Music that Describes Bonnie
Sad to hear about this. I remember Miss. Tabor as a counselor back when I attended school here. That was (WOW) 20 years ago. She was always so nice and friendly, greeted us kids with a big smile everyday. Making sure we were safe on the playground during recess and lunch, also during A+ after school. R.I.P Miss. Tabor.
My wife and I were visiting Waikiki Beach 4 years ago from Florida. I had grown up with Bonnie when we lived as next neighbors since we were 10 years old. We were in many of the same classes. I used to sit on the swings in her back yard and laugh with her. It was a pleasure to know her as a good friend and watch her grow up. We lost contact when we went to college. I always remembered her fondly and went to visit her before the pandemic at her school. She greeted me with a big hug and we reminisced. I was glad to here that her two daughters became physicians especially since I became one. We were going to visit her again and I was absolutely shocked to hear about her passing. I wish sympathy for her daughters. You all know know about her as a principal, leader, kind, knowledgeable, etc. person. I know her as a kind friend who grew up with goals which she apparently achieved. I wish her the best forever.
Bonnie is so very deserving of this award. There is no doubt that Bonnie has changed my life when she offered me a job at Waikiki School. Bonnie created a magical place at Waikiki School where students and staff alike are supported, loved, and cared for. Bonnie always honored individual strengths and creativity, making Waikiki the incredibly special and unique school that it still is today. I am so proud to be a part of the Waikiki School ‘Ohana and will forever be in her debt for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime.
I am extremely saddened by this news and found out just now about Bonnie and Rich. When I have visited Hawaii in years past I was introduced to them and was treated like family the moment I walked through the door. BBQs and other visits were always filled with much aloha and laughter. I have moved here since and have been here for 12 years. Bonnie and Rich always believed in the importance of the whole student coming first and their insights were always spot on in our discussions about education. I was lucky enough to work with her for a couple of summer school sessions and walking through that office you could really tell her all the staff reflected Bonnie's thoughts and attitudes about children and what was best for them. With all of this COVID business going on, it is important that we all demonstrate the positivity, kindness, and empathy that they shared with others.
Heaven has gained another angel...Mrs. Tabor was not only a great principal, but a great mother, role model, and woman. I had the honor of attending Waikiki School when I was younger and I remember her warm smile and her heart for the children and staff. She always demonstrated what the habits of the mind looked like and sounded like day in and day out. She was always seeking the next best thing for her students and staff from incorporating local festivities of multi-cultures, to having fun parading around campus in our Halloween costumes. Before Mrs. Tabor passed, my mom told me she still had a picture of me on her wall in her office. After more than a decade later, I'm a teacher at Waikiki School. She has been a true inspiration, and I hope to carry her legacy not only in the classroom, but beyond.
What sad news!! I remember a meeting I had with Bonnie at the elementary school about six years ago. I left telling my self "that is one wise soul!" She spoke to me with much aloha as we had a powerful talk about education. She will be missed greatly!
Our family was blessed to have known such a wonderful, innovative educator.
Bonnie spoke with me about working at the school to share my knowledge and skills with Hawaiian and Polynesian Tapa making. I was mentored by Beatrice Krauss of Lyon Arboretum and have taught classes at the arboretum and at Halau Ku Mana charter school in Tapa making and Lauhala weaving. These skills were passed to me by the elders in Kona and Samoa.
Bonnie wanted this to be taught to the students at Waikiki Elementary so that there were be a link with the plants that are growing at the school and the ethnobotany of the Hawaiians. She was truly ahead of her time in wanting innovative programs at the school which would bring what was read in text books alive with hands on experience.
After the passing of my uncle Rich from stage 4 prostate cancer on October 29, 2021, come November 12, 2021, I learned that my aunt Bonnie, was diagnosed with Nerve Cancer. And to my astonishment, I learned she died on December 14, 2021. December 14, is the same day my own sister died in 1981, and December 14, is the same day my uncle on my mom's side died in 1993. And now, sadly, my Aunt Bonnie Tabor,'s death is December 14, 2021.
