Ralph Watanabe is principal of Kipapa Elementary School in Mililani Town. Kipapa Elementary School is a Chapter 1 school, and has been selected for three years as the Central Oahu District Outstanding School. Mr. Watanabe's exemplary staff development program--which has actively encouraged teachers to reach higher professional levels--has produced outstanding correllary results as seen in the dramatic rise in student test scores. Students have benefited directly from the sense of caring and belonging both within the school and the community that they have derived from Mr. Watanabe's focus on the schools. "My mission is to focus on an educational environment where there is quality, empathy and teamwork," says Mr. Watanabe. "In my vision, students and staff are challenged to perform to standards of excellence and the total school community is working together."
