June 30, 1998

During the 1997-98 school year, the "Sugar Mill Project" was a major learning activity for students at Aiea Elementary School. The project was focused on creating a community-based learning curriculum for students to make connections between their classrooms and their community.

One of the most important components of the project was to integrate the fine arts discipline into the social studies, language arts, and technology curriculum areas. Thanks to an Artist-in-the Schools grant, Aiea Elementary was able to contract the services of artist Thomas Deir to create a ceramic tile mural to reflect "Sugar Mill Project". Our opportunity to work with Thomas Deir was clearly one of the highlights of our entire school year.

Thomas Deir began working with the Aiea Elementary school community in March, 1998. From the onset to the culmination event on June 8, 1998, he became part of the school's ohana or family. He was a team player - very collaborative and open, and very focused on students and their needs. He was extremely reliable, dependable, and accommodation. Our students welcomed him immediately and looked forward to visiting his classroom work center. Equally important is the fact that Thomas Deir is a gifted and very talented artist. He coordinated and combined our students' talent to create a breathtaking ceramic tile mural which captured the multitude of ideas of our students and teachers. Given an opportunity to take on a similar challenge in the future, Aiea Elementary would, with no hesitation, seek out the services of Mr. Deir again. He is an outstanding artist and role model. He has my highest recommendation.