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I was extremely close to both my Aunt Bonnie and my Uncle Rich. So, the loss of them both hurts to the core. I can't even truly fathom, what their children, my cousins, Lena and Kara are going through, after losing both parents within 6 weeks of each other.
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I am always going to be there for my cousins, as I hope they would be there for me and others, especially, since they both are doctors, I can only imagine, that they care for all human life, human emotion, and all that life and death entails.
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I do remember numerous times, where my aunt Bonnie, spoke so highly of all the children she worked with and dealt with on a daily basis, and all that she did. In fact, she told me that she was sad to retire, for that she really did enjoy her work, and by the look of all the positive comments, her work and genuine care for the kids she dealt with were natural talents of hers with children.
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Everything happened way too quickly, and I can only hope that neither my uncle nor, my aunt, suffered. I hope not.
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Please have Bonnie's kids, and her family, on both sides of the family, in your prayers.
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She was loved by all, and she will be missed, and so will my uncle Rich too.
It has been more than a pleasure to work for Bonnie and I am very grateful that I was hired by her. Bonnie is a true leader that motivates her team, cares about her school community and actively listens and lends support where ever she can. Bonnie is a visionary and creates a lens for us to see how the habits of the mind model works. This helps everyone to see opportunities and allows anyone to contribute problem solving ideas that arise from challenging situations. Bonnie allows the love of learning and reading to be taught in fun and creative ways which makes teaching and watching students discover that they learned something new the best job ever. ~Mahalo Nui Loa Bonnie!
Bonnie hired me 18 yrs ago and every day here at Waikiki school has been such a wonderful experience. It wasnt work it was a learning experience each day that was filled with laughter and joy. I am soo greatfull to her for excepting me. She will be truly missed by me and my own Ohana Aloha Bonnie Mahalo nui from the Kaleikini,Thompson,and Teriirere Ohana
In our family’s first year at Waikiki School, Ms. Tabor stewarded the whole school community through what must have been some of the most challenging circumstances a school could face. We could not have been more fortunate than to have our daughter start kindergarten at this truly Mindful school under the sound, thoughtful, caring, and creative leadership of Ms. Tabor. Even though we have not been at Waikiki School for very long, it is evident all around that members of the school community feel valued, respected, and supported to do their best work educating and caring for students. Our daughter thrived at Waikiki School this year, even during a pandemic, and for this and Ms. Tabor’s stellar leadership, we are most grateful. We wish Ms. Tabor all the best.
I will always remember the moment I heard that my kids got into Waikiki School through the lottery as a Geographic Exception. I was with my young daughter and I had just locked my keys inside my car on the side of the Pali Highway. My cellphone rang and it was Auntie Ai informing me that my kids got accepted to Waikiki School. I was full of joy and felt blessed. It was because of what I saw and felt when I toured the school. There was a feeling of love, nurturance, community and excitement. On the tour, I met Principal Tabor. At that moment, she was thrilled because she was in the middle of successfully negotiating for a daily soccer program for after school. I saw the School Farm and heard a very passionate fourth grader detail a complex explanation of the Aquaponics system the students had built. The student's excitement about learning, being outside and growing food, and her depth of knowledge was remarkable. Then we saw a Bicycle attached to a generator, a rock climbing wall, and heard about a solar powered car all that students had built. The school seemed like it taught to each individual child and was fun and loving.
Well five years later, it was all I imagined and more than I possibly could imagine. There is a magic at Waikiki School because of the vision, leadership and "Heart Work" of Principal Tabor. She is full of positivity, Big Dreams, enthusiasm, compassion and is able to create a miraculous synergy. She encouraged and inspired everyone: students, teachers, parents, staff members, administrators to do what we did not think was possible and from that place the Whole became bigger than the sum of the parts. The result is a culture, a community which is loving, vulnerable, passionate, caring, confident, and is successfully making significant positive changes all across the globe.
