Pauline Jacroux
Aikahi Elementary
Kailua, HI

"Optimal learning takes place when the learners make connections between what is new and what they already know. At the end of each day, we record at least three things that we learned or were important that day and have a short discussion of their significance. This helps students focus on what they have learned, but also helps me assess and plan what should come next."

"The garden continues to be a tool that Mrs. Jacroux uses to creatively engage young minds in learning and experiencing many subject areas. Parents are amazed at the garden foods their children try that 'they would never touch at home.' There will be new seeds to sow among her students each year as children make connections between the garden and life."

Pauline uses DASH, a developmental, inquiry-based science program that advocates teaching through themes and easily integrates with other subject areas. She has combined DASH with Mathematics Their Way, a concept-based developmental program that uses manipulatives to convey the abstract principles of math to young children. She supplements this with her own lessons in geometry, clock time, and problem solving. To tie it all together, Pauline started an outdoor garden that enables her to further integrate math and science with art, music, and language arts curriculums. Moreover, via the garden she is able to teach lessons in biological and cultural diversity, prejudice, sharing, respect, life cycles, and habitats.

Other Highlights:

• United States Swimming Official for 24 years and Official's Chairman for state of Hawaii for 4 years
• Aikahi Assessment Committee
• Aikahi Standards Implementation Cadre
• Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 1998
• Married to an Air Force meteorologist, 3 daughters
• Certified in physical therapy