Our 5th and 6th graders take great pride in preparing for graduation with our Hawaiian Studies teacher (Kumu Mauliola) and home room teacher (Christine Bandsma) .
The ipu (gourds) were grown on Kauai and later dried for preperation of the ceremony. The 5/6 class took them to Kalihiwai Beach to process them the traditional way, with sand and salt water. By repeated rubbing of the ipu with sand and rinsing it with the salt water it became smooth and shiny. Then they cut the tops off and scraped out the seeds. Once the ipu is dry again, it will be time to rub them with kukui nut oil. They will collect and roast the nuts in their classroom solar oven to get the oil out. The ipu will eventually be used in the end of year graduation ceremony.