In the last 18 months she has led the school community through very challenging times, an active shooter in the school's neighborhood who in addition to killing people created a fire and of course the Corona Virus Pandemic. Because of the foundation the school had created and the continued support from the school the school community was able to anchor itself to the school and build our resilience and recover.
With the tools of Waikiki School being a certified Mindful School, utilizing Art Costa's Habits of Mind, The Philosophy for Children Program and Principal Tabor's leadership; the staff, teachers, administrators, students and parents all live simultaneously utilizing tools which enable the community to dig deep emotionally, intellectually and physically. The result is an excitement about lifelong learning, pushing ourselves, and giving which goes well beyond the community of the school. It is "Heart Work" and will be with us forever and those that we touch will be forever changed. This is a true LifeChanger.
Dear Bonnie, it has been a joy to know you and work with you over many years to bring ‘?ina-based learning to Waikiki’s students, and to be blessed to have my daughter also attend Waikiki!! We love and appreciate you!! M?lama Pono!! Love, ‘Ohana Bernal
We started our child at Waikiki School during the pandemic - a tough time for all school administrators to say the least! We were so impressed with Bonnie’s dedication to the students and parents. When we had questions about how the school would provide a safe environment for the students, Bonnie was quick to get on the phone with me to discuss my concerns. Throughout the year she continued to impress us with her willingness to discuss anything from curriculum questions to ideas on how to better the distance learning experience. Bonnie is the model of a gracious leader and we fully support her nomination for this award.
From Cirat Family,
One says "A group success, starts from the top.". I'd like to take this opportunity on behalf of my family to thank Ms. Tabor, and congratulate her, for her successful years of hard work.
My kids, as thousands of other kids benefited from Waikiki School being an "Award School" multiple times.
Thank you Ms Tabor, and Happy Retirement.
We are new to Waikiki School and feel so blessed that our daughter Mika is part of this wonderful school that Mrs. Tabor has built with love. Thank you Mrs.Tabor for your heartfelt leadership in providing a warm, nurturing, peaceful learning space for our keiki.
Congratulations Mrs. Bonnie! You totally deserve it! We will miss you dearly but sincerely wish you enjoy your retirement!
Thank you for everything you have done, Principal Tabor!! We learned so much from you. We love how Waikiki School is so fun and has the Habits of Mind. We love you!
I couldn't say enough good things about Waikiki school and its principle Bonnie Tabor. She makes the school one big happy Ohana for the kids and teachers. My kids are always looking forward to going to school and have so much to talk about when they got home. She has our supports 100%.
Bonnie Tabor is beyond deserving of this award. Her leadership during this unprecedented year set the tone for a smooth transition for students and families as we all adjusted from online to in-person learning. Waikiki School puts its student's needs at the very forefront of all that they do. Bonnie has created an incredible environment for children to learn, grow, and thrive in a way that is beneficial to them far beyond their education. Bonnie's legacy at Waikiki School and the outer community is truly inspiring. We thank her for all she has done and congratulate her on all of her many achievements.
She is such a wonderful leader.
When my son and I had a tough time, she took time to listen to us carefully and supported us in the best way. We truly appreciate all her hard work and everything what she has done to create this amazing community. We are so lucky to be in Waikiki Elementary. Mahalo, Principal Tabor!
Truly the GREATEST OF ALL TIME!!!
I have had the amazing privilege of being hired by Principal Tabor, mentored by Principal Tabor, sharing a birthday with Principal Tabor, and truly learning from Principal Tabor. She gives her ALL to the students, the faculty, the families, the community. She is an inspiration and truly an amazing leader.
Waikiki School is a very special place and it is because of the leader Principal Tabor is, that has helped Waikiki School get to where it is today and where it is headed tomorrow, and in the years to come.
When you mention Waikiki School people always saw "oh wow, Principal Bonnie Tabor has truly done amazing things with such an amazing school."
She is never one to want to be recognized, yet she deserves it more than anyone I know.
Thank you Bonnie for your love, support, encouragement, believing in me and seeing my true potential.
