Third-grade teacher Clyde T. Hashimoto presents inspiring content and standards-based lessons to students at Kalaheo Elementary School in Kalaheo. He created the "Taro Farm Experience," which integrates science, math, language arts, and fine arts, culminating in a visit to his family's taro farm for hands-on experience in harvesting the plant. He also initiated an "Octopus Drying" unit, which provides additional hands-on learning that incorporates multiple disciplines. In the past two years, Mr. Hashimoto's students have achieved scores above the state average on the Hawaii State Assessment. He tutors students after school and is a member of the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) and Standards Implementation Design (SID) committees. Mr. Hashimoto was selected to participate in MIM, "Malama 'ia ka Makemakakia" (Caring for Math), a grant designed to help students excel in math.
