my job or do I love the pay?" If teachers love their jobs, they must show it, by going above and beyond what they're doing now to make use of the little time they have.

Parents will need to submerge themselves in their child's education, parent to child, to compensate for the loss, rather than investing in a baby sitter.

Children can only achieve proficiency and surpass standards if they have the support to push them forward. Your exam begins now. This will count for a child's entire life story. You may begin.

Jonathan Cruz | Grade 12, Kamehameha Schools