Mrs. Tabor is an exceptional educator and leader. We are rarely if ever privileged to have such a leader in our lives; I marvel at how she has created such a cohesive, thoughtful and fun community of students, parents, teachers, and staff. We are forever grateful for your years of service and the legacy you have built.
These past 7 years at Waikiki school are some of the best years of my life because of Bonnie. I have always felt loved and supported throughout my career. I have so many great memories of Waikiki school. Bonnie is a loving, kind hearted, inspirational leader, and always portrays the habits of the mind where ever she goes. My job as a creative movement teacher has changed my life and many other students and staff at Waikiki. She truly deserves this award. Mahalo to Mrs. Bonnie Tabor for your "heart" work and dedication to make this mindful school community extra special and full of Aloha. My heart will always be here at Waikiki.
Thank you so much Mrs. Tabor for all you have done for this school and my son. You have provided him an opportunity to thrive with such a loving environment. I am honored to have been a part of your mindful school!
Our daughter began at Waikiki School in January 2021 mid-way through the schoolyear as a Kindergartener, in the middle of the pandemic, after many months of quarantine and homeschooling. What a recipe that could have been for a rough transition! But the loving arms of an incredibly caring and mindful school community opened wide and embraced our little girl with more Aloha and grace than we ever could have imagined possible. The special energy and extra attention that each and every individual brought to their initial interactions with our daughter in her first few weeks in this new community left us overjoyed and created one of the most impactful experiences of our daughter's journey thus far. The consistency and intention behind this approach made it extremely clear that this kind of behavior is built into the DNA of the school community. As the weeks went by, it became very clear to us that the faculty and staff are sincerely embodying a philosophy and approach that school leadership has worked very hard to cultivate. We've come to realize that Principal Tabor is directly responsible for planting, growing, and nurturing this very special spirit of Aloha in Waikiki School, and it permeates every minute of the day on that campus. We parents of the community think that is absolutely awesome and couldn't be more proud of our school. Mahalo for your hard work in building this special spirit, Principal Tabor!
Absolutely well-deserved! Waikiki School has been so amazing to my son and it's because the leadership and all who work there are amazing people. Bonnie, you have done a wonderful job and we wish you the best.
In Bonnie Tabor, the term Lifechanger is truly appropriate. Thanks to her leadership and vision, Waikiki Elementary school has fully embraced a culture of togetherness committed to caring, compassion, and mindful habits to foster a child's personal growth and pursue educational excellence. Bonnie's work has transformed the entire school environment and the mindset of what elementary school is all about. Her nomination as LifeChanger of the year is richly deserved.
What a wonderful way to celebrate an amazing legacy you leave at Waikiki school. While I know you don’t “need” an award to validate your contribution to the school & community, I think it would certainly be well deserved! Much aloha & love on your next chapter.
Mrs. Tabor has been a wonderful, hard working, persistent leader that has made Waikiki School what it is today. No matter the challenges any of the students and staff may face, Mrs. Tabor is there to help everyone overcome them. This is not only apparent within this year, but for all of the years she has been with us. She has build Waikiki School into an amazing place to learn, laugh, and grow. Thank you for all that you have done.
Our beloved Principal Bonnie Tabor has been an incredible life changer to so many. Here are just a few ways that she has shaped our community and changed the lives of many for the better:
Waikiki Elementary School is unique in the sense that we serve a diverse community. Our students and their families come from all over the world. Principal Bonnie Tabor has created an environment where our school community has become a new home for so many who have traveled so far. It has been said by many families and students that they remember their time in Hawaii, Waikiki School in particular, with love and gratitude.
As my Principal, Ms. Tabor exemplifies leadership. She has always entrusted us to serve our students and our families in a way that felt right in our hearts. She guided us to do what is right for the students in our classrooms. To teach with love, kindness and understanding. I will never forget her guidance to always do what is right for the students and families that I serve.
