This is historical material “frozen in time”. The website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work.

Search form

Bringing the Change

Summary: 
Calvin Endo works with all the principals on the Westside of Oahu and the Wai’anae Leeward Community College, Hawaii State PTSA Board Member and recently is involved with Hui for Excellence in Education (HE’E) - a statewide coalition of diverse stakeholders committed to working collaboratively to identify opportunities to improve public education in Hawaii.

Calvin Endo is being honored as a Champion of Change for his time and effort in supporting parent involvement in our children's education.


Mother Teresa was asked by the auditor of the Catholic Church who investigated the work of the Missionaries of Charity, “What is your business plan? What is the written document that you have that show your operational instructions that help run this ministry?” Her answer was critical to having her ministry canonical recognized by the Church. Mother Teresa leans toward the auditor and said, “This is what I do. I speak to Jesus and He speaks to me and I do what He tells me to do.”

I have learned that the only way I can effectively serve my school, church, community, state and our great nation is to get Divine guidance. So I try my best to see the needs of my community through God’s eyes. I serve in many different ways to be a blessing to many. The following is a few ways that I serve my community and State.

Hawaii PTSA – as a member of the state board it gives me insight to the needs of our schools and educational system in Hawaii. We are able to equip our local units, by providing training and workshops and offer ideas and support that help our schools, families and communities.

As a local unit president, I’m able to see firsthand what our principals and teachers are doing to give our children a quality education with minimal financial and training support. I’m constantly trying to get the support our school needs, especially our teachers and students

.

Chair of the Education Committee of Waianae Neighborhood Board - I have monthly meetings with our complex schools, K – 12 grade, community college and other education providers on the Westside of Oahu to see what concerns and needs they have. Then I’m able to pass this information to those who can support our schools or even to our elected official who can introduce bills that get the funding to correct the concerns. Sometime I can be a voice to bring these concerns without worrying about losing my position.

Hui for Excellence in Education (HE’E) - is a statewide coalition of diverse stakeholders committed to working collaboratively to identify opportunities to improve public education in Hawai‘i. HE‘E seeks to be the focal point for community and parent engagement while serving as a public resource for educational policy.

HE‘E’s priority areas for 2011-2016 include:

  • Enhancing family engagement in schools
  • Influencing public policy that affects education
  • Building trust and relationships within the Coalition
  • Promoting family engagement as one of the key components of school leadership
  • Creating family empowerment by collaborating to meet the basic needs of every child
  • Building trusting relationships between schools, families and community
  • Identifying needs and aligning with stakeholder resources
  • Removing obstacles to good teaching
  • Shifting perception of public education by showing evidence of success

I grew up in a family that was willing the help others with their needs before our own needs. Now my wife, 11 children and 28+ grandchildren are doing the same. Don’t wait for someone to bring the change or help someone in need, you do it and you will receive the blessing of giving of yourself.

Calvin Endo is PTSA President.