How are you all doing, Hillbrook families?
Though we are apart, we remain open and connected as a community. In celebration of this, we are thrilled to bring you our latest #TeacherTuesday. Get to know Dorian Okano, junior kindergarten teacher!
What strikes you most about the students at Hillbrook?
Students at Hillbrook have energy, action, and a brilliant style on free dress days. When you think about the students at Hillbrook, what’s the one thing that stands out to you? The collaboration we expect from all students at Hillbrook imbues them with the skills to solve “sticky situations” both academically and socially.
What is your favorite unit or project and why?
There are lots but one favorite is the JK/K Family Celebration. I love how it has evolved to weave Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work into a celebration of how “love makes a family.”
What made you choose to teach at Hillbrook?
I was digging my car out of the Massachusetts snow singing “California Dreaming” and it all happened from there.
What are you most looking forward to at Hillbrook in the next few months?
The swim party the junior kindergarten team is offering for the Benefit is always fun and it feels good to raise funds for Flexible Tuition.
What is the last place you visited?
My favorite place to visit is the island of O’ahu in Hawai’i because my family and best childhood friends are there and I get to eat the best home-cooked food in my Japanese-American family.
Anything else we should know?
Something that I’m proud of is being a founding faculty member of HERO (Helping Everyone Reach Out) in the Middle School which is going on its 9th year. I encourage everyone to find the time at middle school lunch to attend a meeting to see what it’s like…you will walk away in awe at the bravery, grit, and compassion in the HERO group where everyone is welcome to come and be all of who they are.
We hoped you enjoyed learning more about Ms. Okano!