Waikiki Elementary School has become known for excellence in education. Many people have asked why or how this is so. In my humble opinion, Bonnie allows us to teach with academic freedom. She encourages her staff to share their passions in our classrooms. Teachers, who truly feel valued and appreciated, will bring a sense of joy and adventure in to their classrooms every day.
Mahalo Bonnie. Mahalo for trusting me to be a teacher in this excellent community that you have created. Mahalo for giving my children the gift of education at Waikiki Elementary School and mahalo for being the best example of leadership that I have ever known.
Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement. We love you.
I cannot think of anyone else who is as deserving of this recognition than Bonnie Tabor. Thank you for your tenacious spirit, courageous leadership, and vision for Waikiki over the years. You have been a true mentor and the most devoted principal I know. It has been a privilege to work under your leadership. You are a gift and an inspiration to so many. I will always be grateful to you for your support and kindness. Thank you so much for all you have done Bonnie. We love you.
When I worked as an intern at Waikiki school a decade ago, you shared with me your dreams and visions about Waikiki School. I still remembered your smiles with the bright-excited eyes described to me the ideas of the mindful school; building a house for special needs students and a garden with a lot of veggies for the community!
YOU DID IT ALL! Bonnie!
I bound to you!
You have shown us, the parents and kids the power of LOVE; COMPASSION and HARD-WORKING have been paid off!
I sent my son to this school for that reason.
Once again, thank you so much for your contribution, your Aloha, your love for Waikiki School; brings a huge positive impact on my kid and others.
We love you, Mrs. Tabor!
Bonnie, You have transformed my life and the lives of many because of your mindful and compassionate leadership at Waikiki School. You take the time to build relationships, listen, communicate and put best practices in place. You see the bigger picture and are able to navigate, compromise, inspire, innovate, and encourage time and time again. Through changes, challenges and conflict (especially this tumultuous year) you have remained our rock and mentor. Your unwavering grace, resilience and love have supported the Waikiki School community in so many ways. Our mindful culture will remain strong after you retire because of you. Your beautiful and brave heart is imprinted on every problem solved and creative idea built at Waikiki School- it is also imprinted on all of us. Thank you for your leadership! Thank you for your positivity! Thank you for your humility! Thank you for your advocacy! Thank you for your love! We love you!
The Ascani Family thanks you Mrs. Tabor for guiding Waikiki Elementary to the wonderful school it has become! I love that my child is at a school where they incorporate not only the Habits of Mind but Philosophy for Children as well. Hiyam is lucky to be at Waikiki! We will miss you!
Mrs. Tabor, you are the best! You are a true leader -- leading wholeheartedly and with vision. We are all so lucky to have you as the Principal of Waikiki School. Among the administration, students and families, you have fostered an atmosphere of support, compassion and respect. And it shows! Waikiki School truly is a gift to our community. We all need mindfulness and Waikiki School walks the walk! Thank you for all you have done for our family and community.
Thank you for making Waikiki Elementary a great school!!
Bonnie is such an amazing leader, it's hard to know where to begin! I feel incredibly blessed to be part of Waik?k? School's mindful ?ohana. As a young musician looking for a first job out of college, Bonnie took the chance on me and allowed me to teach music to Waikiki's fantastic mindful students. Although I didn't have a lot of experience, I was able to quickly improve as a teacher through Bonnie's help and the supportive, compassionate community of faculty and staff she leads. Each year, I grew as a teacher thanks to Bonnie's guidance, love, and patience. Bonnie has shown incredible flexibility in thinking when it comes to adjusting to the realities of a global pandemic, while always centering cooperating and caring for families, students, teachers, and other staff. She took responsible risks to creatively adapt procedures for the safety and health of everyone on campus. And, she did it all with a smile! I am sure there is even more to say about Bonnie, but suffice to say, she really is a Life Changer, not just for me, but for every life she touches.
