A strong school community doesn’t just happen—it’s built through connection, communication, and care. NHIS’s new School Community Coordinator, Monicka Leulusoo, now plays a key role in strengthening those ties. Monicka majored in Human Development and family science at UH Mānoā, what drew her to become a school community coordinator is the need to help the community. 

“My schooling (led me to this role), but also I’m a mom of three and I know that when I needed resources, I didn’t feel like I could ask for them. It took a while for me to feel empowered. And so when I was taking my parenting classes and community and resource management. We had to take a resource management course in human development, family science. I was just able to see like the maps and the ecosystems of how families, schools, community, everything works for the child’s wellbeing – and I wanted to be a part of that,” said Leulusoo.

The role of being the School Community Coordinator is more than just focusing on the school environment but building those connections. Leulusoo’s goal is to really connect with parents, students, and staff. She wants to make the future bright for our community. 

“I feel like sometimes there can be maybe a disconnect or like not fear, there’s authority from schools and admin and then there’s parents that need help and need a voice. And so I would hope to be that bridge that’s able to fill in that gap,” said Leulusoo. 

Looking ahead into the future, she hopes that with her being here, she is able to strengthen the bond between families and the school community, ensuring that communication flows both ways and that every family feels comfortable reaching out for support.

“Im trying to establish, a set schedule and time I’m here right now, eight to four but I would love to hear parent feedback on like what hours are worth better for them.  So if they were to come in, I’m going to try and put out like surveys for that and just having an open door policy. Everyone’s always welcome to come in, the door is unlocked and just feeling like they can come in and talk story and be heard,” said Leulusoo.

Leulusoo wants to get the parents and families involved by starting up a Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). This is where parents feel free to come and express their thoughts and let their voices be heard about the school and the community. Leulusoo wants to bring in more partnerships and then with that, more workshops.

“Yeah, that’s probably one thing that’s big on my list. And then just trying to start up some parent workshops or like entrepreneurial workshops. To kind of get the parents involved too,” said Leulusoo. 

During the summer, Leulusoo will start settling into the portable by the football field (P5), making it her comfort space where students are free to visit and talk with her and just making P5 her own. She is very excited to be here and the changes that she wants to do for the school, building that bond with students, staff, and parents and families as well.

“I just feel so blessed to be a part of this school and to be given this opportunity. I would love feedback and for your parents or even staff and students to say what they also want from this space because it is a space for parents, students, and staff,” said Leulusoo.