Bonnie Tabor is not only a life changer, she has changed a community. While many are aware of the well-deserved recognition that Waikiki School has received, fewer are aware of the 20-year transformation that Ms. Tabor has guided. While the now consistent academic excellence is a worthy achievement, what is even more amazing is the school environment that she has helped create. I often bring visitors to Waikiki School and the most consistent response is amazement at how joyful and thoughtful the students, teachers, and staff are. Ms. Tabor's leadership has allowed creativity and compassion to become the "normal" for what school and education should be. She does not demand to lead from the front but rather empowers teachers, students, and all who work with the school to contribute their unique talents to create an environment that enriches everyone. As a colleague, as a parent, and as an educator, I will always be grateful for what Ms. Tabor has made possible and inspired by her example of leadership.
Hi Ms. Tabor,
First of all, I want to say much mahalo for everything you’ve done to inspire learning and compassion in Waikiki elementary school. Because of your leadership, my Sofia is excited to go to school and learn new skills and way of seeing the world. Congratulations on all of your accomplishments!
WE ALL LOVE YOU BONNIE! WAIKIKI SCHOOL IS WHERE OUR HEARTS ARE FOREVER!!! ?? ????
Your such a wonderful principal who is awesome.
Dear Bonnie,
Thank you so much for the hard work you have put in supporting Waikiki Elementary as a principal! We feel very fortunate to have you be part of our children’s journey !!
Best wishes to you!
Bonnie’s commitment to empowering students with the Habits of Mind has literally changed thousands of lives. Through her philosophical pedagogy and leadership-by-example, Bonnie has shaped Waikiki Elementry into a uniquely thoughtful and loving community of genuinely good human beings.
Thank you Bonnie for having the inspiration and forethought to think outside the box and do things differently at Waikiki Elementary School. Creating a culture of trust and corporation that each of your teachers at Waikiki Elementary has the ability to use their skills and passions to teach and bring the best to each student! Giving them the freedom to try new things and creating a positive and exciting learning environment for our keiki! We are grateful to you!
Thank you for your hard work and commitment, and for making such an important impact on our mindfulness school community! You truly embody the aloha spirit :)
Bonnie,
Thank you so much for allowing me to join this amazing school and for being such an inspiring leader. It has been such a pleasure to work with you and have your knowledge this school year. Thank you for being an amazing mindful leader to all of us here at Waikiki Elementary school. Congrats on your nomination, it is so well deserved!
With so much love,
Marcie Reihanifam
Bonnie Tabor is a change maker for many reasons in her long history as a principal. She is first and foremost a leader by example. She would never ask her faculty to do anything she wasn't willing to do herself. She is driven not by awards, and as a matter of record, would never seek one for her work. Her drive comes from continuously moving forward and not resting on accomplishments. She is motivated not by recognition but driven to change things for the better while staying grounded in believing in the abilities of all people. It is through her belief in all of us at Waikiki School which has brought three National Blue Ribbons, two State Teachers of the Year and one National Finalist. For Bonnie Tabor it is a matter of what can we do to make something even better for the students, the school community, and the world.
Principal Tabor has always been a rock to Waikiki Elementary School with her bringing to life her vision of mindfulness and she proved even more how a rock she is during the pandemic. Waikiki Elementary students and parents are lucky to have such empathetic leader at the realm.
Aunty Bonnie, I am going to miss you . . . When I think about it, you have known me for 1/3 of my life. You've been with me through laughter and tears. Supported me through the thick and thin of daily life. Your wisdom is only surpassed by your compassion. You are my dear friend and beloved boss. I hope your days are filled with peace and happiness with family now that time affords for it. YOU deserve to enjoy the BEST of life's offerings! I love you and thank you for loving me . . . lisa
Bonnie, you are a lifechanger and a beacon of mindfulness that sheds light far beyond the campus of wonderful Waikiki School! Thank you for all the amazing years you have devoted to making the Waikiki School ‘Ohana what it is today! We feel very fortunate that our daughter, Lea, was able to experience it and become a member of this thriving community.
Mahalo nui Loa,
The De Greef Family (Lea, Adrien, Malia and Xavier)
Thank you for what you did for our kids!!
